And… I'm back. Sorry for missing you all last week, I had a personal matter and had to shift focus for a few days It's things such as this that remind me that hockey players are people too, and not just assets within fantasy leagues. I'm always impressed when players play through, or come back from personal issues and go on tears. Players like Craig Anderson, Brad Richards and Sidney Crosby come to mind. Here's to wishing Matt Murray all the best when he returns to action.

Moving on, have these bye weeks completely halted anyone else's momentum in their leagues? In my salary cap league, I've put up a measly 5 points this week, and have dropped to second. I can't wait for teams to shake off their rust and for Winnipeg to start playing again! 

In that same league I had to make a tough decision when Victor Hedman went down. I didn't have a viable option to replace him, and having used all my adds/drops for the year (we are allowed 8), I was needing a trade. I got an offer including Kevin Shattenkirk, Duncan Keith and a pick upgrade. After a few days I pulled the trigger on Monday. I was hoping for a stronger second half from Shattenkirk, and then got the news that he's out indefinitely, requiring knee surgery. Such is life… I'm lucky enough to have Roman Josi, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Nick Leddy rounding out my D core, and I'll be relying on them heavily to make the push for first. 

A few thoughts:

·         2018 has been kind to Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel, Sid has put up 15 points in 8 games this month, with Phil adding 12. Hopefully some of you were able to pry Crosby away from a timid GM last month.

·         I don't see Anaheim being out of a playoff spot much longer. Since getting healthy, they have looked like a rejuvenated team and a few streaks now should go a long way down the stretch.

·         I was able to watch the Montreal/Washington game on Friday and while the game itself wasn't great, I was quite surprised to learn that it was Antti Niemi's first win since April 2017…

·         What are your thoughts on Chicago with Corey Crawford potentially missing the rest of the season? Can Jeff Glass get them into the dance? I personally don't see them making it in, but when you have Patrick Kane on your team, never say never.

On to today's games:

Personal Record: 134-108 (55%)

Dobber Record: 51-33 (61%)

Dallas @ Buffalo (1:00 PM EST)
 

Pick: Dallas – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 4/5

Toronto @ Ottawa (7:00 PM EST)

Pick: Toronto – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 4/5

Florida @ Nashville (8:00 PM EST)
 

Pick: Nashville – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 4.5/5

Pittsburgh @ San Jose (8:00 PM EST)
 

Pick: Pittsburgh – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 5/5

New York @ Chicago (8:30 PM EST)
 

Pick: Chicago – Home Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 4.5/5

Vancouver @ Edmonton (10:00 PM EST)
 

Pick: Edmonton – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 3.5/5