Before tuning out for your New Year's celebration, be sure to get in on the NHL fantasy action on Fanduel this weekend.   Saturday's schedule features a healthy 12 contests.  Here's your cheat sheet:

Who's Hot

Evgeni Malkin (PIT) / James Neal / Chris Kunitz

Malkin is unstoppable right now.  11 points in the last 4 games.  He's currently riding an eight game point streak.  His magic is rubbing off on James Neal, who is riding a concurrent streak of his own and is leading the league in goals.  Start Malkin every chance you get.  Kunitz has also ridden the wave with 8 points in his last 5 games.

Brad Marchand (BOS)

Marchand has been a beast in his sophomore season, and it's heated up big time recently.  Including the hat trick / 5-point performance on the 23rd, he has accumulated 11 points in the last 7 games.  He's also a +10 over that span.

Thomas Vanek (BUF)

The streakiness continues for Vanek.  Right now, he's hot again.  On his recent 6 game scoring streak, he has 4 goals and 5 assists.  Surprisingly, he hasn't managed many shots recently.  If he can get the shot totals up, he could make a run at the Rocket Richard.

Michael Ryder (DAL)

4 straight games with a goal at this point.  He has an impressive 8 points over a 6 game scoring streak.

Marion Gaborik (NYR)

The five game goal streak ended on Wednesday, but he did manage four shots on net.  Gaborik has surged to the top of the goal scoring standings, with 7 goals in his last 6 games.  He's one of the streakiest players in the league, so jump on board until this run ceases.

Michael Del Zotto (D-NYR)

Del Zotto went 6 games without a point in mid November.  Since that time, he's been the hottest defenseman in the NHL.  He's averaged a point a game over the last month and sits at +23 on the season.

Alex Burrows (VAN)

Burrows continues to benefit from his sweet spot along side the Twins in Vancouver.  He has 5 goals and 3 assists over his last 7 games for the Cancucks.

Tuomo Ruutu (CAR)

There hasn't been much to get excited about in Carolina this season, so I have to highlight it when it surfaces.  Ruutu has become the defacto offensive leader as of late with Skinner on the shelf and Staal MIA.  He is riding a four game goal streak and has 7 points in his last 6 games.

Tuukka Rask (G-BOS)

It's safe to say that going with Boston's goaltender on any given night is a decent move.  Rask has been even better than Thomas when given the chance.  He's won four straight, while allowing just one goal during that span.

Who's Cold

Brad Richards (NYR)

While Gaborik is soaring along side Stepan, Richards has been sitting back an observing.  He has just one point in 8 games and hasn't shown up on the scoresheet since Dec. 17.  He's getting shots on net and surprisingly has added some PIMs, perhaps out of frustration.

Ryan Getzlaf (ANA)

Getzlaf has been held off the scoresheet in 3 straight games, while going -4 over that stretch.  He hasn't scored a goal in 9 games now.

Rick Nash (COB)

It's probably time to permanently adjust our expectations for Nash, at least until he gets some help or changes uniforms.  The goal scoring glory days seem to have passed him by.  He has just one goal in the past 8 games and has just 24 points on the season.

Dmitry Kulikov (D-FLA)

Kulikov got off to a fantastic start this season, but the Winter weather hasn't been kind.  He hasn't registered a point in 9 games.

Carey Price (G-MON)

In his last five games, Price has gone 1-4 with a 3.65 GAA and .888 save percentage.  Rough start for the new coach.

Who's Hurt

• Sheldon Souray (D-DAL) - at least he has an excuse for hurting my fantasy lineup now.  He'll be out two weeks with a sprained ankle
• Kari Lehtonen (G-DAL) - returned to action last night
• Shea Weber (D-NAS) - is doubtful for tonight (concussion)
• Simon Gagne (LA) - was placed on the IR with an upper-body injury (concussion?)
• Stephen Weiss (FLA) - questionable for tonight (upper body)
• Sean Couturier (PHI) - on IR with a head injury
• John-Michael Liles (D-BUF) - another concussion victim
• Dustin Byfuglien (D-WPG) - knee

Value Picks of the Week

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

Adam Henrique (C-NJ)

He's not the most prominent rookie in the league, but he's earning his keep on Fanduel right now.  He's averaging 3.1 FPPG and will run you a mere $5,700.  He's averaged over a point a game for the last 15.

Artem Anisimov (C-NYR)

Anisimov is the lucky third wheel on the Gaborik / Stepan line, doing all the scoring for the Rangers lately.  He's priced at just $5,900.

Brad Marchand (LW-BOS) 

See above.  Marchand is one of the hottest players in the league, but is priced modestly at $7,100.

Steve Ott (LW-DAL)

3 FPPG for Ott at just $5,800 in cap hit.  He contributes across the board, including PIMs, making him a steady fantasy option most nights.

Viktor Stalberg (LW-CHI)

Stalberg has been benefitting from a lot of offensive production in Chicago, but his salary on Fanduel remains rock bottom.  He'll run you just $5,900 right now.

Rich Peverley (RW-BOS)

Peverley just hit the injured list, but prior to that, he put up 2 goals and 5 assists in four games.  He's a value at $5,900.

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Who's Hot

Kris Versteeg (FLA)

Over the past 3 games, Versteeg has been lighting it up for the Panthers.  He has pounded in 4 goals and 3 assists over that span.  Versteeg has bounced around the league quite a bit over the past few years, but never had the opportunity for first line minutes like he has in Florida.  Do not write this off as a fluke.

Jonathan Toews (CHI)

Following a relatively slow start, the Captain has started to earn his pay.  4 goals and 2 assists in 3 games has him on pace for a 40 goal season.

Brad Marchand (BOS)

The Bruins are surging, as is sophomore Brad Marchand.  He's put home 4 goals over the past 3 games.

Brian Campbell (D-FLA)

For the past several years, Campbell's claim to fame was being the most overpriced defenseman in the NHL.  He's now challenging for the league lead in assists among all skaters.  He has 5 points over the last 3 games.  Like Versteeg, Campbell needed a chance to shine as the go-to guy.

Nick Leddy (D-CHI)

Leddy has started to steal minutes away from Seabrook and is becoming a regular fixture on the power play.  He's underpriced.  Four points in the last 3 games.

Brian Elliott (G-STL)

Elliott continues to make the case for split time in St. Louis.  After deferring to Halak for 3 games, he's extended his win streak with a shutout and a 1 goal performance.

Who's Cold

Alex Burmistrov (WPG)

After a stellar start, Burmistrov has just 1 assist over his last 6 games.  He's still throwing an average of 3 shots on net per game, so look for this funk to end soon.

Mike Ribeiro (DAL)

While the top line in Dallas is running well, Ribeiro has fallen from grace.  He has just 1 assist in the last 4 games.  All those pre-season points don't seem to matter much now.  Just 1 goal on the season makes him a hard sell.

Rick Nash (COB)

You almost feel guilty picking on Columbus, but we need to expect more from the captain.   He has just 1 goal in 9 games and hasn't showed up as a plus player since the fourth game of the year.

Alex Ovechkin (WAS)

1 point in four games isn't quite a tragedy, but when it comes at the highest possible price tag, you're not getting your money's worth at this point from #8.

Jake Gardiner (D-TOR)

Gardiner (along with most of theLeafs) has gone cold recently, being held pointless in 5 games.  He's still earning huge minutes for Toronto and has the skills to put points on the board.  When the Leafs start to turn things around, keep him in mind to balance your roster.

Corey Potter (D-EDM)

Potter was a huge value pick in October.  At this point, it's hard to justify playing him.  No points and a -5 over the past 5 games.

Keith Yandle (D-PHO)

Yandle isn't producing any where near the level that he did last season.  He has points in just 2 of the last 7 games.

Evgeni Nabokov (G-NYI)

Nothing is going right in New York right now, and Nabokov is not helping his cause if he wants out.  He has just one victory on the season and it came in his first start back in early October.  Since then, he's dropped 5 games with a GAA approaching 3.

Who's Hurt

• Ryan Miller (G-BUF) - With the well-publicized Lucic collision, Miller's status looks bad for the near future.  Turn to Enroth and ride the wave as long as it lasts.
• Marek Zidlicky (D-MIN) - Zidlicky left Tuesday's game with a head injury.
• Nino Niederreiter (NYI) - Niederrieter made his season debut on Tuesday.  He'll stay on the cheap for a bit, and can provide some punch for the Isles.
• Tyler Kennedy (PIT) - TK returned to the Penguin lineup.  Look for the happy shooter to contribute soon.
• Mikhail Grabovski (TOR) -out two weeks with a lower body injury
• Roberto Luongo (G-VAN) - Luongo's status is in question, as he's out with an upper body injury.  It's Schneider's turn to shine.

Value Picks of the Week

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

Tyler Seguin (BOS) - $7,500

By the end of this weekend, it's conceivable that Seguin could be leading the league in scoring.  Yet, he remains a bargain at 7.5k.   He registered 7 goals over a 4 game stretch in the past two weeks, earning NHL 1st Star honors.

Stephen Weiss (FLA) - $6,500

The rally is on in Florida, as the rebuilt Panthers roster looks to end a decade of misery.  Weiss remains the top offensive threat in Miami and is closing in on a point a game pace.  His cap hit is a bargain right now.

Kris Versteeg (FLA) - $7,800

(See above) - His salary just took a huge bump.  It may happen again soon.

Sean Avery (NYR) - $5,600

 Now that he's back collecting a big league paycheck, Avery has 2 goals in 5 games, with 12 PIMs for good measure.  One of the cheapest forwards available.

Matt Read (PHI) - $5,700

With so much talent crowding the ice in Philly, it's easy to overlook a rookie on the third line.  With 10 points in 14 games, he's an early contender for the Calder Trophy. 

 Here's your fantasy planner to get you ready for NHL action on Fanduel this weekend.

Who's Hot

Jason Spezza (OTT)

It's not surprising that Spezza is producing, but the fact that he's going at such a high pace with so little help leads you to question how long he can keep this up.  He's racked up 3 goals and 4 assists in the last 3 games.  Any Senator is a risky investment, but Spezza and Michalek are hot right now.

Joe Pavelski (SJ)

Pavelski has pounded in 4 goals and 2 assists over 3 games.  He's easily the most dangerous offensive weapon at this point for the Sharks.  Worth a look on your roster.

Milan Lucic (BOS)

Lucic is one of those complete players from a daily fantasy standpoint.  5 points in his last 2 games.

Jaromir Jagr (PHI)

It took him a week to get going, but he's finally started to bury some pucks.  He has 3 goals in the last 2 games.  When this guy gets hot, he tends to roll for a while, so take him this weekend.

Richard Park (PIT)

If you're looking for a cheap insert to your lineup, consider Mr. Park.  He's put up 4 points over the past 3 games as he fills in up front for the injury-stricken Penguins.

Zdeno Chara (D-BOS)

I feel the need to mention Big Z, since I dumped on him last week for his slow start.  He's come up with 3 points in the past 2 games.  Still too pricey to play in my book.

Marc-Andre Fleury (G-PIT)

Fleury is a stud, particularly with the defensive system in front of him in Pittsburgh.  A shutout on Tuesday is a sign of more to come.

Brian Elliot (G-STL)

A major surprise early this season is the success of Elliot, while Halak falters.  Elliot will be hard-pressed to keep the crease, but if he keeps winning, and Halak continues to struggle, you can get some points on the cheap with him.

Who's Cold

Matt Read (PHI)

On the heals of a hot start, the rookie winger has gone cold.  He has no points in the past 4 games.

Drew Stafford (BUF)

Stafford hasn't registered a point in three games.

Eric Staal (CAR)

Tough start to the 2011-12 season for the star center in Carolina.  He has just 1 goal and 1 assist in the past 7 games.  I expect him to bust out of the slump soon.

Simon Gagne (LA)

After a fantastic start, Gagne has dried up.  No points in three games.

Kevin Bieksa (D-VAN)

Can't explain this one, as Bieksa is typically a steady presence on defense.  0 points in 7 games and a -7 on the +/-.  He's coming cheap, so you may be able to buy low here, but he's just not producing.

Andrej Meszaros (D-PHI)

After 3 points in his first 3 games, Meszaros has seen the expected correction.  He's now pointless in 6 games.

Brent Burns (D-SJ)

Burns hasn't seen the scoresheet in 3 games.  Don't let that scare you too much.  He'll rebound quickly.

Ilya Bryzgalov (G-PHI)

It's been a rough week for the Flyers, particularly in the crease.  Bryzgalov has gone 0-3 with a 4.72 GAA.  Don’t expect this slump to endure.  I'm still running with him.

Al Montoya (G-NYI)

With DiPietro's return, Montoya is now part of the dreaded 3-headed monster.  Nabokov is playing well and is getting the starts.  Montoya didn't even dress on Tuesday.

Ty Conklin (G-DET)

With Howard on the shelf, Conklin has an opportunity to be a sweet value pick.  He's come up short in two games now, suffering through a 5+ GAA in his fill in stint.

Who's Hurt

Chris Pronger (D-PHI) - Pronger had his eye clipped by a stick against Toronto this week, putting him out of commission for 3 weeks or more.

Ryan Whitney (D-EDM) - Whitney can't shake the injuries. After starting the season on the shelf, he's in an out of the lineup right now with a bum knee.  Check his status before playing him at this point.

Jose Theodore (G-FLA) - Theodore's status is day-to-day with a lower body injury.  Add in the rise of rookie Markstrom, and Theodore is a tough play to rely on.

Dany Heatley (MIN) - Another day-to-day struggle due to groin injuries.  Heatley isn't cheap, so check the wire before investing here.

Henrik Lundqvist (NYR) - Lundqvist is questionable with a sore foot.  He's expected to be in uniform this weekend, but once again, check before playing.

Mike Green (D-WAS) - Nothing new here.  Green has been a constant injury concern over the past year.  This time, it's a combo of a cut on his chin and a swollen ankle that has him in doubt.

Value Picks of the Week

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

Tyler Seguin (C-BOS)

Seguin is still valued at a bargain price of $5,600, despite delivering 5+ fantasy ppg.  He's fighting some minor injuries right now, so monitor his status before inserting him.

Alex Burmistrov (C-WIN)

This guy is emerging as a force for the Jets and is silly cheap.  $3,900 can't be beat at center.

Marc-Andre Bergeron (D-TB)

Going back to last season, Bergeron just can't get any respect on the salary front.  He's among the point leaders in the NHL, yet will cost you a measley $4,100 on the cap hit.

Jacob Markstrom (G-FLA)

Markstrom is on the rise, but his salary hasn't moved.  Take advantage of the $5,400 price tag.

James Neal (LW-PIT)

Neal still hasn't seen a price correction, despite leading the league in goal scoring.  $6k.

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We're down to the final month or so in the fantasy hockey season, which means playoffs are just around the corner.  If you're still paying attention at this point, that means you're probably still in the running to win.  You've done your homework all season long, and there's no point going to sleep now.  There are still some valuable waiver options and last minute tweaks to consider as you drive your team toward first place.

Waiver Watch

Let's start with the waiver wire, keeping in mind those final two weeks are what matter most at this point.

Zach Parise (NJ)

Yes, there's a fair chance he won't play an NHL game until October, but just what if he does?  He just got clearance to skate this week, and continues to publicly say he intends to play this season.  Even if he plays just the final week of the season, he could very well be the best player on your roster in the finals.  He's still available in roughly 1/4 of CBS and Yahoo leagues, but that will change quickly the moment the first picture of Parise on skates hits the front page of TSN.

Mark Streit (D-NYI)

The other forgotten man in the New York area this season is on a similar timetable.  Streit missed the entire season so far with a shoulder injury suffered in the pre-season.  At the time, he was scheduled to return in February.  He also recently resumed skating, but there is no official timetable for his return.  Should he return, the storyline mimics that of Parise.  He could easily be the top defenseman on your roster in the final week or two.  If you've got a bench spot laying around, why not stash him away and hope for the best?  He's available in roughly half of the leagues out there.

Now how about some options that can help you right now? …

Jiri Hudler (DET)

Hudler has been all over the map (literally) over the past year.  After abandoning the Wings last season for the KHL, he came crawling back this summer with hopes that he could be a major factor in the Detroit offense.  It didn't happen, and he found himself a healthy scratch at times.  However, since February 7th, he's been averaging a point a game.  So what changed?  About that time, he got paired up with a guy named Pavel Datsyuk.  As long as he holds that coveted spot, you can expect consistent production. He's available in 2/3 of leagues.

Matt Calvert (COB)

Most fans had never heard the name of Calvert up until last week.  After all, he has just 15 points in 23 career games.  So what's the big deal?  The rookie winger has 8 goals in his last 8 games since joining forces with R.J. Umberger.  His playing time has risen from an average of 6-8 minutes a game last month to 13-14 minutes over the past 2 weeks.  He had a career high of 7 shots on net in a game against Phoenix, which also produced his first career hat trick.  No telling how long this magic will endure, but it's worth riding the train for now.

Devin Setoguchi (SJ)

Setoguchi became the forgotten man in San Jose through the first half of the season.  Fans were beginning to believe his 30 goal performance two years back was a fluke, as he had a whopping 2 goals by mid-December this season.  Since returning from an upper body injury in December, he has been a new man.  He has 17 points in his last 17 games and is starting to disappear from waiver wires.

Keep or Drop?

Fantasy owners are facing decisions on several injured or struggling players.  Here's my take on what to do:

Ales Hemsky (EDM)

If you drafted Hemsky this season, you're probably pulling your hair out by now.  His week to week performance is all over the map, typically defined by his health more than his talent.  He went on a run in mid-February that earned him 9 points in 5 games.  The latest piece of bad news arrived yesterday with word that he's down with a shoulder injury.  While he's projected to be out about 3 weeks, I wouldn't bank on much production in those final 2, if he comes back at all.  The Oilers have more incentive to keep him off the ice than on, as they vie for the #1 pick this spring.  Drop him and look at the list above for help.

Chris Kunitz (PIT)

Kunitz is a tough call for many reasons.  The Pens have been quiet about the severity of his injury and the timeline for getting him back in uniform.  Latest word has him potentially playing this weekend.  When he does return, it's not clear where he'll land in the lineup.  The Pens just acquired James Neal and Alex Kovalev to man the wings, and several rookies have made a good impression in the Kunitz' absence.  However, Coach Bylsma made a point of stressing the importance of his role with the team after bringing in the new talent.  To a large extent, his value may be tied to the return or non-return of Crosby.  For now, I'd hold on another week and see how this plays out.  If he's not back and producing by mid-March, then let him go.

Evgeni Nabokov (G-NYI)

For the past few weeks, I urged fantasy owners to hang on to Nabokov through the deadline, in anticipation of a possible move to a contender.  Now that this window has passed, don't expect him to play a game this season.  Move along.

Marian Gaborik (NYR)

Despite the talent, I gave up on Gaborik years ago.  I just can't take the up and down.  However, if you drafted him, you're left with the decision as the concussion uncertainly looms on.  Bottom line is that if you drop him and he does return, you'll cause grievous bodily harm to yourself.  Since I don't want that liability coming back to me, I'll advise you to keep him on your bench and pray for healing.

Bench or Start?

Now what about those guys who have hit a wall lately, but clearly can't be dropped?  Here's my quick take on the guys in a temporary funk:

• James Neal (PIT) - Start: Zero points in 4 games since donning the Pens sweater.    He's getting his chances and it's a matter of time before he starts burying the puck.
• Mike Green (D-WAS) - Bench: Keep getting your hopes up from news of a possible return, only to find another game in the press box holding his ear in his hands.  Until he plays a game, keep him benched.
• Any Blues Goalie - Bench.  The Blues can't find their game.
• Thomas Vokoun (G-FLA) - Bench.  The Panthers made a decision to punt once again this season.  Don't expect much support for Vokoun down the stretch.
• Johan Franzen (DET) - Start: In 15 games following his 5-goal performance, he has exactly 0 goals.  Keep the faith.  He's still averaged more than 3 shots a game over that stretch.  The goals will come back in bunches, and soon.
• Alex Burrows (VAN) - Start: After a stretch of scoring 8 goals in 8 games, he's now gone 9 games without a goal, and 5 without a point.  The Canucks as a team have hit a wall recently, but should snap out of it soon.  Keep him active.

Goalie Notes:

• Jonathan Quick (LA) made 40 saves to shutout Edmonton
• Jonas Hiller (ANA) faced a whopping 12 shots against the Oilers in his first game back and stopped all 12
• Steve Mason (COB) stopped 29 of 30 in his win over Dallas

• Cam Ward (CAR) stopped 41 of 43 in beating Atlanta

• Devan Dubnyk (EDM) was pulled after allowing 4 goals on 15 shots

• Mikko Koskinen (NYI) was pulled after allowing 4 goals on 14 shots.  Al Montoya returned to NHL action in relief, and came away with the win after stopping 12 of 14 against Buffalo.

Skater Notes:

• Drew Stafford (BUF) registered the hat trick for the Sabres

• Michael Grabner (NYI) also scored 3 in the same game, keeping the offense rolling for the Isles.

• Ryan Callahan (NYR) scored twice and added an assist against the hurting Pens

• Three players in the Buffalo-New York contest came away with 3 assists last night:
  • Kyle Okposo (NYI)
  • Tyler Ennis (BUF)
  • Frans Nielsen (NYI)

• Three players registered 2 goals on the night:
  • Bobby Ryan (ANA)
  • Todd Bertuzzi (DET)
  • Andrew Ladd (ATL)

Injury Update:

• Max Pacioretty (MON) is questionable for tomorrow night

• Blake Comeau (NYI) played last night

• Eric Tangradi (PIT) missed yesterday's game with a concussion from the Long Island thuggery incident

Recommended Starting Goalies for Daily Fantasy Hockey Tonight:

Only three games on the radar tonight.  Best bet for a win is Luongo against the Blues.  (not confirmed as starter yet, but he's a fair bet).

And here's this week's fantasy planner...

Just a couple weeks left before the trade deadline shakes things up a bit.  Here is what you need to know as you set your fantasy hockey roster for week 20 (2/14 to 2/20):

Matchups

Teams with 2 Games:  Atlanta, Columbus, Pittsburgh

Teams with 4 Games:  Buffalo, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Washington

Only three teams are facing the short schedule this week.  May be best to avoid loading up on those teams for this week.  Of the busier teams, give the Sabres a special look.  They have 3 home games, including the Leafs, Blues, and Caps -- none of which present particularly menacing defenses right now.  Expect Vanek and crew to have a big week.

Who's Hot

A few surprising names highlight the top performers over the past two weeks:

• Mikael Samuelsson (VAN) - 10 points (4/6)
• Nikolai Kulemin (TOR) - 9 points (5/3)
• RJ Umberger (COB) - 8 points (2/6)
• Thomas Vanek (BUF) - 7 points (4/3)
• Ilya Kovalchuk (NJ) - 7 points (4/3)
• Nathan Horton (BOS) - 7 points (2/5)
• Robyn Regehr (D-CGY) - 5 points (1/4)
• Antti Niemi (G-SJ) - red hot with 4 wins, including 2 shutouts for the Sharks

Who's Cold

A number of goaltenders have gone cold in the past couple weeks:

• Cory Schneider (VAN) - after a terrific first half of the season, he's lost 2 of 3 and has a .880 save percentage during that stretch.
• Kari Lehtonen (DAL) - Has lost 4 of 6 games with a 3.59 GAA
• Henrik Lundqvist (NYR) - lost his last 3 with a .818 save percentage
• Craig Anderson (COL) - lost 3 straight, with a 4+ GAA

Waiver Watch

Chris Campoli (D-OTT)

Campoli has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, particularly in his days with the Islanders.  Recently, he's been the lone bright star in Ottawa.  He has 6 points (2 goals and 4 assists) over the past 4 games.  He is a +6 over that span, while many of his teammates are deep in the hole. 

Max Pacioretty (MON)

Pacioretty's role with the Habs has been slowly increasing to the point where he is now being counted on for regular offensive production.  He has 3 goals in the past 2 games and 6 in his last 5.  He's been piling up an average of 4+ shots per game over the past month as well.

Travis Zajac (NJ)

Many fantasy owners expected Zajac to have a breakout campaign at the start of the season.  It just hasn't panned out that way, at least until recently.  Zajac has been at the center of New Jersey's recent resurgence and his numbers are starting to stand out.  He has 6 points in his last 4 games and seems to be on track for a big finish.

Michael Grabner (NYI)

The plague of injuries on Long Island has opened the door for Michael Grabner to shine.  He has been on a tear for the past month, with 15 points in his last 13 games, including a whopping 10 goals.  He is currently riding a 3 game goal-scoring streak and has become the go-to guy for New York.

Keep or Drop?

Fantasy owners are facing decisions on several injured or struggling players.  Here's my take on what to do.

Evgeni Malkin (PIT)

Word is Malkin is on the shelf until next fall.  As much as it hurts, you must drop him and move on.

Evgeni Nabokov (SJ)

Nabokov remains in no-man's land, as hockey fans continue to scratch their heads over Garth Snow's motives.  That should become clearer as the trade deadline approaches.  It seems reasonable to think that Snow will move Nabokov to a contender for a pick or a prospect, essentially getting something for nothing out of this deal.  If that plays out, fantasy owners can look forward to cashing in on Nabokov's services on a good team during the playoff run.  In other words, keep him for now, or pick him up if he's still out there.

Ryan Malone (TB)

Malone is becoming one of the most inconsistent fantasy producers in the league.  When several Lightning forwards went down with injury, he filled in on the top lines with some quality production.  Since mid-January, his production has dried up, and he has missed several games.  At this point, I'm looking elsewhere for help up front.  Drop him.