The Winter Classic was indeed a good and truly "classic" and entertaining game, unless you're a Penguins fan. The Pens are now 1-4-2 in their last 7 games, and the team that was 18-8-4 as of December 15th is now struggling to hold onto the second wild card spot in the East.  Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin each have ONE even-strength point through this stretch, and Sid is a -7. Yesterday, they deserved better. They dominated the Bruins for 40 minutes but led by a single goal, as they seemed to pass up on too many shot opportunities, passing once too many times again and again. And Boston now has a +24 goal differential in the third period. You could feel it coming.  

Today's schedule has two important matchups for teams trying to catch Pittsburgh – the Islanders attempt to rebound from a New Year's Eve loss to Seattle, and the Sabres (with two games in hand) visit Washington. I'll find fantasy plays for each of these games.  

Goalie: We're playing Ilya Sorokin ($7800). First, he's an elite talent, and giving up three to the Kraken? He'll recover. Second, his team has surrendered 15 goals in their past seven games (5-2-0). His game isn't until 10 PM though, so be watchful and sub in Semyon Varlamov – back from injury – if needed.  

Forwards:  Washington should get Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson soon, and those are obviously good things, but defensively it may add risk to some irregular line changes eventually. I'd choose the "over" for this game.The Caps are also without John Carlson for at least the month of January. Playing Jeff Skinner ($7500) and Alex Tuch ($6900), along with Dylan Strome (4300), who may still find himself with first power-play duties. Add affordable Kailer Yamamoto ($2600), Jean-Gabriel Pageau ($3700), and Drake Batherson ($6200).

Defensemen: Tyson Barrie ($5100), hosting the Kraken, and Brandon Montour ($5900), playing at home vs. Arizona.

Last week, on Thursday I had all eight of my skater picks "hit," with six goals and 10 assists – then Alexandar Georgiev lost in his shootout. Those extra WIN points would have shot me up to third place out of 2800, but alas.  

Welcome in 2023 with just one resolution, that you can actually keep: Statistically, over 60% of our resolutions don't make it into February.  

@dokhockey