Sorry for an abbreviated version of ISD, but I have been ailing for a few days with the flu. However, we need to deliver our fantasy tidbits on the defense. Big news from last night, as Lubomir Visnovsky returned to live-action for the New York Islanders after missing almost 3 months due to a concussion. Although he was held off the score-sheet, the talented rearguard played over 22 minutes, including a team-high 7:23 on the power play. Andrew McDonald could be in for quite a fantasy free-fall, as he was immediately dropped off the primary PP unit, seeing only 2:55 minutes with the man-advantage. He served as a solid stop-gap fantasy option during Visnovsky's absence, collecting 10 points in a nine-game stretch from December 21st thru January 6. However, his offense has disappeared in recent games as he has only one point in his last 11 games. Visnovsky has an awesome scoring pedigree in his NHL career, leading all d-men with 68 points for Anaheim in '10-11. Although injuries have begun to take their toll, the 37-year old is a premier power-play quarterback who should greatly benefit from playing with one of the "hottest" top lines in John Tavares, Thomas Vanek, and Kyle Okposo. If he could remain healthy, consider him a lower-tier no. 1 fantasy option on the blueline. If you have stashed him on your bench, you are about to reap huge fantasy dividends. Parting Shots: With 7 assists in his last 4 games, Dallas defenseman Alex Goligoski has rebounded nicely from a horrid start. His ownership in ESPN fantasy leagues has increased over 85%, so the window of opportunity to pick him up is quickly closing.. Matt Niskanen continues to rack up points for Pittsburgh with 7 points in the last 10 games, but he has been seeing minimal power-play time with the healthy returns of Kris Letang and Paul Martin. The time to "sell high" is now.. Victor Hedman is catapulting himself into fantasy elite status with two straight 3-point efforts and 32 points overall in 45 games. Another one of those curious Olympic snubs, the prolific Swede is officially breaking out in '13-14. Start him with confidence.