Frozen Fantasy: Down for the Count

I'll be quick – the last part of this week was a write-off for me. Food poisoning. I had escaped it until this point.

I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Yes, I tried to watch games. And sure, I did my best with Twitter – that's where I saw Cale Makar's ungodly move. Wow. I think I'm in love.

I'm still on the IR – this has not been kind to me. But, I know you are looking for pickups for this coming week.

So, let's take a look at what caught my queasy eyes.

Bowen Byram, D, Colorado (36 percent Yahoo!) – After watching the Avs roar back against the Leafs Saturday night, I realized just how well Byram fits that Colorado offense. He plays such a smooth and clean game. He didn't score, but he picked up a goal and assist against the Jets the game before. And he's seeing power play time. Byram is going to be the team's number two behind Cale Makar for a very long time. Call it a hunch, but I think that time is starting soon.

Blake Coleman, LW/RW, Calgary (30 percent Yahoo!) – Coleman was a man on fire Tuesday night with...12 shots? Was there any other Flame on the ice? Yah, there was – they had 49 freaking shots, but Sergei Bobrovsky was flat-out incredible. Still, Coleman has four points (two goals, two assists) on 23 shots, with 13 hits and seven blocked shots in his last four games. Get him to work for you.

Lawson Crouse, LW, Arizona (9 percent Yahoo!) – This is your last warning – get on board before he's gone. Crouse is on the block, and he knows it – in his last four games, the big winger has turned up the heat with six points (three goals, three assists) on 15 shots, with 13 hits for good measure. Get in on the run now, and then trade him as the rumors really heat up. He'll likely play down on the third line on a contender. But until then, Crouse will produce.

Barclay Goodrow, LW/RW/C, NY Rangers (21 percent Yahoo!) – Goodrow is here for two reasons. First, his performance warrants it – in his last five games, he has six points (three of each) with solid category coverage (15 FW, 10 hits, nine shots, and five blocks). Second, this unsung hero is the guy who will mentor Alexis Lafreniere into fulfilling his immense promise. Both make the Rangers must-watch streaming (or TV).

Erik Haula, LW/C, Boston (3 percent Yahoo!) – Haula is a short-term play. He's centering line two and with the Perfection Line broken up, he's got David Pastrnak on his wing at even strength. Haula is riding a four-game, four-point streak and has 25 FW in his last three. With dual eligibility, he's currently worth streaming.

Ville Husso, G, St. Louis (9 percent Yahoo!) – This is a purely precautionary pickup. The Blues look like a Cup contender and no team can survive with just one goalie. Roster Husso now, just in case Jordan Binnington gets hurt. Or stuck in COVID-19 protocols.

Kaapo Kahkonen, G, Minnesota (35 percent Yahoo!) – The net is finally Kahkonen's – at least until Cam Talbot heals whatever ails him. He's looked bright and shiny at times, but those who follow advanced stats know his are a little dull. That's likely why Seattle passed over Kahkonen at the expansion draft. But Minny is strong and he's pulled off two straight wins this week, allowing only two goals each to Boston and Washington. I'm jumping in if I can.

Oliver Kylington, D, Calgary (18 percent Yahoo!) – Calgary missed so many games that I forgot how good Kylington has been. Since the Flames got back in the saddle, he's fired a ton of shots (20) and gotten a point in four of five games (one goal, three assists). Now's the time to get in – the Flames have matchups to make up and that's a valuable asset as the season wears on.

Back to the IR.

I will be fine. I was first worried it was COVID-19 since that symptom list is long. But it hit the household simultaneously.

I'll save you that description.

Until next week.