by Ryan Kennedy - November 23, 2009 11:50 AM EST
Because they'll only get a handful of minutes playing in the professional KHL, Russian youngsters would do well to join the Canadian junior leagues.
I took in a Barrie Colts-Saginaw Spirit game on the weekend, partly because the two Ontario League teams are both having excellent seasons and partly because two dynamic Russians are helping them do so.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 18, 2009 11:45 AM EST
The feisty 17-season veteran brought a leadership element that the Penguins were sorely missing.
As much fun as it may be, the NHL trade deadline rarely produces a positive effect for teams gunning for the Stanley Cup. Sure, every once in a while you get a Butch Goring or Alexander Mogilny, but wantonly grabbing Mike Sillinger or Keith Tkachuk isn’t going to get your name on the Cup when your team has other flaws.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 16, 2009 12:35 PM EST
The one-time 50-goal scorer who was a key in the Dany Heatley trade hasn't been able to get back on track in Ottawa.
When the inevitable Dany Heatley trade went down last summer, it seemed as if the Ottawa Senators had done about as well as they could in procuring Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek and a swapping of draft picks from San Jose in exchange for the perturbed sniper.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 11, 2009 1:22 PM EST
Martin Hanzal and James Wright are two examples of why young players can still be considered a success even if they don't produce impressive offensive totals.
How do you judge the success of a high draft pick? The Penguins are certainly happy they tabbed goalie Marc-Andre Fleury with the first pick back in 2003, while the Maple Leafs love defenseman Luke Schenn for his physical game, knowing he’ll likely never quarterback a power play.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 9, 2009 11:16 AM EST
Historically, the Leafs have only achieved in front of a game-stealer. And looking at his play early on, Jonas Gustavsson might just be that goaltender.
I don't know if half the fun of watching Jonas Gustavsson play net is the fact I get to yell out “The Monster!” every time I find out he is starting, but it certainly doesn't hurt.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 4, 2009 12:05 PM EST
It's seems like a simple equation but teams are continuing to forget that hustle goes a long way towards putting wins on the board.
Hockey, like any sport, inspires a follow-the-leader mentality. Whatever worked last must work best, the logic goes, so it’s not hard to see why teams that skate hard are having a lot of success lately.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 2, 2009 12:30 PM EST
A young Ontario League player lies in critical condition because of a hit over the weekend. But what can be done to stop this from happening?
A lot of furious typing and screeching will come out of the media machine thanks to Michael Liambas’ hit on young Ben Fanelli on the weekend.
by Ryan Kennedy - October 28, 2009 12:00 PM EDT
Sending the first round pick to the American League might be a sound hockey move, but having the youngster turn on the team might be the consequence.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson is apparently not a happy camper right now. The Ottawa Senators prospect, who has three assists through nine games this season, is heading to Binghamton to play with the American League’s Sens; not exactly the destination he was hoping for when he came over from Sweden this summer.
by Ryan Kennedy - October 26, 2009 12:02 PM EDT
The New York Islanders haven't been able to hold onto a lead this season and it might be because they need better two-way play up front.
My Saturday night viewing schedule consisted of the Leafs-Canucks game followed by the horror flick Hostel 2. Guess which one was more brutal and unsettling.
by Ryan Kennedy - October 21, 2009 1:02 PM EDT
When the Atlanta Thrashers named Ilya Kovalchuk captain a year ago both his play and the team's spiked. Can the same happen in Minnesota?
Finally. The Minnesota Wild officially named center Mikko Koivu as its captain Tuesday – a year or two late, but it’s done and we can’t complain anymore.
by Ryan Kennedy - October 19, 2009 8:31 PM EDT
The 12th overall pick in 2008 is crashing the NHL scene in a big way as his all-around game shines through; and the Spits acquire another college player.
BUFFALO – There’s a distinct difference between the focus of a beat writer or local TV crew and a random dude from The Hockey News; this I became well aware of after witnessing the Sabres’ 4-2 loss to Atlanta on Saturday.
by Ryan Kennedy - October 14, 2009 11:50 AM EDT
Several teams are experimenting with putting a giant in front of the opposing goalie... and NHL fan borders.
You know you’ve defined a niche when people start to think of you when that position is mentioned. And while Detroit’s Tomas Holmstrom probably isn’t looking for those type of accolades, there’s no doubt the strategy of parking a big dude in front of the net on the power play can be referred to as the Homer Effect in his honor.
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This Week - Subscribe NowWhich team trailing 3-1 in their series is most likely to come back and win?
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"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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