The past week contained some pretty strange events, including the tragic death of a fan at a Rangers game, Albert Pujols returning from the Disabled List a month early, and highly touted 19 year-old prospect Mike Trout’s promotion in Los Angeles following an injury to outfielder Peter Bourjos.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Michael Cuddyer, RF, Twins

Michael Cuddyer helped the Twins continue their journey toward first place (8-2 record over their last ten games) last week, by posting a line of 12-26 (.462 AVG) with 3 home runs, 7 runs scored, and a whopping 12 RBIs. He also walked (5 BB) more times than he struck out (3 K), which always adds value in leagues which use OBP instead of AVG. Cuddyer is also extremely valuable because of his position eligibility: he has played more than 10 games at first and second base, as well as outfield, allowing him to fill in for multiple positions on a fantasy team. (Honourable mention: Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins, .423 AVG, 3 HR, 6 R, 10 RBI)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Matt Joyce, OF, Rays

Oh, how the mighty have fallen. After Joyce posted a .414 AVG in May he posted a .173 AVG in June, and carried it into July last week by going 1-21 (.048 AVG). Matt Joyce is a player who has probably been picked up by a team in your league (81% owned in ESPN leagues). Here’s a tip: if it was you, it’s time to drop him. Joyce is normally a guy who both strikes out and walks a lot (24.8% career K%, 11.6% career BB%), but with his BB% dipping to 9.1% this season, and his growing void of offensive production, his time should be up on anyone’s fantasy roster. (Honourable mention: Adam Dunn, 1B, White Sox, .107 AVG, 2 HR, 3 R, 5 RBI, 15 K)

Rookie to watch – Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves

The “2” of the Braves’ young Heyward-Freeman 1-2 punch has performed up to those expectations this week, going 9-23 (.391 AVG) with 4 home runs, 6 runs scored, and 9 RBIs, while tossing in 5 walks. Freeman is certainly going to be a fantastic player as he has already shown this season by posting a .279 AVG and a .353 OBP with 13 home runs. In the Braves’ lineup Freeman has the possibility to score and drive in a lot of runs because he will be consistently hitting with (barring injuries) Martin Prado, Jason Heyward, and Dan Uggla around him. Freeman can be a great pickup for anyone’s fantasy team, especially if you need someone to fill in for injured first basemen Justin Morneau or Ike Davis. Make sure to grab him fast, if he hasn’t been taken already: he’s 88% owned in ESPN leagues and that increased by a mammoth 36% last week alone.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Danny Valencia, 3B, Twins

Danny Valencia followed Michael Cuddyer’s lead to carry the Twins last week, as he went 12-26 (.462 AVG) with 2 home runs, 6 runs scored, and 9 RBIs. With Valencia and Cuddyer hitting so well in the same lineup, it’s no surprise that the Twins are winning so many games and that both players picked up a lot of runs scored and RBIs. If the MVP version of Joe Mauer shows up next week, expect both Valencia and Cuddyer to have the opportunity to put on repeat performances. Valencia is only 41% owned in ESPN leagues, but he’s going fast, as that increased by a monstrous 39% last week, so pick him up if you need someone to be a stopgap at third base and your team has been lacking in offensive production from that position.

That is an interesting strategy.  Thanks Tips!

I was just about to take the Buffalo Bills on the road over the Green Bay Packers as my week two pick.  Thankfully CBS was here to advice me otherwise.  So now that they have helped me out with my survivor pool pick, how about some fantasy advice?  I was thinking of benching Chris Johnson for Javon Ringer.  Good idea?  How about sitting Reggie Wayne in favor of Chaz Schilens?

This weeks honorable mention goes to (C/LW)-Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings. Last week Henrik scored 3 goals and added two assists for 5 points. He also had two penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-6, 22 shots on goal, one game winning goal and won 38 faceoffs. Zetterberg has been a bit of a disappointment so far this year, mostly because of injuries, as he’s on pace for 71 points. However, as has been the case the last 3 years, Henrik will be bringing it in the playoffs for Detroit so don’t hesitate to take him in your office pools if you think the Red Wings can go far in the playoffs.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 23.

3rd Star – Ilya Kovalchuk (LW), New Jersey Devils

Ilya Kovalchuk is having another great year as he’s currently on pace for 40+ goals and 80+ points. Last week Kovalchuk scored 3 goals and had 5 helpers for 8 points with 3 of those points coming while on the power play. He also had zero penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-4 and 16 shots on goal. Ilya has been a point a game player (20 points in 20 games) since being traded to New Jersey but questions still surround how he’ll perform in the playoffs with his lack of experience (2 points in 4 career playoff games).

2nd Star – Jimmy Howard (G), Detroit Red Wings

Jimmy Howard has been Detroit’s saving grace between the pipes so far and is a big reason why this team currently holds a playoff spot. Last week Howard collected 4 wins while posting a 1.23 GAA, .958 SAV%, made 114 saves and had one shutout. Jimmy already has 32 wins with a 2.24 GAA and .926 SAV% in 57 games played, not bad for a young goaltender who was supposed to be the backup in his first NHL season.

1st Star – Brian Elliott (G), Ottawa Senators

Just like Jimmy Howard, Brian Elliott was expected to play the role of backup heading into the season. However, due to the lackluster play of Pascal Leclaire, Elliott has become the Senators #1 and has provided Ottawa with some solid goaltending. Last week Brian collected 4 wins while posting a 1.00 GAA, .967 SAV%, made 116 saves and had two shutouts. Elliott is far from being a big name goaltender nor is he a flashy goaltender, but he gets the job done and at 24-years old has potential to improve even more.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 24.

Before we get to the honorable mention and the 3 Stars, we here at Total Pro Sports would like to congratulate the “Finnish Flash” Teemu Selanne on joining the 600 goal club last week. It’s just another great accomplishment for a player who is one of the best European born players to ever play the game and a sure fire Hall of Famer.

This weeks honorable mention goes to (LW)-Brenden Morrow of the Dallas Stars. Last week Morrow scored two goals and had 4 assists for 6 points with two of those points coming while on the power play. He also had 4 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-2 and 8 shots on goal. Brenden was a surprise pick for Team Canada but he showed this week just why he was picked as he brings the ever valuable combination of size, grit and scoring.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 22.

3rd Star – John Tavares (C), New York Islanders

The Super Rookie John Tavares, drafted 1st overall by the New York Islanders, got off to a solid start to the season but faded away during the months of January and February. However, after a big 5 point game against the Canucks last week he showed us that he still has something left in his tank. Last week Tavares scored 3 goals and added 4 assists for 7 points with 3 of those points coming on the power play. He also had a plus/minus rating of plus-3, zero penalty minutes, 9 shots on goal and won 12 faceoffs. John had a solid week last week but don’t let it fool you, even with his big 5 point night, he still only has 9 points in the month of March heading into this week.

2nd Star – Brad Richards (C), Dallas Stars

Brad Richards great comeback season continues as he had at least one point in every game for the Dallas Stars last week. Richards scored 3 goals last week while also putting up 4 assists for 7 points with 4 of those points coming while on the power play. He also had a plus/minus rating of plus-1, zero penalty minutes, 16 shots on goal and won 43 faceoffs. Sitting at 80 points with 10 games left heading into this week look for Brad to flirt with the 90 point mark to finish off the season and don’t hesitate to pick him for next either as he was still able to get 48 points in 56 games in an injury plagued season last year.

1st Star – Pekka Rinne (G), Nashville Predators

Pekka Rinne continues his solid play in the month of March after signing a two-year contract extension last month during the Olympics. Last week Rinne collected 4 wins while posting a 1.22 GAA, .958 SAV%, made 115 saves and also had back-to-back shutouts in wins over the Wild and Blue Jackets. Pekka is on pace for his first career 30+ win season this year and has really taken the bull by the horns since taking over as the team’s #1 last season. At 27-years old consider Rinne a decent keeper option for the next 4-5 years as Nashville continues to improve by bringing in more of their young players.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 23.

This weeks honorable mention goes to (G)-Ilya Bryzgalov of the Phoenix Coyotes. Last week Bryzgalov collected two wins while posting a 1.44 GAA, .956 SAV%, making 65 saves and one shutout. Ilya has been one of, if not the, top fantasy sleeper this year. He’s always had the talent but was stuck behind Giguere, and then Hiller, in Anaheim and was forced to play behind some weak teams in Phoenix the last two seasons. However, the young Coyotes look like they’re heading in the right direction and this could just be the beginning of something big for the man known as Bryz.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 21.

3rd Star – Henrik Sedin (C), Vancouver Canucks

Just like Ilya Bryzgalov, Henrik Sedin has been a pleasant surprise this year as he currently sits 2nd overall for points with 93, just 3 points behind Alexander Ovechkin, heading into Monday night’s games. Last week Henrik scored two goals and had 6 assists for 8 points with two of those points coming on the power play. He also had 4 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-5, 10 shots on goal and won 35 faceoffs. Right now they call New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist “King Henrik” but if Sedin keeps this up they’ll have to crown him as the new “King Henrik”.

2nd Star – Daniel Sedin (LW), Vancouver Canucks

Despite missing 18 games with a broken foot/ankle Daniel Sedin is still filling the net as he’s on pace to tie his career high in points with 84 and has 8 points in his last 4 games. Last week Daniel potted 3 goals and added 5 assists for 8 points with two of those points coming while on the power play. He also had 4 minutes in penalties, a plus/minus rating of plus-5 and 18 shots on goal. Ignoring the fact that they’re the creepiest brother combination in NHL history, the Sedin Bros. compliment each other very well and at the prime of their careers should be putting up 80+ a piece for the next 2-3 years.

1st Star – Mikael Samuelsson (RW), Vancouver Canucks

Ever since he was left off Team Sweden’s roster for the 2010 Olympics inVancouver Mikael Samuelsson has been on a tear and last week was no exception. Last week Samuelsson scored 6 goals and had 4 assists for 10 points with two of those points coming on the power play. He also had 4 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-6 and 19 shots on goal. Although Mikael is on pace for 35 goals and 60+ points this season, don’t expect the same out of the 33-year old Swede next season as he’s been a fairly consistent 10-20 goal and 40-45 point forward in his NHL career.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 22.

This weeks honorable mention goes to (LW)-David Booth of the Florida Panthers. Booth was finally able to come back after being leveled by the Flyers’ Mike Richards, who ironically enough made the list as well this week, and didn’t seem to miss a beat. Last week David scored two goals and had 4 assists for 6 points with two of those points coming while on the power play. He also had 7 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-2 and 11 shots on goal. As long as he doesn’t start to feel any lingering effects from his concussion Booth will remain a solid fantasy option and at 25-years of age is a solid long-term keeper option as well.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 20.

3rd Star – Sidney Crosby (C), Pittsburgh Penguins

Just days after scoring one of the most important goals in Canadian hockey history Sidney Crosby went back to work for the Penguins. Last week Crosby potted two goals and added 4 assists for 6 points with one of those assists coming while on the power play. He also had 6 penalty minuts, a plus/minus rating of plus-5, 14 shots on goal, one game winning goal and won 44 faceoffs. With Sid The Kid riding the wave of scoring the “Golden Goal”, plus the acquisition of  Alexei Ponikarovsky, expect Crosby to challenge Alexander Ovechkin for the Art Ross Trophy.

2nd Star – Mike Richards (C), Philadelphia Flyers

Another member of Canada’s Gold Medal Winning Team, Mike Richards, also showed that the long run at the Olympics actually helped, rather than hindered, his game last week. Richards had two goals and 5 assists for 7 points with 4 of those points coming while on the power play. He also had 5 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-1, 8 shots on goal and won 42 faceoffs. Mike has already established himself as a fantasy stud and at the age of 25 is a no-brainer keeper.

1st Star – Chris Stewart (RW), Colorado Avalanche

Chris Stewart is far from a household name, but if you’ve been following fantasy closely this year then you already know who this guy is. Last week Stewart had 5 goals and 4 helpers for 9 points with two of those nine coming while on the power play. He also collected 2 minutes in penalties, a plus/minus rating of plus-4 and 15 shots on goal. After posting just 19 points in 53 games for the Avs last year Chris has really started to solidify himself as an NHL player and show why Colorado took him 18th overall back in the 2006 draft by putting up 51 points in 60 games so far this season.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 21.

This weeks honorable mention goes to Alex Kovalev of the Ottawa Senators. Last week Kovalev scored 3 goals and had 4 assists for 7 points with 3 of those points coming while on the power play. He also had zero penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-2, had 14 shots on goal and one game winning goal. Alex got off to a terrible start to say the least, has bouned around from team-to-team via waivers in my one league quite a few times, but has 11 points in his last 10 games and is a big reason for the Sens recent success.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 19.

3rd Star – Chris Mason (G), St.Louis Blues

Despite the arrival of Ty Conklin in St.Louis this past offseason Chris Mason has remained the team’s #1 goaltender has been playing solid so far. Last week Mason collected 3 wins while posting a 1.90 GAA, .943 SAV%, made 100 saves and one shutout. Although the Blues haven’t been playing as well as some people thought they would so far this season Chris is still putting up solid numbers with 20 wins, .912 SAV%, 2.53 GAA and two shutouts.

2nd Star – Marty Turco (G), Dallas Stars

Just like the Blues, the Stars haven’t had as much success as originally thought, but unlike Chris Mason, some of the blame for Dallas’ failures can be put on the shoulders of Marty Turco. Last week Turco collected two wins while posting a 1.30 GAA, .965 SAV%, made 110 saves and one shutout. As mentioned Marty has struggled so far this season and there are rumours that the Stars are looking to trade him before the trade deadline after the Olympics finish. If he is traded, consider picking him up/trading for him as it might act as a resurrection for Turco ala Jean-Sebastien Giguere in Toronto.

1st Star – Steven Stamkos (C), Tampa Bay Lightning

Someone forgot to tell Steven Stamkos that you’re supposed to flourish in your rookie season then suffer the “Sophomore Slump” the next, because Steven seems to be doing the opposite. Last week Stamkos scored 3 goals and added 6 assists for 9 points with 3 of those points coming while on the power play. He also had zero penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-4, had 10 shots on goal and won 29 faceoffs. With 70 points (35 goals & 35 assists) already heading into the Olympic break Stamkos looks poised for 90+ points this season which is quite the feat considering he had just 46 points in his rookie season last year. I think it’s pretty obvious, but I’ll say it anyways, this guy is a stud!

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 20.

This weeks honorable mention goes to Mike Knuble of the Washington Capitals. Last week Knuble had 3 goals and added 3 assists for 6 points with two of those points coming on the power play. He also had 19 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-7 and one game winning goal. Mike was one of my favourite sleepers heading into the season as he was slated to play with Ovechkin on the right side and so far he’s making me look like a genius. As of Tuesday, Feb.9 Knuble has 39 points (21 goals & 18 assists) in just 47 games. Injuries are the only real concern for Mike but considering the points he’s already put up, plus the decent amount of PIMs, I’d say he’s worth the risk.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 18.

3rd Star – Alexander Ovechkin (LW), Washington Capitals

Yours truly wasn’t a big fan of Alexander Ovechkin being named captain last month, but I guess you can’t argue with the results so far. Last week Ovie scored 7 goals and had 3 assists for 10 points with 3 of those points coming while on the power play. Alex also had 4 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-6 and 18 shots on goal. Ovechkin is pumped up for the Olympics and I think is one of the few players that wont digress when he comes back from Vancouver.

2nd Star – Nicklas Backstrom (C), Washington Capitals

First it was Miikka Kiprusoff, now it’s Nicklas Backstrom who’s making a habit of appearing on the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars each week. Last week Mr.Backstrom had two goals and tallied 8 assists for 10 points with 4 of those points coming while on the power play. He also had 14 penalty minutes, I repeat 14 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-6, had one game winning goal and won 34 faceoffs. Unlike Ovechkin, I think Backstrom will be due for a bit of a drop off after the Olympics if Sweden makes it far.

1st Star – Jean-Sebastien Giguere (G), Toronto Maple Leafs

Brian Burke was hoping that Jean-Sebastien Giguere would be able to restart his career in Toronto after trading for him last Sunday. So far so good. Last week Jiggy collected two wins while posting a 0.00 GAA, 1.000 SAV%, made 60 saves and had two shutouts. Giguere has the pedigree of winning the Stanley Cup & Conn Smythe trophy and at the age of 32 has potential to turn his career around and become one of the top goaltenders in the league again. Hopefully you were lucky enough to pick him up off waivers or trade for him. If not, I’d suggest you do so if he’s still available.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 19.

This weeks honorable mention goes to Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames. Last week Iginla scored 3 goals and had 4 assists for 7 points with two of those points coming while on the power play. He also had 5 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-4 and 13 shots on goal. Jarome was going through some rough times prior to last week, but seems to be getting things back on track which is good news for the Flames and your fantasy team.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 17.

3rd Star – Shane Doan (RW), Phoenix Coyotes

Shane Doan was supposed to act as the typcal veteran leader for the younger players on the Coyotes and be able to pitch in offensive once and a while, but so far this season he has been pitching a lot more than expected. Doan had 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points with two of those points coming while on the power play. He also had two minutes in penalties, a plus/minus rating of plus-5, 14 shots on goal and one game winning goal. Although because of his age he isn’t getting as many penalty minutes as you’d expect, Shane is still a solid fantasy option as long as he’s putting up points and with 43 points already it looks like he could get close to 70 this season.

2nd Star – Nicklas Backstrom (C), Washington Capitals

As one of the top playmakers in the league Nicklas Backstrom showed off his great passing abilities yet again last week to help the Capitals extend their winning streak to 10 games. Last week Backstrom netted two goals while adding 5 assists for 7 points with 4 of those points coming on the power play. He also had two penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of plus-6, 18 shots on goal and won 36 faceoffs. With 63 points already Nicklas is poised for a second consecutive 80+ point season. Expect this to be a common trend with Backstrom as he plays with the two most talented Alexander’s in the league with Ovechkin and Semin.

1st Star – Brian Elliott (G), Ottawa Senators

It seemed like everything was doom and gloom in Ottawa when Pascal Leclaire went down with yet another injury. Seems like those thoughts were a little premature. Last week Elliott collected 3 wins while posting a 0.98 GAA, .964 SAV%, made 81 saves and had one shutout. Brian isn’t a big name nor is he a flashy goaltender but he’s consistent and gets the job done. Consider holding onto Elliott even when Leclaire comes back as the Sens will most likely want to go with the hot hand and give Brian a chance to become the team’s clear cut #1.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 18.

This weeks honorable mention goes to Jeff Carter of the Philadelphia Flyers. Last week Carter potted 5 goals and added 3 assists for 8 points with 3 of those points coming on the power play. He also had a plus/minus rating of plus-5, zero penalty minutes, 25 shots on goal, won 41 faceoffs and had one game winning goal. Overall Jeff has had a disappointing season, however he’s been picking it up lately with 8 points in his last 5 games.

Lets take a look at the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars for Week 16.

3rd Star – Sidney Crosby (C), Pittsburgh Penguins

Sid The Kid has been quietly putting together another great season, although it’s what’s expected of him so that might be why he’s done so without a lot of press. Last week Crosby scored 3 goals and had 5 assists for 8 points with 5 points coming while on the power play. He also had two minutes in penalties, a plus/minus rating of even(0), just 9 shots on goal and won 35 faceoffs. Athough he’s been playing great so far, expect a bit of a drop off after the Olympics as he will most likely be taking it easy for a handful of games to gear up for another long playoff run.

2nd Star – Tomas Vokoun (G), Florida Panthers

In what seems to be a repeating pattern, Tomas Vokoun had a rough start to the season but has turned it on in the last little bit and now sits second behind only Martin Brodeur for the league lead in shutouts with 6. Last week Tomas had two wins while posting a 0.49 GAA, .985 SAV%, made 131 saves and two shutouts. Vokoun tends to get overlooked because of the team he plays for but he’s a great goaltender and should be good for at least 25 wins a season even though he plays for Florida.

1st Star – Craig Anderson (G), Colorado Avalanche

For those of you holding your breath waiting for Craig Anderson to fall on his face, I’d suggest to give up and start breathing again because I looks like it won’t be happening. Last week Anderson collected 3 wins while posting a .033 GAA, .988 SAV%, made 80 saves and had two shutouts. It’s no secret that Craig has played amazingly well this year and is a big reason why the Avalanche are this year’s big surprise. Bravo if you were one of the lucky ones to have either drafted or claimed Mr.Anderson off of waivers at the beginning of the season.

Remember to check back in next week to see who the NHL Fantasy 3 Stars will be for Week 17.