Florida has found the right mix for an explosive top line

It is just two weeks into the season and fantasy hockey owners are screaming already. The panic is beginning to set in as some stalwarts are having a tougher time than usual this October. There is definitely some major sell high and sell low candidates, so let's go "Between The Lines" one more time.

Lead Us Forwards

Aleksander Barkov-Brad Boyes-Tomas Fleischmann (Florida) — This was the top line of the week with a whopping 13 points. Maybe the number two overall pick can hold his own. Granted, he may play around 15:00 a night, but he makes them count. Brad Boyes and Tomas Fleischmann both had five point weeks, but more importantly this line is the top group from a frequency standpoint (33.6% EV, 63.8% PP). Florida is a bit hit and miss so do not expect this to happen on a consistent basis. However, they are a line to watch in the early weeks of your fantasy hockey season.

Tyler Bozak-Phil Kessel-James van Riemsdyk (Toronto) — Welcome to the Toronto Fantasy Express as Tyler Bozak rode the coattails to a solid Week 2 fantasy hockey fans. Overall, the trio had 11 points while playing together. Kessel and van Riemsdyk have formed a nice chemistry together. Using "Frozen Pool's Line Production", Tyler Bozak had three of his four points with his linemates (2 EV, 1 PP). Granted, Phil Kessel is the guy that makes this line go but his buddy seems to make him happy, which is good for fantasy owners.

Daniel Alfredsson-Todd Bertuzzi-Henrik Zetterberg-Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit) — This power play unit looked pretty good last week. They combined for nine points and looked like the power play unit fantasy hockey fans are used to seeing again. We are talking a balanced effort, but Todd Bertuzzi did take the worst of a nasty collision with Tuukka Rask today so keep an eye on this for Week 3.

Joe Thornton-Tomas Hertl-Brent Burns (San Jose) — A rookie, converted defenseman, and an old man walk into a hockey rink and unleash seven points as a unit. Each player seems to bring a different facet to the table. Tomas Hertl brings youthful exuberance and finishing ability. Brent Burns is rather speedy, but can bang and grind for production, while Joe Thornton is the setup guy. When you put them together, they are one of the big reasons why San Jose has gotten off to such a torrid start.

Defend This!

Andrei Markov-P.K. Subban (Montreal) — If this feels a little similar to last season, then you are not mistaken. The duo combined for seven points in all, as Montreal's power play was quite effective in Week 2. Subban led all defensemen with seven points (six assists) while Markov chipped in two assists. Four of Subban's points came on the man advantage. This type of production may be tapered in future weeks, but expect this duo to "get their points" for the most part. It won't be always at or above a point a game, so do not expect the moon. Health is the key with Markov, but Subban is fantasy gold right now.

Tobias Enstrom-Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg) — The two hottest fantasy defensive duos both have a playmaker and a more rough and buff type of individual. Now oddly enough that big guy has some smooth hands and a hard shot to boot. This combination had five points together after an amazing eight point outburst in Week 1. They play around 25:00 a night, rack up a high amount of power play ice time, and play in key situations. There is a lot to like here as really the only derailment could be their health as Winnipeg does rely on them a bit much.

Jay Harrison-Ryan Murphy (Carolina) — Wait, who the heck are these guys? Okay, Ryan Murphy is the 12th overall draft pick from the 2011 Entry Draft and he had a bit of an interesting journey to Carolina. While his ice time has been pretty modest, he had three assists this week. Jay Harrison added a couple more points to be one of the most productive defensive duos of Week 2. Harrison has 30-35 point upside, but just can never stay healthy, while Murphy's upside is in the forties. Can they keep it up for Week 3? No one is really sure but they are an intriguing pair going forward.

As always you can follow me on Twitter @ChrisWasselTHW. In the meantime, good luck and happy combination fishing. See you next week.

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