This Week in THN: Nov. 30

More players are getting crushed by big hits, but why?

Pick up a copy at your local newsstand, buy it digitally, or subscribe at thehockeynews.com today!

In the Nov. 30 issue of The Hockey News:  

• We grind it out along the boards and examine why hitting is leading to so many more injuries in today’s game. Ken Campbell’s cover story delves into how hits and physical play have evolved over time.   

• In Overtime, Ken Hitchcock gets defensive with Eric Duhatschek. The Columbus Blue Jackets coach clears up misconceptions on what playing ‘D’ first really entails.

• In Proteau Type, Adam Proteau isn’t pining for an NHL All-Star tilt this season.

• In the Slot, Ken Campbell says there’s no less respect in the NHL now than there’s ever been.

• Inside the NHL, Glen Metropolit’s third-line pivot act on the ice morphs into his routine as king of the one-liners in the dressing room. Top 5 dishes it out to the most effective bodycheckers.

• Plus/Minus has the best and worst around the league.

• In Crowd Shots, we present the best Letters to the Editor, Adam Proteau answers readers’ questions in Ask Adam and Edmonton prospect Ryan O’Marra recalls his first NHL game in Fresh Legs.

• Ryan Dixon aims our Olympic Tracker at the reigning gold medalist, Team Sweden. Even with stalwarts like Peter Forsberg and Mats Sundin watching from the couch, they can’t be counted out.

• NHL Team Reports turns on the GPS to pinpoint each team’s Crossroads.

• The International Report showcases Brynas goaltender Jacob Markstrom, a 19-year-old whose stellar play might land him on Sweden’s Olympic team.  KHL Notes updates the coaching situation at Dynamo Minsk, continuing financial problems and Lithuania’s plans to get a KHL team.

• In Prospects Unlimited, Wisconsin Badgers’ captain Blake Geoffrion is the latest in a growing number of NHL draftees staying in school to complete their degrees. Russian born Ivan Telegin’s North American style of play makes him an easy fit for the Saginaw Spirit. Ty Wishart of the Norfolk Admirals doesn’t feel the weight of being a first round draft pick and San Antonio’s Sean Sullivan ignores labels and adapts his style.

• Inside the Numbers yields some surprises in terms of which age group produces the most points.
• Jason Kay dons a Darwinian-hat in support of hockey evolution, not revolution.

• Last Minute of Play features Charlie Teljeur’s hockeysockpuppettheatre cartoon, Larry Humber’s hockey crossword puzzle and Ryan Kennedy’s Jersey Hound showcases the Saskatoon Blades homage to Remembrance Day.

Pick up a copy at your local newsstand, buy it digitally, or subscribe at thehockeynews.com today!