Frozen Fantasy: End of an Era

The Blackhawks' playoff streak is over. For the first time in 10 years, Chicago will be golfing in April. The Avs eliminated them on Tuesday.

The same night Artemi Panarin notched a hat trick.

Ironic, eh? The Panarin trade was the beginning of the end for the Hawks this season. He leads the Jackets with 69 points. Brandon Saad's 32 are half of what was expected.

Saad didn't help Jonathan Toews like the Hawks thought he would. Patrick Kane isn't scoring like he did last year. Corey Crawford performed miracles, but then he got hurt.

Brent Seabrook has been a healthy scratch. Patrick Sharp, a no-show. Duncan Keith has been playing with a proverbial lead weight around his waist.

Marian Hossa never played at all.

Is it rebuild time after three Cups, two more conference finals and nine-straight years of playoffs? There's hope with Alex DeBrincat and Nick Schmaltz. And they'll get a good pick.

They'll still be hamstrung by two, eight-year, $84 million contracts. Unless they kickstart that reboot by trading Toews to Montreal for Carey Price. Contract for contract, like Shea Weber for P.K. Subban.

It might be the kind of creative thinking that gets both teams restarted. It would scar me to see my Toews in bleu, blanc et rouge. But then again, I do like that jersey…

Now, let's take a look at who caught my eye this week.

Pontus Aberg, LW/RW, Edmonton (1 percent Yahoo! owned) – Yes, Aberg is inconsistent. And yes, he's immature – case in point, his off-ice indiscretion/brain cramp this past week. But Aberg has exceptional speed, solid smarts and pretty good offensive instincts. And regardless of his recent gaffe, he has a top-six opportunity in the Oil patch. Aberg got the point of his recent benching – he has five points (one goal, four assists) in two games since then. Snap him up. The Oil has nothing to play for other than their jobs next season. And Aberg is looking for one beside Connor McDavid. He should continue to produce.

Drake Caggiula, LW/C, Edmonton (0 percent Yahoo! owned) – Caggiula has clicked with new linemate Pontus Aberg (above). Their speed and aggressive pressure game pops pucks loose, and the diminutive Caggiula goes straight to the crease. He has three goals in two games since Aberg returned from his benching. Caggiula was a late-season waiver grab last season. Ditto this year.

Vince Dunn, D, St. Louis (3 percent Yahoo! owned) – I knew Dunn was a talented offensive defender. But Sunday night's four-point dominance of my Hawks was simply masterful. Dunn sits fifth among rookie defenders with 22 points, one better than the much-heralded Thomas Chabot and Samuel Girard. His keeper value is high. And his current value is solid if Sunday is any indication.

Kevin Labanc, LW/RW, San Jose (4 percent Yahoo! owned) – The streaky Labanc has five points (three goals, two assists) in his last six games. That includes a couple power-play points and 15 shots. That is all.

Alex Lyon, G, Philadelphia (5 percent Yahoo! owned) – This Yale product started out shaky. But Petr Mrazek's recent poor play coupled with Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth's injuries have given Lyon a chance to shine. And he's doing just that. Lyon has won his last two starts and he may give you extra wins down the stretch drive. I hope he gets me three or four more wins.

Ryan Pulock, D, NY Islanders (9 percent Yahoo! owned) – Pulock became the first Islander rookie to net two power-play goals in a single game Thursday night. He's been one of just two bright spots on the Island of Misfit Toys this season (Mathew Barzal is obviously the other). And right now, he's on fire. Pulock has eight points (three goals, five assists) and 21 shots in his last five games. Half of those points have come on the power play. I'm buying.

Jaccob Slavin, D, Carolina (12 percent Yahoo! owned) – Slavin was on my roster for the longest time. Upside, I said. He has a lot. Yet Slavin did nothing. And like many of you, I dropped his sorry butt. Now, Slavin has rung up seven points, including two goals, in his last four games. Figures. He won't keep that up, but the 'Canes still have a mathematical chance at a wild card berth. Slavin could be a big part of that run.

Thomas Vanek, LW/RW, Columbus (15 percent Yahoo! owned) – Vanek has found his footing in Columbus in a big way. He has six points on his current five-game streak and nine points (four goals, five assists) in his last eight games. There's no power-play production, but that's OK. He's out there if you need pure offense.

Back to Chicago.

Every team stumbles at some point. The Hawks just had the best decade in their long history. It was about time.

The Avs pulled it off; that's been quite a swing. I've tried to do it in one of my keeper leagues this year (as you've already heard).

I guess I'll just cheer for my other team this postseason. Go, Leafs, go!

Until next week.