This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
The two Eastern Conference series begin Thursday, and it might not be out of the question to focus primarily on the Pittsburgh-Washington matchup. All four teams would prefer to play sound defensive hockey, but the offensive upside of the Capitals and Penguins trumps that of the Rangers and Senators. Here are a number of selections to consider while assembling your FanDuel lineups.
GOALIE
Henrik Lundqvist, NYR at OTT ($8,800): Outside of Game 3, Lundqvist was spectacular in Round 1, and he won three consecutive games with a .955 save percentage to finish off Montreal. With Ottawa generating just 8.55 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five, another strong outing is well within reach.
CENTER
Sidney Crosby, PIT at WAS ($8,900): Sporting a four-game point streak with two goals and five assists, Crosby enters Round 2 in typically strong form. He's posted 144 points -- 51 goals -- through 129 postseason games, and he's always up for a date with the Caps. Including the playoffs, No. 87 has 28 goals and 75 points through 54 games against Washington.
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. PIT ($7,100): The pivot posted two goals and six points through six games in Round 1, including two multi-point outings. Interestingly, Backstrom had just a single power-play point, so there should be positive regression ahead with the man advantage. Additionally, Pittsburgh allowed 11.54 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five in Round 1.
WING
T.J. Oshie, WAS vs. PIT ($7,200): While Oshie was held off the scoresheet in the final game of Round 1, he posted three goals and seven points through the first five contests of the series. He's locked into top-line minutes and a role with the No. 1 power-play unit, and Oshie has posted 17 points -- nine goals -- through 18 playoff games as a Capital.
Connor Shery, PIT at WAS ($5,400): It was a quiet opening series for Sheary, as he collected just two assists through five games. Don't forget his monster regular season, though. Sheary registered 3.27 points per 60 minutes and also combined with linemate Sidney Crosby for 3.79 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five. This salary doesn't match that level of production.
Jimmy Vesey, NYR at OTT ($3,500): It's been a nice playoff run for Vesey, if not necessarily an impressive one. He's collected two assists while averaging 14:58 of ice time (1:07 with the power play) in an offensive role. In his price range, it's difficult to find a winger with similar upside.
DEFENSE
Justin Schultz, PIT at WAS ($5,800): With three power-play assists through five Round 1 games, Schultz was a key cog for the scorching-hot Penguins power play. The 26-year-old defenseman posted a high-end 1.92 points per 60 minutes during the regular season, and his salary is manageable.
Dmitry Orlov, WAS vs. PIT ($3,700): Considering the price, Orlov provides a high floor. He collected two assists, 12 shots and 16 blocked shots in Round 1, which is a nice follow-up to his career-best showing -- 33 points -- during the regular season. The Penguins certainly don't provide an ideal opponent, but at this point, we have to pursue talent and playing time more than matchups.
