>> Scores / Schedule

It was a long wait for Patrik Elias owners, but the New Jersey Devils' most important offensive player is back in the lineup... and on the scoresheet. 

The EGG line is back along with him, and as such, all owners of any New Jersey players are doing a jig. 

First and foremost, Elias owners can breathe a sigh of relief. He has not lost a step, and the worst seems to be behind him. 

Secondly, owners of fellow 'EGG' line member Scott Gomez can breathe a sigh of relief, too – his superstar linemate is back! Gomez has six points in three games since the big return. After a poor start, Gomez was starting to really turn things around with eight points in three games, and now that Elias is back his hot play is continuing. 

The last member of the unit, Brian Gionta, has three points in those three games. He was already enjoying a career season and it would be silly to think that it will stop now! 

The domino effect continues, as Brian Rafalski will compile more assists on the powerplay (five points already in those three games), and ditto for his defense partner Paul Martin. 

Keeper league owners of players from Atlanta, Montreal, Tampa Bay, and even Toronto should also be worried – the Devils will take a real run at the playoffs and some of those teams could find themselves on the outside. 

Elias will not continue his torrid two points per game pace, but with 40 games left in the season, he should wind up with 50 to 55 and health permitting will enjoy a 100- point year next season. 

Meanwhile...

...Brendan Shanahan is pointless in six games. That's a bad thing, considering he is playing with Pavel Datsyuk and Robert Lang. The 36-year-old is slowing as the season progresses, and may be hard-pressed to hit 70 this year. Still, it's quite a comeback season as he hasn't reached that level since 2002.

...Rostislav Olesz is pointless in nine games for Florida. He is still getting plenty of ice time, but none of it has been on the powerplay lately. He's been killing a lot of penalties.

...For the first time in his career, Brad Richards has been pointless for six games. The Lightning star is one of the most consistent players in the NHL, and must be playing hurt – there isn't any other explanation.

...After 15 points in his first 26 games, Washington's Steve Eminger has just one in his last 13. Jamie Heward (ten in 15) and Mathieu Biron (six in ten) have been quarterbacking the powerplay for the Caps.

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