NHL Grind Down: Tuesday, January 9th

by Ben (benwell311) Last Updated 2018-01-09 19:47:37 Premium Content Part of the product Core4

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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

Team Ranking Key
CF = Corsi For = shot attempts generated
CA = Corsi Allowed = shot attempts allowed
xGF = expected goals scored
xGA = expected goals allowed
Numbers in parentheses denote the league ranking for the particular metric.

Winnipeg Jets at Buffalo Sabres

Winnipeg Jets					Buffalo Sabres
			Steve Mason					Robin Lehner
			Record					Record
			25-11-7					10-23-9
Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%	Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%
Team Stats	3.33	2.70	25.00	81.46	Team Stats	2.19	3.38	12.40	79.84

Jets Offensive Outlook
5v5 (adj): 59.64 CF/60 (13) | 55.62 CA/60 (27) | 2.21 xGF/60 (17) | 2.08 xGA/60 (25)

One of the best offenses in the league over the past six weeks or so, the Jets get a road draw with the lowly Sabres coming off their latest unsuccessful road trip. Winnipeg started the season as a very poor possession team but they have rectified that. Their top six is missing a key center but hasn’t missed a beat. It’s been good for the Jets.

Tonight’s matchup is against an underwhelming defense, but one that plays a low event, defensive focus system to try and slow the game down and shelter the defense. They remain a team short on talent and it’s tough to not like the chances of another successful outing for the Jets’ top six. Even with Robin Lehner playing well on home ice and the Sabres more middle of the road versus bottom of the barrel defensively, Winnipeg should find success tonight. The only real concern here is the second line, which has done a tremendous job limiting high-danger shot attempts at 5v5. They figure to see the top line.

On a seven game slate, however, the top two lines and their explosiveness are appealing. Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor have strong underlying numbers and great realized success. They tend to garner the most attention, though the second line of Mathieu Perreault, Bryan Little, and Nikolaj Ehlers have been most impressive in their own right. They are generating high-danger shot attempts hand over fist and will come cheaply, though they don’t exactly carry the same upside as the top line.

Jets Special Teams Outlook
Winnipeg may not have the best numbers, but their power play shouldn’t be overlooked. Buffalo’s penalty kill has improved but they aren’t exactly a high-end unit. In the end, this one comes down to the talent and form of Winnipeg over Buffalo, so at worst it’s a neutral matchup.