Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

F Jeff Halpern, Tampa Bay Lightining
Since being dealt to Tampa, Halpern has been on fire scoring seven points in his last four games. This recent scoring outburst is new territory for Halpern, who has never been much of a scorer, failing to exceed the 50 point plateau in his entire NHL career. Receiving time on the power-play, Halpern has notched five pp points in his short stay with Tampa, giving him a surprising 10 points in 11 games with his new club. Unfortunately, Halpern recently went down with a sore back and is currently day-to-day. Hopefully this is just a minor setback for the forward, who is looking to rejuvenate his career in Tampa.
Fantasy Take: Although these words may sound strange, Halpern makes out to be a decent fantasy option upon return. The forward has meshed very well with his new team and his current stats make him a good lower end option. Monitor his status before inserting him into your lineup.

F Colby Armstrong, Atlanta Thrashers
Unable to find success in Pittsburgh, Armstrong seems to have found a new home in Atlanta registering three goals and seven points in his first nine games with the club. Once considered a fantasy bust, Armstrong has proven he can produce without Crosby and has given Atlanta another scoring threat. Enjoying a fantastic rookie season, Armstrong had trouble regaining his early success and found himself dealt on deadline day in part of the Marian Hossa deal. Hopefully for Atlanta all Armstrong needed was a change of scenery to get his career back on track.
Fantasy Take: Armstrong has been a reliable forward with the Thrashers, scoring six points in eight games this month. Teams looking for help down the stretch should consider Armstrong, who is enjoying success in Atlanta.

F Andrew Ladd, Chicago Blackhawks
After failing to live up to expectations in Carolina, Ladd finds himself in Chicago after being dealt for Tuomo Ruutu. Drafted fourth overall by Carolina, Ladd never found his rhythm with the Canes, exceeding the 20 point mark only once in his three year stay with the club. Looking to prove that he belongs in the NHL, Ladd has come out on fire with Chicago, scoring eight points in his first ten games. Ladd has been given time on the power-play, as well as more minutes in Chicago which has translated into success for the young forward. Although Ladd may not help your fantasy team this year, he has certainly improved his stock come next year's draft.
Fantasy Take: Ladd has tremendous talent but never seemed to get it going in Carolina. Fortunately for Ladd, it seems as if he has found a home in Chicago, but has been too inconsistent to warrant a starting spot on your roster.

F Samuel Pahlsson, Anaheim Ducks
Pahlsson has been relatively quiet all season long, but finds himself on four game point streak, scoring five points over that span. Receiving plenty of minutes over his past few games, Pahlsson has rewarded the club with his strong play and excellent passing skills. Currently the forward has six goals and 15 points on the year.
Fantasy Take: Although a four game point streak is impressive, Pahlsson has failed to produce all year and shouldn't be starting on any fantasy rosters.


For Illegal Curve I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

F Steve Bernier, Buffalo Sabers
Struggling to find his form in San Jose, the Sharks shipped off Bernier in the trade that brought Brian Campbell to San Jose. In his first game with the Sabers, Bernier logged over 15 minutes of ice time while scoring two goals and one assist. Unlike in San Jose where Bernier often played on the third line, he was given a much more important role in Buffalo's offense, and seems to have bonded instantly with linemate Thomas Vanek. With his time on ice significantly increased, expect Bernier to consistently put up points.
Fantasy Take: At this point forget all about Bernier's first half with San Jose. The forward is in a much better situation in Buffalo and is a good lower option fantasy starter.

F Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
Pavelski has gotten hot over his last three games scoring three goals and one assist. The forward has consistently shown that he can be a dominant scorer in this league and has also seen his minutes climb due to his recent play. Scoring San Jose's first goal in their game against St. Louis, Pavelski registered over 20 minutes of ice time, finishing the game +1. Although Pavelski has only 26 points on the season, he has recently been playing with Joe Thornton, as well as receiving time on the power-play, which can only increase his totals.
Fantasy Take: Pavelski has been streaky all year but is currently in a good situation playing with Thornton. With four points in his last three games, Pavelski makes for a good pickup in deeper leagues.

F Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina Hurricanes
Ruutu was a disappointment in Chicago, but has gotten off to a fast start with Carolina, scoring three points in his first three games with the club. Arriving 15 minutes before puck drop in his first game with Carolina, Ruutu assisted on one goal, helping the Hurricanes defeat the Devils 2-1 in OT. In Carolina's 5-1 rout over Tampa Bay, Ruutu had one goal and one assist, finishing the game with over 15 minutes of ice time. With Brind'Amour out for the season, Ruutu will be counted on to provide another scoring presence and so far he has done just that.
Fantasy Take: If Ruutu is available in your league pick him up. He has fit in well with Carolina and should prove to be a good fantasy option during the stretch run.

F Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars
Eriksson has been on fire since late February, scoring seven points in his last five games. Currently enjoying his first ever five game point streak, the forward has scored 12 goals and 26 points on the year. In only his second year in the NHL, Eriksson has proven to be a reliable forward for the Stars and has meshed well with linemates Mike Ribeiro and Brendan Morrow. Although Eriksson's totals won't receive much praise this season, he has been a steady player over the last month and is only going to get better with time.
Fantasy Take: Eriksson is benefiting from playing with Ribeiro and Morrow scoring six goals in his last five games. Start him while he's hot.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

F Antoine Vermette, Ottawa Senators
Vermette has been an iffy play all season long but has been hot as of late, scoring five points in his last four games. The forward has averaged over 15 minutes of ice time in his last four games and currently holds a plus/minus rating of +7. Netting one power-play assist earlier this week, Vermette has risen his point total to 37 points in 61 games played. Expect Vermette to eclipse his previous career high in points which he set last year at 39 in 77 games played.
Fantasy Take: Vermette is a good play at the moment due to his recent success, but owners shouldn't expect much from the forward. Only use him as a lower end option.

D Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues
Although he began the season slowly, Johnson has picked up his play this month recording his first ever three game point streak. The defenseman's plus/minus numbers have slipped this month, but his point totals have risen. With 10 points in his last 23 games, Johnson has vaulted himself into a reliable play at defenseman, and has also shown that he can be a presence on the power-play. Scoring four power-play assists this month, Johnson currently has 23 points on the year which leads all Blues defenseman.
Fantasy Take: No question Johnson will be a powerful fantasy force in a few years, but in only his first year, use the defenseman as a second or third option.

D Jaroslav Spacek, Buffalo Sabers
Spacek failed to score a point in all of January but has been on fire ever since the calendar turned to February. Scoring four points in his last four games, and eight points this month, Spacek has been one of Buffalo's top producing defenseman. Receiving a ton of time on the power-play, Spacek has proven to be a great point man, recording five pp assists and one pp goal. Expect Spacek to be relied on more heavily if Buffalo chooses to ship out defenseman Brian Campbell.
Fantasy Take: At the position of defenseman, you could do a lot worse than Spacek. Although his season numbers aren't great, he has gotten hot this month and is a good play in most formats.

F Brandon Dubinsky, New York Rangers
Dubinsky was very quiet in the first half of the season, but has seemed to found his form post all-star break, registering 18 points in his last 24 games. Scoring his second three point night of his career earlier this month, Dubinsky has been on fire this past week, scoring seven points in his last four games. Benefitting from playing with Jaromir Jagr, Dubinsky is enjoying a great second half to his rookie season and is on pace to surpass 45+ points.
Fantasy Take: Dubinsky is having a great February scoring 10 points in his last 10 games. Although he won't keep up this pace, Dubinsky deserves a spot in your lineup for the time being.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

F T.J. Hensick, Colorado Avalanche
During his first two months with Colorado, Hensick failed to be a consistent scorer, only totaling one goal and three assists. Since then, Hensick has heated up, scoring five goals and one assist over his last four games. The forward is currently riding a four game point streak and has been a valuable asset on the power-play. Although Hensick has been only averaging around 10 minutes per game, his ice time should continue to rise due to his recent scoring outbursts.
Fantasy Take: Hensick will continue to get his opportunities with Ryan Smyth and Joe Sakic still sideliend. Showing that he can score in the NHL, Hensick makes for a good injury replacement if needed.

D Joe Corvo, Ottawa Senators
Corvo had an off month in January going on several scoreless streaks while only ending up with three points. Determined to make an impact on the scoresheet again, Corvo has shown some offensive touch this month, scoring one goal and three assists in his last three games. The former Los Angeles King is also firing away, already having 15 SOG this month (Corvo only had 28 SOG in all of January). Look for Corvo to forget all about his horrid January and once again be a dominant defenseman.
Fantasy Take: Corvo endured an awful January but has shown signs of life this month and is worthy of a spot on your roster.
Illegal Curve correspondant Richy P's take: "it only enhances his value to have been traded and to be on [Carolina's] top pp unit".

F John Madden, New Jersey Devils
Clearly having a much more productive year than last year, Madden has put up 14 goals to go along with 32 points in 54 games played. The forward has struggled to score recently, but has made up for it by registering six assists in his last seven games. Although the forward is already 34 years old, he has shown that he can still be a decent fantasy producer. Currently fourth on the Devils in team scoring, Madden is enjoying a rebound year from last year, where it took him 74 games to reach the 32 points that he has now.
Fantasy Take: Madden isn't going to give you much, but he has produced well enough to be a decent lower end option at forward.

F Richard Zednik, Florida Panthers
After going scoreless throughout the month of January, Zednik has re-found his scoring touch, registering nine points in his last four games. His highest output came earlier this week when he notched a hattrick, as well as one assist in Florida's 8-0 win over Ottawa. Receiving time on the power-play, Zednik has totaled three pp goals and one pp assist in his last three games. Currently, the forward has 15 goals and 26 points on the year.
Fantasy Take: Zednik's recent outburst has made him a popular pickup lately, but don't expect it to last. The forward is too inconsistent and fails to get on the scoresheet too often. Only use Zednik as a lower-end option at forward.
(Note: Although Zednik may be out for awhile, remember he went out on top!)


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

D Braydon Coburn, Philadelphia Flyers
Coburn didn't make much noise throughout the first half of the season, but managed to head into the all-star break riding a four game point streak. The former Atlanta Thrasher currently has 22 points on the year, making him Philly's second leading scorer on defense. Receiving time on the power-play, Coburn has made the most of his opportunity notching three pp assists in January. Entering the second half of the season, Coburn will be looking to extended his point streak and play a larger role in Philadelphia's offense.
Fantasy Take: Coburn has been very inconsistent all year but has heated up over the the last four games and may be worth a flier for those in need of a lower-end option at defense.

F Chuck Kobasew, Boston Bruins
In his first full year with Boston Kobasew is off to his best start as a pro, scoring 17 goals and 26 points in 49 games. The forward has benefited from playing with all-star centerman Marc Savard and is giving the Bruins a capable goal scorer they so desperately need. Leading the team with 17 goals, Kobasew has also been productive on the powerplay, scoring five pp goals to go along with four assists. Look for Kobasew to break his previous career high in points and goals in the next few weeks.
Fantasy Take: Kobasew has been a shaky play but is currently heating up, scoring five points in his last four games. Before making a claim for the forward, watch how he performs post all-star break to see if he can continue to be a regular on the score sheet.

F Martin Gelinas, Nashville Predators
Gelinas has come alive this January, scoring half of his points in this month alone. Appearing in 44 games for the Preds, Gelinas has totaled eight goals and 18 points on the year. Enjoying his best game of the season earlier this week, Gelinas scored two goals and added one assist while playing over 16 minutes. Although Gelinas had a rough season up until January, the forward has shown that he can still score in this league and may even be a decent fantasy option in deeper leagues.
Fantasy Take: Gelinas enjoyed a great month, scoring three goals and six assists. Keep an eye on him post all-star break to see if he continues with this pace, or returns to scoreless ways.

D Ryan Suter, Nasville Predators
Suter has been Nashville's second most productive defenseman, scoring five goals and 21 points. He is currently riding a four game point streak, scoring four points during that span while averaging around 15 minutes of ice time. Although he has failed to pick up power-play points (Suter has only two pp assists this month), the defenseman is still young and continuing to progress as a player. Increasing his point total in each of the first two seasons, Suter is a lock to surpass his 24 points he put up last year and could finish with around 35+ points if he continues to play well.
Fantasy Take: Although Suter may not help your fantasy team this year, he is a good defenseman to look at in keeper leagues. In only his third year in the league, Suter continues to improve as a player and will only get better as the years go on.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

D Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers
Timonen may have been drafted in your league due to his strong past performances with Nashville, but was probably dropped within the first month based on his early season performance with the Flyers. Scoring only five points in the first month of the season, Timonen had fallen off the fantasy radar only to reappear in the New Year, after busting out with eight points in his last eight games. With two three point nights in the last week, Timonen has regained fantasy value as a defensive option and may reach the 50 point plateau with a few more strong months.
Fantasy Take: Timonen is on fire right now, scoring seven points in his last three games. He is an important piece on Philadelphia's power-play unit, which should continue to give him several scoring chances throughout the season.

F Michael Peca, Columbus Blue Jackets
Peca was a popular early season pickup after scoring six points in his first eight games with Columbus. Soon after his surprising start, the forward found himself on the IR and has battled with injuries throughout the season. Finally healthy, Peca is again showing why he was such a popular early season pickup, scoring six points this January. He has been a force on the power-play, registering a point on the pp in each of his last three games. Although Peca won't give you many goals, he has been an excellent setup man in Columbus, and should continue to be a great complement to Rick Nash.
Fantasy Take: Although he has battled inconsistency this year, Peca can be a reliable lower end fantasy starter if he can stay off the IR.

F Daniel Paille, Buffalo Sabers
Paille has given Buffalo a much needed scoring boost over the past month, notching five goals in his last seven games. Although his recent scoring outburst hasn't done much for Buffalo in the standings, the third year forward is slowly making a name for himself on the fantasy radar. Appearing in 42 games this year, Paille has registered 12 goals and 10 assists. Although his totals aren't very high, its important to note that half of Paille's points have come within the last 12 games.
Fantasy Take: As of now, Paille is only a good start in deeper leagues, but keep an eye on him over the next few years, as he has the talent to become a great player in this league.

F Robert Nilsson, Edmonton Oilers
After only appearing in only four games for the Oilers last season, Nilsson has been a regular in the lineup this year playing in 40 games. The forward has scored six goals and 22 points, which is a new career high for the former Islander. With three goals and seven points this month, Nilsson has proved to be a capable scorer on an Oilers team desperately looking for offense.
Fantasy Take: Currently riding a three game point streak, Nilsson can be a valuable pickup for those looking for help on the wing.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

F Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers
Hartnell is enjoying his best month of the season, scoring seven points in his last five games. The forward has registered two three point games this month, including a hattrick this past week. With Lupul still sidelined with several injuries, Hartnell has stepped up his play and has appeared on the power-play, scoring two goals and one assist. Hartnell's season stats aren't anything to get excited over (21 points in 40 games), but he has become a decent fantasy option due to his recent outburst.
Fantasy Take: Hartnell has been inconsistent all year but seems to have gotten into a groove over this past week. Only use him as an injury replacement or a lower end option at forward.

F Marek Svatos, Colorado Avalanche
Svatos has been a disappointment since his breakout year in 2005 where he scored 32 goals and 50 points. Even though Svatos won't hit those numbers this year, he has shown glimpses of his past self scoring six goals in his last five games. With both Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth gone for extended periods of time due to injuries, Svatos has helped fill the void with his superb scoring ability. Scoring 19 goals and two assists this season, Svatos was hardly a factor earlier in the season, but has the opportunity to help lead Colorado with Smyth and Sakic sidelined.
Fantasy Take: Svatos has a natural goal scoring ability that makes him look very appealing as a fantasy forward, but goes through too many stretches without registering a point. With the team counting on its younger stars much more now, Svatos may be in for a big second half.

F Mark Parrish, Minnesota Wild
Parrish was relatively quiet earlier in the season, registering only 18 points in the first three months of the season. He has since come alive, scoring a point in each of his last eight games, including four goals in his past five. The forward has been given significant playing time and has gelled with linemate Eric Belanger, as the two have combined to score seven points in their last two games.
Fantasy Take: Parrish has gone on two other three game point streaks earlier in the season, and has always slumped after they've ended. Try and pick up Parrish while he's still hot, as he tends to disappear for extended periods of time.

D Marek Zidlicky, Nashville Predators
With a big month in December, Zidlicky was able to surpass his point total over the first two months of the season in 15 games. Scoring 11 points last month, Zidlicky raised his season point total to 26, which currently leads all Nashville defenseman. Continuing his hot streak into the new year, Zidlicky has registered five points in his last six games. More impressive is his input on the power-play, having scored all his points this month on the pp. After having an abysmal year last year, Zidlicky has rebounded quite nicely and is slowly making his way into the elite defenseman category.
Fantasy Take: Being Nashville's number one defenseman will yield several opportunities on the power-play, making Zidlicky a good defensive pickup.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

D Mike Green, Washington Capitals
After struggling to put up points earlier in the season, Green has come alive this past month scoring 15 points in his last 16 games. He is currently Washington's top defensive scorer with 24 points and has been one of the Capitals most explosive scorers overall. With point scoring defenseman so hard to find, Green has vaulted himself into an elite category with other stars such as Dion Phaneuf and Chris Pronger. Already with five multi point games since December, Green has eclipsed his career high in points and should break the 40 point barrier.
Fantasy Take: Green may be claimed in most leagues, but if he is still around pick him up immediately. His 15 points over the last month were more than any other defenseman not named Lidstrom, and as Washington's top defenseman, Green should continue to get his chances.

F Daniel Cleary, Detroit Red Wings
Since scoring only one goal in the first month of the season, Cleary has increased his output tremendously, totaling 14 goals and 24 points over the past three months. Although he is still very inconsistent, Cleary tends to go on extended hot streaks which can be beneficial to your fantasy squad. With 13 points in the last month alone, Cleary has vaulted himself into a reliable fantasy option in most leagues.
Fantasy Take: It's advised to pick up Cleary sooner than later as his hot streaks only last so long before he falls back to mediocrity.

F Martin Hanzal, Phoenix Coyotes
Drafted in the first round in 2005, Hanzal is currently enjoying a steady rookie campaign scoring four goals and 22 points. Although he is not quite a goal scorer, Hanzal has given Phoenix a reliable centerman who's always looking for assists. Enjoying his best month as a pro in December, Hanzal scored one goal and added three helpers lifting Phoenix over the Devils 4-1. With a steady goaltender in net and several impact rookies on the squad, Phoenix will be looking to make a run for the playoffs over the last half of the season.
Fantasy Take: Hanzal is a good play in deeper leagues for those in need of a third center. With two points in his last three games, expect Hanzal to post around 40 points this season.

D Pavel Kubina, Toronto Maple Leafs
Since coming to Toronto, Kubina has been a bit of a dissapointment, never once playing more than 70 games. Already sidelined earlier in the season, Kubina is finally healthy and making an impact. With four points over his last three games including two powerplay assists, Kubina has filled the void vacated by Bryan McCabe. With McCabe still sidelined with a broken hand, look for Kubina to continue contribute offensively, especially on the power-play.
Fantasy Take: Kubina is still inconsistent, but will continue to get his shot on the power-play giving him ample opportunities to put up points. Only play Kubina as a low level option for defenseman.



For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis