This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Ben Bishop, DAL vs. NSH ($7,500): This series has been closer than most expected, and Bishop's been excellent through two games, third in the league with a .946 save percentage. The Preds went into the series the clear favourite and go to Dallas where they were 2-0 during the season, but the Stars have captured a lot of the momentum and making it tough to score. Home-ice advantage could be the difference maker, and asides from their strong home record (24 wins), Bishop has also been better at home this season (.937/1.90) than on the road (.931/.2.09).
CENTER
John Tavares, TOR vs. BOS ($6,700): Tavares and Auston Matthews ($6,800) took 60 percent of the faceoffs even with Nazem Kadri in the lineup, and with a lack of depth up front, Mike Babcock is going to have to lean on his top two centers even more. Matthews has more offensive upside but he's also less consistent, and in a close game Tavares will be slightly more favored. It's been a see-saw battle and the Leafs should come up with a strong effort in front of their home crowd.
Derick Brassard, COL vs. CGY ($2,800): He was cast away by two teams and despite scoring just four goals in 20 games with the Avs during the season, he's been awfully involved in the series. He has zero points so far but registered three shots and at least 13 minutes in each of the first two games. Brassard and J.T. Compher ($3,500) have been thorns in the Flames' sides and may play expanded roles as the series continues.
WING
Brad Marchand, BOS at TOR ($7,100): Through two games he continues to make a strong case for the league MVP as the Bruins' best player. He was huge in their Game 2 win and now has three points and seven shots in the series. The environment will be hostile but these are situations Marchand thrives in, and linemates David Pastrnak ($6,900) and Patrice Bergeron ($7,400) are also playing well.
Jamie Benn, DAL vs. NSH ($5,000): It's been a low-scoring series but Benn and the Stars might be peaking at the right time, getting solid goaltending and scoring goals at opportune times. Despite a maddeningly inconsistent regular season, Benn continues to show he is an elite player in the playoffs, scoring two points on five shots in two games. Benn and Mats Zuccarello ($4,900) have established some good chemistry, and both are better bets than Jason Dickinson ($3,000), who took Benn's spot on the top line.
Andrei Svechnikov, CAR vs. WAS ($4,000): He's been brilliant through two games with two goals and an assist, and the 'Canes are in desperation mode as they enter Game 3 down 2-0. It's been close so far, but the Caps are just more experienced and deeper. Michael Ferland ($3,700) is expected to play, which will cut into Svechnikov's ice time, but the top six wingers have combined for just one assist. When the 'Canes need offense, Rod Brind'Amour will look to Svechnikov.
DEFENSE
John Carlson, WAS at CAR ($6,100): He had three assists in the series opener and delivered a solid performance in Game 2, registering five shots, blocking another and logging 28 minutes of ice time. The 'Canes aren't beating teams with their defense, which makes Carlson a good pick because he's the Caps' only capable power-play quarterback.
Charlie McAvoy, BOS at TOR ($4,900): Torey Krug did not finish the game Saturday, and McAvoy was the one who took all of his minutes on the power play, leading all Bruins defensemen with 5:05. With more power play opportunities and offensive zone starts, McAvoy could easily outplay his price. If Krug plays, then look to Miro Heiskanen ($4,500) or Ryan Ellis ($4,400) for solid value plays.
