ADD’EM 1/8/2017 CALL OF THE WILD PENGUINS? Here we are at the midpoint of the season, so it’s all downhill from here.  And we all know what happens when we reach the crest that is the halfway mark?  The season starts to pick up speed as we near the playoffs, with teams fighting harder, playing harder and faster to earn a right to play in the dance come April.  And what players usually pick up their game?  Mostly veterans who have been there before and knows what it takes to get there.  You can sprinkle in a few rookies who may be given the opportunity to play on the same line as the team’s superstar, but chemistry has to be explosive from the start. So who does PrimePucks™ think you should focus on for the upcoming period?  Let’s take a look and see who’s available.  Teams that have played the most games through Saturday, January 7th are the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, NY Rangers, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets with 42.  There are 5 teams with the least amount of games played with 38 and they are Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and the NY Islanders. Taking a look at the 5 teams with the least amount of games played, Pittsburgh (3.5 goals per game) and Columbus (3.42 GPG) have scored the most amount of goals with 133 & 130 respectively.  Minnesota (3.18 GPG) has 121 goals and rounds out the 3 teams who have been very productive in the least amount of games played.  Ottawa is the least productive of the 5 with a 2.47 GPG average. We spoke about Columbus in last week’s article, so let’s look at the Pittsburgh Penguins.  We all know how explosive the Penguins can be and there are a few forwards available.  Conor Sheary, last year’s playoff sensation, is owned by just 33.0% even though he plays on a line with Sid the Kid.  Chris Kunitz is getting up there in age and is only owned by 23.6% and can be that veteran who gets his second wind and gets his motor running with the playoffs coming into view. Defensively, Ian Cole (26.3%) and Trevor Daley (27.2%), although not offensive stalwarts, can provide some intermittent production along with good +/- numbers. Minnesota has a well-rounded scoring offense but there are some pretty good options still available.  Mikael Granlund has been pretty productive of late with 11 points in past 8 games and is owned by just 63.3%.  Looking for a player with more experience, then Mikko Koivu, at 68.6% owned, could be your man.  Jason Pominville is available at 16.0% but his inconsistencies drive me crazy.  Jared Spurgeon is a good option on defense with 16 points in 34 games and is owned by 38.9%. If you are one that takes a contrarian look at things, then perhaps players such as Bobby Ryan (55.9%) and Derick Brassard (49.9%) are available and produce more as a 5th of 6th forward if you don’t have a better option.  It may be possible to pry a somewhat disappointing Senator forward like Mike Hoffman or Mark Stone from a disgruntled owner with hopes they return to career scoring levels. One team that has been an enigma when it comes to scoring is the New York Islanders, which was another team we covered in last week’s ADD’EM, so have another look by clicking here. Other options include players such as Mitch Marner (67.8%), Kevin Hayes (67.5%), Bo Horvat (40.5%), Matthew Tkachuk (29.6%), JaromirJagr (68.5%) & Kyle Turris (65.7%) to name a few more. Good luck!