This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Sergei Bobrovsky, CLS vs. WAS ($7,300): He's the cheapest of the four goalies and there's a good chance the Jackets pull this one out and force a Game 7. Bobrovsky hasn't been very good this series, allowing at least three goals in each game, but he's an elite goalie who can steal a game at any moment, so that makes him an attractive gamble. That being said, clearly the momentum is on the Caps' side right now.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS at CLS ($6,000): Both Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov are good options, but Backstrom comes $700 cheaper. Backstrom has the upper hand on Pierre-Luc Dubois and put up three points in Game 5. The Caps don't have last change in Columbus, but the Jackets will likely hard match Kuznetsov's line with their top blue-line duo, which means Backstrom will almost always see a weaker defensive pairing.
Tyler Bozak, TOR vs. BOS ($3,900): He played just 11 minutes in Game 5 despite scoring two points, which is far lower than playoff average so far. Even with Nazem Kadri back in the lineup, that should be a one-time thing. The Leafs have had to shuffle up their lines but Bozak and James van Riemsdyk remain constant, and keeping them together seems to be paying off.
WING
Artemi Panarin, CLS vs. WAS ($6,400): He's gone quiet in the past two games, but the Jackets will be leaning on him heavily to force a Game 7, and so far in this playoffs Panarin's shown that he's capable of carrying the team on his back. The Caps have won twice already in Columbus, but the Jackets should have the advantage with last change, and if they can keep Panarin away from John Carlson he should be able to take advantage.
James van Riemsdyk, TOR vs. BOS ($5,200): As much as the Bruins have fashioned themselves into a faster team, they're still pretty committed to playing a heavy game with Rick Nash and David Backes in the lineup. Van Riemsdyk is one of the few Leafs who are big enough to win a physical battle, so it's no wonder he's doing well in the series with three goals. He's also one of the few remaining holdovers looking to avenge 2013's collapse. His play is trending up and he has seven shots in his past two games.
Thomas Vanek, CLS vs. WAS ($3,900): After scoring two points in Game 1 he's been held without a point since. That's troublesome, because a productive Vanek makes the Jackets really difficult to stop with three lines that can score. You can bet that John Tortorella is pleading with Vanek to shoot more often, because when he puts a lot of pucks on net the Jackets usually do pretty well. With their backs against the wall, Vanek should have the green light all the time.
DEFENSE
Seth Jones, CLS vs. WAS ($5,400): He played over 31 minutes in Game 5 and has been a beast for the Jackets. His athleticism has allowed him to improvise quickly on the ice, and he moves very well for a pretty big defenseman. Through five games he has a goal and four assists, while partner Zach Werenski has been held without a point in four of the five games. If the Jackets force a Game 7, it's likely because Jones played a big role.
Dmitry Orlov, WAS at CLS ($3,700): His stats don't tell it, but at one point Orlov had a knack for scoring goals before injuries took away his wrist shot. Still, he has blossomed into a very good defenseman and finally got on the board with two assists in Game 5. His skating and willingness to jump up on offense can make him dangerous on the ice, and a risk taker like him might pay off in big ways in key games, especially at such a low price.
