NHL Grind Down: Tuesday, November 14th

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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

Buffalo Sabres at Pittsburgh Penguins

Buffalo Sabres Pittsburgh Penguins
Article Image Robin Lehner Article Image Matt Murray
Record Record
5-9-3 9-7-3
Stats GF/GP GA/GP PP% PK% Stats GF/GP GA/GP PP% PK%
Team Stats 2.35 3.47 14.04 81.25 Team Stats 2.63 3.53 24.66 79.22

Sabres Offensive Outlook

5v5 (adj) (17 games): 49.84 CF/60 (31) | 55.36 CA/60 (26) | 1.84 xGF/60 (30) | 2.27 xGA/60 (15)

The Sabres come into this game with one of the worst offenses in the league. Despite having a talented top six, the team just doesn’t have a system conducive to offense. Nearing the bottom of the barrel in shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger shot attempts generated, the team seems unlikely to take advantage of a vulnerable Pittsburgh defense. To make matters worse, the game is in Pittsburgh and Matt Murray has much better home/road splits.

For Buffalo’s consideration, we’d want to take the line that will be on the ice against Sidney Crosby. The Crosby line has been quite poor at suppression shot attempts and will likely represent Buffalo’s top scoring matchup. The Malkin line has been much tougher to play against and projects as an unfavorable matchup here.

Especially with Evander Kane playing next to Jack Eichel (and Sam Reinhart), and Ryan O’Reilly regarded as a defensive player, Crosby figures to draw out against Eichel’s line. That would set up Eichel and Kane for nice floors, as they can both drive up the shot volume. Reinhart has flourished on a line with Eichel in the past, giving this line a nice GPP sleeper appeal.

It also reduces the upside of Ryan O’Reilly, Benoit Pouliot, and Kyle Okposo, who have otherwise been playing well of late. It’s not a guarantee that Crosby goes out against Eichel, mind you, but that line has the higher floor regardless.

With Reinhart up on the top line and a poor offensive system in place, we can look elsewhere than the bowels of the Sabres’ forward group. It looks like Marco Scandella will suit up tonight and he should see his heavy usage assuming his illness has subsided. Note that on the power play, Victor Antipin would fill in for Scandella filling in for Rasmus Ristolainen should Scandella sit.

Sabres Special Teams Outlook
In a situation like this — using an offense with poor numbers to date — having a favorable power play draw would be a great way to reduce some risk. Unfortunately for the Sabres, the Penguins have been extremely stingy on the penalty kill. They are among the league leaders in suppressing all of shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger shot attempts.

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About the Author

benwell311
Ben (benwell311)

Ben has been playing fantasy hockey since the turn of the century, focusing on NHL DFS over the past three seasons. He has previously written hockey content for eDraft and The Fake Hockey. Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, and memes on Twitter @Benwell_B.