The 2010-2011 Fantasy hockey season has seen everything…and do I mean everything. Just when you think it could not get any weirder, another event occurs that baffles the mind. During times like these we often joke about this mythical Hockey Sandman, but really he is not too far off from some. This is how the cycle kind of goes. It really is like the ocean tides…except less predictable.

This week is more of a history lesson than anything else. Why the lesson first? That is simple, ladies and gentlemen. In order to progress, one must understand how it went wrong in the first place. Names can be protected for the sake of the innocent in these cases only. Imagine being the Fantasy GM with six guys out and only one IR slot. Worse, three of these guys are on that wonderful “can’t cut list” that everyone loves at the start of the season.

Can you imagine how strange it is looking at the way this season has unfolded, Fantasy-wise? Think about it for one second when you get a chance. It is to be said that there are no easy solutions this time of year. Players are not exactly available and teams are definitely taking stock of what they have and need. So there is a direction to go, apparently.

First off, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Sure, for some of us it has been a very tough start, Fantasy hockey-wise, but hey, there are still two to three months left, depending on the type of league you are in. It is often said this is the time of year to make a move because not everyone is paying attention. That has some merit as the time between the Winter Classic and All-Star game can catch some off guard a bit.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are near the NHL Roster Freeze which means for Fantasy owners, it is time to really pay attention because others will not. It never ever fails. What to do in this situation? These are the times that test a man’s soul and then some.

This week will be the same as last week, with our three picks and maybe something extra at the end for those that read down to the very bottom. There can be a level of ecstasy and joy from snagging a player that was coveted on other teams, but you were the fast one on the trigger.