We all know about Santa's little helpers but recently Washington Capitals Center Nicklas Backstrom is doling out assists like giving away candy canes at Christmas. Last night against the Canes in fact, Backstrom had 4 assists, the second time in December that he had 4 helpers in a game.   Always known more for his assists than goal-scoring but at the rate he is dishing them out lately, he could possibly set a new career high.  His previous high was 68 back in 2009-2010.  The last few years injuries took their toll along with a different system in place, but don't worry, Backstrom is back to his old ways....Caps Goalie Philipp Grubauer got the win to raise his season record to 3-0-1 with a 2.06 GAA and a .937 SP. If he continues at this rate,  Braden Holtby better start bringing his ‘A' game if he wants to keep his starting job. It might be a good idea to grab him off the wire to handcuff your Capital goalie situation.... More Fantasy Game Notes: The desperate Islanders only needed a match against their arch-rival NY Rangers to get the blood boiling again.  Early Ranger sloppiness led to 2 short-handed goals in the 1st, but hey managed to overcome those miscues to take a 3-2 lead before the Isles took the lead back and sealed the game late in the third period. The Blueshirts have been a huge disappointment so far whereas the Islanders were expected to be playoff-worthy but there is a little more leniency because of their youth.  With Evgeni Nabokov back in net for the Isles, peraps this is a good time to grab some Islander players on the cheap before they start to turn it around....I'LL HAVE A ‘Z' PLEASE PAT. If you are looking for a player to somewhat breakout for a good second half run, look no further than the New Jersey Devils' Travis Zajac. Although you can't expect huge scoring from the Devils, Zajac does have 5 points in his past 5 games.  So if you need some consistency on the back end of your forward group, Zajac could be a good fit.  He did have back-to-back seasons of 60+ points from 2008-2010....MAKING HIS MARK. Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele has scored in 5 straight games with 7 points and 8 points in 7 games. Scheifele only has 15 points on the season, so you can see how hot he has gotten.  He seems to be counted more lately and he has responded.  The Jets hanger is crowded, but he can push his way and grab some ice time from some non-producing forwards, he might be worth a shot to help your team down the stretch....NOT ‘LACK'ING. It wasn't the ...

We all know about Santa's little helpers but recently Washington Capitals Center Nicklas Backstrom is doling out assists like giving away candy canes at Christmas. Last night against the Canes in fact, Backstrom had 4 assists, the second time in December that he had 4 helpers in a game.   Always known more for his assists than goal-scoring but at the rate he is dishing them out lately, he could possibly set a new career high.  His previous high was 68 back in 2009-2010.  The last few years injuries took their toll along with a different system in place, but don't worry, Backstrom is back to his old ways....Caps Goalie Philipp Grubauer got the win to raise his season record to 3-0-1 with a 2.06 GAA and a .937 SP. If he continues at this rate,  Braden Holtby better start bringing his ‘A' game if he wants to keep his starting job. It might be a good idea to grab him off the wire to handcuff your Capital goalie situation.... More Fantasy Game Notes: The desperate Islanders only needed a match against their arch-rival NY Rangers to get the blood boiling again.  Early Ranger sloppiness led to 2 short-handed goals in the 1st, but hey managed to overcome those miscues to take a 3-2 lead before the Isles took the lead back and sealed the game late in the third period. The Blueshirts have been a huge disappointment so far whereas the Islanders were expected to be playoff-worthy but there is a little more leniency because of their youth.  With Evgeni Nabokov back in net for the Isles, peraps this is a good time to grab some Islander players on the cheap before they start to turn it around....I'LL HAVE A ‘Z' PLEASE PAT. If you are looking for a player to somewhat breakout for a good second half run, look no further than the New Jersey Devils' Travis Zajac. Although you can't expect huge scoring from the Devils, Zajac does have 5 points in his past 5 games.  So if you need some consistency on the back end of your forward group, Zajac could be a good fit.  He did have back-to-back seasons of 60+ points from 2008-2010....MAKING HIS MARK. Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele has scored in 5 straight games with 7 points and 8 points in 7 games. Scheifele only has 15 points on the season, so you can see how hot he has gotten.  He seems to be counted more lately and he has responded.  The Jets hanger is crowded, but he can push his way and grab some ice time from some non-producing forwards, he might be worth a shot to help your team down the stretch....NOT ‘LACK'ING. It wasn't the ...

Raanta stopped 27 of 28 shots in a 3-1 defeat of the Predators on Tuesday. Take out the rough outing against the Maple Leafs, Raanta has won his other five starts while allowing just eight goals. He will be between the pipes with Canucks in town, he is 3-0-1 with a 1.82 GAA and .936 SV% at home.

ALL GOALIES CONFIRMED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AT TIME OF PRINT The Battle of New York takes place at MSG tonight as Evgeni Nabokov goes against Henrik Lundqvist. Both goalies are looking to find their game as the Rangers have gone 3-7 in their last ten while the Isles have been losers of 13 of their last 14.  Yikes!  Nabby has been solid in net the last 2 games since his return from injury and that should continue tonight while the Rangers have only won 1 game on their 9 game home stand.  I'm sure their neighbors to the East are smelling blood in this one.  Not an easy one to call....If the New Jersey Devils have indeed found their offense, they will need to bring it against the visiting Anaheim Ducks who are battling the Chicago Blackhawks or the Western Conference lead. Cory Schneider gets the call against a familiar opponent from his days with the Vancouver Canucks, but Jonas Hiller and the Ducks are perhaps a little bit better team. Home ice is critical and the think the Devils can squeak one out here...Philipp Grubauer gets another shot in goal for the Washington Capitals as they visit the Carolina Hurricanes and Cam Ward. The Canes return from an unsuccessful Western Canada road trip and may be ripe for catching them being road-weary.  The Caps meanwhile have not played since Tuesday night and should be well rested....With Roberto Luongo playing last night, it appears to be Eddie Lack's (LIKELY) turn in net for the Vancouver Canucks. He will have to go against the Chicago Blackhawks and Antti Raanta, who has filled in admirably for the injured Corey Crawford. The Hawks at home are 12-2-4 and although not perfect, pretty darn close to it....Are the Florida Panthers on a roll or what? What an amazing win last night against the Ottawa Senators, but tonight they will be up against the Winnipeg Jets who need a victory tonight.  Tim Thomas (LIKELY) should be making his return from injury with hopes f not derailing the Cats' momentum. Ondrej Pavelec has lost 4 in a row, so he desperately needs to prove himself. Go with the hot Cats!.... FANTASY MUST-STARTS Antti Raanta, Chicago vs. Vancouver SLEEPER ALERT None. DAILY GOALIE PICKS Steve: (46-29) Ondrej Pavelec Ray: (41-33) Antti Raanta Mike: (37-28) TBA

One of Philadelphia's most enigmatic wingers is swiftly on the rise, as Jakub Voracek continues his strong play with two goals in the 5-2 win over Washington. While currently on a five-game point streak, the shifty forward has collected 5 goals and 2 assists, conjuring memories of his breakout season in '12-13. How quickly have fantasy owners forgotten that "Jake" flourished in Year 2 with the Flyers, basically scoring a point-per-game pace with 46 points in 48 games. Along with superstar Claude Giroux, the top-line duo floundered during the early portion of this season as the Flyers couldn't shoot a puck in the ocean, but the offense has come alive over the last month. The key to Voracek's fantasy resurgence and staying power is Giroux, who has been resembling his usual elite self with 8 points in 8 December games and 20 in the last 23 overall. It's safe to assume that the duo will resume to their high-scoring ways during the second half of '13-14, so try to pry away Voracek from an unassuming owner, using his current stat total as the ammunition. Acquiring Giroux will always prove difficult, but why not get the best next thing in "Jake"? If you have already prior to his hot streak, Bravo!! The Jones and Raanta Dilemma: In case you haven't noticed, but injuries to high-profile fantasy goalies have opened up the door for No.2's to become legit fantasy options in the interim. With Jonathan Quick out indefinitely due to a groin injury, Martin Jones has grabbed the spotlight in the King's crease with a 6-0 record, .082 GAA and .972 SP. After shutting out the Oilers 3-0 last night, Jones fantasy owners are hoping that Quick does not return 'quickly' (pardon the pun). The truth of the matter is that Quick will resume his starting goalie duties when he returns, but Jones' strong play (and Ben Scrivens too) have afforded the Kings the luxury of not rushing him back. Also, there will be a shorter leash if Quick struggles upon his return. As for Antti Raanta, the 24-year old has enjoyed a splendid run for Chicago, winning 7 of his 8 starts. Corey Crawford does seem closer to returning than Quick, making progress in his recovery and probably resuming skating in a few days. He is at least a couple of weeks away, so enjoy the Raanta ride while you can. Both back-ups are living the high life now, but make sure you have contigency plans in goal when their time is up. More Fantasy Game Notes: Max Pacioretty is incredibly annoying to own in fantasy, considering his ...

One of Philadelphia's most enigmatic wingers is swiftly on the rise, as Jakub Voracek continues his strong play with two goals in the 5-2 win over Washington. While currently on a five-game point streak, the shifty forward has collected 5 goals and 2 assists, conjuring memories of his breakout season in '12-13. How quickly have fantasy owners forgotten that "Jake" flourished in Year 2 with the Flyers, basically scoring a point-per-game pace with 46 points in 48 games. Along with superstar Claude Giroux, the top-line duo floundered during the early portion of this season as the Flyers couldn't shoot a puck in the ocean, but the offense has come alive over the last month. The key to Voracek's fantasy resurgence and staying power is Giroux, who has been resembling his usual elite self with 8 points in 8 December games and 20 in the last 23 overall. It's safe to assume that the duo will resume to their high-scoring ways during the second half of '13-14, so try to pry away Voracek from an unassuming owner, using his current stat total as the ammunition. Acquiring Giroux will always prove difficult, but why not get the best next thing in "Jake"? If you have already prior to his hot streak, Bravo!! The Jones and Raanta Dilemma: In case you haven't noticed, but injuries to high-profile fantasy goalies have opened up the door for No.2's to become legit fantasy options in the interim. With Jonathan Quick out indefinitely due to a groin injury, Martin Jones has grabbed the spotlight in the King's crease with a 6-0 record, .082 GAA and .972 SP. After shutting out the Oilers 3-0 last night, Jones fantasy owners are hoping that Quick does not return 'quickly' (pardon the pun). The truth of the matter is that Quick will resume his starting goalie duties when he returns, but Jones' strong play (and Ben Scrivens too) have afforded the Kings the luxury of not rushing him back. Also, there will be a shorter leash if Quick struggles upon his return. As for Antti Raanta, the 24-year old has enjoyed a splendid run for Chicago, winning 7 of his 8 starts. Corey Crawford does seem closer to returning than Quick, making progress in his recovery and probably resuming skating in a few days. He is at least a couple of weeks away, so enjoy the Raanta ride while you can. Both back-ups are living the high life now, but make sure you have contigency plans in goal when their time is up. More Fantasy Game Notes: Max Pacioretty is incredibly annoying to own in fantasy, considering his ...

Raanta stopped 21 of 22 shots in a win over the Kings in Chicago on Sunday. It was a great bounce-back game for Raanta who was shelled by the Maple Leafs on Saturday. He will get the start tonight in Nashville. He is 3-1-0 with a 2.93 GAA and .897 SV% on the road.

Raanta stopped 21 of 22 shots in a win over the Kings in Chicago on Sunday. It was a great bounce-back game for Raanta who was shelled by the Maple Leafs on Saturday. He is expected to get the start tonight in Nashville. He is 3-1-0 with a 2.93 GAA and .897 SV% on the road.

Raanta gave up five goals on 25 shots before being replaced by Kent Simpson last night vs. the Maple Leafs. His early exit allows the Hawks to turn to him tonight against the Kings. In his three appearances in Chicago he is 2-0-1 with a 2.11 GAA and .931 SV%.

Raanta stopped 28 of 30 shots in a win over the Flyers on Wednesday. He has made six NHL appearances and in every one he has allowed two goals. He is 5-0-1 and behind a great Blackhawks team, he is a good option with Corey Crawford on the shelf.