Joe Thronton, San Jose Sharks, Leads Fantasy NHL's Week 4 Hot Players

Analysis of the past week’s hottest and coldest players in Fantasy NHL at each position.

One player per position who is either exceeding or failed to meet his preseason fantasy expectations.

No player is included or excluded based on name value, simply who is performing toward the top of his respective position.

Defenseman: Jack Johnson, Los Angeles Kings

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 21: Jack Johnson #3 of the Los Angeles Kings shoots the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on October 21, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Kings 4-2. (Photo by Christian Pet

The young defender has been on fire.

In the past week, Johnson has an outstanding six assists recorded.

He is plus-one plus/minus with eight shots on goal.

Johnson only had one assists prior to this week.

Still, he is clearly worth keeping an eye on over the next few weeks as he could be a major asset from the defenseman position.

Goalie: Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 22: Jaroslav Halak #41 of the St. Louis Blues makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Scottrade Center on October 22, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

One of the shining goalies in the last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, Halak has been on a hellacious role this week.

He has three wins, giving him five on the year.

In the past two games, he recorded two shutouts.

Prior to that, he only gave up two goals against the high-powered Chicago Blackhawks.

Halak is clearly in a zone right now and must be entered into all fantasy lineups.

Left Wing: Andrei Kostitsyn, Montreal Canadiens

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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 15: Andrei Kostisyn #46 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the warmup prior to play against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on October 15, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Montreal won 2-1. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The young winger has been on a tear over the past week.

He has six total goals on the season, four coming in the last three games. He also has an assist in the past two games.

For the week, Kostitsyn is plus-six plus/minus and should be in all fantasy lineups.

Right Wing: Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 22: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on October 22, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

St. Louis continues to get it done each year and is always a reliable fantasy option throughout the year.

For the week, St. Louis has taken 22 shots on goal. He has three goals and three assists, making him plus-one plus/minus.

St. Louis should be a staple in fantasy lineups.

Center: Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

Harry How/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks waits in front of the net against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on September 22, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Thornton bounced back this week in a strong way after making the cold list last week.

He’s been a complete fantasy player, getting it done in all categories.

On October 27, Thornton completed the hat trick and had two assists. He is also plus-two plus/minus for the week.

Expect more for Thronton as the Sharks appear to be heating up.