This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Thursday's four-game NHL slate features a pair of teams on the brink of elimination and two more fighting to get even. Players from those teams should offer the most value, as there's no substitute for desperation this time of year. These are the players most likely to turn that desperation into production.
GOALIE
Henrik Lundqvist, NYR vs. PIT ($34) - Since 2014, Lundqvist has won 13 of 18 postseason starts when coming off a loss, as the competitive Swede simply takes his game to an unmatched level when his team's back is against the wall. Couple that success with his 22-6-3 regular-season record at Madison Square Garden this year, and suddenly $34 looks like an incredible bargain even against the talented Penguins offense.
Goalie to Avoid:
Brian Elliott, STL vs. CHI ($37) - Elliott has been fantastic this series, but conventional wisdom says the defending champions aren't going to go down without a fight. This series had six or seven games written all over it from the start, and it's unlikely that a franchise that has won one playoff series since 2002 will be able to close out the mighty Blackhawks on the first try, expensive goaltender or not.
CENTER
Pavel Datsyuk, DET at TB ($19) - Datsyuk has had more than his fair share of incredible playoff moments, so it's fair to expect at least one more from the Russian veteran in what could be his last NHL game. He has failed to get on the scoresheet despite attempting 15 shots on net through four games, but Datsyuk's 10.0 percent career shooting percentage in the postseason suggests the puck will start going in if he keeps firing.
Center to Avoid:
Tyler Johnson, TB vs.DET ($28) - It might be time to pump the brakes on Johnson. His $28 price seems excessive considering he picked up only 38 points this year, and he has come back down to earth with only 10.0 total fantasy points in the last two games after a lightning-fast start to this series.
WING
Jakob Silfverberg, ANH at NAS ($22) - Now is the time to buy low on Silfverberg. His Ducks finally solved Pekka Rinne to the tune of three goals Tuesday, and the Swede is a proven playoff performer. He tallied 18 points in 16 postseason appearances a year ago, and is unlikely to keep getting stifled offensively considering he finished the regular season with 17 goals and 16 assists in his last 43 games following an excruciatingly slow start.
Jaden Schwartz, STL vs. CHI ($17) - Schwartz is still affordable despite coming into this contest riding a well-timed three-game point streak. He's getting plenty of chances skating on the opposite wing from Vladimir Tarasenko on the top line, and has the scoring pedigree to maintain this recent form for the long haul. It's only a matter of time before Schwartz's price catches up to his combination of ability and role, so get him before that happens.
Wings to Avoid:
Carl Hagelin, PIT at NYR ($19) - Hagelin's biggest contribution this series can't be quantified in fantasy points, as his oscar-worthy embellishment after he grabbed Marc Staal's stick duped the referee into giving Pittsburgh the power play on which it equalized Game 3. As far as production that actually matters to owners, the speedy ex-Ranger has a whopping 1.0 fantasy point total through three games.
Rick Nash, NYR vs. PIT ($17) - While he has impressed with three points in three playoff games, owners have every right to remain skeptical considering Nash's Tuesday tally was just his second goal in 29 career playoff appearances at Madison Square Garden. The regular-season sniper is going to have to produce more before he can earn back trust this time of year, even at $17.
DEFENSE
Ryan McDonagh, NYR vs. PIT ($15) - The Rangers figured out goaltender Jeff Zatkoff in Game 2 after he stymied their efforts in the series opener, and their captain is likely to play a major part if that pattern is to repeat itself with Matt Murray. McDonagh is available for cheap coming off injury, and the two-way blueliner is likely to exceed his $15 price with ease after getting 22:48 of ice time to shake off the rust in Game 3. He plays in all phases of the game, but the American's impact is most likely to be felt at even strength considering his impressive plus-26 mark this season.
Duncan Keith, CHI at STL ($21) - Keith has been a force to be reckoned with since returning from suspension, piling up three goals and an assist in three games. The blueliner is likely to log huge minutes with Chicago's back against the wall, and has the skills to translate that playing time into production. With 44.0 fantasy points already this series, Keith is a no-brainer play at $21.
Defenseman to Avoid:
Shea Weber, NSH vs. ANH ($24) - Weber has failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in a game despite his team holding a 2-1 series lead. He's been fine, but you need more out of a $24 investment.
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