Ken Campbell discusses the news and events around the NHL and world of hockey

Ken Campbell's Column

Proven winner Patrick Roy worth the risk for Colorado Avalanche

Proven winner Patrick Roy worth the risk for Colorado Avalanche

by Ken Campbell - May 24, 2013 11:36 AM EDT

Hiring Patrick Roy as coach and Joe Sakic in the front office without any NHL experience in those positions is worth the potential payoff for Colorado.
If the Colorado Avalanche handed the keys to the kingdom to Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy with the sole intention of selling tickets, they’ve made a terrible, dreadful mistake.


The evolution of John Tortorella

The evolution of John Tortorella

by Ken Campbell - May 21, 2013 12:39 PM EDT

In Tampa Bay, Tortorella was much more open and friendly with the media than he has been in New York. But the bottom line has always been that the man can coach.
It was the morning of Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup final and John Tortorella was holding his daily news conference after the morning skate.


Big bad Kings play tough, smart hockey

Big bad Kings play tough, smart hockey

by Ken Campbell - May 17, 2013 2:35 PM EDT

The Kings are known for their physical brand of hockey, but they play with a champion-style discipline.
Here’s an interesting query for you to digest as you begin to tuck into the meat of the second round of the playoffs: Take a wild guess how many roughing penalties the Los Angeles Kings have in this year’s post-season.


Bruins show heart of champion in Game 7 win against Maple Leafs

Bruins show heart of champion in Game 7 win against Maple Leafs

by Ken Campbell - May 14, 2013 12:55 AM EDT

Down 4-1 in the third, Boston got serious to mount the comeback. For Toronto, the crushing loss should accelerate their build.
BOSTON – If you’re looking for a turning point in the wildest game of this year’s playoffs, you might be surprised to learn that it came seven minutes into the third period with the Boston Bruins down 4-2 and Milan Lucic headed to the penalty box.


Maple Leafs 'veteran' Jake Gardiner has become a force

Maple Leafs 'veteran' Jake Gardiner has become a force

by Ken Campbell - May 13, 2013 9:38 AM EDT

Though he's just 22 and has only a handful of NHL games under his belt, 'Silver Stick' Gardiner has been golden against the Bruins.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs go into their first Game 7 experience in nine years Monday night, they do so with the comfort that one of their top defenseman is a seasoned NHL veteran and been through this kind of thing many times before.


Canadiens done in by lack of depth and reliable goaltending

Canadiens done in by lack of depth and reliable goaltending

by Ken Campbell - May 10, 2013 2:40 PM EDT

Don't blame injuries on the Habs loss; should there be transparency in award voting?; and bodychecking in minor hockey.
Random thoughts on a rainy Friday: THOSE HURTIN’ HABS Anyone who uses injuries as an excuse for the Montreal Canadiens poor performance during the playoffs was looking at that series through red, white and blue colored glasses.


David Krejci making habit of performing in the playoffs

David Krejci making habit of performing in the playoffs

by Ken Campbell - May 9, 2013 1:47 AM EDT

Boston's underrated skater was the top scorer the year they won the Cup and is burying the Leafs this year.
For years, a lot of people in the hockey establishment who should have known better would peddle complete nonsense when it came to European players in the playoffs.


Tuukka Rask shining against the team that traded him

Tuukka Rask shining against the team that traded him

by Ken Campbell - May 7, 2013 12:09 AM EDT

A few years ago, the Leafs had to choose between two prospect goaltenders, which resulted in trading Tuukka Rask to Boston.
Two years ago, Tuukka Rask watched Tim Thomas go out and win a Stanley Cup for the Boston Bruins. And if Thomas hadn’t taken this season off to focus on “family, friends and faith,” and who knows what else, Rask would probably be at the end of the Bruins bench again this spring.


Senators-Canadiens brawl…what did you expect?

Senators-Canadiens brawl…what did you expect?

by Ken Campbell - May 6, 2013 9:44 AM EDT

When the NHL allows The Code to overrule its rulebook, Sunday night's brawl is exactly the type of thing that happens.
Here we are at Day 7 of the playoffs and the dominant topic of conversation today will be Game 3 Sunday night between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.


Gryba hit, Brown miss a case study on reckless play

Gryba hit, Brown miss a case study on reckless play

by Ken Campbell - May 3, 2013 2:37 PM EDT

Eric Gryba's hit on Lars Eller resulted in a terrible injury, but it didn't appear as premeditated and vicious as Dustin Brown missing Jaden Schwartz.
As expected, the hockey world reacted with passion and volume on both sides of the issue when Eric Gryba of the Ottawa Senators drilled Lars Eller of the Montreal Canadiens with a blow to the head that had devastating results.


Future of Coyotes in Phoenix 'not set in stone'

Future of Coyotes in Phoenix 'not set in stone'

by Ken Campbell - April 30, 2013 3:20 PM EDT

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly talked to THN.com about the Coyotes future, which is uncertain to say the least.
Almost four years after enduring a long and expensive court battle to keep the Phoenix Coyotes out of the clutches of Jim Balisille and after years of insisting the team remain in Arizona, the NHL is showing definitive signs of wavering in its support for a team in the desert.


Seth Jones and the Avalanche a perfect hometown match

Seth Jones and the Avalanche a perfect hometown match

by Ken Campbell - April 30, 2013 12:06 PM EDT

After winning the draft lottery Monday night, the Colorado Avalanche will pick first overall on June 30, where they're expected to pick Seth Jones.
Seth Jones took his first tentative steps as a minor hockey player in Denver and, thanks to some luck in the NHL draft lottery, will have an opportunity to start his pro career there as well.


Which team trailing 3-1 in their series is most likely to come back and win?





"Probably not. Their depth and our play right now...it doesn't look too good."

- Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson, when asked if his team could come back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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