Crashing the net

Crashing the Net takes you around the league you almost forgot about and all of the fantasy ins and outs, ups and downs.

Adrian Aucoin, Flames

Quick, can you name a blue liner who is currently working on a seven-game point streak? Obviously we are talking about Aucoin, who has scored two goals in the past two games while producing six assists in the past seven contests. In fact, Aucoin has 10 of his season's 24 points in his last nine games, so this is one hot puppy. He has just two of his points on the power play, so he has been earning his points the old-fashioned way at even-strength. Aucoin has only one season of more than 40 points in his career (44 in 2003), but he has scored at least 34 points in four of the past six seasons, so it is clear that he has some offensive flair.

Michael Cammalleri, Flames

This sniper led the NHL with 11 goals in January (tied with the Ducks Bobby Ryan). Even better for those who have Cammalleri rostered is that he has been so hot he is almost melting the ice with his blades, having produced all 11 goals in his last nine games. It doesn't get much hotter than that unless your name is Alexander Ovechkin. Going back a bit further, Cammalleri has a rather astounding total of 19 points in his last 12 games and 28 points in his last 24 games show that this "hot streak" isn't merely some weekly breakout; this guy is a legitimate top-shelf option who seems intent on returning to the 80-point level he reached in '06 as a member of the Kings (he has 48 points in 48 games this year).

Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Wild

Bouchard had produced at least 57 points in each of the past three seasons, but without frequent linemate Marion Gaborik for most of this season, his production has suffered, that is until late. Over his last three games he has scored two goals while dishing out five helpers. In fact, he has recorded three points in three of his last seven games and appears to be rounding back into form quite nicely. If he has been overlooked because of his slow start, now is the time to pounce.

Christian Ehrhoff, Sharks

With Brad Lukowich and Dan Boyle on the sidelines, Ehrhoff has been asked to pick up the slack, and he has in spades. After going 16-straight games without a point, Ehrhoff produced six points in 11 January games, a solid total for a defensemen, but most of those points have come of late as he has three goals, all scored on the power play, in the past five games. Toss in two assists in that time, and Ehrhoff has five points in his last five games. With Boyle expected back on Thursday, it may not be reasonable to expect this recent scoring binge to continue, but that cannot diminish the offensive exploits of Ehrhoff of late.

Jamie Langenbrunner, Devils