Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast · Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Short Shifts - Chinakhov Sunflower by the Grateful Pens

February 4, 2026·23 min·2 clips

Igor Chinikov leads the Penguins in goals since January 1st, even ahead of Sidney Crosby.

This episode of the Keeping Karlsson Short Shifts podcast, hosted by Lewis Ezekiel, focuses on fantasy hockey news and analysis during the Olympic break. Ezekiel dissects player performances, injuries, and lineup changes to guide fantasy managers. The host begins with a protective poem for NHL players participating in the Olympics, requested by a patron. Anthony Mantha of the Pittsburgh Penguins is a sell-high candidate after losing his top-line and power-play role following Brian Rust's return. Igor Chinakhov leads the Penguins with eight goals since January 1st, scoring five goals and two assists in his last seven games. San Jose Sharks coach David Stofle hinted at significant power-play changes, now deploying a five-forward unit with Will Smith and William Eklund on the flanks. John Klingberg becomes an unpalatable fantasy own after being scratched and practicing on the second power-play unit. Elias Pettersson's alarming cold streak includes zero goals and only nine shots over a recent 10-game stretch. Zach Benson's injury brought prospect Konsta Helenius back into Buffalo's lineup, while Peyton Krebs skated on the top line. Nikita Kucherov is scorching with 71 points in his last 32 games, closing in on Connor McDavid for the league scoring lead. Josh Norris, described as a "sentient Fabergé egg," may not play before the Olympic break despite being close to returning. Logan Thompson is scheduled to return for the Capitals, providing relief after they started Clay Stevenson in back-to-back games. Marco Sturm believes Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha will be eligible for the Olympics, meaning Frazier Minten's power-play opportunity is fleeting. Jack Hughes' latest injury and extensive history could cause his draft position to fall out of the first round next season. Oliver Bjorkstrand has scored eight power-play goals in his last nine, benefiting from Tampa Bay's injuries. JJ Moser is a defenseman to watch, recording three assists, nine shots, and ten blocks over his last four games while logging big minutes. Prospect Zane Parekh returned for Calgary, logging 20 minutes with power-play two time in a game. Florida Panthers injuries could create short-term opportunities for depth players like Evan Rodrigues or Mackie Samoskevich. Cale Makar is enduring a four-game pointless streak, his longest of the season, presenting a rare potential buy-low window. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending data-driven insights with practical fantasy advice. The style is direct and efficient, mirroring the "short shifts" concept, with occasional humorous metaphors. Fantasy hockey managers seeking waiver wire pickups, trade targets, and injury updates will find this episode invaluable. Listeners looking for narrative storytelling or non-fantasy hockey discussion should skip this news-focused analysis.

As heard by us

A brisk fantasy hockey update that turns injury news into short-term roster guidance.

Short Shifts keeps the focus on what matters for fantasy managers: Buffalo's health picture, Logan Thompson's planned return, Josh Norris's uncertain availability, and Nikita Kucherov's scoring run.

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Need a quick read on injuries and short-term lineup value?

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