The Ottawa Senators' injury problems have been well documented this season, and Milan Michalek has found himself on that laundry list more often than not.
That said, there's still time for Michalek to boost your fantasy squad in a big way down the stretch.
After finishing tied for 11th in the NHL last season with a career-high 35 goals, the Senators forward has seen action in only 17 of his team's 42 games during this shortened season. But while it's been a lost season in that regard for fantasy owners who drafted him, his effectiveness when in good health should not be questioned by owners looking to add him on the waiver wire.
Michalek was recently sidelined for 15 games following knee surgery, but returned last Friday and has recorded a goal in each of his first two games back. He also missed nearly a month due to the same injury before a brief return on March 6 for two games, after which he required surgery. Despite his knee issues, Michalek has tallied at least a point in his past five games overall. It's his second five-game point streak this season, an impressive feat that proves he has displayed offensive flair when in the lineup.
The 28-year-old was slotted back into Matt Cubeta's updated top 100 forward rankings this week, and with good reason. With both left and right wing eligibility in Yahoo! leagues, Michalek warrants much more ownership than he currently holds (31 percent).
Ottawa hosts the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs to close out the week and still has six games remaining this season (T-2nd most in NHL), meaning there's a great chance Michalek can provide point production if your team remains alive in your league's fantasy championship round.
Michalek also posted seven PIMs and eight shots on goal in 27 shifts against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, numbers that no fantasy owner could resist.
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