Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: NHL DraftKings Primer for March 18

The NHL was in full swing on St. Patrick's Day with nine games. Wednesday will feature a scant three games. That is certainly a significant drop, but there are still some important things to talk about.

The three games include the Chicago Blackhawks vs. the New York Rangers, the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks vs. the Los Angeles Kings.

Two games have some major playoff implications, and the other will be a contest featuring two talented teams that haven't been able to put it all together yet. Without wasting any more time, here's a primer for Wednesday night's action.

"Kings Killer" | Ryan Kesler ($6,100)

John Russell/Getty Images

Ryan Kesler has had a bit of an underwhelming first season with the Ducks offensively, but he's righted the ship over the last 10 games. The Ducks secondary pivot has seven points in his last 10 games—and 3.4 fantasy points per game during that span.

In addition to that, Kesler has been a thorn in the side of the Los Angeles Kings this season. Anaheim and Los Angeles have played in four games together this season, and Kesler has four goals, six points and a 5.8 fantasy-points-per-game average during that span.

"Keep Cam and Talbot On" | Cam Talbot ($9,000)

Henrik Lundqvist made headlines on Tuesday when the Rangers announced that the King was cleared to return to practice. Although it is great for the Rangers to have their starting goalie back, Cam Talbot has played well in his absence.

Talbot has been one of the NHL's best goaltenders since February—and even more so over his last 10 appearances. During that span, the "Goal Buster" has a record of 8-1-1 with a 1.49 goals-against average and .951 save percentage.

He's also averaged 7.2 fantasy points per game, an amazing total for a goalie who is looked at as a temporary starter. Talbot recorded a shutout against the Blackhawks on March 8, so you can count on him to take care of business at Madison Square Garden when the puck drops Wednesday.

"The Kids Are All Right" | Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ($8,400), Jordan Eberle ($8,600) and Justin Schultz ($4,400)

The Edmonton Oilers are toward the end of another unsuccessful season, but the kids have been great over the last few games. The blue line has been interesting—to say the least—but former Wisconsin Badgers star Justin Schultz has been solid with six points in total while averaging 3.2 fantasy points in over 24 minutes a night over the last 10 games.

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Top pivot Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has exploded with 13 points in his last 10 games and a 4.7 fantasy-points-per-game average. Jordan Eberle has been just as good. He has four goals, 14 points and a 4.4 fantasy-points-per-game average during the same timespan.

Given the scarcity of games, you should invest in this hot duo because they are likely to have success against Sergei Bobrovsky.

Time Period	Record	Fantasy Points Per Game
Entire Season	20-17-2, 2.82 GAA, .913 SV	4.7
Last Nine Games	5-4-1, 2.60 GAA, .913 SV	4.5

The Blue Jackets netminder has been average over his last 10 starts, something that is unlikely to change against an Edmonton Oilers team firing on all cylinders.

DraftKings stats and details per its official site.