***IN THE SLOT***FANTASY RECAP OF THE NHL NIGHT IN ACTION NY ISLANDERS 3 @ NEW JERSEY 1 Guess who is now second to Steven Stamkos for the NHL goal scoring lead? Yes, John Tavares who added his 22nd goal of the season to help seal the victory for the Isles. With his goal total steadily on the rise, the star center has taken his game to the next level. Heck, he has us convinced Matt Moulson is a bonafide 30+ goal sniper. Tavares should be a consensus top 5-10 pick in fantasy drafts next season. read more

FANTASY CENTER OF THE YEAR Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Honorable Mention: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Comeback Player: Jason Spezza, Ottawa Underachiever: Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Overachiever: Oli Jokinen, Calgary Up and Coming: David Desharnais, Montreal FANTASY LEFT WING OF THE YEAR James Neal, Pittsburgh Honorable Mention: Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Comeback Player: Zach Parise, New Jersey Underachiever: Rick Nash, Columbus Overachiever: Ray Whitney, Phoenix Up And Coming: Evander Kane, Winnipeg read more

Stamkos will not require surgery, just rest. Imagine how many goals he could have scored at full strength.

***IN THE SLOT*** FANTASY RECAP OF THE NHL NIGHT IN ACTION Washington 2- Tampa Bay 4: Steven Stamkos (2G/1A) put a crimp on Washington's playoff hopes with two late goals in the third period that broke the deadlock. Can anyone say 60 goals? ... Alex Semin had a goal and an assist in the losing effort. While he has a point in six of the last seven games, the winger has been a massive fantasy disappointment... Nicklas Backstrom was held scoreless for the second straight game since his return from a concussion. Edmonton 0- Los Angeles 2: Easy victory for Kings goaltender Jon Quick, who turned aside all 19 shots he faced for his tenth shutout of the season... D Slava Voynov scored the game-winning goal, his eighth of the season. Watch him in 2012/13. 40+ point potential.

Stamkos is most likely taking a maintenance day after playing continually increased minutes. Don't expect him to miss any playing time.

ADD'EM-waiver wire pickups <p> Players who possibly can help your fantasy team this week.</p> plus sign.jpg OFF THE WAIVER WIRE: ADD'EM MARCH 11, 2012 1. RYAN MALONE LW, TAMPA BAY (51.1% owned) Currently riding a six-game point streak (3G/3A), the streaky winger has become the Bolt's top secondary scoring option with Vincent Lecavalier out. He also resides on the top power play unit with Steven Stamkos and company, further enhancing his fantasy value. If Malone can just stay healthy, he should remain a solid fantasy play going forward. 2. STEVE SULLIVAN LW-RW, PITTSBURGH (55% owned) read more

-Three assists this afternoon for Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin against the Bruins, as he continues to battle with Steven Stamkos of Tampa Bay for the league scoring title. Stamkos has the advantage of playing 8 more games than Malkin, who was hurt last fall. -Boston goalie Tim Thomas was pulled after allowing 3 goals on 10 shots in the first period at Pittsburgh. He was replaced by recently signed free agent Marty Turco. This is Turco's first action in a long time, since he lost the starting job in Chicago to Corey Crawford in the fall of 2010. Turco has given up 2 goals on 19 shots so far replacing Thomas. read more

Stamkos still played over 20 minutes in the game and likely will grit through the bruise. If there is any further word on the injury, we will keep you updated.

Stamkos will be expected to step up his already torrid scoring pace while flanked by St. Louis and Lecavalier. Start him with confidence tonight.