This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
In many ways, you'll want to forget everything that's transpired over the past seven months because the playoffs are an entirely different kettle of fish. Each series will take on a life of its own; postseason heroes will emerge. Here are a handful of recommendations from Wednesday's five games to consider while assembling your FanDuel lineups.
GOALIE
Devan Dubnyk, MIN vs. STL ($8,500): After a disastrous March (3-8-2 with a .889 save percentage and 2.94 GAA), Dubnyk won three straight games to finish the campaign. He owns a 23-10-1 record at home with a .920 save percentage and 2.15 GAA, and St. Louis generated just 10.22 high-danger scoring chances and scored only 2.34 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five over its final 25 games of the season. Those are middle-of-the-pack numbers, so the Blues could struggle to create offensive opportunities.
CENTER
Connor McDavid, EDM vs. SAN ($9,100): Joe Thornton (knee) and Logan Couture (face) are both nursing injuries, and although they're likely suit up, will either be at 100 percent? McDavid actually improved his offense down the stretch with 12 goals, 40 points and 88 shots through his final 27 games of the year, while the Sharks were in poor form as the regular season wound down (4-9 with 3.23 goals allowed per game). This game has the potential to be the highest-scoring bout of the night, which also bodes well for McDavid.
Phillip Danault, MON vs. NYR ($4,700): The Rangers enter the playoffs with the league's worst possession numbers, allowing plenty of high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. Danault has handled an extended role well this season and is projected to center Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov. It all sets up nicely for the pivot, who presents a nice combo of upside and savings.
WING
Alexander Radulov, MON vs. NYR ($6,100): A nice mid-priced stack with his center, Danault, Radulov finished out the regular season on a productive note -- three goals, three assists and 12 shots through six games before sitting out the finale to rest. As noted, the Rangers aren't a daunting opponent, and Radulov has proven capable of upping his game to another level in the past.
Milan Lucic, EDM vs. SAN ($5,700): While Lucic isn't projected to skate with Connor McDavid at even strength, they're both members of the No. 1 power-play unit, which may prove to be a sneaky stack opportunity. Additionally, Lucic improved his production down the stretch (five goals, seven points and 18 shots over five outings) and has 101 playoff games on his resume, so he certainly won't be intimidated.
Jake Guentzel, PIT vs. CLM ($5,500): At this mid-range salary, Guentzel is an attractive value. The rookie capped off his season with three consecutive multi-point outings and has solidified his assignment on Sidney Crosby's flank. Guentzel has also posted a high-end 1.6 goals and 2.88 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five.
DEFENSE
Erik Karlsson, OTT vs. BOS ($7,200): After sitting out five of the final seven games of the season with a foot injury, Karlsson should be close to full health. He's turned in another elite offensive campaign (2.09 points per 60 minutes) and he draws a Bruins club that's dealing with a couple injuries on defense, so this could prove to be a soft matchup. With many chasing value on the blue line, Karlsson could also be under-owned.
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. SAN ($4,500): This salary simply doesn't jive with Klefbom's breakout offensive campaign or reliable peripheral contributions. The defenseman recorded eight assists, 13 shots and 10 blocked shots while averaging 24:05 of ice time (4:02 with the man advantage) over the final six games of the season, and Klefbom is quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit. He also shares the ice with Connor McDavid more than any other forward at five-on-five.
