This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
Everyone's saying the Leafs have a tough challenge ahead in Game 6 against the Canadiens in Montreal (7:30 p.m. EDT) with 2,500 fans expected to attend, but playing in front of a home crowd could be added pressure for the Habs as they face elimination and face a few lineup decisions. Artturi Lehkonen and Eric Staal are still listed as day-to-day while Erik Gustafsson played just 10:16, with 0:49 on the power play.
Meanwhile, it's Game 1 between the Islanders and Bruins (8 p.m.). Be prepared for a physical and potentially low-scoring series if both Tuukka Rask and Ilya Sorokin continue to excel. The Isles showed a little weakness in net in the latter stages of their first-round matchup against the Pens, while the Bruins were in control for most of their battle with the Capitals.
GOALIES
Jack Campbell, TOR at MON ($8,500): Campbell's loss in Game 5 allowed four goals has been his only real blemish, and there's only so much you can do on a 2-on-0. Carey Price has not won at home in the playoffs since last year's bubble, so there's just as much pressure on the Habs in front of their home crowd. Scoring more than two goals has been the anomaly rather than the norm for the Habs of late while the Leafs have consistently provided solid goal support for Campbell.
Tuukka Rask, BOS vs. NYI ($8,000): The Bruins enter the series as the favourites and Rask has been excellent by only allowing four goals over the final three games to close out their first-round series. The Bruins' defense features a formidable top pairing and four others who can play regular minutes while also featuring two lines who can play at both ends and take care of the puck. Of note, Rask posted a 1.86 GAA and .925 Sv% against the Isles during the season.
VALUE PLAYS
Jean-Gabriel Pageau, NYI at BOS ($4,400): Pageau notched four helpers in the final three against Pittsburgh. And while the B's have a distinct advantage in the top-six, Pageau's presence on the third line tips the scales more in the Isles' favour.
Cole Caufield, MON vs. TOR ($3,300): The diminutive sniper has established a reputation for scoring big goals in a very short amount of time, and not many other Habs have been particularly dangerous on offense. Caufield's chemistry with Nick Suzuki continues to build and it should improve over time.
LINE STACKS
Maple Leafs at Canadiens
Alex Kerfoot (C - $4,600), William Nylander (W - $6,900), Alex Galchenyuk (W - $4,100)
Nylander has been excellent as arguably Toronto's best recent forward with a least a point in all five games. Auston Matthews' line offers plenty of upside, but there's sneaky value in this unit, especially if Galchenyuk produces a revenge game after committing a costly turnover that led to the OT winner.
Bruins at Islanders
David Krejci (C - $5,700), Taylor Hall (W - $6,400), Craig Smith (W - $4,700)
Hall potted four goals in three contests against the Isles wearing the black and gold this season. This line will play a crucial role because the drop-off in quality from the Isles' first and second pairings is pretty significant. The one potential drawback: The Isles have been very reluctant to play Mathew Barzal against Patrice Bergeron, so this trio may end up going against top opposition.
DEFENSEMEN
Charlie McAvoy, BOS vs. NYI ($5,600): McAvoy's an elite two-way defenseman who has added value when he quarterbacks the top power play. He's an excellent skater who moves the puck very well, and a lot of the Bruins' success getting past the Isles' stout defensive structure will depend on him. If the Bruins win Game 1, McAvoy will probably be a big reason why.
Jeff Petry, MON vs. TOR ($5,200): Regardless of whether or not you think Alexander Romanov should be in the lineup (he should), Petry's been the Habs' biggest difference maker on the blueline even though he's yet to register a point through five games and 14 shots. When the pucks start bouncing their way – if they do – Petry's the one who's in the best position to pick up a point or two.
Ryan Pulock, NYI at BOS ($3,700): Pulock and Adam Pelech will likely draw the toughest assignment getting matched up against Bergeron's line. That will force Pulock to focus more on defense than offense, but his attack picked up in the first round with two goals on eight shots in the last three outings after only registering one assist in the first three.
