This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
There are just two games in the NHL on Saturday. The Capitals are looking to extend their season with a home-ice win over Pittsburgh, and Ottawa plays host to the Rangers with the series tied 2-2. Here are a handful of players to consider while assembling your FanDuel lineups.
GOALIE
Henrik Lundqvist, NYR at OTT ($8,900): This series turned around entirely with consecutive New York wins, but the Rangers have probably been the better team throughout despite the 2-2 deadlock. Lundqvist has allowed just a single goal in consecutive games with a .960 save percentage, and New York has generated 15.67 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes while allowing just 7.69 the last three games. That's impressive, and Lundqvist projects to have another tidy outing.
CENTER
Evgeni Malkin, PIT at WAS ($8,900): With at least one point in eight of nine postseason games, Malkin's been a force while totaling four goals, 12 assists and 24 shots with an average of 19:12 of ice time and 3:57 on the power play. He's also recorded 155 points over 119 games with Sidney Crosby (concussion) sidelined, so the threat of No. 87 missing Game 5 doesn't have a significant impact on Malkin's upside. Ignoring the most talented scorer in a shallow player pool often backfires, too.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, WAS vs. PIT ($6,000): Along with linemates Justin Williams and Marcus Johansson, Kuznetsov and his wingers have been the most dangerous trio for the Capitals. It certainly helps that they've generally avoided Pittsburgh's top defenders, but it's also indicative of the line's longevity and chemistry. Kuznetsov has picked up his production in Round 2 with three goals and an assist while being on the ice for 16.96 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes.
WING
Mats Zuccarello, NYR at OTT ($6,100): The Senators have allowed the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (15.06) of all remaining teams, and Ottawa is also likely playing with Erik Karlsson -- its best player -- well less than 100 percent. Zuccerallo has collected three goals, five points, eight shots and five blocked shots while averaging 20:19 of ice time (2:55 on the power play) through his last five games to provide a solid fantasy floor. The Norwegian is also clicking on the No. 1 line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, and the line is a strong stack option.
Chris Kreider, NYR at OTT ($5,200): Placing Kreider with Mika Zibanejad and Mats Zuccarello has been a huge success for the Rangers, and No. 20 has responded with two goals and eight shots through his last three games. Kreider has been on the ice for 20.98 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes during the series, as his speed and size have proven to be a matchup nightmare for the Senators. It's worth noting that Ottawa has surrendered 13 goals the last three games, too.
Andre Burakovsky, WAS vs. PIT ($3,400): Mired in a six-game point drought, Burakovsky is rightfully low priced. However, the winger has been on the ice for the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (21.18) of all Capitals in Round 2, so breaking out of his mini slump in Game 5 isn't a stretch. His cap relief also allows for spending up elsewhere.
DEFENSE
Ryan McDonagh, NYR at OTT ($5,700): In a shallow player pool, it's always worth spending for reliable cross-category contributors, and McDonagh's salary probably still lower than it should be. The Blueshirt captain has collected six points, 16 shots, 20 blocked shots while playing 27:36 with 2:56 on the power play over his last seven games and showcases his high-floor, high-ceiling combo. Being on the ice for 20.38 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes during the series is perhaps most encouraging, though.
Matt Niskanen, WAS vs. PIT ($3,800): With his numbers skewed after being ejected from Game 3, Niskanen might fly under the radar Saturday, and he shouldn't at this price. He's registered a goal, an assist and 14 shots during the series and has been on the ice for more high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes than any Washington defenseman. Niskanen has also logged over two minutes of power-play time in each of his past two full outings, so that's another sneaky fantasy boost.
