Richard Masana 
It’s playoff time! We have you covered for tonight’s four-game 5/3 NHL slate below.
5/3 NHL Main Slate of Games – Beginning 7 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh Penguins (+110) at New York Rangers (-125) – 5.5 Projected Goal Total
Washington Capitals (+185) at Florida Panthers (-230) – 6.5 Projected Goal Total
Nashville Predators (+255) at Colorado Avalanche (-320) – 6.5 Projected Goal Total
Dallas Stars (+180) at Calgary Flames (-225) – 6 Projected Goal Total
5/3 NHL Favorite Lines Per Dollar
Top Line – Florida Two ” Jonathan Huberdeau ($7,400), Sam Bennett ($4,200), Claude Giroux ($4,100)“
Surprisingly, none of the Panthers’ individual lines have been very statistically strong over the last two weeks. However, they draw the best matchup of any Eastern Conference teams, hosting the Capitals as -230 money line favorites tonight. This line features two skaters on the top power-play unit in Jonathan Huberdeau and Claude Giroux as opposed to the other two lines. They are also affordable, particularly when compared with more popular lines such as Colorado One and Calgary One. The Panthers have been amazing all season and I think they carry that over into the playoffs with a strong performance. Giroux in particular is way underpriced with six points in his last three games for only just over four thousand.
Secondary Line – Colorado One “Nathan MacKinnon ($8,600), Mikko Rantanen ($6,400), Valeri Nichuskin ($4,500)”
As of the time of writing, Nashville starting goalie Jusse Saros has been ruled out for both games one and two. While this line underwhelming by its standards for most of the season, the playoffs are the start of a new season. This matchup in Denver went down about a week ago and Nashville was able to push for an overtime victory. For that one, the Avs were around -215 favorites so quite a jump here to -320 but the assumption is they are healthier now “Mikko Rantanen had been day to day for that one” and likely more motivated. It seems as of the time of writing that Valeri Nichuskin will remain on the top line, providing us with some much-needed savings. You can fit
Top Defender
Noah Hanifan – Calgary – $4,300 – On a slate where we are absolutely desperate for salary, most defenseman quarterbacking power-play units are high-priced. Particularly, those playing for favorites. One notable exception is Noah Hanifan who has recently emerged as such for the Flames. Calgary of course are hefty -225 favorites hosting the Stars “more on that game below”. Since we don’t have any other exposure there, this gives us a nice hedge that helps make other pieces of the puzzle fit. It was only a matter of time Rasmus Andersson was going to get replaced as his production would need to be better in this type of role.
Top Goalie
Jacob Markstrom – Calgary – $8,100 – With Shesterkin sort of up and down, let’s turn to Jacob Markstrom against a Dallas team that generally wins close games with defense. He has been terrific all season with a 2.22 GAA and .922 save percentage. He’s backed by a great defense as the Flames will look to turn their recent reputation around this post-season.
5/3 NHL Best Bet
Florida Panthers 60 Min ML (-130) – 1 Unit – DraftKings – The Panthers have been great all season. Now is the time to translate their outstanding record into playoff success. Alex Ovechkin looks to be returning as of the time of writing but his return might not be enough for the Capitals here. Washington had ended the season on a poor note, dropping four straight.
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