Montreal The addition of Alex Radulov from the KHL  should help on offense but the top line of Pacioretty- Galchenyuk and Gallagher need to be their most productive and healthy line. Price is back in the crease but how much will they miss PK? Am thinking that newcomer Shea Weber will replace skill and add grit and leadership to a team in need of more toughness. Playoffs: yes but only if the Price is right   Nashville   Depth on both sides of the ice plus an elite goaltender makes the Preds a dangerous team to watch in '16-17. On defense, a top line pairing of PK Subban and Roman Josi will be equally adept in shutting down opposing top forward units and anchoring a potentially premier power play. Look for Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg to take another step toward offensive stardom. This team is for real. Playoffs: Lord Stanley maybe calling   Devils   Never considered an offensive dynamo, the acquisition of Taylor Hall may change all that in short time. Watch out for super sleeper C Adam Henrique who has played with Hall prior to their NHL days and may exhibit some chemistry on the same line. Goalie Cory Schneider remains the cornerstone player, how the defense responds after losing the underrated Adam Larsson is key. Young Damon Severson will be asked to carry a heavy burden of the blue line on his shoulders. Playoffs: not this year    Islanders    A first-round playoff victory over the Florida Panthers last spring has John Tavares and company thinking of a legitimate deep postseason run in 2016-17. Gone are Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielson and In are Andrew Ladd and PA Parenteau, but can't Garth Snow get another elite winger to play with JT? Ryan Strome will need to step up and help balance out the scoring depth on the top two lines. Playoffs: yes    Rangers   I am not sure of what to make of this team, but given Its balanced scoring depth and King Henrik in goal, they sure look like a playoff squad. If the defense can hold up- and that's a big IF- they can make some serious noise in the eastern Conference. Newcomers  Zibenajad and Vesey wil impress, but more will be needed from Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes. If defenseman Ryan Mcdonagh misses any period of time, the blue line could be in a world of trouble  Playoffs: yes

Nick Leddy, New York- We expected a huge breakout season for Leddy this season coming after a 37-point effort in 2014-15. Unfortunately to the chagrin of many fantasy owners, all he had accounted for so far is 8 points in 29 games. Huge disappointment for sure, but his two assist game last night and a spot on the top powerplay unit over Marek Zidlicky suggests that he might be in serious buy-low mode.  Dennis Wideman, Calgary- Yes, his huge '14-15 season was crying for a huge regression this year but he is starting to rack up some points and could be ready for a strong second half. While currently on a 3-game point streak, the 32-year old veteran is logging huge minutes and also getting power play time as well. Only drawback has been not being paired with Mark Giordano but he has the ability to push toward 40+ points regardless. If he is available, he might be worth adding to your fantasy squad.    Shea Weber, Nashville- Super hot over the last fifteen days as evidenced by his 8 points over 8 games, including a stunning hat trick in the process. His slow start coinciding with the rise of Roman Josi had many thinking that he was no longer the primary blue line option in Nashville. The gap has clearly narrowed between the two, but weber needs to be treated like an elite fantasy option. Don't dare contemplating trading him as it will be tough getting back equal value    Dougie Hamilton, Calgary- We are back in Calgary where 9 points on the year isn't exactly what was expected of the high profile free agent acquisition, but a three game point streak shows he is currently trending up. He has all the ability to be a perennial 50 point producer, but he faces intense competition in Calgary for powerplay time.    Mark Streit, Philadelphia- Yes we know he is still injured but the question remains whether the recent phenomenon known as Shayne Gostisbehere and his sizzling offense will be enough to hurt Streit's future fantasy value. I know this- if the youngster keeps up his scoring pace, then decisions will need to be made. I heard a few folks speculate about a possible Streit trade but perhaps we are crowning the youngster way too early. Talk to me in a few weeks 

My ISD format will take a new twist this season, highlighting five players who will moving in all directions on the fantasy front. Hope you enjoy: 1. Victor Hedman returned for the Lightning Tuesday night from an upper body injury and added two assists to his point totals, reaching six in six games. This fantasy stud doesn't get the elite treatment just yet because injuries always keep him from putting up monster numbers. He falls commonly behind the top 7-10 in many drafts but truth be told, he is only one of the handful of defenders that can lead all defensemen in scoring. His massive upside has been on display early on... BLUE CHIP STUD 2. With six points over his first 5 games, Swiss rearguard Roman Josi is quickly justifying his rising fantasy value based on a huge 55-point '15-16 campaign. In a few instances, he was taken before Shea Weber in drafts but early returns show that the gap is closing between the two. Weber is off to a good start with four points but this situation bears watching. I have a feeling the hard shooting Canadien will get the last laugh...  JUST ABOUT ELITE   3. I for one thought the 39-year old Dan Boyle would pull off a Jaromir Jagr and defy time for just a while longer while becoming fantasy relevant this season. It hasn't exactly panned out in the early going as Boyle has already been scratched for a game while just getting two points in six games. Reports are indicating that coach Alain Vigneault has not been satisfied with his play and that his role could further be diminished....   ON SWIFT DECLINE   4. Young Adam Larsson is starting to turn the corner as an NHL scoring defender, ending last night's game for the Devils in overtime with his second point of the night. He needs to be owned in all fantasy formats as he is coming off a mini-breakout season (24 pts/64 gms) and poised for bigger minutes in '15-16. There has been trade rumors, possibly with Columbus for winger Cam Atkinson but given the paucity of blue line scoring there, he could end up flourishing if that move would take place. Definitely on the rise...  SLEEPER ALERT   5. Calgary newcomer Dougie Hamilton is off to a slow start on his team, but he should be one targeted as a super buy low candidate. He managed to score his first goal and only point of the season on Saturday, but he seems ready to take off very soon. Coming off a 42-point season, the youngster had the taken the offensive reins on the powerplay alongside Mark Giordano and will have every ...

Good morning as we welcome March in with a nice cup of hot joe! Will Jaromir Jagr’s presence in South Florida boost the Panthers into a playoff spot?  It may be tough to catch Boston but it will be a fun race now. It’s a little late for the New Jersey Devils to start playing like they should have all season long. All of a sudden Brandon Pirri gets back into the lineup and scores twice on the power play and has 9 SOG.  Talk about making up for lost time.  He had almost as many SOG as the entire Buffalo team (14 SOG). Jussi Jokinen seems to have liked the Jagr deal.  He had 3 assists yesterday. That was a fun Detroit-Nashville game to watch yesterday.  I hope you got to watch it.  It was just like old times when Detroit was in the Western Conference and they were heated rivals. The Hurricanes have been blowing strong of late using the two-goalie platoon system.  They beat the hot Islanders 5-3 yesterday. Boston has won 3 of their last four and are hanging tough onto that last playoff spot in the East.  They can definitely make some noise in the playoffs as they know the regular season don’t mean much when playoff time rolls around. Shea Weber had 9 SOG and didn’t kill anyone.  I think I would move away when seeing him loading up. What a season for Carey Price!  What a season! Is David Desharnais turning into one of those second half players like Jarome Iginla is? Toronto really stinks, huh? The Flyers beat the Rangers.  I have a funny feeling about Philadelphia if they make the dance. Andrew Hammond is the next coming of Patrick Lalime.  Now, Lalime “the Dream” had a great nickname.  What will Hammond’s be? St. Louis edged Edmonton 2-1.  Come on St. Louis!  You could do better than that. Devan Dubnyk is 15-3-1 with Minnesota.  I think that says a lot about Edmonton. It would be exciting to see Montreal vs. the NY Rangers in the conference Finals again. Some exciting races for NHL leader in points and Goals Scored categories.  Too bad Seguin got hurt. Sorry for the short SMC this week.  I’m battling a case of the shingles.  Wish me luck! Have a great week and may all your fantasies come true!

*Andrej Sekera is heading toward LA after being traded to the defense-needy Kings. The void left due to Slava Voynov's indefinite suspension and Alec Martinez(concussion) being out since early February made the Sekera acquisition a valuable one, both in real-life and to fantasy owners . His numbers have plummeted after a career year in 2013-14, where he collected 44 points for Carolina, but maybe a change of scenery and a boost in power play minutes can make him fantasy relevant the rest of the season. Monitor how the 28-year old is utilized on special teams, as he is a lock for big top-four minutes. I would take a chance on him if he is still available in your leagues.. Mark Giordano left last night's Calgary game in New Jersey after being unintentionally tripped in the third period. He seemed fine after the game, but losing the 48-point producer for an extended period of time would be a massive blow to Calgary's playoff chances and fantasy owners alike. For my money, Giordano and Shea Weber will be the front-runners to capture the Norris Trophy by season's end. Another year of prolific scoring for the Canadien rearguard after his breakout in 2013-14 makes him slump-proof for next season. Draft him in the top 5-7 as he has reached fantasy elite territory... After being out of the line-up since Jan. 21st, Dion Phaneuf is ready to return to the Maple Leafs. After collecting 31 points in 80 games last season, he has picked up his scoring pace slightly with 22 points in 48 games. Obviously, Toronto is in disarray and the ongoing fire sale can leave the team without many offensive weapons, so temper your expectations for Phaneuf moving forward. Keep in mind that Phaneuf has plenty of name-recognition which enhances his market value, but he hasn't scored north of 40 points since 2009-10... Parting Shots:Justin Faulk has continued his breakout Year 4 with a torrid 12 points in his last 13 games.... Over the last month, Roman Josi and not Shea Weber leads all NHL defenseman in scoring- 16 points in 16 games. No drop-off in production on the horizon for this budding star... Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien has moved back to forward but his dual eligibilty status still has him ranked amongst the best fantasy d-men. Even if technically, he is not.. Nick Leddy landed the huge 7-year contract extension, but it's Travis Hamonic who is presently the "hottest" fantasy commodity on the Islander's blue-line...

Good morning everyone!  Coffee time on a wonderful lazy Sunday morning. A shout out to an old friend, George K, Happy Birthday old buddy! You always have to wonder how superstars can go games without scoring any points.  Stars like Phil Kessel, Claude Giroux, Pavel Datsyuk, Shea Weber, Mark Streit etc.  I just named almost my whole fantasy squad. I am awaiting a slump from the Islanders but it doesn’t seem to be coming. Who would have thought Travis Hamonic would be the defenseman to own in Long Island?  We had high hopes for the young defenseman a few years ago but those dreams faded.  They’re back now! Keep an eye on who is on John Tavares’ line as he is heating up in a big way.  Anders Lee is benefitting right now. Has anyone noticed Philadelphia’s performance lately?  They are 5-1-4 and that’s without Steve Mason in net and Claude Raines, I mean Giroux, not contributing. I’ve been on a Marillion kick of late and I know they are playing a weekend convention up in Montreal at the end of April.  The first two nights they play an album in its entirety and then Sunday it’s a mix. Should be a blast for any marillion fan. Back to hockey.  It’s clear that the coaching change in Toronto didn’t have the effect they wanted as the team has fallen from playoff competition.  However, it seems they have a plan to make the Leafs competitive for years to come.  When you get frustrated, just play Guns’n Roses’ Patience, it’ll help get you through those difficult times. You just gotta love ‘Mad’ Max Pacioretty when he gets going on one of his scoring streaks.  Ottawa is still in this race!  With a few games in hand, they could make things interesting.  Is Goalie Andrew Hammond the catalyst?  He is 2-0 in his two starts. All Senators had a shot on goal in last night’s game. Looks like Cory Schneider will be starting every game for the remainder of the Devils season.  Keith Kinkaid appears to have suffered a lower-body injury in yesterday’s game. I like Jeff Skinner but would never draft him for my fantasy team as he always seems to get injured just when he gets going.  Very frustrating, but one year he will be lights out. The Anaheim Ducks had a total of 4 seconds of power play time against the Edmonton Oilers and you know what?  They scored! You couldn’t take your eyes off that Detroit-Dallas game last night as there were wild swings throughout the game.  The Stars scored three times in 3 minutes.  The Red Wings scored twice in under a minute. The Wings are 2-0-0 at ...

* Brief thoughts on Franson's fantasy value in Nashville, Line shake-ups in Philly, Burns is red-hot again,and more... The Cody Franson trade to Nashville brings another offensive defenseman to the fold, but it would be unreasonable to think that he can be as fantasy relevant here as he was in Toronto. While basically the top power-play dog for the Leafs, Franson will play second-fiddle to Shea Weber and Roman Josi. Now, the Predators have been known to score a few more goals than his previous team and their second power-play unit is pretty solid, so he will still be valuable and still worthy of plug and play situations throughout the season. So, hold onto him.. Even after the Philadelphia Flyers captured an important two points in the narrow 2-1 win over Buffalo, fantasy owners aren't exactly rejoiced with the production of the top line in recent games. There has been more line-juggling to help ignite the Claude Giroux/Jakub Voracek tandem, this time lining them up with the recently returned Michael Raffl and dropping Brayden Schenn between Umberger/White. I would say give Raffl a look in your deeper formats if this sticks, while Schenn becomes non-starteable.   Brent Burns continues to rip it up for San Jose as his power-play goal last night has him on a four-point game streak and improves his numbers to 48 points in 58 games. With nine points over his last ten games, Burns has shown no signs of slowing down and should treated as an elite fantasy option the rest of the way as the Sharks keep relying on him for the bulk of their offensive blueline production.. My thoughts prior to last night's Anaheim-Washington tilt featuring Bruce Boudreau against his former club was the following- If Justin Peters is in, circle Anaheim for an easy win. Well, not so fast as Alex Ovechkin made sure the Caps did not fall flat by collecting four points in the road victory. Peters was not good but his counterpart John Gibson was worse as he failed to impress after a solid outing in Carolina. It's still Federik Andersen's job when he gets back..

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...

Can this be the start of the Bruin resurgence? With the 3-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils, Boston has now won 2 in a row and they are starting to look like their old selves.  It may be time to start stocking up on your beloved B's for the stretch run....Milan Lucic had 2 goals with one on the power play and with David Krejci back to full health, it seems like this duo is ready to light it up.... Buffalo is reeling and Carolina is starting to put together a few wins as Cam Ward turned aside 18 of 20 shots for the 5-2 win. The Canes have won 3 of last 4 and if you haven't noticed, Eric Staal has now scored a goal in last 5 of the last six games. Ward and Staal should be in your starting lineups along with D-man Justin Faulk who had 2 assists in the contest. The time may be right to count on a few Canes to provide decent output..... Braden Holtby started his 23rd straight game for the Capitals and played well in the 3-2 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers who breathed a sigh of relief that G Steve Mason was able to tend net. Mason stopped 26 of 28 for the win.  Mason has been playing well lately and the effort earned him his second straight victory.  The Flyers will need a healthy Mason to make a run if they hope to make the playoffs.... In Nashville, defenseman Shea Weber continued his "hot" ways with two goals, including the overtime game-winner to help give the Predators a 3-2 win over Dallas. The gifted defender now has collected ten points over the last ten games and is surging toward a potential top-five finish. If not better...Fellow defender Roman Josi continues his brilliant breakout season with a goal and an assist, improving his numbers to 27 points in 41 games... After a classic 7-0 thumping by St. Louis, Arizona bounced back with a 4-1 win over Winnipeg, largely due to the scoring of Shane Doan (1G/2A) and goaltending by Mike Smith (34/35 saves). The Coyotes have been struggling mightily and besides their two elite d-men- Yandle and OEL- there is little reason for fantasy owners to take any vested interest in this team. Having said that, if you are a firm believer that the Coyotes will turn this sorry season around, then Doan and Smith should have a much stronger second half.. Jarome Iginla gave the Avalanche a much-needed offensive boost, scoring two goals in the 5-2 victory over Ottawa. Don't look now, but the 37-year old has turned it on recently with nine points in his last ten games. While he is clearly on the decline, his famous ...

As enter the final stanza of an exciting 2014 for the NHL, a few thing things stood out from last night. First, Brian Elliott showed no rust in his first game back from injury in the St. Louis crease. Despite losing the match to Nashville, his 44 saves is a strong indication that he is ready to re-claim his starting spot. With no disrespect intended to future HOFer Martin Brodeur and young Jake Allen, it's been Elliott with the dazzling numbers- 1.90 GAA and .931 SP. He should continue to receive the majority of starts moving forward, but it's probably more like a 60/40 split... Second, the Florida Panthers have become extremely competitive and it all starts in goal with veteran Roberto Luongo. His fantasy value has actually improved since his move from Vancouver, as he has compiled a 14-7-7 record with a 2.31 GAA and a .923 SP on the upstart Florida team. He turned aside 33 of 34 shots in the 2-1 loss to Montreal, but fantasy owners should not shy away from the Sunshine State. Youngsters Nick Bjugstad and Aaron Ekblad continue to improve, indicating bright fantasy futures for both in the years ahead... Shea Weber is again playing like one of the fantasy elite on defense, scoring two huge goals to raise his point total to ten over the last ten games. He was off to a somewhat slow start, but the dominant defender is a lock for top-five fantasy status moving forward... The Edmonton Oilers snapped a nine-game losing streak in the 2-1 win over the Kings, but make no mistake about it- they are still REAL bad. Even superstar Taylor Hall has performed way below fantasy expectations because of the utter debacle going on in the City of Champions. Maybe buy low on Hall and RNH, but the situation does not offer much hope for a huge turnaround in the second half...