Coming off the All-Star break, most leagues feature a slightly shorter game schedule, so once again, it's important to pay attention to the schedule.  Here is what you need to know as you set your fantasy hockey roster for week 18 ():

Matchups

Teams with 2 Games:  Anaheim, Buffalo, Chicago

Teams with 4 Games:  Montreal, New Jersey, Pittsburgh

Only three teams feature four games on the schedule.  Of those, take note of New Jersey, who has been on a bit of a hot streak lately.  They have home games with Ottawa and Florida, and away matches with the Rangers and Montreal.  The Devils have a good shot at winning 3 of those four this week.

On the other end, the Sabres have just 2 games on the schedule, with one of them being played at Pittsburgh.  Don't expect much production there.

Who's Hot

This week, we'll take a look at the hottest point producers since the calendar flipped to 2011:

Offense

1. Daniel Sedin - 17 (7/10)
2. Danny Briere - 16 (8/8)
3. Patrice Bergeron - 16 (8/8)
4. Eric Staal - 15 (7/8)
5. Mike Ribiero - 15 (4/11)
6. Brad Richards - 15 (3/12)
7. Lee Stempniak - 14 (6/8)
8. Thomas Vanek - 14 (4/10)

A few surprises in the list.  Bergeron has caught fire with the Bruins and his goal production is reaching new heights.  Lee Stempniak continues to puzzle.  Maybe he just plays well late in the season, mimicking last year's production.

Defense

1. Keith Yandle - 17 (3/14)
2. Shea Weber - 13 (4/9)
3. Lubomir Visnovsky - 13 (1/12)
4. Joe Corvo - 11 (1/10)
5. Zdeno Chara - 10 (5/5)
6. Fedor Tyutin - 10 (3/7)
7. Tobias Enstrom - 10 (1/9)

Weber and Yandle have made a strong push to start the new year for Norris consideration.  Yandle's on a crazy point streak right now.  Corvo seems to have awaken from a one year slumber to get back to his old ways of consistent fantasy production.

Goalies

1. Pekka Rinne (NAS ) - 9 wins in 12 games.  He went on a terrific run.
2. Dwayne Roloson (TB) - since arriving in Tampa, Roloson has exceeded expectations.  He has 8 wins and 3 shutouts in his last 12 games.
3. Jonas Hiller (ANA) - Hiller earned his All-Star berth with a fine January.  He won 8 games, including 2 shutouts.
4. Ryan Miller (BUF) - Miller had a rough start to the season, but is back to his Vezina form of last year.  He also has 8 wins in January, and 1 shutout

Waiver Watch

Mats Zuccarello (NYR)

Zuccarello is still fighting to earn consistent playing time, but his role with the Rangers has been increasing since he arrived in late December.  He has 7 points in his last 7 games, including a 3-point performance against the Panthers heading into the break.  He's been on the short list of go-to guys in the shootout lately, which shows that Tortorella has confidence in his abilities.

Brad Boyes (STL)

For those who may have given up on Brad Boyes in the past year after months of disappointing results, you may want to check out what he's been up to lately.  He's on a 4 game point streak and has 12 points in 12 games since the calendar turned to 2011.  While the goals have been slow in coming, he's piling up the assists right now.  Boyes was a fantasy star from 07-09, but fell off the map quickly.  Keep an eye on him after the All-Star break and consider grabbing him on the rebound.

Michael Grabner (NYI)

While he's looking at just 21 points in 45 games on the season, take note of what he's been doing lately.  Grabner has points in 7 of the last 8 games, and has totaled 6 goals and 3 assists over that stretch.  His ice time in on the rise with the Islanders, and he's averaging well over 3 shots per game this month.  With so many rookies to watch this season, Grabner has been late to the party; however, at this point, he's worth a look.

Keep or Drop?

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

Alex Edler (D-VAN)

Edler was having himself a stellar season on the Vancouver blueline; however, that came to a sudden stop last week.  He's now looking at about 8 weeks on the shelf as he recovers from a bad back.  Unless you've got a bench spot to spare, there's no point holding on to him, as he may just make it back before the playoffs.  You'd really have to make it to the finals of your league before he could contribute again this season.

Jamie Benn (DAL)

Benn was on a tear for the Stars in January before leaving the game last Monday with a head injury.  No official word on his condition, but there is talk of a possible concussion.  At this point, you should definitely slide him down to your bench, but I'm not quite ready to advise dropping Benn.  If he bounces back quickly, he's looking like a valuable player to have in your lineup.  If the head problems linger, you may consider letting go.  For now, I'm holding.

Short week coming up with the All-Star Break.  Make sure you pay attention to the schedule  as you set your fantasy hockey roster for week 17 (1/24 to 1/30):

Matchups

Teams with 1 Games:  Anaheim, Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Minnesota, Montreal, New Jersey, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Tampa Bay

The other half of the league has two games each.  Phoenix probably has the best chance of scoring high, as they get a home game against Edmonton and a road contest with Colorado.  Detroit has just one matchup, but they get NJ at home.  Best to avoid the Habs next week, with just one game against Philly.

Who's Hot

A number of players who had been quiet all season started to heat up lately.  Here are a few standouts over the past 10 days of action:

• Jussi Jokinen (CAR) - 5 goals, 3 assists
• Joe Thornton (SJ) - 3 goals, 5 assists
• Patrice Bergeron (BOS) - 5 goals, 2 assists
• Stephen Weiss (FLA) - 7 assists
• Jordan Staal (PIT) - 3 goals, 3 assists
• Dennis Wideman (D-FLA) - 3 goals, 2 assists
• Steve Kampfer (D-BOS) - 1 goal, 3 assists

Who's Cold

Here are some players who have flat lined for reasons other than injury in the past couple weeks:

• Jonathan Toews (CHI) - 2 points in last 6 games
• Dustin Brown (LA) - 2 points in last 5 games
• Brett Clark (D-TB) - 10 games and counting with no points
• Nikolai Khabibulin (G-EDM) - losing streak climbs to 9 games.
• Chris Drury (NYR) - scoreless in 11 games
• Mason Raymond (VAN) - scoreless in 7
• Jonathan Quick (G-LA) - 1 win in last 7 games

Waiver Watch

Evgeni Nabokov (G-?)

Talk is heating up once more surrounding Nabokov's possible return to the NHL, as Ken Holland has confirmed interest in possibly bringing him into Detroit.  Where will he land and when?  Most likely, whenever he does agree to terms with a team, he'll get swallowed up by someone else on the NHL waiver wire.  As for your NHL wire, if you need help in net, it's worth burying him on your bench before it's too late.

Fedor Tyutin (D-COB)

Tyutin is starting to make due on all the promise he's demonstrated in the early stages of his career.  Right now, he's the hottest player in Columbus.  He has 7 points in his last 6 games, and is averaging around 30 minutes a game.  If you're in need of consistent help on your defense, consider adding Tyutin.

Trevor Daley (D-DAL)

Daley is emerging as a quality scoring defenseman for the Stars.  He has 3 goals in his last 4 games and 7 points in 9 games.  He should easily top his career highs in both goals and points this season, as he's finally earning top-end minutes with Dallas.

Grant Clitsome (D-COB)

Clitsome is the latest in the wave of rookie defensemen to make an immediate offensive impact after making the big club.  In his first 5 games of the season, he now has 2 goals and 3 assists.  Don't expect him to continue at that crazy pace, but you might as well ride the wave as long as it lasts.  His ice time has steadily rose with his scoring success, up to a whopping 26 minutes on Wednesday night against Florida.

Keep or Drop?

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

Bryan McCabe (D-FLA)

McCabe was already ailing with a busted finger, but playing through the pain.  However, a broken face was too much for the captain to handle and he's looking at 6 weeks on the sideline.  That's too much time at this point in the season to be waiting on a guy like McCabe.  Unless you've got all you need on your defense, you're probably well advised to let him go.

Michael Cammalleri (F-MON)

Cammalleri was in the midst of a very disappointing season and was just starting to get his act together, when he suffered a separated shoulder.  It's bad enough that you'll have to wait more than a month for his service.  Even after returning, don't expect him to light it up.  Make room for other options.

Jose Theodore (G-MIN)

Theodore was on a roll when he went down with a hip injury.  In the meantime, Kudobin came in and played very well.  Backstrom is now back in the fold, relegating Thedore back to the bench when he does return.  The crease is crowded in Minnesota, and you can probably find better options out there.

Tomas Fleischmann (F-COL)

Fleischmann will miss the remainder of the season.  We wish him the best in his recovery.

Here is what you need to know as you set your fantasy hockey roster for week 16 (1/17 to 1/23):

Matchups

Teams with 2 Games:  Chicago

Teams with 4 Games:  Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Carolina, Calgary, Florida, LA, Montreal, NJ, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tampa Bay

It's worth noting that Chicago is the only team with a mere 2 games on the schedule, and they come against Detroit and Phoenix.  In other words, give your Hawks the week off and play some other guys this week.

On the favorable side, Florida has a strong schedule, with 3 games at home (ATL, COB, TB) and one on the road against the Devils.  Buffalo gets the honors of a home-and-home with the Islanders, along with matchups against Boston and Montreal.  Look for Pominville to keep it rolling and for Miller to have a big week.

Who's Hot

Here are some of the hottest scorers over the past 2 weeks:

• Patrice Bergeron (F-BOS) - 11 points (6/5) in 7 games
• Tuomo Ruutu (F-CAR) - 11 points (4/7) in 7 games
• Nikolai Kulemin (F-TOR) - 9 points (3/6) in 7 hames
• Phil Kessel (F-TOR) - 8 points (5/3) in 7 games
• Shea Weber (D-NAS) - 11 points (2/9) in 7 games
• Alex Goligoski (D-PIT) - 8 points (3/5) in 6 games
• Lubomir Visnovsky (D-ANA) - same as Goligoski
• Jonas Hiller (G-ANA) - 5 wins in 6 games
• Pekka Rinne (G-NAS) - 5 wins in 6 games
• Dwayne Roloson (G-TB) - 4 wins in 5 games

Who's Cold

• Kurtis Foster (D-EDM) - 0 points in 12 games
• Stephane Robidas (D-DAL) - 0 points in 10 games
• Brian Elliot (G-OTT) - hasn't won in 6 straight
• Dustin Brown (F-LA) - just 1 point in his last 7 games
• Claude Giroux (F-PHI) - has dried up recently with just 1 assist in 6 games played
• John Carlson (D-WAS) - pointless streak now at 8 games

Waiver Watch

Kyle Okposo (F-NYI)

Okposo should be finding his way into the Islanders lineup in the next few weeks.  He was poised for a big season, but was sidelined up til now with the separated shoulder.  With few other options up front, Okposo should quickly rise to the top line and provide adequate goal production down the stretch.  Add him now if you've got the bench room to spare.

Sergei Kostitsyn (F-NAS)

Kostitsyn (Sergei, that is -- the banished one in Nashville) caught fire in January, scoring goals in 5 straight games for the Preds.  He's finally getting top tier minutes (close to 20 a night) and he's producing admirably.  He's been dry for the last two games, but still has 9 points in his last 8 games played.

Andrew MacDonald (D-NYI)

MacDonald has been tearing it up on the Islanders blueline since the departure of Wizniewski.  It appears his opportunity has come.  He has 12 assists in the past 14 games.  If he could just get himself a goal.  He has just one in his career, coming back in 2009.

James Reimer (G-TOR)

Reimer has temporarily taken control of the Toronto net.  He's been the goaltender in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games and has won 4 of them.  His stats so far have been excellent:  2.27 GAA with a .933 save percentage.  If you're in need of a short-term goalie fix, consider Reimer.

Keep or Drop?

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

Simon Gagne (F-TB)

Gagne present quite a pickle for fantasy owner.  At any moment, he could wake up from his funk and go on a goal-scoring tear.  Owners are losing patience waiting for that day.  After going 7 games without a point, he finally scored a goal on Wednesday.  Sign of things to come, or just an interruption in his forgettable season?  This choice comes down to depth on your bench.  I'm holding onto him in one league, but recently let go in another.

Niklas Backstrom (G-MIN)

Between Backstrom's hip injury, and Theodore's recent hot stretch, many fantasy owners have started to dump him.  Theodore suffered his own hip injury, making the picture more confused.  When he comes back to health, Backstrom will most likely resume the role of #1 in Minnesota.  While it's looking rather bleak at the moment, don't jump the gun.  He's a solid starting goalie who is putting up decent numbers so far this year with a 2.58 GAA and a .919 save percentage.  You've got to know when to hold 'em.

Dan Ellis (G-TB)

It would appear that the Lightning are seriously sticking with Roloson.  As a result, a good number of owners have been dumping Ellis.  While I'm not sold on Roloson as the #1 option in Tampa, I can't see Ellis having much value in the near future either.  Take your chances on another goalie and let Ellis go.

Here is what you need to know as you set your fantasy hockey roster for week 15 (1/10 to 1/16):

Matchups

Teams with 2 Games:  Atlanta, Dallas, New Jersey

Teams with 4 Games:  Boston, Edmonton, Nashville, NY Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis, Toronto, Vancouver, Washington

Ride those Canucks this week as Vancouver cannot do wrong right now. They've got four games, though all of them are on the road.  The Caps have a good chance of getting the offense rolling with 4 games, including matchups with Ottawa and Florida.

Steer clear of Devils, not that you had considered otherwise.  They have just two games on the road this week.  Maybe that's the mercy rule in effect.

Who's Hot

Here's some players who have risen quickly in the past two weeks:

• Shane Doan - 11 points (6/5) in 6 games
• John Tavares - 7 points (3/4) in 5 games
• Alex Burrows - 5 points (1/4) in 5 games
• Patrick Sharp - 5 points (3/2) in 5 games
• Nicklas Lidstrom - 10 points (2/8) in 5 games
• James Wisniewski - 6 points (2/4) in 5 games
• Roberto Luongo - 3-0 with 4 GA in past 3 games

Who's Cold

These guys have dried up lately:

• Rene Bourque - 5 straight without a point
• Daniel Alfredsson - 2 points in past 6 games

• Bobby Ryan - 1 point in last 7 games.  Somebody misses Getzlaf.

• Kurtis Foster - Nine straight without a point.  Did I hear a Niner in there?

• John Carlson - 5 game drought

• Martin Brodeur - lost last 6 games.  Nothing good to say here.

• Antero Niittymaki - dropped last 2 with a GAA above 4

Waiver Watch

Chris Higgins (F-FLA)

Higgins has become a factor in the Florida offense.  He has points in 4 straight games and has 7 in his last 6.  He's currently on a 3-game goal streak.  Higgins consistently gets his chances, as he hasn't gone a game without a shot on goal since October.  Consider adding him to your bench if you're in need of some help up front.

Jason Pominville (F-BUF)

Between the concussion and a slow start, Pominville didn't register a point until November.  After that, he had stretches of 3 and 4 games without a point.  He seems to be back to form, with 9 points in his past 6 games.  You can reasonably expect him to go at close to a point-per-game pace for the rest of the season.  If he's still available in your league, I highly recommend seizing the chance.  I just did so myself.

Kevin Bieksa (D-VAN)

Bieksa is always up and down, mostly depending on health.  Right now you won't find a hotter prospect on defense.  7 of his 14 points on the season have come in the past two weeks.  He's also a +14 over the past 10 games.  He's logging top minutes on the Vancouver blueline and should be considered a solid fantasy option at this point.

Brendan Morrow (F-DAL)

While his point totals still aren't daunting (27 in 41 games), his goal totals are (17).  He has 4 goals in his past 3 games, and seems to be back to his 2007-08 form when he last cracked the 30 goal mark.  He's going quick in leagues, and probably won't last another week.

Jose Theodore (G-MIN)

Theodore refuses to go away.  He had an outstanding season in Washington last year, but was kicked out of town all the same.  He settled for a backup role in Minnesota, but lately has seized the reigns there.  He's won the last 3 games with the Wild and looks to split time at a minimum going forward with Backstrom.  He may ultimately earn the starting role if he keeps this up.  Theodore is available in most leagues, so consider grabbing him now.

Keep or Drop?

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

Marek Zidlicky (D-MIN)

Zidlicky severely injured his shoulder last week, and it may be separated.  If that is the case, he's not worth keeping on your roster, as he'll be out far too long.  Even if it's less severe, you may find a better option than sitting and waiting for his return.  It's a shame, as he was having another solid fantasy season with 20 points in 30 games.

Michael Del Zotto (D-NYR)

After sitting as a healthy scratch and missing time with injury and illness, the Rangers demoted Del Zotto to the AHL.  They have given no timetable for his return.  Del Zotto has been a disappointment this season, with just 9 points in 35 games, following a tremendous rookie season.  Drop him until the news looks better.

Michael Leighton (G-PHI)

Leighton found himself to be the odd man out in Philadelphia after returning from injury.  He was put on waivers and then demoted to the AHL.  Unless there's an injury to Boucher or Bobrovsky, he's not worth hanging onto.  Let him go and consider adding Theodore in his place.

Daily Special

Note: Fanduel is once again running a $1k NHL shootout tomorrow.  Check back tomorrow on my Twitter for starting goalie recommendations.

As you sit back on Saturday and (hopefully) enjoy the Winter Classic, don't forget to give your fantasy roster a little attention.  Here is what you need to know as you set your fantasy hockey roster for week 14 (1/3 to 1/9):

Matchups

Teams with 2 Games:  Montreal, Ottawa, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Washington

Teams with 4 Games:  Carolina, Chicago, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, NY Islanders, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Vancouver

Plenty of teams with 4 games to choose from.  Best to avoid Montreal this week, as they have just two games: Pittsburgh and Boston.  Although the Flyers have just 2 games, they are both against New Jersey.  Feeding frenzy.

Vancouver may very well be at the top of the NHL standings after next week, with 3 of 4 games at home, including matchups with the floundering Sharks, Flames and Oilers.

Who's Hot

Aside from Crosby… Here are some players on a hot streak over the past two weeks:

• Dustin Brown - 12 points (6/6)
• Loui Eriksson - 12 points (4/8)
• Martin St. Louis - 11 points (4/7)
• Niklas Lidstrom - 9 points (4/5)
• Jack Johnson - 8 points (1/7)
• Drew Doughty - 8 points (1/7)
• Cam Ward - 4 wins, 1 shutout
• Niklas Backstrom - 4 wins
• Jonathan Quick - 4 wins, 2 shutouts

Who's Cold

• Scott Hartnell - pointless in his last 4 games

• Rich Peverley - pointless in 5

• Tomas Fleischmann - after a tremendous start in Colorado, he's cooled off.  1 assist in his last 4 games.
• Jordan Eberle - 4 games. No points.
• Thomas Vanek - 7 games without a point.  Ouch.
• Carey Price - lost 3 of his last 4 games with a GAA of 3.26

Waiver Watch

Here are some forwards to plug the holes in your lineup with this week:

Jordan Staal (F-PIT)

Staal's been sitting on my bench all season and I'm happy to activate him this week in anticipation of his likely return.  A look at the wires out there show he's still available in roughly 1/3 of leagues.  If he's there in your league, stop reading and pick him up now.   I'll wait...

Jamie Benn (F-DAL)

Benn has been on the bubble all season, but is starting to really emerge as a viable fantasy forward.  After a rough stretch in early December, he has come on in the past two weeks with 7 points in 6 games.

Brian Little (F-ATL)

Little has been inconsistent in his NHL career to this point, going from 31 goals in his sophomore season down to 13 last year.  He's been turning up the heat lately with 5 game point streak, during which he's totaled up 7 points.  He's topping 21 minutes of ice time lately with Atlanta and seems to be on top of his game right now.

Evander Kane (F-ATL)

Kane has come along faster than most expected.  He's now one of the top forward options in Atlanta.  The power forward has 7 points in his last 7 games, and is averaging about 3 shots on goal a night.

Mikhail Grabovski (F-TOR)

Grabovski has become the source of light in Toronto.  He has points in 9 of his last 10 games.  Over that stretch, he has 8 goals, giving him 13 on the season.  Grab him while you can.

Keep or Drop?

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

Dan Cleary (F-DET)

Cleary was on a tear when he busted his foot last Sunday night.  He's likely out for a month or more.  When he returns, it's questionable how effective he will be, or what his role will be on the team when he returns.  There are better options out there.  Drop him and check back when he's healthy.

Anders Lindback (G-NAS)

The Preds have a chronic history of splitting the crease, and it doesn't seem like there's any cure in sight.  With Rinne returning from injury, Lindback is relegated to 50/50 duty at best.  Despite his hot streak in Rinne's absence, won't get enough starts to be a #1 fantasy option in the near future.  Keep him on the bench if you don't have a 3rd #1 with more playing time.

Jason Spezza (F-OTT)

It's hard to believe Spezza could be a solid drop candidate, but at this point, he's not going to help your team much this season.  He's out about 6 weeks.  Fantasy owners were already frustrated with his lousy 9 goals of production through 32 games.  Drop and check back in February if he's still on the wire.

Daily Special

Take note: Fanduel is running a $1k contest on Saturday.  Sign up and win some New Year's cash.