Do you know (or hazard a guess?) how many combined goals Kyle Connor, Blake Wheeler, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele, and Josh Morrissey have scored in the Winnipeg Jets' last nine games? I'll give you a hint – not many. The Jets, who desperately need points to hang onto the West's second wild card spot, have dried up on offense, averaging only 2.2 scores per game over that stretch. Scheifele had two goals on March 11th, in a 5-4 win against Florida… but beyond that, nada. Zero. The Calgary Flames or Nashville Predators could still light a fire, and do sit within striking distance. Nashville has three games in hand, technically controlling their own destiny, which is a good thing at this time of year. 

The Jets have an opportunity to open the gates tonight against Anaheim, although the Ducks at home haven't always been the easy "W." My play will be Mason McTavish (DraftKings $4500) and Cam Fowler ($4900) to play spoiler. Sorry, Winnipeg, but cold is cold and not easily reversed. 

Speaking of second wild-card teams and desperation, I present the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang – that trio who've been together for 17 years and three Stanley Cups – have continued to defy Father Time at a level most of us doubted.  Until Jeff Carter (2 goals on 5 shots) came through yesterday, it's been the bottom six, along with patchwork – and injured –  defense and spotty goaltending that has the Pens fighting for the eighth seed.  Seventeen consecutive playoff appearances, yes, though the Florida Panthers aren't likely to concede that last spot.  But if Pittsburgh plays as they did last night, beating the defending champion Avalanche 5-2, they'll be playing deep into April and possibly May.   Tonight, I'll pass on the Pens at Stars game, being unsure which Pittsburgh team shows up.  It is consistency the Pens have lacked. 

While my initial thought was to go with hot Jeremy Swayman at goalie, I've settled on Thatcher Demko ($8000) to shut down the Sharks.   Swayman had two consecutive shutouts and is facing Montreal, you say?  I'll counter with the Canadiens' long-term record at home against Boston, and Swayman's own quality-start percentage this year of just over 50%. San Jose potted four into the Oilers' net Monday – actually seven, with three overturned – but the overall play is inconsistent, and I'm being kind. The Canucks are 7-3 over their last ten decisions. I've added J.T. Miller ($6400) and Anthony Beauvillier ($4300) to my secondary stack.  

The Washington Capitals don't look to be playoff participants this season, but I do see this team rebounding from a crazy 7-6 loss to Columbus.  The Caps host the Bedard-wannabe Chicago Blackhawks, and I'll play Rasmus Sandin ($4900) and Dylan Strome ($4600). Sandin, since the trade that sent him out of Toronto, has a goal and 11 assists, as he runs Alex Ovechkin's power play. In those same nine games, Strome has 13 points, matching the Great Eight's production (but without the premium cost). 

Lastly, there are two second halves of home-and-home matchups. It's hard to win both. Jordan Kyrou ($7500) from St. Louis and Vladimir Tarasenko ($4900) of the Rangers are my picks, each quiet during those first games on Tuesday. Kyrou has 11 points in 10 games this month, and "Tank" is due – 30 shots on goal in his past ten.  

It should be a terrific evening to settle in front of your television and flip between the NHL and the Sweet Sixteen.