NHL Grind Down: Tuesday, November 28th

by Ben (benwell311) Last Updated 2017-11-29 03:05:31 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

Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres

Tampa Bay Lightning					Buffalo Sabres
			Andrei Vasilevskiy					Robin Lehner
			Record					Record
			16-5-2					6-14-4
Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%	Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%
Team Stats	3.70	2.65	26.67	81.25	Team Stats	2.29	3.42	13.33	81.69

Lightning Offensive Outlook

5v5 (adj) (23 games): 62.13 CF/60 (6) | 57.07 CA/60 (17) | 2.3 xGF/60 (15) | 2.22 xGA/60 (16)

This game sets up as one the Lightning should be able to handle with relative ease, but it may not be one that is slam-dunk for DFS purposes. While Tampa Bay has had an explosive offense of late, they are starting to slow down some and the matchup isn’t ideal. That’s because Buffalo has played decent to good defense, a mostly slower game style that stifled opposing scoring chances and high-danger shot attempts. The good stuff, in other words. Buffalo’s goaltending has been hit or miss this year.

That said, there’s little reason to be completely off the elite top line of Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Vladislav Namestnikov. They are expensive and the matchup isn’t ideal, so they are not must plays, but Buffalo should also struggle with this group at 5v5.

It’s not quite as straightforward for the second line of Brayden Point, Yanni Gourde, and Ondrej Palat. With the overall matchup poor, the sneaky second line stack doesn’t have quite the same appeal.

Lightning Special Teams Outlook
The Sabres are squarely in the middle of the pack in terms of shorthanded shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger shot attempts allowed. It’s not a slam-dunk matchup for the Tampa power play, but it’s also not one that the high-end group should struggle with. It’s enough to move the needle for the top line in tournaments, to be sure.

Lightning Goaltending Outlook
Andrei Vasilevskiy should have a mostly easy night tonight in Buffalo. While playing on the road isn’t ideal, the Sabres enter this one with one of the worst offenses in the league. Buffalo is the worst team in the league at generating high-dange shot attempts and Tampa’s defense isn’t a liability.