Alex Ovechkin scored 4 goals, including a last-minute game-tying tally, in Washington's 6-5 come-back win over Tampa Bay. With 26 goals in 29 games, the absence of Steven Stamkos makes the chances of anyone catching "Ovie" for the Maurice Richard Trophy slim to none. Nicklas Backstrom actually finished with more points in the contest, collecting a goal and 4 assists. After going scoreless in seven straight, the talented center has 7 points in the last three games. Regardless of a scoring drought, you never sit Backstrom out of your fantasy lineup.... Patrick Kane continues his ascent up the fantasy elite with another three points (1G/2A) in the 6-2 Chicago win over Dallas, giving him 12 points in the last 6 games. With 40 points on the season, the slick winger sits second in the NHL in scoring. For all of those pundits, including myself, that thought Kane would take a step back after hoisting the Cup, he is making a huge statement.  Patrick Sharp continues his hot streak with 2 goals.... Martin St. Louis extended his point streak to three games with a goal and two assists in the OT loss to Washington. Even without Stamkos, the ageless wonder is just barely out of the top-ten in scoring with 30 points. Don't discount him as he is still an elite fantasy forward who will get "hotter" when Stamkos returns. For now, marginal players like Tyler Johnson have seen a boost in fantasy value playing alongside St. Louis....The dynamic trio in Edmonton- Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins- combined for 6 points in the Oiler's OT win over Carolina. Eberle provided the overtime heroics with his 11th goal and 27th point in 32 games. His recent hot streak will have him over a point-per-game pace real soon, so trade for this guy if you can.  As for Hall, only injuries stand in his way as a permanent top-five fixture amongst fantasy forwards.... While playing for a "lousy" team, superstar John Tavares keeps notching the points, two more assists last night in the improbable 2-1 Islander win over San Jose.... Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk seamlessly returned from a concussion, scoring a goal and an assist in the 3-2 loss to Florida. He now has 25 points in as many games, so activate him ASAP.... Easy win for Los Angeles last night 6-0 over Montreal. Rookie goaltender Martin Jones had his second straight shutout with 31 saves, and with Jonathan Quick out, and Ben Scrivens in Coach Darryl Sutter's dog house, this guy is a great short term pickup. Young center Tyler Toffoli had a goal and an assist last night for the Kings, and he has 14 points in only 17 games played. Grab him if you can....Backup goaltender Brian Elliott had a good game last night for St. Louis in a 2-1 victory over Winnipeg with 20 saves. While there appears to be no starting goaltender issue with the Blues, Elliott's strong play may eat into Jaroslav Halak's starts....Jets forward Bryan Little had a power play goal and with 13 goals and 28 points on the year, he is quietly having a breakout season.... Brutual night in goal for Martin Brodeur of the Devils as he allowed 5 goals to Columbus on 23 shots. At 41-years old, his save percentage this year is only .898 versus backup Cory Schneider's .920. If New Jersey wants to win games they should give Schneider more starts.  Young right wing Cam Atkinson had a big game for the Blue Jackets with 2 goals and 2 assists. We admire his speed and skill, but because of his small size he tends to get pushed around a lot.   He could figure out how to play in the NHL and become a 70 point player, but not this year.  Even after last night he has only 16 points on the season.