This week in THN: Oct. 31, 2011

2011-10-14 13:38:00

In the Oct. 31, 2011 edition of The Hockey News:

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• Can the Boston Bruins repeat as Stanley Cup champions? The odds are against them, but it’s hard to bet against them, too.

• In his editor’s notebook Jason Kay discusses what the word dynasty means in modern hockey circles.

• The THN Inbox prints the best letters to the editor, displays the results of two online polls and Adam Proteau answers your questions in the Ask Adam mailbag.

• Inside Hockey looks at seven of the top eight 2011 draft picks who cracked the opening night NHL roster and how many of them will remain after nine games; plus-minus highlights the best and worst from around the world of hockey; plus Daryl Reaugh remembers Doris Rubel, a long-time major junior billet organizer.

• In Proteau Type, Adam Proteau writes about the risk the Colorado Avalanche are taking in an effort to make the playoffs.

• Columbus beat writer Aaron Portzline explores Rick Nash and his new center (finally), Jeff Carter.

• In The Straight Edge, Ryan Kennedy writes that fighting belongs in hockey because it’s just enjoyable.

• What would an NHL realignment look like? Adam Proteau proposes a new setup.

• Team Reports looks at Ryan Miller’s goals for a better 2011-12, David Backes becoming the captain in St. Louis, plus we include depth charts complete with cap hits and farm players for each of the NHL’s 30 teams.

• We preview the NCAA season with rankings of the top 25 teams.

• Steve Lepore writes how Game 6 of the 1975 Stanley Cup final made it on to CBS.

• In last minute of play, Larry Humber’s crossword puzzle provides a challenge, Jersey Hound features the ‘O’ttawa Senators and our Blast From the Past showcases a Red Berenson-Pierre Plante faceoff.

• In Overtime, Ken Campbell has heard enough stories of fighters as tragic heroes, after all, they chose to get into the profession.