NHL Grind Down: Wednesday, January 31st

by Ben (benwell311) Last Updated 2018-01-31 16:10:12 Premium Content Part of the product Combo Lite

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.

New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs

New York Islanders					Toronto Maple Leafs
			Thomas Greiss					Frederik Andersen
			Record					Record
			25-21-5					28-18-5
Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%	Stats	GF/GP	GA/GP	PP%	PK%
Team Stats	3.38	3.58	20.13	73.51	Team Stats	3.10	2.84	20.98	83.23

Islanders Offensive Outlook

5v5 (adj): 57.12 CF/60 (18) | 62.07 CA/60 (4) | 2.29 xGF/60 (14) | 2.48 xGA/60 (3)

After hosting the Florida Panthers last night, the Islanders have a quick turnaround to face a rested Maple Leaf squad on the road. This game figures to have plenty of offense as both teams have had issues in their own zone. New York’s offensive numbers aren’t great, but their top two lines certainly know how to drive play and score goals.

Over the past month the Leafs have really struggled to suppress shot attempts and scoring chances. They’ve actually been hovering around the top three teams most generous to opposing offenses at 5v5, so the Islanders should be able to get some looks. New York’s offense has been quiet of late and this is another good matchup for them, so hopefully they don’t disappoint for the third time in four games.

The bad news for John Tavares, Anders Lee, and Josh Bailey is they are going to see a good deal of Nazem Kadri at 5v5. Kadri is a strong two way center and certainly the matchup to avoid from Toronto. Kadri’s line has also been improved with Mitch Marner stepping in for Leo Komarov. The Tavares line has been quiet for the past five or so games and now have a tougher on-ice matchup. They’ll have high ownership tonight but there may be other places to invest.

One such place is right on their team. Coming in cheaper and likely to work against the Matthews line for Toronto, Mathew Barzal, Jordan Eberle, and Anthony Beauvillier should play fast paced, end-to-end hockey at 5v5. Barzal and Eberle have been getting it done all year that shouldn’t change tonight. This line has driven play well and Barzal-Eberle have formed an explosive combination.

Islanders Special Teams Outlook
The Islanders have been strong on the power play, but they’re up against an equally strong penalty kill in Toronto tonight. The Leafs have done a good job of keeping shot attempts (of all varieties) and scoring chances limited. Toronto also goes shorthanded right around three times per game, so they aren’t a team that puts opposing power plays on the ice.

Islanders Goaltending Outlook
Struggling and playing behind a very poor defense, Thomas Greiss is the worst goaltending option of the slate, and it’s not close. The Leafs should have their way with New York’s struggling defense. The last time we saw Greiss he allowed four goals on 56 (!) Montreal shots. Greiss will be busy and will likely let a few goals by him. Literally any other goalie is better tonight.