James Bisson celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1992-93 season with a look back at the most memorable moments of the greatest campaign in NHL history. This edition focuses on future Hall of Fame forward Teemu Selanne, who had a rookie campaign for the record books:

Even before Teemu Selanne laid waste to the NHL as a rookie, the Winnipeg Jets knew what they had in the Finnish superstar.

Not only did the Jets draft Selanne 10th overall in 1988 knowing he'd have to remain in Finland to complete compulsory military service, they also wasted no time matching the Calgary Flames' offer sheet once Selanne became a restricted free agent in 1992. And it was big money for a player who hadn't yet competed in the NHL - three years and $2.7 million in total.

As it turned out, the newly minted Hall of Famer was worth every penny - and then some.

The electrifying winger known as the Finnish Flash put together the most incredible rookie season in NHL history, racking up 76 goals and 132 points to establish a pair of records that haven't been challenged since. In fact, no first-year player has even come within 20 goals of Selanne's mark - making it one of the most incontestable records in league annals.

"I didn’t really realize what happened (at the time)," Selanne said on a conference call to celebrate his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. "Now, the (goal) number is so big ... I really don't know how that happened."

It helped that Selanne had developed his game with Jokerit Helsinki of the Finnish Elite League, and joined a veteran Jets team that would offer plenty of support. Veteran Finnish defenceman Teppo Numminen was a major influence for the rookie, and Winnipeg had potent offensive weapons like Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Zhamnov, and Phil Housley to play alongside him.

It didn't take long for Selanne to make his presence felt; he had points in 11 of his first 12 NHL games, a stretch that included his first career hat trick in a 7-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers and a five-point performance against that same Flames team that had tried to sign him away from Winnipeg. By the end of October, Selanne had amassed 11 goals and nine assists in just 12 games.

A November swoon took him off the 50-goals-in-50-games pace, as he scored just six goals and added five assists in 11 games. But things picked back up in December, as he notched his second hat trick of the season en route to an 11-goal, eight-assist showing in 14 contests. With 28 goals through 37 games, he was on pace to beat Mike Bossy's rookie record of 53.

January brought about an entirely different version of the Finnish Flash - the playmaker. Selanne put together a stretch that saw him record multiple points eight times in a 10-game span, overlapping with a 9-1-2 Jets run. He came out of January with 12 goals and 15 assists in 12 games, lapping the field in the Calder Trophy race - and the best was yet to come.

It was clear by the end of that month that it was only a matter of when - not if - Selanne would break Bossy's rookie mark. But his pace slowed for most of February as he scored just five times over the opening eight games of the month; not surprisingly, the Jets also faltered over that stretch, going on a seven-game winless stretch during which they earned just one point.

But a goal against the expansion Ottawa Senators and another three nights later versus the Vancouver Canucks put Selanne within six of equaling Bossy's 15-year-old record. And then Selanne really turned it on - becoming just the third player in league history to score 50 goals as a rookie with a stunning four-goal performance against the Minnesota North Stars.

Two nights later, needing just three goals to set the mark, Selanne and the Jets hosted the Quebec Nordiques. The video below sets the scene:

After a deft flip of the puck over prone Quebec netminder Stephane Fiset, an elated Selanne hurled his glove in the air and mock-shot it into submission before embracing his teammates as the new rookie goals champion. Seemingly eased of the pressure of chasing Bossy, Selanne not only built on the mark the rest of the season - he made it virtually unreachable.

Selanne would record seven more multi-goal games the rest of the way, finishing March with an unimaginable 20 tallies in 14 games. He added five goals and nine assist in seven April contests to finish tied with Buffalo Sabres sniper Alexander Mogilny for the league lead.

Selanne's 132 points were also a no-doubt rookie record; Wayne Gretzky had 137 points in his first NHL season, but he wasn't considered a rookie by virtue of his 80-game stint in the World Hockey Association in 1978-79. Selanne earned all 50 first-place votes in the Calder Trophy race, easily outdistancing Boston Bruins left winger Joe Juneau.

"What a great memory that whole year was, and how the people in Winnipeg lived it with me, and all the experiences I shared with the fans and the team," Selanne added. "It was something really special that I’m never going to forget."

It was the start of a terrific career for Selanne, who wound up winning three NHL goal-scoring titles, making four end-of-season All-Star teams, and capturing a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. He finished with 684 goals - good for 11th on the all-time list - and 1,457 points in 1,451 regular-season games over his 22-year NHL career.

Those numbers landed Selanne a spot in hockey's hallowed Hall - and his resume would have been good enough even without the contributions from his first season. But it doesn't hurt to be the owner of not one, but two major rookie scoring records that should remain his for decades to come.

Other entries in the series:

• The trade that changed the NHL forever
• Pat LaFontaine piles up the points
• Pat LaFontaine recalls his greatest NHL season
• A Wales of an All-Star rout
• Manon Rheaume suits up for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Mario Lemieux's most magnificent season
• The Toronto Maple Leafs' roller-coaster season
• 1992-93 Revisited: The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part I
• Sad-sack San Jose Sharks set NHL futility record (July 27)
• The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part II (July 27)
• Rocket scientist Juneau was no ordinary Joe (July 28)
• 20 other cool things that happened that season (July 28)
• An oral history of the Cup-winning Montreal Canadiens (July 28)

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

James Bisson celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1992-93 season with a look back at the most memorable moments of the greatest campaign in NHL history. This edition focuses on the Toronto Maple Leafs, who gave fans one of the most entertaining - and ultimately heartbreaking - seasons on record:

Ask a Maple Leafs fan of a certain vintage what he or she remembers most from the 1992-93 season, and you probably won't hear about Doug Gilmour's career-best campaign or Dave Andreychuk's late-season goal binge. Nikolai Borschevsky's franchise-altering playoff goal? Pat Burns' Jack Adams Award-winning coaching performance? Those likely won't spring to mind, either.

No, if you ask that question of a die-hard Leafs fan, you should expect to hear all about Wayne Gretzky, Kerry Fraser, and the blown high-stick call that cost the Maple Leafs a dream Stanley Cup encounter with the Montreal Canadiens.

Yet, to boil the entire 105-game campaign down to that one moment does a great disservice to a Maple Leafs team that arguably remains one of the franchise's best in the last 50 years. And while the Game 6 non-call remains a bitter memory to most fans, the Los Angeles Kings still needed what Wayne Gretzky called "the best game of my career" to finish Toronto off.

While fans couldn't have imagined that their team would reach the Stanley Cup final following a dismal 67-point showing the season before, there was reason for optimism.

Gilmour, who had joined Toronto the season before in a blockbuster deal with Calgary, recorded 49 points in 40 games with the Maple Leafs and looked ready to take a major step forward. Burns was brought in to replace Tom Watt, and instantly brought respectability to the Toronto dressing room after a successful four-year stint with the Canadiens.

Yet, despite improving both on the ice and behind the bench, Toronto languished for the first half of the season, sitting at 16-17-7 following a 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 6, 1993. Less than a month later, Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher pulled the trigger on an other major deal - acquiring Andreychuk, goaltender Daren Puppa, and a 1993 first-round pick from Buffalo in a trade that sent netminder Grant Fuhr to the Sabres.

The trade invigorated the Leafs. Andreychuk scored 25 goals in 31 regular-season games with his new team, while Gilmour racked up 53 points over that same span en route to a 127-point campaign, setting franchise records in assists (95) and points while finishing tied for seventh in league scoring with Sabres superstar Alexander Mogilny.

Most significantly, Toronto caught fire the rest of the way, going on a 20-9-3 run to establish a then-franchise record for victories (44) and points (99). While the offense came to life after Andreychuk arrived, the defense was the real catalyst for the team's dramatic turnaround, as the Maple Leafs allowed the second-fewest goals in the league.

Toronto drew a tough first-round matchup with the rival Detroit Red Wings, who finished four points ahead of the Maple Leafs in the competitive Norris Division. The home team won each of the first four games of the series, but Toronto pulled ahead on Mike Foligno's goal 2:05 into overtime in Game 5. Detroit responded with a 7-3 rout in Toronto two nights later.

The Red Wings led 3-2 late in Game 7, but Gilmour converted with 2:43 remaining in regulation to force OT. And in extra time, Borschevsky scored one of the most memorable goals in franchise history:

The Maple Leafs endured a similarly exhausting series with the St. Louis Blues, who had knocked off the division-leading Chicago Blackhawks in the opening round behind the goaltending of Curtis Joseph. Gilmour's now-famous swerve-wraparound goal in double-OT lifted Toronto to a Game 1 win, but the Blues responded with wins in Games 2 and 3.

Toronto posted convincing 4-1 and 5-1 victories in Games 4 and 5 to take a series stranglehold, but Joseph was at it again in Game 6, turning aside 40 of 41 shots in a 2-1 triumph that sent the series to a seventh and deciding game. And it was then that Joseph's magic finally ran out, as the Leafs shelled him for four first-period goals en route to a series-clinching 6-0 rout.

With a trip to the Stanley Cup final on the line, tensions were understandably high, as the Leafs and Kings kicked things off in Toronto. And while the Maple Leafs emerged as 4-1 victors, the game was remembered for something else - specifically, Kings defenseman Marty McSorley doing this to Gilmour:

The ensuing melee resulted in 57 minutes in penalties, countless cups of liquid tossed onto the Maple Leaf Gardens ice, and the two head coaches nearly coming to blows (leading to a hilarious postgame rant in which hockey personality Don Cherry refers to Melrose as "Billy Ray Cyprus," a not-quite-accurate shot at Melrose's Hall of Fame hockey mullet.)

The Kings earned a split in Toronto with a 3-2 victory in Game 2 on Tomas Sandstrom's goal with 7:40 remaining. Los Angeles pulled ahead with a 4-2 home win in Game 3, while the Leafs responded with a 4-2 triumph in Game 4. That set the stage for a thrilling Game 5, in which Toronto's Glenn Anderson scored 19:20 into OT to put the Leafs within one game of their first Stanley Cup appearance in 26 years.

Things looked good in the early going for the Leafs, who went ahead just 58 seconds into the game on an Anderson goal and jumped back in front nearly four minutes into the second frame after Tony Granato had evened the score just past the midway point of the first. But three straight Toronto penalties - two by Foligno - led to three Kings goals and a 4-2 L.A. lead after two.

Yet, just when it looked like a seventh game was inevitable, Wendel Clark took over. His second goal of the game with 8:52 left in regulation made it a one-goal affair, and he stunned the Great Western Forum crowd with just 1:21 left, converting a Gilmour feed to complete the hat trick. Neither team scored over the final 81 seconds, resulting in a second straight overtime game.

Then, in the early moments of extra time, this happens (or, in the eyes of Kerry Fraser, doesn't happen):

Gilmour went down immediately after taking Gretzky's stick to the chin - but none of the officials witnessed the infraction, as Fraser explains in his captivating recount of the incident for the Players' Tribune in 2016:

I’m starting to think, Did I miss this? I skated to my linesmen and said, “Guys, help me out.” Rob Finn had the balls of an elephant. He said, “Kerry, I didn’t see it. I was looking through their backs.” Kevin Collins, who had conducted the end zone face-off said, “Well … I dunno.” I had to make a decision. In referee school, they hammer it into you: Call what you see. Don’t guess. The honest to God truth is, I didn’t see it. I had to eat it. I said, “No penalty.”

The non-call would change everything. Gretzky scored the overtime winner a short time later, sending the series back to Toronto for a seventh game. Despite the Maple Leafs' best efforts, Gretzky would not be denied his first Stanley Cup appearance in a Los Angeles uniform, recording a hat trick to send the Kings to a 5-4 win and a berth in the championship round.

It was a gut-punch finish to what remains one of the most entertaining seasons in Toronto sports history. The Leafs would reach the conference final twice more over the next 25 years, but failed to advance to the Stanley Cup on both occasions. And while the future in Toronto is bright at the moment, fans of that 1992-93 team will always wonder what might have been.

Other entries in the series:

• The trade that changed the NHL forever
• Pat LaFontaine piles up the points
• Pat LaFontaine recalls his greatest NHL season
• A Wales of an All-Star rout
• Manon Rheaume suits up for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Chris Kontos recalls his historic night in Lightning opener
• Mario Lemieux's most magnificent season
• The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part I (July 26)
• Teemu Selanne's sensational rookie season (July 27)
• Sad-sack San Jose Sharks set NHL futility record (July 27)
• The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part II (July 27)
• Rocket scientist Juneau was no ordinary Joe (July 28)
• 20 other cool things that happened that season (July 28)
• An oral history of the Cup-winning Montreal Canadiens (July 28)

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

James Bisson celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1992-93 season with a look back at the most memorable moments of the greatest campaign in NHL history. This edition focuses on Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux, who stunned the hockey world in more ways than one:

Mario Lemieux did it all during his NHL career.

The towering center won three Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player, six Art Ross awards as the NHL's top scorer, and a pair of Stanley Cup titles in the early 1990s. Just how good was Super Mario? He was immediately inducted into the Hall of Fame upon his initial retirement in 1997 - then came back and played parts of five seasons at an elite level.

Yet, despite years of dominance on par with Wayne Gretzky himself, one Lemiuex season stands out above the rest - not only because of what he accomplished on the ice, but also because of what he endured off it. Imagine a player in today's NHL scoring 160 points in just 60 games - and then imagine that player doing so despite missing nearly two months due to cancer treatments.

Prior to the shocking announcement that Lemieux would be stepping away from the Penguins to treat early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, the 27-year-old was on pace to become just the second player in NHL history to record 200 points in a season. He opened the year with 12 consecutive multi-point games, and finished October with 36 points in just 11 contests.

His torrid scoring pace tailed off somewhat in November - though 29 points in 15 games can hardly be considered a swoon - but Lemieux ratcheted things back up in December, recording eight goals and 28 (!) assists in 12 games to go into the new year with 101 points in 38 games - on track to challenge Gretzky's incredible record of 215 points in a single season.

But just as Lemieux steamrolled his way past the 100-point plateau, he noticed a lump in his neck. Having studied cancer years earlier when his agent's sister-in-law died of the disease, Lemieux knew he had to get it checked out. And when he did, he was floored - a doctor confirmed he was dealing with early stages of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Lemieux began radiation treatment later that month, fully expecting to not only beat the disease, but to return to action later in the season. Doctors were equally optimistic, suggesting Lemieux would be back following his three-to-four-week radiation treatment schedule.

Still, fans and teammates wondered how it would all play out. Would Super Mario be back that season? How long would it take him to rediscover his elite form? Could he lift the Penguins back atop the NHL standings and make a run at a third consecutive Stanley Cup title?

Lemieux answered most of those questions on March 2, in his triumphant return to the Penguins in a game against the state-rival Philadelphia Flyers. He looked like he'd never left, scoring a goal and adding an assist despite undergoing his final radiation treatment earlier that day.

Yet, as great as it was to be back, Le Magnifique had work to do. He trailed Buffalo Sabres star Pat LaFontaine by 12 points in the scoring race - and with Pittsburgh going just 11-10-2 in his absence, the Penguins needed a big finish from Lemieux to land the top spot in the conference.

To no one's surprise, Lemieux obliged.

After being held without a point in a March 5 loss to the New York Rangers, he proceeded to rack up 46 (!!) over his next 15 games, scoring 22 goals and adding 24 assists. The highlight: Lemieux scored eight goals in a two-game span on March 18 and 20, prompting linemate Kevin Stevens to tell the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dave Molinari:

(LaFontaine) is probably a little bit nervous right now. If he can hang onto this lead, it’s a credit to him, but I’ve still got my money on Mario to beat him. And I think he will.

The Penguins won every one of those 15 games to move within one of equaling the league-record winning streak. And with the Rangers on tap again, Lemieux put together a game to remember:

Though he didn't have a point in the rematch with New York the following night, the Penguins still prevailed for their record-setting 17th straight victory. Lemieux added two goals and an assist in the regular-season finale - a 6-6 tie with the New Jersey Devils - to wind up with 69 goals, 91 assists, and a 12-point edge over LaFontaine to win the scoring title.

Yet, despite leading the Penguins to the top record in the NHL, a third straight Stanley Cup championship - which would have been a hell of a capper to the season - was not in the cards. Pittsburgh cruised past the Devils in five games in the opening round, but squandered a 3-2 series lead to the New York Islanders and lost a 4-3 stunner in Game 7 on David Volek's goal 5:16 into overtime.

Still, there was no debating which player was the league's best that season. In addition to capturing his fourth scoring title, Lemieux won his second Hart Trophy while earning the Lester B. Pearson Award for MVP as voted on by the players. He also won the Bill Masterton Trophy, given to the player who "best demonstrates the qualities of perseverance and sportsmanship."

It was a fitting end to an incredible season for Lemieux, who showed the kind of perseverance that made his 1992-93 performance one for the ages.

Other entries in the series:

• The trade that changed the NHL forever
• Pat LaFontaine piles up the points
• Pat LaFontaine recalls his greatest NHL season
• A Wales of an All-Star rout
• Manon Rheaume suits up for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Chris Kontos recalls his historic night in Lightning opener
• The Toronto Maple Leafs' roller-coaster season (July 26)
• The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part I (July 26)
• Teemu Selanne's sensational rookie season (July 27)
• Sad-sack San Jose Sharks set NHL futility record (July 27)
• The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part II (July 27)
• Rocket scientist Juneau was no ordinary Joe (July 28)
• 20 other cool things that happened that season (July 28)
• An oral history of the Cup-winning Montreal Canadiens (July 28)

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When Chris Kontos took the ice at Tampa's Expo Hall on Oct. 6, 1992, nobody could have anticipated that the 29-year-old would erupt for four goals in the first game in Lightning franchise history. I recently spoke with Kontos, now 53 and the president of a digital service company in Midland, Ont., about his history-making night:

Let's start with how you wound up in Tampa Bay in the first place.

The year before, I was with the Canadian Olympic team, and on the way to Albertville, I was battling a small groin injury and the NHL had lent a couple of players to join the team. I guess I was low man on the totem pole - I was cut at the airport flying into Albertville.

Dave King was the (Canadian Olympic team) coach, but (Lightning head coach) Terry Crisp was the assistant - and there's your connection.

What were your initial thoughts on being part of an expansion team?

It was great. I was a seasoned player by then, I had played quite a few years. It was almost having nine lives ... I started with the Rangers, had a stint in Pittsburgh for a couple of seasons, then went to L.A., then the Olympic team. Either my eighth or ninth life was to get a shot in Tampa.

I wasn't a slouch of a player. Even though you get labeled as a journeyman, I was a first-round draft pick, I was skilled, I had talent. I felt I could help, it was just a matter of somebody opening a door. Crispy said, "Sign and come down, and see what happens." So I did.

Did you have a sense beforehand that you were in for a big night?

No, not really. I don't have the stats from training camp, but I was pretty consistent all the way through training camp, which is what opened the door for me to get into the starting lineup.

So let's go over the goals. Take me through the first one.

It was a power play. We were moving the puck around, and I think I just got to the side of the net into a seam where I just kind of went undetected. Rob Zamuner slap-passed it to me and I was at the right place in the right time and just passed it into the net.

On the second goal, you did a great job winning a battle on the half-wall and then headed straight for the net.

John Tucker threw it across to me and I just took a big whack at it. I think the defenseman was trying to block it, and everything kind of went into the net.

What are you thinking about at this point?

The Fairgrounds was sold out, the electricity was great ... you just kind of go with it. Everybody's happy, everybody's pumped. Ed Belfour was the Vezina winner the year before, and we're taking on the Chicago Blackhawks, and we're on the right side of the score.

On the third goal, you happen to swoop into the slot just as the puck is sitting there on a platter for you.

Those kinds of goals are just opportunistic; right place at the right time. I wasn't Brett Hull, I didn't have a 100-mile-per-hour snap shot that put the puck under the bar in the apex of the corner. Just get it on net, follow it up, and if there's a rebound ...

Even when I clinic kids nowadays, I say, "Just hit the net." I think that one went five-hole on Belfour. He came out and his legs were open and I threw a little sauce on it and it went just over his stick and between his legs. If he does get a piece of it, I'm still going toward the net for a rebound. I'd rather hit the net than miss it and have to backcheck. (laughs)

Describe the scene after you complete the hat trick.

My godfather from Clearwater was at the game with his family; he's a Michiganite but he's been down there for 35 years now. When I got the hat trick, he was so excited that he threw his hat on the ice, and the ushers, I guess they were instructed that, if anybody throws anything on the ice, throw 'em out. (laughs) So the usher was like, "Sir, come on, you're out."

I think even (general manager Phil Esposito) saw it and said, "No, no, no! In hockey that's allowed! When someone scores three, that's the tradition! You throw hats!" The Floridians were just so new to hockey; they had a steep learning curve in the beginning but they loved it, because they were right into it. And to start with a 7-3 win was a great way to kick it off.

So, with three in the bag and your team enjoying a four-on-three advantage late in the second, you strike again. Take me through that goal.

That one was just a reaction. Joe Reekie saw me at the side of the net and I just knew it was coming hard enough. I redirected it between my legs to where I thought it was going to hit the net and I squeezed it past Belfour.

I think I had pretty good hands as a player, I had gone on some runs before. I was actually more of a playmaker than a goal-scorer if you looked at my career production, but that's fine.

I can't help but notice that, when the camera pans to you on the bench after each goal, you look mostly indifferent. No smile. Not even a hint of a smile! What was that about?

I had been playing pro for 12 years. I wish I played every game like a 1,000-game player in the NHL, but it was a grind for me. I'd get called up, do my best, if the numbers or the politics weren't right, I'd get sent down. If the contract wasn't right, I'd go to Europe and play, and then come back because somebody else was giving me a shot.

It was a euphoric feeling, just the feeling of being back and trying to make a mark for myself so that I can stay in the NHL.

Where do you keep the pucks from that game?

They were in a drawer in my basement, and then we used to have a backyard rink, and I'm pretty sure they're in the lake now. I think the kids, when they ran out of pucks, would just go look for pucks and grab them. I don't know, I might have them. They had tape around them, but the kids didn't care.

That night kick-started an amazing run in which you scored 18 goals in your first 18 games, prompting me to ask for (and receive) your jersey from my parents as a Christmas gift. What was the key to that run?

I was just doing what I always tried to do. If you look back, when I was in Los Angeles, I went on a bit of a run in the playoffs, and felt like if I was given the opportunity, I thought I could produce. But that's not always the case in hockey. There's all kind of factors that determine whether a guy plays, or doesn't play, or what line he plays on, or how much power-play time he gets.

That's just the way it is. It's no different than a Broadway play where there's the star actors and the supporting actors and the guys behind the scenes. There's a hierarchy - and sometimes you can get into a good position and sometimes you can't.

The Lightning had one of the more interesting seasons of any expansion team in history. What stands out most for you from that year?

The team wasn't built on star-studded names. Crisp had the guys working 100 percent every night. There were a lot of one-goal games. We just did our best.

Other entries in the series:

• The trade that changed the NHL forever
• Pat LaFontaine piles up the points
• Pat LaFontaine recalls his greatest NHL season
• A Wales of an All-Star rout
• Manon Rheaume suits up for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• Mario Lemieux's most magnificent season (July 26)
• The Toronto Maple Leafs' roller-coaster season (July 26)
• The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part I (July 26)
• Teemu Selanne's sensational rookie season (July 27)
• Sad-sack San Jose Sharks set NHL futility record (July 27)
• The Leafs' season as remembered by Doug Gilmour - Part II (July 27)
• Rocket scientist Juneau was no ordinary Joe (July 28)
• 20 other cool things that happened that season (July 28)
• An oral history of the Cup-winning Montreal Canadiens (July 28)

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

James Bisson celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1992-93 season with a look back at the most memorable moments of the greatest campaign in NHL history. This edition centers around Manon Rheaume, who became the first woman to compete with a men's North American pro sports team when she played an exhibition game for the Tampa Bay Lightning:

The final line score might not look that impressive: two goals against on nine shots in 20 minutes of an exhibition game. But for Manon Rheaume, all that mattered was the real result: the 20-year-old had made history as the first woman to appear in a men's professional hockey league.

Not bad for a woman who played in just one major junior game in her career - a stint with the Trois-Rivieres Draveurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in which she received a rude awakening to live action, as she explained to NHL.com's Arpon Basu in a 2012 interview:

I think I finished the second period and I started the third, but I got a slap shot in the third period and it cut my mask. My cage broke and it cut my eye. As I'm playing, I could barely see because the blood was coming in my eye, but I didn't know I was cut at the time and I was wondering what was going on. I kept playing until the whistle, and when the whistle blew I took my helmet off and I had blood all over me. They had to take me out of the game to get stitches.

That high heater to the mush might have knocked her out of action, but it did nothing to sour veteran Tampa Bay scout Jacques Campeau, who sent general manager Phil Esposito a tape of Rheaume's performance from that night. Esposito was suitably impressed - and that was before he discovered that she was, in fact, a female.

With the expansion Lightning set to begin their inaugural season that fall, Esposito realized that bringing in a woman could generate big publicity - so he did just that, inviting Rheaume to camp in Tampa Bay.

Rheaume was no stranger to high-level hockey. She allowed just two goals in three games played while leading Canada to gold at the 1992 IIHF Women's World Hockey Championship in Tampere, Finland, posting a .957 save percentage in the process. But this was different - much different. And at 5-foot-3 and 135 pounds, she and her small stature stood out in a big way.

Esposito dealt with criticism from within the organization over the decision to bring Rheaume to camp. He outlined his response to Basu:

I said, 'Guys, we're an expansion team. We're not going to win (anything) anyways. We need the publicity.' Why do you think I drafted Brent Gretzky in the third round (of the 1992 NHL Draft)? We had to get people in the building. My whole strategy was once we get them in the building to see the game, we've got them. I did what I had to do. No matter what it took, we were going to get it done.

As for Rheaume, she recalled being so nervous "I could barely breathe" in an interview with Lonnie Herman of the Lightning's official website in 2010, but received a wonderful surprise prior to stepping onto the ice for an exhibition game against the St. Louis Blues:

I had a big bouquet of flowers from a Quebec radio station and a card saying 'you can do this, we’re all behind you.' It made me feel great. I had my parent’s support and my friend’s support but to have my home town sending me this and telling me that they are behind me, it made me feel better and helped take the nerves away.

Rheaume showed some early jitters, allowing a Jeff Brown goal from 35 feet out; it still sticks with her, as she shared with Basu:

The long shot (by Brown), I was not happy with that. It was a long shot, it was a little bit outside the blue line, it hit the inside of one pad and the inside of the other pad and went in. It was just one of those fluky goals. But as upset as I was about this goal, every year when I watch the NHL it happens three, four or five times a year. It could have happened to anybody, it just so happens that it happened to me. But, obviously, there was so much on me that day - I wish I had that one back.

A Brendan Shanahan one-timer eluded her later in the period, but that was it - she stopped everything else that was sent her way, leaving to a warm ovation before giving way to Wendell Young for the start of the second period.

Rheaume went on to sign a pro contract with the IHL's Atlanta Knights and suited up for two games with the team, stopping 29 of 36 shots. She would also spend time in the ECHL and the WCHL before calling it quits to focus on her family. Her best stint came with the ECHL's Nashville Knights in 1993-94, when she went 3-0-0 with a 3.64 GAA and a .901 SV% in four games.

While Rheaume's achievement hasn't since been repeated at the NHL level, she inspired countless young girls to take up the sport - and other women have enjoyed success at a professional level even without reaching the top league in the world. Hayley Wickenheiser is the most notable example, playing 23 games for Salamat of Finland's second-division league in 2002-03.

Rheaume told Herman the significance of her accomplishment 25 years ago at Expo Hall in Tampa took a while to sink in:

I had no clue that my life would change the way it did. To be honest with you, I didn’t understand the impact it would have until later in life. Now I have young girls coming up to me and saying, ‘you inspire me.’ I never imagined it would affect so many people’s lives. I had no clue.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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James Bisson celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1992-93 season with a look back at the most memorable moments of the greatest campaign in NHL history. This edition focuses on the 1993 All-Star Game, a one-sided affair in which the Wales Conference steamrolled its Campbell Conference counterpart:

Considering everything else that helped solidify it as one of the greatest seasons in NHL history, the 1992-93 campaign deserved a memorable All-Star Game - and boy, did it get one.

Led by New York Rangers winger Mike Gartner and his stunning four-goal performance, the Wales Conference cruised to a 16-6 drubbing over the Campbell Conference, establishing a single-game goals record that stood until 2015. Gartner wasn't even supposed to play, but was named as a late replacement for teammate Mark Messier, who was nursing a wrist injury.

Gartner's scoring exploits put a cap on one of the most entertaining All-Star weekends in history, even with two of the league's biggest stars out of action. In addition to Messier sitting out, Pittsburgh Penguins megastar and league scoring leader Mario Lemieux was forced to miss the game due to treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Even still, both sides had plenty of star power. The Campbell Conference's starting lineup featured a Hall of Fame sextet that included Chicago Blackhawks netminder Ed Belfour, Detroit Red Wings center Steve Yzerman, and St. Louis Blues sharpshooter Brett Hull. Among the reserves: A Los Angeles Kings trio of Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille, and Jari Kurri. Not bad.

The Wales Conference boasted plenty of firepower itself, headlined by an all-Pittsburgh Penguins starting forward line of Rick Tocchet, Kevin Stevens, and Jaromir Jagr. Gartner was joined on the reserves list by fellow snipers Peter Bondra of the Washington Capitals, Alexander Mogilny of the Buffalo Sabres, and Joe Sakic of the Quebec Nordiques. Equally not bad.

Yet, despite the perceived parity in lineups, this one was over in a hurry. Gartner scored a pair of goals on his first shift, and his hat-trick marker with 6:38 remaining in the first period put the Wales Conference ahead 6-0. He added his fourth of the game 3:33 into the middle frame.

It was a defining moment for Gartner, who spent the majority of his career in the shadows of Gretzky, Lemieux, and others despite reaching the 700-goal plateau. He'd entered the 1992-93 season as the only player in NHL history to register 14 consecutive 30-goal campaigns, and even showed off his wheels by winning the Fastest Skater competition a day earlier - at age 33, no less.

The four-goal burst tied him with Gretzky, Lemieux, and Vincent Damphousse for the most in a single All-Star Game - a mark that's been equaled by Dany Heatley (2003) and John Tavares (2015). Gartner's linemates tried setting him up for a fifth, but it wasn't to be.

While Gartner made the biggest headlines, he certainly wasn't alone. Rick Tocchet (No. 22, shown below) had a pair of second-period goals, including the eventual game-winner just 19 seconds into the frame, while Pierre Turgeon of the New York Islanders added two goals and two assists in the win. Adam Oates of the Boston Bruins chipped in with four assists.

Even defenseman Brad Marsh of the expansion Ottawa Senators got in on the action, tallying at 12:52 of the third period to give the Wales Conference an absurd 15-2 advantage. How significant was that goal? Marsh, the commissioner's pick for the Wales roster, finished his NHL career with just 23 goals in 1,086 games. (Hey, when you're hot, you're hot.)

It was a rough day for the Gretzky-Robitaille-Kurri Campbell Conference triumvirate, which finished without a point. Pavel Bure of the Vancouver Canucks scored a pair of goals in defeat, while Jeremy Roenick of the Blackhawks, Kelly Kisio of the San Jose Sharks, and rookie phenom Teemu Selanne of the Winnipeg Jets each added a goal and an assist.

To no one's surprise, Gartner was awarded All-Star Game MVP honors, taking home a 1993 Chrysler Intrepid for his efforts. And he had a message for the guy whose roster spot he claimed.

"Mark Messier gets a big handshake and a thank you very much," Gartner joked with reporters after the game. "If you're watching, Mess, thank you. I'll buy you dinner for this."

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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James Bisson celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1992-93 season with a look back at the most memorable moments of the greatest campaign in NHL history. This edition focuses on Buffalo Sabres superstar Pat LaFontaine, who reached a point plateau few others have ever visited:

You could easily forgive Pat LaFontaine for feeling like a bit of a forgotten man whenever the 1992-93 season is mentioned.

Between Mario Lemieux's astounding run to the scoring title, Teemu Selanne obliterating rookie scoring marks, and even LaFontaine's own teammate Alexander Mogilny scoring an otherworldly 76 goals, it can be easy to overlook the fact that LaFontaine became just the sixth player in history to record at least 148 points in a single season.

LaFontaine had earned a reputation as one of the league's most dangerous offensive threats well before arriving in Buffalo. The St. Louis native was selected third overall by the New York Islanders in the 1983 draft following a sensational junior career that saw him rack up 234 points in just 70 games with Verdun of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Expectations were high for an Islanders fan base that was struggling with a rebuild after seeing its team win four consecutive Stanley Cup titles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. And LaFontaine made good on his immense potential, recording back-to-back 40-goal seasons in his early 20s before erupting for career highs in goals (54) and points (105) in 1989-90.

But things didn't stay rosy for long. LaFontaine and the Islanders found themselves in a contract dispute following the 1991-92 season, and LaFontaine stayed home rather than report to the team. That spurred the Islanders to make one of the biggest trades in history, shipping him to Buffalo for a package that included former No. 1 overall pick Pierre Turgeon.

Blessed with a fresh start following a sour finish to his Long Island tenure, LaFontaine became an instant hit with the Sabres. He scored 46 goals and added 47 assists in just 57 games with his new team, guiding Buffalo to a playoff spot in the Adams Division. But the run was short-lived, as the Sabres fell in seven games to the rival Boston Bruins.

Hopes were high in Buffalo the following season - and why not? With a forward core featuring LaFontaine, veteran playmaker Dale Hawerchuk, towering scorer Dave Andreychuk, and speedy sniper Mogilny, the Sabres boasted an impressive attack. And LaFontaine wasted no time showcasing that in 1992-93, racking up 29 points in his first 10 games:

LaFontaine went on to finish October with 30 points in 11 contests, putting him on the same level as the league's top scorers. His November pace slowed considerably - he recorded just 17 points in 14 games for the month - but the 27-year-old caught fire again in December and January, piling up 45 points over 27 contests. And the Sabres (26-20-6) were benefiting greatly.

February saw a significant roster shakeup, as the Sabres dealt Andreychuk and goaltender Daren Puppa, along with a first-round pick, to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for veteran netminder Grant Fuhr. The deal sent shockwaves through the division, providing the Sabres with some much-needed stability in goal but carving a major swath through their offense.

Yet, despite the loss of Andreychuk, LaFontaine continued chugging along, scoring eight goals and chipping in 14 assists across 10 February contests. By the beginning of March, he'd built up a double-digit lead in the scoring race over Lemieux, who'd been forced out of action for two months after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early January.

There wasn't much more LaFontaine could have done in March to improve his Art Ross chances; he scored 10 goals and added 18 assists in 15 games, but actually lost ground to Lemieux, who returned to amass an absurd 37 points over that span. And Le Magnifique saved his best for last, adding 19 points in April to LaFontaine's seven, winning the scoring title by 12.

But LaFontaine could hardly be disappointed about the end result: He set franchise records for assists (95) and points (148), while helping Mogilny establish a new team mark for goals. LaFontaine finished third in Hart Trophy voting - behind Lemieux and Doug Gilmour - while also placing third in Lady Byng voting and making the NHL's All-Star second team.

The Sabres, despite losing the final seven games of the regular season, saw a 12-point improvement over the previous campaign - and that earned them a rematch with the Bruins in Round 1. The result was quite different in 1993, as the Sabres swept their rivals out of the postseason behind a one-goal, six-assist performance from LaFontaine.

But that's as far as the Sabres would get, as they ran into a charmed Montreal Canadiens team that won four straight 4-3 decisions - the final three in overtime - to complete a second-round sweep. LaFontaine did his part with five points in the first three contests, but missed Game 4 with a knee injury and wouldn't get another chance to keep Buffalo's playoff hopes alive.

Concussions cut LaFontaine's career short; he played just 194 more games before being forced to call it quits at 33. But with 1,013 points over 865 regular-season contests, he was deservedly inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 - and he'll forever have a place in hockey annals after producing one of the greatest seasons in NHL history.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.

Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for the 11-game main slate on Saturday, April 8 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):

Dynamic Duos

• C Tyler Seguin (94K) and LW Jamie Benn (88K), Stars (vs. Avalanche): Yet another disappointing season draws to a close for the Stars, who will look to take out the frustration of missing the playoffs out on the visiting Avalanche. Seguin and Benn carry plenty of risk given their sky-high salaries, but Colorado is the worst team in the NHL by a considerable margin. Look for the Dallas duo to do significant damage.

• C Sidney Crosby (73K) and LW Conor Sheary (42K), Penguins (at Maple Leafs): When you can get Crosby for less than 75K, you do it, no matter what. The franchise center has 54 points in 36 career points against the Maple Leafs, and is a near-cinch to add to that total with the Penguins' offense humming in the final week of the regular season. Sheary is significantly underpriced as Crosby's primary left winger.

• LW Henrik Zetterberg (66K) and RW Gustav Nyqvist (63K), Red Wings (vs. Canadiens): With Montreal having clinched top spot in the Atlantic Division, the Canadiens are rolling with unheralded netminder Charlie Lindgren in their regular-season finale. The Red Wings are shuttering Joe Louis Arena after this weekend, and will look to give their fans a few extra positive memories. Zetterberg and Nyquist are pricey, but safe.

Goalie Breakdown

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• TARGET - Jaroslav Halak (106K), Islanders (at Devils): The Islanders remain alive in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, albeit by the slimmest of margins. Halak is coming off a 29-save shutout of the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, and has surrendered two or fewer goals in each of his past five games. Given the magnitude of the game, you should expect the best of Halak on Saturday.

• BARGAIN - Connor Hellebyuck (91K), Jets (vs. Predators): This might not seem like much of a bargain, but with 15 goaltenders carrying higher salaries, Hellebuyck is actually reasonably priced Saturday. The 23-year-old has won four of his last five decisions and stopped 29 of 31 shots against Ottawa last time out. The Predators scored five goals on him in mid-March, but at the very least he's a solid candidate for 30+ saves.

• FADE - Frederik Andersen (124K), Maple Leafs (vs. Penguins): If the Maple Leafs are to end their lengthy playoff drought with a victory over Pittsburgh, they'll likely have to score a bunch of goals to do it. Andersen has allowed four goals in two of his last three starts, and has faced 83 shots in two meetings with the Penguins this season. At this price, he's the easiest fade recommendation of the night.

• CONTRARIAN - Charlie Lindgren (75K), Canadiens (at Red Wings): It's unlikely most daily fantasy players will anchor their lineups with a netminder who has played just one game this season. But Lindgren was sensational in his only NHL action, turning aside 32 of 33 shots in a win over Florida on Monday. Detroit has struggled to produce offense this season, which puts Lindgren in decent position to return value.

Bargain Plays

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• C Mikko Koivu (38K), Wild (at Coyotes): Koivu represents tremendous value here, but there's a caveat: The veteran center was given the night off Thursday, so make sure he is reinserted into the lineup before locking him in. If he does return, he has a plus matchup against a Coyotes team that has struggled to prevent goals all season. Koivu has a pair of assists in two meetings with Phoenix in 2016-17.

• RW Brock Boeser (27K), Canucks (vs. Oilers): Boeser has made a nice early impression on Canucks fans, scoring three goals and adding an assist over his first seven NHL games. He has a plum spot on the second line alongside Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi, and also sees time on the first power-play unit. You won't find a player in a better position at this price, so roster him if you're looking to spend up at other spots.

• D Jason Demers (25K), Panthers (vs. Sabres): Most daily fantasy players either spend up for a top blue-line option, or look for the biggest discount they can get. Demers fits the latter bill, as he sees first-pairing minutes alongside Keith Yandle and is also a part of the second power-play unit. He has a good matchup against visiting Buffalo, and the savings will allow you to roster some heavy hitters.

Top Fades

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• C Vincent Trocheck (66K), Panthers (vs. Sabres): There's no good reason to roster a struggling Trocheck, who comes into this one having recorded just four point over his last 12 games. His other stats haven't been that good, either; he's a minus-6 through three games this month and has just eight shots over that span. On a slate this large, you have plenty of superior options at center.

• RW Jordan Eberle (59K), Oilers (at Canucks): A number of Oilers players are enjoying sensational seasons - but for some reason, Eberle isn't one of them. Eberle is headed for a career low in ice time per game, and his point total reflects Edmonton's reduced reliance on him. And while he's far more successful on the road than at home, at this salary, you simply can't trust him to produce.

• D Tyson Barrie (43K), Avalanche (at Stars): Barrie's struggles reflect the Avalanche's season-long doldrums; he has just one goal and 17 assists with an astonishing minus-42 rating in 58 losses this season. With the Stars heavily favored in this one, Barrie is likely headed for yet another disappointing performance. His salary won't necessarily break your team, but you can do much better at his price point.

Contrarian Options

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• C Mitchell Marner (52K), Maple Leafs (vs. Penguins): Choosing just one Toronto center is often the toughest decision Squad Up players have to make. Auston Matthews is the obvious choice most nights, but Marner represents a strong pivot. He has points in four of his last five games and sees enough high-leverage ice time to be a fantasy threat. This game could be a high-scoring affair, increasing his value further.

• LW Jaden Schwartz (66K), Blues (at Hurricanes): Schwartz will likely be passed over by the majority of Squad Up competitors Saturday given his low fantasy points-per-game average relative to his salary. But he is coming off an impressive three-point showing against Florida and is prominently featured on the No. 1 line alongside Ivan Barbashev and Vladimir Tarasenko. He's worth a shot against lowly Carolina.

• RW Phil Kessel (57K), Penguins (at Maple Leafs): With just one goal over his last 24 games, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to roster Kessel over more consistent wing options. But a return to Toronto might be just the thing to invigorate him, and with this game serving as a potential goal-fest, Kessel should see plenty of scoring chances. He's the ultimate contrarian option Saturday.

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Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Thursday, Mar. 9 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):

Dynamic Duos

• C Mitchell Marner (52K) and LW James van Riemsdyk (58K), Maple Leafs (vs. Flyers): Toronto is back in business, ending a five-game losing skid last time out with a 3-2 triumph over Detroit. Look for the Maple Leafs to get back to their high-scoring ways in the comfortable confines of the Air Canada Centre against a Flyers team that ranks among the worst in the Eastern Conference in goals against.

• C Jonathan Toews (68K) and RW Patrick Kane (93K), Blackhawks (vs. Ducks): Toews and Kane don't play on the same line at 5v5, but that doesn't make them any less valuable as a combo play. Both players have been red-hot; Toews has 27 points in his last 18 games, while Kane has put up 21 points - including 14 goals - in his previous 13 contests. This is a high-end pairing, but one with the highest ceiling of the night.

• RW Mark Stone (54K) and D Erik Karlsson (59K), Senators (at Coyotes): Never underestimate the ability of a team already playing for next year to boost the fantasy stats of its opponents. Stone and Karlsson are a reasonably-priced duo with a high ceiling in Arizona; Stone has points in three straight games, and both players had a goal and an assist apiece in their previous meeting with the Coyotes.

Goalie Breakdown

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• TARGET - Thomas Greiss (109K), Islanders (at Canucks): Greiss has been a bit shaky of late, allowing three or more goals in three of his last five games. But none of the teams he faced were as deficient as the Canucks, who rank second from the bottom in shots per game (27.5). The danger here is that Greiss allows three goals on 20 shots, but the more likely scenario is him returning value in all formats.

• BARGAIN - Mike Condon (79K), Senators (at Coyotes): Vegas has the Senators as a comfortable fave in this one, and even with a total of 5 1/2, you should expect Condon to assert himself well in Craig Anderson's absence. His road numbers (9-7-0, 2.79 GAA, .903 SV%) don't inspire a lot of confidence, but a game against Arizona can work wonders for a goaltender's numbers. Fire him up in cash games.

• FADE - Mike Smith (114K), Coyotes (vs. Senators): Condon's Thursday counterpart has a sub-.500 record at home (10-11-3) and has been mostly dreadful of late, surrendering 16 goals over his last four games. He'll likely face a good number of shots, which would, on its own, make him an intriguing contrarian play should he stand on his head. But at this salary, Smith is completely unplayable.

• CONTRARIAN - Calvin Pickard, Avalanche (vs. Devils): A Colorado netminder? What am I thinking? Well, I'm thinking that the Devils have one of the worst offenses in hockey, and are playing on the road two time zones separated from their home arena. Pickard is by no means a sure thing to post 25+ Squad Up points, but if you're looking to zig while others zag, this is the way to do it.

Bargain Plays

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• C Mikko Koivu (36K), Wild (at Lightning): It's hard to believe that Koivu finds himself as one of the lowest-priced centers of the night, but here we are. Having recorded one point in his last three games is certainly a factor, but he had racked up 10 points in seven games before that. He had a goal on five shots last time out against St. Louis, and is terrific value against an underwhelming Lightning defense.

• RW Patrick Eaves (36K), Ducks (at Blackhawks): Eaves hasn't missed a beat since being traded from the Stars to the Ducks, scoring twice and adding a pair of assists in four games with Anaheim. It's unfathomable for him to be priced so low, even with a difficult matchup with the red-hot Blackhawks up next. Take a shot on Eaves if you're playing in a big-money contest and looking for some reliable salary relief.

• D Ryan Suter (35K), Wild (at Lightning): Suter is another player who should probably carry a higher price tag, if only because the sheer volume of ice time he sees often leads to production no matter how well Minnesota plays. Suter has increased his viability with assists in consecutive games, and should see upwards of 28+ minutes Thursday in Tampa Bay. He's a terrific option in all formats.

Top Fades

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• LW Alex Ovechkin (75K), Capitals (at Sharks): This might seem like a great price for a perennial 50-goal stud, but Ovechkin hasn't been that guy for a while now. He has just two goals in his previous 14 games, and has found the back of the net only 10 times in his 31 road games this season. Go ahead and spend away if you think he's due, but that's a dangerous way to use 25% of your cap space.

• RW Kyle Palmieri (77K), Devils (at Avalanche): Palmieri might be one of New Jersey's top scoring threats, but is he really worth a higher salary than all but two forwards on Thursday's slate? Probably not, even with a nice matchup against Colorado. The Devils have been shutout in three of their last four games, and are a threat to post a goose egg on any given night. Fade Palmieri in every format.

• D Brent Burns (68K), Sharks (vs. Capitals): You can't doubt Burns' ability to put up boatloads of Squad Up points no matter the opponent - but with the Capitals boasting the best goal prevention in the league, Burns' whopping price tag is a little too rich for a successful cash game lineup. Burns has just one assist in three games so far this month, and has been held without a goal in six straight.

Contrarian Options

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• C Matt Duchene (52K), Avalanche (vs. Devils): Duchene is ice-cold, having gone eight games without a point while registering a collective minus-6 rating over that span. So at the very least, selecting him is about as contrarian as it gets. And while the Devils get a reputation as a defensive power, they're only middle of the pack in goals per game allowed away from New Jersey (2.76). Try Duchene in a coins-only game.

• LW Taylor Hall (73K), Devils (at Avalanche): If you're going to roster a Devils skater Thursday, make it Hall. He's far and away the most dangerous player on the roster, and has been a bit unlucky of late, going seven games without a goal despite recording three or more shots three times in that span. Colorado is susceptible to the kind of breakdowns that Hall takes full advantage of; he's high risk, but high reward.

• RW Radim Vrbata (67K), Coyotes (vs. Senators): Of all the Arizona players to suit up Thursday, Vrbata is easily the most motivated, as he'll appear in his 1,000th career NHL game. While that alone isn't enough to make him worth rostering, consider that he recently put together a 10-game point streak and sees enough high-leverage ice time to be a threat each and every game.

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Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.

Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Friday, Feb. 3 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):

Dynamic Duos

• C Alexander Wennberg (42K) and RW Cam Atkinson (56K), Blue Jackets (at Penguins): This game is expected to be the highest-scoring affair of the night, which puts all of the key players on the fantasy radar. This combo is far cheaper than it should be, with the Blue Jackets operating the league's best power play (24.6 percent) and the Penguins owning one of the least effective penalty kills (78.6 percent).

• C Sidney Crosby (88K) and LW Chris Kunitz (40K), Penguins (vs. Blue Jackets: Let's not forget the abundance of skill on the other side of the ice. Crosby is a nightly lock, while Kunitz gets a significant boost as the player expected to be promoted to the top line full-time following the injury to Conor Sheary. These two have chemistry, and while Kunitz has lost a step, he represents tremendous value in this one.

• C John Tavares (68K), Islanders and LW Josh Bailey (38K), Islanders (at Red Wings): Deciding between Bailey and fellow LW Anders Lee wasn't easy, but ultimately Bailey has the higher floor of the two players. The former first-round pick is averaging nearly a point per game on the road this season, and has a pair of goals over his last three games. He's also a little less expensive than Lee, making him a better value play.

Goalie Breakdown

• TARGET: Cory Schneider (99K), Devils (vs. Flames): You could really go either way in this one, with both teams ranking in the bottom-10 in goals scored so far this season. But Schneider is the superior option to Brian Elliott by virtue of his 2.40 GAA and .916 SV% in 18 home games, including more than 28 minutes of shutout hockey against high-powered Washington on Jan. 26. Schneider should excel Friday.

• BARGAIN: Brian Elliott (75K), Flames (at Devils): Of course, if you're feeling lucky, you can opt instead for Elliott. The veteran has struggled for most of the season, but is coming off a pair of sensational efforts, stopping 53 of 56 shots in wins over Ottawa and Minnesota. With the Devils having scored the second-fewest goals in the NHL entering Friday, there might not be a better matchup for Elliott than this one.

• FADE: Matt Murray (107K), Penguins (vs. Blue Jackets): Murray would be a steep option on a normal night - but with Columbus and Pittsburgh expected to light up the scoreboard, Murray is even more hands-off. He has allowed nine goals over his last three games, losing two of them - and he was torched for six goals on just 23 shots in his previous meeting with the Blue Jackets. Spend your salary elsewhere.

• CONTRARIAN: Thomas Greiss (87K), Islanders (at Red Wings): With most daily fantasy players opting to either spend up or spend down at the position, you should consider snagging a great low-owned option in Greiss. He has quietly put together a terrific first half, and has allowed just five goals over his past three games, winning all of them. Detroit shouldn't put up much of an offensive fight in this one.

Bargain Plays

• C Ryan Kesler (46K), Ducks (at Panthers): Kesler is one of the more reasonably priced forwards on this slate. He comes in having recorded 40 points through 52 games while averaging nearly 2 1/2 shots per contest. He has also fared well this season against Eastern Conference opponents, recording 17 points in 21 games. If you're looking to spend up elsewhere, Kesler is a fine low-cost center.

• LW Matthew Tkachuk (26K), Flames (at Devils): The points haven't been there for Tkachuk, who has just one assist over his last four games. But he's firing the puck more frequently, racking up 12 shots on goal over that span - and if he keeps it up, the goals will come. The low game total might scare you away, but with Tkachuk earning second-line and second PP unit exposure, you could do worse a near-minimum salary.

• D Zach Werenski (32K), Blue Jackets (at Penguins): Werenski is heating up, having registered a goal and three assists over his past two games. The 19-year-old remains a fixture on both the first pairing and the top power-play unit, which should strike at least once against a weak Pittsburgh penalty kill. Werenski's price tag is perpetually low, and Friday is a great time to take advantage.

Top Fades

• C Connor McDavid (69K), Oilers (at Hurricanes): Yes, it's a little crazy to consider McDavid a fade given his price point (especially compared to Crosby). But the Hurricanes have the best penalty kill in the league by a wide margin (88.7 percent), and that has to be considered even though McDavid does the majority of his damage at 5v5. With an abundance of good, cheap center options Friday, you should look elsewhere.

• LW Johnny Gaudreau (60K), Flames (at Devils): Gaudreau has been in a lengthy slump, recording just seven points over his last 16 games. And yet, he comes in as the second-most-expensive left winger on Squad Up. The Flames have been playing terribly of late - Wednesday's win over the Wild aside - and could find offense hard to come by against the host Devils. Leave him unowned Friday.

• RW Kyle Palmieri (62K), Devils (vs. Flames): Palmieri is coming off a two-goal effort against the Red Wings on Tuesday, and has been halfway decent of late with 10 points in his last 13 games. He has just four goals and four assists in 21 home games this season, and at 62K, you need more bang for your buck. This game could be the lowest-scoring contest of the night, so avoid it wherever possible.

Contrarian Options

• LW Henrik Zetterberg (57K), Red Wings (vs. Islanders): The greybeard winger has come to life of late, recording a pair of multi-point efforts over his last three games. Even with the Red Wings' offense in shambles, Zetterberg has found a way to contribute. He also has a history of success against the Islanders, scoring a goal and adding an assist in their previous meeting this season.

• RW Patric Hornqvist (60K), Penguins (vs. Blue Jackets): Most daily fantasy players looking for a Pittsburgh stack will opt for a cheap left winger to play alongside Crosby - but Hornqvist is more talented than anyone the Pens would consider moving up to the top line. Putting he and Crosby together puts a significant crimp in your budget, but that combo has tremendous upside Friday.

• D Keith Yandle (45K), Panthers (vs. Ducks): Yandle has had solid efforts in back-to-back games, recording a pair of assists against Tampa Bay and earning a plus-3 rating versus Ottawa. He's good for a couple of shots per game at minimum, and he remains a top-tier power-play point producer among defensemen. Best of all, it's likely that almost nobody else will roster him - making him a truly contrarian play.

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