This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
The National Hockey League playoffs kick off with a three-game slate Wednesday, and because of the new bracket format there are three tilts between division rivals.
These should be three close games, so one strong lineup approach is to assemble the best collection of values with upside. Here are the recommendations for Wednesday.
GOALIE
Jimmy Howard, DET at TB ($29): Back the underdog at the contest-low price in net. Tampa Bay has all kinds of injury concerns, whereas the Red Wings enter with their go-to lineup intact. Howard wasn't overly strong down the stretch, but he did have a respectable .914 save percentage and 2.39 goals-against average through nine appearances (one in relief) with six wins before losing his final two games of the season. Tyler Johnson could play, but his health should be worrisome for those counting on Tampa Bay.
Player to avoid:
Ben Bishop, TB vs. DET ($42): There is no denying Bishop's production over the past three seasons, especially at home (69-24-9 career record at Amalie Arena), but you're going with the Tampa 'tender or bust at a cap hit north of 20 percent of your budget. Steven Stamkos, Anton Stralman and potentially Tyler Johnson are big losses, and Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman and Ryan Callahan likely aren't 100 percent, either.
CENTER
Pavel Datsyuk, DET at TB ($21): The veteran pivot finished the season strong with 11 points including three goals and six power-play points through his final 13 games. Datsyuk has also been reunited with long-time linemate Henrik Zetterberg. In what could be his final playoff run in the National Hockey League, look for Datsyuk to have a solid showing.
Player to avoid:
Jonathan Toews, CHI at STL ($25): It has been a revolving door on the left and right flanks of the star pivot all season, and it partly explains why he had a career-worst showing offensively. Additionally, Toews has been much less productive on the road this season with just 11 goals and 12 helpers through 39 road contests. St. Louis also allowed just 2.4 goals per game since the All-Star break, which was good for third lowest in the league
WING
Alexander Steen, STL vs. CHI ($17): This is an affordable salary for a high-floor, high-ceiling winger. Steen registered five assists through six games after returning from a shoulder injury. Look for Steen to show an uptick in shot volume in the playoffs, too. Plus, Chicago allowed 3.02 goals per road game this season.
Jonathan Drouin, TB vs DET ($12): As far as cap relief options go, Drouin tops the rankings. He scored in two straight games to finish the regular season, and injuries have opened up playing time for the talented youngster. Since entering the league, Drouin has returned 1.95 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Capitals pivot Nicklas Backstrom has a 1.94 mark, for comparison sake.
Player to avoid:
Ondrej Palat, TB vs DET ($25): The winger finished strong with 20 points through his final 19 games, but he also returned only 13 points over the previous 25 outings. This is a hefty cap hit, and Tampa Bay isn't as deep offensively as they were two weeks ago. Be wary of overexposure to the pricey pieces of the Lightning offense.
DEFENSE
Victor Hedman, TB vs. DET ($20): There are health concerns after missing the final three games of the season, but Hedman was good for four goals, six assists and 22 shots on net through his final nine outings of the season with a plus-6 rating, 12 blocked shots and 23:49 of ice time, including 3:28 of the player-play variety. This cap hit is too low.
Justin Schultz, PIT vs. NYR ($16): Offensively gifted, Schultz found the scoresheet eight times through 18 games after joining Pittsburgh. Perhaps most impressive, though, he also posted a plus-7 rating with the Penguins, and Schultz should be viewed as solid low-priced flier Wednesday.
Player to avoid:
Trevor Daley, PIT vs. NYR ($29): After failing to record a point in any of his final five games of the season, this price seems hefty. Daley projects to be a solid fantasy option because of he did post a plus-4 rating with 10 shots and five blocked shots during those five outings. Still, are you spending up for the second-most expensive defenseman for his peripheral statistics?
