In this week's Eastern Edge, we'll look at a few hot streaks around the conference. If you want to see a longer list of players riding highs, as well as those stuck in lows, Dobber's Frozen Tools are an invaluable resource.

Bryan Rust

Across the league, nobody has more points than Bryan Rust in 2022. Pittsburgh's winger has 15 goals and 13 assists through 15 appearances in the calendar year. Not only has he managed roughly two points per game, he's also put up nearly one power-play point per game, posting 13 points with the man advantage in his last 15 outings. Despite his recent excellence, if you have an opportunity to sell high on Rust in your fantasy league, I recommend you take it. During this hot streak, he's scored on 27% of his shots, which is a tough rate to maintain over a large sample. In addition, this current hot streak features an unsustainable level of power-play production. If you look at Edmonton's power-play, where the offense usually runs through Connor McDavid, he has 0.58 power-play points per game this season. I don't see Rust as the catalyst of a star-studded power-play in Pittsburgh, so I really don't think he'll maintain this level of production going forward. I'd rather capitalize on Rust's current value than hold on to him until his value drops.

With all that being said, Rust's potential at even-strength makes him a strong option even if his power-play production falls off. He benefits from playing beside two superstars on Pittsburgh's top line, spending most of his minutes beside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. This season, the trio has generated more shots, scoring chances and high danger opportunities than their opposition, outscoring opponents 16 to 7 (stats via NaturalStatTrick). Rust is in an ideal situation, and I think he can produce roughly a point-per-game down the stretch. However, if a manager in your league thinks Rust is capable of more than that, I'd be comfortable parting ways.

Damon Severson

The Devils' defenseman has been on a tear recently and it's no coincidence that his hot streak coincides with Dougie Hamilton's absence. Since Hamilton went down with a broken jaw on January 2^nd, Severson has posted 16 points in his 16 games. He's been skating over 25 minutes a night and enjoying a 68% share of New Jersey's total power-play time. Prior to Hamilton's injury, Severson had just 11 points in 31 games. He was skating less than 23 minutes a night and saw only 38% of the team's time with the man advantage. Over the last few days, Hamilton has participated in a few full-contact practices, indicating his return is just around the corner. After Tuesday's clash with Tampa, the Devils have eight days off until their next game. I expect Hamilton will be ready to go after that extended break, which means Severson's run in this increased role is just about over. 

Tage Thompson

The 24-year-old forward had a strong start to the season, posting 15 points in his first 20 games. He followed that up with a bit of a cold stretch, tallying three points in his next 10 outings. Thompson has turned things around again recently, injected with new life since Alex Tuch entered the lineup on December 29^th. Thompson has 15 points in 13 games since Tuch joined the team. Thompson and Tuch have played well together, creating a strong line that's rounded out by Jeff Skinner. That trio has generated more shots, scoring chances and high danger opportunities than their opponents this season, outscoring the opposition by a margin 9 to 5 (stats via NaturalStatTrick). Somehow, all three members continue to fly under the radar, sitting on the waiver wire in the majority of Yahoo leagues. Thompson brings an extra bit of value in the form of lineup flexibility since he can slot in as a center, left-wing or right-wing on your fantasy roster.

Matt Murray

Ottawa's netminder has been excellent over the past month, posting a 5-2-2 record alongside a 1.76 GAA and .949 save percentage. It's not like he's pumping his numbers against the league's cellar dwellers either. During this stretch, he's put up solid performances against a number of strong teams, including the Penguins, Hurricanes and Flames. He's done well in recent weeks despite playing behind a team that's missing two of its best players in Drake Batherson and Josh Norris. If you're in need of a goalie, Murray is still available in 66% of Yahoo leagues. Ottawa's remaining schedule seems pretty favourable, featuring four tilts with the Habs and two games against each of Arizona, Seattle and Philadelphia. 

Kris Letang

The 34-year-old defenseman has shown no regard for age-related decline, posting 23 points through 19 games in 2022. He leads all defenseman in both overall scoring and power-play production during the calendar year. The crazy thing is that this hot streak doesn't represent a drastic deviation from his output earlier in the season. He started the campaign with 20 points in his first 26 appearances, which is still pretty darn good. I don't see anything in his numbers that screams regression, so I wouldn't be all that surprised to see him realize the 78-point pace he's currently on. Injuries have been an issue for Letang in the past, so hopefully he can stay healthy down the stretch and close out a stellar season.