Kane, Panarin and Anisimov headline the hottest lines from the first half of the season.

Lead us forwards…..

Artem Anisimov – Patrick Kane – Artemi Panarin (Chicago)

This line has been absolute fantasy gold this season. Agent 88 has been automatic as he currently leads the league in points by a staggering 15 and there has been no signs of significant regression. Furthermore, Anisimov and more specifically Panarin have built an incredible chemistry with Kane and rather than leeching points off Kane, the aforementioned duo has helped him elevate his game to a whole new level. If you managed to snag Panarin off waivers than you just made the best move of the fantasy season so pat yourself on the back. The only way this line will regress is if Kane manages to get hurt and although he has had a history of getting injured, I think his eyes are set on an Art Ross Trophy.

• EV Strength Production = 69 points
• Line Frequency = 17.23%

Leon Draisaitl – Taylor Hall – Teddy Purcell (Edmonton)

Yet another surprise has been the young German known as Leon Draisaitl. What a season this kid has had. Although he has cooled off as of late with five points in his last 10 games, Draisaitl has bright future ahead of him. This is especially the case if he continues to click with Hall as this has the makings of a Kane and Panarin duo. We all know what Taylor can do when healthy but unfortunately he just seems to be a Band-Aid boy. As for Purcell, he has done an admirable job on this line but he could lose his spot at any moment. With Connor McDavid set to return I expect this line to produce once again as a player of his magnitude will boost everyone in the lineup.

• EV Strength Production = 56 points
• Line Frequency = 12.64%

Jamie Benn – Tyler Seguin – Patrick Sharp (Dallas)

Man do I love Benn. Besides Crosby, he’s my next favorite player in the NHL. The situation in Dallas could not be any better for Benn and Seguin owners as they are setup for fantasy success for at least the next five years. Sharp has been a great addition as he has had an immediate impact on the Stars and most especially on the PP that is currently ranked fifth in the league clipping at 21.3%.  The Stars have slowed down over the past month in the goals department but I suspect this line will get it going again down the stretch.

• EV Strength Production = 53 points
• Line Frequency = 14.68%

Brendan Gallagher – Max Pacioretty – Tomas Plekanec (Montreal)

It’s outstanding how much this line has produced considering the Habs have gone ice cold over the past few months. Pacioretty himself has had five points in his last 10 games. That being said if the Canadiens want any chance of making the post-season this line will have to catch fire again down the stretch. My money is on them to do exactly that and Pacioretty owners will rejoice as he will light the lamp and produce handsomely from here on out. If you can make a play for anyone I would bank on Pacioretty as he should snag you 25-30 points in the remaining 32 games. His linemates could be worthy adds depending on the league format as this top line will be leaned on heavily in order for the Canadiens to make the playoffs.

• EV Strength Production = 53 points
• Line Frequency = 14.02%

Honorable Mention:

Aleksander Barkov – Jonathan Huberdeau – Jaromir Jagr

Mike Cammalleri – Adam Henrique – Lee Stempniak

Nicklas Backstrom – T.J. Oshie – Alexander Ovechkin

Defend this…..

Alex Goligoski – John Klingberg (Dallas)

Naturally the one of the NHL’s highest scoring team would have a high scoring blue line as well. That is the case here as Klingberg continues to flourish playing with the likes of Benn and Seguin. Klingberg has been quiet as of late with four points in his last 10 games, however, so have the Stars in general. I think Klingberg will continue to produce at an elite level but he is no Erik Karlsson. Klingberg depends on his top guns whereas Karlsson is the top gun and produces independently. Goligoski will continue to tag along for the ride and this duo will produce as long as Benn and Seguin continue to fill the net.

• EV Production = 32 points
• Line Frequency = 30.09%

Roman Josi– Shea Weber (Nashville)

To me this is hands down the best defensive in the NHL today. This duo gets it done not only at even strength but more importantly on the man advantage. If it’s not one of them filling the scoresheet on a given night than you are sure to see the other. The only drawback to owning these studs is their plus/minus that sits at a combined -11. This is particularly odd as they are as solid as it gets as a pairing, however, if you have watched the Predators this year you know that Pekka Rinne has been a pasta strainer in the crease. If Rinne turns his season around, which many would bet on happening, the plus/minus department for this duo will be corrected which would make this pairing absolute fantasy gold.

• EV Strength Production = 28 points
• Line Frequency = 31.89%

T.J. Brodie – Mark Giordano (Calgary)

This duo makes the list and it should be to no one’s surprise as they have been clinical over the past few months. The Flames arguably have the league’s strongest back end and this tandem is evidence number one. Remember in November when Giordano owners were stressing and clicking the SELL button… well how did that decision pan out? Mark has nine points in his last 10 games and this is a prime example of patience paying off. This Flames pairing should continue to produce in all fantasy formats if the Flames have any hope of making the post-season. 

• EV Production = 30 points
• Line Frequency = 22.79%

Honorable Mention:

P.K. Subban – Andrei Markov

Niklas Hjalmarsson – Duncan Keith

Justin Braun – Marc-Edouard Vlasic

– Follow Jonathan Coretti on Twitter (@HolyPuckHockey)