This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
DraftKings has a two-day, three-game contest beginning Tuesday. It includes Tuesday's Game 6 between the Rangers and Senators, plus the two Game 7 matchups on Wednesday, Pittsburgh-Washington and Edmonton-Ahaheim. At this stage of the playoffs and in these particular series, line juggling has been commonplace, especially with players sustaining injuries or returning to the lineup from them. These contests do have a late-swap option, so it'll be important to monitor scratches, game-time decisions and line combinations leading up to puck drop both nights. With that in mind, here are a handful of recommendations to keep in mind while assembling your lineups.
GOALIE
Braden Holtby, WAS at PIT ($7,900): The shutout was in play before the Penguins scored two meaningless goals at the end of Game 6 when the Pittsburgh faithful had already left the building. Washington dominated the Penguins throughout the game, which has been the theme all series. After all, Washington owns an incredible 62.2 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five. With the Pittsburgh blue line decimated by injuries, the Penguins haven't been able to generate significant offensive pressure, and the Capitals have grabbed the momentum in the series.
CENTER
Connor McDavid, EDM at ANA ($8,300): The Oilers went bonkers in Game 6 with a 7-1 win, but McDavid didn't mark the scoresheet. His mediocre (for a superstar) five goals and nine points during the playoffs might keep his ownership down in this contest because of all the other high-end center options. That just means McDavid has the potential to be all the more valuable with a multi-point showing. He's a high-risk, high-reward target with huge upside.
Kyle Turris, OTT at NYR ($5,300): After posting a career-best 27 goals during the regular season, Turris has found his offensive form again with three goals, five points and 13 shots through his past six outings. The pivot played with Mike Hoffman in Game 5, and the duo posted a respectable 2.84 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five during the regular season. It's also a fantasy bonus that Turris has avoided the shutdown pair of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi for the majority of his series.
WING
Rickard Rakell, ANA vs. EDM ($5,900): The winger has hit the scoresheet in eight of 10 playoff games for six goals, 10 points and 34 shots. Rakell has been a consistent producer and has played on a dangerous line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry the past three games. It would be surprising to see Anaheim come out flat again in Game 7, and playing with the team's two long-standing veterans is particularly encouraging for Rakell. He's also been on the ice for an incredible 18.8 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes during the playoffs.
Mike Hoffman, OTT at NYR ($5,900): Continuing with the theme of chasing high-upside players, Hoffman fits the bill. He's been in a bit of an offensive lull with just three goals and three assists through 11 postseason games, but his high shot volume does provide a reliable fantasy floor. However, chasing his ceiling is the goal, and he's posted 14 multi-point games dating back to the regular season, including a two-point, eight-shot showing in Round 1 against Boston.
Andre Burakovsky, WAS at PIT ($3,9000): After buzzing through the first four games of the series and being on the ice for the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (21.18) of all Capitals, Burakovsky has posted consecutive multi-point showings to force a Game 7. Skilled and confident, Burakovsky has been on the ice for another 28 scoring chances through the past two games, and he looks like a perfect compliment to Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie. This is a gift-wrapped salary, too.
DEFENSE
Ryan McDonagh, NYR vs. OTT ($5,400): The New York captain is a strong option because of his floor-ceiling combo. McDonagh has posted two goals, seven points, 19 shots and 24 blocked shots during that eight-game stretch and has made a significant impact against Ottawa in Round 2. He's has also been on the ice for the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes among all Ranger defensemen during this series (17.8) and the postseason (12.4).
Nate Schmidt, WAS vs. PIT ($2,800): A serviceable low-priced flier with some upside, Schmidt is turning in an impressive postseason despite his limited role. His skating ability allows him to join the rush without being a defensive liability, and he's collected a respectable four points, 17 shots and 10 blocked shots over 10 playoff games. Additionally, he's been on the ice for 10.9 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes and boasts a 60.3 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five, affirming his value.
