NHL Grind Down: Thursday, November 30th

by Ben (benwell311) Last Updated 2017-11-30 18:53:13 Premium Content Part of the product SimLabs+

Jump to Page 1 2

The RotoGrinders NHL Grind Down article will give you an in-depth analysis into the NHL schedule. This article will break down the numbers for every single game and give you analysis on which trends you can exploit. While matchups are a major factor in daily fantasy hockey there are plenty of other factors to consider such as injuries, salaries, and more.

The analysis should point you in the right direction, but it is still up to you to decipher the information and make your own selections. Hockey is an extremely high variance sport. The best choice is not always the right choice but following the trends will win you money over time.

Remember, these writeups are done prior to lineups being released, so make sure to check our Starting Lineups page to ensure the recommended options are playing.

Note: As always, if you want to try a new DFS site, be sure to click through a RotoGrinders link and use our DraftKings promo code and FanDuel promo code to receive the best perks in the industry.

Stackability Rating System (Offense):

Green : Friendly matchup at 5v5 and/or on the power play; multiple lines worth stacking
Yellow : Line specific matchup at 5v5 and/or friendly power play matchup
Orange : Stacking is best left for GPPs, secondary scoring units and/or power play in tough matchup
Red : Difficult 5v5 and/or power play matchup, stacking not advisable

Stackability Rating System (Goalies):

Green : Goalie has a plus draw and is playable in all formats
Yellow : There is risk at 5v5 or the penalty kill; iffy for cash games and better for GPPs
Orange : Realistic risk at 5v5 and the penalty kill; not advisable in cash games but viable in GPPs
Red : Elevated risk in all situations and not a recommend crease to chase

Los Angeles Kings at Washington Capitals

Los Angeles Kings					Washington Capitals
			Jonathan Quick					Braden Holtby
			Record					Record
			14-8-3					14-10-1
Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%	Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%
Team Stats	2.84	2.28	17.86	89.29	Team Stats	2.88	3.00	20.73	77.32

Kings Offensive Outlook

5v5 (adj) (25 games): 57.55 CF/60 (16) | 57.62 CA/60 (15) | 2.26 xGF/60 (15) | 2.45 xGA/60 (5)

This game sets up as a sneaky spot for scoring. Both teams play something of an open style and have struggled in their own end. While Washington’s numbers have looked better over the past couple games, things under the hood are still a bit rough. The Capitals trail only the New York Rangers in most high-danger shot attempts allowed.

The most important thing Washington did was break rearrange their top six. We know long have the woeful second line to pick on, which likely would have matched up against Tyler Toffoli, Tanner Pearson, and Nick Shore. That line — centered by Evgeny Kuznetsov — should still be the matchup at 5v5 and remains a favorable one, it’s just not as good as it could be compared to the old line. Still, this incarnation of That 70’s Line will get their chances and have a better draw than the top line.

Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Alex Iafallo figure to see at least some time against the Backstrom line for Washington, which now includes Alex Ovechkin. Backstrom is a strong center, but since Ovechkin got moved to the top line the Backstrom line hasn’t been used exclusively against opposing top lines. This is good news for the Kopitar line as they should be able to control play when dealing with Washington’s third line.

Kings Special Teams Outlook
The Capitals represent a favorable matchup for the Kings as they have struggled to suppress shot attempts quite a bit. Scoring chances and high-danger shot attempts allowed are also elevated. The Kings’ power play numbers mesh well as Los Angeles has had no issues drawing up shot attempts or scoring chances. Washington has been one of the more penalized teams in the league so the opportunities should be there.

Kings Goaltending Outlook
Jonathan Quick has a tough matchup on tap tonight despite what Washington’s expected goal rate may show. We all know that the Caps can be dangerous, so while their overall offensive metrics are quite poor this year, they are on the upswing and it should be a quicker paced game. Quick has played well and the Capitals aren’t the best offense in the league, but there is some risk in the road draw given LA’s high expected goals allowed rate.