These days, they are only together during Devil power plays, but the EGG line is as productive as they have ever been, riding the momentum that they had to end the regular season right into game one of the postseason. 

Patrick Elias had 17 points in nine games to finish off the year, and by now everybody knows he began the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff with a six point performance in game one against the New York Rangers. His linemates during five-on-five are Jamie Langenbrunner and Sergei Brylin. 

Scott Gomez had 22 points in the last 14 games of the season, and picked up three points in the series opener, while the other member of the EGG line, Brian Gionta, also picked up three points in the game. Gionta was riding a 15 game point streak when the season ended (25 points). The Devils are employing a five-man power play unit that has the EGG line up front, with Langenbrunner and Brian Rafalski manning the point.

Those of you in rotisserie playoff pools that have the ability to do this, should pick up these Devil players. The bottom line is, unfortunately for Ranger fans, that Henrik Lundqvist is not a dependable goaltender when he is nursing an injury, and right now he is nursing a hip flexor injury. The Rangers tried to get Lundqvist back into the lineup for a game before the big dance, and he responded with five goals allowed on 32 shots. Four days later, the Devils lit him up for six goals on 30 shots. The timing is unfortunate, and Lundqvist’s play in this first round should not give any of his keeper league owners the jitters. He is an outstanding goalie with a brilliant future. He is just not healthy right now and it shows in his play. Rotisserie owners need to take advantage of this.

As for Jaromir Jagr, as grim as things looked on Saturday when he appeared to throw out his shoulder, there are indications that he will be back on Monday. That being said, he too will be playing hurt, and a multiple point performance is unlikely. It goes without saying that if Jagr does not get two or more points, than chances are Michal Nylander and Martin Straka will not get two or more points. Neither will Martin Rucinsky, who may make his return from a broken finger on Monday…

Meanwhile...

...R.J. Umberger is ready to play in game two on Monday after being the recipient of a devastating hit from Buffalo's Brian Campbell. However, the rule of thumb for possible concussions is that the player should sit out for at least a week. This being the playoffs, I don't know what the Flyers will do. Especially since they are a game down in the series.

...It looks like Carolina's Ray Whitney will be in and out of the lineup throughout the postseason, as he has not fully recovered from a groin injury that has been bothering him all season. It will not properly heal unless he gives it a good two months of rest, and since he will not do that – I would be surprised if he ever played more than two games in a row.

...If Dallas falls far enough behind in the series, they could do worse than recall prospect Junior Lessard. Lessard has four points in two playoff games for Iowa, the affiliate for Dallas in the America League.

...It did not take Alexander Radulov long to seize the scoring lead in the QMJHL playoffs. After winning the regular season scoring title with 152 points in 62 games, he now leads the league in playoff scoring with 30 points in just 12 games. Nashville's blue-chipper is currently in the QMJHL semi-finals with the Quebec Remparts.

Apr. 17, 2006 - The Hot Hand Going Into the Playoffs
Apr. 10, 2006 - Big Second Lines Tough to Contain
Apr. 03, 2006 - Getzlaf as PP QB has Ducks Rolling
Mar. 27, 2006 - Bang For Your Buck
Mar. 20, 2006 - Deadline 2006 – Fantasy Fallout, Part 2
Mar. 13, 2006 - Deadline 2006 – Fantasy Fallout, Part 1
Mar. 06, 2006 - Trade Deadline Looms II
Feb. 27, 2006 - Break Over, Deadline Looms
Feb. 06, 2006 - Risky Picks
Jan. 30, 2006 - The Future of Boston
Jan. 23, 2006 - High-Flying Canucks
Jan. 16, 2006 - Home Sweet Home
Jan. 09, 2006 - He's Baaack!
Jan. 02, 2006 - Young Pens Get Their Shot
Dec. 19, 2005 - The 'New' Sabres
Dec. 12, 2005 - Shark Outlook Upgraded to 'Buy'
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.
Comments/Concerns/Criticisms/Compliments: rotohockey@rogers.com