Saturday features just one solitary game and it is early with the New York Rangers hosting the Washington Capitals at 12:30 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on NBC. The Capitals lead the best of seven series 1-0 after a shocking last second game one win in which Cam Ward took a perfect pass from Alex Ovechkin and beat Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist through the five hole for the victory. We’ll use Fan Duel prices.
C – Nicklas Backstrom – Washington
If there is one player that epitomizes the improvement of the Capitals it is Backstrom. While Alex Ovechkin gets all of the attention, Backstrom simply goes to work and delivers. The Capitals center has arguably been their best player in the playoffs with three goals and three assists. During the regular season Backstrom had 18 goals and 60 assists. Backstrom is playing with the aura of an emerging leader and top flight NHL center. Backstrom is at $6,800.
RW – Martin St. Louis – New York Rangers
The veteran St. Louis is the type of player that will maintain his poise in the post season after years of battle in the NHL. St. Louis still brings the skill set that can produce top line type of numbers. So far St. Louis has been quiet with just one assist in six playoff games and a plus-one. St. Louis had 21 goals and 31 assists in the regular season which is indicative of his potential upside. You can have St. Louis at $5,000.
LW – Rick Nash – New York Rangers
Although Saturday’s game two against the Caps is not a must win, it is definitely the next closest thing, and Nash is the type of player that the Rangers will be counting on for a rebound. Nash had a big comeback year with 42 goals and 27 assists with a whopping plus-29 in the regular season. He has been somewhat quiet in the playoffs so far with just one goal and three assists with a plus-two. The Rangers left wing can he had at $9,000.
D – Ryan McDonagh – New York Rangers
We expect a top and tight effort by the Broadway Blueshirts on Saturday as they attempt to even out the series against the Caps. McDonagh figures to play a major role in their resurgence. McDonagh had a strong regular season with eight goals and 25 assists with a stellar plus-23 against the top lines in the game. McDonagh has been one of the top Rangers in the playoffs with one goal and three assists and a plus-three. McDonagh opened at $5,100.
D – John Carlson – Washington
Carlson is the Caps top defenseman and a key component in their status as a team that looks primed for a deep run. Carlson broke out with an outstanding regular season in which he had 12 goals and 43 assists with a plus-11. He has had a solid playoff season so far with one goal and four assists with a plus-one. Washington was our pick to win the Eastern Conference and Carlson is a big reason as to why. With the structured coaching of Barry Trotz, Carlson has emerged as one of the top level rearguards in the game and with the ability to create offense without sacrificing back end responsibilities. Carlson can be had at $5,700.
G – Henrik Lundqvist – New York Rangers
Lundqvist is not doubt upset with himself at getting beat by Ward at the buzzer with a shot that should have been stopped. The goal allowed ruined what otherwise was a strong performance by The King as he stopped 27 out of 29 shots. Lundqvist still has outstanding playoff numbers with a save percentage of .938 and a 1.61 goals against average. We expect King Henrik to rebound in stellar fashion. He opened at $9,800.
Sleeper – Troy Brouwer – Washington
If the Capitals are to open up a 2-0 series lead against the Rangers it will be a player like Brouwer who may provide the difference. Brouwer brings plenty of upside after a regular season of 21 goals and 22 assists with a plus 11. He has just two assists in the playoffs and is due. Brouwer is a potential bargain at $4,800.
