Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: DraftKings NHL Optimal Lineup for November 18

The games might be sparse, but the possibilities for daily fantasy hockey owners on Wednesday are outstanding. Picking the perfect lineup can pay dividends for players looking to build their bankroll.

Several top scoring threats are off for the night but can be replaced with others from offenses like the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals. In anticipation of the three-game slate, here's a look at the players DFS owners should target on Nov. 18.

Center: Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks ($4,800) 

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He might not be firing on all cylinders early in the season, but Henrik Sedin has certainly showed big-play ability for the Canucks. Vancouver's captain has been on a hot streak recently, scoring five points in the last five games and averaging 4.25 DraftKings points per game.

Not to mention, Sedin's top line will be taking on the lone defense that ranks 20th or worse against opposing centers. The Winnipeg Jets are allowing 3.2 goals per game, ranking 27th in the league. If Sedin finds open shots, expect a huge performance at a low price for a top center.

Winger: Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks ($5,500)

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Hoping to afford a winger like Alex Ovechkin or Patrick Kane? You'll need to find a premium forward to balance the lineup but still produce fantasy points. Luckily, Artemi Panarin is thriving on the Blackhawks' second line along with Kane.

Panarin has maintained a hot start to the season with 18 points through 18 games. Granted, most of those points are off assists to Kane or Artem Anisimov, but he's still a quality fantasy addition. At $3,100 less than Kane, Panarin has a chance to go off against the porous Edmonton Oilers for DFS owners. Grab him now while he's still available at a reasonable price.

Defenseman: Alexander Edler, Vancouver Canucks ($4,900)

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Returning back to the Canucks, owners can look to the team's top defenseman for a reliable target. Alexander Edler has been peppering goalies recently with eight shots on goal and three points over the last three games.

Tack on eight blocked shots and at least 23 minutes on the ice, and owners can look to Edler as a potential No. 1 target. Sure, he struggles with drop passes and broken sticks—like, a lot of broken sticks—but he's a productive fantasy player.

At $1,500 less than John Carlson, that's a steal for owners looking to build an offensive-minded lineup with huge centers and forwards. Or perhaps a top-flight goalie like our next player.

Goalie: Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks ($7,700)

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Yes, Corey Crawford is the No. 2 goalie on Wednesday night on the price sheet. Yes, he's playing on the road. Yes, he's totally worth it for DFS owners.

Crawford is averaging five fantasy points per game this season, the highest total of any regular starter going on Wednesday. He's also coming off a start in which he earned a win and stopped 29 of 31 shots on the road. Heading into another road start against the 6-12 Oilers, Crawford is the clear goalie to own.

Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more DraftKings advice.

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