Ken Campbell's Column

Bourque mystery concussion a troubling sign

Bourque mystery concussion a troubling sign

by Ken Campbell - February 26, 2013 4:40 PM EST

News came out today the the Canadiens Rene Bourque had suffered a concussion and didn't know how. More proof of how little we know about head injuries.
As the dreaded ‘C’ word, and by that we mean concussions, begins to rear its ugly head in a prominent way, the Montreal Canadiens and left winger Rene Bourque received two bits of very disturbing news Tuesday.


Sabres GM Darcy Regier concerned about equipment safety

Sabres GM Darcy Regier concerned about equipment safety

by Ken Campbell - February 22, 2013 3:20 PM EST

Buffalo's GM spoke with our senior columnist about player safety and his concerns over the level of protection.
Had a very interesting conversation with Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier Thursday night and no, it wasn’t about his team’s coaching situation.


Maple Leafs, Canadiens lifted by excellent coaching

Maple Leafs, Canadiens lifted by excellent coaching

by Ken Campbell - February 19, 2013 1:05 PM EST

As both sides of hockey's historical rivalry are off to great starts, the men behind the bench deserve praise.
Yes, all is well in the world when the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs are going. Makes a guy pine back to the Original Six days of the 1960s when the two iconic franchises won the Stanley Cup nine times in 10 years.


Kane's criticisms, Melnyk's outrage and celebrating Maple Leafs champions

Kane's criticisms, Melnyk's outrage and celebrating Maple Leafs champions

by Ken Campbell - February 15, 2013 3:05 PM EST

Ken shares his views on the news, from Evander Kane's comments to THN, Melnyk's reaction to Karlsson's injury and more.
On the eve of another busy weekend, we present Friday’s News and Views: News: Evander Kane of the Winnipeg Jets tells The Hockey News that “a good portion” of the criticism he receives and the controversy surrounding him is because he’s black.


Leafs have improved because of toughness, not fighting

Leafs have improved because of toughness, not fighting

by Ken Campbell - February 11, 2013 4:20 PM EST

The Leafs may be a league leader in fights, but that stat has no relation to their 7-5-0 start.
If you listen to the drooling praise of Canada’s national broadcaster, you’d be convinced the Toronto Maple Leafs are a better team this season because they finally became the team Brian Burke envisioned.


Tolling Tim Thomas, fighting rises, and sacred goalies

Tolling Tim Thomas, fighting rises, and sacred goalies

by Ken Campbell - February 8, 2013 2:27 PM EST

the Islanders acquired Tim Thomas to get room above the cap floor, but how long can they use it for?; plus looking at fights and goalie interference.
Some Friday musings for your dining and dancing pleasure: ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END When Tim Thomas was traded to the New York Islanders Thursday, there were reports that the Islanders would be able to “toll” Thomas’s $5 million cap hit in perpetuity.


How the NHL can relocate the Coyotes and get its expansion money, too

How the NHL can relocate the Coyotes and get its expansion money, too

by Ken Campbell - February 4, 2013 3:50 PM EST

A "relocation fee" could be the key behind getting a franchise - or franchises - in Seattle, Toronto or Quebec City?
It’s safe to say that, short of giving the Phoenix Coyotes away for nothing, the NHL has done its part to keep hockey in the desert.


Capitals should lean on Alex Ovechkin in all situations

Capitals should lean on Alex Ovechkin in all situations

by Ken Campbell - February 1, 2013 10:56 AM EST

Something has been off with Washington's star this year and to get him out of the funk, coach Adam Oates should rely on him more.
To these eyes, Alex Ovechkin looks like a worn-down, defeated man. On and off the ice. The same player who used to play like a man possessed now gains the neutral zone with almost no speed.


Galchenyuk, Gallagher bring promise, excitement to Canadiens

Galchenyuk, Gallagher bring promise, excitement to Canadiens

by Ken Campbell - January 30, 2013 12:59 AM EST

The two rookies are off to great starts, but with success comes greater responsibility and pressure.
MONTREAL – When Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuk both cracked the roster of the Montreal Canadiens this season, it presented the players with an intriguing problem.


Markham arena deal gets messy as NHL looks on

Markham arena deal gets messy as NHL looks on

by Ken Campbell - January 28, 2013 4:15 PM EST

With a vote on whether or not to strike down the current deal looms on Tuesday, city councilors debate the use of public money and more.
My guess is that a 20,000-seat arena will be built in suburban Toronto and at some point it will attract either an existing or expansion NHL franchise to the world’s most underserviced hockey market.


NHL teams wise to play cautious with prospects

NHL teams wise to play cautious with prospects

by Ken Campbell - January 24, 2013 11:30 AM EST

History has proven that slowly developing your young players is always the better option than bringing them along too quickly.
NEW YORK – Exactly what a player such as Nino Niederreiter has done to merit making a trade demand is one of the great mysteries of this season.


Devils machine keeps chugging without Parise

Devils machine keeps chugging without Parise

by Ken Campbell - January 23, 2013 11:05 AM EST

Even after losing a star, New Jersey hasn't missed a beat. But, really, should anyone be surprised anymore?
NEWARK – Contrary to popular belief, the New Jersey Devils are not a bunch of automatons. Too much personality. But you’d be excused for thinking that GM Lou Lamoriello spends his time in some elaborate control room in the Prudential Center meticulously guiding all the movements of his players.


Was Raffi Torres' hit on Jarret Stoll worthy of a suspension?




"That hockey game will haunt me until the day I die…"

- Toronto's Joffrey Lupul reacting on Twitter to his team's meltdown loss in Game 7 to the Boston Bruins.

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