Welcome to 2016. Your Fantasy destiny awaits.
Whether glory or redemption will be your fate, make sure you're the one in control. Check the lineups and box scores. Keep up with the latest news. Stay proactive in the transaction market. Don't assume success will just appear out of nowhere. And, for heaven's sake, don't rely on a silly New Year's resolution to fix everything.
Because you've obviously missed it, this column returns to its standard five-team script. So sit down, take some notes, and be the best owner you can be.
Panthers
Stop the presses, the Panthers are leading the Atlantic. The Fountain of Youth really exists -- and it resides in Jaromir Jagr's backyard (a team-leading 13 goals and 28 points). After a 15-game spell on the sidelines, Nick Bjugstad (43 points in 72 games last year) is ready to reclaim a share of the glory. A new location has helped Reilly Smith (seven in 10, plus-7) develop. Jussi Jokinen continues to receive major minutes (averaging 19:10 the last seven) but the production is dropping off (one assist in those seven). It's no secret Florida's strength lies in its goaltending, where Al Montoya (1.69 GAA and .938 save mark in nine games as the backup) may be surprisingly dazzling, but Roberto Luongo (2.09, .929, three shutouts in 31) clearly shines the brightest.
Maple Leafs
With consecutive wins over Pittsburgh and St. Louis, the Leafs have shown how hard they're willing to fight to win. James van Riemsdyk (12 in 10, with three on the power play and 41 shots) remains the showpiece talent. An enhanced defensive approach has transformed Nazem Kadri (eight-game point streak) into a valuable team player. Peter Holland has seen some opportunities on the man advantage, where he's picked up eight of his 16 points, but he's probably not what you're looking for. Unfortunately, it has been a long time since Joffrey Lupul (one in 10) did anything. Jake Gardiner (seven in six) is advancing more in the attacking zone and is being rewarded. A few outstanding outings do not make suddenly Jonathan Bernier (2.54 GAA, .916 save mark in his last seven) a reliable goalie, but it's a good start.
Sharks
The Sharks may appear fragile at times, but they can be dangerous. The more experienced contingent, led by Patrick Marleau (29 points, including 13 on the power play) and Joe Thornton (leads club with 20 assists, plus-7), has cleared the path while the newer crew, including Melker Karlsson (only five in 22, but now the top line's winger of the week) and Joonas Donskoi (13 in 32 so far as an NHL rookie), is attempting to supplement the cause. When you're reliable like Marc-Edouard Vlasic (goal, four assists in seven), you get the benefit of added offensive opportunities (averaging two-plus power-play minutes). Martin Jones (2.52 GAA, .910 save mark) may not be having the dream season that his big October (1.74, .938) projected, but he's doing enough to hold off competitors to the No. 1 position.
Rangers
Until the Rangers' current slump (3-7-1), Broadway had not witnessed a disaster since the opening of that Spider-Man musical. One can hardly blame All-World netminder Henrik Lundqvist (3.25 and .889 since Dec. 1) for their downfall. The points are filling up for Derick Brassard (28 in 39), although a few gaps have appeared along the way -- he's scoreless in five of the last seven. Line shifting has helped J.T. Miller (seven in nine) move up while allowing Jesper Fast (two goals, three assists in eight) more chances to impress. A scorching start (11 in his first 14) is all we remember from Oscar Lindberg (nothing in 10). As long as Dan Boyle (10 in 15, including six on the power play) can continue to contribute where needed, it's easy to ignore that he turns 40 this year.
Jets
Life is tough in the Central; just ask Winnipeg. A couple blips have hurt Drew Stafford (no points in six of eight). Adam Lowry (grabbing a couple more minutes than usual in the last five) is taking advantage of hard work and others' injuries. So much was expected from Jacob Trouba (two in 12), yet the decline in his third season is obvious. Better prospects for Tyler Myers (seven in nine), but still mediocre overall (15 in 39). And as for Toby Enstrom (hasn't found the scoresheet in 12), that ship left long ago. American upstart Connor Hellebuyck (2.01 GAA, .929 save mark in 12) has performed so well during his trial there's a decent chance he will remain the starter once Ondrej Pavelec (knee) returns, possibly in the next few weeks.
