This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Braden Holtby, WAS at CLS ($7,400): Look for the Caps to turn to Holtby in Game 3, and considering he sports a .932 save percentage through 60 career postseason outings, this salary stands out as a potential bargain. It's a must-win spot for Washington, and the Blue Jackets have generated just eight high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five through the first two games of the series.
CENTER
Evgeny Kuznetsov, WAS at CLS ($6,600): While the Russian pivot was held off the scoresheet in Game 2, he salvaged his showing with eight shots to also highlight his high-floor, high-ceiling profile. He's skating with countryman Alex Ovechkin in all situations, and Kuznetsov has also marked the scoresheet in eight of his past 10 contests for eight goals and six assists.
Paul Stastny, WPG at MIN ($5,200): This is a reasonable salary for Stastny. He's combined with wingers Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers for a respectable 4.43 goals per 60 minutes during the regular season, and the center is also skating with the No. 1 power-play unit. Additionally, Stastny marked the scoresheet in Game 1 and 2. The Wild are also ripe for a letdown showing after breaking out with a 6-2 win Sunday.
WING
Patrik Laine, WPG at MIN ($7,100): It's been business as usual for Laine in his postseason debut. He's collected two goals, two assists and 11 shots, and as noted, Minnesota will likely struggle to duplicate its Game 3 success. After all, even with the strong showing Sunday, the Wild own a playoff-worst 36.63 Corsi For percentage.
Alex Tuch, VGK at LA ($4,600): The rookie has marked the scoresheet in consecutive games while also collecting six shots and three blocked shots. Tuch has also been on the ice for an impressive 3.14 goals and 15.7 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes this series, so with a top-six role and power-play time, his salary stands out as a clear discount.
Tyler Toffoli, LA vs. VGK ($4,300): The winger has recorded 14 shots through the first three games of the series without marking the scoresheet and also owns a 0.946 PDO. Additionally, dating back to the regular season, Toffoli has a 2.8 shooting percentage and only scored once through his past 14 contests. With positive regression ahead, he's a potential option from his price range.
DEFENSE
John Carlson, WAS at CLS ($6,000): The Capitals are down 2-0, but it's had nothing to do with Carlson's play. He's recorded six helpers, seven shots (19 attempts) and four blocked shots while logging a monster 29:21 of ice time (7:41 with the man advantage) through the first two games. With the season on the line, look for Carlson to play close to half the game again and have another strong showing.
Shea Theodore, VGK at LA ($4,500): No Golden Knight has been on the ice for more high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (21.81) than Theodore, and he's collected a goal, an assist, nine shots and six blocked shots through the first three games of the series. The Kings have their backs against the wall down 3-0, so this could prove to be a daunting matchup, but Theodore's offensive role and manageable salary have him positioned to return value.
