Rory Boylen discusses the news and events around the NHL and world of hockey
by Rory Boylen - April 23, 2013 3:55 PM EDT
Making the case for why this should be a goalie's year for the Hart - and why Sergei Bobrovsky and Antti Niemi lead the charge.
Sidney Crosby, John Tavares and Alex Ovechkin have received most of the attention for this year’s Hart Trophy and each can make a strong case for MVP.
by Rory Boylen - April 11, 2013 5:35 PM EDT
Jimmy Howard's new six-year pact with the Wings was a good investment for a team moving to a new generation of players.
"Sometimes, there's a man, well, he's the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that's The Dude." – The Big Lebowski
When you enter into a long-term contract with a goalie, you better be sure you know what you’re getting.
by Rory Boylen - April 9, 2013 4:01 PM EDT
Remembering the shot blocking outrage nearly one year on from last playoff season; why Ovechkin shouldn't be shocking; and more.
A few thoughts about shot blocking, Alex Ovechkin and the Winnipeg Jets this week:
• Remember last playoffs when the anti-defense establishment was railing against shot blocking and how it was “ruining” playoff games by denying scoring chances?
(Aside: Geesh.
by Rory Boylen - April 2, 2013 4:40 PM EDT
Do the Leafs still need a goalie?; why would the Coyotes deal Yandle?; Sharks should explore Thornton; and more.
When a pending free agent with zero goals ignites a bidding war on the trade market, you know it’s the silly season. Apparently there was a bidding war for Ryane Clowe and the Rangers got him at a potential cost of two first round picks with hope he can help ignite their offense.
by Rory Boylen - March 26, 2013 5:05 PM EDT
Signing Semin for one year was a good move, but for five?; Is Jon Cooper the right call in Tampa Bay?; and more.
Two good trades by the Penguins with an eye towards the Cup, a coach replacement and a huge contract signing have set the stage for the NHL’s home stretch.
by Rory Boylen - March 19, 2013 1:40 PM EDT
While Anaheim is dominating the NHL now, they're a year removed from being a lottery team and poised to start promoting more of their prospects.
When this season finally got underway, many hockey pundits were already looking forward to the off-season, giddy with the prospect of both Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry hitting the open market with a chance to define unrestricted free agency under the newest CBA.
by Rory Boylen - March 15, 2013 11:45 AM EDT
Take fighting out of hockey? Heck no. But staged fights should go and here's an idea on how to achieve that goal.
“Gross misconduct penalties shall be assessed where a person conducts him or herself in a manner as to make a travesty of the game.” – Gross misconduct penalty wording in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Rulebook.
by Rory Boylen - January 29, 2013 4:45 PM EST
Carolina's goalie has a Stanley Cup ring, but has only reached the playoffs once since then. Is he an elite goalie or not?
In relation to his goalie brethren, where does Cam Ward belong? Opinions vary drastically.
“Upper echelon, but not top five,” one Twitter user chimed in.
by Rory Boylen - January 15, 2013 4:00 PM EST
To expect all hockey fans to hold a grudge against the NHL is a fool's game. Now that the NHL is back, all will be forgotten.
If you became numb to the mere mention of disclaimer, revenue sharing and contract term limits, you’re not alone.
If you turned to poker, junior hockey or the American League for post-work television or live-action entertainment, you’re not alone.
by Rory Boylen - January 8, 2013 12:20 PM EST
Think the shortened 2013 season should be considered tainted? Results from 1995 say otherwise.
When the expected 48-game NHL season kicks off Jan. 19, the margin for error will be slimmer than we’re used to. Whereas a five-game losing skid could be just a blip on the radar for a playoff team in any other year, it could spell the end of its Stanley Cup hopes in a shortened season.
by Rory Boylen - December 18, 2012 4:55 PM EST
So much ground has been made in the CBA negotiations is it really worth losing a season over? In the NHL, any outcome is possible.
I was a big-time pessimist from the beginning of this labor dispute, but I’ve (foolishly?) come over to the optimists’ side in recent weeks.
by Rory Boylen - December 4, 2012 3:05 PM EST
Lockout thoughts, from the big markets to Wednesday's board of governors meeting.
Thank goodness for the opening of the outdoor rinks in Toronto and the World Junior Championship at the end of the month. The lockout was starting to wear down my hockey soul, but those two pieces of entertainment will rejuvenate it some.
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This Week - Subscribe NowWhich team will win Game 5 of the Los Angeles-San Jose series?
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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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