NHL Playmakers and Haymakers: March 1-7

Here is a brief run-down of the NHL's weekly frivolities, so put down the pistachios and pay attention.

Last 10 Streaks

On Fire: Pittsburgh Penguins (8-1-1)

On the Wire: Tampa Bay Lightning (2-6-2)

Bushwhack: New York Islanders (4-1-1)

Three Playmakers of the Week

1. Jarome Iginla (CGY-RW): Iginla went berserk, bagging five points against the Lightning in an uncontrolled scoring spree which lead to an 8-6 loss for the Flames. He then went on to throw snake-eyes again in the goals column against Ottawa.
2. Eric Staal (CAR-C): Staal has been on a rampage since Valentines' Day, but he wasn't even close to done. He scored a touchdown against the double-A Tampa Bay Lightning in a 9-3 mashing on Saturday.
3. Vincent Lecavalier (TB-C): The man from Ile-Bizard sure isn't going away softly. Ask and you shall receive, as Lecavalier has dialed in points in four consecutive games including a double dip in Calgary.

Three Clearance-Priced Playmakers of the Week

1. David Moss (CGY-RW): Moss the Maniac will be showing up in Senators' dreams for weeks. He plastered Ottawa in three different ways - on the power-play, at even strength, and into the yawning empty net. Three goals on four shots equals "Get him the puck!"
2. Loui Eriksson (DAL-LW): Eriksson has been shooting to kill, throwing up four goals in four games. Park it and shoot it, Loui.
3. Mark Recchi(BOS-RW): The Recchin' Ball puts up numbers no matter where he plays. After a Promethean-like five point performance in Calgary, he joined up with the Bruins to bag two more goals.

Three Smoke Grenades of the Week

1. Ryan Getzlaf (ANH-C): Getzlaf has been absolutely dismal over the last few games, both losses for the Ducks. Registering a total of one point in his last five, Getzlaf can't seem to find the net either. Zero shots on net in three of five won't cut it.
2. Brian Rafalski (DET-D): Rafalski has been a pivotal piece of the Red Wings' defense, which has now allowed eight goals twice in as many days. After completing a five game point streak, Rafalski has now gone five more without registering a point, unless you count his primary assist to Rick Nash in Detroit's 8-2 loss to Columbus.
3. Scott Niedermayer (ANH-D): Niedermayer has disrespectfully played 25 and 28 minutes in his last two games, both losses. In all that ice time, Niedermayer has located the opposing net once for zero points. I would happily take his salary to stand on the ice and watch the puck go into my own net.

Three Haymakers of the Week

1. Krys Barch (DAL-RW): The Stars winger has now thrown the laundry in three straight games, fighting Sheldon Brookbank, Sean O'Donnell and Brad Staubitz.
2. Ben Ondrus(TOR-RW): Ondrus began his 2008-09 season in style. First, he danced with Matt Bradley in a victory over the Capitals. Second, he mixed it up twice in a loss to Edmonton and also added a two minute roughing minor for good measure.
3. Shea Weber(NSH-D): Weber was head-hunting in several ways over the past week. He not only did the rope-a-dope with Jason Strudwick and R.J. Umberger, he also delivered some missiles for shots that would give any goalie the shivers.

Goalie of the Week

Marc-Andre Fleury (PIT-G): Fleury has now won six straight games, giving up a goal or less in four of those wins.