DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Jan. 5

Tuesday, 01.05.2016 / 12:16 PM

By Eric Goodman - NHL.com Fantasy Staff Writer / Fantasy Spin Blog

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Fantasy Spin Blog
DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Jan. 5

Each day during the 2015-16 season, NHL.com's fantasy staff will identify one player at each position worth owning in DraftKings daily fantasy hockey contests. Based on factors including but not limited to matchups, line combinations, power-play usage, statistical coverage and recent production, we'll provide you with lower-priced options that can help you build a winning lineup.

Players accumulate points in DraftKings for each goal (3 points), assist (2), shot on goal (0.5), blocked shot (0.5) and shootout goal (0.2). Bonuses are given for shorthanded points (1) and hat tricks (1.5). Goalies accumulate points for each win (3) and save (0.2), and lose a point for each goal allowed. Goalie bonuses are given for a shutout (2) where the goalie completes the entire game with no goals allowed in regulation (and overtime, if applicable). Shootout goals will not prevent a shutout, and goalies will receive points for any goals or assists they score in a game. Penalty minutes, hits, plus-minus and PP points DO NOT count in DraftKings. DraftKings lineups must include nine players (2 C, 3 W, 2 D, 1 G, 1 FLEX) and fit within the $50,000 salary cap.



Evgeny Kuznetsov
, C, Washington Capitals

Prohibited and/or not available in AZ, IA, LA, MT, NV and WA. Offered in IL and NY pending litigation. See Official Rules for for additional eligibility rules.

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DraftKings price: $5,800

Kuznetsov has 12 goals in 38 games this season which tops his previous high of 11 in 80 games in 2014-15. The second-line center has a bright future ahead of him and his price in DraftKings will likely rise along with his increased offensive output. But, for now, owners can cash in on the incredible value Kuznetsov offers when the Capitals visit the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. The 23-year-old Russian has seven points (three goals, four assists) in the past seven games and four points (one goal, three assists), five blocked shots and eight shots on goal in five career games against Boston.

Jason Pominville, W, Minnesota Wild

DraftKings price: $4,800

It may seem illogical to select a player struggling through a five-game scoring drought, but there is some upside with Pominville at the Columbus Blue Jackets. While the five-game pointless streak is the longest of the season for Pominville, there's a strong chance he will break out against Columbus considering his 13 points (eight goals, five assists) and 42 SOG in 15 career games against the Blue Jackets. Columbus is also tied with the Arizona Coyotes for 29th in the NHL for goals-against average with 3.15 through 40 games.

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers

DraftKings price: $5,000

The Panthers will try for a 10th straight win when they begin a six-game road trip at the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. Ekblad should provide an adequate return on investment as the first-unit power-play defenseman leads Florida with 96 SOG through 39 games this season and has also been good against Buffalo in his career with six assists and 17 SOG in seven games.

Ben Scrivens, G, Montreal Canadiens

DraftKings price: $6,300

Scrivens will make his second start of the season when the Canadiens visit the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia is a prefect opponent for fantasy goaltenders as the team is averaging 30.1 SOG through 37 games this season but is 29th in the League with an average of 2.11 goals per game. Scrivens has been solid in three career games against the Flyers with a 2-0-0 record, 82 saves on 89 shots and a 2.65 GAA.

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