NHL Grind Down: Tuesday, January 17th - Page Two
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Florida Panthers at Calgary Flames
| Florida Panthers | Calgary Flames | ||||||||
 | Roberto Luongo |  | Chad Johnson | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 20-17-8 | 23-20-3 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.29 | 2.60 | 14.90% | 85.30% | Team Stats | 2.54 | 2.67 | 20.30% | 81.20% |
Injuries and a surprising coaching change have been the predominant talking points regarding the Panthers this season, and unfortunately that indicates a disappointment. After winning the Atlantic Division last season, Florida will need to go on quite the run to grab a playoff spot this season in the Eastern Conference. They did pick up an impressive win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday will kick off a tour of Western Canada tonight against the Calgary Flames. While the Flames aren’t known for their stellar defense, the Panthers have managed to score just 2.29 goals per game this season and Calgary has actually tightened things up in their own end lately. Throw in the fact that they’re still without top scoring talents in Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Nick Bjugstad and it’s tough to get too excited. Offensively, it’s each of Florida’s top two scoring lines that provide almost all of their offense. Vincent Trocheck centers Seth Griffith and Jaromir Jagr on the top line with Jonathan Marchessault, Jussi Jokinen and Reilly Smith joining forces on the second line. All six see a healthy dose of playing time with the man-advantage as well and are fine GPP options considering they’ll all likely be somewhat overlooked. It’s worth noting that Trocheck has been on fire lately; scoring three goals and adding four assists during a four-game point streak. On defense, both Keith Yandle and Aaron Ekblad see the lions share of the playing time with the man-advantage. Yandle’s passing ability makes him the preferred play, however.
After dropping each of their last two games, Calgary simply must take advantage of their three game-home stand that starts tonight against Florida. They currently find themselves in fourth place in the Atlantic Division and are narrowly holding on to one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference. They’ve struggled a bit offensively lately, but it’s not due to a lack of weapons. Johnny Gaudreau headlines the top forward line and #1 power-play unit where he’s joined by Sean Monahan and Alex Chiasson in both situations. Gaudreau has posted 10 goals and 18 assists in 36 games this season and offers the most GPP upside. Meanwhile, it’s actually Mikael Backlund that leads the team with 29 points and he’s developed a nice rapport with rookie Matthew Tkachuk and Michael Frolik on the second line. Troy Brouwer finally looks to be back to full health, but he’s been relegated to third-line duty upon his return and just isn’t logging the minutes we’d want to see before trusting him in our lineups. The Calgary blue-line unveils plenty of fantasy potential. Both Mark Giordano and Dougie Hamilton are very gifted offensively and are a dangerous duo on the point of the power-play. Alternatively, T.J. Brodie sees a healthy dose of power-play minutes as well and has topped 40 points in each of the past two seasons. Brodie has been very quiet lately, but that has at least led to a discounted asking price.
Florida Panthers
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.5 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -17, 110.19 CP60
Elite Options
Vincent Trocheck ($6,600 FD, $6,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.44 CF60, 2.38 xGF60, 97.86 PDO
Secondary Options
Jaromir Jagr ($5,800 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.64 CF60, 2.7 xGF60, 101.92 PDO
Reilly Smith ($5,300 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.7 CF60, 2.4 xGF60, 96.13 PDO
Jonathan Marchessault ($5,500 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.51 CF60, 2.15 xGF60, 97.63 PDO
Jussi Jokinen ($5,400 FD, $4,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.94 CF60, 2.51 xGF60, 95.2 PDO
Keith Yandle ($5,500 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.16 CF60, 2.26 xGF60, 98.86 PDO
Expected Netminder
Roberto Luongo – My Ratings (out of 10): 5.5 Cash, 6.5 GPP
Calgary Flames
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.47 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -7, 109.01 CP60
Elite Options
Johnny Gaudreau ($7,500 FD, $6,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.88 CF60, 2.67 xGF60, 96.44 PDO
Dougie Hamilton ($6,100 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 67.14 CF60, 2.98 xGF60, 97.37 PDO
Mark Giordano ($6,000 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.5 CF60, 2.52 xGF60, 100.52 PDO
Secondary Options
Sean Monahan ($6,600 FD, $5,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.55 CF60, 2.44 xGF60, 98.3 PDO
Mikael Backlund ($6,000 FD, $5,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.45 CF60, 2.67 xGF60, 99.66 PDO
Matthew Tkachuk ($5,500 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 66.35 CF60, 2.87 xGF60, 100.25 PDO
Expected Netminder
Chad Johnson – My Ratings (out of 10): 6.5 Cash, 7 GPP
Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche
| Chicago Blackhawks | Colorado Avalanche | ||||||||
 | Corey Crawford |  | Semyon Varlamov | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 27-14-5 | 13-27-1 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.70 | 2.50 | 18.60% | 75.60% | Team Stats | 2.00 | 3.32 | 13.00% | 78.50% |
There isn’t a more advantageous matchup in the NHL this season that squaring off against the Colorado Avalanche. They own the worst record in hockey and have no only scored the fewest goals in the season, but have also managed to surrender an NHL worst 3.32 goals against per game. Chicago has not been great on the road this season but they did shutout the Colorado in a 4-0 decision their only other visit to the Pepsi Center and they are going to be very popular. It’s a pretty easy case to make to name Patrick Kane the top overall play on the board tonight and his linemates Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov are also locked in as top-tier options. Kane potted a pair of goals on Sunday in Minnesota and has now racked up three goals and seven assists in the last six games. Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa are often tasked with some added defensive responsibilities but I don’t expect that to be a huge concern of Joe Quenneville’s tonight. They like the firepower of the the trio on the top line but have to be on your radar tonight. Toews hasn’t had a great offensive season, but their captain has scored a pair of goals against the Avalanche already this season and his play-making ability lands their third-wheel Vinnie Hinostroza as a fine value option. On defense, both Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook share the duties on the point of the #1 power-play unit and they shoot up my defensive rankings thanks to Colorado’s ugly 78.5% penalty kill.
Colorado is the worst team in the NHL. They’re also playing some of their worst hockey of the season lately. With the Chicago Blackhawks invading the Pepsi Center on a nine-game slate….. No. Just say no! Nathan MacKinnon and Matt Duchene deserve the obligatory look in GPPs, but this just isn’t the matchup to be targeting the NHL’s lowest scoring team.
Chicago Blackhawks
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.41 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 7, 110.13 CP60
Elite Options
Patrick Kane ($8,600 FD, $7,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.1 CF60, 2.25 xGF60, 102.1 PDO
Artemi Panarin ($7,700 FD, $6,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.52 CF60, 2.38 xGF60, 104.37 PDO
Duncan Keith ($6,600 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.01 CF60, 2.33 xGF60, 101.58 PDO
Brent Seabrook ($5,400 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.51 CF60, 2.27 xGF60, 100.94 PDO
Secondary Options
Jonathan Toews ($7,100 FD, $6,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.77 CF60, 2.51 xGF60, 99.86 PDO
Marian Hossa ($6,500 FD, $5,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.28 CF60, 2.49 xGF60, 100.86 PDO
Richard Panik ($3,400 FD, $4,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.2 CF60, 2.27 xGF60, 101.09 PDO
Expected Netminder
Corey Crawford – My Ratings (out of 10): 8.5 Cash, 8 GPP
Colorado Avalanche
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 46.59 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -40, 110.18 CP60
Elite Options
None
Secondary Options
Nathan MacKinnon ($7,100 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.75 CF60, 2.23 xGF60, 96.43 PDO
Matt Duchene ($6,500 FD, $5,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.24 CF60, 2.16 xGF60, 96.4 PDO
Gabriel Landeskog ($5,900 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.5 CF60, 1.8 xGF60, 96.22 PDO
Tyson Barrie ($5,200 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 49.74 CF60, 1.87 xGF60, 96.42 PDO
Expected Netminder
Semyon Varlamov – My Ratings (out of 10): 2 Cash, 4 GPP
Nashville Predators at Vancouver Canucks
| Nashville Predators | Vancouver Canucks | ||||||||
 | Pekka Rinne |  | Ryan Miller | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 20-16-7 | 20-19-6 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.74 | 2.58 | 18.20% | 82.70% | Team Stats | 2.38 | 2.84 | 13.40% | 79.80% |
Just as the Predators appeared to be slipping out of the playoff picture, they’ve now won three straight games and are right back into the thick of things in the Western Conference. They’ll continue their five-game road trip tonight in Vancouver to battle a Canucks team they just defeated (albeit with one second left on the clock in overtime) just last week. On the surface this does look like a nice spot to play some Predators, but just tread carefully as Vancouver has been a completely different team in front of their home fans. Also muddying the waters here are the ugly line combinations Peter Laviolette appears to be ready to deploy. Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen look set to remain on the top line, but now with Craig Smith as the third member. Meanwhile, James Neal headlines the second line alongside Viktor Arvidsson and Calle Jarnkrok which leaves poor Mike FIsher to center Colton Sissons and Austin Watson on the third line. What does this all mean, you ask? It means I’ll be focusing all of my attention on targeting Vancouver’s subpar 79.8% penalty kill. This is where the trio of Forsberg, Johansen and Neal get to work together down low, with Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis roaming the point. The Roman Josi injury is obviously a huge blow (specially considering that they’re still without P.K. Subban), but both Ekholm and Ellis have proven to be solid defensemen for the Predator’s and the door is wide open for one (or both) of them to really take their game to the next level over the next couple of weeks.
I’m not high on this Canucks team at all, and after dropping each of their last four games, they immediately struck me as a team to not only fade tonight but also pick on. Then I noticed their 15-6-3 home record coupled with Nashville’s road struggles and now I’m just scratching my head. No matter how you look at it, the Canucks have averaged an uninspiring 2.38 goals per game this season and I simply can’t in good conscience target them in cash games this evening. The Sedin twins are clearly well past their prime, but both players have pushed past the 25 point plateau already this season and still join forces on both the top forward line and #1 power-play unit. The case can be made that Loui Eriksson has been one of the most disappointing off-season acquisitions in the league this season, but the talented Swede did notch his tenth goal of the season over the weekend and should benefit from his new (again) role alongside the Sedins. With that said, it’s actually Bo Horvat that leads the team in scoring (30 points) and it’s been the duo of Markus Granlund and Brandon Sutter doing most of the damage lately. They’ll all likely see very low ownership, so they can’t be ignored in GPPs. On defense, Alex Edler looks to be back to full health and both he and Troy Stecher now soak up nearly all of the available minutes on the point of the Vancouver power-play.
Nashville Predators
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.16 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 13, 114.74 CP60
Elite Options
Ryan Johansen ($6,600 FD, $5,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 67.75 CF60, 2.59 xGF60, 99.92 PDO
Filip Forsberg ($7,100 FD, $5,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.45 CF60, 2.5 xGF60, 100.59 PDO
Secondary Options
James Neal ($6,900 FD, $5,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.52 CF60, 2.5 xGF60, 99.03 PDO
Mike Fisher ($5,100 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.02 CF60, 2.31 xGF60, 101.85 PDO
Viktor Arvidsson ($5,300 FD, $6,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 68.63 CF60, 2.71 xGF60, 101.27 PDO
Mattias Ekholm ($4,600 FD, $3,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.86 CF60, 2.48 xGF60, 100.86 PDO
Ryan Ellis ($4,900 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.52 CF60, 2.4 xGF60, 101.52 PDO
Expected Netminder
Pekka Rinne – My Ratings (out of 10): 7 Cash, 7 GPP
Vancouver Canucks
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 48.5 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -11, 104.14 CP60
Elite Options
None
Secondary Options
Daniel Sedin ($6,300 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.57 CF60, 2.08 xGF60, 100.92 PDO
Bo Horvat ($5,400 FD, $5,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.01 CF60, 2.48 xGF60, 101.71 PDO
Brandon Sutter ($5,000 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 47.52 CF60, 2.25 xGF60, 97.4 PDO
Alex Edler ( FD, DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.82 CF60, 2.21 xGF60, 98.8 PDO
Troy Stecher ($4,500 FD, $4,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.71 CF60, 2.26 xGF60, 101.37 PDO
Expected Netminder
Ryan Miller – My Ratings (out of 10): 5 Cash, 6 GPP
Tampa Bay Lightning at Anaheim Ducks
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Anaheim Ducks | ||||||||
 | Andrei Vasilevskiy |  | John Gibson | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 21-20-4 | 24-13-9 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.75 | 2.95 | 23.30% | 80.30% | Team Stats | 2.63 | 2.50 | 21.40% | 82.70% |
“Just as I started to write-off the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, they put together a solid effort yesterday afternoon and stole two points from the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center. They have a tough road ahead of them if they want to push themselves back into the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, but some added success on this tough six game road trip could turn their season around entirely. It’s another tough task awaiting them tonight however as the Ducks will hit the ice tonight sitting atop the Pacific Division and own an impressive 14-5-3 record at the Honda Center. Nikita Kucherov is easily the top offensive weapon on John Cooper’s bench now with Steven Stamkos sidelined. The 23 year-old dished out an assist last night and now leads the team with 41 points in 38 games. He’s slated to be joined by Ondrej Palat and Vladislav Namestnikov on the top forward line where they figure to draw plenty of attention from Ryan Kesler and his pestering defense. With Anaheim likely focused on slowing that line down, Jonathan Drouin becomes a very intriguing option, particularly in GPPs. He’s extended his scoring streak to five games with a highlight reel assist yesterday afternoon and has the unique ability to create his own offense. On defense, Victor Hedman has been one of the top fantasy producers on the blue-line all season. He owns 38 points in 44 games and runs the show from the point of their very dangerous #1 power-play unit. The question to ask tonight is simply whether or not you think he’s worth his big-ticket asking price in a tough matchup on the tail end of back-to-back games.
I think many people who follow the NHL closely were expecting the 2016-17 to be the beginning of the end for the Anaheim Ducks, but that certainly hasn’t been the case just yet as they’ll hit the ice tonight leading the Atlantic Division. A lot of their success can be attributed to Ryan Kesler bounce-back season and he’s finally showing the abilities to provide secondary scoring behind the duo of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Kesler actually leads the team with 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 games this season and Jakob Silfverberg and Andrew Cogliano are both playing very well on his wings. Meanwhile both Getzlaf and Perry sit tied with 33 points on the young season and have really elevated the game of their third-wheel, Rickard Rakell. Rakell has potted 18 goals and added eight assists in just 35 games but his asking price has started to catch up with his production on most sites. On defense, both Cam Fowler and Sami Vatanen run the show from the point of the Duck’s top power-play unit. Both defensemen have a similar offensive upside while also owning the high-floor you should be seeking in cash games. Alternatively, Shea Theodore “usage” has been a bit peculiar in my opinion, but the former first-round pick has proven to be a dangerous offensive weapon when given the chance. He’s slated to run the point of the #2 power-play unit, making him a solid value play.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.29 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -13, 108.4 CP60
Elite Options
Nikita Kucherov ($8,000 FD, $7,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.13 CF60, 2.86 xGF60, 103.49 PDO
Secondary Options
Jonathan Drouin ($6,400 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.96 CF60, 2.4 xGF60, 98.8 PDO
Ondrej Palat ($5,900 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.19 CF60, 2.47 xGF60, 99.47 PDO
Vladislav Namestnikov ($5,000 FD, $4,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.89 CF60, 2.75 xGF60, 98.87 PDO
Tyler Johnson ($5,800 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.34 CF60, 2.23 xGF60, 98.6 PDO
Victor Hedman ($7,200 FD, $5,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.37 CF60, 2.42 xGF60, 99.98 PDO
Expected Netminder
Andrei Vasilevskiy – My Ratings (out of 10): 5.5 Cash, 6.5 GPP
Anaheim Ducks
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 49.36 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 2, 107.28 CP60
Elite Options
Ryan Getzlaf ($7,300 FD, $6,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.88 CF60, 2.55 xGF60, 99.08 PDO
Ryan Kesler ($7,100 FD, $7,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.07 CF60, 2.91 xGF60, 102.1 PDO
Secondary Options
Corey Perry ($6,700 FD, $6,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.47 CF60, 2.62 xGF60, 100.14 PDO
Jakob Silfverberg ($6,100 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.71 CF60, 2.84 xGF60, 103.34 PDO
Rickard Rakell ($6,300 FD, $6,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 47.18 CF60, 2.34 xGF60, 104 PDO
Sami Vatanen ($5,100 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.48 CF60, 2.53 xGF60, 102.18 PDO
Cam Fowler ($5,200 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.66 CF60, 2.63 xGF60, 100.26 PDO
Shea Theodore ($3,800 FD, $3,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.21 CF60, 2.36 xGF60, 96.29 PDO
Expected Netminder
John Gibson – My Ratings (out of 10): 6.5 Cash, 7 GPP