This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Matt Murray, PIT vs. WAS ($7,700) – After a crushing last-minute loss in Game 3 and losing Zach Aston-Reese to a broken jaw, the Pens should come out flying in Game 4. Murray has lost two straight and allowed seven goals, but he showed in the series against the Flyers that he can bounce back from bad games. Murray, by the way, was 17-5-2 at home this season but 10-11-1 on the road.
CENTER
Mark Scheifele, WPG vs. NSH ($7,100) – There was a little concern about Scheifele's health heading into the playoffs because he had hurt his shoulder twice during the season, but through three games has four goals and three assists and, at times, flat-out dominated the competition. In front of a raucous home crowd the Jets have been both explosive and resilient.
Mike Fisher, NSH at WPG ($2,800) – Seeing how ineffective Kyle Turris and Nick Bonino have been and how Fisher scored in Game 3, perhaps it's time to go back to the former Preds captain again. Fisher's been excellent in the dot and registered at least two hits and a shot on goal in every game, and after playing just 10 minutes in Game 1 he played close to 16 in Game 2 and 13 in Game 3. If Turris and Bonino can win faceoffs consistently they'll be better bets, but Fisher looks the best right now and may be a bargain at this price.
WING
Blake Wheeler, WPG vs. NSH ($6,400) – The Jets captain basically willed his team to a win after being down 3-0 in the first period, and with two goals and six points in the series is showing everyone that he's the best winger on the ice. His ability to make plays in tight corners and fight through checks has been a huge asset in a fast and physical series, and so far the Preds defense haven't come up with an answer for him.
Phil Kessel, PIT vs. WAS ($5,600) – It's been a while, hasn't it? Phil da Thrill hasn't scored a goal since Game 4 against Philly and he has just one assist in this series, but as one of their best scorers the Pens can't really afford to bench him, either. Despite his subpar performances he's still averaging more than 18 minutes per game; it should be a matter of when, not if, he gets his breakthrough. This is a key game for the Pens, and if Kessel and Pens offense doesn't show up the series may be over quickly.
Devante Smith-Pelly, WAS at PIT ($3,000) – With Tom Wilson suspended for three games, Smith-Pelly is most likely to get promoted because he plays a similar style and won't need the puck on his stick to make plays, leaving those duties to Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Through three games Smith-Pelly has yet to register a point, but he's thrown plenty of hits and a few pucks on net. He could be a great bargain play.
DEFENSE
Jacob Trouba, WPG vs. NSH ($4,300) – What, there's no Gordie Howe hat-trick bonus in fantasy? Trouba scored, assisted on another and dropped the gloves in a wild Game 3 win, really showing that he can be just as effective as Dustin Byfuglien. Like the Preds, the Jets have a few defensemen who can join the rush, but the Jets have been better at forcing turnovers.
Dmitry Orlov, WAS at PIT ($3,700) – Orlov certainly has made an impact with three assists against the Pens, and going back to the series against the Jackets, Orlov now has a point in four of his past five games. The Pens offense is too good to completely shut down, so if the Caps want to win they'll have to score, and if they score it's because Orlov was one of their best playmakers from the blue line.
