by Ryan Kennedy - May 6, 2011 12:10 PM EDT
With their power play and big trade acquisition still floundering, things can only get better for Boston as they chase the Stanley Cup.
The drama that enveloped the first round of the playoffs has been largely replaced by its polar opposite in the second; a sweeping vacuum of lopsidedness and foregone conclusions - not that fans of the winning teams mind that in the least.
by Ryan Kennedy - April 29, 2011 11:18 AM EDT
Barry Trotz is always mentioned among the best coaches in the game, but until he got a playoff round win under his belt, his bark was bigger than his bite.
If you’ve ever wondered how The Hockey News comes up with consensus picks for items like our Yearbook rankings or playoff winners, let’s just say it’s not always a smooth process.
by Ryan Kennedy - April 22, 2011 12:14 PM EDT
The Hawks took a step back this season because of salary cap moves, but it won't be long before they're back to where they were last season.
The Blackhawks aren’t dead yet. Sure, they could be after Game 6 or Game 7 – heck, maybe they even pull off a Philly-over-Boston miracle and make it to the second round.
by Ryan Kennedy - April 8, 2011 1:40 PM EDT
Nashville Predators rookie Blake Geoffrion is the latest in a long line of NHLers from his illustrious family.
It seems like a lifetime since the Nashville Predators drafted their first homegrown player - and no, it wasn’t Bubba Berenzweig; he was born in Illinois and selected by the Isles.
by Ryan Kennedy - April 1, 2011 1:31 PM EDT
The Michigan program has been a success for more than two decades and the one common denominator through it all is its bench boss.
When the Michigan Wolverines take on North Dakota in the Frozen Four next week, the program will do so with the knowledge that experience will not be a weakness for the Maize and Blue.
by Ryan Kennedy - March 25, 2011 12:19 PM EDT
It looks as though the Big Ten will take to the ice in 2013-14 and when it does, it will do wonders for hockey exposure at the NCAA level.
The Big Ten Conference is a go. There is some paperwork to be completed to make it official, but the powerful NCAA league is coming to hockey in 2013-14 and the ramifications are obviously huge.
by Ryan Kennedy - March 18, 2011 11:49 AM EDT
Once thought to be spoilers themselves, the Devils' surprisingly amazing run has been tested by the East's true spoiler team.
While the miraculous run by the New Jersey Devils has been one of the top stories of the season’s second half, there’s a certain bent irony in the fact the only team that has beaten Jacques Lemaire’s crew this month is Ottawa – and the Sens have done it twice.
by Ryan Kennedy - March 11, 2011 11:45 AM EST
Every year the question is asked if the Sharks can overcome past disappointments. The difference this year is they had to fight through the regular season first.
Lost in all the early playoff prognostications – which see the high-flying Vancouver Canucks looking like a very strong option to represent the West for the Stanley Cup – is the fact the same ol’ San Jose Sharks squad that always had the big question mark hanging over their collective heads is back and playing well.
by Ryan Kennedy - March 4, 2011 1:10 PM EST
More than just player health concerns, the NHL stands to lose a lot of business if concussions go unchecked - but what can be done?
In the latest edition of The Hockey News, writer Adam Proteau tackled the hot issue of concussions and head shots, surveying a group of experts from across the spectrum in an attempt to cast light on what can be done to curb the malady.
by Ryan Kennedy - February 25, 2011 12:10 PM EST
The old debate of size vs. skill will pop up again in the 2011 draft, where plenty of undersized scorers will be available.
By now, it’s been well established that smaller players can thrive in the NHL. Brian Rafalski, Martin St-Louis and Brian Gionta lead the charge, while Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe head the next wave.
by Ryan Kennedy - February 18, 2011 1:00 PM EST
Far from making major moves to take a Cup run the Ducks are adding complementary pieces and, as long as Jonas Hiller can get healthy, that's all they'll need to do.
With the acquisition of agitating left winger Jarkko Ruutu the Anaheim Ducks have clearly sent a message to the rest of the West that they are in this season to win it and it won’t be fun to meet them in the playoffs.
by Ryan Kennedy - February 11, 2011 11:36 AM EST
As the Dallas Stars make a surprise run at the playoffs, it's the development of players such as Loui Eriksson that's helping the team along.
DALLAS - It’s not hard to figure out why the Dallas Stars have been a surprise contender in the West this season. Though the team has admirable depth, the top line of Brad Richards, Loui Eriksson and James Neal has done the most damage offensively and Eriksson in particular is having a breakout season.
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"Last year we came in as maybe an underdog, quietly. Got off to the right start just because teams weren't really ready for us. But this time around that's not the case. They realize we are a good team and they're ready to go against us, right off the get-go."
- Los Angeles' Colin Fraser. The Kings have lost two in a row and are now tied 2-2 in their series against the San Jose Sharks.
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