F T.J. Hensick, Colorado Avalanche
During his first two months with Colorado, Hensick failed to be a consistent scorer, only totaling one goal and three assists. Since then, Hensick has heated up, scoring five goals and one assist over his last four games. The forward is currently riding a four game point streak and has been a valuable asset on the power-play. Although Hensick has been only averaging around 10 minutes per game, his ice time should continue to rise due to his recent scoring outbursts.
Fantasy Take: Hensick will continue to get his opportunities with Ryan Smyth and Joe Sakic still sideliend. Showing that he can score in the NHL, Hensick makes for a good injury replacement if needed.
D Joe Corvo, Ottawa Senators
Corvo had an off month in January going on several scoreless streaks while only ending up with three points. Determined to make an impact on the scoresheet again, Corvo has shown some offensive touch this month, scoring one goal and three assists in his last three games. The former Los Angeles King is also firing away, already having 15 SOG this month (Corvo only had 28 SOG in all of January). Look for Corvo to forget all about his horrid January and once again be a dominant defenseman.
Fantasy Take: Corvo endured an awful January but has shown signs of life this month and is worthy of a spot on your roster.
Illegal Curve correspondant Richy P’s take: “it only enhances his value to have been traded and to be on [Carolina’s] top pp unit”.
F John Madden, New Jersey Devils
Clearly having a much more productive year than last year, Madden has put up 14 goals to go along with 32 points in 54 games played. The forward has struggled to score recently, but has made up for it by registering six assists in his last seven games. Although the forward is already 34 years old, he has shown that he can still be a decent fantasy producer. Currently fourth on the Devils in team scoring, Madden is enjoying a rebound year from last year, where it took him 74 games to reach the 32 points that he has now.
Fantasy Take: Madden isn’t going to give you much, but he has produced well enough to be a decent lower end option at forward.
F Richard Zednik, Florida Panthers
After going scoreless throughout the month of January, Zednik has re-found his scoring touch, registering nine points in his last four games. His highest output came earlier this week when he notched a hattrick, as well as one assist in Florida’s 8-0 win over Ottawa. Receiving time on the power-play, Zednik has totaled three pp goals and one pp assist in his last three games. Currently, the forward has 15 goals and 26 points on the year.
Fantasy Take: Zednik’s recent outburst has made him a popular pickup lately, but don’t expect it to last. The forward is too inconsistent and fails to get on the scoresheet too often. Only use Zednik as a lower-end option at forward.
(Note: Although Zednik may be out for awhile, remember he went out on top!)
For Illegal Curve, I’m Jonny Remis
