This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com
If you think your fantasy lineup is awful, try to remember there are probably hundreds of other teams just as terrible. That is, unless, you're literally doing nothing. And in that case, yes, you're officially the worst.
But even if this season is projected to be a bust, you should still show some effort. This strategy is obvious in a keeper league, but must also be employed in the single-season format.
Why should you care to improve if you're out of it and will only be clearing the slate come October? Besides the satisfaction of playing the spoiler by stealing key free agents, maintaining activity just makes sense. If you become lax now, then you'll probably do likewise the next time your squad falters. And the next time. And so on. The lesson? Cut out the bad habits before they end up bringing you down.
The same applies in the real world, where NHL clubs must constantly make decisions. Some of them work out, while the rest fail miserably. But hey, at least they're trying:
Florida are enjoying their best run in years and it's not all because of that guy between the pipes. Roberto Luongo (2.23 GAA, .927 SV%) may be enjoying a renaissance in the Sunshine State but the key to their success is balanced scoring. Six forwards have earned at least 16 points - from Nick Bjugstad (25 points, including six in eight) down to Sean Bergenheim (16, including seven in
Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com
If you think your fantasy lineup is awful, try to remember there are probably hundreds of other teams just as terrible. That is, unless, you're literally doing nothing. And in that case, yes, you're officially the worst.
But even if this season is projected to be a bust, you should still show some effort. This strategy is obvious in a keeper league, but must also be employed in the single-season format.
Why should you care to improve if you're out of it and will only be clearing the slate come October? Besides the satisfaction of playing the spoiler by stealing key free agents, maintaining activity just makes sense. If you become lax now, then you'll probably do likewise the next time your squad falters. And the next time. And so on. The lesson? Cut out the bad habits before they end up bringing you down.
The same applies in the real world, where NHL clubs must constantly make decisions. Some of them work out, while the rest fail miserably. But hey, at least they're trying:
Florida are enjoying their best run in years and it's not all because of that guy between the pipes. Roberto Luongo (2.23 GAA, .927 SV%) may be enjoying a renaissance in the Sunshine State but the key to their success is balanced scoring. Six forwards have earned at least 16 points - from Nick Bjugstad (25 points, including six in eight) down to Sean Bergenheim (16, including seven in nine). Third-year man Jonathan Huberdeau (nine in nine) has been able to recover while former Chicago castoff Jimmy Hayes (goals in five of nine) is making the most of his opportunities. And while he's missed significant time (due to knee and hand issues), don't forget about Aleksander Barkov (probable return Tuesday) and all that juicy upside.
Detroit's got talent but not enough to overcome unpredictability. Out goes Jimmy Howard (groin, gone two-to-four), into the spotlight steps Petr Mrazek (nine total appearances this season at two levels). Without Johan Franzen (upper-body something-or-other, not serious), others need to fill the void. Whether that be someone like Justin Abdelkader (eight in eight, including three on the power-play), Darren Helm (three in nine, but skates with Pavel Datsyuk), or recent callup Teemu Pulkkinen (39 in 30 at Grand Rapids), the Wings could sure use a boost. They're also lacking supplementary blueline offense, so maybe someone like Kyle Quincey (one in 14) or Jonathan Ericsson (scored Saturday after posting 13 consecutive zeroes) can provide that requirement.
One might expect the Pens to run over opponents but it won't happen with key skaters sidelined. Without Patric Hornqvist (leg) and Blake Comeau (wrist) the next few weeks, it was imperative management went out and acquired someone like David Perron (19 in 38 with Edmonton). Beau Bennett (four in five), this is your moment. And if you're looking for a longshot, why not try someone like Bryan Rust (two in 13 but 14 in 25 - including 10 goals - with the AHL affiliate)? When we last discussed Pittsburgh, Paul Martin was struggling and Simon Despres wasn't reliable ... and nothing's changed on that front (now a combined 19 in 73).
Not everything in Carolina revolves around a certain set of brothers. Good to see Alexander Semin back and ready to lend a hand (points in both contests). Now in his fifth season with the organization, Riley Nash (goals in two straight) has been rewarded for his patience and determination (receives five more minutes than 2013-14). Elias Lindholm (two in 10) may struggle, but he's the real deal when motivated. 2011 draftee Victor Rask (four in three) is coming into his own. And the littlest forward who could, Nathan Gerbe (second-line promotion), is always ready to fight for a place. Ryan Murphy (three assists in seven) was just too good to keep down in the minors (where he notched 17 assists in 23).
Maybe Minnesota isn't as ready as everybody thought. The Wild's strength used to be goaltending but that's fallen off with Niklas Backstrom (2.83 GAA, .892 SV% in 18) the default leader, Darcy Kuemper (two wins in nine) struggling and now hurt, and Josh Harding (pick an injury) in career limbo. Age may be holding back Mikko Koivu (five in 11, minus-7), who has battled minor injuries all season. No Mikael Granlund (broken wrist) until February, which gives the chance for others to take advantage. It would be nice if Nino Niederreiter (three in 12) could improve his consistency, although he's already matched last year's goal haul (14). He may log a ton of minutes (17th in the league at 24:22 a night), but there's no hiding the fact Jonas Brodin (six in 30) isn't ready to contribute.
