DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Nov. 18

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.

Artem Anisimov, C, Chicago Blackhawks

DraftKings price: $4,300

It is important to dig a bit deeper into the DraftKings player pool on a three-game night in order to get a player with the potential to produce but also someone who won't likely be selected by a majority of owners. Anisimov has been consistent over the past 10 games with four goals, four assists, six blocked shots and 16 shots on goal. The second-line center should provide owners with a good amount of fantasy points Wednesday when the Blackhawks visit the Edmonton Oilers (9:30 p.m. ET; SN1) as he has five goals, three assists, three blocked shots and 22 shots on goal in 11 games against Edmonton.

Andrew Ladd, W, Winnipeg Jets

DraftKings price: $5,300

Ladd has not gone through a three-game scoring drought at all this season so he should be due against the visiting Vancouver Canucks after being held scoreless the past two games. The Jets captain was fine before the brief cold stretch with three assists and seven shots on goal in two previous games. Ladd has a goal, two blocked shots and five shots on goal in his past two home games.

Matt Niskanen, D, Washington Capitals

DraftKings price: $4,400

Niskanen is another player owners should consider Wednesday with the light game schedule. While the veteran defenseman isn't a player owners would regularly put on their daily fantasy rosters, he could provide decent numbers when the Capitals visit the Detroit Red Wings for the Wednesday Night Rivalry game (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN). Niskanen has an assist in each of the past two games, while blocking four shots and totaling five shots on goal during that span. He has also done well after some extended time off with a goal, assist, five blocked shots and four shots on goal in two games that were preceded by at least three days of rest.

Corey Crawford, G, Chicago Blackhawks

DraftKings price: $7,700

Crawford is set to start against the Oilers, according to the Chicago Tribune. DraftKings owners should still follow the official game day reports from the Blackhawks to be sure, but selecting backup Scott Darling ($7,200) at the last minute if needed should also be a fine choice. Crawford's career numbers against the Oilers are fair with a 7-5-0 record, 302 saves on 333 shots and a 2.54 goals-against average, but he is still the best option from the limited pool of goalies Wednesday. The timing should be right to take Crawford as the Oilers are experiencing a bit of a scoring lull with an average of 2.2 goals in the past five games.
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