Make sure to check out Chris Wassel's most recent Injury Update. 

The Week ahead December 12-18:

4 Games – Arizona, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh, San Jose

2 Games – Calgary, Edmonton, Philadelphia, Winnipeg


LEFT WING

Josh Bailey has a goal and three assists the last five outings, and in three of those outings he’s seen at least 19 minutes of ice-time. That mini-run of offense has pushed his line up to 16 points in 26 games. Note that his career best is 41 points in a season. Note #2. After taking 105 shots last season in 81 games he’s already fired 53 shots on net in just 26 games this season greatly increasing his shot pace, even though he’s only scored four times (his shooting percentage is 7.5 this season versus 11.2 for his career).

Anders Lee has at least three hits in 4-of-8 games. He scored two goals last time out, has three goals in three games, and over his last eight outings he’s actually scored seven times. Yowzahs. Unlike Bailey, his shooting percentage is way up at 16.3 percent, well above his 11.6 career mark. Despite seven goals in eight games he’s only taken 19 shots on net, and there’s no way he’s keeping that up of course.

CENTER

Sam Gagner sometimes struggles to see more than 13 minutes of ice-time, but he’s been productive on the ice of late. Everyone will focus on the four points game earlier this week, but what I like are all the shots he’s taking. In his last five outings he’s taken 19 shots on net, nearly four a game, and as long as he keeps firing away he should continue to produce points, albeit with the knowledge that he already has 10 goals... after never having more than 18 in a season.

Mike Ribeiro used to be a thing. He’s not that guy anymore, but he’s been hot of late dishing out helpers everywhere as Mike has eight assists his last nine games. Ribeiro last recorded 65 points in the 2010 season, but he’s been hot of late pushing his point total up to 18 in 26 games with five points coming on the power-play. Goals won’t be coming, but he can still hand out the helpers.

RIGHT WING

Jakub Vrana was called up thanks to T.J. Oshie’s shoulder woes. The youngster doesn’t have a point in four games but he’s taken nine shots on net. He could be returned to the minors now that Oshie is healthy, so be cautious.

Radim Vrbata is up to 17 points in 26 games, though he is also a (-7) skater. Over his last 10 games he’s posted six points, two on the power-play, as he’s averaged 2.3 shots on net per outing. After scoring 31 times in 2014-15, Radim has posted 21 goals his last 89 NHL contests.

DEFENSE

Michael Del Zotto was scratched Thursday, an off choice given that he’s posted two goals and two assists in six games. He’s also blocked four shots in 3-of-4 games while he’s racked up an impressive 28 hits in six games. I will take a shot on a guy producing like that. He should be back in there on the weekend.

Justin Schultz has five assists AND two goals his last four games. Holy cow is right. He’s been able to also post a +10 rating in that time. Ride the wave... until it crashes into the beach.

GOALTENDER

Kari Lehtonen has started three of four games for the Stars as it appears he’s starting to pull ahead of Antti Niemi in net. In his last three starts he’s posted a shutout and allowed two goals in the other two outings. Even with that strong run his season long GAA is just 2.90, so don’t get too carried away. 

Ray Flowers can be heard Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, 8 PM EDT, Wednesday 7 PM EDT on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 9 PM EDT PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).