1. ALEX GOLIGOSKI, DALLAS or JAMES WISNIEWSKI, COLUMBUS This one is very tricky considering Wisniewski is coming off his second 50+point season of his NHL career, while Goligoski has yet to reach that mark. However, when you are comparing both fantasy assets, the Columbus defender is clearly more prone to injury which could curtail another monster season. On the other hand, Goligoski is as steady as they come and proven to be very durable. With 69 points in 128 games over the last two seasons, he looks like a lock to post another 40+ point campaign with a bit of upside in the mix. After finishing the last season with 17 points in 23 games, Goligoski should have a great shot at posting career numbers with the team's new additions of Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky. EDGE: GOLIGOSKI 2. JAROSLAV HALAK, NEW YORK ISLANDERS or FREDERIK ANDERSEN, ANAHEIM Andersen seems like the safer bet because he could be starting for a vastly superior team in the Ducks, but there are many variables in play with huge fantasy ramifications. I would take the Ducks goalie in a heartbeat, but the Danish netminder will face stiff competition from another rising star in John Gibson. When the "chips were down" in last season's playoff run, Duck's coach Bruce Boudreau opted to go with Gibson over Andersen late in the Kings series. Andersen should be the opening starter come the beginning of the season, but he might not finish that way. As for Halak, the trade of veteran Evgeni Nabokov to Tampa Bay gives him the clear no. 1 job for the rising New York Islanders. His career numbers speak for themselves, as Halak should be a strong no. 2 fantasy goalie option. EDGE: HALAK 3. RYAN-NUGENT HOPKINS C, EDMONTON or DAVID KREJCI C, BOSTON I think it's time for the Edmonton young guns to get there "mojo" going and finally fulfill some of that untapped potential thats been lingering for the last three years. Taylor Hall has done his part, but RNH has failed to deliver the goods after another promising start to the '13-14 season. A 50-55 point scorer he is not, so look for him to have a better second half while directly benefiting from a career breakout season from Hall. Both parties need to remain healthy for these predictions to become reality, but Hopkins should hold massive value in the middle rounds. As for Krejci, a disappointing playoff stint should provide plenty of motivation for good scoring numbers in '14-15, but his ceiling basically tops out at between 65-70 points. There is too ...

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.

Nabokov was 15-14-8 with a 2.74 GAA and .905 SV% with the Islanders last season. Towards the end of the season he was splitting time with Anders Nilsson, but he is more likely to be in a back-up role in Tampa Bay.

ALL GOALIES ARE CONFIRMED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AT TIME OF PRINT The last weekend of the regular season is upon us; 7 games tonight, 9 tomorrow and 10 for Sunday. Where did the time go?  With all the playoff positions basically filled except the final spot in the Western Conference, most teams will rest some of the starting goalies for the long playoff drive. Corey Crawford gets the call tonight against the Washington Capitals, who will go with Jaroslav Halak (LIKELY). Chicago is resting some players and giving some of the younger players some valuable playing time.  The Hawks have won 4 in a row and seem to be peaking heading into the playoffs.  The Capitals played last night so a rested, Blackhawks squad should be able to get past the Caps.... Detroit sends out Jimmy Howard as the Red Wings prepare for their 233rd consecutive playoff appearance. The Carolina Hurricanes will go with Anton Khudobin who has made Cam Ward expendable by his play this season. Howard has a personal 4-game winning streak so he is back in form after a season where he struggled to find consistency.  The Red Wings should make it 5 in a row for Howard.... Curtis McElhinney gets the call for the Columbus Blue Jackets who, despite a tough schedule to close the season, have clinched just their second playoff berth in their NHL history. The Blue Jackets won't suffer with McElhinney in net while the Tampa Bay lightning hoe to get Ben Bishop back for the playoffs.  Anders Lindback will start until then to get some playing time in and to boost his confidence. Lindback has managed to win two in a row in relief of the injured Bishop, but the Jackets are hot right now.  Go with the Jackets.... Tonight could be Martin Brodeur's (LIKELY) last hurrah with the New Jersey Devils as he takes on Evgeni Nabokov (LIKELY) and the NY Islanders at the Rock. It is difficult to imagine Marty coming back to the Devils especially with the Devils trying to lock down a goalie for the next ten years in Cory Schneider.  Unless the Islanders have another target for goalie next season, Nabokov could be re-upping to stay on the Island for one more year.  Nabby has gone 4-0-1 in his last five starts, but the Devils will give Brodeur a good sending off..... A win tonight by Kari Lehtonen and the Dallas Stars will clinch the last open playoff spot but they need to get past the St. Louis Blues to do that, which is no small task. The Blues would love to make the Stars squirm for another day, and with Ryan Miller in ...

Nabokov surrendered three goals on 29 shots in a loss to the Capitals on Saturday. Nabby was given the next two nights off, but the Isles will get him back between the pipes tonight vs. Montreal. At age-38, Nabokov has gone 14-14-8 with a 2.82 GAA and .903 SV% this season. He is in the final year of his contract, so who knows where he will be next season.

Nabokov allowed two goals on 22 shots in a win over the Panthers on Tuesday. He has alternated wins and losses in each of his last six games with a 2.46 GAA and .913 SV%. Tonight, he will attempt to completely end the Capitals season. He is 1-1-0 with a 3.01 GAA and .902 SV% vs. Washington this season.

Nabokov allowed two goals on 31 shots in a loss in Tampa Bay last Thursday. The Isles have alternated goalies in each of the past five games, so tonight vs. Florida is Nabby's turn. He wrapped March up at 2-2-2 with a 3.12 GAA, .894 SV% and one shutout. It is a battle of two bad teams tonight, so it is up to you if you want to take a risk on the 13-year veteran netminder.

ALL GOALIES ARE CONFIRMED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AT THE TIME OF PRINT New Jersey is alive and kicking still after last night's somewhat shaky 6-3 victory over the Florida panthers. Cory Schneider gets the start tonight against Nathan Lieuwen and the Buffalo Sabres. Brodeur was pulled after letting in 3 goals so he may not see much action going forward as long as the Devils are still in the playoff hunt.  A win tonight and some other good fortune could spring them right back in the thick of things...... Sergei Bobrovsky looks to return to the net tonight against Semyon Varlamov and the Colorado Avalanche. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in a dogfight with a few teams for a playoff spot and need Bobber to carry the load in net.  He faces a hot goaltender and team in Avs' G Varlamov but the home ice (20-14-3) should give them a little bit of an advantage, although Colorado is a solid road team (22-10-3).... Kari Lehtonen marches the Dallas Stars into Washington in what is a critical game for both teams. The Capitals will go with Jaroslav Halak (LIKELY) in hopes of staying close to the pack fighting for that last playoff spot in the East. Both teams are a point behind the 8th playoff spot, with both of the teams they are chasing playing tonight on their home ice. The caps have lost 3 in a row, two by the shootout.  Lehts and the Stars have won 4 of 5 and have the momentum after beating St. Louis in their last game.  Reach for the Stars... Anton Khudobin (LIKELY) gets the start against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight clearly showing that he will get the majority of the starts going out as he got the harder of the back-to-back matchups. Marc-Andre Fleury gets the nod for the Pens who have won 2 in a row and are trying to get healthy for the playoffs. Pens should beat up on a tired Canes team that played last night.... Evgeni Nabokov and the NY Islanders take on a beaten up Florida Panther squad who lost to New Jersey 6-3 last night in Newark. Scott Clemmensen (LIKELY) will be in net the Cats but this team, for the most part, has packed it in. Just some auditions for next year's teams... Karri Ramo and the Calgary flames head into Toronto to take on the struggling Maple Leafs. Jonathan Bernier will be in net once again as the Leafs try to right the ship in time to make the playoffs. It's hard to believe that the Leafs are just 1-9-0 in their last ten, not even earning a point in any of their 9 losses.  But someday that streak will have to end, but not if they ...

There are 11 games on the NHL calendar today. Boston will start things off with a game at Washington.  Tukkaa Rask is (LIKELY) in goal for Boston, and there little to say about him other thna the fact he will likey win the Vezina Trophy with his 33 wins and 2.01 GAA. Rask's even strength save percentage of .943 is amazing.  Jaroslav Halak is (LIKELY) to be in goal for the Capitals, and he has played well since the trade with a .929 save percentage with Washington, but we like Boston in this one. San Jose will visit Colorado. Antti Niemi is (LIKELY) for the Sharks while Semyon Varlamov has been (CONFIRMED) for the Avalanche. Both are having great years with each having 36 wins.  Varlamov has been hotter lately winning 3 of his last 4 whereas Niemi has gone 2-3 in his last 5.  Go with Varlamov. Ben Bishop will (LIKELY) be in goal for Tampa as they visit Buffalo. Youngster Matt Hackett is (LIKELY) to be in goal for the Sabres. Bishop has had a great year with 35 wins while Hackett has only played in 3 games.  Bishop should be the king. Cory Schneider has been (CONFIRMED) for the Devils at the Islanders. Although his record is only 14-14-9, his 2.14 GAA demonstrates that he has played well this season. Evgeni Nabokov is (LIKELY) for New York. He hasgone 2-4 in his last 6 games, so we like Schneider.   Carey Price will (LIKELY) start for Montreal at Florida. Price has had a solid year with 31 wins and a .924 save percentage. Dan Ellis has been (CONFIRMED) to be in goal for the Panthers. He has really struggled in his limited playing time with a 5-8 record and worse a 3.39 GAA and a .890 SP.  The Price is right.  The Red Wings will visit Toronto, and Jimmy Howard has been (CONFIRMED) in goal for Detroit.  He has had a tough year at 17-18-11 and he has suffered 3 straight losses. Jonathan Bernier is (LIKELY) to be in goal for the Leafs, and while he has played well this year with 25 wins, he has lost 2 straight games since coming back from an injury.  But we like him and his .924 save percentage. Sergei Bobrovsky is (LIKELY) in goal for Columbus as they visit Carolina.  Bobrovsky has played well with 27 wins and a 2.47 GAA, although he has lost 3 of his last 5 games.   He will (LIKELY) face Anton Khudobin who has a 16-12-0 record, but a solid 2.20 GAA and a .929 SP. He shutout Florida in his last game.  Still go with Bobrovsky.  Dallas will face the Blues in St. Louis and Kari Lehtonen is (LIKELY) in goal for the Stars. With 28 wins and a 2.48 GAA he has had a...