The regular season is behind us, and it's time to shift focus to playoff picks, and yet still maximize winnings in your DFS each night.   Basic strategies first, and keeping with my usual scheme of a team to stack, a player to highlight, and a can't miss (??) goalkeeper.  

STACK: It's offense, baby – and no team rivals the FLORIDA PANTHERS. An average of 5 goals per game is within reach for a first-round matchup against an unproven playoff goalie. If you can afford Aleksander Barkov (DraftKings $7500, Yahoo $33) and Jonathan Huberdeau ($7400, $33), great. But I took the captain, plus Sam Reinhart ($4200, $25), and MacKenzie Weegar ($4000, $21).

Individual player spotlight.   Well, who's the most motivated? I submit that it's NATHAN MACKINNON. Too-early playoff exits each of the past 3 years, as his team has been upset in consecutive second rounds. Won't happen this year – MacKinnon ($8600, $36) will have the Avs squarely on his back from game 1. And top line mate Valeri Nichushkin ($4500, $19) makes a great stack here, as well. Sure, I'd love Cale Makar ($7700, $32), but Devon Toews ($4600, $21) fit on my card.  

Goalie to watch: So many hot GK options coming into the postseason, like IGOR SHESTERKIN, Jacob Markstrom, Mike Smith, and Cam Talbot (12-0-3 since March 8 but not starting?).    Today, the choice is Shesterkin ($8000, $38). He gave up 4 goals in 4 games vs. Pittsburgh this season… although if the Penguins can crack the eggshell early, this could easily be a 5-4 score. Interesting that two of the Eastern conference series have both GK's making their playoff debuts.  

Can't miss (??):  Elias Lindholm ($5800, $31). April stats, 8G, 6A, over 3 shots/game. Not bad linemates either.  

Line-up fillers:  Tyler Toffoli ($3200, $13), or my choice Alexis Lafrenière ($2600, $13), which allowed my high picks elsewhere.   

Tomorrow, I'd pick LINUS ULLMARK to even up the BOS/CAR series, if he's the starter.  

Statistics for April:

Mike Smith – 1.25 GAA, .963 sv%

Linus Ullmark – 1.41 GAA, .950 sv%

Igor Shesterkin – 1.76 GAA, .938 sv%

Not a bad trio.  And not likely to be burned twice.

Whether it's the B's defense rebounding, or the man between the pipes, game 2 goes to the big, bad Bruins. 

WAIT – Did I say "No team rivals…?" Hmmm. From April 15-30, the TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING averaged 5.3 goals per game, and Steven Stamkos (10 G, 16 A) and Nikita Kucherov (10 G, 13 A) led the team over their last 9-game stretch. The Leafs played a great first game, still the defending champs won't be an easy out. Game 1 obviously went to "Soup," but I very much expect a game 7 in this one.  

Last week. I mean, it was just the regular season. We'll put that behind us. "Death by load management" probably hit many of you.  

Brad Hayward.    @dokhockey