It is now that time of year when the Fantasy playoffs just are nipping at everyone’s heels. With just a few weeks left, if you want to make the playoffs or just want to secure seeding, the little things matter. No one said this was going to be a cakewalk. We are going to preface this post by indicating it will be concise. Why? That is simple.

Players are surprising us and disappointing us like never before. Heartburn is hitting the Fantasy owner along with a side of throbbing panic the likes few have ever seen or can comprehend. The goal this week is to find three players worthy of selection for The Wire Troll as we descend into hockey hell. There really is no more delicate way to put this.

Why do we say such a thing? There are just a few weeks left in the hockey season and the biggest questions I get are why do these injuries keep happening and what can I do for my team? Are you ready? Let’s go!

Ryan Malone, C, Tampa Bay Lightning: Malone is healthy and needs to be placed into your lineup ASAP. In the two games since returning, he has a goal and an assist. More importantly, he has slotted back in with Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos in all scoring situations (including the power play). Malone’s numbers are pretty good and his ownership rate is right around 10 per cent in most Fantasy leagues (but that won’t last). The opportunities will keep coming from a Fantasy standpoint. However, health will remain a question because of the bruising style in which Malone plays. You just have to live with the potential consequences and roll with it anyway.

John Mitchell, C, Colorado Avalanche: Mitchell has relished the role that was almost meant for Steve Downie and turned it into a pretty lucrative payoff for Fantasy owners. He has eight goals in 22 games while producing pretty decent numbers in hits and shots. The pivot also averages right around a block per game which is a modest boost in some leagues. It doesn’t hurt that he owned in less than five per cent of all fantasy leagues across the board (2.1 per cent in ESPN). What are people waiting for? I don’t know. He has been playing pretty big minutes of late and has a respectable +8 for the Avalanche which is another pleasant surprise. Please pick Mitchell up before someone else does!

Matt Cooke, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins: I can see the hate mail coming for this one but the guy has eight points in his last 12 games while firing 20 pucks at goalies over that span. Yes, Cooke’s reputation is well known but if he continues to produce like this while occasionally sniping some top six playing time, it cannot hurt to give him a try. He is owned in less than three per cent of all Fantasy leagues (0.5 per cent in ESPN). You will never see Cooke rack up much in the way of power play time but for a slight rise in your bottom line, he is a guy that can aid your quest for the playoffs.

That is all for this week, so we’ll see you next week on The Wire Troll with more amazing finds. Everyone can follow me on Twitter @ChrisWasselTHW. Good luck!

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Two multiple-point games in the last week got us thinking that maybe Goc was finally over the ankle injury that had dogged him in the early part of the season. Currently he has just seven points in 15 contests this season but five of those have come in the past three. And with Goc’s ownership under 1 per cent and desperate Fantasy owners in need, he may just be that guy for a team dying for a little production with minimal risk. Please remember that these pickups are the lowest of the low as far as a gamble. One can dump them just as fast as claim them without worry. more

It is hard to believe, but Franson is suddenly on fire. Eight points in 11 games has gotten him noticed and for Karlsson owners, Franson is at least worth somewhat of a look. His ownership values are around 15-to-20 per cent and some have not quite received the memo yet. Therefore, you may want to strike before it’s too late. To entice you further, Franson’s ATOI is steadily rising as well which is another reason to at least give him a shot. What is the worst that could possibly happen? Right? Right! more

Can anyone believe this? Greene has always been a pretty good defenceman. He does his job more or less, chips in a few points and does solid work against the other team’s top six when he is on the ice. Greene has eight points (two goals, six assists) in his last five games, but generally shots on goal are not his strong suit — being “ahead of the play” is. The fact that the points are coming is a bit of a surprise but he has definitely worked hard during the lockout. The power play points are a very nice bonus for Fantasy owners. With the schedule getting tougher, and Greene getting more and more ice time, it may be time for him to see top line power play time which will be beneficial to future production. more

There is still a bit of an inkling that Fasth could be the starter at some juncture in Anaheim so it may be a good idea to hold onto him. If he is out there and you have a spot to stash him, now may be the time. You will thank us long term. more