And… we're back. Hopefully you enjoyed the All-Star festivities last weekend. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch any of it but was happy to see Brock Boeser getting the MVP nod. I don't have too much more to add about the All-Star format that hasn't already been covered on this site, so I'll move on.

Did any of you miss the Winnipeg/Las Vegas game on Thursday? If you did, chances are you heard about the Erik Haula goal that stood after James Neal broke his stick across Connor Hellebuyck's mask. If you didn't catch it, it can be seen here: 

I haven't heard any official explanation on the play, but I was definitely not expecting that to be upheld. If you listen closely around the 11 second mark of the video, you can hear Blake Wheeler saying pretty much what i would have said.

Anyways, playoff races are starting to ramp up. How are you all doing in your leagues? In my salary keeper, I'm currently in a race for first, while trying to hold off a major run from the guy in third place; he's cut around a 50 point gap down to 3 over the last few weeks. With that in mind, and being out of adds/drops for the league, I made a move I may end up regretting. I essentially sent a 2nd round pick for Travis Konecny in hopes that his current production continues through the second half. In my other keeper league, I'm debating making a similar trade for Kyle Okposo. I'll try and catch the Buffalo game today to see if it sways me in either direction. Anyone else have any last minute moves to try and shore things up in your leagues?

A few thoughts:

·         Those Golden Knights have definitely proven me and pretty much everyone else wrong. After bringing up the odds a few weeks ago, did anyone end up placing a bet on them to take home the cup? 

·         How badly does Nathan MacKinnon's injury hurt the Avalanche's playoff chances? I'm calling it here that they miss. Minnesota and Dallas are both looking pretty good to hold on to the wild card spots.

·         Don't look now, but Cam Atkinson is currently on a three game point streak. I must admit I had completely written him off, but kudos to anyone who stuck with him as it looks like he's going to have a much better second half.

·         Picks for who's going to take home the scoring title this year? I don't think I ever imagined writing the following name, but I'm liking Phil Kessel.

On to today's games:

Personal Record: 159-121 (57%)

Dobber Record: 55-35 (61%)

Ottawa @ Philadelphia (1:00 PM EST)

Pick: Philadelphia – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 4/5

St. Louis @ Buffalo (7:00 PM EST)

Pick: St. Louis – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 4/5

Colorado @ Winnipeg (7:00 PM EST)
 

Pick: Winnipeg – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 4.5/5

New York @ Nashville (8:00 PM EST)
 

Pick: Nashville – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 5/5

Tampa Bay @ Vancouver (10:00 PM EST)
 

Pick: Tampa Bay – Visitor Team Victory – V

Confidence Level: 4/5

Arizona @ Los Angeles (10:30 PM EST)
 

Pick: Los Angeles – Home Team Victory – H

Confidence Level: 3.5/5