NHL Grind Down: Wednesday, November 15th


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

Calgary Flames at Detroit Red Wings

Calgary Flames Detroit Red Wings
Article Image Eddie Lack Article Image Jimmy Howard
Record Record
10-7-0 8-8-2
Stats GF/GP GA/GP PP% PK% Stats GF/GP GA/GP PP% PK%
Team Stats 2.88 2.94 17.24 74.58 Team Stats 2.61 2.78 18.87 84.62

Flames Offensive Outlook

5v5 (adj) (17 games): 62.66 CF/60 (8) | 59.05 CA/60 (14) | 2.39 xGF/60 (13) | 2.15 xGA/60 (22)

For the first time in three weeks (!) the Flames will head out on the road. First up is a date in Detroit with the Red Wings, a mediocre team that has seen their expected goals allowed rate creep up at 5v5. The Flames offense is buzzing right now, displaying high-event tendencies and multiple line viability in the process — things we like in DFS. The Red Wings have been struggling to suppress high-danger shot attempts at 5v5, which has contributed to their elevated xGA/60.

Conversely to the Flames, the Red Wings have spent much of the young season on the road. They don’t have much recent data to go on with line assignments. In their last game they tried using the Frans Nielsen line in a shutdown role, but that job has typically gone to Henrik Zetterberg. There aren’t any shutdown matchups to worry about.

The top line of Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, and Michael Ferland has been outstanding this year. They have a strong 56.33% CF% and are averaging close 14 high-danger shot attempts per hour. The possession number is neck and neck with that of the 3M line, who is generally thought of as the stronger driver of play. While the 3M line has the possession number, the Monahan line has the elite quality shot attempt number.

In other words, while both Calgary lines have played well, the top line has the upside. This game isn’t shy away matchup by any means. Though we typically like the Flames at home, against a defense with an ever increasing xGA/60 number, the red hot Flames should stay hot.

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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.