This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Jonathan Quick, LA at VGK ($7,400): This could be a sneaky matchup for the Kings after the Golden Knights generated the fewest high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five in the entire league from Feb. 1 through the end of the regular season. Additionally, Quick owns a .921 save percentage through 81 playoff starts, so considering the shallow goalie pool, his salary and experience stand out.
CENTER
Evgeni Malkin, PIT vs. PHI ($7,200): There's a strong chance that Malkin spends a lot of even-strength time opposite rookie Nolan Patrick in Game 1, so it should be a favorable in-game matchup for the veteran. Malkin finished the regular season with six goals, 16 assists and 51 shots through his final 18 contests, and he boasts a career 1.05 points-per-game mark in the playoffs.
Paul Stastny, WPG vs. MIN ($5,200): This price looks short, as Stastny is locked into a top-six role while also skating on the No. 1 power-play unit. He collected a respectable 13 points through 19 games as a Jet, and the Wild could be in trouble with Ryan Suter (leg) out, and Jared Spurgeon (hamstring) probably not at 100 percent -- if he even dresses.
WING
Claude Giroux, PHI at PIT ($6,700): This game is the favorite to be the highest scoring of the night, and Pittsburgh allowed a healthy 3.07 goals and 13.0 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes since the All-Star break. Giroux is coming off a career-best offensive showing, which included four consecutive multi-point showings (seven goals and two assists) to end the campaign.
Blake Wheeler, WPG vs. MIN ($6,500): As noted, the Wild could be a favorable opponent with multiple injuries to the defense corps. So, with Wheeler locked into a top offensive role and sporting a manageable cap hit, he's worth a long look. The Winnipeg captain recorded 23 goals, 68 assists and 40 power-play points during the regular season, after all.
Travis Konecny, PHI at PIT ($4,900): A stack option alongside linemate Claude Giroux, Konecny connected with the veteran for 4.35 goals and 13.15 high-danger scoring chances per hour at even strength this season. As noted, the Penguins were far from a defensive juggernaut in the second half, and Matt Murray finished the campaign with an underwhelming .907 save percentage.
DEFENSE
Shayne Gostisbehere, PHI at PIT ($5,600): This salary is too low. Gostisbehere marked the scoresheet in nine of the final 10 games of the season for two goals and 11 assists, and the heater upped him to a league-best 2.33 points per 60 minutes among all defensemen. There's also a chance he carries contrarian value with many likely to overlook the Flyers.
Josh Morrissey, WPG vs. MIN ($3,800): Projected to skate in a top-pairing role alongside Jacob Trouba, Morrissey is positioned to receive plenty of ice time. The 2013 first-round selection creates cap space to spend up elsewhere, and Morrissey also owns modest upside and a respectable fantasy floor because of his cross-category profile.
