The New York Rangers started their 3-game California trip with a solid 4-1 win over the NHL-leading leading Anaheim Ducks. This starts a 6 in 7 game road schedule for the Blueshirts who have won 11 of 12 with G Henrik Lundqvist leading the way. The Rangers are starting to get production from throughout their lineup.  Rick Nash potted his 25th on the season but Derrick Brassard (4 pts in last 3 games) & Mats Zuccarello (7 pts in last 8) are starting to heat up as well, both with goals in the contest. They face the Kings tonight in what should be a very emotional game for the Rangers.... Washington took care of a Toronto Maple Leaf team that looked a bit disorganized under the new Head Coach Peter Horachek, beating the Leafs 6-2 behind 2-goal efforts from Eric Fehr and Marcus Johansson. The issue with the Capitals has always been scoring depth and if they can get consistent production from those two, they will be tough to play against going forward.  Fehr has had some impressive minor league stats but has never been able to carry that effort over to the NHL.  Troy Brouwer had 2 assists. All three Caps are solid fantasy depth forwards, especially if they go on a tear.... Boston managed to finally win an extra time game after losing in 3 three straight. It was none other than Patrice Bergeron who righted the ship for the Bruins with two goals including the overtime game-winner in beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. With an impressive effort from G Tuukka Rask, the return to health of David Krejci, and a surging Bergeron, the Bruins just might be on the verge of going on one of their streaks. They certainly have the makeup....Newly acquired Penguin David Perron had 5 SOG but was held off the score sheet.... The Detroit Red Wings continued on their 6-game road trip with a win in Calgary. The precious night in Edmonton it was Pavel Datsyuk who provided the offense but tonight it was Henrik Zetterberg who had a goal and an assist in the win. The two veteran Wings continue to shine when healthy. Gustav Nyquist had 2 assists in the win....Mikael Backlund returned to the lineup for the Flames and promptly had an assist on the opening goal by Mason Raymond. Backlund also scored a short-handed goal in the third period showing his value.   Backlund's return will be a breath of fresh air for the club at this point in the season.  Give him some time to get into game shape.

The Barry Trotz era is about to begin and there are so many questions heading into the 2014-2015 campaign. Trotz is known for being the only Head Coach in Nashville Predator history and is more known for his defensive-style system than his offense which becomes a concern to poolies because of players like Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, two major offensive stars in Washington. Then there is the flipside of that in which the major defensemen in Nashville led the way on offense for the Preds. Will that translate in Washington?  Will that transform D Mike Green back to the offensive star that he once was? What should be the most important question is will Braden Holtby be that guy the Caps were hoping he'd be? GOALIES I was never one for the two-headed goaltender system. There needs to be a clear number 1 and a steady backup with the backup clearly knowing his role.  Perhaps with the new coach and the new system, Holtby can be that number 1 goalie the Capitals were counting on last year.  His metrics last season were far from impressive as he took a baby step backward in his development.  With Trotz behind the bench and incoming goalie coach Mitch Korn, Holtby's numbers should improve as he regains his confidence in net.  Korn was the goaltending coach in Nashville for the past 15 years, instructing NHL elite goaltender Pekka Rinne. Now if Holtby can be Rinne........Gone is Michal Neuvirth who was traded to buffalo at the trade deadline last year. Justin Peters signed 1 2-year deal as a free agent to back up Holtby. DEFENSE It will be interesting to see who emerges on defense in the Trotz system. Will it be a return to elite form for Green, or will John Carlson take that next step as a premium fantasy defenseman? Matt Niskanen parlayed his career season (46 pts.) in Pittsburgh into a 7-year deal with the Capitals. At 27, Niskanen is in his prime, but don't expect a return to those numbers unless he benefits this time from an injury to Green or Carlson.  He does have the talent but expect a little drop-off in production in his first year with the Caps.  Karl Alzner, Dmitri Orlov and free agent signing Brooks Orpik are all defense-first D-men so don't expect much in the way of offense. FORWARDS The Capitals offense begins and ends with Ovechkin, aka the Great 8 and Center Backstrom. Some say that it's Backstrom that makes Ovechkin better, but having either on your fantasy is a win-win. The duo were actually tied for the team lead in points ...

The Barry Trotz era is about to begin and there are so many questions heading into the 2014-2015 campaign. Trotz is known for being the only Head Coach in Nashville Predator history and is more known for his defensive-style system than his offense which becomes a concern to poolies because of players like Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, two major offensive stars in Washington. Then there is the flipside of that in which the major defensemen in Nashville led the way on offense for the Preds. Will that translate in Washington?  Will that transform D Mike Green back to the offensive star that he once was? What should be the most important question is will Braden Holtby be that guy the Caps were hoping he'd be? GOALIES I was never one for the two-headed goaltender system. There needs to be a clear number 1 and a steady backup with the backup clearly knowing his role.  Perhaps with the new coach and the new system, Holtby can be hat number 1 goalie the Capitals were counting on last year.  His metrics last season were far from impressive as he took a baby step backward in his development.  With Trotz behind the bench and incoming goalie coach Mitch Korn, Holtby's numbers should improve as he regains his confidence in net.  Korn was the goaltending coach in Nashville for the past 15 years, instructing NHL elite goaltender Pekka Rinne. Now if Holtby can be Rinne........Gone is Michal Neuvirth who was traded to buffalo at the trade deadline last year. Justin Peters signed 1 2-year deal as a free agent to back up Holtby. DEFENSE It will be interesting to see who emerges on defense in the Trotz system. Will it be a return to elite form for Green, or will John Carlson take that next step as a premium fantasy defenseman? Matt Niskanen parlayed his career season (46 pts.) in Pittsburgh into a 7-year deal with the Capitals. At 27, Niskanen is in his prime, but don't expect a return to those numbers unless he benefits again from an injury to Green or Carlson.  He does have the talent but expect a little drop-off in production in his first year with the Caps.  Karl Alzner, Dmitri Orlov and free agent signing Brooks Orpik are all defense-fist D-men so don't expect much in the way of offense. FORWARDS The Capitals offense begins and ends with Ovechkin, aka the Great 8 and Center Backstrom. Some say that it's Backstrom that makes Ovechkin better, but having either on your fantasy is a win-win. The duo were actually tied for the team lead in points with 79....

Fehr has been scratched in the last nine games after recording one goal and five assists with a minus-5 rating in 14 games. He is expected to skate on a line with Brooks Laich and Troy Brouwer.

Fehr has posted a goal and five assists while averaging 13:09 TOI in 14 games. If Alex Ovechkin can't play, I would expect Fehr to draw back in - but as of now Ovi appears set to play.

PRESEASON FANTASY BITS: Cam Ward turned around his dreadful preseason with an 18-save shutout performance against the Buffalo Sabres. Now, I know it was only against the Sabres but at this point, the Canes are looking for something positive to build on as they head into the regular season.  Don't worry fantasy owners, when all is said and done, Ward will give you his usual output as the Hurricanes workhorse in net...Not to be outdone, except in the win-loss column, Sabres G Ryan Miller also turned in a solid performance, stopping 29 of 30 SOG. Looks like he is rounding into form as the NHL season nears as he has something to prove...It looks like Islanders C John Tavares is ready to lead this team to greater heights as he scored twice and the Isles chased elite fantasy goaltender Pekka RInne by putting 5 goals behind him. This is Tavares' breakout season so you can expect close to the century mark in points...Who will benefit from JT's breakout season?  Matt Moulson (3A) and D Lubomir Visnovsky (PPG) that's who! Get them before they get too expensive....Keep your eyes on Islanders D Travis Hamonic, or take a late round flier on him, as he had 3 assists last night with only 0:16 seconds of power play time....Does Fehr mean fire? In the case of Caps RW Eric Fehr it does, as he scored twice last night bringing his preseason total to 5. He seems to be utilized properly in Head Coach Adam Oates' system.  Fehr was one of last season's UNDER THE RAYDAR features; check it out here....Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri scored his 3rd preseason goal last night proving already that last season won't be a one-hit wonder....St. Louis ended their preseason with a bang. It looked like they were going to limp into the season but scored 4 third period goals against the Minnesota Wild.  With 4 different goal scorers, it just proves that there is so much balanced scoring on the Blues that there is no real elite forwards to lock in....A Tuukka Rask shutout of the Winnipeg Jets shows that this Bruin team will be back again to menace the NHL. They are solid and stacked throughout their lineup....Did you know that Phoenix D-man Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL to those more familiar) had his 3rd preseason goal last night against the Sharks?...I'm sure lots of NHL fans would love to see a New York Ranger-Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Final but not if they saw last night's preseason game; unless they were a Kings' fan of course. The 2013-2014 PrimePucks Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide has been ...

UPDATES: Cody Franson has agreed to a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs ending his preseason holdout. Let's hope that he didn't lose out on all that he gained last year in terms of a contributing spot on the backend as Jake Gardiner and Morgan Rielly continue to impress....Reports are that the NY Rangers and Derek Stepan are agreeing to terms on a two-year contract....Also I've heard that Tim Thomas has won the starting job down in Florida. The Panthers need a veteran in net if they want to make any noise in the tough Atlantic Division....Updated Fantasy Guide coming later tonight! PRESEASON FANTASY BITS: The future of the Buffalo Sabres was on display last night as Jhonas Enroth blanked the Columbus Blue Jackets. At some point it will no longer be Miller time as this will be Enroth's team someday....Mikhail Grigorenko and Zemgus Girgensons both scored giving the team a double-edged duo for the future....There won't be an early season feeling out period this year in Washington as the Caps seem to be hitting on all cylinders in Head Coach Adam Oates' system now as Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Eric Fehr, and Mikhail Grabovski all had multiple point games last night.... Speaking of Grabovski, he could have a season similar to what Mike Ribeiro had last year in his cameo performance for the Capitals....Jussi Jokinen continues his torrid preseason with yet another power play goal last night. He is Fantasy Gold in the later rounds as he is lining up with Evgeni Malkin. Can anyone say Jarome who?....Someone who may have a resurrection this season is none other than Dany Heatley of the Minnesota Wild....A lot of people may overlook Phoenix G Mike Smith but don't you. And don't you forget that Dave Tippett coached teams always benefit the goaltender.  Just look at Ilya Bryzgalov and what has become of him since he bolted the desert. The 2013-2014 PrimePucks Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide has been updated as of September 26th, 9:45 pm.  The Guide is revised with all the latest developments so that you can be prepared for your fantasy hockey draft.  As we near the start of the season, the Guide is updated more frequently so that you can be assured you have the most current and relevant information at your hands.  Just access the updated Guide through the FILES link in "My Account". Get it now and WOW your fantasy opponents! Check out the new ROMIE HITS THE POST which focuses on the New Jersey Devils goaltending situation. Check it out here! PrimePucks™ ...

UPDATES: Cody Franson has agreed to a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs ending his preseason holdout. Let's hope that he didn't lose out on all that he gained last year in terms of a contributing spot on the backend as Jake Gardiner and Morgan Rielly continue to impress....Reports are that the NY Rangers and Derek Stepan are agreeing to terms on a two-year contract....Also I've heard that Tim Thomas has won the starting job down in Florida. The Panthers need a veteran in net if they want to make any noise in the tough Atlantic Division....Updated Fantasy Guide coming later tonight! PRESEASON FANTASY BITS: The future of the Buffalo Sabres was on display last night as Jhonas Enroth blanked the Columbus Blue Jackets. At some point it will no longer be Miller time as this will be Enroth's team someday....Mikhail Grigorenko and Zemgus Girgensons both scored giving the team a double-edged duo for the future....There won't be an early season feeling out period this year in Washington as the Caps seem to be hitting on all cylinders now as Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Eric Fehr, and Mikhail Grabovski all had multiple point games.... Speaking of Grabovski, he could have a season similar to what Mike Ribeiro had last year in his cameo performance for the Capitals....Jussi Jokinen continues his torrid preseason with yet another power play goal last night. He is Fantasy Gold in the later rounds as he is lining up with Evgeni Malkin. Can anyone say Jarome who?....Someone who may have a resurrection this season is none other than Dany Heatley of the Minnesota Wild....A lot of people may overlook Phoenix G Mike Smith but don't you. And don't you forget that Dave Tippett coached teams always benefit the goaltender.  Just look at Ilya Bryzgalov and what has become of him since he bolted the desert. The 2013-2014 PrimePucks Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide has been updated as of September 25th.  The Guide is revised with all the latest developments so that you can be prepared for your fantasy hockey draft.  As we near the start of the season, the Guide is updated more frequently so that you can be assured you have the most current and relevant information at your hands.  Just access the updated Guide through the FILES link in "My Account". Get it now and WOW your fantasy opponents! Check out the new ROMIE HITS THE POST which focuses on the New Jersey Devils goaltending situation. Check it out here! PrimePucks™ continues to bring you the NHL IN 30 every day in the ...

PRESEASON FANTASY BITS: The future of the Buffalo Sabres was on display last night as Jhonas Enroth blanked the Columbus Blue Jackets. At some point it will no longer be Miller time as this will be Enroth's team someday....Mikhail Grigorenko and Zemgus Girgensons both scored giving the team a double-edged duo for the future....There won't be an early season feeling out period this year in Washington as the Caps seem to be hitting on all cylinders now as Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Eric Fehr, and Mikhail Grabovski all had multiple point games.... Speaking of Grabovski, he could have a season similar to what Mike Ribeiro had last year in his cameo performance for the Capitals....Jussi Jokinen continues his torrid preseason with yet another power play goal last night. He is Fantasy Gold in the later rounds as he is lining up with Evgeni Malkin. Can anyone say Jarome who?....Someone who may have a resurrection this season is none other than Dany Heatley of the Minnesota Wild....A lot of people may overlook Phoenix G Mike Smith but don't you. And don't you forget that Dave Tippett coached teams always benefit the goaltender.  Just look at Ilya Bryzgalov and what has become of him since he bolted the desert. The 2013-2014 PrimePucks Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide has been updated as of September 25th.  The Guide is revised with all the latest developments so that you can be prepared for your fantasy hockey draft.  As we near the start of the season, the Guide is updated more frequently so that you can be assured you have the most current and relevant information at your hands.  Just access the updated Guide through the FILES link in "My Account".  Get it now and WOW your fantasy opponents! PrimePucks™ continues to bring you the NHL IN 30 every day in the month of September, bringing you in-depth team analysis for the upcoming season. Today's featured team: The San Jose Sharks!  Don't forget to check back each and every day for the latest featured team!

Fehr has eight goals and eight assists in 33 games this season.