Welcome back another iteration of Lining Up. After examining some defencemen making waves around the league, this week will pivot back to hot lines and the players who are fortunate enough to be on them.

While the shutdowns seem to have slowed and the quarantine rules in the U.S being reduced to five games from ten has allowed for players to return more quickly, continue being vigilant and keep an eye on the status of your roster. Players continue to be suddenly pulled due to COVID protocol. Stats as of Monday afternoon.

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Taylor Hall – Erik Haula – David Pastrnak

Two weeks ago, Craig Smith was highlighted for his potential alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand and that line is continuing to dominate. The ramifications of Smith moving up was that Pastrnak moved to the second line and the impact has been very noticeable for Hall and Haula. In 90 minutes of ice time, the trio have seven GF and four GA along with a 55.3 CF%. As a unit they are performing very well together which can happen when a player like Pastrnak joins your line.

Everyone is aware of Pastrnak's pedigree at this point in time, but it's worth noting that very recently he has been on fire. After a slow start he has eight points in his last four games, including an incredible seven goals. Overall for the season he is on pace for over 70 points with almost four and a half shots per game. The fire has carried over to Hall who is on his own hot streak with eleven points in his last nine games. At 74% rostered in Yahoo leagues he may still available if your roster in need of help.

The biggest beneficiary here is Haula, who at only 12% rostered is widely available and likely flying under the radar of the other teams in your league. On the season he only has three goals and eleven points in 33 games but he has collected seven of those points in the last eight games for a solid run so far. Haula also chips in some peripherals with over two hits and a shot and a half per game, as long as he is lining up beside superstar Pastrnak he should be considered to join your squad.

Boston plays three games this week all at home so the risk should be low for interruptions.

Phillip Danault – Viktor Arvidsson – Trevor Moore

The line of Danault, Arvidsson and Moore has been excellent so far in 93 minutes of time together. They are currently working with eight GF and one GA with a 63.2 CF%, absolutely dominant right now which is what happens when you have a Selke calibre forward in Danault.

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Every forward in this line is on a hot streak, starting with Danault who has seven points in his last six games. He is more of a known quantity in the fantasy realm and is not expected to suddenly become a point-per-game player as he is still on pace for 47 points. But as long as this line remains intact and producing he is worth some consideration given that he is only 20% rostered in Yahoo leagues. Particularly if your league counts FOW as he has nearly 300 on the season to go along with a 55.5 FOW%.

Arvidsson is also on a hot streak of his own with nine points in his last seven games, including three goals. In addition, he is also seeing the largest share of PP time in his career so far with 64% on top of firing the puck at a rate of over three and a half shots per game. At only 42% rostered he should be readily available to scoop up and bring plenty of extra support to your team.

The real steal though is Moore. Only rostered at an abysmal 19%, he has been very good lately with eleven points in his last six games. He contributes nicely in the peripherals with two shots and one hit per game and in the last eight games has been averaging over 16 minutes of ice time which is up from his season average of 13 minutes. As long as he continues to receive this deployment don't be afraid to add him in your lineup.

Los Angeles plays three more games this week and another four the following week to close out the month of January. They and five other teams play the most games out of anyone over the next two fantasy weeks.

Kevin Fiala

It's that time of year again. The 3rd quarter of the season is officially underway and with a goal yesterday afternoon against COL, Fiala now has seven points in his last six games along with over three shots per game on the season. Right on time as, historically, he is very slow to start the season but finishes strong. Last season Fiala recorded 11 points in 22 games to start the season but ended with 29 points in 28. Back in the NHL is Matt Boldy once again, he has been lining up with Fiala during this hot streak and already has three points in two games to show for it.

With Fiala starting to show signs of life right on cue, try acquiring him and enjoy the ride. Otherwise, take a gamble on top prospect Boldy who is in a nice position riding shotgun.

Stay safe