It was nice to see the NHL back on the ice after 3 days off. The NHL used to have 2 days off during Christmas, but in the new CBA the players added another day so they could have more time together with their families.  But 10 games last night to get things started again.  Boston kicked things off with a 5-0 whitewash of struggling Ottawa. Tuukka Rask had 33 saves in goal for the Bruins and he is having a terrific season with 20 wins a 1.81 goals against and a .938 save percentage. I am glad that I drafted him in the second round this year.  Youngster Reilly Smith had a big game with 2 goals, and he has 30 points on the season, and is an excellent 5th or 6th forward option. He is only going to get better too....Columbus beat the Devils in a shootout 2-1.  Yawn!  Young forward Cam Atkinson scored the game winner. While he is only 5' 8", that's probably a gift, we like his speed and skill level.  He has only 20 points on the season, but he could develop into a solid 6th forward one day...Well, Coach Adam Oates is opening up a goalie controversy in Washington.  He started German youngster Philipp Grubauer for the second straight game. Backup Michal Neuvirth is supposedly not happy, and is mumbling about going somewhere else. Nominal starter Braden Holtby has been quiet, as he should be with his numbers 3.00 goals against and a .915 save percentage. Oates is going with the hot hand in Grubauer who is now 4-1-1 with a 2.20 goals against and .934 save percentage.  Lets see if Grubauer starts the next game.  If he does, you should grab him if you need goalie help. James Neal is the real deal: James Neal has been on fire since returning from his suspension. He had a goal and 2 assists last night in Pittsburgh's win over Carolina.  Neal has 25 points in 20 games this year, and he has been playing without his usual linemate Evgeni Malkin, who is out with a LBI. When Malkin comes back look out for these two guys.  They will be heating up the NHL.  Jussi Jokinen had 3 assists last night for the Penguins, but he is at best a waiver wire type guy. Matt Moulson is a Sabre: Buffalo forward Matt Moulson came over from the New York Islanders in a trade for Thomas Vanek. While the Islanders were not good when Moulson played there at least he was on a line with John Tavares. He is not playing with anyone like that now in Buffalo.  Still he remains a productive player.  He had a goal and an assist last night in Buffalo's 4-3 shootout loss to Toronto.  He once scored 69 ...

The Chicago Blackhawks seem to be running on all cylinders as they demolished the Philadelphia Flyers 7-2 last night. Even with starting goalie Corey Crawford who is out with a groin injury, the Hawks are rolling right along. On Sunday, October 27th in my SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE article, I mentioned that it was a good time to get Patrick Sharp. All he has done since that day is go 14-13-27 points in 23 games.  With 8 points in his last 3 games, perhaps now is the time to "Sell High" on Sharp, but that may be tough to do on this high-flying Blackhawk team that leads the entire NHL with 51 points....If Antti Raanta is somehow still available in your league, grab his ASAP as he will get the bulk, if not all, of the starts until Crawford returns to the lineup. All Raanta has done so far this season is go 5-0-1 with a 2.12 GAA and .926 SP. Not too shabby.... Marian Hossa had a 3 assist night, and although he is past his prime, on this potent Chicago team, he will still get you decent points. He is scoring at just under a point-per-game pace with 27 points in 29 games played.... More Fantasy Game Notes: There is a new ‘boy wonder' in the nets and his name is Martin Jones. All Jones has done since getting a spot start for the Los Angeles Kings is go 4-0-0 with a 0.74 GAA and .974 SP, and has 2 shutouts to boot.  Ben Scrivens might not see the blue paint of the crease until Jonathan Quick returns the way Jones is playing. Now, we all know that he won't be able to keep up this ridiculous pace, reminds me ofPatrick "Lalime the Dream" in 1996-1997 with the Penguins when he started his career with a 14-0-2 record, but the way the Kings are playing now, Jones wouldn't be such a bad fill-in until then.  Pick him up short-term....The Ducks are keeping pace with the aforementioned Blackhawks, staying 2 points behind the Western Conference leaders as they tamed the Wild 2-1 last night behind Jonas Hiller's 23 save effort. The Ducks have now won 4 straight and show no signs of slowing down.  Hiller is now 12-4-4 and is well entrenched as the No. 1 in Anaheim....With all three Western Conference teams winning, with 2 against Eastern Conference teams, the West's record improved to 115-50-20 this season.

The Chicago Blackhawks seem to be running on all cylinders as they demolished the Philadelphia Flyers 7-2 last night. Even with starting goalie Corey Crawford who is out with a groin injury, the Hawks are rolling right along. On Sunday, October 27th in my SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE article, I mentioned that it was a good time to get Patrick Sharp. All he has done since that day is go 14-13-27 points in 23 games.  With 8 points in his last 3 games, perhaps now is the time to "Sell High" on Sharp, but that may be tough to do on this high-flying Blackhawk team that leads the entire NHL with 51 points....If Antti Raanta is somehow still available in your league, grab his ASAP as he will get the bulk, if not all, of the starts until Crawford returns to the lineup. All Raanta has done so far this season is go 5-0-1 with a 2.12 GAA and .926 SP. Not too shabby.... Marian Hossa had a 3 assists night, and although he is past his prime, on this potent Chicago team, he will still get you decent points. He is scoring at just under a point-per-game pace with 27 points in 29 games played.... More Fantasy Game Notes: There is a new ‘boy wonder' in the nets and his name is Martin Jones. All Jones has done since getting a spot start for the Los Angeles Kings is go 4-0-0 with a 0.74 GAA and .974 SP, and has 2 shutouts to boot.  Ben Scrivens might not see the blue paint of the crease until Jonathan Quick returns the way Jones is playing. Now, we all know that he won't be able to keep up this ridiculous pace, reminds me ofPatrick "Lalime the Dream" in 1996-1997 with the Penguins when he started his career with a 14-0-2 record, but the way the Kings are playing now, Jones wouldn't be such a bad fill-in until then.  Pick him up short-term....The Ducks are keeping pace with the aforementioned Blackhawks, staying 2 points behind the Western Conference leaders as they tamed the Wild 2-1 last night behind Jonas Hiller's 23 save effort. The Ducks have now won 4 straight and show no signs of slowing down.  Hiller is now 12-4-4 and is well entrenched as the No. 1 in Anaheim....With all three Western Conference teams winning, with 2 against Eastern Conference teams, the West's record improved to 115-50-20 this season.

Fantasy owners should plan not to have Penguin's star winger James Neal in their lineups this week, as he will be facing a probable suspension for kneeing Boston's Brad Marchand on Saturday.He will be awaiting a phone interview from the Department of Player Safety this afternoon, so you are probably looking at a few games. With 20 points in 16 games, Neal has reached elite fantasy status, but his bone-headed move will likely cost his owners for this week. Patrick Was Plenty "Sharp": While the big news of the night centered on Chicago goalie Corey Crawford leaving the contest with a LBI, Patrick Sharp led the Blackhawk's offense with 2G/1A in the 6-2 win over Florida. Prior to his huge effort, he had collected only 4 points in the last 10 games-all goals. He and Jonathan Toews(2A) have been quiet in the scoring department, but maybe this game will wake them up. With 4 games for Chicago in the upcoming scoring period and the three-game losing streak over, expect some hefty returns from your Chicago fantasy options this week. "Hot" Goalie in Minny: Josh Harding continues his exceptional goaltending for the Wild, stopping 37 of 38 shots in the 3-1 win over visiting San Jose. With 3 straight wins at home, allowing just 4 goals during that stretch, his record stands at 16-4-3 with a 1.50 GAA and a .938 SP. It's all but official that Harding has stolen the top job for the Wild. Nothing ground-breaking in that announcement, but Harding owners should enjoy the ride.

Fantasy owners should plan not to have Penguin's star winger James Neal in their lineups this week, as he will be facing a probable suspension for kneeing Boston's Brad Marchand on Saturday.He will be awaiting a phone interview from the Department of Player Safety this afternoon, so you are probably looking at a few games. With 20 points in 16 games, Neal has reached elite fantasy status, but his bone-headed move will likely cost his owners for this week. Patrick Was Plenty "Sharp": While the big news of the night centered on Chicago goalie Corey Crawford leaving the contest with a LBI, Patrick Sharp led the Blackhawk's offense with 2G/1A in the 6-2 win over Florida. Prior to his huge effort, he had collected only 4 points in the last 10 games-all goals. He and Jonathan Toews(2A) have been quiet in the scoring department, but maybe this game will wake them up. With 4 games for Chicago in the upcoming scoring period and the three-game losing streak over, expect some hefty returns from your Chicago fantasy options this week. "Hot" Goalie in Minny: Josh Harding continues his exceptional goaltending for the Wild, stopping 37 of 38 shots in the 3-1 win over visiting San Jose. With 3 straight wins at home, allowing just 4 goals during that stretch, his record stands at 16-4-3 with a 1.50 GAA and a .938 SP. It's all but official that Harding has stolen the top job for the Wild. Nothing ground-breaking in that announcement, but Harding owners should enjoy the ride.

With another dominating performance in the 37-save shutout over the New York Rangers, Ben Scrivens has been "lights out" in the King's crease going 4-1-1 with a 1.24 GAA and .955 SP. If you hadn't already, it's time to pluck this guy off the waiver wire while he is the interim King's starting goalie in Jonathan Quick's long-term absence. Scrivens played well last season for Toronto when James Reimer was out, so he does have a positive track record, albeit a limited one. At the very least, if you own Quick, you should own Scrivens. Patrick Very "Sharp": With two goals and an assist, including the game-winner against San Jose, Patrick Sharp remains on fire with 3G/6A over the last five games. We told you to "buy low" when he was struggling, but now he is well on a point-per-game pace the rest of the way with 20 points in 21 games. Legit 35+goal/75+pt. potential for the Chicago winger, so enjoy the ride if he is yours. More Fantasy Game Notes: Mikko Koivu scored both goals for the Wild 2-1 win over Winnipeg, giving him 6 points in the last 5 games. The talented Finn is getting "hot", so make sure that he is starting.. Braden Holtby continues his ascent up the fantasy goalie rankings, as the Washington goalie stymied the Blue's offense with 46 saves. His overall numbers now stand at 10-6 with a .925 GAA... With Mike Green out to injury, John Carlson has elevated his offensive play with six points in the last five games. He played 4:35 minutes on the power-play night, second only to Alex Ovechkin. He is worth starting this week..

With another dominating performance in the 37-save shutout over the New York Rangers, Ben Scrivens has been "lights out" in the King's crease going 4-1-1 with a 1.24 GAA and .955 SP. If you hadn't already, it's time to pluck this guy off the waiver wire while he is the interim King's starting goalie in Jonathan Quick's long-term absence. Scrivens played well last season for Toronto when James Reimer was out, so he does have a positive track record, albeit a limited one. At the very least, if you own Quick, you should own Scrivens. Patrick Very "Sharp": With two goals and an assist, including the game-winner against San Jose, Patrick Sharp remains on fire with 3G/6A over the last five games. We told you to "buy low" when he was struggling, but now he is well on a point-per-game pace the rest of the way with 20 points in 21 games. Legit 35+goal/75+pt. potential for the Chicago winger, so enjoy the ride if he is yours. More Fantasy Game Notes: Mikko Koivu scored both goals for the Wild 2-1 win over Winnipeg, giving him 6 points in the last 5 games. The talented Finn is getting "hot", so make sure that he is starting.. Braden Holtby continues his ascent up the fantasy goalie rankings, as the Washington goalie stymied the Blue's offense with 46 saves. His overall numbers now stand at 10-6 with a .925 GAA... With Mike Green out to injury, John Carlson has elevated his offensive play with six points in the last five games. He played 4:35 minutes on the power-play night, second only to Alex Ovechkin. He is worth starting this week..

It appears that the NY Rangers are waking up from their horrendous opening season road trip. One who was definitely caffeinated last night was Derek Stepan with the hattie. If you would have told me a month ago that Colorado would be leading the entire NHL in points at this juncture, I would have said ‘you're crazy!" Last Sunday I mentioned that it would be a good time to try and get Patrick Sharp on your team. HE had 4 points in 3 games this week.  Times up! I am amazed that Edmonton can't get their act together. When will the tide finally turn for this team? I'm so glad that Max Pacioretty is back n the lineup for the Habs. They are so good when he's in their lineup. It's nice to see Tampa Bay and Toronto at the top of the Atlantic standings. The Oilers are saying thank goodness for the Buffalo Sabres. I think. Nashville is playing tough with their top netminder Pekka Rinne. Hopefully he will return this season. Of course I write about Blackhawk Brandon Pirri in my latest "UNDER THE RAYDAR" piece and he goes pointless. In the "Ewwwww" Dept., Yakupov (-12), Hemsky (-11), Marc Staal (-10), RNH (-10), Justin Schultz (-10) and Eric Staal (-10) are having a rough start. The trend is to not be an Edmonton Oiler or a Staal brother. I would not have believed that Patrick Kane is a -9 so far this season. Was he on the ice for all the goals against Chicago?  It just seems like it I guess. He Ducks, and Corey Perry, quacked all over the Sabres on Saturday night. What does this tell you when three rookies in your Sabres lineup are the only players with a + next to their name in that Ducks game? It tells you that you probably need a new head coach. You just knew that Ben Bishop was going to put in a solid effort against his former team, the Blues. It was good to see Jaden Schwartz finally get a decent amount of Shots On Goal last night with 6. And in the "Inept Game of the Week", Philly edged out New Jersey 1-0 only because somebody had to win. Lundqvist is starting to look better. Perhaps a new contract is on the horizon? It was like the "old" days of the Southeast Division when the Caps played the Panthers in a tight contest last night. They seem so long ago.  LOL.  It's going to take me a while to get used to these new divisions, or whatever they are called now. Hats off to Pittsburgh backup goaltender, Jeff Zatkoff, who earned his first win in a shutout of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jackets suddenly have seemed to have lost their chutzpah lately by going ...

UPDATE: The PRIME 100 has been updated in the RANKINGS section! Newly acquired Matt Moulson didn't wait long to impress his new fan base as he scored twice in his Buffalo Sabres debut but it still wasn't enough as the visiting Dallas Stars dropped Ryan Miller's record to 1-9-0. With longtime Sabre Thomas Vanek being dealt, it is just a matter of time before the veteran netminder is dealt also. Moulson seemed to have formed instant chemistry with Tyler Ennis (2A), but again, it's only one game. It is a positive sign in a place where there haven't been many this season....The win raised Star's G Kari Lehtonen's record to 4-1-1 and is a solid 1B goalie when he stays healthy....Dallas D Alex Goligoski scored his first goal, and first point, of the season and has continued to be ahuge disappointment to fantasy hockey fans. That point ties him with another Dallas D-man, Sergei Gonchar who has just 1 assist on the season so far. Just think how much better the Stars would be if their defensemen could score. More Fantasy Game Notes: Marc-Andre Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins had a relatively easy time of beating the Hurricanes 3-1 in Carolina. Fleury stopped 20 of 21 SOG and raised his regular season record to 8-2-0.  Fantasy gold during the season, just find another for the playoffs....Don't go rushing to pick him up off the free-agent wire, but Pens D Brooks Orpik had a 3 assist game. The trio of Letang, Martin and Niskanen had zero points....In the "Ho-Hum Dept.", Sidney Crosby had 2 assists in the game....Peter Budaj and the Montreal Canadiens spoiled the long-awaited re-opening of Madison Square Garden and the return of the Rangers from their season-opening 9-game road trip as the Garden crowd saw their beloved Blueshirts get blanked 2-0. Budaj was spectacular when tested but without the services of Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan, the Rangers couldn't put one past the backup goaltender, who was starting only his second game of the season....The Blackhawks exacted their revenge on the Wild after being beaten 5-3 at home the other night by turning the tables and winning 5-1 on the road. Patrick Sharp opened the scoring with just his second of the season. Look for Sharp to heat up, so if you are in need of a goal scorer, perhaps you can get Sharp on the cheap before it's too late...Speaking of sharp, Corey Crawford turned away 29 of 30 SOG to raise his record to 6-2-2.... The Blackhawks scored 5 goals for the second time in their past 3 games, evidence that ...

UPDATE: The PRIME 100 has been updated in the RANKINGS section! Newly acquired Matt Moulson didn't wait long to impress his new fan base as he scored twice in his Buffalo Sabres debut but it still wasn't enough as the visiting Dallas Stars dropped Ryan Miller's record to 1-9-0. With longtime Sabre Thomas Vanek being dealt, it is just a matter of time before the veteran netminder is dealt also. Moulson seemed to have formed instant chemistry with Tyler Ennis (2A), but again, it's only one game. It is a positive sign in a place where there haven't been many this season....The win raised Star's G Kari Lehtonen's record to 4-1-1 and is a solid 1B goalie when he stays healthy....Dallas D Alex Goligoski scored his first goal, and first point, of the season and has continued to be ahuge disappointment to fantasy hockey fans. That point ties him with another Dallas D-man, Sergei Gonchar who has just 1 assist on the season so far. Just think how much better the Stars would be if their defensemen could score. More Fantasy Game Notes: Marc-Andre Fleury and the Pittsburgh Penguins had a relatively easy time of beating the Hurricanes 3-1 in Carolina. Fleury stopped 20 of 21 SOG and raised his regular season record to 8-2-0.  Fantasy gold during the season, just find another for the playoffs....Don't go rushing to pick him up off the free-agent wire, but Pens D Brooks Orpik had a 3 assist game. The trio of Letang, Martin and Niskanen had zero points....In the "Ho-Hum Dept.", Sidney Crosby had 2 assists in the game....Peter Budaj and the Montreal Canadiens spoiled the long-awaited re-opening of Madison Square Garden and the return of the Rangers from their season-opening 9-game road trip as the Garden crowd saw their beloved Blueshirts get blanked 2-0. Budaj was spectacular when tested but without the services of Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan, the Rangers couldn't put one past the backup goaltender, who was starting only his second game of the season....The Blackhawks exacted their revenge on the Wild after being beaten 5-3 at home the other night by turning the tables and winning 5-1 on the road. Patrick Sharp opened the scoring with just his second of the season. Look for Sharp to heat up, so if you are in need of a goal scorer, perhaps you can get Sharp on the cheap before it's too late...Speaking of sharp, Corey Crawford turned away 29 of 30 SOG to raise his record to 6-2-2.... The Blackhawks scored 5 goals for the second time in their past 3 games, evidence that ...