The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Three Stars of the Week:

3rd Star, from the Winnipeg Jets, numero 33, Dustin Byfuglien... raise your glass and set sail for Buff's awesome bottom line this week: four games, five points (all assists), plus-3, four PIM, 15 shots and two PPP. After three years of relative promise, his ship really came in last season, and you'd have to be drunk not to call him a top three fantasy defenseman now. The big guy missed some time this year, but over 82 games, his stats prorate to 15+45=60, 101 PIM, 278 SOG and 21 PPP. I'll drink to that, even if his minus-22 pace does rock the boat a little. FHS Votes: 2 thirds.

2nd Star, from the Anaheim Ducks, numero 1, Jonas Hiller... four games played, three wins, one shutout, .961 SV%, with a bedazzling 0.98 GAA, and Hiller's recent turnaround has been so drastic, it's enough to give a fantasy GM vertigo (here we go again...). Since January 1, dude has lost only three times in regulation, versus 14 wins, with shit-your-pants peripherals of 1.79 and .932. If you were patient, welcome to what you've been waiting for. If Hiller is indeed over his health issues, he should still have a nice long shelf life as a player - he may be 30 years old, but he's played only 230 career games thus far. FHS Votes: 1 first, 1 second, 1 third.

1st Star, from the Ottawa Senators, numero 19, Jason Spezza... over the course of two consecutive nights this week, Spezza leapfrogged over six players in the points standings - players with names like Datsyuk, Sedin, Stamkos and Giroux - to claim second overall in this year's scoring race (temporarily). And no, it's not December, it's mid-February with only 22 games to go for the Senators. But on behalf of me and every other Spezza owner out there, let me apply the reverse reverse double reverse jinx now for even mentioning his apparent durability this year. It's some dark magic I'm messing with there. So what did Spezza do this week? Oh, nothing, just 3+4=7, plus-5, 2 PPP, 2 PIM, and if you had him benched because the Sens only played twice...well, you probably won't do that again. FHS Votes: 2 firsts, 1 second.

Honourable Mention: Evander Kane (4 GP, 3+3=6, plus-5, 6 PIM, 16 SOG), Blake Wheeler (4 GP, 1+7=8, plus-4, 2 PIM, 13 SOG), Alex Pietrangelo (4 GP, 0+5=5, 2 PIM, 11 SOG, 3 PPP), and Martin Brodeur, Corey Crawford, Roberto Luongo and Joey MacDonald, all of whom went 3-0 with four goals allowed for a GAA of either 1.30 or 1.33, and a SV% between .947 and .956. True story.

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The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Fantasy Stars of the Week

3rd Star, from the Pittsburgh Penguins, numero 71, Evgeni Malkin... we might as well just assume Malkin will be in play here every week. Copy, paste, done. Geno put on a show again this week, with 3+5=8, plus-6, 2 PIM, 11 SOG, and 3 PPP in just three games. Five of those points came in Saturday night's 8-5 barnburner vs. Winnipeg. I am thinking seriously about starting a new feature called Malkin of the Week. Kudos to Diomedes7 for leaving Malkin off his list this week because "he missed the EN-er". Awesome. FHS Votes: 3 seconds

2nd Star, from Malkin's Penguins, numero 58, Kris Letang... Letang snapped a six game pointless skid with consecutive three point games, tallying 3+3=6, plus-4, 2 PIM and 2 PPP in three games overall this week. He has 29 points in 32 games and would be battling Karlsson for the D-man scoring lead if not for the 21 game vacussion. FHS Votes: 1 first, 3 thirds

1st Star, from the Phoenix Coyotes, numero 41, Mike Smith...Smith is on a huge roll again, going 4-0 this week while stopping 119 of 122 shots for 0.74 / .975 peripherals. Not bad for a guy who went unclaimed on waivers TWICE a while back. After allowing just one goal each game against the Red Wings, Stars and Flames, Smith capped off his week with a 38 save shutout against the Hawks. If you own him in H2H, congrats on owning the goalie categories this week. Smith now sports 22 wins with a 2.33 GAA and .925 SV% on the year. FHS Votes: 3 firsts.

Honorable mention: Ryan Callahan (4 GP, 5 goals, 16 SOG, 3 PPP), David Perron (6+1=7, plus-5, 4 PIM, 3 PPG)

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The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Because of the all-star break, we skipped SOTW last week and instead followed Yahoo's format of counting Jan. 23 - Feb. 5 as "week" 16. Amazing that Star #1 only needed the final weekend to seal the deal...

Three Stars of the Week:

3rd Star, from the New York Rangers, numero 30, Henrik Lundqvist... there were quite a few goalie standouts to consider this time around (see honorable mentions), but King Henrik's 3-0-0 record with two shutouts, 975 SV% and 0.65 GAA takes the cake. Dude had a streak of over 180 minutes of shutout hockey. With Jimmy Howard going down for a bit, there's little doubt about who is getting the Vezina. We already knew about Lundqvist's consistency - in six seasons to date, his GAA has fallen somewhere between 2.24 and 2.43 every year. But his current 1.82 takes things to a whole new level, and his .939 SV% leads the league. FHS Votes: 1 second, 2 thirds.

2nd Star, from the New Jersey Devils, numero 17, Ilya Kovalchuk... over a five game stretch here, Ilya simply laid waste: 3+7=10, 20 SOG, plus-4, 4 PPP, 2 SHP, and he even had time for 7 PIM. Kovalchuk also takes home the best rag doll-toss and best wild right hook awards for this one-sided scrap against poor Brayden Schenn. Kovalchuk is averaging an astonishing 24:42 TOI/G this year and has fired 69 shots over his last 15 games. And don't look now, but his +/- has crept up to a relatively digestible minus-6. FHS Votes: 2 seconds, 1 third.

1st Star, from the Edmonton Oilers, numero 89, Sam Gagner... what can we say that hasn't already been said? The kid made history. Normally I enjoy a bit of suspense as the star votes hit my inbox on Sundays, but Gagner was the obvious and unanimous choice here. Not sure what was more enjoyable - the incredible eight point game itself, or the fact that, three goals into his NEXT game, Gagner's miraculous streak of points on consecutive goals was still alive. In five games total, he finished with 7+6=13, plus-5, 19 SOG, 3 PPP, and 2 SHG. FHS Votes: 5 firsts.

Honourable mention: Kari Lehtonen (3-0, 0.97 GAA, .969 SV%), Pekka Rinne (4-0, 1.75 GAA, .941 SV%) James Reimer (2-0, 2 shutouts), Mikhail Grabovski (5 GP, 3+7=10, plus-4)

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The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Three Stars of the Week:

3rd Star, from the St. Louis Blues, numero 41, Jaroslav Halak... dude hasn't lost in regulation since November 27! This week Halak played all three St. Louis games (sorry Elliott owners) and posted three wins - two of them shutouts - and a 0.67 GAA and .966 SV%. Hitchcock has always meant fantasy gold for goalies - if Steve Mason could post 2.29 and .916 playing for Hitch, the sky's the limit for Halak. FHS Votes: 1 first, 1 second.

2nd Star, from the New York Islanders, numero 20, Evgeni Nabokov... three games, three wins, only two goals allowed. Add in a shutout and sick 0.85 GAA, .978 SV% peripherals, and Nabby made his owners pretty damn happy this week. Not bad for a guy who wouldn't even suit up for the Isles a year ago. With the trade deadline approaching, expect the Isles to continue to ride Nabokov like a cheap mule as he is showcased to the teams he'd rather be playing for. FHS Votes: 2 seconds, 1 third.

1st Star, from the Pittsburgh Penguins, numero 71, Evgeni Malkin... last week's 2nd Star honours obviously weren't enough for Malkin. In four games this week, he threw down 5+2=7, plus-6, and 20 SOG. He's currently on a six game goal scoring streak, with nine goals in that span, and has been held off the scoresheet only eight times this season. He missed a few maintenance games early in the season, but over 82 games his stats this year prorate to 52+64=116, plus-24, 68 PIM, 36 PPP, and a muy loco 392 SOG. FHS Votes: 3 firsts, 1 second.

Honourable mention: Marc-Andre Fleury (4 GP, 4 wins, 2.15 GAA, .915 SV%), Tobias Enstrom (4 GP, 3+1=4, 4 PIM, 12 SOG), Alex Pietrangelo (3 GP, 1+3=4, plus-5)

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The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Three Stars of the Week:

3rd Star, from the San Jose Sharks, numero 22, Dan Boyle... Boyle actually finished in a three-way tie in star voting this week (with Jay Harrison and John Tavares), but we'll give it to him based on seniority. In four games, Boyle threw down 1+4=5, plus-5, and15 SOG. Here's an amazing stat: Boyle has hit 50+ points in six of the last seven seasons. In the one year he missed it, he played only 37 games, but at a 55 point pace. There is money...and then there is Dan Boyle. FHS Votes: 3 thirds.

2nd Star, from the Pittsburgh Penguins, numero 71, Evgeni Malkin... 5+2=7, 2 GWG, plus-3, 20 SOG, 2PPP, and 4 PIM. Geno left it to the last minute this week, but his game on Sunday, which featured five points and a natural hat trick, was one for the ages. In that single game, he passed eight players in the overall scoring race. If you missed the highlights, Puckdaddy has a nice recap here. FHS Votes: 3 seconds.

1st Star, from the Ottawa Senators, numero 41, Craig Anderson... an honourable mention last week, Anderson one-upped himself with a scorching 3 games, 3 wins, .970 SV%, 0.98 GAA, and 1 shutout. All on the road, too. Guy is 8-0-1 in his last nine. Prior to that you could have probably traded Scott Gomez for him. Now his owners think he is untouchable. The Senators team everyone picked to finish bottom three is currently seeded 5th in the East, with a seven point cushion on 9th place. No, this is not a dream. FHS Votes: 3 firsts, 2 thirds.

Honourable mention: Jay Harrison (4 GP, 2+1=3, plus-3, 7 PIM, 10 SOG, 2 GWG), John Tavares (3 GP, 2+4=6, plus-8!!!), Jack Johnson (4 GP, 2+3=5, 10 SOG, 3 PPP), Anze Kopitar (3 GP, 3+3=6, 4 PIM, 4 PPP), Matt Moulson (3 GP, 3+3=6)

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The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Three Stars of the Week:

3rd Star, from the Dallas Stars, numero 14, Jamie Benn... in only three games, Benn pulled off 4+3=7, plus-3, 5 hits, 4 blocks, and 8 SOG. Might be the most well-rounded forward in the NHL for fantasy purposes. Two goals against Edmonton on Saturday marked Benn's fourth consecutive multi-point game, and he's now top 15 in league scoring. FHS Votes: 2 seconds, 2 thirds.

2nd Star, from the San Jose Sharks, numero 31, Antti Niemi... three games, three wins and only five goals allowed for a stellar 1.62 gaa and .942 sv%. Halfway through the season, Niemi is tied fior 4th overall in league wins has a better gaa and sv% than Carey Price, Pekka Rinne, and Roberto Luongo. Amazing value for where you probably drafted the guy. FHS Votes: 1 first, 2 seconds.

1st Star, from the Ottawa Senators, numero 65, Erik Karlsson... for those of you who may be religious, look no further than Erik Karlsson for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Funny, I always pictured Jesus playing for the Wings. But fortunately, people of all (or no) faiths can enjoy Karlsson's sick bottom line this week: Four games,1+5=6, plus-7, 2 PPP, and 16 SOG. This guy has distinguished himself from all other defensemen as he's almost a point per game player (41 in 43) this season. FHS Votes: 3 firsts.

Honorable mention: Jonas Gustavsson (3 GP, 3 wins, 2.01 gaa, .932 sv%), Craig Anderson (4 GP, 3 wins, 2.41 gaa, .929 sv%), Semyon Varlamov (2 GP, 2 wins, 0.48 gaa and .948 sv%)

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The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Three Stars of the Week:

3rd Star, from the Tampa Bay Lightning, numero 91, Steven Stamkos... Guy Boucher reunited the Martin St. Louis-Steve Downie-Stamkos line this week, and it's like they were never apart. Six goals in only three games this week for Mr. Stamkos to take a four goal lead in the Rocket race. Stammer's now on pace for 58 goals, and that might be a conservative estimate if the Bolts' powerplay ever starts to really heat up. FHS Votes: 2 seconds.

2nd Star, from the Washington Capitals, numero 8, Alex Ovechkin... 5+2=7, 3 PPG, 4 PIM, 17 SOG, and plus-4. It was this season's coming out party for AO. Some of his goals really looked like vintage Ovechkin, too. Hopefully Dale Hunter keeps playing Ovie with old pals Alexander Semin and Niklas Backstrom, as they can be the most dynamic line in hockey when they're not hungover or bored (Semin are you listening?). FHS Votes: 2 firsts, 1 second, 1 third.

1st Star, from the Los Angeles Kings, numero 32, Jonathan Quick... three wins in three games including one shutout, .958 sv%, and 1.33 gaa. Dude leads the league in shutouts again. Coach Sutter tends to be a one-horse rider, so expect Quick to continue to get the vast majority of the starts from here on out. Not the Christmas present Bernier owners were hoping for. Quick is the first player to make it to the top pf the FHS podium twice this year. FHS Votes: 3 firsts, 1 second, 1 third.

Honorable mention: Kevin Bieksa (4 GP, 1+4=5, plus-2, 4 PIM), Tomas Vokoun (4 GP, 3 wins, 1.32 gaa, .955 sv%), Steve Downie (3 GP, 2+5=7, plus-5, 4 PIM)

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The biggest and brightest from the past week in Fantasy Land, as voted by FHS writers.

Three Stars of the Week:

3rd Star, from the New York Rangers, numero 10, Marian Gaborik... 4+1=5 in 3 games to take over the lead in the Rocket race. Gaborik has been coming up huge for the Rangers lately, clicking big time with line mates Derek Stepan and Artem Anisimov. FHS Votes: 1 first, 2 seconds.

2nd Star, from the Colorado Avalanche, numero 35, Jean-Sebastien Giguere... 3 games, 3 wins, only five goals allowed for a 1.59 gaa and .951 sv%. When you get those numbers from a guy who was a free agent in most leagues until a few weeks ago, it's gold. Giggy's been through a lot the last few years, so it's nice to see a bit of a late career resurgence from the former Conn Smythe winner. FHS Votes: 1 first, 1 second, 2 thirds.

1st Star, from the Boston Bruins, numero 63, Brad Marchand... 4+2=6, plus-4, an SHG, and maybe the best stat of them all is 2 GWG in 2 games. Not that the first goal in an 8-0 romp is important but still, big week for the kid. Love the 80% shooting% too. As Cam pointed out, Marchand is at plus-25 right now which puts him on pace for something insane like plus-60 on the season. Ridiculously, he is also on pace for 72 points and 144 PIM. FHS Votes: 2 firsts, 2 thirds.

Honorable mention: Curtis Glencross (3 GP, 4+1=5, plus-5), Roberto Luongo (2 wins, 1 SO, .961 sv%, 1.34 gaa)

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