ADD’EM 2/26/2017 THE HEAT IS ON! The weeks are winding down and it keeps getting tougher and tougher to make up ground.  So, some fantasy teams need to take some more chances, more risk for them to close the gap and quick.  Fantasy owners must look for players that are hot and hope they remain hot.  Today’s theme is hot, hot, hot! If you are looking for some good players that can get you points in bunches then look no further than the Chicago Blackhawks and the Calgary Flames.  The Blackhawks are on fire of late with three straight wins by a combined score of 16-6.  Goals and assists are aplenty for the Windy City team and there are some players available in your fantasy league that can help.  Starting at forward, we have Nick Schmaltz (8.2% owned in ESPN leagues) and Richard Panik (44.9%) who have been better than a point-per-game pace over the past seven days.  Panik is returning to his early season prowess with a goal and 3 assists in last 3 games while Schmaltz has 6 points in those same 3 games and is a +7.  Chicago seems to be turning up the heat of late as the playoffs draw near.  There isn’t much help on defense from the Blackhawks but Brian Campbell is only owned by 26.7% and only has 1 point in last 3 games but does sport a +7 in those same 3 games.  SO he might be worth a shot.  IF not, then there is Jake Gardiner of Toronto who is only owned by 53.2% even though he has 7 points in last 4 games.  Gardiner has the potential and perhaps he is starting to shine through as the games mean something again in Toronto. Jumping back into the fire, we head north to Calgary where the Flames are proving to be relevant once again by winning their last 4 and 8 of last 11.  There are still some players available but you may need asbestos gloves to pick them up.  Mikael Backlund (61.3%), Michael Frolik (18.3%). And Matthew Tkachuk (42.0%) have been landing on the score sheet with more regularity of late.  Backlund seems to be a second half player in my eyes and has 5 points in last 3 games while Frolik has 3 assists in past 3 and the hot rookie Tkachuk has 4 in 3 games.  Calgary has a good hold on the first wild card spot in the Western Conference but could improve in the standings if they continue to play the way they have.  Getting away from the heat we go to New York where Mika Zibanejad (40.4%) just may be starting to break out of his slump ever since his return from injury.  If you remember back to the beginning of the season, Z was having a career year...

Colton Payrako, St. Louis- With much of the rookie talk centered on the super hyped forwards in Year 1, it's time to take notice of the towering defenseman in St. Louis who is off to a fabulous start with 6 points in 9 games. While logging over 23 minutes of TOI including power play, he has displayed a huge shot and also very liable in the defensive zone. His uptick in fantasy value is largely aided by Kevin Shattenkirk's absence due to injury but nevertheless, his sleeper potential makes him a top waiver wire target. SLEEPER ALERT   Mike Green, Detroit-- Why is he on the list? That's because he is hurt again. Let me know if this is news to you? Off to a slow start in his new team, Green is already not available to help your fantasy team. Last years numbers represented a comeback of sorts but he still missed a handful of games. That will never change. Not on the Capitals. Not in the Wings. Not anywhere. Huge fantasy risk. BAND-AID BOY   Ryan Suter, Minnesota- Eight points in his first nine games is more then most fantasy owners had expected of the 30-year old Wild blue liner, but it's also important to point out that just a few years ago, he looked poised for elite status. He followed his '11-12 career high totals of 46 points with two sub-40 pt efforts in three years, failing to live up to the hype. Having said that, his scoring pace will slow down but with the Minny offense looking more lethal then in recent years and Suter getting bulk of pp time, 50+ pts is not out of the question. VETERAN REBOUND   John Klingberg, Dallas- Man, this sophomore defender definitely has some bite to his game as he is currently rolling with a five game point streak. That now gives Klingberg eight points in nine games. So far, so good in avoiding the sophomore jinx after leading all defensives rookies last season with 40 points in 65 games. Alex Goligoski has become a distant fantasy option on the Dallas blueline as JK is getting all the big minutes.  RISING STAR   Brian Campbell, Florida- The Florida rearguard has seen his scoring regress over the last few season but as his three point effort last night can attest to, he can still be a valuable fantasy asset. As his fantasy value downright plummeted in most drafts, I was plucking him in the late rounds. It's tough to get your hands on d-man that late with true 40-or potential.  VETERAN REBOUND

Vermette traded to Chicago; Hammond wins again; Jagr's South Florida debut; and more... In the wake of Patrick Kane's long-term injury, the Blackhawks have traded for former Arizona center Antoine Vermette. While this represents a super solid move for the team in their quest for another Stanley Cup, his fantasy value will largely depend on how he is utilized. You can bet Vermette will get a shot at centering the second line but his power play time should be relegated to the secondary unit. He is worth an add though on an explosive Chicago team looking to make up for Kane's offensive absence... The Florida Panthers got some veteran leadership the other day by acquiring Jaromir Jagr from the New Jersey Devils and his guidance helped pave the way for the Cats to come back against the Buffalo Sabres after being down 2-0 after one period of play.  Although he didn’t figure in the scoring, the Panthers scored 5 goals with Jussi Jokinen leading the way with a goal and 2 assists.  Perhaps Jokinen would be a good pickup for the remainder of the season as he clearly seems to benefit from Jagr being on the team.  Others who may also benefit are Brian Campbell and Brad Boyes as the Panthers may lean on the veterans to try and make the playoffs…. Putting a bit of a damper on Florida’s comeback win was the fact that Boston manhandled the Arizona Coyotes 4-1 shortly thereafter keeping the panthers 4 points behind.  Patrice Bergeron should be the main contributing factor now that David Krejci is out due to injury.  Bergeron’s goal and assist was matched by Zdeno Chara, Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand with goalie Tuukka Rask turning aside 32 of 33 shots on goal.  The Bruins will battle the rest of the way and it may be a good idea to get some of these big, bad B’s on your fantasy squad… New Jersey’s Cory Schneider probably deserves a better record but continues to play strong even though the Devils are practically out of the playoff hunt.  Schneider shutout the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-0, it was his 4th shutout on the season and 2nd of the week…. It was a classic battle between old Western Conference rivals Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings that saw the latter edge the Preds 4-3.  The once invincible Predators have now lost 4 of their last 6 but should right the ship.  Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne has been a little pedestrian of late but he also will turn things around… If you haven’t noticed, the Carolina Hurricanes have won 3 straight and 5 of their last 7 as the...

As we have approached the season's quarter-mark, astute fantasy owners should be creating shopping lists of potential fantasy bargains they would love to acquire, whether via trade or off the waiver wire. A few defenders have started way off their normal scoring pace, which makes perfecting the "buy low" strategy essential toward maximizing your fantasy squad's potential the rest of the way. Here are two names to think about as their respective games begin to round into the shape: Roman Josi- The Nashville defender turned many heads with a 40-point effort in his third season last year as he benefitted from being paired with Shea Weber both even strength and on the power-play. The Swiss import did not enjoy the same level of success to begin this year, but he has been streaking over the last month with ten points in his last 14 games. His ownership percentage in ESPN fantasy is quickyl rising, but he is still available in a quarter of most fantasy leagues. Now that Josi has "righted" the ship, you can expect him to make a serious push toward a career-high in points. James Wisniewski- Nobody gets "written" off quicker than "the Wiz" but truth be told, only injuries can prevent him from ending up as top-ten fantasy option at season's end. After a sluggish start and a short injury hiatus, the hard-shooting defender has racked up eight points in his last ten games despite playing for a struggling Columbus squad. His 51 points last season was definitely not a fluke, so it makes no sense that a fantasy option with clear massive upside is still available in over 25% of leagues. Don't make that mistake; get him on the "cheap" and reap the rewards as he can blow up the rest of the season. Parting Shots- Speaking of rising fantasy stock, look no further than 18-year old Aaron Ekblad who is developing quicker than expected for a young and hungry Florida team. He has been paired off with veteran Brian Campbell on the top unit including the power-play and the results have been increasingly positive- nine points in his last 13 games. How this dynasty league stud is only owned in 29% of ESPN leagues is amazing, so do thr right thing and snatch him.. Ryan McDonagh could be returning to the New York Rangers for this afternoon tilt in Philadelphia, as he has been practicing on a pairing with Dan Girardi. Fresh off a "breakout" season where he racked up 43 points in 2013-14, the 25-year old will be joining a power-play unit that boasts a streaking Rick Nash and a ...

Finishing next to last was a minor victory considering they finished last in the Eastern Conference the year before, and that was during the Lockout season. When the leading scorer on your team is a rookie who had only 11 games of NHL experience before last season, and he led with all of 38 points, you know you are in for some growing pains.  The veterans brought in were nothing but brittle or, for lack of a better term, non-impactful.  The youth movement is in full swing and it will be interesting to see how the remaining vets respond if the team doesn't get off to a good start. GOALIES In what was mainly a shock at the trade deadline last season, Roberto Luongo returned to South Florida after it seemed like he had put all the differences with Vancouver management behind him and had been playing well for the Canucks. Jacob Markstrom, who did nothing to stake his claim as the Number 1 net minder in Florida, was the main piece in the trade going back the other way.  Needless to say, the trade was a shock to most people, much like the draft day trade of Cory Schneider last June.  Luongo will be very busy as the Cats try to form some semblance of an NHL team.  Luongo's SP and GAA will suffer a little, but then again, maybe he will thrive while back in familiar settings and the extra workload.  His total saves should increase, but that is not necessarily a good thing as his win totals will probably suffer as a result.  Dan Ellis and Al Montoya will battle for backup duties. DEFENSE Brian Campbell leads the young defensive corps and will be counted on for his leadership as well as his offensive production. Campbell fell a point short of the team lead in points by going 7-30-37 in playing all 82 games.  He should be able to climb back into the 40 range, but his +/- takes a hit on a growing team. Erik Gudbranson and Dmitry Kulikov have a few years under their belts now but still need some time to mature.  Gudbranson and Kulikov may develop into more of a stay-at-home defensive types as their scoring hasn't been much to be desired early on in their NHL careers.  Alex Petrovic has some offensive upside but may need more seasoning in the minors.  Dylan Olsen, a Dale Tallon Chicago draft pick, was brought over from Chi town and will start to see more time in the NHL but don't expect much production. FORWARDS The Panthers need their young forward talent to develop quickly as the veterans don't seem to have what it takes to carry the load. Jonathan Huberdeau ...

Many fantasy insiders have tabbed young Valeri Nichuskin of Dallas as a breakout candidate in '14-15. The 18-year old played well above his years last season, collecting 34 points in 79 games as mostly a first-liner. While a point jump is expected as a sophomore, we all need to temper our expectations regarding this projected "Jaromir Jagr" clone. 50 points should be in his "wheelhouse", but power-play time will still be minimal. He should be a much bigger fantasy factor in 2015 and beyond.3rd overall pick Leon Draisaitl has been signed by the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-year, entry-level contract. After tearing it up in the WHL with 38 goals and 105 points in 64 games, the talented youngster could be in the running for a 2nd/3rd line center position with a strong camp. The departure of Sam Gagner has left a top-six void, but can journeyman Marc Arcobello land that spot? It should be an interesting competition to watch.According to the St. Petersberg Times, Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop hasn't healed fully from his post-season wrist surgery. While he seems very confident that he will be ready to roll by training camp, fantasy owners need to be wary of drafting him too early. Showing plenty of "wear and tear" late in his breakout season, it would be smart for Bishop owners to draft backup Evgeni Nabokov in the late rounds.BOUNCE-BACK COMING! Florida offensive rearguard Brian Campbell regressed last season with 37 points in 82 games, but a rebound to career norms is coming. Over his first two seasons with the offensively inept Panthers, he still managed 80 points in130 games. With their two best rising d-men, Aaron Ekblad and Erik Gudbranson, being more stay-at-home types and Dmitry Kulikov having vastly underachieved, Campbell should benefit the most from an improved offensive attack. Great mid-round value in most fantasy drafts.When is the last time that the New York Rangers have boasted two top fantasy options on the blue-line? The acquisition of Dan Boyle will provide a right-hand shot and a superior puck-mover on the power-play while a veteran presence that can help Ryan McDonagh move his offensive game to the elite level. Watch these two help each other stay fantasy relevant in '14-15. 40+ points from both guys? I say yes with confidence.

Many fantasy insiders have tabbed young Valeri Nichuskin of Dallas as a breakout candidate in '14-15. The 18-year old played well above his years last season, collecting 34 points in 79 games as mostly a first-liner. While a point jump is expected as a sophomore, we all need to temper our expectations regarding this projected "Jaromir Jagr" clone. 50 points should be in his "wheelhouse", but power-play time will still be minimal. He should be a much bigger fantasy factor in 2015 and beyond.3rd overall pick Leon Draisaitl has been signed by the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-year, entry-level contract. After tearing it up in the WHL with 38 goals and 105 points in 64 games, the talented youngster could be in the running for a 2nd/3rd line center position with a strong camp. The departure of Sam Gagner has left a top-six void, but can journeyman Marc Arcobello land that spot? It should be an interesting competition to watch.According to the St. Petersberg Times, Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop hasn't healed fully from his post-season wrist surgery. While he seems very confident that he will be ready to roll by training camp, fantasy owners need to be wary of drafting him too early. Showing plenty of "wear and tear" late in his breakout season, it would be smart for Bishop owners to draft backup Evgeni Nabokov in the late rounds.BOUNCE-BACK COMING! Florida offensive rearguard Brian Campbell regressed last season with 37 points in 82 games, but a rebound to career norms is coming. Over his first two seasons with the offensively inept Panthers, he still managed 80 points in130 games. With their two best rising d-men, Aaron Ekblad and Erik Gudbranson, being more stay-at-home types and Dmitry Kulikov having vastly underachieved, Campbell should benefit the most from an improved offensive attack. Great mid-round value in most fantasy drafts.When is the last time that the New York Rangers have boasted two top fantasy options on the blue-line? The acquisition of Dan Boyle will provide a right-hand shot and a superior puck-mover on the power-play while a veteran presence that can help Ryan McDonagh move his offensive game to the elite level. Watch these two help each other stay fantasy relevant in '14-15. 40+ points from both guys? I say yes with confidence.