Who's Hot

Who's the hottest team in the NHL right now in terms of fantasy production?  Look no further than the Winnepeg Jets.  That's right, the Jets have been piling on the goals in the last few weeks, getting production from their top three lines.  Here are the men leading the charge up north:

• Blake Wheeler - Wheeler has amassed a whopping 10 point in his last 4 games.  He's still a cheap RW option at just $6,400.

• Evander Kane - the sophomore winger has been a new man since returning from concussion problems in early February.  He has 8 points in his last 5 games, including 4 goals.  He's averaging 5+ shots per night.  He's elevating the play (and fantasy value) of his linemates, Burmistrov and Wellwood.

• Bryan Little - Little is riding a four-game point streak, during which he's registered 4 goals and 3 assists.  He and Wheeler have even been able to awaken the play of captain Andrew Ladd, who now has 5 points in the last 2 games.

• Dustin Byfuglien (D) - The big man on defense may be the most potent offensive weapon on the team.  13 points in 8 games and goals in the last two contests. 

Steven Stamkos (TB)

Despite Yzerman's efforts to earn a top draft pick this spring, Stamkos stubbornly continues to pile up the points.  He has 6 goals and 5 assists over his last 4 games, making him the hottest player in the league right now, and a must-start each time he's in action.

Wayne Simmonds (PHI)

Simmonds has been seeing a regular shift with the dynamic duo of Hartnell and Giroux.  As a result, his fantasy production has excelled.  He has 8 points in his last 7 games for the Flyers.  Going back to the first week of the year, he's produced at a point a game pace.

Radim Vrbata (PHO)

If there's a goal being scored in Phoenix, it's a good bet that Vrbata's name will be called.  He already topped the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his 9-year career.  He's contributed 8 goals over the last 12 games.

Erik Karlsson (D-OTT)

It seems redundant to even mention Karlsson as being hot, as he has been all season long.  However, with 7 points in his last 2 games to stretch his scoring streak to 5 games, he deserves another mention.  It seems very unlikely that any other defenseman will catch him this season.

Corey Crawford (G-CHI)

Following a tragic month of pain in Chicago, Crawford seems to have helped to right the ship a bit in the last few games.  He's 3-1 over the last 4 with a 1.51 GAA and .950 save percentage.  Thanks to the run of bad luck, he's undervalued right now.

Martin Brodeur (G-NJ)

Brodeur has the Devils back in the hunt for a title, having gone 5-1 in his last 6 games.  Over that stretcch, he's posted a GAA under 1.5.

Eric Staal (CAR)

Staal has led a mini-resurgence in Carolina over the last several weeks.  He's riding a 7 game point streak, during which he's piled up 6 goals and 6 assists.  He's elevated the game of linemates Tlusty and Samson as well (see value picks below).

Who's Cold

Matt Niskanen (D-PIT)

Niskanen was starting to emerge as a valid fantasy play midway through the season.  Since the calendar turned to 2012 his production has dried up completely.  He has just two points in this calendar year and hasn't registered a point in 7 games.

Jonathan Quick (G-LA)

Quick has dropped four straight and 6 of 7.  The last two games have been particularly painful, especially for the standard he's set for himself.

David Backes (STL)

Following a five-game point streak, Backes has disappeared.  He has no points in five games for the Blues.

Ryan Callahan (NYR)

Callahan was on fire for a spell there, but it's slowed down considerably lately.  No points in his last two games.

Zdeno Chara (D-BOS)

Chara was making his case for the Norris Trophy, but the recent funk in Boston has hit him as well.  He's gone 10 games without a goal and has no points in 3 games.

Who's Hurt

• Niklas Hjalmarsson (D-CHI) - returned Thursday
• Jonathan Toews (CHI) - still out with upper body injury
• Erik Johnson (D-COL) - questionable for Friday with back spasms
• Pavel Datsyuk (DET) - out two weeks with knee surgery
• Adam Larsson (D-NJ) - may return this weekend from lower back injury
• Vinny Lecavalier (TB) - broken right hand - out indefinitely
• Alex Ovechkin (WAS) - doubtful this weekend with lower body

Value Picks of the Week

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

Jermome Samson (CAR)

No telling if the Canes will keep Samson in the big leagues, as he closes in the magic number for using up a year of rookie eligibility.  But his time spent on the top line with Staal has been productive.  He's practically free on Fanduel right now.

Teddy Purcell (TB) - $5,900

The deal that sent Steve Downie out of town opened the door for Purcell to shine.  He's gets the seat of honor along side Stamkos and St. Louis.  Don't miss out on this bargain at $5,900.  Since the move, he has 6 points in two games.  He has been held off the scoresheet just one time in the last 9 games.