This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
The Islanders will visit the Bruins for Game 5 that starts at 6:30 p.m. EDT. They're tied 2-2. Goaltending has been the name of the game this series, so it's tough to justify paying up for "The Perfection Line" of the Bruins. In fact, we'll be geared toward the Islanders, as Varlamov seems to have a slight edge over Rask in this series.
The Canadiens are riding a six-game win streak into Monday's Game 4 against the Jets. They have a chance to sweep and head to the conference finals for the first time since 2014. They'll be favored in the home bout, and we'll be eyeing them to finish the job tonight.
All advanced statistics are courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.
GOALIES
Carey Price, MON vs. WPG ($8,000): Price is on a six-game win streak, accruing a .950 save percentage in the process. He looks unsolvable right now, and the Jets haven't turned the pressure up enough to bet against Price at this point.
Semyon Varlamov, NYI at BOS ($7,700): It's a tough call between Varlamov and Tuukka Rask, as both netminders have been quite good this series and both teams have generated a ton of scoring chances. However, Varlamov has been a few ticks better with a .946 save percentage, and his ceiling is likely higher than Rask's based on shot volumes.
VALUE PLAYS/ONE-OFFS
David Pastrnak, BOS vs. NYI ($8,300): As I said in the preview, I believe in the Islanders in this game and will be utilizing Varlamov. It's easy to fade "The Perfection Line" because the cost is so high, but taking a player like Pastrnak can be worth it. He has fired at least four shots on net in all but one postseason game, and his goal-scoring ability provides a higher ceiling than Brad Marchand or Patrice Bergeron.
Anthony Beauvillier, MON vs. WPG ($5,700): Beauvillier's six-game, eight-point streak ended in Game 3, and he put up back-to-back pointless outings. However, the 2015 first-round pick is still skating on the top line, and he's shooting at a similar rate as before. For a player with 15 regular-season goals and another four in the postseason, we're expecting him to get back on track soon.
Artturi Lehkonen, MON vs. WPG ($2,800): Lehkonen has been back in the lineup for just two games, but he's made a significant impact with a goal and an assist, and he fired seven shots on net last night. The 25-year-old is skating on the top line, too, making him a superb value that allows you to spend up elsewhere.
LINE STACKS
Canadiens vs. Jets
Nick Suzuki (C - $6,000), Cole Caufield (W - $4,800), Tyler Toffoli (W - $6,100)
This trio has combined for 14 points over the team's six-game win streak. They play together at even strength and on the power play, and they're starting to shoot more of late.
Islanders at Bruins
Mathew Barzal (C - $6,300), Leo Komarov (W - $3,000), Jordan Eberle (W - $4,100)
This line has been remarkable this series, generating 3.29 xGF/60 at even strength. However, they've combined for two goals against the Bruins, so some upward regression should be expected at some point. The B's could be without Brandon Carlo (undisclosed) again, which should open up additional space for the Islanders' top line.
DEFENSEMEN
Shea Weber, MON vs. WPG ($5,100): Weber is typically overpriced at this range, but his ice time is going to skyrocket if Jeff Petry (upper body) is forced to miss Game 4. The 35-year-old is still comfortable peppering the net with shots, and his power-play usage could go up as a result of Petry's absence, too.
Ryan Pulock, NYI at BOS ($5,000): Pulock's offensive output could stand to improve, as he has posted just one point -- an assist -- in this series. However, he's blocked three or more shots five times in the last eight games, offering a bonus to fantasy managers at a modest price range.
Matt Grzelcyk, BOS vs. NYI ($3,700): Grzelcyk looks like a better value than blue-line mate Charlie McAvoy ($5,700). Make no mistake, the latter is more talented, but Grzelcyk is far cheaper with a similar opportunity in store, including time on PP2. After all, he registered 20 points -- seven with the man advantage -- over 37 regular-season games.
