Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: Best NHL DFS DraftKings Lineup for April 23

The NHL playoffs continued on Wednesday, and there were a number of enthralling contests. Thursday has the potential to be just as entertaining, and there are four games on the docket.

The Chicago Blackhawks will look to eliminate the Nashville Predators, the Calgary Flames can eliminate the Vancouver Canucks and both the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders will try and rebound after a loss. The action will be intense, and making the most of your $50,000 salary cap will be vital.

With that in mind, here's a look at one of the best potential NHL daily fantasy lineups with DraftKings.

Centers: Nicklas Backstrom, $8,500, and Sam Bennett, $5,200

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The Washington Capitals have a chance to take a 3-2 series lead over the New York Islanders on Thursday, and Nicklas Backstrom has been playing some of his best hockey in recent memory. The Swedish sensation has three goals and three assists for six points in four games, and he's compiled 23.5 fantasy points during that span.

His consistency is the biggest reason you want him in your lineup, because having steady scoring gives you freedom to get creative with unconventional picks. 

Sam Bennett has appeared in four playoff games with the Flames, and he's tallied two goals and an assist.

The rookie has been a solid asset for Calgary, and his 3.0 fantasy points-per-game average during the series makes him a reliable and quality pickup for daily fantasy players. Bennett has been able to fly under the radar thus far, and look for him to be an impact player on Thursday.

Wingers: Johnny Gaudreau, $6,000, and Brandon Saad, $5,000

Johnny Hockey had an amazing regular season as a rookie, and his playoff run to date has been equally impressive. Through four games, Gaudreau has tallied a goal and two assists, and he's averaged 3.66 fantasy points per game.

The Flames have an opportunity to advance to the second round, and Gaudreau will be a big reason why if Calgary eliminates the Canucks. Gaudreau's nerves got the best of him during Game 1 of the series, but since that point, he's looked like the player who set the NHL ablaze for a majority of the season, with the NHL All-Star Game excluded, of course.

Brandon Saad had a breakout season for the Blackhawks, and he's continued his hot play in the postseason. The Blackhawks certainly have a talented roster, but Saad has emerged to the forefront as a player who can be counted on in a big spot.

He has two goals in four games, and he's tallied 10.5 fantasy points against the Nashville Predators. At $5,000, you can't go wrong with Saad, because his production certainly justifies his price tag.

Defensemen: Brent Seabrook, $4,700, and Mike Green, $4,800

Brent Seabrook has a knack for coming through during the big moments, and he ended a triple-overtime contest versus the Predators in Game 4 with a shot from the point. 

He has two goals and an assist during the series, and he's tallied 15 fantasy points during that span. Seabrook is a great add for only $4,700, and he's one of the more productive defenders in action on Thursday.

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Mike Green may only have two points in four games, but he's a good defender who has been kept in check by the Islanders. He has a low price tag of $4,800, and Game 5 will give him an opportunity to get back on his game.

The Capitals own last change as the home team, and this will allow head coach Barry Trotz to deploy Green in situations that he will be most effective. Green has 35 points in 61 career playoff games, according to Hockey-Reference.com, and it is worth investing a little cap space on a player who has a proven track record.

Goaltending: Scott Darling, $9,000

Head coach Joel Quenneville put Scott Darling into the game during the second period after Corey Crawford's meltdown in Game 1, and the journeyman netminder was able to lead the team to victory. Despite this, Coach Q went back to Crawford for Game 2, but since that point, it has been all Darling.

Darling has been simply outstanding for the Blackhawks, and through three games, he is 3-0-0 with a 1.05 goals-against average and a .969 save percentage. He is the closest "sure thing" candidate for Thursday, and you won't be sorry that you plunked down $9,000 of your precious cap space on a goaltender.

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DraftKings stats and details per its official site. Outside statistics via Hockey-Reference.com and NHL.com.