*I really like the Sabres schedule in week 11. The toughest checking group they face is a home contest against the Penguins (11th in team defense) and even that looks like it could end up as someplace that your Buffalo forwards and defensemen can accumulate some points.

 

* Start every Panther you would normally use and also look to Florida for some of your spot plays. All four games are against teams ranked 20th or worse in team defense. Florida is by no means an offensive powerhouse but if you were ever going to spot start some of their players this would be the week.

 

* The Rangers schedule looks very favorable this week, but I just can't in good conscience suggest running with too many of their players. Use Marian Gaborik, Vaclav Prospal, and Michael Del Zotto as you always would but even in this four game week temper your excitement as the Blueshirts continue to have trouble scoring anything more than 2 goals most nights.

 

* The Lightning schedule this week looks like a spot to try and avoid. All three games are on the road and all three opponents rank in the top half of the league in team defense.

 

* It's not like you're using a ton of Maple Leafs players anyway this season if you're playing to win but this coming week sets up very poorly. It's a 4 game schedule, but three of the four opponents rank in the NHL's top half dozen defensively. Other than Phil Kessel I'm looking at my other options for the next 7 day period.

 

* This would appear to be a very tough week for the Ducks. They play three contests and the worst of the three opponents defensively are the Canucks who still are 8th best in the NHL defensively. Tread carefully this week with your Anaheim players.

 

* Chicago is playing three times this week all at home. Each of the 3 opponents is a top 10 defensive unit so while I'm not benching my stars, I'm also not looking at any marginal options with them this coming week.

 

* I'd probably be a little cautious with my Kings this week as well . All three contests are on the road and only Edmonton (24th) looks like a solid chance for some scoring.

 

* Phoenix has had trouble scoring much of the year but this week looks like a good place to find a spot play or two if you need an injury replacement or want to look at replacing one of your normal starters with someone with a better matchup. All four games are on the road but Toronto (29th), Columbus (28th), and Anaheim (26th) are all teams that are giving up plenty of goals.

 

* This looks to be an awful week if you need to rely on many St. Louis Blues. It's a four game week but Calgary, Chicago, and Vancouver are all among the NHL top 8 in team defense. With the Blues being next to last in offense it's a smart play to look elsewhere for your production in week 11 .