Winnipeg Jets Vs. Montreal Canadiens

To say this is the biggest game of the year for Winnipeg is an understatement. They need to win this one, because falling behind 0-3 will be a tough hole to climb out of.

For the Jets, the best option would be to go with a winger-winger stack of Kyle Connor and Blake Wheeler. Paul Stastny is still a game-time decision, and Pierre-Luc Dubois has forgotten how to score goals. If Stastny does play, then you can stack the entire line, but it’s a risky play considering just how terrible Winnipeg’s offence was in game two.

As always, Neal Pionk is the only Jets defenceman I’m willing to consider. He hasn’t been blocking many shots of late, but he still has the upside to be able to do it.

In goal, Connor Hellebuyck will most likely get the start, and he’s quite affordable on DK. He wasn’t bad in game two, but it’s hard to win games when your team doesn’t score goals. The Canadiens don’t take a ton of shots, so the chances of Hellebuyck picking up the save bonus is unlikely. I would consider him if you’re going to completely fade the Habs.

Speaking of the Habs, the only line we should care about is the second line of Tyler Toffoli, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. I’d go with the entire line, but if you can’t afford all three, Suzuki and Toffoli is the combo to go with.

In game one, Corey Perry and Eric Staal hit value early in the first period, and while they did nothing in game two, I think they can hit value in game three. I know I’m going back to this play from earlier in the week, but considering how well they’ve been playing, we can’t just ignore them.

On the back end,  Jeff Petry’s price tag has gone all the way down to $5K on DK, which is too low for a defenceman of his caliber. I know he’s had a difficult postseason, but this price point screams value, so I’ll probably have him in a few of my lineups.

In the blue paint, Carey Price is the obvious choice. The Jets don’t have the same puch with Mark Scheifele out of the lineup, and if Stastny can’t go, it makes things even worse. Price is the most expensive goalie on DK, but he can easily hit value.

 

Colorado Avalanche Vs. Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights were able to get back into this series thanks to a 3-2 win, but can they win a second game and tie this series?

Let’s start with Colorado, because it’s going to be quick and easy. Nathan MacKinnon had an off night, but that doesn’t mean I’m fading him here. Don’t fade MacKinnon unless you hate money. 

Mikko Rantanen was able to hit value thanks to his goal, and he continues to be one of the most consistent wingers in DFS. All you have to do is pair him with MacKinnon and move on, that simple. 

On defence, Cale Makar is hot, and his price tag reflects that. $6200 is a lot to pay for a defenceman on a short-slate, but how can we not? He’s just that good.

Despite giving up three goals, Philipp Grubauer was rock solid in game three. He finished with 40-saves and was actually able to hit value despite not picking up the win! We may see Vegas pepper Grubauer with a ton of shots again, so he’s an easy play on DK because of the save bonus.

For Vegas, I’m going to do everything in my power to get Max Pacioretty into my lineup. He was back to his old self in game three, scoring a goal and firing eight shots on goal. His price tag is back up to $7100, but even that still feels too low. 

If you need to pair him with a centerman, Chandler Stephenson is the way to go. I don’t like him on the slate, but I understand that we need to save some salary, and he does that for us. 

On defence, we’re just going to keep playing Alec Martinez because all the man does is block shots. He was one shot on goal away from the double bonus, which is incredible considering he doesn't see top power play minutes, and blocks most of his shots five-on-five.

If you need a second defenceman, Shea Theodore is the way to go. Alex Pietrangelo is a good option too, but he’s $400 more expensive on DK, and I know we’ve spent most of the playbook targeting some expensive players. 

Marc-Andre Fleury should get the start in game four with Robin Lehner still out of the lineup due to a mystery injury. Fleury was alright in that game, but that’s mainly because he didn’t see a ton of shots and gave up two goals. I expect Colorado to generate more offence in this game, so Fleury’s should have more opportunities to stop the puck. It’s always a risk playing a goalie against MacKinnon and company, but that risk could send you all the way to the top of the leaderboard.