Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA). The reason for applying those stats to this particular exercise is because they are the best indicator of a team’s scoring opportunities and we want to identify games with teams that possess the best combination of quality and quantity of scoring opportunities.
Anaheim Ducks @ Washington Capitals
- Totals: Highest 6 DK 6 FD 6
The Washington Capitals (15-4-6) have won four of their last six and host the Anaheim Ducks (13-8-4) tonight. Six of the Caps last seven games have featured 6 or more goals.
Washington’s offense operates as one of the best in the league, ranking 7th in SCF (560, 22.4/game) and 5th in HDF (175, 7/game). They lead the league in shooting percentage (9.7% 1st) and are putting a healthy amount of shots on net (772, 30.88/game), however they could use a few more PPO (73, 2.92/game).
The Capitals bring an average defense into this game, limiting their opponents shots (697, 27.88/game) and facing few PPOA (63, 2.52/game). But they do allow some scoring chances at five on five, ranking 16th in SCA (514, 20.56/game) and 11th HDA (160, 6.4/game).
The Ducks have picked up points in four of their last five games and wins in two of their last three. Each of Anaheim’s last four games has seen 6 or more goals.
The Ducks average shooting percentage (7.6% 14th) and middling amount of PPO (73, 2.92/game) have kept a ceiling on their offense, but their heightened shot volume (799, 31.96/game) offers plenty of potential. They generate a good amount of offensive chances, ranking 12th in SCF (519, 20.76/game) and 4th in HDF (177, 7.08/game).
It’s a good thing the Ducks can create plenty of offense because their defense allows their opponents to operate with little resistance. Despite facing a limited amount of PPOA (67, 2.68/game) Anaheim faces plenty of shots against (827, 33.08/game). They also rank in the top ten in both scoring chance categories, 7th in SCA (538, 21.52/game) and 8th in HDA (166, 6.64/game).
Two excellent offenses square off against two average to below average defenses in this one which should lead to plenty of goal scoring from both sides.
Los Angeles Kings @ Vancouver Canucks
- Totals: Highest 5.5 DK 5.5 FD 5.5
Finishing up back to back games in Western Canada the Los Angeles Kings (10-9-4) take on the Vancouver Canucks (8-15-2). LA snapped a two game losing streak last night and each of their last five games featured 5 or more goals.
The Kings are creating plenty of offense at five on five, ranking 6th in SCF (565, 24.56/game) and 13th in HDF (157, 6.82/game) in addition to drawing plenty of penalties and getting a good amount of PPO (78, 3.39/game). Their disappointing shooting efficiency (6.7% 23rd) holds them back from taking advantage of their mouth watering shot volume (814, 35.39/game).
Defensively LA ranks in the top ten in the amount of scoring opportunities they allow, 7th in SCA (538, 23.39/game) and 9th in HDA (165, 7.17/game). While they don’t contend with very many PPOA (57, 2.47/game) their opponents still get plenty of shots on net (696, 30.26/game).
The Canucks started their home stand with a 4-1 loss to the Penguins but they have won two of their last three games. Five of Vancouver’s last six games featured 5+ goals.
Despite a very favorable amount of PPO (86, 3.44/game) and massive shot volume (839, 33.56/game) Vancouver’s offense is under performing, mostly because of their dismal shooting percentage (5.7% 30th). Their five on five scoring opportunities are middle of the pack, ranking 15th in SCF (507, 20.28/game) and 20th in HDF (141, 5.64/game).
The Canucks have shown above par defense at even strength, ranking 16th in SCA (514, 20.56/game) and 18th in HDA (146, 5.84/game). They do face plenty of shots against (801, 32.04/game) and have to contend with quite a bit of PPOA (82, 3.28/game).
Both of these teams average lots of shots for and against, while also creating plenty of man advantage situations for themselves. Special teams will play a big factor in this one and should feature a lot of scoring.
Dave Leonard is our Lead Fantasy Writer at HW Hockey
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