Believe it or not, after this weekend we will be 1/4 through this NHL season already.  If your league has playoffs, you may be a 1/3 through the regular season already.  In other words, if you don't like your team by now, you'd better act quick.  Fortunately, we're hear to help.  Here is this week's edition of the fantasy hockey planner:

WHO's HOT

Pittsburgh.  Kunitz.  Crosby. Malkin.  Dupuis.  Even Matt Cooke is starting to put points on the board.

Patrick Kane

Kane has been inconsistent in recent years, but he has come out on fire this season.  The hotness continues, with 6 goals and 8 points in his last 4 games.

Henrik Zetterberg

Similar story for Hank.  With 4 goals and 5 assists over his last 5 games, he's risen near the top of the scoring leaders.

Pekka Rinne (G-NAS)

After a sluggish start, Rinne is on fire.  He's won 4 straight, allowing just 3 goals during that span.

Sheldon Souray (D-ANA)

Seems like he has a new sweater every year, but one thing stays the same: he scored goals.  He's potted one in each of the last 3 games, giving him 4 on the season.  That's more goals than Kessel, Sharp, Hall, Richards, Nash, Semin, Ryan, and many other goal-scoring forwards.

WHO's COLD

In terms of goals, see Souray's file above… here are a few more disappointments:

Jordan Eberle (F-EDM)

Just one lousy assist in the last 5 games. This guy was supposed to challenge the leading scorers this year.

Mikko Koivu (F-MIN)

Those good vibes to start the season on fire with Parise have vanished.  Four straight games without a point.  -3 over that span.

Rick Nash (F-NYR)

Just one point in his last 4 games.  Ice time is starting to be reduced.

Milan Michalek (F-OTT)

After a solid start, he's registered just 1 assist in the last 5 games.  Somebody missing Spezza?

Evander Kane (F-WPG)

3 games without seeing his name on the scoresheet.  He did register 7 shots on goal last night.  Need one to go in now, Evander.

Marian Gaborik (F-NYR)

Is there a streakier human being on the planet?  After four straight games without a point, he broke through with a goal last night.  Guess it's time for another hat trick, Marian?

Shea Weber (D-NAS)

You're killing me, Shea.  1 lousy point on the season?  Please don't look where I had him ranked pre-season.

WHO's HURT

• Cam Fowler (D-ANA) - upper body injury
• Brad Marchand (F-BOS) - same
• Ray Whitney (F-DAL) - lower body injury
• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (F-EDM) - upper body, day to day
• Patric Hornqvist (F-NAS) - sprained knee
• Jaroslav Halak (G-STL) - practicing, but not ready to play yet

WAIVER WATCH

Viktor Fasth (G-ANA)

You may have already missed the boat on this one.  Fasth isn't your typical rookie up for a cup of coffee.  He's 30 years old and has had success in Europe.  Now, he's challenging Hiller for the job in Anaheim.  4-0 so far in his NHL career with a GAA under 1.

Colin Wilson (F-NAS)

The Preds are quietly making their move, and 3rd year winger Colin Wilson is leading the charge.  He has 6 points over the last 3 games.

Martin Hanzal (F-PHO)

Seems to be recovered from some early season injury woes, and is running the show in Phoenix.  4 goals and 1 assist over the last 4 games for the Coyotes.

Andy Greene (D-NJ)

Before last week, it was foolish to suggest the name Andy Greene on a fantasy hockey website.  However, 2 goals and 4 assists later, he deserves a nod.

Jiri Hudler (F-CGY)

The Flames are a team worth looking at in fantasy circles.  They've played just 8 games, meaning you can take advantage of those extra games going forward.  Hudler is on to consider.  7 point in 5 games this season.