RW

Jakub would have 100 points by now if he hadn't gotten injured in the Q this year. With 62 points in only 30 games, he is a monster. He is only 7 points behind the league leader despite playing 19 fewer games. With his new found consistency, Voracek is looking like one of the best hockey players not in the NHL.

Cleary had a goal, assist and a team leading eight shots tonight. He lead the Red Wings in a 51-shot barrage against Minnesota... without Holmstrom or 50-point Zetterberg on the ice. Daniel Cleary is showing last season's contributions were no fluke. Finally, all his promise as a youngster is shining through. Cleary looks to be solidifying himself as a 50-point player in the NHL.

Who is this guy? Antti has posted eight points in his last five games. Miettinen was also hurt for a stretch in the middle of his streak... making this all the more impressive in my book. He is already 27, but perhaps this guy has something going for him after all. Personally, I don't see him becoming more than a 50-point player at best, but he has definitely caught my eye. Still, beware! He does play for Dallas after all.

Mr. Recchi is doing as he's told. Fantasy pundits everywhere predicted Mark would start off strong with the Thrashers. So far, so good tonight. Two goals in his ATL debut. Although he is playing with Perrin and Kozlov on the second line, he is playin with the big boys on the power play. Get ready to trade him. After a few more games of this, it's time to send him packing.

Colorado went off tonight. Milan Hejduk was at the forefront of the onslaught. Hejduk had three goals and three assists for a career-high six points in the 9-5 Avalanche win against the St. Louis Blues. Colorado scored five goals in the second period alone. Paul Stastny also contributed five points as Colorado avenged their 4-1 loss to the Blues back on October 12th. Even the sleeper to slumper Jaroslav Hlinka had a point. Now THAT is saying something.

I will give credit where credit is due. Nik Antropov is now 30 games into the season, has 29 points, 14 goals (a hat trick Thursday) and has not missed a single game to injury. Despite the expectations of failure by many, Antropov is still kicking tail. He had a small lull in early November, and many jumped ship. Still, Antropov persisted and rebounded. Keep it up Nik. It is a feel good fantasy story for 2007-08.

Jiri contributed another three points for his fantasy owners tonight. Hudler has now been a point-per-game player for well over a month. I would value him as such. He will not only continue to produce, but his +/- should also be good playing for the NHL's best team. The chance to get this rising star at a discount has probably passed, but it wouldn't hurt to inquire just in case. It is amazing to think how dirt cheap this player was just a few months ago. He started off the season with only 1 point in his first 8 games and only 3 in his first 13. Since then, 17 points in 16 games.

Prospect Update: Teddy put up another two points in Manchester's 7-4 win against Chicago tonight. Purcell again has the lead in the AHL with 34 points... one point ahead of AHL veteran, Martin St. Pierre. The rookie has maintained his place at the top of the leaderboard for so long, he should be getting everyones attention by now. I think St. Pierre will eventually overtake him (99 in 65 last year), but you have to remember Purcell is younger and has better size for cracking the NHL. Another solid prospect, Trevor Lewis, had a hat trick and assist tonight in the game as well. You really have to be excited if your a hockey fan in LA.

So the ol' vet was picked up by the Thrashers. This is about as good a situation as you could expect for a guy leaving a team with two superstars. Now he goes to ANOTHER team with two superstars! Lucky for those of you that still hung on to Mark. For the many leagues with Recchi on the FA, go ahead and snag him if you have an easy drop. He could put up a few points for the rest of the year and will be energized to prove he still belongs in the NHL. Hopefully, this wakeup call will make him good trade bait in the short-term.

Ya better duck! The headhunter is back on NHL ice! Downie makes his NHL regular season debut tonight. As we all know, Downie received a 20-game suspension for his hit to the head of Dean McAmmond before the season began. Now he is back, and a great sleeper in many fantasy leagues. He is a potential Carcillo in the making, except with even better point production. He may not receive the ice time yet, but he is definitely a guy to keep a close eye on.