Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: NHL DraftKings Primer for April 1

The month of April is finally here, and the playoff picture is all but finalized except for a few spots at the bottom of each conference. Although it is April 1, there aren't going to be any cruel jokes or fooling when it comes to selecting the best possible players for daily fantasy hockey with DraftKings. 

There are four games on Wednesday's schedule, and it will be a night in which it makes sense to pick up some top players because of the scarcity of value options.

Basically, one of the better strategies will involve staying even with most players by getting the most value out of top picks and looking to find a value or two that can help put you over the top. With that in mind, here is a primer for DraftKings fantasy action on April 1 with some tips on players you should consider.

POS	PLAYER	PRICE	FPPG Last 10
C	Sidney Crosby	$9,000	4.3
C/UTIL	Ryan O'Reilly	$6,800	5.1
W	Brian Gionta	$5,300	4.6
C/UTIL	Ryan Nugent-Hopkins	$6,100	4.6
G	John Gibson	$8,600	5.0

"It's Always Crosby vs. Philadelphia": Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins ($9,000)

Sidney Crosby is leading the NHL in points, and he's been the hottest player over the last few weeks. The Penguins' captain has 20 points in his last 16 games and 12 points in his last nine. While his recent statistics certainly speak volumes, his utter dominance of the Philadelphia Flyers is why you want to select him.

In 50 career games versus Philadelphia, Crosby has 30 goals and 45 assists for 75 points. That is the second-most points he has against one individual team, and that should continue against a Flyers team that no longer has anything to play for.

"Oh Baby O'Reilly": Ryan O'Reilly, Colorado Avalanche ($6,800)

Time Period	Goals	Assists	Points	FPPG
Season	15	38	53	2.9
Last 10	5	9	14	5.1

When it comes to top-end offensive forwards, Ryan O'Reilly is one of the better bargains for action on Wednesday. The Avalanche center/winger has played some of his best hockey as of late, and he's tallied 14 points in his last 10 games while maintaining a 5.1 fantasy points-per-game average.

"

22 points in Ryan O’Reilly’s last 18 games. Such a smart and capable all around player. Really a huge fan of his.

— Hope_Smoke (@Hope_Smoke) March 31, 2015"

It also helps that ROR has 10 points in 18 career games versus the San Jose Sharks, and look for him to take advantage of a team that doesn't have anything to play for at this point.

Brian Gionta, Buffalo Sabres ($5,300)

Glenn James/Getty Images

The Buffalo Sabres are set to take on a Toronto Maple Leafs squad that played on Tuesday, and there's one player you should buy low on. Brian Gionta has played very well as of late for the "Tank Nation Sabres," and he's tallied six points in his last four games while averaging 7.75 fantasy points per game.

Another reason you should invest in Gionta is because of his track record versus the Maple Leafs, and that includes 28 points in 46 career contests.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers ($6,100)

Although the Anaheim Ducks are one of the best teams in the league, it is hard to ignore the run that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been on lately. The Oilers' top pivot has 12 points in his last 10 games, and he has averaged 4.6 fantasy points during that span.

This season, RNH has faced off against the Ducks three times, and he's tallied a goal, an assist and a 3.2 fantasy points-per-game average. 

It would be wise to play RNH in a utility spot because not many people will draft him due to who the Oilers are playing, and he could give you a nice return on investment if he stays the course offensively.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks ($8,600)

Andy Marlin/Getty Images

When it comes to goaltenders, there aren't many options worth considering because there are only four games on the docket. It makes the most sense to get what you pay for, and that means spending $8,600 on John Gibson.

The Ducks netminder has had a decent season, and he's 7-2-0 with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage over his last nine starts. He's averaged 5.0 fantasy points per game during that stretch, and when you consider all the variables, it makes sense to devote the cap space.

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