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When the San Jose Sharks picked up Joe Thornton in what many experts classify as a 'steal' just over a week ago, they were languishing at the bottom of the NHL standings. They had eight wins in 24 games, and just 63 goals (or 2.63 goals per game). Their top scorer was Patrick Marleau, who was sitting with 23 points, and their number one goaltender -Evgeni Nabokov- was battling a groin injury and had just three wins to go with his 3.34 goals-against average. 

Since Thornton's arrival, Marleau has been white-hot, putting up an incredible 13 points in those five games, while Nabokov has been 3-0. 

Thornton himself has been no slouch, garnering 12 points while playing with his cousin Scott Thornton and Jonathon Cheechoo (four and seven points respectively in five games). 

All of the aforementioned Sharks are recommended to be picked up if available in your rotisserie league, along with Alyn McCauley, who has six points since the big turnaround began. This group will be hot for a few more games yet.

Meanwhile...

...Another part of the Joe Thornton deal, Marco Sturm, has five points in five games for his new team the Boston Bruins. The big beneficiary for the Bruins though, as a result of this trade, is Brad Boyes. The 23-year-old has six points since the deal, and has shot into Calder Trophy consideration.

...Keith Tkachuk has twelve points in his last four games for St. Louis. Clearly he is back, healthy, and should finish over the sixty point mark this year.

...Since Nashville's Marek Zidlicky had a conversation with coach Barry Trotz about his poor play, he has points in ten of 13 games (18 points during that span).

...Buffalo's Jason Pominville has seven points in six games since being called up for the second time from Rochester on November 26th. The 23-year-old right winger was drafted by the Sabres in the second round in 2001, and has solid offensive potential that he is realizing while taking advantage of several Buffalo injuries. He has a real future as a 65 to 75 point NHL player, and will enjoy many years in Buffalo as a part of a solid future that includes Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy.

...Ottawa rookie defenseman Andrej Meszaros has eight points in his last nine games. The 20-year-old 2004 first round draft pick has been a pleasant surprise for Senator fans and poolies alike, currently leading the NHL in plus/minus with plus-24.

Dec. 05, 2005 - Rejoice Over Recent Movement
Nov. 28, 2005 - The Most Underrated Fantasy Player
Nov. 21, 2005 - Chemistry in Chicago
Nov. 14, 2005 - Thrashers the Net
Nov. 07, 2005 - King of the L.A. blueline
Oct. 31, 2005 - October's Best and Worst Fantasy Players
Oct. 24, 2005 - Wild About Scoring
Oct. 17, 2005 - Striking Gold – Thanks to Linemates
Oct. 10, 2005 - A Surprise Fantasy Asset
Oct. 03, 2005 - Last of the Late Picks to Put You Over the Top
Sept. 26, 2005 - More Late Picks to Put You Over the Top
Sept. 19, 2005 - Late Picks to Make or Break Your Pool Team

Dobber's Fantasy Tips exclusively appear Monday's at TheFourthPeriod.com.
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