This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Sunday's four-game NHL slate offers what should be yet another thrilling day of playoff hockey. The Lightning have a bunch of players rolling offensively after taking both games in Tampa Bay, but there are plenty of buy-low opportunities available elsewhere with some top producers who haven't quite gotten it going. It's important to strike a balance between recent trends and long-term output, and the value plays below are all likely to provide a solid return based on at least one of those indicators.
GOALIE
Thomas Greiss, NYI vs. FLA ($33): Greiss had much better numbers at home during the regular season, finishing with a 2.21 GAA at the Barclays Center. He's a cheaper option than most alternatives, and should provide strong bang for the buck considering his Islanders haven't looked at all overmatched thus far despite lacking home ice advantage.
Goalie to Avoid:
Brian Elliott, STL at CHI ($38): Elliott gave up three goals to a full-strength Blackhawks squad at home, and now he has to face them on the road. The likelihood of a repeat is too high to justify a $38 investment.
CENTER
Tyler Johnson, TB at DET ($22): Johnson should be in all lineups based on his elite production in Games 1 and 2. The diminutive center already has two goals and four assists this series, and the Red Wings don't seem to have an answer for his rejuvenated offensive aptitude. Until Detroit finds a way to stop him, Johnson will continue to outplay his $22 price.
Center to Avoid:
Pavel Datsyuk, DET vs. TB ($21): Datsyuk has yet to make an impact on the scoresheet this series, and it's tough to trust the veteran Russian to turn things around considering he hasn't lit the lamp since Mar. 19. This isn't the time to spend big money in the hopes of a sudden reversal of fate.
WING
Reilly Smith, FLA at NYI ($22): Smith has carried the momentum of scoring in his final regular season appearance into the first round, collecting three goals and two assists in Sunrise. His $22 price is far from prohibitive, which is why Smith should receive heavy consideration in all formats.
Alex Killorn, TB at DET ($18): With two goals, two assists and a plus-6 rating, Killorn has been killing the Red Wings in the playoffs. Going with a Tampa-heavy approach has been an effective strategy thus far, and there's no need to change a winning strategy. Killorn hasn't been stopped yet, and there's little reason to believe that will change.
Wings to Avoid:
Andrew Ladd, CHI vs. STL ($16): Ladd has been a disappointment over his past eight appearances, topping 3.0 fantasy points only once in that span. St. Louis' elite defense is likely to continue containing him.
Jaromir Jagr, FLA at NYI ($19): Jagr has struggled in the postseason in the twilight of his career, and is currently in the midst of a 33-game playoff goal-scoring drought. If he couldn't score at home, don't expect the veteran to do so at the Barclays Center.
DEFENSE
Duncan Keith, CHI vs. STL ($23): Keith made up for lost time in his return to the lineup Friday, totalling 19.0 fantasy points in a Game 2 victory. He always plays a huge role for the Blackhawks in the playoffs, but his price is still discounted due to his suspension. Take advantage of this situation before his price rises further.
Kevin Shattenkirk, STL at CHI ($21): Shattenkirk is having a solid series so far, totalling 19.0 fantasy points through two games. The series's fast-paced style fits the offensive-minded blueliner perfectly, which is why he'll likely continue to return solid value regardless of venue.
Defenseman to Avoid:
Shea Weber, NAS at ANH ($27): Even in an improbable Game 1 win, Weber managed just 6.0 fantasy points. With Anaheim likely to throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Predators in an attempt to get even, it'll be tough for Weber to return good value on his exorbitant price tag.
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