Fantasy value picks: Nielsen, Red Wings have good matchup

All season long, NHL.com's fantasy staff will provide daily picks for DraftKings NHL contests. This article includes expensive and value plays and can be used as a basis for your roster decision-making.
MORE FANTASY COVERAGE:DFS strategy guide | Cheat sheet

CENTER

Frans Nielsen, DET ($3,500) --The Detroit Red Wings center is known more for his shootout success and two-way play than for his offense, but has points in four of five games (two goals, three assists) and has multiple SOG in seven of nine games. Nielsen and the Red Wings are coming off an 8-2 win at home against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday and have scored 13 goals in their past two home games. They'll face a Buffalo Sabres team which ranks 30th in the League in goals allowed per game (3.56) and Nielsen (2.5 DraftKings points per contest) figures to fit into the scoring.
Worth considering: Nick Foligno, CBJ ($4,800)

WING

Michael Grabner, NYR ($3,700) -- It's surprising that his price is this low considering he has four goals in five games and eight in 19 games this season for the New York Rangers. Grabner averages more than 2.0 SOG per game and has used his speed to create chances. He was a big reason the Rangers recently had a six-game winning streak. Grabner also had two goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who the Rangers will play Friday, the last time they played on Nov. 6, and has nine goals and 14 points in 16 career games against them.
Worth considering: Justin Abdelkader, DET ($3,500)

DEFENSEMAN

Jack Johnson, CBJ ($3,100) --Although the four points and 20 SOG in 19 games aren't appealing, Johnson does most of his DFS damage defensively with a team-high 37 blocked shots. That's not to say he won't chip in with the occasional point but that would be a bonus. At Johnson's price, he's not expected to do much, but can free up your funds for a high-end defenseman or forward. Remember, it's a two-game slate so finding the bargains will be critical.
Worth considering: Marco Scandella, BUF ($3,900)

GOALTENDER

Jimmy Howard, DET ($7,900) --Howard has allowed two goals or fewer in three of his past four games and gets a good matchup against the anemic Sabres offense, which ranks 30th in the League (2.44 goals per game). His save percentage has been .929 or higher in each of his past four starts and his numbers this season (7-5-1, 2.32 GAA, .930 SV%) have been excellent. Howard has picked up where he left off last season and has been one of the more consistent goalies this season. He also is the goalie most likely to get a win Friday, with Henrik Lundqvist (Rangers) and Sergei Bobrovsky (Blue Jackets) playing one another.
Worth considering: Sergei Bobrovsky, CBJ ($8,100)

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