When you're hot, you're hot -- and the following performers have been extra sizzling of late, if not for months now. But can they be counted on to continue serving up the fantasy heat? My predictions run below. I'm also including a trio of current underachievers, and whether we might anticipate a contrasting positive turnaround in their individual respective fantasy fortunes.
Red hot
Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers (rostered in 83.2% of ESPN.com leagues): Now that's more like it. Following a stretch of (too many) shaky months, the well-compensated netminder is the winner of four straight while posting a .922 SV%. As radio host and former player Jeff O'Neill recently submitted, Bobrovsky is too good of a goalie to be bad for an entire season -- proving the simplest sentiments often ring truest. High-five yourself if you didn't panic and trade off Bob for subpar value earlier when the going got rough. As the Panthers parade themselves into a playoff spot, he could be a fantasy difference-maker -- in the best way -- between now and early April.
Ilya Kovalchuk, LW/RW, Montreal Canadiens (41.5%): With Brendan Gallagher back in the Canadiens' lineup, Kovalchuk bids adieu to his top-line spot adjacent Phillip Danault and Tomas Tatar, joining rookie center Nick Suzuki instead. Considering four of five goals and three of four assists collected since arriving in Montreal earlier this month have counted at even strength, we can probably anticipate a drop-off in overall production (and, yes, I realize he potted a goal assisted by Suzuki on Thursday). The 36-year-old veteran will continue to serve as a regular scoring threat on the power play, but less so when otherwise skating in the Habs' bottom six -- where I believe he eventually settles once Jonathan Drouin returns from injury.
William Nylander, RW/C, Toronto Maple Leafs (98.8%): Rocking a hardy -- and totally unsustainable -- shooting percentage of 24.5%, the Maple Leafs winger has 13 goals (nine assists) in his past 16 games. Before that, he potted only three goals (five assists) in the span of 15 contests. With respect to the common rhythm of ebb and flow, another cooler spell is likely on the way. If there's any thought of trading Nylander for a greater fantasy need, now would be the time -- when another manager is bound to feel extra enchanted by his current numbers.
Alex Pietrangelo, D, St. Louis Blues (99.8%): Scripting the manual on how to perform in a contract year, the 30-year-old is on pace for his most productive campaign yet, 10 full seasons in. He's already eclipsed last year's point total with 42, and the Blues still have 31 games to go. It's not a question of if Pietrangelo reaches 50 for the fourth time in his career, but when. And does he finally hit 60? Without issue, is my guess. The club's captain has been preciously consistent week by week -- just once going two straight games without a goal or assist since the end of November. Cemented on St. Louis' top pair and power play (21 points), he's also shooting more, averaging 3.2 shots per game. As a fantasy manager, I'm not letting this asset loose unless presented with an offer too good to refuse.
Elvis Merzlikins, G, Columbus Blue Jackets (45.3%): What else can we say about the from-left-field dominating play by the Blue Jackets' former backup who largely stumbled his way through the first three months of his NHL career? Not much, aside from again pointing out that Merzlikins is 9-2-0 with a .951 SV% and 1.65 GAA since taking over the No. 1 gig on New Year's Eve. As long as the extended All-Star Game recess doesn't disrupt the spell -- I'm keeping a keen eye on Columbus' first game back in Buffalo on Saturday -- Joonas Korpisalo can forget about waltzing back into the starter's gig once healthy. Barring a dip in performance, the job is Merzlikins' to lose. Give him a look if you need fantasy help in goal.
Zach Parise, LW, Minnesota Wild (78.7%): One of my favorite underappreciated fantasy assets of recent years, Parise surged his way through five games leading into the All-Star break, potting five goals -- four counting with the extra skater -- and one assist. While his current shooting percentage of 16.4% is a titch high, the 34-year-old remains on pace, despite a fairly desolate October, to score 30-plus for the first time since 2014-15. Fact is, Parise would've scored 30 last year, and in preceding campaigns, if not relentlessly badgered by injuries. Well, he's healthy now. That Eric Staal/Parise forward duo could put on some productive show before season's end, while the Wild refuse to toss in the playoff towel.
Jake Virtanen, RW, Vancouver Canucks (21.6%): A few weeks ago, I suggested Virtanen wouldn't be long for joining the Canucks' top six, considering the fashion in which his breakout season was unfolding. And there you have it. Since the end of November, the sixth overall draft pick (2014) has produced at a steady clip -- nine goals and 13 assists in 26 games -- eventually earning a promotion (replacing a struggling Brock Boeser) to a scoring line with Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. Now the 23-year-old has two goals and four assists in his most recent four games. I'm all over Virtanen in all but the shallowest of ESPN.com leagues.
Corey Crawford, G, Chicago Blackhawks (14.4%): To think there was talk -- while the former Stanley Cup champion battled seemingly interminable concussion issues -- that he might be done for good. Fast-forward a short spell and aside tandem partner Robin Lehner, Crawford is doing his part in keeping the Blackhawks in the playoff mix. Following a so-so December, the veteran netminder has been superb this new year, boasting a winning record and .930 SV% through five starts. While limited by his part-time play for now, Crawford's fantasy value would grow significantly in the event of Lehner suffering an injury (nothing to hope for, but it happens). For now, Chicago's 1A serves as a solid streaming or DFS option.
Cold as ice
William Karlsson, C, Vegas Golden Knights (83.8%): Sometimes an injury, when not all that serious, can serve as a minor blessing in providing the opportunity to reset. Before falling hurt (upper-body injury) in mid-January, Karlsson had been plodding along, goal-less in 14 games, having just one assist to show for eight recent contests. Nearly three weeks off should do the former 40-plus goal scorer a world of good, once ready to reengage (soon, apparently). Playing for new head coach Pete DeBoer will only enhance the fresh restart. I have high expectations for Karlsson these final couple of months.
Carter Hutton, G, Buffalo Sabres (24.6%): The opportunity for redemption is at hand. After falling apart in early November, one of the season's biggest fantasy disappointments is earning another chance to make good. The lower-body injury sidelining Linus Ullmark for three to four weeks clears the way for Hutton to prove he can still do the job. Allowing only two goals on 29 shots in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Canadiens was a solid start. Fantasy managers with little to lose might take a flier on the Sabres' No. 1 to start the season, in case the stage is set for a February Renaissance.
P.K. Subban, D, New Jersey Devils (67.7%): It isn't happening this season, is it? Those of us holding out hope that the former Norris winner would eventually rediscover his scoring touch in New Jersey might finally concede it isn't likely. Sitting fourth in scoring among Devils' defensemen -- behind Sami Vatanen, Damon Severson and Will Butcher -- Subban has all of 11 points (minus-16) to show for his dud of a debut with the Devils. He's skating on the second unit for the third-worst power play in the league. Time to check your wire for other options.