This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
The two-game NHL slate beginning at 8:00 PM Eastern time Thursday is a unique one, featuring Thursday's Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Jets and Predators coupled with Friday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Capitals and Lightning. Certain players have stood out as great values throughout this postseason while others have underperformed, so read on to see which guys to target here and which to avoid.
GOALIE
Pekka Rinne, NSH vs. WPG ($28): Rinne's certainly had some lowlights this postseason, but he's also stepped up in big moments, including a Game 6 shutout in Winnipeg. The Jets have managed to score more than one goal on him only once in the past three games, so Rinne's upside is undeniable, especially considering he costs $2 less than Braden Holtby, $5 less than Connor Hellebuyck and $9 less than Andrei Vasilevskiy.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Andrei Vasilevskiy, TB vs. WAS ($37): There are plenty of positives and negatives associated with all four starting netminders in this slate, so Vasilevskiy mostly ends up here just because he costs significantly more than each of the other three options. All of these guys are pretty comparable, though it's worth noting that Vasilevskiy's career 2.61 GAA is the worst of the group while his .917 save percentage is tied with Hellebuyck's identical mark for the lowest.
CENTER
Steven Stamkos, TB vs. WAS ($25): The lower-body injury that was bothering Stamkos heading into the postseason certainly seemed to be impeding his production early on, as he had only one goal and 15 shots in his first seven appearances of the playoffs despite five of those games coming against a far inferior opponent in the Devils. He's heated up with a pair of goals on nine shots in the past three contests and has a pair of helpers over that span to boot, giving Stamkos plenty of momentum heading into this series opener.
CENTER TO AVOID
Lars Eller, WAS at TB ($15): Eller's caught in no-man's land, as he doesn't have the offensive capabilities to keep up with this slate's more expensive centers but isn't cheap enough to open up significant savings for other positions. While he was promoted to the second line with Nicklas Backstrom (upper body) sidelined last game, Eller didn't exactly capitalize on the opportunity with 0.7 fantasy points. That performance was par for the course from a guy that's scored fewer than 3.0 fantasy points in 12 of his last 17 appearances dating back to the regular season.
WINGS
Filip Forsberg, NSH vs. WPG ($25): Forsberg's been an absolute force this postseason, racking up seven goals, 15 points and 56 shots in 12 games. That output includes three goals, nine points and 26 shots over the past five contests. He had two goals, an assist and 30.5 fantasy points with his season on the line in Game 6, and Forsberg won't be any less motivated in this deciding game.
Jakub Vrana, WAS at TB ($12): Vrana's excelled since getting the chance to strut his stuff in a top-six role. He recorded a goal and two assists after getting promoted in Game 5, then came inches from clinching Game 6 in the final seconds before ultimately finishing with three shots in 20:18of ice time. The 2014 first-rounder's mix of skill and opportunity is just too good to pass up at $12.
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WINGS TO AVOID
Yanni Gourde, TB vs. WAS ($17): Gourde hasn't flashed nearly as much upside as most of his similarly-priced teammates, failing to score 8.0 or more fantasy points in a game since the postseason opener. Considering he's yet to top 17 minutes of ice time in any contest during these playoffs, Gourde's chances of reversing that trend aren't great.
Nikolaj Ehlers, WPG at NSH ($17): Ehlers is easily Winnipeg's least-appealing top-six forward given his lack of playing time in the playoffs. He averaged 16:05 during the regular season but has eclipsed 15:40 in only three of 10 appearances this postseason. Ehlers hasn't exactly earned more ice time, contributing just five helpers without a goal in those 10 games after a 29-goal, 60-point regular season.
DEFENSEMEN
Jacob Trouba, WPG at NSH ($19): Without the benefit of last change to dictate matchups, Jets coach Paul Maurice has opted to trot out the defensively-responsible Trouba much more often on the road, bestowing at least 21:13 of ice time on the blueliner in each of the three games in Nashville. That number compares favorably to Trouba's home ice time, which hasn't exceeded 20:12 in this series. Trouba's excelled with that large road workload, averaging 9.0 fantasy points despite failing to mark the scoresheet, giving him a high fantasy floor for this deciding game.
Dmitry Orlov, WAS at TB ($15): Orlov's well-rounded game and significant role have allowed him to defy his affordability with some solid contributions this postseason. He's exceeded his regular-season ice time average of 23:08 over the past eight games while also averaging 7.6 fantasy points. Orlov won't win you fantasy contests by himself, but using him puts you in an excellent position in all formats given his excellent value at $15.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Roman Josi, NSH vs. WPG ($25): Josi broke out with a two-assist effort in Game 6, but it's tough to justify pouring $25 into him considering the expensive defenseman had only topped 7.0 fantasy points once in his previous 10 games. You're better off saving that type of money for the multitude of high-end forwards taking the ice in this slate.
John Carlson, WAS at TB ($26): Carlson's another player whose offensive capabilities are strong for a defenseman but pale in comparison to those of many forwards in this slate. He recorded just two goals without an assist in six games against Pittsburgh last round and will once again have to focus primarily on defensive responsibilities against the league's most dangerous offense, so your money is best spent elsewhere unless Carlson can prove otherwise.
