HOME ON THE RANGE Don't get in the way of a stampeding Buffalo Sabres team as they have rattled off four wins in a row and are 7-3-0 in their last ten. The story of this turnaround is G Jhonas Enroth who has the team rallying around his play. In fact, the Sabres are playing so well of late that they have positioned themselves to make a run for a playoff spot.  An incredible run; especially after their horrid start to the season.  Enroth has gone 9-2 and with the shootout win last night evened his record at 10-10-1, so it is safe to start this Sabre.... A big blow to Tampa fans as starting goaltender Ben Bishop left last night's tilt against the Pittsburgh Penguins after one period of play with a lower-body injury. There was no indication of discomfort from the talented net minder but Evgeni Nabokov started the 2nd period. No word yet on the extent of Bishop's injury, but Nabokov should have been owned as a handcuff due to Bishop's injury woes last season.  Let's hope it's nothing serious.... Not much is going right for the New Jersey Devils of late. The Devils managed to play the NY Islanders tight last night and even opened up a 2-0 lead with the "new-and-improved" Scott Gomez who had a goal and an assist and now has 6 points in 8 games with the Devils, all six of those in the last 5 games....Jaromir Jagr is the beneficiary of Gomez' resurgence as he assisted on both goals. Expect Jagr to get back to a point-per-game pace....Marek Zidlicky came alive with a goal and an assist as well. Who knew that Gomez still had it in him? Maybe he never should have left the swamps of New Jersey. This is possibly a good "buy-low" situation in New Jersey...With the win the NY Islanders remained 2 points behind the Eastern Conference leading Pittsburgh Penguins with Jaroslav Halak getting his 16th win on the season. It also made a clean sweep for the home teams last night.  After a modest 4-game losing streak, the Isles are back on the winning track. Let's see how the Edmonton Oilers react to a new Head Coach now that Dallas Eakins has been let go. We had mentioned in our SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE article this past week that a few coaching changes were in order with Edmonton being one of them. Will the ball start to roll on some of the others?  Read here to find out about the others.

Cammalleri missed the last six games with a neck injury that was suffered on October 25th. He will return on the Devils top-line with Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr. In a quiet night in the NHL, get Cammalleri in your daily league lineups. He has five goals and two assists in eight game this season.

Cammalleri has missed the last six games with a neck injury that he suffered on October 24th vs. Dallas. He was back skating with Travis Zajac and Jaromir Jagr, which is a good sign that could be back tomorrow night in Boston.

After two uneventful games to start the year, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn served notice that they are among the NHL fantasy elite by combining for seven points in the Star's 4-2 road win over Columbus. Seguin notched a "hat trick", while Benn cruised along with a goal and three helpers. We all tend to panic when our superstars don't immediately get in the scoring column, but these two have been proven scorers. With the added depth to the Dallas forward corps, it was just a matter of time. It was only a few days ago when I recieved an email expressing concerns over Phil Kessel's lack of production over the first few games. After last night's overtime game-winner to seal the fate of the Colorado Avalanche, "Phil The Thrill" has responded to his slow start with five points over the last two games. A memo to all novice fantasy owners- always be patient with your high-end forwards early in the season, because they can pick up the slack in a hurry as made evident by both Seguin and Kessel. You will get many seasoned owners knocking at your door for the first slumping star, but do yourself a favor and don't answer. Now, if we are talking about the quarter point of the season, then maybe you have a chat.. Staying in Toronto, there has been surprising developments involving the goalie situation as "back-up" goalie James Reimer has proven to be the more dependable option with two straight wins, including last night's 22-save effort in the 3-2 victory over Colorado. Head Coach Randy Carlyle is going with the "hot hand" at the moment as Reimer (2.24 GAA/.920 SP) has posted far superior numbers to Jonathan Bernier (4.51 GAA/ .882 SP). I would suggest for Bernier owners to stay the course as he is far too talented to lose the starting job long-term, but if scooping up Reimer allays your fears a bit, do it then. In the "classic trap" game after an inspiring 7-1 demolition of Montreal, the Tampa Bay Lightning fell back to earth by losing to New Jersey. The real story of the contest is Devil's goalie Cory Schneider who is now 3-0 after stopping 26 of 27 shots. His key numbers speak for themselves- 2.00 GAA and .931 SP, as he is finally heading toward the top of the fantasy charts as the undisputed starter for a Brodeur-less Jersey squad. We loved him as a potential top-five goalie before the season started and now even more.. Mike Cammalleri has fallen into the right place as a new member of the team, collecting a goal and an assist plus points in all three games. ...

Many fantasy insiders have tabbed young Valeri Nichuskin of Dallas as a breakout candidate in '14-15. The 18-year old played well above his years last season, collecting 34 points in 79 games as mostly a first-liner. While a point jump is expected as a sophomore, we all need to temper our expectations regarding this projected "Jaromir Jagr" clone. 50 points should be in his "wheelhouse", but power-play time will still be minimal. He should be a much bigger fantasy factor in 2015 and beyond.3rd overall pick Leon Draisaitl has been signed by the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-year, entry-level contract. After tearing it up in the WHL with 38 goals and 105 points in 64 games, the talented youngster could be in the running for a 2nd/3rd line center position with a strong camp. The departure of Sam Gagner has left a top-six void, but can journeyman Marc Arcobello land that spot? It should be an interesting competition to watch.According to the St. Petersberg Times, Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop hasn't healed fully from his post-season wrist surgery. While he seems very confident that he will be ready to roll by training camp, fantasy owners need to be wary of drafting him too early. Showing plenty of "wear and tear" late in his breakout season, it would be smart for Bishop owners to draft backup Evgeni Nabokov in the late rounds.BOUNCE-BACK COMING! Florida offensive rearguard Brian Campbell regressed last season with 37 points in 82 games, but a rebound to career norms is coming. Over his first two seasons with the offensively inept Panthers, he still managed 80 points in130 games. With their two best rising d-men, Aaron Ekblad and Erik Gudbranson, being more stay-at-home types and Dmitry Kulikov having vastly underachieved, Campbell should benefit the most from an improved offensive attack. Great mid-round value in most fantasy drafts.When is the last time that the New York Rangers have boasted two top fantasy options on the blue-line? The acquisition of Dan Boyle will provide a right-hand shot and a superior puck-mover on the power-play while a veteran presence that can help Ryan McDonagh move his offensive game to the elite level. Watch these two help each other stay fantasy relevant in '14-15. 40+ points from both guys? I say yes with confidence.

Many fantasy insiders have tabbed young Valeri Nichuskin of Dallas as a breakout candidate in '14-15. The 18-year old played well above his years last season, collecting 34 points in 79 games as mostly a first-liner. While a point jump is expected as a sophomore, we all need to temper our expectations regarding this projected "Jaromir Jagr" clone. 50 points should be in his "wheelhouse", but power-play time will still be minimal. He should be a much bigger fantasy factor in 2015 and beyond.3rd overall pick Leon Draisaitl has been signed by the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-year, entry-level contract. After tearing it up in the WHL with 38 goals and 105 points in 64 games, the talented youngster could be in the running for a 2nd/3rd line center position with a strong camp. The departure of Sam Gagner has left a top-six void, but can journeyman Marc Arcobello land that spot? It should be an interesting competition to watch.According to the St. Petersberg Times, Tampa Bay goalie Ben Bishop hasn't healed fully from his post-season wrist surgery. While he seems very confident that he will be ready to roll by training camp, fantasy owners need to be wary of drafting him too early. Showing plenty of "wear and tear" late in his breakout season, it would be smart for Bishop owners to draft backup Evgeni Nabokov in the late rounds.BOUNCE-BACK COMING! Florida offensive rearguard Brian Campbell regressed last season with 37 points in 82 games, but a rebound to career norms is coming. Over his first two seasons with the offensively inept Panthers, he still managed 80 points in130 games. With their two best rising d-men, Aaron Ekblad and Erik Gudbranson, being more stay-at-home types and Dmitry Kulikov having vastly underachieved, Campbell should benefit the most from an improved offensive attack. Great mid-round value in most fantasy drafts.When is the last time that the New York Rangers have boasted two top fantasy options on the blue-line? The acquisition of Dan Boyle will provide a right-hand shot and a superior puck-mover on the power-play while a veteran presence that can help Ryan McDonagh move his offensive game to the elite level. Watch these two help each other stay fantasy relevant in '14-15. 40+ points from both guys? I say yes with confidence.

Reports suggest that the Canucks are strongly pursuing FA goalie Ryan Miller. Wouldnt that be something- Buffalo to St. Louis then to Vancouver. Speaking of going full circle!RW PA Parenteau was shipped to Montreal from Colorado for veteran forward Daniel Briere and the Canadiens fifth-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. The Avs get some playoff experience with Briere while the Canadiens add some more scoring. Good trade for part teams.Center Sam Gagner was traded by the Edmonton Oilers to Tampa Bay, who turned around and packaged Gagner and RW B. J. Crombeen for Arizona's 6th round draft pick next June. Gagner will get a fresh start in the desert and perhaps contribute consistently as a Coyote.  Only 24-years old, Gagner is still young enough that he can turn into the player everyone had been hoping for while he was in Edmonton.Tampa Bay's Teddy Purcell was the first part of the Gagner trade, being dealt to the Edmonton Oilers, providing some more scoring punch at right wing.  At 28, Purcell brings some much-needed experience and size to this group of young Oilers.  Where he fits is anyone's guess, but the Oil need to find ways to win now as the fan base may be getting restless for a playoff series.Interesting point to consider- who will be the favorite to scoop up the second line center position for Edmonton with Gagner traded away? It could be former AHL standout Marc Arcobello who started last season on fire with 10 points in the first 10 games; or talented rookie Leon Draisaitl who has drawn comparisons to Jaromir Jagr? The winner of this spot could hold decent fantasy value in 14-15'.

The Devils did not release terms of the contract. Jagr said it was a one-year deal. The contract is believed to be worth $6 million US with incentives. Jagr was the Devils' leading scorer this, finishing with 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points.

Loui Eriksson, RW Boston (Owned in 47.5% of ESPN leagues) His 4-assist performance playing in place of Jarome Iginla on the Bruin's top line should serve notice that he is arguably the most valuable waiver-wire grab of the final week. The B's have nothing to play for, meaning the older veterans such as Iginla and Zdeno Chara will be receiving much needed rest. I suggest all "Iggy" owners pick up Eriksson for good measure and monitor the situation closely until you need to set your starting rosters. The talented forward was a proven NHL scorer for Dallas and he did receive top-line minutes prior to Iginla's arrival, so his insertion should do little to hurt their scoring chemistry. Carl Soderberg, C Boston (Owned in 28.2% of ESPN leagues) The 28-year old rookie has been quite productive on the Bruin's third line, scoring 18 points in the last 21 games. If Coach Claude Julien decides to rest any key forwards, Soderberg will be in the mix for top-six forward minutes, including an expanded role on the power-play. He is well worth a flier and could pay off in a big way. Travis Zajac, C New Jersey  (Owned in 60.9 % of ESPN leagues) With 6 points in his last 4 games, the underrated pivot has elevated his offensive production just in time to get the Devils back in the thick of the playoff race. With Patrik Elias and Adam Henrique out of the lineup, Zajac should continue to lead the offense along with the ageless Jaromir Jagr and push toward playing some meaningful games beyond mid-April. He is well worth a flier with the postseason on the line for the suddenly streaking Devils. Alec Martinez, D Los Angeles ( Owned in 49.9% of ESPN leagues) Speaking of falling under the radar, all the 26-year old defenseman has done is post 15 points in the last 18 games, which represents upper-tier fantasy production in any format. With Drew Doughty injured and the Kings exercising caution with the eye to the playoffs, Martinez should see expanded minutes over the last week, including on the top power-play unit. I can't vouch for his fantasy value beyond this season, but for now he is "money". Ilya Bryzgalov, G Minnesota ( Owned in 28.4% of ESPN leagues) Since being traded to the Minnesota Wild, Bryzgalov has been elite between the pipes with a 5-0-3 record, a 1.87 GAA and a .920 SP. Coming off his 4-0 blanking of Pittsburgh and Darcy Kuemper still ailing, there is a decent chance that the enigmatic goalie will play all four games for this defensive juggernaut during ...

Don't look now, but veteran center Mikko Koivu has been a fantasy difference-maker once again with his recent scoring explosion. Reunited with winger Zach Parise on the primary line, the diminutive Finn is currently riding a six-game point streak (2G/7A) highlighted by last's night crucial game-winning goal and also an assist in the 3-2 road win over the Los Angeles Kings. The emergence of young center Mikael Granlund coupled with Koivu's injury issues resulted in him being dropped to the second line with Matt Moulson, drastically lessening his fantasy value. However, Koivu seems to be back in stellar form and Coach Mike Yeo has him back with "Zach". You know what that means? Start him with confidence as the Wild seem destined for the playoffs and the top line should continue rolling. Much-maligned goalie Ilya Bryzgalov back-stopped the Wild to another huge victory last night, running his record with Minnesota to 3-0-2 with a .910 SP and a 2.19 GAA. If you need goalie help, look no further than "Bryz", considering that he is the most viable goaltending option on a probable playoff team. The Wild will need to ride him in the playoffs in wake of Darcy Kuemper's late season collapse. Bryzgalov should see plenty of starts in order to get him ready for the postseason. Marian Gaborik is definitely trending up these days. With another assist, the King's streaky winger is currently on a four-game point streak(1G/4A) and enjoying life playing with the underrated Anze Kopitar. This duo needs to keep building up scoring chemistry for their playoff run, so Gaborik looks to be a strong fantasy start for the remainder of the season. What happened to perennial second-half "fantasy beast" Eric Staal? With Carolina out of playoff contention, the normally reliable center has been a fantasy disappointment to say the least, collecting only 56 points in 72 games. I would be wary of starting him the rest of the way. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the scoring exploits of Travis Zajac (3G/1A) and Jaromir Jagr(1G/3A) as the Devil's duo combined for 8 points against the woeful Florida Panthers. Both would be legit fantasy options if the Devils had a realistic shot of making the playoffs, but obviously that is not the case. SPECIAL NOTE: IN STEVE'S DEFENSE WILL BE FEATURED ON THURSDAY THIS WEEK, FOCUSING ON THE TOP TEN FANTASY DEFENSEMEN OVER THE LAST 15 DAYS.