This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
DraftKings has showdown contests for Game 5 between Washington and Tampa Bay. There are six flex lineup slots to fill while staying under the $50,000 salary cap, and it's important to note the scoring settings are different.
With both goalies so much cheaper than the high-priced skaters, it's not out of the question to consider using both. A low-scoring game should make both Andrei Vasilevskiy and Braden Holtby strong contributors.
FLEX
Nikita Kucherov, TB vs. WAS ($11,100): With his five-game point streak snapped last time out, Kucherov is a ripe candidate to rebound on home ice. Considering he's sporting an unsustainably low 6.5 percent shooting rate dating back to the beginning of Round 2, the high-volume shooter also has some statistical correction on his side.
Steven Stamkos, TB vs. WAS ($10,700): The Lightning captain has lead the offensive attack for Tampa Bay against Washington with four goals, two assists and 10 shots. Amazingly, all six points have come with the man advantage, so look for improved five-on-five play with the series returning to Amalie Arena.
Lars Eller, WAS at TB ($8,000): It's been a strong Eastern Conference Finals for Eller. He's been on the ice for 5.4 goals and 16.19 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minute while also collecting two tallies, two helpers and six shots through Games 1 and 2 in Tampa Bay. Additionally, he's driven possession with a 56.86 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five during this series.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, TB vs. WAS ($7,500): Consecutive 36-save wins from Vasilevskiy have Tampa Bay back in the driver's seat of the series, and serve as reminders of just how strong he's played this season. With Washington generating 36.25 shots per 60 minutes through four contests, Vasilevskiy is also positioned to pile up saves again in Game 5.
Braden Holtby, WAS at TB ($7,000): At this price, Holtby's definitely in play. He's sporting a 7-1 record with a .927 save percentage on the road during the postseason, and the Caps have also limited Tampa Bay to just 1.67 goals and 9.0 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five during the series. Improved penalty killing might be all it takes for Holtby to have a bounce-back showing in Game 5.
Jakub Vrana, WAS at TB ($5,200): Speed and skill are Vrana's best assets, and the eye test suggests he's gaining more confidence. The 22-year-old winger has registered just a single assist during this series, but his 62.5 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five jumps off the page, and he projects to remain in a top-six role for Game 5. Obviously, the savings he offers are a huge asset.
