Thin Blue Line: Johnson finally shining

Victoria Matiash says that Erik Johnson's breakout season shouldn't be a surprise, only that it was a year later than expected.

...photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Thin Blue Line: Thrashers stepping up

Victoria Matiash praises the Atlanta Thrashers' defensemen, specifically Tobias Enstrom, in this week's rankings.

The Thin Blue Line: Souray back

Victoria Matiash discusses the return of Sheldon Souray to the lineup in her weekly roundup and ranking of fantasy hockey defensemen.

Depleted defenses ripe for the picking

College Football Challenge: Week 11 preview

...photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Thin Blue Line: Fantasy wasteland

Victoria Matiash looks at the latest among fantasy defensemen, noting the Hurricanes' slow start has hurt the values of Joe Corvo and Joni Pitkanen.

...Stadium on November 1, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 34-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

...Stadium on November 1, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 34-21. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Thin Blue Line: Myers here to stay

Victoria Matiash adds Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers to her rankings but warns readers to keep their expectations reasonable for the 19-year-old rookie.

...Ballpark on March 6, 2009 in Goodyear, Arizona. The Brewers defeated the Indians 17-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Thin Blue Line: Shuffling Canucks D

Victoria Matiash establishes the pecking order for Canucks defensemen in her weekly news, notes and rankings of the position.

...the Phoenix Desert Dogs at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on October 16, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Thin Blue Line: Sharks D in flux

When a player emerges on an already strong team, his minutes and production must come at the expense of others. In San Jose, Jason Demers' emergence means Rob Blake's decline is expedited that much more.

...against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on October 16, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images