"[I'm] very excited. It's been a long wait. Little nervous," said Koivu about returning tonight after missing 17 games with a broken ankle. Koivu will make his return on the second line with Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley on his wings. Koivu has eight goals and 27 assists (35 points) in 44 games this season. His return helps solidify the Wild's front-end.

It did not take long for the Ryan Miller era in St. Louis to be ushered in with dramatic fashion but his Blue's debut seemed destined for defeat. Down by two goals after two periods, the Blues scored four unanswered to give Miller his first win as a Blue, a 4-2 road victory over Phoenix. A few thoughts on Miller to consider moving forward: His fantasy value gets a monstrous boost from now playing behind one of the stingiest defenses in the NHL, one not open to allowing many shots. On the other hand, the Buffalo back-end was sieve-like at best, regularly allowing 30+ shots on goal so you know Miller will benefit from a much tighter scheme. Second, playing on a genuine Stanley Cup contender will give him plenty of wins, meaning that he should easily excel in all the main goalie categories in fantasy categories. In terms of shutouts, let's set the line for over/under at 3 for the rest of the season. If I was a betting man, I would bet over. Miller owners, enjoy the ride as he will be an absolute difference-maker down the stretch. Strong Audition For Vanek? After being held without a goal for 8 straight games, NYI winger Thomas Vanek collected 2 goals and an assist in the 5-3 loss to Florida. Coveted by most as the premier forward trade target, the Austrian sniper should be moved by the deadline and should receive a tremendous fantasy boost as a result. Even playing for the hapless Islanders, he has 53 points (21G/32A) in 60 games. Imagine what he could do being traded to a strong offensive team like Pittsburgh or Washington? However, a move to Los Angeles would be the only one I would consider a slight downgrade, considering Coach Sutter's defensive scheme not conducive to scoring many goals. A move to Minnesota, which many have anticipated because of his many ties to the area, could prove very fruitful given that he would be probably playing with the likes of Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, and Ryan Suter on the power-play, and don't forget ex-Buffalo team mate Jason Pominville. Sweet! One thing is certain- Vanek owners have plenty to be excited about as he seems poised for a strong finish, regardless of where he ends up. Quick Hits The month of February was not too kind to Anaheim's Corey Perry with just one point in five games, but last night's 3-point effort and 5 SOG was more like it. With 32 goals and 63 points in 62 games, the star winger might be gunning for another MVP season. Jarome Iginla continues to pile up the points in the second half with another...

It did not take long for the Ryan Miller era in St. Louis to be ushered in with dramatic fashion but his Blue's debut seemed destined for defeat. Down by two goals after two periods, the Blues scored four unanswered to give Miller his first win as a Blue, a 4-2 road victory over Phoenix. A few thoughts on Miller to consider moving forward: His fantasy value gets a monstrous boost from now playing behind one of the stingiest defenses in the NHL, one not open to allowing many shots. On the other hand, the Buffalo back-end was sieve-like at best, regularly allowing 30+ shots on goal so you know Miller will benefit from a much tighter scheme. Second, playing on a genuine Stanley Cup contender will give him plenty of wins, meaning that he should easily excel in all the main goalie categories in fantasy categories. In terms of shutouts, let's set the line for over/under at 3 for the rest of the season. If I was a betting man, I would bet over. Miller owners, enjoy the ride as he will be an absolute difference-maker down the stretch. Strong Audition For Vanek? After being held without a goal for 8 straight games, NYI winger Thomas Vanek collected 2 goals and an assist in the 5-3 loss to Florida. Coveted by most as the premier forward trade target, the Austrian sniper should be moved by the deadline and should receive a tremendous fantasy boost as a result. Even playing for the hapless Islanders, he has 53 points (21G/32A) in 60 games. Imagine what he could do being traded to a strong offensive team like Pittsburgh or Washington? However, a move to Los Angeles would be the only one I would consider a slight downgrade, considering Coach Sutter's defensive scheme not conducive to scoring many goals. A move to Minnesota, which many have anticipated because of his many ties to the area, could prove very fruitful given that he would be probably playing with the likes of Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, and Ryan Suter on the power-play, and don't forget ex-Buffalo team mate Jason Pominville. Sweet! One thing is certain- Vanek owners have plenty to be excited about as he seems poised for a strong finish, regardless of where he ends up. Quick Hits The month of February was not too kind to Anaheim's Corey Perry with just one point in five games, but last night's 3-point effort and 5 SOG was more like it. With 32 goals and 63 points in 62 games, the star winger might be gunning for another MVP season. Jarome Iginla continues to pile up the points in the second half with another...

Koivu was reportedly close to playing this week, but never ended up playing. Skating on a regular line this morning suggests that Koivu will be back in the lineup on Monday night vs. Calgary.

Koivu will miss his 17th straight game tonight. "Wait another day and get a good team practice on Sunda and then look at it again [for Calgary on Monday]," Koivu said. "It's getting better and it's pretty much the same story it's been this whole week. It's slowly getting there and getting more comfortable on skates, but it's still not quite where I want to be, especially battles and things like that.

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...

Injuries have plagued the Detroit Red Wings up front for most of the season, but the return of the "Mule" can help them keep their long-standing playoff streak alive. RW Johan Franzen collected a "hat trick" against the hapless Ottawa Senators, giving him 5 points in 2 games since his return from a concussion. To be honest, it's difficult as a fantasy owner to rely on him down the stretch given his history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy.. watch out. As streaky as they come and a consistent "second half" guy, you can do much worse than gamble on Franzen for a scoring boost. While the young forwards have done an admirable job of providing secondary scoring, most of the Detroit offense will fall on the shoulders on Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. Just hope their knees don't crumble.. Couture Sparks Sharks: We all know this was supposed to be Logan Couture's breakout season, but injuries and a brief slump left fantasy owners unsatisfied. However, the sniper is back in great form, collecting 2 goals in the 7-3 rout in Philly. The good news is that his offensive presence opens it up for all the key scoring forwards in San Jose, including "Little Joe" Pavelski who had a "hat trick" and now sits second in the NHL with 33 goals scored. Look for Couture and Pavelski to be fantasy beasts over the final stretch, while Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton should continue their normal production. In terms of their remaining fantasy worth, here's the following order: 1. Couture 2. Pavelski. 3. Marleau 4. Thornton. Whats The Matter With Maatta? Absolutely nothing! The young Olli Maatta is making a strong case for Calder Trophy consideration, given that he blazed the way for Pittsburgh with 2 points last night and 5 in the last five games overall. Dating back to the start of December, the "OEL" clone has collected 20 points (6G/14A) in the last 30 games. If not for a lack of primary power-play time, this guy would be an automatic top-ten fantasy option but Matt Niskanen continues to get the minutes. regardless, the injuries to Kris Letang and Paul Martin have created a huge opportunity for the youngster, and he has taken full advantage of it so far. Scoop him up if he is still available. More Fantasy Game Notes: Well, let's begin with the "Great 8" who should be moping over Team Russia's disastrous showing in Sochi, but apparently has other plans..like continuing his NHL dominance this season. Alex Ovechkin scored his league-leading 41st goal late in the third to grab ...