This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
This week opens with FanDuel's two-day contests consisting of the Game 6 elimination games in both conferences. Anaheim will look to force a Game 7 showdown with a road win in Smashville on Monday, and the Senators will host Pittsburgh on Tuesday with their season on the line. Here are a handful of recommendations to consider while assembling your lineups.
GOALIE
Matt Murray, PIT at OTT ($8,600): Since entering the crease in the first period of Game 3, Murray has saved 68 of 71 shots for a .958 save percentage and 1.08 GAA, and he's come away victorious in both of his starts. Pittsburgh is coming off a convincing 7-0 win Sunday, and while Game 6 is at Ottawa, it's unlikely the Senators will be able to run up the score. After all, Ottawa has scored two goals or fewer in four of the series' first five games.
CENTER
Evgeni Malkin, PIT at OTT ($8,300): After going eight consecutive games without a multi-point showing, Malkin collected three power-play assists in Game 5 on Sunday. He's now up to six goals, 23 points and 40 shots through 17 postseason games, and Malkin has also been on the ice for the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (16.2) of all Pittsburgh forwards.
Ryan Getzlaf, ANA at NAS ($7,400): It's been a slow stretch of late for Getzlaf, as the Anaheim captain has missed the scoresheet in six of his past seven games. However, he registered six shots in Game 5 and logged 24:29 of ice time. With Anaheim facing elimination, it wouldn't be surprising to see Getzlaf log huge minutes again in Game 6. A bounce-back game will be needed from him for Anaheim to host a Game 7 at the Honda Center.
WING
Phil Kessel, PIT at OTT ($7,400): With a scoresheet appearance in 11 of 17 playoff games, Kessel is up to seven goals, 18 points and 49 shots in the postseason. He's also riding a four-game point streak, and Kessel can be paired with Malkin for a high-upside stack. Considering his production and role, this salary has Kessel in lineup-lock territory, and Pittsburgh will be leaning on its top players to finish this series off Tuesday.
Corey Perry, ANA at NAS ($5,300): With the season on the line, Perry is worth a look at this salary. He's scored two goals and registered 11 shots through the past three games while averaging a hefty 19:23 of ice time (2:10 with the man advantage). Nashville might win and advance, but with Perry's championship resume, it would be shocking if he didn't have a major impact on Monday's game.
Pontus Aberg, NAS vs. ANA ($3,400): The rookie scored in Game 5, and he'll look to continue playing an offensively tilted role again Monday. Aberg opens up oodles of cap space and projects to skate with Filip Forsberg and Colton Sissons, which gives him notable upside. Through 56 games in the AHL this season, Aberg scored 31 goals and posted 52 points, so there's no doubting his offensive potential.
DEFENSE
Roman Josi, NAS vs. ANA ($5,900): Playing at Bridgestone Arena has been favorable to Josi's fantasy value during the playoffs. The defenseman has five goals, an assist and 25 shots through seven home games during the postseason. While home-road splits aren't always a go-to indicator of future success, Josi's differentials are substantial. He's also registered an impressive 23 shots through his past five games and carries a manageable salary.
Trevor Daley, PIT at OTT ($3,300): The status of Justin Schultz (upper body) will need to be monitored, but if Schultz is out, Daley will quarterback the No. 1 power-play unit again Tuesday. Sharing the ice with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel up a man is a cushy fantasy situation, and Daley isn't an offensive slouch. However, after he registered a goal and an assist -- both with the man advantage -- in Game 5, expect Daley to be a chalky play in Game 6.
