"So we're about a month in to the season now. Who's been the most surprising player?

As far as positive surprises go, I'm going to suggest Thomas Vanek, Alexander Semin and Patrick Marleau. All three players have had success in the past and were coming off down seasons. Despite their collective poor showing last year, they were all considered prime bounce back candidates considering their age and talent level. Vanek's 12 goals put him on pace for a career high. Semin's got an incredible 22 points including 14 goals. Marleau is back to his point per game ways from seasons past, although playing on a line with Joe Thornton can have a positive affect on one's career.

For those of us that didn't draft these guys, we have to strike gold on the waiver wire. Don't forget that last year Thomas Plekanec and Mark Streit basically came from out of nowhere (and likely off your free agent wire) to produce remarkable numbers. Don't pass on guys like my suggestions this week Niklas Hagman and Ryan Clowe because they don't have a flashy name or top prospect status. Successful fantasy hockey waiver pickups are partly about talent but are a lot about opportunity and line mates.

Each week there are some player suggestions that carry over into the following weeks. If you haven't picked them up and haven't read about them in more detail, check out some of previous Power Play Pickups. Guys I suggested in recent weeks (who really shouldn't be available) that are still good bets for production:Bryan Little, Clarke MacArthur, Nikolai Khabibulin, Daniel Girardi and Jaroslav Spacek

Goalies

Kevin Weekes - G - Devils

Last week I neglected to mention Kevin Weekes who officially will play between the pipes in the Swamp for the rest of the season. After the loss of Martin Brodeur to elbow surgery for the next 4 months the Devils may go out and retain the services of another goaltender. It would seem likely they do, as Weekes is a career back up goaltender that may not be able to shoulder the physical weight of playing almost every night. Although I'm not suggesting he's the pickup of the week or anything, be aware that he's the starting goalie for now and needs to be on a roster if only for wins.

Brent Johnson - G - Capitals

Johnson is yet another case of a back up goaltender outshining the starter. Bear in mind Johnson is not someone I think keeps this up all season. However, those who drafted Jose Theodore in the earlier rounds hoping for big win totals have to be kicking themselves now. Theodore is a remarkable talent but he's got some major consistency issues. I felt he was overrated in the pre-season and am not surprised that I'm recommending Johnson at this point in the season. As with any reserve bench spots you can muster, try to reserve at least one for the 'hot' goalie. It's a great way to lower your overall goals against average and a steal a few extra, yet invaluable wins.

Forwards

R