You make your mark in the league. Maybe you're able to stretch out the success over a few seasons. Grab some headlines, win an award or two. But the reality is that most players can't continue this high for long due to injuries, age and changing situations.
With every offer of hope comes a warning of disappointment. So while the previous column highlighted those projected to improve in 2016-17, this one looks at guys destined to hit some sort of roadblock in the coming months.
As with every other recent list, there can be no duplicate examples. And do I really have to remind you about the goalie disappearance?
Shane Doan, RW, Arizona
For someone who dipped to his lowest full schedule point total since 1998-99, preseason projections for Doan remained modest (we quoted 15 goals and 21 assists). But here he is leading the 'Yotes in goals (26) and all remaining forwards in power-play points (17). Assuming the 39-year-old returns for another run, he'll have to fend off the next wave of hotshots (headed by Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini) for offensive opportunities and playing time.
Alex Goligoski, D, Dallas
The Stars' attack encourages everyone to get involved, especially the defense. Goligoski has never been one to shy away from jumping into the rush, so unsurprisingly, he has thrived in this setup (five goals, 29 assists, plus-13). He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, but Dallas will need to fill a few blue-line holes this offseason and probably won't be able to meet Goligoski's asking price if it wants to remain cap-friendly. That means a more restricted system, where his skills will most likely be stifled.
P.A. Parenteau, RW, Toronto
I could've easily included his teammate Leo Komarov (36 points), but Parenteau (37, with five in his last eight) has at least kept up the pace. He should probably thank all the injured and departed players for his success. As is the case for Doan, Parenteau plays on a team loaded with burgeoning young forward talent, so it's only a question of how soon he and others get pushed down the depth chart.
Andrei Markov, D, Montreal
As noted last week, Markov (at 37) is not the youngest blueliner on the block. One can't blame the Russian for the Habs' rapid decline, though his stats have recently taken a hit (one in nine). Even while Markov is faltering, he still can be expected to produce at an adequate rate (40 in 76 isn't terrible, although it's a step down for him). But his place on the front row is in jeopardy with Nathan Beaulieu and others in the pipeline aiming to push him out.
Kris Versteeg, RW, Los Angeles
Versteeg caught the eyes of Fantasy owners in November and December while excelling in Carolina (a stretch of 11 in 12). Even though the vet subsequently slumped and was dealt to LA (three in his last 15), he's still being counted on to contribute to another prolonged playoff tour. Versteeg is set to hit the market this summer, so good luck predicting where he'll land or how many points he'll net. Just don't assume another early hot streak this fall.
(Dis)honorable mentions: Francois Beauchemin, D, Colorado; Trevor Daley, D, Pittsburgh; Frans Nielsen, C, NY Islanders; Dale Weise, RW, Chicago; Justin Williams, RW, Washington
This week's key matchups
The playoff seeds are filling up fast. Who's moving up? Who's crashing out?
Tuesday/Sunday: Colorado vs. St. Louis x2. If the Avs even want to consider playing past mid-April, they'll have to hope for at least a split versus the defensive fortress known as the Blues.
Wednesday: Washington at Philadelphia. Even though the Flyers squandered a chance Saturday, they host a Caps squad that has clinched the East and accordingly taken its foot off the pedal.
Friday: Minnesota at Detroit. The Wild have won five straight and look to have pulled away in the wild-card race. Meanwhile, the Wings are on the outside looking in and hoping to avoid another home embarrassment.
Sunday: Boston at Chicago. Entering March, the Bruins and Blackhawks appeared to be sitting pretty in their respective conferences. Fast forward to the present and both clubs are looking over their shoulders at oncoming divisional rivals.
