This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
The playoffs are in full swing and there are four games on the docket Friday. So far, things have been low-scoring, with no contest having more than five goals, but that could change in a flash. Here are a number of players across multiple price ranges to consider while assembling your DraftKings lineups.
GOALIE
Jake Allen, STL at MIN ($7,500): It shouldn't shock anyone if Minnesota wins Game 2. However, the Wild fired shots from everywhere Wednesday, allowing Allen to make oodles of easy saves en route to a whopping total of 51. He's posted a .941 save percentage dating back to the coaching change in early February and checks out at a discount at this salary.
CENTER
Connor McDavid, EDM vs. SAN ($8,600): The rookie found the scoresheet in his playoff debut with two shots on net, and now that he's clearly established himself as one of the top two players in the league, it's hard not to roll him out on any given night. Edmonton had an impressive 15 scoring chances and six high-danger chances with its captain on the ice in Game 1.
Tomas Hertl, SAN at EDM ($4,300): With seven shots in Game 1, Hertl took advantage of his expanded role. Where he slots in Friday will be determined by the health of Joe Thornton (knee), but Hertl's definitely worth a long look at this price after Wednesday's impressive outing.
WING
Max Pacioretty, MON vs. NYR ($7,100): This could easily turn into a back-and-forth series, and Pacioretty recorded five shots in Game 1. He's coming off his fourth consecutive 30-goal, 60-point campaign and plays top offensive minutes in all situations. It also isn't out of the question to count on Henrik Lundqvist failing to duplicate Wednesday's spotless showing.
Jake Guentzel, PIT vs. CLM ($5,800): While he was held off the scoresheet with just a single shot in Game 1, Guentzel was still on the ice for 10 scoring chances and three high-danger chances. Sharing the ice with Sidney Crosby is also a clear boost, as the duo posted 3.51 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five this season.
Brandon Saad, CLM at PIT ($5,400): While his production slipped down the stretch, Saad still notched a 16th-ranked 1.05 goals and 19th-ranked 2.21 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five this year. Considering his past playoff success with 14 goals and 27 points through 42 games during postseason runs in 2014 and 2015, Saad has nice contrarian appeal for Game 2.
DEFENSE
Brent Burns, SAN at EDM ($8,100): It wasn't a sterling conclusion to the regular season for Burns, but he was all over the ice in Game 1 and left his mark with eight shots on net. The rearguard also logged a beastly 27:34 of ice time, which included a remarkable 9:36 with the man advantage. Considering his hefty involvement and explosive scoring ability, Burns has the upside to cruise over value even at this salary.
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. SAN ($5,500): Dating back to the regular season, Klefbom sports a five-game point streak with a goal, seven assists, 10 shots, eight blocked shots and 24:13 of average ice time (3:51 with the man advantage). He also shared the ice with Connor McDavid for 10:28 in Game 1, and Edmonton had nine scoring chances and four high-danger chances during that span.
