ADD’EM: CRAZY EIGHTS After the All-Star break, fantasy teams look for those players who can push their team over the top in their chase for the championship.  Sifting through the waiver wire can produce some gems if you weed carefully. Players on teams fighting for a playoff spot are more desirable than those who are already destined to participate in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs.  PrimePucks™ will take a look at 8 players who can possibly enhance your team’s efforts down the homestretch. Let’s start with 2 players who can produce better than a point-per-game but are known for getting injured quite easily.  Winnipeg’s Bryan Little (55.4%) and ex-Winnipeg and current Buffalo Sabre Evander Kane (42.8%) are owned by quite a few fantasy clubs who are holding on with the hope that these players can reach their true potential as they help their respective NHL clubs fight for a playoff spot.  Little has already been injured this season and has played in only 29 games but has 26 points split evenly between goals and assists.  Little would be a constant inclusion in your fantasy lineup as he is a point-per-game candidate but, along with Kane, need to ward off the injury demon.  Kane on the other hand is an enigma as he possesses sick offensive skills but has never fully shown those on a consistent basis, causing his fantasy owners to continually pull their hair in frustration. The Sabre has also battled injury this year and has played in only 37 games.  With Jack Eichel back from an early season injury and the Sabres desperate to reach the post-season, perhaps some much-needed chemistry will occur and all that potential comes pouring out.  Enjoy their production while healthy but be ready with a backup plan just in case. PLAYER TEAM ESPN  % OWNED GAMES   PLAYED     ACTUAL NHL STATS (PTS/GL) PRIMEPUCKS™ FORECAST (PTS/GL) B. LITTLE WPG 55.4 29 26/13 50/18 E. KANE BUF 42.8 37 23/14 44/17 A.BURAKOVSKY WAS 24.5 46 27/10 56/24 R. VRBATA ARZ 26.0 48 34/11 39/18 J. ZUCKER MIN 34.7 48 33/14 29/12 J. BAILEY NYI 18.1 47 32/8 36/14 A.LEE NYI 24.8 46 25/17 48/22 V. FILPPULA TB 20.3 48 32/7 36/10   One of the up-and-coming stars is getting red-hot at the right time after a very slow start to the season.  Andre Burakovsky (24.5%) of the Washington Capitals is often overlooked as he plays behind Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, Justin Williams and Evgeny Kuznetsov, to name a few, but the budding star has been on fire since his sit down a few weeks back.  With 12 ...

Jordan Staal So let me get this straight. Eric is now Jordan and Jordan is now Eric. Well, the numbers tell the story of Jordan's sudden transformation into the Canes top scoring center and with Eric rumored to be traded soon, then maybe this point surge can last longer than usual.    Benoit Pouliot I told you to pick up Connor McDavid's most consistent line mate last week, but he is still available in many leagues. Snatch him as he is playing with the next Coming...   Andre Burakovsky 17 points over the last 16 games.. plays on arguably the best 2nd line in the NHL with budding superstar Evgeni Kuznetsov,.. Enough said.    Michael Stone  The youngster is coming into his own with 6 points in his last 8 games and should be a lock for his first 30-point season. OEL left the Anaheim game early last night so Stone could be in for a short-term jolt in fantasy value.    Jonas Hiller  I was going to suggest him as a solid add in the wake of Kari Ramo's season ending injury, but his play if late has left much to be desired. Joni Ortio might still be in the picture, so tread with caution here.

* Andre Burakovsky- The 19-year old paid huge dividends after being promoted to Washington's top line, scoring the game-winning goal in the 4-3 win over Florida. Whenever a talented youngster has the opportunity to strut his stuff alongside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, he needs to be on all fantasy radars. Monitor this situation as the young Burakovsky could be worth a flier if he can exhibit chemistry with the two superstars. **Brandon Dubinsky- The Columbus center has been very injury prone this season, but his two goals in the win over Colorado gives him nine points in 11 games. A big second half could be coming for a healthy Dubinsky who is more than a capable offensive performer and is essential the heartbeat of this team. If available on the waiver wire, you would be wise to snatch him up. ***Patrick Sharp- After collecting the game-winning goal and an assist during the 6-5 triumph over Dallas, the premier left winger has been flourishing with nine points in his last seven games. The injury rust has been totally shaken off, so fantasy owners should bank on Sharp being an elite fantasy option moving forward. If you can snag him via a trade, I would give it a shot. ****Mike Ribeiro- What a comeback season thus far for the underrated Ribeiro, as he has delivered legitimate first-line center play for the rising Predators. His three assists improves his numbers to seven points in his last five games and 18 in the last 16 overall. Start him if you have him- he has PPG potential the rest of the way. *****Tyler Johnson- 43 points in 40 games- are you kidding me? With two goals in the road win over Ottawa, the second-year center has clearly overshadowed Steven Stamkos but expect a statistical correction during the second half. That being said, Johnson is the real deal and 70-75 points should be a safe bet for arguably the biggest fantasy surprise of the 2014-15 season.

*The Boston Bruins bounced back after two straight humiliating defeats North of the border, holding off the resilient Hurricanes by a 2-1 score. Tuukka Rask was at his best in the crease, turning aside 33 of 34 shots to secure the must-win for the "B's"... With the game-winning goal, Patrice Bergeron has heated up with points in 6 of his last 7 games. It's always near the end of the calendar year when the brilliant two-way pivot cranks up the scoring, so make you are starting him. *Darcy Kuemper temporarily staves off talk of him losing his hold on the Minnesota Wild starting job with a super effort in the 2-1 road win in Dallas. He stopped 27 of 28 shots, while counterpart Kari Lehtonen couldn't turn a decent performance into a win for the Stars. Dallas has struggled heavily at home, winning only once in six games.. *Jarrett Stoll banged home the overtime game-winner for the Kings in this latest version of this heated Southern California rivalry. Jonathan Quick was the fantasy star of the game, stopping 27 of 29 shots to improve his record to 3-0-2 in his last five starts. Nothing less than elite reserved for this guy.. Ryan Kesler kept the Ducks close with his second-period goal and now is currently riding a six-game point streak. Start him next week as he has been picking up the offensive slack while Corey Perry recovers from the mumps. *Sergei Bobrovsky made a triumphant return to the Columbus crease, turning aside 36 of 37 shots in the 2-1 win over San Jose. Expect "Super Bob" to swiftly make his way up to fantasy elite status as the Blue Jackets continue to get healthier. "Buy low" on him if you can, as a huge second half is looming for the talented Russian.. * I almost forgot.. Jake Muzzin is looking real good for LA with two more assists, giving him seven points in his last five games. If you need help on defense, grab him if he is still available. *A couple of significant line developments for the Washington Capitals: Andre Burakovsky has been moved up to the top line, while Evgeni Kuznetsov is playing alongside Marcus Johansson on the 2nd unit. It didnt make much of a difference in their 4-1 loss to St. Louis, but they could have fantasy implications. *Montreal LW Max Pacioretty is getting on one of those scoring streaks, picking up two assists to give him six points over the last four games. Ride him while he is hot, but when he gets cold.. *Whats up with PK Subban lately? The elite offensive blueliner has been struggling and as a result, ...

The New Jersey Devils stopped their 4-game losing streak as Cory Schneider stepped up his game against the Minnesota Wild with a 23-save, 3-1 victory. The Devils will not face a stretch where they will play 12 of their next 16 games away from the Prudential Center. It would be a good time for Schneider and the Devils defense to tighten up a bit and this was a good start....Having Mike Cammalleri back in the lineup has sure done wonders for Travis Zajac and the Devils offense as Zajac added a power play goal giving him 3 points in past two games since Cammalleri's return.... Henrik Lundqvist (33 SV) and the New York Rangers took care of the highly potent Pittsburgh Penguin offense with a 5-0 shellacking. The Blueshirts welcomed the return of John Moore to the defense from his suspension and the defense seemed to gel from the start......Rick Nash (G, 2A) just keeps on ticking and with the majority of the Rangers starting to return from injury and/or suspension, the offense should start to click as we get into the heart of the season. Nash seems like a man on a mission this year so don't even think about trading him.....Derek Stepan, with 2 assists, now has 3 points in the first 3 games back from injury.... It was shutout night in New York as the Islanders blanked the Colorado Avalanche 6-0 behind Jaroslav Halak's 20-save effort. That's 2 shutouts in a row for Halak as he seems to be settling in after a rough stretch.....6 different scorers for the Isles....Colorado seems to be missing Paul Stastny more than they thought they would as they now sit at 4-9-5 and are nowhere near what they were last season..... Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals took care of a reeling Columbus Blue Jacket team that has now lost 9 in a row. This team held so much promise but injuries have just gotten in the way this season.  It may be getting late early in Columbus....Alex Ovechkin (2G) and Marcus Johansson (2G) shared the goal scoring duties and while Ovechkin is not available in your league, Johansson just may be worth a flyer as he seems to be gelling with rookie Andre Burakovsky..... Winnipeg's G Ondrej Pavelec continues to play well in net but Montreal's Carey Price got the better of the Jets with a 3-0 victory, blocking all 29 SOG to raise his record to 9-3-1. It was Price's first shutout of the season.  The Habs still seem to have trouble scoring lately but have now won three in a row with the offense starting to come around.... The San Jose Sharks barely showed ...

Elias Lindholm C, Carolina: All of the sudden, the Hurricanes are surging and the 19-year old Swede has contributed mightily with his offensive surge as of late. Lindholm has potted five goals and added two helpers over his last five games. With Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner back healthy, look for Carolina's offense as a whole to continue picking up the scoring pace. The youngster is well worth a fantasy flier. Jori Lehtera C, St. Louis: With all the attention being given to Vladimir Tarasenko these days, his center has been flying under the fantasy radar. The 26-year old has adapted quickly to the NHL game in his first year, having collected 11 points in 13 games and currently on a four-game point streak. Lehtera and his high-flying linemates are clicking on a high level, so get him in your lineup while they are hot. Marcus Johansson RW, Washington: We told you to get him last week and the talented Swede has not disappointed. Despite being held off the scoreboard Saturday night, he has been on a serious roll with 6 points in the previous four games. He continues to click with Andre Burakovsky on the second line while getting top power-play minutes. Start him while he is streaking. Justin Faulk D, Carolina: Along with Lindholm, we strongly suggest you add Carolina's top offensive rearguard as the 22-year old is on the verge of another breakout season. His career-high of 32 points could be eclipsed this season if he continues to develop as the team's power-play quaterback. He has been on a tear with five points in the last five games. Cam Ward G, Carolina: Another repeat customer on our favorite list, but he has temporaily supplanted Anton Khudobin as Carolina's starting goalie with four straight wins. Am I officially sold yet? Not quite, but Mr. Ward has the pedigree and the confidence level right now to continue improving his mediocre numbers to start the season. Check back with us in a few weeks, but he should be a solid no. 2 fantasy goalie option in the short-term at least.

THE WINDS OF CHANGE The Carolina Hurricanes, behind goaltender Cam Ward's 4th straight win, have risen from the bottom of the Eastern Conference by switching places with the team they beat last night in the Columbus Blue Jackets, 3-2 in overtime, who now share that dubious distinction with the Buffalo Sabres. There was a lot skepticism that Ward would not be able to return to form as Carolina's no. 1 net minder especially after how backup Anton Khudobin filled in during his injury last season. After a rough start to this season, and perhaps needing time to build up his strength, the Hurricane goalkeeper has flashed his past form during this modest 4-game winning streak and claiming the starter's job.  Holy glove save Batman! Ward is back....One Cane that is playing strong of late is C Elias Lindholm who has 6 points in the last 4 games with 3-game winners. He has been getting considerable power play time so he is definitely worth a pickup while he is hot...Columbus has now lost 7 straight after a fabulous pre-season record and a 4-2-0 start to the season.  Look for the Blue Jackets to turn their season around as they start to get players back from injury.... The Edmonton Oilers stopped a 4-game losing streak but it was against the lowly Sabres, but it was a win nonetheless and the Oil needed it badly but changes are probably in the works as their lead scorer Taylor Hall is out for a few weeks with a leg injury. Things have not progressed the way Edmonton would have liked, so there are rumors floating around that big changes are on their way..... Detroit halted their three-game losing streak with a win over the New Jersey Devils as they returned home. Jimmy Howard didn't have to do much as he only faced 17 shots from a Devils team that has been beset by injuries of late.  The Devils have now lost 3 in arrow and G Cory Schneider has looked very human in the past 2 games.....Pavel Datsyuk hurt his grown in practice earlier in the day and did not dress. Expect Datsyuk to miss a few games at the least..... The Washington Capitals scored three late 2nd period goals to wipe out a 2-0 deficit and held on for the 3-2 victory. G Braden Holtby stopped 38 of 40 to raise his record to 4-3-2. The Caps need more games like this from Holtby if they are going to make a run for the playoffs.  Marcus Johansson and Andre Burakovsky were the catalyst on offense along with D Matt Niskanen's 2 assists. Burakovsky holds a lot of promise but the other 2 are mainly support/depth...

I will be the first to admit that this week's crop of must-adds are nowhere near sure bets, but there is alot of high upside associated with the young wingers, plus a few goalies that have done it before. So, there is plenty of opportunity to bolster your team's output by adding the right guy from this list: Marcus Johansson LW, Washington:With 4 points in his last 4 games, the left winger has been flourishing lately on the second line with Andre Burakovsky. While Johansson didn't deliver last season as a top liner(44 pts/80 gms), he is still one of the team's better offensive weapons and has the ability to pad 10-15 points to last season's point total. Also, the 24-year old continues to play on the primary power-play unit alongside Ovechkin and Backstrom. Need I say more? Nikita Kucherov RW,Tampa Bay:The 21- year old has been white hot with nine points over the last five games. He has played himself up to the 2nd line while clicking with Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson. With 11 points in 12 games, he is off to a tremendous start but keep in mind that second-year players will have their offensive production hit a wall a few times. If you can stomach the inconsistencies, this youngster has the skill to put up 50+ points provided he stays in the top-six. He is well worth the shot.. Derek Stepan C, New York Rangers: His impending return to the Blueshirts could provide the jolt of confidence that the pivot-deficient Rangers need to revive their offense. Coming off a career-high 57 points, he will probably be back centering the "hot" Rick Nash which should only help him get back in the offensive swing of things.This addition is a no-brainer if he is available. Ray Emery G, Philadelphia: Three winnable home games on the upcoming docket and Steve Mason's well-documented struggles could contribute to a huge fantasy week for Emery. Despite a poor outing against Lightning his last time out, he could grab all three starts a if he gets the nod and plays well against Edmonton. Berube will ride the hot hand, so only start him if you are in desperation for 2nd goalie help.. High risk/ high reward candidate with potential to unseat Mason. Cam Ward G, Carolina: Yeah, I know I haven't been high on him but man, did he look good this weekend in securing back-to-back wins for the previously winless Hurricanes! If he is still available and you are stinking up the joint in the goalie department, give him a chance and stash him on your bench. Carolina has plenty of money ...