ADD'EM: 6 OF ONE, HALF DOZEN OF THE OTHER Thomas Greiss-G-NYI (27.9% owned in ESPN), Nino Niederreiter-RW-MIN (56.3), Daniel Sedin-LW-VAN (48.1), Mikael Backlund-C-CGY (45.6), Mathew Barzal-C-NYI (41.3), Jason Zucker-LW-MIN (35.3), Tanner Pearson-LW-LAK (33.5), Justin Williams-RW-CAR (27.5), Rick Nash-RW-NYR (24.5), Frans Nielsen-C-DET (18.9) 11/12/2017 GOALIE: The only available net minder worthy of a fantasy slot this week is the Islanders’ Thomas Greiss.  Greiss played in three games the past week and netted 2 wins allowing 8 goals against but had 89 saves.  An away game against Tampa Bay sandwiched between a home-and-home series against the Carolina Hurricanes. FORWARD:  There are quite a few forward options out there with one returning for an encore performance.  Nino Niederreiter went 1-2-3 in 4 games last week and with 2 home games against Philly and Nashville concluding with an away game against Washington this week, look for NN to continue his groove now that his early season injury seems to be behind him.  We are heading back to the island, more specifically Brooklyn with Mathew Barzal of the Islanders.  Posting 0-6-6 in 4 games last week, Barzal seems to be getting more and more comfortable on a line with Jordan Eberle, and vice versa.  Look for the talented rookie to continue contributing and hopefully he starts to shoot the puck more being that he only had 4 SOG for the whole week. Back to Minnesota and a red-hot Jason Zucker.  While this JZ might not be from Brooklyn, he sure is causing a ruckus this past week with 6 goals and an assist in 4 games.  With 17 SOG you know he is feeling it and so should you.  Stick him in your lineup while the iron the hot. Mikael Backlund of Calgary usually saves his game for the second half but recently he has been putting up some assists more consistently with 4 in the past 3 games.  You won’t get much more than an assists here or there as he tends not to shoot the puck too often. Justin Williams return to Carolina has been somewhat quiet to start the season, but he has been putting up the points of late with a goal and 3 assists in the past 3 games.  With 4 games on the tilt this week, at home against Dallas and NY Islanders bookending matches against the same NY Islanders and Buffalo both away, the schedule looks promising for Carolina. One player I was expecting to breakout this season after a semi-breakout last year is LA King Tanner Pearson.  He has just 9 points in 16 games so far this season but has...

Brandon Dubinsky, Columbus- A few Blue Jackets have seen their roles increase under new coach John Tortorella, one being the 29-year old Dubinsky. The hard-working center has collected three goals and five assists over the first games since Torts has taken over. While expecting his ppg clip to last over the course of the season is unrealistic, 55-60 is not. He is worth a pick-up as his fantasy value is more long-term than most.    Teemu Terevainen, Chicago- With Marian Hossa back from injury, it's likely the talented winger could be shuffled around the lineup again. He showed some chemistry with Kane but who doesn't. Best case scenario-  stays on top line with Toews/Hossa or sees some 3rd line duty again. Insane upside so he might worth stashing on the bench until he gets going. Cause it will happen at some point this season.    David Desharnais, Montreal- I don't like recommending third line centers but his line with Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann has been absolutely killing it. DD has been the top dog before and has been a 60-point producer just a few years back, so you know he has tons to prove. Ride him in the short term    Leon Draisatl, Edmonton- A devastating injury to Connor McDavid has opened the opportunity for this former no first round pick to get top six minutes and contribute right away. Since his callup from the AHL, all Leon has done is hav collected 7 points over 5 games and has looked in sinc alongside Taylor Hall. The return of Jordan Eberle has the trio forming a potential explosive top unit. Playing with those two has its advantages in fantasy so take a gamble on him.    Ryan Spooner, Boston- In the case of this youngster, his importance on special teams clearly places him on the fantasy radar. He currently plays on a smokin top power play unit alongside the likes of David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron but gets this line minutes. There is a surplus of elite centers in Boston so his interim fantasy upside is a bit capped but he should be able to flirt with the 50-point mark. 

If you're an avid sports fan, regardless if its fantasy related or not, then you always love trades and trade rumors. Trade rumors spur your analytical mind to delve into the basis of the trade for the parties involved to see if the trade even makes sense. And when the trades do make perfect sense, or they are clearly beneficial to one of your favorite teams, that will surely elicit a smile from your face because you have recognized the brilliance in such a thing. I came across a few trade rumors lately from various sources and have to say they are pretty interesting indeed.  One such rumor, courtesy of Sportsblog’s TheHockeyPress, which has been mentioned a little bit this off-season, is the New York Rangers trading of defenseman Keith Yandle, whom they acquired at the trade deadline in March.  Yandle is one of the steadiest, top-scoring defenseman in the NHL year after year and should return a solid player in return, or even a package of prospects and picks if that is the way they want to go, especially is building their farm system back up.  But we are talking about a particular trade rumor and this one involves the Edmonton Oilers.  Nail Yakupov’s name has been mentioned since the approach of last season’s trade deadline as a tradable player from their roster to help bolster their defense.  Yakupov  is a valuable asset that could surely result in an even up swap of the offensive-minded players, but perhaps the Rangers are trying to wiggle a little something more out of the Oil being that they may be desperate to start winning sooner than later.  There is even mention that the Rangers are trying to pry Jordan Eberle away from the Oil. The Hockey Press states that the Oilers want this done before the start of the season, but I don't see New York having to do anything until the trade deadline. If Edmonton budges, then Eberle will be donning the blue jersey come October.  Perhaps the rumor is just that, a rumor.  There was also a rumor regarding Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues being traded for an Oiler.  Didn't the Edmonton Oilers sign free agent defenseman Andrej Sekera and trade for Griffin Reinhart of the NY Islanders during the off-season?  The Oilers are in need of a top offensive defenseman and perhaps they will receive that in Sekera, but it makes sense for both teams to see how the season unfolds first before trading away important components of their rosters.

Dubnyk continues to keep WIld rolling, Young Blue Jackets may be next season's fashion, and young Oilers remain hot Not a good time to go a losing streak but as Calgary has done all year, they should bounce back after losing 4-2 to the Minnesota Wild and make things interesting.  They just happened to go against one of the hottest goaltenders in the NHL in Devan Dubnyk last night, which is still pretty strange coming out of my mouth after all this time.  It’s just one of those years…. Columbus continues to play strong even though they are out of the playoff hunt with a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks but don’t forget about this team next year as they should be one of the better bounce back teams of 2015-2016 as they get healthy and mature with their young core of talent. They should stack up on a lot of ammo for their cannon with the likes of Ryan Johansen, Boone Jenner, Nick Foligno, Cam Atkinson, Alex Wennberg, David Savard and more on their way like Kerby Rychel and Marko Dano… Edmonton blanked the enigmatic Dallas Stars 4-0 behind Richard Bachman’s 29-save effort.  The win the first of the season for Bachman and it came against his former team, who are the most Jekyll and Hyde team of the season.  Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continue to stay hot with a goal and assists respectively so continue to ride these two down the stretch as the Oil are playing well with nothing on the line.  Wait ‘til next year…hopefully!

The Minnesota Wild roll by the St. Louis Blues 6-3, as Brian Elliott was pulled after giving up four goals. Thomas Vanek scored a goal, extending his point streak to seven games. His late season scoring surge is good enough reason to get him in your starting lineups... Is there a better line going in the NHL than the Gaudreau-Hudler- Monahan unit for the Calgary Flames? In another big spot, the trio have combined for five points but the team fell short in overtime after Rene Bourque buried the game-winner. Start all three as thay are providing the bulk of Calgary's offense during their hot streak... Carey Price for MVP? It's looking more and more likely as he keeps churning out suberb efforts in the crease, this gtime posting his second straight shutout and blanking the San Jose Sharks...   Jonathan Quick kept the Los Angeles Kings in the match with 36 saves, but Radim Vrbata spearheaded the Canuck's offense with the go-ahead goal in the third period plus an assist. He has been heating up so give him an extended look as Vancouver pushes hard for a playoff spot.  Boston blows another opportunity to extend their point lead over Florida as Roberto Luongo outlasted Tuukka Rask in the shootout to give the panthers the 2-1 win. In two games back, "Bobby Lou" looks every bit the solid fantasy goalie that he was during his peak years in Vancouver...  Jaroslav Halak is back starting for the Islanders after missing two games and his presence along with the return of defenseman Nick Leddy helped lead them to a 3-0 win over New Jersey. Kyle Okposo scored his 16th goal of the season, slowly shaking off his injury rust and getting ready for a strong finish. Get him in your starting lineups..   Kyle Turris continued his hot play with the game winning goal and Andrew Hammond won his sixth straight start for Ottawa as the Senators defeated their provinciakl rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-3. Defenseman Erik Karlsson finished the match with a goal and an assist. He is definitely paying fantasy dividends now for those owners who drafted him in the early rounds.. The goaltending enigma known as Kari Lehtonen was spectacular in net after he posted his fifth shutout of the season in the 4-0 drubbing of Chicago. Jason Spezza picked up a goal and  an assist while Alex Goligoski notched two helpers. Give "Gogo" the starting nod this upcoming week if you own him as he is on a serious scoring roll to finish the season.. What a return for Taylor Hall as he assisted on ...

Gibson Rocks, Hawks and  Rangers round two and 2 hot Oilers Anaheim goalie John Gibson is starting to put his game together which Is bad news for the teams in the Western Conference. With last nights 3-2 win over crosstown rival Los Angeles Kings, Gibson has now now won 6 of his last 7 starts and has not given up more than 2 goals in any of his 6 victories. The rookie has arrived and it looks like he is here to stay…. If these two teams reach the Stanley Cup Finals, don't expect much scoring as they have battled twice this season with each team coming away with a 1-0 win on the other’s home ice. I'm sure ex-Ranger Brad Richards was happy to get the goal against his former team. The Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers are prepping for the playoffs and last nights tight battle was proof that they both plan to go a long way again this season. What a playoff series these two teams would make…. Edmonton’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle each had a point in last nights 4-3 shootout loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets keeping their hot streaks alive. RNH now has 12 points in 8 March games while Eberle has an 6-game point streak going. Polices had been waiting all season for this kind of production which fantasy owners can only hope will carry into next season.

Some hot Oilers, Caps get needed 2 points, Quick stonewalls Coyotes The Washington Capitals got a much needed 2 points as they try to stave off playoff hopefuls Ottawa and Florida.  It took a shootout but regardless the extra point gives them some breathing room. Alex Ovechkin had 9 shots on goal but buffalo managed to keep him off the score sheet.  Defenseman Matt Niskanen showed some signs of life with 2 assists giving him just 23 points on the season which is afar cry from last year’s career season with Pittsburgh. Keep those Caps in your lineup as they try to establish a favorable playoff spot as they are just 2 points behind the Penguins for third in the Metropolitan Division... In what could be a preview for a potential playoff matchup, Tampa Bay controlled the game against thee I treat Canadiens 4-2 which tied the teams atop the Atlantic Division and just 2 points behind Eastern Conference leader the New York Rangers.  Steven Stamkos had 2 goals and an assist giving him 39 goals on the year and with a good hot spurt could reach the 50 mark… In a contest between two sad Canadian teams, the Edmonton Oilers behind red-hot Jordan Eberle (G, 2A) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2A) defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 behind Ben Scrivens 28-save effort. If you missed the first period then you missed all the scoring.  Scrivens had extra incentive as he was playing against his old team.  The Oil may be safe bets to put in your fantasy lineup the rest of the way as they seem to be playing looser with the pressure off… Jonathan Quick was the story against Arizona as the Kings won by a score of 1-0 although Coyote goalie Mike Smith put on a stellar performance stopping 34 SOG.  Smith has been playing a bit better lately but the team is so devoid of offense, he's not getting any help, never mind wins.  

Ottawa stays close, looking at Columbus’ future, Dubnyk loses and some hot Flames. Boston has done well to keep some distance between them and the two teams chasing them for the last wild card spot in the East but Ottawa is keeping the pressure on as they have gone 8-1-1 and are just 5 points behind with 15 games left in the regular season.  Ottawa beat a tough Islanders team by a score of 2-1 with Andrew Hammond providing stellar goaltending one more.  They need to continue to ride the hot hand of Hammond until they are eliminated as they are winning with him in net…. Believe it or not, Dallas still has a shot in the West at a wild card spot and with Tyler Seguin back, if they can go on a bi of a hot streak, they just might be able to sneak in.  They now have won 5 of their last 6 by beating the Washington Capitals last night by a score of 4-2.  Seguin just makes that Stars team so much better and he ended up with the game-winning power play goal in the 2nd period….With defensemen John Klingberg and Trevor Daley still out due to injury, Alex Goligoski (PPA) is getting a boatload of time so continue to put Gogo in your fantasy lineup…. Poolies got a good look at the future of the Columbus blue Jackets last night as they beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 in a shootout.  Rookies Mark Dano (G, A) and Alex Wennberg (2A) had two point nights and should be counted on more heading into next season.  They should complement rising stars Nick Foligno and Ryan Johansen to make this team a playoff contender if goalie Sergei Bobrovsky can remain healthy for a season.  Bobrovsky didn’t have one of his better games but he was playing on back-to-back night….One of the hottest players in the NHL right now is Oiler Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who had another 2 assists last night to give him 11 points in past 8 games.  I hope he isn’t the type of player who plays better when things aren’t on the line because he is loaded with talent….Jordan Eberle is another Oiler who has been on fire of late with a goal and an assists last night giving him 8 points in last 4 games and 31 total points in 31 games since the turn of the calendar. The Flames keep rising and have gone 6-3-1 in past ten games.  Last night they beat a sinking Toronto Maple Leaf team 6-3 with Sean Monahan & Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau having –point nights each.  Monahan has really raised the level of his game of late with 9 points in past 6 games after a 10-point February.  Get him in your starting lineup as he is becoming one ...

Flames never quit; Young guns answer the bell in Carolina; Goalie battle in Chi-town; and more: In a wild affair in Carolina, the Edmonton Oilers jumped out to a 3-goal lead before the hurricanes scored 6 unanswered goals. Elias Lindholm scored three goals and two assists while Eric Staal collected four points of his own. Their output was slightly superior to Ryan Nugent Hopkins(3G) and Jordan Eberle (3A) who provided most of the Oilers offense in this one. Lindholm holds the most promising long term upside, but it's way too early to give up on RNH. A healthy Taylor Hall next year could help him get to the next level. Am less confident of Eberle being more than 30-goal, 60- point producer unless he changes uniforms in the near future.... Huge win for Boston as they sweep the weekend set to strenghen their hold on the 8th playoff spot. Brad Marchand scored another goal, his fifth in four games and is heating up for the stretch run. He could be a worthwhile fantasy addition during his hot streak.... The Devils top the struggling Flyers who were hard pressed to compete after blowing that heartbreaking game Saturday afternoon to Boston. Not much to say here other than MDZ missed the game due to injury and could be sitting for a few, so monitor his situation before setting your weekly lineups. That's if you even needed to play him... A wild game in Ottawa, as the Flames fought back after a third-period four-goal deficit to force overtime. The Senators prevailed in the shootout but no doubt will turn back to Andrew Hammond for Tuesday's contest. As for the Flames, Kris Russell(2G) has turned it up since the Mark Giordano injury. Possibly a sneaky good short-term pickup.. So much for Semyon Varlamov tanking today in Minny after his huge shutout effort yesterday. However, he did leave the game in the third period after suffering an injury, opening the door for a late Wild comeback that ultimately fell short.  Gabriel Landeskog is on quite the roll, collecting 7 points over the last 5 games. Jarome Iginla is also heating up again after a few quiet games. Look for these two to up the ante a bit with Nathan MacKinnon out for the remainder of the season. The Rangers survive a heck of a goaltending duel between Cam Talbot and Chicago's Corey Crawford, winning in OT 1-0 thanks to Derick Brassard's game-winner. What can you say about Talbot as a short-term fantasy beast during Henrik Lundqvist's absence-10-2-3! That a boy...

Congrats to New York Islander’s goalie Jaroslav Halak who earned his 30th win on the season, as he continues on a career year….Halak was helped by rookie Anders Lee who scored twice to up his goal total to 18 on the season.  No too shabby.  Lee may be worth a shot as a sixth forward on your fantasy squad…. The return of John Gibson to the Anaheim crease went as well as could be expected as he turned aside 35 of 36 SOG for the 2-1 win over Carolina.  Anaheim is blessed with fantastic goaltending for years to come… The Edmonton Oilers have been playing much better of late but of course their season ended around the holidays so they can play a lot looser now.  Jordan Eberle has come alive and has points in 3 straight games and 8 points in past 6 games….Interesting to see that Oiler defenseman Oscar Klefbom has 5 points in the last 6 games and 8 in last 10.  Klefbom is not really noted for his offensive prowess.  Maybe Justin Schultz can take a few pointers…. Pittsburgh was cruising to what seemed like an easy victory being up 3-0 going into the 3rd period but then Ottawa fought back with 4 goals sending the game into overtime and eventually being decided in the shootout….Bobby Ryan returned after missing a game and notched two assists in the loss.  Ryan is heating up as that was his 5th 2-point game in last 8. I was a bit surprised that St. Louis was able to handle the Tampa Bay Lightning so easily, winning by a score of 6-3.  The game was never really close….Alex Steen is probably the hottest player in the NHL right now as he had 3 points in the win giving him 8 points in 7 February games and 25 points since the beginning of 2015…. Tyler Myer's debut for Winnipeg went something like this: 21.23 minutes played, a -1 rating, and a painful stinger after blocking a Shea Weber slapper. Given how fragile he has been, would you be shocked if he missed the next game?...Just in case you haven't noticed, Nashville rookie Filip Forsberg is darn good. No hitting the wall here.. Another win for Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk who stopped 26 of 27 Florida shots for his 9th win in 11 starts for his latest team. Way better than his Arizona days and light years ahead of his Edmonton beginnings. His fantasy stock just keeps improving exponentially..Mikko Koivu is heating up. Two more assists for seven points in his last five contests.. A few multi-point efforts for the Blueshirts, most notably Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh, in their 6-3 road win over Colorado but I am all...