This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
The NHL enters the month of May with two playoff games featuring some of the league's most productive teams. Take a look at some of the best values you can find on the board Tuesday.
Goalie
Connor Hellebuyck, WPG vs. NSH ($33)
Hellebuyck has been an absolute monster on home ice thus far during the postseason, showing a .955 save percentage and allowing just three goals total over three home wins against Minnesota in the first round, the last of which was a shutout. The 24-year-old's masterful 47-save performance in Game One of this series is still looming large, so expect him to play with confidence as the Jets bring a 1-1 series tie back to Winnipeg.
Goalie to Avoid
Braden Holtby, WAS @ PIT ($36)
During a somewhat down regular season for Holtby, the keeper found particular weakness in two areas -- away games and games against the Penguins. The Saskatchewan native posted a .889 save percentage and 3.90 GAA in away contests this season, while showing .897 and 3.60 respective metrics when playing Pittsburgh. In fact, the last time the goalie played in western Pennsylvania, he allowed six goals, so don't spend top money on something that is less than sure.
Center
Mark Scheifele, WPG vs. NSH ($24)
Scheifele has been on a ridiculous run in the last four contests, racking up an obscene seven goals and two assists to go with 11 shots on goal and a plus-6 rating over that span. Don't expect a slowdown either, as the 25-year-old doubled his point total from away games to home games in the regular season despite seeing action in just four more contests in Winnipeg. With four options more expensive Tuesday, Scheifele almost seems like a bargain.
Center to Avoid
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS @ PIT ($22)
Prior to converting an empty-net goal at the end of Sunday's Game 2, Backstrom had not recorded a goal against the Penguins this season, settling for just two assists in four prior appearances. The Swedish pivot is not a particularly high-volume shooter, averaging 2.13 shots on goal per game in these playoff, and does not have the added benefit of running on a line with Alex Ovechkin anymore.
Wings
Alex Ovechkin, WAS @ PIT ($35)
Speaking of Ovechkin, the Russian phenom has been on an incredible tear right now, recording multi-point outings in five of the last seven contests, racking up seven goals and four assists over that span. The Penguins have allowed 1.84 points per game to left wings this season, which is probably no coincidence considering Ovi has lit them up for eight points in six games so far. If your budget allows, get him in your lineup.
Kevin Fiala, NSH @ WPG ($15)
For a more affordable option, take a look at Fiala, who is quickly gaining the reputation as a Jets killer -- in seven contests against Winnipeg this regular season and playoffs, the Swiss national has accumulated eight points and five goals, including one in each of the last two games. Fiala also sees a bit of time with the second power-play unit, so at this price, he's a nice add-on to complete your lineup.
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Wings to Avoid
Patrik Laine, WPG vs. NSH ($28)
After an emphatic start to his playoff career, Laine has cooled off significantly in the last five games, tallying three assists while averaging fewer than three shots on goal per game over that span. What's also troubling is that the young Finn is seeing less ice time in the playoffs, as he's logged fewer than 16 minutes in three seperate games, including seeing just 13:57 in the last contest. You can find better value in this price range.
Craig Smith, NSH @ WPG ($21)
Smith's daily price is seemingly exceeding his actual contributions at this point -- the veteran winger shows three points and a minus-1 rating through eight playoff contests. Although the Madison, Wisconsin native sees time with Nashville's potent first power-play unit, his points are coming too few and far between, as his five point-less playoff games will attest, so look for better production at a lower price Tuesday.
Defensemen
Dustin Byfuglien, WPG vs. NSH ($22)
Byfuglien has been one of the most productive defensemen in the entire postseason, maintaining a point-per-game pace while firing 23 shots on goal over the seven contests. Despite the fact that he has been effective on home ice this season, putting up 28 points in 36 games there, the 33-year-old is the sixth-most expensive blueliner on the board Tuesday. If he can keep up this exceptional play, Buff will provide nice value.
Olli Maatta, PIT vs. WAS ($16)
While Maatta's offensive contributions haven't been pronounced by any means this postseason, what you'll get by picking him for your lineup Tuesday is peace of mind in his defensive production -- the Finnish d-man shows a stellar plus-9 rating and 12 blocked shots through the Penguins' first eight playoff games. Not for nothing, Maatta also sees time with the man advantage, so he presents some nice value in this slate.
Defensemen to Avoid
Ryan Ellis, NSH @ WPG ($24)
Ellis has not scored a goal in over a month, going 13 games between the regular and postseasons without a tally. The Canadian defenseman has had five assists and holds a minus-4 rating in his last seven contests, and he doesn't have the added benefit of running alongside P.K. Subban. This explosive Winnipeg squad could cause Ellis problems, especially if he can't get on the board again.
Justin Schultz, PIT vs. WAS ($19)
Schultz was able to beat up on the Flyers early on during the Penguins' first-round series win, but in the five games since then, he's showing a drop off in offensive production, posting two assists and five shots on goal. The Capitals have actually excelled in stopping opposing defensemen, allowing 1.76 points per game to the position, and at this price point, you can find other defensemen who are more likely to get the job done.
