NHL Grind Down: Wednesday, January 17th

by Ben (benwell311) Last Updated 2018-01-17 17:53:44 Premium Content Part of the product Core4

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.

Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins

Montreal Canadiens					Boston Bruins
			Carey Price					Tuukka Rask
			Record					Record
			18-20-6					24-10-8
Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%	Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%
Team Stats	2.57	3.09	19.55	78.17	Team Stats	3.19	2.52	20.74	82.81

Canadiens Offensive Outlook

5v5 (adj): 61.38 CF/60 (7) | 59.73 CA/60 (8) | 2.46 xGF/60 (9) | 2.23 xGA/60 (19)

The Canadiens are in a bad place right now, and though their offensive metrics year-to-date look good, their finish hasn’t exactly been there. Their line assignments are jumbled a bit and production hasn’t been as good as it should be. Now they get a road draw with a stout Boston defense, making a bust-out seem unlikely.

The Bruins have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this year, and they’ve been even better of late. Since December 1, the Bruins have been the best team limiting shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger shot attempts. Boston has also been one of the toughest places to play for opposing offenses. Yikes.

Montreal will need to worry about who Patrice Bergeron and the top line match out against. As no line really jumps out, expect the top line of Paul Byron, Max Pacioretty, and Charles Hudon to draw the short straw strictly due to Patches. The second option is of course Alex Galchenyuk and Jonathan Drouin, though note Drouin has moved to the wing with Jacob de la Rose centering the line.

No matter the assignments, the Canadiens are probably the fourth best offensive option on this two game slate. Tomas Plekanec, Brendan Gallagher, and Arturri Lehkonen should mostly avoid the Bergeron line due to Plekanec’s defensive reputation, but this line has been one of the better ones under the hood. The finish hasn’t been there, but they’ve done everything else right.

Pacioretty is seeing some correction in his ridiculously low shooting percentage. He’s always going to be in play as a one-off due to his shot volume but he feels like a trap play tonight. Drouin/Galchenyuk have been part of some high-event lines and they run the risk of being pushed back at 5v5 tonight.

Canadiens Special Teams Outlook