NHL Grind Down: Tuesday, December 12th

by Ben (benwell311) Last Updated 2017-12-13 00:03:02 Premium Content Part of the product SimLabs+

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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

Edmonton Oilers at Columbus Blue Jackets

Edmonton Oilers					Columbus Blue Jackets
			Laurent Brossoit					Sergei Bobrovsky
			Record					Record
			12-16-2					19-10-1
Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%	Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%
Team Stats	2.87	3.27	17.50	72.73	Team Stats	2.77	2.40	9.41	85.71

Oilers Offensive Outlook

5v5 (adj): 63.9 CF/60 (3) |56.56 CA/60 (21) | 2.54 xGF/60 (5) | 2.25 xGA/60 (15)

It’s been something of dark times for Edmonton, and that’s not a comment on the coming winter solstice. No, the Oilers haven’t been getting the job done and are on the outside looking in on the Western Conference playoffs. Over the past month of play, their offense has gone from one of the best in drumming of shot attempts and scoring chances, to a more average unit. Their CF/60 at 5v5 has been closer to the bottom of the league than the top, where they sat for the first month of the year.

Tonight’s matchup may not be cure for what ails them, either. The Blue Jackets have been very strong at 5v5, possessing a strong CF% while limiting shot attempts and scoring chances. Their HDCA/60 is middle of the road, the worst thing that can be said about them at the moment. They also have a world class goalie in net.

Outside of Connor McDavid, the Edmonton forward group hasn’t been keeping pace. There are signs that better days are coming as non-McDavid forwards — Leon Draisaitl, Jesse Puljujarvi, even Milan Lucic — are getting multiple pucks to the net. That could be an issue tonight, however, given the fact that Columbus has been limiting the shot attempts against. Treat the Oilers top line as a secondary option, and it figures to be a night to pass on the secondary options.

Oilers Special Teams Outlook
Columbus has been one of the least penalized teams in the league, going shorthanded less than 2.5 times per game on average through 30 games. When they’ve played shorthanded, the Jackets have done a good job limiting shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger shot attempts against. Even though Edmonton has been very strong on the power play this year, they may not be able to capitalize in this spot.

Oilers Goaltending Outlook
Laurent Brossoit has posted back-to-back strong efforts for the Oilers, giving them a chance to win by stopping 44 of 47 (.936) shots fired from the Canadiens and Maple Leafs. That said, his overall save percentage still sits at a disappointing .887 on the year. The Blue Jackets have one of the league’s best xGF/60 at 5v5 and they have multiple lines that can give Edmonton problems. Brossoit is extremely risky.