Shayne Gotisbehere, Philsdelphia: The 22-year old has begun his NHL career with a few magnificent moments, most notably two overtime power-play winners over the last week. The Union College standout has quite the upside and will have the chance to stick on the top power-play unit while Mark Streit is out. Whether he can hold on to that spot depends on on how well he continues to play. 5 points in 8 games is not shabby so far. Give him a try if you are in need of defense.   Tyler Bozak, Toronto- We just all assumed that the Leaf's pivot would be an inferior fantasy asset after the departure of Phil Kessel but his production of late has proved otherwise. With 9 points over his last ten games, Bozak has been a key cog in Toronto's mild offensive resurgence and should be moving forward. While once considered a possible 70-point candidate, 50-60 is more like it. He could be a worthwhile no.5-6 fantasy forward.   James Reimer, Toronto -While currently shelved with an injury, he has clearly usurped Bernier as the Leafs top goalie. With Babcock having the team moving in the right direction, Reimer could be a huge fantasy piece during the second half of the season. Stash him away on the bench until he gets back in the crease.   Michael Stone, Arizona -Although more of a sleeper at this point, his two assist effort on Saturday gives him 4 points over the last 4 games. The 25-year old was slated to make up much of Keith Yandle's lost production but so far the results have been mixed. Regardless, 9 points in 23 games has him projected for 30+ pts. With any luck and modest development throughout the season, Stone is a definite sleeper for the 40-point mark. Like his upside.    Frans Nielsen, New York- The second line pivot had been dropped in many leagues due to a slow start but he continues to be a staple in the top Islander power play unit. His fantasy value took a major hit with Okposo moving to JT's line, but his power-play potential keeps him on our fantasy radar.

STEVES PICKS- DRAFT KINGS( Writeup coming later) C Derick Brassard, NYR C Evgeni Kuznetsov, Was W Mike Hoffman, Ott W Patrick Kane, Chi W James Neal, Nas D Keith Yandle, NYR D Viktor Svedberg, Chi G Henrik Lundqvist, NYR U TJ Oshie, Was

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.

PRIMEPUCKS™ 2015 FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF REVIEW The 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs are beginning shortly and PrimePucks™ is taking a look at what they predict will happen in the first round and beyond. NEW YORK RANGERS vs. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS:  After last season’s improbable run at the Stanley Cup only to fall short by losing to a more determined Los Angeles Kings team, the New York Rangers are back in the dance but this time with a more focused outlook.  It appears the Rangers got a very good taste and were thisclose to hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup that they locked down the home ice advantage throughout by winning the President’s Cup with a very solid second half. The Rangers take on the Pittsburgh Penguins who seem to be a team in disarray especially after losing their best defenseman in Kris Letang for the remainder of this season with a concussion. The team with all this talent up front seemed to have trouble finding their offensive game with the loss of Letang.  The Rangers on the other hand seemed to be getting better with every passing game.  Expect the Rangers to win this in no more than 6 games as they forge ahead to another Finals appearance.  Those of you in playoff pools should definitely start all the major Blueshirts like Rick Nash, Henrik Lundqvist, Keith Yandle, Derek Stepan, Mats Zuccarello, Ryan McDonagh, Martin St. Louis and company as this team has their eyes set on the silver trophy. MONTREAL CANADIENS vs. OTTAWA SENATORS:  The Rangers likely opponent in the Conference Finals, the Canadiens, should dispose of the surprising Ottawa Senators fairly easy behind MVP Candidate Carey Price.  The Senators had an amazing climb in the standings to reach the playoffs but will run into a team that has some motivation of their own to exact revenge on the Rangers, who they may have beaten in last year’s Conference Finals if it weren’t for Chris Kreider knocking Price out of the series with a collision in the first game of their match. For the Canadiens, it all starts with Price. And in front of Price there is a defensive core that packs a punch both in the scoring department and defensively as well.  P.K. Subban leads the charge on both those ends with veteran Andrei Markov supplying steady support. The rest of the defense will give other teams fits to round out the Montreal defense.  On the forward front, Max Pacioretty leads the charge with Tomas Plekanec, Alex Galchenyuk, David Desharnais and Brendan Gallagher rounding out the scorers but don’t expect ...

Rangers clinch President’s Trophy & gain home-ice advantage throughout playoffs, Senators still alive with dramatic win over the Penguins The NY Rangers and New Jersey Devils played a feisty game but it was the Rangers who prevailed and claimed the President’s Cup to gain home ice advantage throughout the playoffs as far as they go.  Kevin Hayes continues to show poise and patience with the puck and was the catalyst with a goal and 2 assists, one of those on the power play.  Hayes look like he can be a tremendous force on the Rangers for years to come….Defenseman Keith Yandle, with an assist, now has 9 assists in the last ten games as he gets acclimated to the Rangers style of play.  Yandle was always an offensive force but now playing with a more talented team in the New York, his fantasy value should skyrocket next year playing a full season with the Rangers…. It is amazing that with a talent such as Claude Giroux leading your team and his line mate Jakub Voracek in contention for the scoring title that the Philadelphia Flyers aren’t in the hunt for a playoff position, but having a suspect defense with the loss of Kimmo Timonen at the beginning of the season really put the Flyers behind the 8-ball.  If they address their defensive woes during the off-season, they will back contending next year for sure… Giroux came out flying and scored two first-period goals and the Flyers hung on to beat the New York Islanders 5-4 after letting the Isles tie the game late in the 3rd period.  Brayden Schenn scored with 3 seconds remaining to save face for the Flyers after blowing a 2-goal lead with just under 2 minutes remaining.  We had been high on Schenn to start the year and he has not lived up to our expectations until recently where he has scored 7 points in last 4 games.  Maybe next season…Voracek assisted on both Giroux goals to stay close to Crosby in the scoring race…. You can just tell how much Pavel Datsyuk means to this Detroit Red Wings team as he was a game-time decision because of a recurring nagging injury but he toughed it out and played getting the game-winning goal and an assist in the 3-2 win over Carolina.  Yes he’ll be 37 before the start of next season, but if he can stay relatively healthy for close to a full season, he will get you a point-per-game if not more…Oh yeah, and Detroit clinched a playoff spot with the win... Sidney Crosby feeling the heat, scored 10 seconds into the game and added an assist to hold onto the lead in the NHL ...

First of all, Happy Easter to all celebrating and a festive Palm sunday to my Christian Orthodox faithful. Second, I will include a few thoughts solely based on fantasy implications at it's quite apparent that most of the NHL drama is centered onplayoff implications. For those still in fantasy contention, this last week will be a pivotal one for sure but be sure to read our latest ISD and ADD'EM for last-second waiver-wire recommendations that can help. Because of the nature of this hectic day, I will add a few thoughts throughout the day: The Blue Jackets are for real, but injuries derailed a huge coming out party for them in 2014-15. Sergei Bobrovsky has won 8 straight and could be next year's Pekka Rinne if Columbus can stay relatively healthy. Nick Foligno's hat trick gave him 67 points on the season, turning in of fantasy's biggest surprise efforts. He should stay close to those numbers next season... Ryan Johansen will be a blue-chip stud, probably warranting an early round pick while Cam Atkinson has huge sleeper potential as a breakout candidate. Don't buy too much into Scott Hartnell's 25-goal, 55-point season as he is bound to regress as the young guns move up. Needless to say, plenty to gush about regarding Columbus fantasy appeal moving forward    Steven Stamkos snapped a seven-game skid with no goals, scoring twice and adding an assist in the 4-0 rout of Tampa Bay. While Alex Ovechkin is getting all the love as the NHL's premier sniper, let's not overlook what a fantasy game changer Stamkos always is. His 42 goals could have been much closer to 50+ if not for a super secondary scoring this season, led by one Tyler Johnson. Stamkos should still be drafted top two in all fantasy formats come next September... We have been used to Keith Yandle and Oliver-Ekman Larsson benefiting from each other in the scoring department but both have continued just fine on separate teams. While it took Yandle a while to get acclimated to playing on the Blueshirts, his offensive production has picked up in a big way. He collected a goal and an assist in the 6-1 win over the Devils, giving him 8 points in the last 8 games. Meanwhile, all OEL has done is score two more goals last night to improve his total to a career-high 23. Both should be elite fantasy options on the blueline next season... More to come later...

Rangers win big; Bruins keep free-falling, Canucks keep pace; A huge triumph at MSG for the New York Rangers who pummeled the Anaheim Ducks 7-2 and gained a share of the NHL lead in points-99. Two Blueshirts who busted out of long scoring droughts were center Derek Stepan(2G/1A- First points in 13 games) and defenseman Keith Yandle(3A/ First points in 10 games!). With the Ranger's offense rather anemic over the last month, it's hard to recommend either player as a starting option right now, but both can be capable of a hot stretch to end the season. Feel much safer starting Yandle at D than Stepan at a forward postion.. It was a Detroit team without Pavel Datsyuk outlasting a suddenly struggling St. Louis team on the road, 2-1 thanks to Justin Abdelkader's OT goal. Not much to say here other than Marek Zidlicky picked up another point and has been a waiver-wire steal since his trade to Detroit.. The Boston Bruins are quickly playing themselves out of a playoff position with another key loss, this time to the Lightning. With David Krejci out and now also arguably their best defenseman in rising fantasy star Dougie Hamilton, the B's are in hot water..With a goal and an assist, Tampa's Ondrej Palat has recorded four points in two games since returning from injury. Get him in your starting lineups ASAP.. A decent goaltending battle ensued in Arizona as Jakub Markstrom, once regarded as the hottest goalie prospect, picked up the win for the Canucks over Mike Smith and company. Vancouver staying alive for the playoffs while the Coyotes are pushing hard for Connor McDavid..  

A few noteworthy goalie efforts stood out for teams who needed them the most, none more impressive than Devan Dubnyk's 41 saves in St. Louis. The Wild held up for the 3-1 road win, but easily could have been down a few goals early if not for "Dubie's" heroics in net. Check this out- He has started 27 straight games while allowing three or more goals only six times during that stretch. How one can come out of nowhere and become arguably the best fantasy goalie seemingly overnight is astounding. Those fortunate to have scooped up Dubnyk have been in for some surprise. Game-changer for sure.. After falling off the map with five straight losses, Nashville's Pekka Rinne has found his elite form once again, stopping 23 of 24 shots in the 2-1 win in LA. The All-World goalie has given up just a single goal in each of the last three starts so he seems safe to ride again as the Predators dig out of their late-season doldrums.. We need to talk up the reigning Vezina winner a bit more in fantasy circles, as Tuukka Rask continues to ascend to the top of the goalie ranks with his fourth straight win, a 30-save shutout in Pittsburgh. Surely it helped that Sidney Crosby was a late scratch with an illness and Evgeni Malkin was hurt early in the game, but the Penguins generated many prime scoring opportunities only to be stymied over and over by Rask. With the Boston Bruins further cementing a wildcard spot, look for the Finnish netminder to keep up his elite ways moving forward... Guess who scored the game-winner for the Rangers? None other than newly-acquired Keith Yandle who took six games to score his first point for the Blueshirts. Now that the weight has been lifted off his shoulders, expect the high-scoring rearguard to drastically pick up the scoring pace over the final stretch... His 19-game goal-scoring drought is no more as Chicago's Patrick Sharp scored two key goals in the 6-2 win over San Jose. He was expected to carry much of the Blackhawk's offense since the Patrick Kane injury, but this hasn't exactly come to fruition as he struggled mightily since the beginning of February- 4 points in 18 games. It's tough to recommend him once again based on one great performance, but Sharp is as streaky as they come so watch him over the next few games.. Speaking of streaky, Winnipeg's Drew Stafford scored a power-play goal in the 2-1 victory over the Lightning, his fourth in the last six games. The inconsistent winger bears watching as he could be a key offensive cog...

The trade deadline came and went with a few high profile fantasy defenders finding new homes such as Keith Yandle and James Wisniewski. Both are certain to see their fantasy value shoot up as they have joined two elite teams, respectively the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks. But we don't need to tell you that, given how obviously elated their fantasy owners are that their new digs are now more fantasy-friendly, As we move away from the more obvious, let's focus on a couple of under the radar defensemen who are clearly more fantasy relevant now than they were on March 2. The addition of Marek Zidlicky to Detroit gives them a right handed shot from the point which means he should get plenty of power play time moving forward. The 38-year old had his share of offensive struggles for New Jersey this season with 23 points in 63 games, but was a 42-point producer in 2013-14. With 6-plus 40-point campaigns during his career, the Czech rearguard has an extensive scoring pedigree to draw from and has some gas left in the tank. When the Wings rolled out their overtime power-play unit during last night's game, Zidlicky joined Niklas Kronwall with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. The end result was a clutch overtime game winner, courtesy of the newcomer and an encouraging sign that he could be a very vital part of the offensive mix for the Wings during the stretch run. With only 30% ownership across the board in ESPN leagues, Zidlicky is definitely worth a gamble in most formats as he is poised to play a big role for playoff-bound Detroit. On the opposite side of the veteran spectrum, the trade of Wisniewski to Anaheim may have signalled the beginning of the David Savard era in Columbus. While amidst only his second full season, the 24-year old has scored 10 goals and collected 25 points in 63 games. His offensive upside has been marginally tapped as the youngster is now poised to be the main successor on the team's top power-play unit. Jumping on Savard's bandwagon before his numbers become too legit to ignore would be a shrewd move for any fantasy owner, especially in keeper formats. It's also safe to say that Jack Johnson has flat-out fell short of being that no.1 pp quarterback, so it's Savard's opportunity to steal the thunder. And we say he does it.. Parting shots: Speaking of Wisniewski, he will pay huge dividends on the higher-octane Anaheim squad, but injuries might keep him out 1-2 weeks longer. When he returns, look for him to benefit greatly ...

Rangers rocking on Broadway, Toews shows leadership, Habs blanked in San Jose The New York Rangers keep rolling along even without their star net minder Henrik Lundqvist who is still recovering from a neck injury as they manhandled the Western Conference leading Nashville Predators 4-1.  Cam Talbot is playing brilliantly in Lundqvist’s absence as the Rangers now sit atop the Metropolitan Division and have gone 12-2-2 in last sixteen games, giving the Rangers all the time they need to get the ‘King” back to full health….Mats Zuccarello, fresh off a contract extension signing, added 2 assists in the contest and must be relieved that he is staying in New York where he has a huge following…Newcomer defenseman Keith Yandle didn’t figure in the scoring but once he gets comfortable, you will love what he brings offensively to the back end…. Captain Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks made sure his team got off on the right foot without the services of Patrick Kane for the remainder of the season by scoring the first two goals of the game to set the tempo against the Carolina Hurricanes in their 5-2 victory.  Toews is a pure captain and brings the leadership that most teams envy.  Look for the Captain to step up his game for the remainder of the season….Newcomer Antoine Vermette was used sparingly in his debut with the Blackhawks but should build on that ice time as he familiarizes himself with the Chicago style…. In a bit of a surprise, the San Jose Sharks blanked the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 behind Alex Stalock’s 20-save effort.  The Sharks are fighting for a playoff spot in the West, so look for their game to improve over the next few weeks…Not much action against the Shark backup as Montreal either was road-weary or couldn’t find their game with newcomers Jeff Petry and Devante Smith-Pelly in the lineup for the first time.  Look for Montreal to rebound in their next game.