
Ryan Kennedy discusses the news and events around the NHL and world of hockey
by Ryan Kennedy - February 8, 2012 1:24 PM EST
The 26-year-old defender has had a breakout defensive system just when the team needed him to.
Some teammates call him ‘Laddy,’ others go with ‘Smidder.’ But ‘savior’ wouldn’t be too far off the mark this season, either.
by Ryan Kennedy - February 1, 2012 1:25 PM EST
The two hockey loops have always competed for players, but now it looks as though they'll cross territories.
It’s no secret tension between the NCAA and the Canadian League has been high in the past couple years, but just wait until the next few seasons.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 29, 2012 7:03 PM EST
While the game isn't the most attractive to hardcore hockey fans, this year's All-Star Game provided some fun moments.
Ottawa - You can't expect the NHL All-Star Game to be a compelling, white-knuckle affair. Sure, the score might be close at the end, but drama is not the order of the day.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 25, 2012 2:29 PM EST
Even though he's not having a great season, Alex Ovechkin is still a draw the NHL needs on this stage.
As the fourth sport in North America’s Big Four, hockey must rely a lot on momentum when it comes to exposure in the U.S. Basketball lockout? Great for NHL momentum.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 18, 2012 1:05 PM EST
Not only has Jaroslav Halak the game that made him a fan favorite in Montreal, but Brian Elliott has also been one of the league's best.
Don’t look now, but the St. Louis Blues are making things very interesting at the top of the Western Conference. Technically the Notes are fourth, but St.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 11, 2012 2:50 PM EST
Even though he's not a point-producer, Shawn Thornton has made Bruins fans fall in love with him because of his rough play.
Former Peterborough Petes GM Jeff Twohey recruited a lot of great talent during his tenure with the venerable Ontario League squad, but one story sticks out in particular.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 8, 2012 10:20 AM EST
The Anaheim Ducks have struggled mightily this season, but with so much talent, this is just an aberration.
Every year there’s at least one completely competent team that, for whatever reason, goes in the toilet.
Take, for example, the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006-07 and last year’s New Jersey Devils.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 6, 2012 5:30 AM EST
The Swedes completely shut down the Russian Machine in an overtime win that was the country's first WJC gold since 1981.
If Canada needed a blueprint to beat Russia, it came a game too late, as Sweden showed how it’s done in the final game of the World Junior Championship in Calgary.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 5, 2012 10:40 AM EST
A number of draft-eligible players are showcasing their skills at the international event, but who helped and who hurt their ranking?
Though the World Junior Championship is widely regarded as a tournament for 19-year-olds, this year in particular has featured some of the top draft eligible talent available for 2012.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 4, 2012 5:55 AM EST
The two powerhouses reached the gold medal game after unfortunate luck and lackluster effort conspired against Canada and Finland.
For the two teams who fell in the semifinal of the World Junior Championship in Calgary, some very harsh “ifs” loom over their heads.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 3, 2012 1:09 PM EST
While Russia squeaked by the Czech Republic in overtime, the Finns got past the Slovaks in a game all about offense.
In an unpredictable tournament, Calgary got a pair of dream semifinal games thanks to quarterfinal victories by Finland and Russia. The Finns now take on archrival Sweden, while Russia renews acquaintances with Canada.
by Ryan Kennedy - December 27, 2011 1:19 PM EST
Both Minnesota and Florida have a bright future based on the talent playing in the WJC alone.
Of all the proud papas at the World Junior Championship this year, I’d have to think Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher and his Florida Panthers counterpart Dale Tallon have the most to brag about.