For the most part, things have been quiet for the Penguins. Letang & Crosby are still out and the team is just 4-6 in their last 10 games. They’ve slipped to 4th in their division (behind New Jersey of all teams) and the Playoffs are no sure thing anymore… BUTT, there has been one constant this season for Pittsburgh: Evgeni Malkin. He had 5 Points last night plus a 3rd Period Hat Trick and even though it was against the hapless Lightning, it still counts. He’s now got 51 Points in just 37 Games which is more than any Malkin owner could’ve asked for. There’s no reason to expect him to fall off either, 90+ points is well within reach. If you own him, go ahead and ask for extra cheese whiz and a napkin cuz Geno is at his best…
James Neal – LW/RW (Pit): Tim Tebow has nothing on James Neal. Neal’s miraculous 3 day turnaround from a broken foot has been truly miraculous and he continued the fairy tale story with 2 more Goals last night (after 2 Points on Friday). I think it’s safe to say he’s as close to 100% as a player can get. Which is a good thing for the reeling Pen’s…
Tomas Vokoun – G (Wsh): The roller coaster season of Vokoun is in full effect. 2 Wins over the weekend gives him 3 in a row but prior to that he gave up 8 Goals in 2 games (which was after a 4 game winning streak where he allowed just 5 Goals). I could easily make a case for Vokoun being a Top 5 Goalie the rest of the season, but I won’t. I still need to see more before I put my other foot on the bandwagon.
Max Pacioretty – LW (Mon): I’ve been a vocal advocate for Max-Pac since the start of the season and he hasn’t disappointed. No he hasn’t really taken the next step like I thought he might have, but 15G/17A/6PPP/149SOG is already a career year (in just 42 Games). And for you Montreal fans, Max is just 23 years old, he could still get better.
Andrew Shaw – C (Chi): We met fellow rookie Jimmy Hayes on Friday and now it’s time to introduce Andrew Shaw. He had 2 Goals over the weekend giving him a modest 3 game Goal scoring streak so there is definately talent here, just don’t get too attached. Shaw-Shank could end up fleeing to Zihuatanejo at any moment…
Taylor Hall – LW (Edm): Yes he scored the game winning Goal last night and yes he’s on pace for 65 points and yes he just turned 20; but I can’t help but feel disappointed with Hall’s 2011-2012 season. Maybe he turns it around but I just have a feeling Hall is not ready to bust out this year. Meaning I smell serious sleeper for 2012-2013…
Jason Blake – LW (Ana): Of all the unlikely 4 Point weekends Jason Blake is right at the top of the list. 2 Goals and an Assist last night after a Goal on Friday means Jason Blake is as hot as he can possibly get… He’s also as ugly as he can possibly get. Call me crazy but wasn’t he in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise? Yeah I’m sure of it, here’s a picture of him in the first movie!
Mike Fisher – C (Nsh): Mr. Underwood is streaking again. He does this a couple-few times each year and he’s worth owning while he’s doing it. Currently Mr. Underwood has a Goal and 6 Assists in Nashville’s last 4 games. Un-coincidentally (or non-coincidentally?) this 4 game scoring streak coincides with the Predator’s 4 game winning streak. Jump on board now if you can use a Center, he’s capable of keeping this up for another week or so…
Eric Staal – C (Car): Even with his current hot streak (4G/10A/32SOG last 9 games) I can’t say I believe. I thought he had turned it around back in early December after a 4 game scoring streak, he then proceeded to put up a 6-Pack of DONUTS. Staal has wounded me this year and it’ll take alot to make me forgive… 14 Points in 9 Games is a good start though…
Brian Boyle – C (NYR): Goal #3 in Game #43. Wow. Not exactly the way you wanna follow up a 21 Goal season. Publicly the Ranger’s will say that his role has changed and he’s now a defensive stopper. I non-chalantly cough “bullsh*t”… That’s the equivalent of John Fox saying that Tim Tebow’s accuracy is improving.
Martin Biron – G (NYR): Don’t get me wrong – Thomas/Rask and Luongo/Schneider are the top 2 Goalie combos in the NHL, but Lundqvist & Biron are nipping at their heels. Unfortunately for Biron, Henrik Lundqvist starts more than anyone. Just keep an eye on the King’s healthy cuz should he take a turn for the worse, Marty is a must-add…
Jamie Benn – C/LW (Dal): Jamie Abenndectomy! HYYOOOOOOOO!!! Thank You all and don’t forget to tip your waiter! Okay no more jokes cuz this is serious. Actually it’s not. A standard issue appendectomy should keep Benn out a couple weeks which will be just enough time for you to notice how good he’s been…
