Neutral Zone Wrap: May The Schwartz Be With You

Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com

In fantasy, you're never as good as you think. Even if you've done the research and follow various media sources diligently, your plans may come undone. And there's no way you stay awake all day and night to manage your team(s). Or maybe you do. (In that case, you're probably not reading this because you're asleep.)

Face it: you can't control player injuries, trades, or demotions. Disappointment will happen; you can't be perfect. But as long as you can admit to this and not let it get you down, then you can at least try to head back in the right direction.

Like we discussed last week, judging players or teams solely based on their early returns often doesn't work out. The same goes for personal fantasy evaluations, as anger over a slow start can develop into doubt and other negative emotions. Try to stay grounded and think logically. Like don't believe you can fix a major problem with one move. One step at a time.

To help you along the way, here are five more NHL clubs that deserve appropriate analysis. Use whatever details you like to your advantage. And if only one person can benefit using this information, then that would be considered, well, a pretty big failure:

(Stats as of Tuesday, October 28)

Columbus have been primed to become an elite team for a couple seasons but need consistency to carry out this plan. It's no secret the Blue Jackets got the better of the deal from Philly with Scott Hartnell (leads with a goal and nine assists). Only a linesman could slow down Nick Foligno (nine points, including four on the power-play), who should return soon. Cam Atkinson (six points) is another lucky guy, as he narrowly avoided blindness from an errant skate. Hold off on Mark Letestu (five, while 58.8% on faceoffs) until he shows a bit more. Manning the second-line center role should yield more for Artem Anisimov (three, minus-4), though track his health after he suffered a concussion Tuesday. While none of their blueliners are producing, check out fifth-year pro David Savard (only four points, but seeing 2:41 with the extra skater). And if you're desperate for power-play potential but don't really care about any other ice time, then Tim Erixon (one PP goal on 3:35 a night) is your man.

Remember when Calgary began last season undefeated through five? Probably not, but most realize they only finished above Edmonton in the Western Conference. Their early success can partially be attributed to their goaltending platoon, where Jonas Hiller (1.63 GAA, .948 SV% in six gamess) and Karri Ramo (2.37 GAA, .914 SV% in five) have worked well and stayed fresh. Bonus marks if you know the Flames' leading scorer is ... Joe Colborne (all eight are assists)! However, Colborne also got hurt Tuesday - so track his status before inserting him in your lineup. And their top goal getters are Mason Raymond and ... Dennis Wideman?! Perhaps Johnny Gaudreau (four points in 10 games) won't win the Calder but at least he's being provided opportunities after serving as a healthy scratch. Sean Monahan (four) should pick up the pace but don't expect the same from Mikael Backlund (also with four).

Mediocre is not what the Blues intended but they'll probably take it after a tough starting schedule (going 4-3-1). Missing Paul Stastny (upper body deals, out indefinitely) has messed up the rotation. And a formerly flu-ridden Alexander Steen (five points) didn't help either. Former first-rounder Jaden Schwartz (eight) has developed into a fantasy star. Don't get overly excited about Jori Lehtera (all six of his points came in two games) until he can point more regularly. And what in the world is wrong with T.J. Oshie (one, with only 15 SOG)? Many have been hoping for a turnaround from Patrik Berglund (one) but his career might only progress in another lineup.

Many counted them out but New Jersey seem to have taken a Devil-may-care attitude toward their critics. That's going to happen when the current average age of your first two lines comes out to 34 - and that's not including wounded veterans Michael Cammalleri (jaw) or Martin Havlat (assorted ailments). At least whippersnapper Damien Brunner (three, including two PPAs) has jumped up to the first power-play unit, while toddler Adam Henrique (eight in nine games) isn't complaining for being bumped down. Don't delude yourself over Ryane Clowe (goal, three assists), as those days of 50-plus points/100-plus penalty minutes are faded memories. If this is the first you've heard of embryo defender Damon Severson (seven points from a 20-year old), then you've more than likely missed out on his services.

And speaking of retirement colonies, we conclude our review in Florida. Ever since Roberto Luongo returned to the Sunshine State, the Panthers' prospects have improved. You may not believe that with a squad that has racked up so much on offense (10 goals through seven) but at least they have been able to keep fewer shots from reaching their net (with only 16 going in). It's difficult to evaluate individuals based on a lack of scoring, so let's focus on potential production. Thirty-somethings Brad Boyes, Jussi Jokinen, and Sean Bergenheim (combining for 10 points) will continue to lead as mentors, but will be supplanted by the younger contingent. This includes Brandon Pirri (goals in his last two), who was benched in the first four but has the talent to advance the ranks. The same story goes on D, where the top two (Brian Campbell and Dmitry Kulikov) will eventually relinquish prime time duty to Aaron Ekblad (averaging just under 22 minutes) and Dylan Olsen (three assists).