NHL's Week 5 Cold Players: Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils, Sidelined In Fantasy

At least one major injury has plagued a player in the recent editions of the Cold Fantasy Players of the Week.

This week is no exception, as a struggling team with a lot of talent lost one of its best players.

Inconsistency and subpar performances from superstars are often expected in this section. Surprising, however, is that one of the premiere rising superstars of the league makes the list.

Defenseman Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 30: Erik Johnson #6 of the St. Louis Blues moves the puck up the ice against Jim Slater #23 of the Atlanta Thrashers at the Scottrade Center on October 30, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The St. Louis defender was injured in practice this week but isn’t expected to miss time.

Regardless, Johnson has been highly ineffective recently.

He may be plus-one, but he has zero goals on six attempts and zero assists.

Unfortunately for his owners, this is what they have come to expect, as Johnson has just one goal, two assists and is plus-one on the season.

If this is the type of performance he keeps up this month, it may be time to cut bait and look elsewhere for production from the defenseman position.

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 9: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a diving save against the Montreal Canadiens at Consol Energy Center on October 9, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Fleury has been disappointing to open the season for someone with his talent and supporting cast.

He is just 1-5-0 on the season, averaging .863 save percentage and 3.35 goals against.

Fleury lost his last start, giving up three goals on 24 shots against him.

For now, keep Fleury on the bench until he and the rest of the Penguins heat up.

Center John Tavares, New York Islanders

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UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 29: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders skates against the Montreal Canadiens at the Nassau Coliseum on October 29, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Tavares was expected to shine in his sophomore season with the Islanders. He's been solid for the Islanders, leading the team in goals. However, he’s had a rough week.

In his last four games, Tavares has failed to record a goal. Somehow, someway, the rising superstar is minus-six.

He did have an assist on November 4, so hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

Right Wing Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning fends off Jarret Stoll #28 of the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Staples Center on November 4, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Martin St. Louis was so amazing last week that his weak Week 5 was predictable.

He has failed to record a goal on 10 attempts. He has just one assist and is minus-one.

Clearly, St. Louis is too good to keep out of lineups and should bounce back immediately.

Left Wing Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils

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NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils warms up before a game against the Buffalo Sabres on October 23, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The Sabres defeated the Devils 6 - 1. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Im

Parise was having an okay season.

Now, he’ll miss at least three months after undergoing knee surgery.

Owners need to hang on to Parise, as he is too talented to drop. Owners now have to hope he can return to form to help them make a fantasy playoff push.

Parise recorded three goals and three assists and he's minus-one on the season.