This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
The Islanders showed why they're so feared in the playoffs in Game 1. The Lightning skated hard but their focus seemed to be a little off, as they missed plays and seemed unable to penetrate through the neutral zone with much speed or control, and the result was a 2-1 loss. They're now 0-for-3 in their first home game of each series, and both losses against the Panthers and Hurricanes were also one-goal losses.
The bright side: The Lightning are 2-0 in their second home game, outscoring their opponents 12-6. None of us are really surprised the Lightning are back in the semi's, and they've got such an experienced and proven group that being behind one game doesn't feel like much to overcome.
Puck drop is at 8 p.m. EDT.
As with all FanDuel showdown formats, no goalies are available for selection and a Captain can be designated for 1.5x fantasy points. The remaining roster spots are not restricted by position.
VALUE PLAYS
Anthony Cirelli, TB vs. NYI ($9,000): Cirelli's a good value play because he's got two very good wingers playing on his line. Jean-Gabriel Pageau is available at the same salary but his linemates are far weaker even though he probably has more offensive potential than Cirelli.
Yanni Gourde, TB vs. NYI ($8,000): Tampa's third line deserves a lot of credit for the team's success over the past two seasons, and once again in Game 1 they were their most reliable line. Gourde's line generated the most shot attempts at 5v5, and they should have a big game sooner or later because their combined four goals seems too low and their shooting percentages are uncharacteristically lower than usual. Blake Coleman ($7,500) is a good value play as well; they were two of seven Lightning forwards who scored double-digit goals this season.
LINE STACKS
Anthony Cirelli (C - $9,000), Steven Stamkos (W - $13,000), Alex Killorn (W - $10,000)
Tampa's top line is prohibitively expensive and the second line at least gives you a chance to add another top-six forward. Killorn's on a five-game point streak and features on the top power play with Stamkos.
DEFENSEMEN
Scott Mayfield, NYI at TB ($7,500): This is a good value play for Mayfield, who has been a shot-blocking machine and also very good at getting shots on net. Ryan Pulock ($9,500) has the hot hand with a goal in two straight games, but keep in mind the Isles defense generally doesn't score very often and relies on the young Noah Dobson ($8,500) on the power play.
