A few Jets had strong fantasy numbers last night as Winnipeg demolished the Dallas Stars 7-3. Big Blake Wheeler led the way with 4 assists, but Dustin Byfuglien was easily the fantasy star of the night with 2 goals, one assist, and 7 shots on goal. His current "smoking" streak of 8 points (6G/2A) in the last 5 games has landed him at 50+ point territory once again. Ride the "big man" down the stretch as he has caught "fire" at the right time.
Suddenly, it might be time to pay attention to defenseman Tobias Enstrom, who also put forth a worthy effort with a goal and two assists. The former 50+ point guy has struggled all season, but has collected 4 points in the last two. He might be worth a spot start if you are weak on defense.
Before I move any forward, the news of Kris Letang set to practice for Pittsburgh today is awesome on many levels, and while his return seems imminent, the earliest fantasy owners could hope for would seem to be the weekend. Nevertheless, Letang could provide an instant dose of fantasy punch to any defensive corps. Kudos if you held onto to him.
Bad news for St. Louis, as the ultra-talented Vladimir Tarasenko is done for the season after undergoing hand surgery. Less of a blow to fantasy owners, given the carousel of forwards who contribute to the Blues balanced offensive approach.
So, Eric Staal extends his point streak to six games with a goal during Carolina's huge 2-1 loss to Edmonton. Ooops.. I meant Jordan. What the heck is going on? It's actually the Alex Semin effect, as Eric has been struggling ever since the Russian winger has been moved to Jordan's line.
If Ottawa's newly-acquired winger Ales Hemsky is still available in your fantasy leagues, shame on all of you.
How frustrating is owning Detroit's Johan Franzen? I inserted him in my starting lineup while he was blazing "hot", and he responded with 3 straight ZEROS. Thank you Johan. It's been real.
VETERAN WATCH: I would consider Calgary's Mike Cammalleri for a spot-start this week, as the 31-year old has been a power-play warrior and a point-machine recently for the Flames. With 9 points in the last 8 and not much on the line for his team, I could see "Cammy" finishing the season strong. The other vet I like for completely the opposite reason is Shane Doan. The captain is raising his as game as the stakes are higher for his Phoenix Coyotes who are currently in a dogfight for a playoff spot.
DAILY PRIME- MARCH 17, 2014: BYFUGLIEN IS SOARING primepucks.comMon 3/17/14 5:45 AM