Offense wins games, defense wins championships. And yes, fantasy sports is a game, and we get points, categories, and weekly matchups from offensive stats. But let's not get beyond ourselves here. Defense matters. Which just might be why the Winnipeg Jets lead the Central Division.  From November 9 until this morning, there have been ZERO times that the Jets allowed over three goals against, including even overtimes or shootouts. 32 games. Of course there are other ways to get the regular-season job done – the other division leaders, also since November 9, have surrendered four-plus scores 34 times. Rangers have 13, Canucks 11, Bruins 10.  Which of these clubs would you suddenly (?) look at more favorably in a seven game playoff series? Or maybe I should discuss that Winnipeg's offensive leader over the past three seasons, Kyle Connor (201 points in 187 games), will return around the All-Star break. After his knee-on-knee collision with Ryan Strome in mid-December, the Jets are 12-1-2. 

The schneid, revisited. Since Dobber's mid-season guide was released just yesterday, I'll do my addition by – again – looking from the bottom up.  In the last month, Cam Atkinson has no goals on 38 shots.  Defensemen Drew Doughty and Alex Pietrangelo scored their first goals in over a month this week, and Marcus Pettersson got his first of the season. Bryan Rust and Arthur Kaliyev – we're looking at you, also.  Not for the first of the season, but that "last-30-days" stat is embarrassing! 

Saturday's matchups

There are some really interesting contests that I will probably stay away from. The Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes game, for one. The 'Canes have owned this rivalry over the past five years, with a 10-2-1 record since the start of 2019. However, seven of the last matches would have favored the "under" 6.5 goals, and Carolina's defensive success has yielded over three goals in just two of 14 games in the last month. The Pens, on the other hand, have potted four or more scores in eight of thirteen over that same time. And with Antti Raanta and his .862 save percentage in net – too many variables. Pass.

I'll also avoid the Islanders at Nashville. These squads are both scrambling for wild-card relevance, and I'll predict a tight, defensive contest. Nashville looked really good in Dallas last night, but they've been anything but consistent. Ilya Sorokin and Juuse Saros haven't played like the Vezina-quality netminders they're capable to be, but either (or both?) could turn it on for the season's second half, or just on Saturday.

Dallas Stars @ Chicago Blackhawks – This contest should be over at the opening puck-drop, but of course, hockey is played on slippery ice and not on stat sheets. The Hawks, however, are missing not only Connor Bedard, but also Nick Foligno, Tyler Johnson, Corey Perry, Taylor Hall, and maybe Seth Jones (game-time decision) from an opening-day lineup that most of us felt wasn't competitive EVEN THEN! And they've since acquired Anthony Beauvillier? He's on IR also. Dallas is salivating for this one.  In Jake Oettinger's absence, they were 7-3-2, so while they played – and lost – Friday night, I'm not concerned. Rostering Jason Robertson ($6800), Mason Marchment ($4300), and Thomas Harley ($4500) only because I can't take their entire top-six. I added Evgenii Dadonov ($2900) as utility skater because, well, the betting line of (-325) doesn't do this game justice. I won't wager on Scott Wedgewood ($8500), but it wouldn't be a terrible idea. 

Edmonton Oilers @ Montreal Canadiens – we might think the Habs are due for a bounce-back effort after losing at home to the San Jose Sharks. Enter the Oilers, on a nine-game winning streak that's propelled them into a playoff position, having had the disastrous (read: Jack Campbell) start back in October. Two centers for DraftKings, huh?  How about Connor McDavid ($9700) and Leon Draisaitl ($7800)?  No, sorry, you can't find roster space for both of these superstars, even if you DO pick Campbell in net.  Evan Bouchard at ($7100) feeds the power play. He is a better use of fantasy funds.

In goal, I will take Connor Hellebuyck ($8300). The Flyers, fresh off an emotional overtime victory, travel through the blizzard from Minneapolis to Winnipeg only to find the shut-down defense I detailed above.

My lineup: 

Centers – Draisaitl and Jets' captain Adam Lowry ($3400)

Wings – Robertson, Marchment, and Brandon Hagel ($4700, vs Anaheim)

Defense – Bouchard and Harley

Goalie – Hellebuyck

Utility – Dadonov

Last week, a solid win returned four times my bet. Matt Boldy's two goals, one assist, and seven shots led the way. I'm back into the black, even considering my season-long Coyotes' wager that's fallen back a bit. 

A total of 16 games, all 32 teams, and the NFL playoffs starting.  We'll all need extra popcorn.