Quick, someone light a fire under the San Jose Sharks!
It can't happen soon enough, as the rotisserie cupboard is full of underachieving Sharks, more than a few of whom can be had at low cost.
Big names like Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo shouldn't be in proximity to a fantasy discount bin, but are. Second-tier star Milan Michalek has also been underwhelming.
Montreal also seems to be floundering along with a few underachievers, such as Michael Ryder and Chris Higgins.
All is not lost, though.
These players are part of a group of 10 who will break out from dismal starts.
Poolies should be able to pick them up at low cost - and sell them high later, if need be.
Top 10 Sleeper and Underachievers (in no particular order):
Patrick Marleau, San Jose — The Sharks' captain has limped along much of the season, with point totals (four goals, eight assists) far off his point-per-game pace of the past two campaigns. If you have him, hold on to him.
Michael Ryder, Montreal — Ryder has scored a pitiful three goals so far this year. The two-time 30-goal scorer is still getting plenty of ice time, so his numbers should improve.
Jonathan Cheechoo, San Jose — You have to wonder if Cheechoo has recovered from a knee injury suffered in 2006-07. There is no way to explain the former 56-goal scorer's paltry three-goal output this year. Relax, he'll get it going.
Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh — He scored his first goal (second overall) in 17 games against Atlanta Nov. 24. Skating on Evgeni Malkin's wing should yield better results than Staal's four points.
Alexander Semin, Washington — Semin is just back from injury, but has just two points in eight games. Last year's surprising comeback player will crank things up.
Johan Franzen, Detroit — Not a huge scorer by any stretch (30 points last year), but Franzen should be better than the lone goal he has posted so far.
Craig Conroy, Calgary — Hasn't underachieved, per se, but being teamed with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay will elevate his totals.
Milan Michalek, San Jose — Michalek's scoring prowess isn't in question (he's second on the team with seven goals) but his assists are down. He had 40 helpers last year, but just two so far.
Chris Higgins, Montreal — Higgins' totals over the past two seasons weren't awe-inspiring, but way more is expected of him this year. He's on the first line, too.
Mark Bell, Toronto — Bell is still shaking the rust off his season-opening 15-game suspension. Lately, he has seen some time on the first line, so his production should increase.