UNLOCKED: Line Matching – October 11th
Line Matching will typically be posted in the early afternoon (EST) once most teams have wrapped up their morning skates. Line Matching for afternoon games (on weekends) will be posted in the morning prior to puck-drop.
This post looks at which teams will have an advantage at 5v5. It looks at which lines the home-team will try and match-up against and which line could have an edge. It does not take power-play or goaltending into consideration.
STATS
- All totals are per 60 minutes of 5v5 ice time.
- SCF/SCA- Scoring chances for and against
- CF/CA – Corsi for and against
- HDCF/HDCA – High-danger Chances for and against
Matchups
- Which lines the Home team is expected to be matched up against.
Index
1️⃣ – Indicates PP1 Usage
2️⃣ – Indicates PP2 Usage
San Jose Sharks @ New York Rangers
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| SJS2 | NYR1 | SJS2 | Not a hard match |
| LW | T. Hertl 1️⃣ | LW | J. Vesey |
| C | L. Couture 1️⃣ | C | K. Hayes 2️⃣ |
| RW | T. Meier 2️⃣ | RW | R. Spooner 2️⃣ |
| Sample: 765:51 TOI (Hertl & Couture) | Sample: 165:52 TOI | ||
| OFF: 63 CF, 28 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 45 CF, 23 SCF, 11 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 60 CA, 26 SCA, 11 HDCA | DEF: 73 CA, 34 SCA, 16 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| SJS1 | NYR2 | SJS1 | Not a hard match |
| LW | E. Kane 2️⃣ | LW | P. Buchnevich 1️⃣ |
| C | J. Pavelski 1️⃣ | C | M. Zibanejad 1️⃣ |
| RW | K. Labanc 2️⃣ | RW | J. Fast |
| Sample: 226:09 TOI (Pavelski & Kane) | Sample: 155:24 TOI (Zibanejad & Buchnevich w/o Kreider) | ||
| OFF: 68 CF, 36 SCF, 18 HDCF | OFF: 55 CF, 24 SCF, 11 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 53 CA, 22 SCA, 7 HDCA | DEF: 68 CA, 32 SCA, 14 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| SJS3 | NYR3 | N/A | Not a hard match |
| LW | M. Sorensen | LW | C. Kreider 1️⃣ |
| C | A. Suomela | C | B. Howden 2️⃣ |
| RW | J. Donskoi 2️⃣ | RW | M. Zuccarello 1️⃣ |
| Sample: No Sample-Suomela and Donskoi have very strong numbers this year but that was all with Kane | Sample: 73:22 TOI (Kreider & Zuccarello) | ||
| OFF: N/A | OFF: 47 CF, 20 SCF, 9 HDCF | ||
| DEF: N/A | DEF: 70 CA, 39 SCA, 18 HDCA |
Analysis: New Rangers’ head coach Dan Quinn continues to make one peculiar decision after another. After already scratching Vladislav Namestnikov for a game, Kevin Shattenkirk will be a healthy scratch tonight. He also made the decision to dismantle the Rangers’ top line of Buchnevich, Zibanejad, and Kreider. Buchnevich and Zibanejad are much worse away from Kreider, and vice-versa. The Sharks’ top-six should dominate at even strength tonight.
Colorado Avalanche @ Buffalo Sabres
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| COL1 | BUF1 | COL1 | Not a hard match |
| LW | G. Landeskog 1️⃣ | LW | C. Sheary 2️⃣ |
| C | N. MacKinnon 1️⃣ | C | J. Eichel 1️⃣ |
| RW | M. Rantanen 1️⃣ | RW | S. Reinhart 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 742:30 TOI | Sample: 236:22 TOI (Eichel & Reinhart) | ||
| OFF: 63 CF, 31 SCF, 12 HDCF | OFF: 54 CF, 24 SCF, 11 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 60 CA, 27 SCA, 10 HDCA | DEF: 55 CA, 24 SCA, 11HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| COL2 | BUF2 | N/A | Not a hard match |
| LW | A. Kerfoot 2️⃣ | LW | J. Skinner 2️⃣ |
| C | T. Jost 1️⃣ | C | P. Berglund |
| RW | C. Wilson 2️⃣ | RW | K. Okposo 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 241:07 TOI (Jost & Kerfoot) | Sample: No Sample-Berglund and Skinner are both new to the team | ||
| OFF: 54 CF, 25 SCF, 7 HDCF | OFF: N/A | ||
| DEF: 65 CF, 31 SCA, 12 HDCA | DEF: N/A | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| COL3 | BUF3 | N/A | Not a hard match |
| LW | M. Nieto | LW | R. Elie |
| C | C. Soderberg 2️⃣ | C | C. Mittelstadt 1️⃣ |
| RW | G. Bourque | RW | T. Thompson 2️⃣ |
| Sample: 687:10 TOI (Soderberg & Nieto) | Sample: No Sample-Mittelstadt is a rookie and Thompson is new to the team | ||
| OFF: 53 CF, 22 SCF, 8 HDCF | OFF: N/A | ||
| DEF: 63 CA, 27 SCA, 10 HDCA | DEF: N/A |
Analysis: The Sabres’ line-matching has varied from game to game this year, but the Eichel line has been seeing the majority of the ice time against the opposing first line. The Mackinnon line is easily favoured in this matchup, even on the road. The lack of samples to work with for Buffalo 2 and 3 means Colorado 1 is the only line worth stacking in this one. As per usual, Eichel still makes for a strong one-off/cash play.
Vegas Golden Knights @ Pittsburgh Penguins
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| VGK1 | PIT1 | PIT1 vs VGK1: Even, High-Event | PIT1 split 50/50 against VGK1/VGK2 |
| LW | J. Marchessault 1️⃣ | LW | J. Guentzel 2️⃣ |
| C | W. Karlsson 1️⃣ | C | S. Crosby 1️⃣ |
| RW | R. Smith 1️⃣ | RW | P. Hornqvist 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 708:33 TOI | Sample: 98:43 TOI (All 3) | PIT1 vs VGK2: Even, High-Event | |
| OFF: 62 CF, 31 SCF, 12 HDCF | OFF: 74 CF, 38 SCF, 15 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 50 CA, 24 SCA, 9 HDCA | DEF: 55 CA, 38 SCA, 9 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| VGK2 | PIT2 | PIT2 vs VGK2: Even | PIT2 split 50/50 against VGK2/VGK1 |
| LW | M. Pacioretty 2️⃣ | LW | C. Hagelin |
| C | E. Haula 2️⃣ | C | E. Malkin 1️⃣ |
| RW | T. Nosek 1️⃣ | RW | P. Kessel 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 51:46 TOI (Pacioretty & Haula) | Sample: 578:31 TOI (Malkin & Kessel) | PIT2 vs VGK1: Slight VGK1 | |
| OFF: 75 CF, 38 SCF, 14 HDCF | OFF: 62 CF, 28 SCF, 11 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 44 CA, 20 SCA, 11 HDCA | DEF: 58 CA, 29 SCA, 14 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| VGK3 | PIT3 | Even | Not a hard match |
| LW | R. Carpenter 2️⃣ | LW | D. Simon |
| C | C. Eakin | C | D. Brassard 2️⃣ |
| RW | O. Lindberg | RW | B. Rust |
| Sample: 184:45 TOI (Eakin & Carpenter) | Sample: 58:51 TOI (Simon & Rust) | ||
| OFF: 59 CF, 27 SCF, 9 HDCF | OFF: 69 CF, 32 SCF, 12 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 56 CA, 23 SCA, 10 HDCA | DEF: 52 CA, 35 SCA, 16 HDCA |
Analysis: Pittsburgh 1 should trade chances at even strength against the likes of Vegas 1 and 2. They should push the pace of play and turn this one into a high-event affair. Given the skill in Pittsburgh’s top-six, you expect them to convert on a greater percentage of chances. Both lines are viable stacks tonight especially when you consider Vegas is travelling on a back-to-back.
Edmonton Oilers @ Boston Bruins
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| EDM1 | BOS1 | BOS1, High-Event | Hard match |
| LW | R. Nugent-Hopkins 1️⃣ | LW | B. Marchand 1️⃣ |
| C | C. McDavid 1️⃣ | C | P. Bergeron 1️⃣ |
| RW | T. Rattie 2️⃣ | RW | D. Pastrnak 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 128:49 TOI | Sample: 535:54 TOI | ||
| OFF: 60 CF, 33 SCF, 17 HDCF | OFF: 67 CF, 33 SCF, 12 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 60 CA, 35 SCA, 17 HDCA | DEF: 47 CA, 24 SCA, 12 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| EDM3 | BOS2 | BOS2 vs EDM3: BOS2 | BOS2 split 60/40 against EDM3/EDM2 |
| LW | T. Reider | LW | J. DeBrusk 2️⃣ |
| C | R. Strome 2️⃣ | C | D. Krejci 2️⃣ |
| RW | Z. Kassian | RW | J. Nordstrom |
| Sample: 68:55 TOI (Strome & Kassian) | Sample: 579:52 TOI (DeBrusk & Krejci) | BOS2 vs EDM2: Slight BOS2 | |
| OFF: 51 CF, 23 SCF, 6 HDCF | OFF: 61 CF, 29 SCF, 9 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 76 CA, 41 SCA, 15 HDCA | DEF: 51 CA, 22 SCA, 9 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| EDM2 | BOS3 | BOS3 vs EDM2: Slight BOS2 | BOS3 split 60/40 against EDM2/EDM3 |
| LW | M. Lucic 2️⃣ | LW | D. Heinen 2️⃣ |
| C | L. Draisaitl 1️⃣ | C | D. Backes 2️⃣ |
| RW | K. Yamamoto | RW | A. Bjork 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 180:25 TOI (Draisaitl & Lucic w/o McDavid) | Sample: 438:58 TOI (Backes & Heinen) | BOS3 vs EDM3: Slight BOS3, low-event | |
| OFF: 57 CF, 30 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 62 CF, 27 SCF, 9 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 58 CA, 29 SCA, 13 HDCA | DEF: 49 CA, 21 SCA, 8 HDCA |
Analysis: Boston 1 should see the lion’s share of the chances in this hard match, but it should be high-event, making McDavid and company a viable play in their own right. Edmonton 2 should have a hard time at even strength tonight, so it’s best to only use Draisaitl in powerplay stacks. Boston 1 is a solid high-priced target tonight while both Boston 2 and 3 have value-stack appeal.
Washington Capitals @ New Jersey Devils
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| WSH1 | NJD1 | Even, High-Event | Not a hard match |
| LW | A. Ovechkin 1️⃣ | LW | T. Hall 1️⃣ |
| C | E. Kuznetsov 1️⃣ | C | N. Hischier 1️⃣ |
| RW | B. Conolly 2️⃣ | RW | K. Palmieri 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 557:00 TOI (Ovechkin & Kuznetsov) | Sample: 290:25 TOI | ||
| OFF: 59 CF, 30 SCF, 13 HDCF | OFF: 64 CF, 28 SCF, 14 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 62 CA, 30 SCA, 15 HDCA | DEF: 58 CA, 30 SCA, 13 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| WSH2 | NJD2 | Slight WSH2 | Not a hard match |
| LW | J. Vrana 2️⃣ | LW | M. Johansson 2️⃣ |
| C | N. Backstrom 1️⃣ | C | P. Zacha 2️⃣ |
| RW | T. Oshie 1️⃣ | RW | S. Noesen 2️⃣ |
| Sample: 71:13 TOI | Sample: 60:37 TOI (Zacha & Johansson) | ||
| OFF: 57 CF, 30 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 62 CF, 33 SCF, 12 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 53 CA, 20 SCA, 7 HDCA | DEF: 58 CA, 28 SCA, 11 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| WSH3 | NJD3 | NJD3 | Not a hard match |
| LW | A. Burakovsky | LW | M. Wood |
| C | L. Eller 2️⃣ | C | T. Zajac 1️⃣ |
| RW | C. Stephenson | RW | J. Quenneville |
| Sample: 297:00 TOI (Eller & Burakovsky) | Sample: 89:04 TOI (Wood & Zajac) | ||
| OFF: 58 CF, 27 SCF, 8 HDCF | OFF: 63 CF, 30 SCF, 16 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 61 CA, 30 SCA, 15 HDCF | DEF: 54 CA, 18 SCA, 7 HDCA |
Analysis: As good as Washington has been this year, you have to give a slight advantage to New Jersey 1 at even strength. The Capitals are travelling on a back-to-back, so a would-be even matchup gets titled ever so slightly. It should be high-event, so the Ovechkin line is still in play tonight. Washington 2 should be challenged by New Jersey’s second line, which is chalk-full of reasonable punt options. The Zajac line gets the nod over Washington 3 but shouldn’t see enough ice time to make it matter.
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Florida Panthers
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| CBJ1 | FLA1 | Even, High-Event | Hard match |
| LW | A. Panarin 1️⃣ | LW | E. Dadonov 1️⃣ |
| C | P-L. Dubois 1️⃣ | C | A. Barkov 1️⃣ |
| RW | C. Atkinson 2️⃣ | RW | N. Bjugstad 2️⃣ |
| Sample: 350:52 TOI | Sample: 375:52 TOI | ||
| OFF: 69 CF, 36 SCF, 14 HDCF | OFF: 69 CF, 37 SCF, 15 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 55 CA, 27 SCA, 12 HDCA | DEF: 55 CA, 25 SCA, 12 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| CBJ2 | FLA2 | Even | Not a hard match |
| LW | N. Foligno 1️⃣ | LW | J. Huberdeau 1️⃣ |
| C | A. Wennberg 2️⃣ | C | V. Trochek 1️⃣ |
| RW | A. Duclair 1️⃣ | RW | M. Hoffman 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 230:13 TOI (Foligno & Wennberg) | Sample: 527:25 TOI (Trochek & Huberdeau) | ||
| OFF: 64 CF, 27 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 64 CF, 30 SCF, 10 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 52 CA, 23 SCA, 11 HDCA | DEF: 64 CA, 31 SCA, 11 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| CBJ3 | FLA3 | FLA3 | Not a hard match |
| LW | B. Jenner 2️⃣ | LW | F. Vatrano 2️⃣ |
| C | R. Nash | C | J. McCann |
| RW | J. Anderson | RW | D. Malgin 2️⃣ |
| Sample: 152:25 TOI (Jenner & Anderson) | Sample: 90:48 TOI (Malgin & McCann) | ||
| OFF: 64 CF, 30 SCF, 13 HDCF | OFF: 59 CF, 31 SCF, 10 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 67 CA, 30 SCA, 13 HDCA | DEF: 55 CA, 21 SCA, 5 HDCA |
Analysis: Another high-paced, high-event matchup that’s playable from both sides. Columbus 1’s stock drops with Atkinson being dumped from the top powerplay unit. Florida is once again opting to run their best five forwards on their first powerplay, giving some added appeal to their top-six tonight. Neither third line is worth consideration.
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Detroit Red Wings
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| TOR1 | DET1 | Slight TOR1, High-Event | Not a hard match |
| LW | P. Marleau 2️⃣ | LW | J. Abdelkader |
| C | A. Matthews 1️⃣ | C | D. Larkin 1️⃣ |
| RW | K. Kapanen | RW | A. Mantha 2️⃣ |
| Sample: 56:45 TOI (Matthews & Marleau) | Sample: 472:40 TOI (Larkin & Mantha) | ||
| OFF: 68 CF, 39 SCF, 15 HDCF | OFF: 60 CF, 26 SCF, 10 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 83 CA, 46 SCA, 19 HDCA | DEF: 55 CA, 28 SCA, 12 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| TOR2 | DET2 | TOR2 | Not a hard match |
| LW | Z. Hyman | LW | G. Nyquist 1️⃣ |
| C | J. Tavares 1️⃣ | C | A. Athanasiou 2️⃣ |
| RW | M. Marner 1️⃣ | RW | T. Vanek 2️⃣ |
| Sample: 51:46 TOI | Sample: 35:37 TOI (Athanasiou & Vanek) | ||
| OFF: 79 CF, 46 SCF, 15 HDCF | OFF: 48 CF, 27 SCF, 12 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 67 CA, 27 SCA, 12 HDCA | DEF: 82 CA, 46 SCA, 22 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| TOR3 | DET3 | TOR3 | Not a hard match |
| LW | P. Lindholm | LW | T. Bertuzzi 1️⃣ |
| C | N. Kadri 1️⃣ | C | F. Nielsen 2️⃣ |
| RW | C. Brown 2️⃣ | RW | M. Rasmussen 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 42:52 TOI (Brown & Kadri) | Sample: 57:55 (Bertuzzi & Nielsen) | ||
| OFF: 59 CF, 30 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 54 CF, 24 SCF, 8 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 57 CA, 29 SCA, 10 HDCA | DEF: 60 CA, 31 SCA, 7 HDCA |
Analysis: Both of Toronto 1 and 2 are premier options tonight. Line matching will be more fluid than usual for the Red Wings in this one. Abdelkader usually plays on the fourth line, which would normally see a sizable amount of time against the opposing first line. We’re assuming with Abdelkader’s move that all of that responsibility now gets shifted to the first line. Still, the balanced nature of the Maple Leafs’ attack likely means that Toronto 1 and 2 will see a variety of matchups tonight. They both win across the board, but the numbers from the Tavares line have been outstanding to start the season. A Toronto powerplay stack has been made near-impossible to fit in one lineup, so you’ll probably have to choose between the top two lines.
Los Angeles Kings @ Montreal Canadiens
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| LAK1 | MTL1 | Slight MTL1 | Not a hard match |
| LW | A. Iafallo | LW | T. Tatar 1️⃣ |
| C | A. Kopitar 1️⃣ | C | P. Danault |
| RW | I. Kovalchuk 1️⃣ | RW | B. Gallagher 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 806:58 TOI (Kopitar & Iafallo) | Sample: 57:38 TOI (Danault & Gallagher) | ||
| OFF: 57 CF, 26 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 84 CF, 36 SCF, 17 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 52 CA, 25 SCA, 11 HDCA | DEF: 59 CA, 31 SCA, 17 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| LAK2 | MTL2 | MTL2 | Not a hard match |
| LW | T. Pearson 2️⃣ | LW | P. Byron |
| C | A. Kempe 1️⃣ | C | M. Domi 2️⃣ |
| RW | T. Toffoli 2️⃣ | RW | A. Lehkonen |
| Sample: 264:34 TOI | Sample: 97:04 TOI (Byron & Lehkonen) | ||
| OFF: 64 CF, 25 SCF, 9 HDCF | OFF: 64 CF, 33 SCF, 16 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 58 CA, 30 SCA, 13 HDCA | DEF: 59 CA, 27 SCA, 12 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| LAK3 | MTL3 | N/A | Not a hard match |
| LW | J. Anderson-Dolan | LW | J. Drouin 1️⃣ |
| C | J. Carter 1️⃣ | C | J. Kotkaniemi 2️⃣ |
| RW | M. Amadio 2️⃣ | RW | J. Armia 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 85:49 TOI (Carter w/o Pearson & Toffoli last year) | Sample: No sample-Kotkaniemi is a rookie and Armia is new to the team | ||
| OFF: 54 CF, 26 SCF, 9 HDCF | OFF: N/A | ||
| DEF: 62 CA, 28 SCA, 8 HDCA | DEF: N/A |
Analysis:
Danault and Gallagher’s combined numbers from this season and last suggest they should have a slight advantage at even strength tonight. While the sample size is still too small to use, it’s worth noting that the Kopitar line has struggled at 5v5 to start the season. It’s still very early, but Kopitar and Iafallo’s numbers are much weaker with Kovalchuk than they were with the injured Dustin Brown. It’s a risky play, but Montreal 2 should get some opportunities against Los Angeles 2. Pearson and Toffoli are much worse away from Jeff Carter.
Vancouver Canucks @ Tampa Bay Lightning
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy | |
| VAN2 | TBL1 | TBL1 vs VAN2: N/A | TBL1 split 60/40 against VAN2/VAN3 | |
| LW | N. Goldobin 2️⃣ | LW | O. Palat 2️⃣ | |
| C | E. Pettersson 1️⃣ | C | S. Stamkos 1️⃣ | |
| RW | L. Eriksson 2️⃣ | RW | N. Kucherov 1️⃣ | TBL1 vs VAN3: TBL1 |
| Sample: No Sample-Pettersson is a rookie, Goldobin and Eriksson played less than 20 mins together last year | Sample: 779:19 TOI (Kucherov & Stamkos) | |||
| OFF: N/A | OFF: 67 CF, 31 SCF, 11 HDCF | |||
| DEF: N/A | DEF: 58 CA, 29 SCA, 11 HDCA | |||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | ||||
| VAN1 | TBL2 | TBL2 | Not a hard match | |
| LW | T. Motte | LW | T. Johnson | |
| C | B. Horvat 1️⃣ | C | B. Point 1️⃣ | |
| RW | B. Boeser 1️⃣ | RW | Y. Gourde 2️⃣ | |
| Sample: 457:04 TOI (Horvat & Boeser) | Sample: 80:04 TOI | |||
| OFF: 58 CF, 29 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 80 CF, 41 SCF, 20 HDCF | |||
| DEF: 59 CA, 30 SCA, 10 HDCA | DEF: 60 CA, 31 SCA, 14 HDCA | |||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | ||||
| VAN3 | TBL3 | TBL3 vs VAN3: TBL3 | ||
| LW | S. Baertschi 1️⃣ | LW | A. Killorn 2️⃣ | |
| C | B. Sutter | C | A. Cirelli | |
| RW | J. Virtanen 2️⃣ | RW | M. Joseph 2️⃣ | |
| Sample: 92:34 (Sutter & Virtanen) | Sample: 143:16 TOI (Killorn & Cirelli) | TBL3 vs VAN2: N/A | ||
| OFF: 54 CF, 22 SCF, 3 HDCF | OFF: 63 CF, 26 SCF, 11 HDCF | |||
| DEF: 67 CA, 33 SCA, 12 HDCA | DEF: 46 CA, 22 SCA, 7 HDCA |
Analysis:
The sample is too small to use but the returns have been positive so far for the Pettersson line. While they might be able to push back offensively a fair amount, they don’t have the makeup to contain Stamkos and Kucherov. Tampa Bay 1 against Vancouver 3 is one of the biggest mismatches of the night, so look for Tampa Bay’s heavy hitters to go to work whenever they see time against Sutter. Tampa Bay 2 holds a solid advantage over Horvat and Boeser.
Winnipeg Jets @ Nashville Predators
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy | |
| WPG1 | NSH1 | NSH1 vs WPG1: Even | Top-9 vs Top-9 | |
| LW | K. Connor 1️⃣ | LW | F. Forsberg 1️⃣ | |
| C | M. Scheifele 1️⃣ | C | R. Johansen 1️⃣ | |
| RW | B. Wheeler 1️⃣ | RW | V. Arvidsson 1️⃣ | NSH1 vs WPG2: Even |
| Sample: 611:10 TOI | Sample: 518:51 TOI | |||
| OFF: 59 CF, 29 SCF, 12 HDCF | OFF: 68 CF, 28 SCF, 11 HDCF | NSH1 vs WPG3: NSH1 | ||
| DEF: 57 CA, 26 SCA, 9 HDCA | DEF: 54 CA, 27 SCA, 12 HDCA | |||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | ||||
| WPG2 | NSH2 | NSH2 vs WPG1: NSH2 | Top-9 vs Top-9 | |
| LW | N. Ehlers 2️⃣ | LW | K. Fiala 2️⃣ | |
| C | B. Little 2️⃣ | C | K. Turris 2️⃣ | |
| RW | P. Laine 1️⃣ | RW | C. Smith 1️⃣ | NSH2 vs WPG2: NSH2 |
| Sample: 340:09 TOI | Sample: 544:52 TOI | |||
| OFF: 55 CF, 24 SCF, 8 HDCF | OFF: 74 CF, 34 SCF, 14 HDCF | NSH2 vs WPG3: NSH2 | ||
| DEF: 56 CA, 23 SCA, 9 HDCA | DEF: 52 CA, 23 SCA, 10 HDCA | |||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | ||||
| WPG3 | NSH3 | NSH3 vs WPG1: WPG1 | Top-9 vs Top-9 | |
| LW | K. Vesalainen | LW | C. Jarnkrok | |
| C | J. Roslovic 2️⃣ | C | N. Bonino 2️⃣ | |
| RW | M. Perreault 2️⃣ | RW | R. Hartman | NSH3 vs WPG2: Even |
| Sample: 156:01 TOI (Roslovic & Perreault) | Sample: 271:08 TOI (Jarnkrok & Bonino) | |||
| OFF: 53 CF, 22 SCF, 6 HDCF | OFF: 62 CF, 25 SCF, 10 HDCF | NSH3 vs WPG3: NSH3 | ||
| DEF: 63 CA, 25 SCA, 11 HDCA | DEF: 55 CA, 22 SCA, 9 HDCA |
Analysis:
These are two dominant 5v5 teams going head to head. Don’t expect a ton of opportunities at even strength. Nashville 2 has the strongest matchups on paper but they’ve struggled to convert on their chances so far this season. Powerplay stacks are the way to go in this one, and there’s an argument to be made for the top unit of either team. Given their powerplay correlation, Nashville 1 and Winnipeg 1 carry the most upside in this one.
Chicago Blackhawks & Minnesota Wild
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy |
| CHI1 | MIN1 | Slight MIN1 | Not a hard match |
| LW | A. DeBrincat 1️⃣ | LW | J. Zucker 1️⃣ |
| C | J. Toews 1️⃣ | C | E. Staal 1️⃣ |
| RW | D. Kahun 2️⃣ | RW | J. Eriksson Ek |
| Sample: 241:15 TOI (Toews & DeBrincat) | Sample: 487:40 TOI (Zucker & Staal) | ||
| OFF: 66 CF, 31 SCF, 9 HDCF | OFF: 66 CF, 33 SCF, 16 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 58 CA, 24 SCA, 12 HDCA | DEF: 58 CA, 24 SCA, 10 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| CHI2 | MIN2 | Even | Hard match |
| LW | B. Saad 2️⃣ | LW | Z. Parise 2️⃣ |
| C | N. Schmaltz 1️⃣ | C | M. Koivu 2️⃣ |
| RW | P. Kane 1️⃣ | RW | M. Granlund 1️⃣ |
| Sample: 125:31 TOI | Sample: 134:58 TOI | ||
| OFF: 58 CF, 29 SCF, 11 HDCF | OFF: 46 CF, 18 SCF, 10 HDCF | ||
| DEF: 58 CA, 32 SCA, 12 HDCA | DEF: 50 CA, 16 SCA, 7 HDCA | ||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | |||
| CHI3 | MIN3 | N/A | Not a hard match |
| LW | C. Kunitz | LW | N. Niederreiter 1️⃣ |
| C | A. Anisimov 2️⃣ | C | J. Greenway |
| RW | A. Fortin | RW | C. Coyle 2️⃣ |
| Sample: No Sample-Fortin is a rookie and Kunitz is new to the team | Sample: 100:22 (Coyle & Niederreiter) | ||
| OFF: N/A | OFF: 56 CF, 28 SCF, 14 HDCF | ||
| DEF: N/A | DEF: 62 CA, 32 SCA, 11 HDCA |
Analysis:
Minnesota 1 holds a slight advantage over the Toews line, but I would be surprised if their numbers didn’t take a hit with the addition of Eriksson EK. The Koivu line should play Kane and Schmaltz to a low-event draw, so neither line is terribly appealing. Minnesota’s powerplay is worth considering simply because of the Blackhawks’ goaltending. They won’t need a ton of opportunities to convert in this one, but it should be a tight game at 5v5.
Calgary Flames @ St. Louis Blues
 |  | Favourite | Home Coaching Strategy | |
| CGY1 | STL1 | N/A | Top-9 vs Top-9 | |
| LW | J. Gaudreau 1️⃣ | LW | P. Maroon 1️⃣ | |
| C | S. Monahan 1️⃣ | C | R. O’Reilly 1️⃣ | |
| RW | E. Lindholm 1️⃣ | RW | V. Tarasenko 1️⃣ | |
| Sample: 924:49 TOI (Monahan & Gaudreau) | Sample: No Sample-Maroon and O’Reilly are both new to the team. | |||
| OFF: 69 CF, 32 SCF, 15 HDCF | OFF: N/A | |||
| DEF: 56 CA, 27 SCA, 12 HDCA | DEF: N/A | |||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | ||||
| CGY2 | STL2 | STL2 vs CGY1: Slight CGY1 | Top-9 vs Top-9 | |
| LW | M. Tkachuk 1️⃣ | LW | J. Schwartz 2️⃣ | |
| C | M. Backlund 2️⃣ | C | B. Schenn 2️⃣ | |
| RW | A. Czarnik 2️⃣ | RW | D. Perron 2️⃣ | STL2 vs CGY2: STL2 |
| Sample: 200:16 TOI (Tkachuk & Backlund w/o Frolik) | Sample: 410:04 (Schwartz & Schenn w/o Tarasenko) | |||
| OFF: 66 CF, 24 SCF, 10 HDCF | OFF: 64 CF, 31 SCF, 11 HDCF | STL2 vs CGY3: N/A | ||
| DEF: 54 CA, 23 SCA, 8 HDCA | DEF: 50 CA, 25 SCA, 11 HDCA | |||
| ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ | ||||
| CGY3 | STL3 | N/A | Top-9 vs Top-9 | |
| LW | S. Bennett | LW | A. Steen 2️⃣ | |
| C | D. Dube2️⃣ | C | T. Bozak 1️⃣ | |
| RW | J. Neal 2️⃣ | RW | J. Kyrou | |
| Sample: No Sample-Dube is a rookie, Neal is new to the team | Sample: No Sample-Kyrou is a rookie and Bozak is new to the team. | |||
| OFF: N/A | OFF: N/A | |||
| DEF: N/A | DEF: N/A |
Analysis:
The sample is still just a touch too small to use, but St. Louis 1 looked good in the teams’ first two games. Expect them to do well against Calgary 2 and 3 tonight, but the Monahan-Gaudreau line will be a challenge for them. Considering the lack of samples and the other matchups on this slate, the safe play is to avoid targeting this game for stacks.
Suggested Stacks
- 1. San Jose 1
- 2. Toronto 2
- 3. Tampa Bay 1
Editor’s Note: Credit to Adam Daly for creating this Line Matching format while working at DailyFaceoff.com during the 2017-18 season. To see Adam’s new Line Matching format, we encourage you to become a Patron.