Since his heroic shootout exploits against Team Russia in the Olympics, American winger T.J. Oshie hasn't followed up with the same success in his return to the NHL. After enduring a brief slump of 4 straight games without a point, the Blues forward had himself a heck of a night with a "hat trick" and 6 shots on goal. That gives him 6 points in the last two games and 60 on the season. His recent "hot" streak has helped him eclipse his previous career-high of 54 points set in 2011. Amongst the "potpourri" of interchangeable forwards utilized in Ken Hitchcock's balanced offensive scheme, Oshie has stood out as perhaps the most consistent forward option to own on St. Louis.
So is it really much warmer in St. Louis than Buffalo? Well, if you ask Ryan Miller, I am sure he would agree. After turning aside 27 of 28 shots in the 5-1 demolition of Minnesota, the streaking goaltender has amassed an incredible 9-2-1 record since being traded to the Blues, along with a 2.03 GAA and a .918 SP. Maybe the elite goalie option in the NHL right now.
Nashville's Shea Weber scored 2 more goals, raising his season total to 20, which is lofty by anyone's standards for a defenseman. With his career-high of 23 goals on the verge of being eclipsed, there are only a few fantasy blueliners better than the best Predator of all.
What can you say about Tuukka Rask? Bouncing back after a tough home loss to Montreal, the Boston goalie prodigy stopped all 28 shots in the 3-0 shutout win over Chicago. With a 9-0-1 record over his last 10 starts, he is nearly unbeatable these days, but keep in mind that back-up Chad Johnson will get more starts over the last few weeks with Boston having nothing to play for.
With Anders Lee stealing much of the rookie spotlight for the Islanders in the absence of the injured John Tavares, fantasy owners need also keep the more highly-skilled Ryan Strome on their fantasy radar for next season. His goal last night gives him 13 points in 28 games, but more importantly, he is gaining invaluable experience as he gobbles up big minutes with JT out. He could be poised for a huge jump next season, maybe 55-60 points.
Anton Khudobin delivered another monster effort in the crease for Carolina, blanking Florida with 35 saves. His numbers are far superior to Cam Ward's, as he has gone 16-12 with a 2.20 GAA and a .929 SP. The Hurricanes would be wise to hand over the reigns to the young netminder for the remainder of the season.
After being irrelevant for most of the season, Winnipeg d-man Tobias Enstrom has been earning his fantasy stripes with a scorching "hot" streak lately. His game-winner in San Jose gives him 8 points over the last seven games. Kudos to all fantasy owners who had him stashed away on the bench.
With the overtime game-winner against Vancouver, Colorado's Tyson Barrie has points in both games since being moved back to defense. Get him back in your lineups, as the youngster has risen quickly up the fantasy ranks with 32 points this season.
Florida's Roberto Luongo suffered a UBI in last night's game, playing just one period before being removed. The word is that the move was just precautionary, so it seems Luongo might not miss much time.
And for a bit of bench news, former NHLer Sean Avery added a different meaning to "Dancing With the Stars". Avery, known for his agitating style of play and dancing/fighting with NHL stars, appeared on the hit television show and was voted off in just the second week of the season. Check out the click here courtesy of dancingwts09.
DAILY PRIME TODAY: OSHIE BACK ON TOP primepucks.comFri 3/28/14 6:08 AM