by Ryan Kennedy - January 8, 2012 10:20 AM EST
The Anaheim Ducks have struggled mightily this season, but with so much talent, this is just an aberration.
Every year there’s at least one completely competent team that, for whatever reason, goes in the toilet.
Take, for example, the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006-07 and last year’s New Jersey Devils.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 6, 2012 5:30 AM EST
The Swedes completely shut down the Russian Machine in an overtime win that was the country's first WJC gold since 1981.
If Canada needed a blueprint to beat Russia, it came a game too late, as Sweden showed how it’s done in the final game of the World Junior Championship in Calgary.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 5, 2012 10:40 AM EST
A number of draft-eligible players are showcasing their skills at the international event, but who helped and who hurt their ranking?
Though the World Junior Championship is widely regarded as a tournament for 19-year-olds, this year in particular has featured some of the top draft eligible talent available for 2012.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 4, 2012 5:55 AM EST
The two powerhouses reached the gold medal game after unfortunate luck and lackluster effort conspired against Canada and Finland.
For the two teams who fell in the semifinal of the World Junior Championship in Calgary, some very harsh “ifs” loom over their heads.
by Ryan Kennedy - January 3, 2012 1:09 PM EST
While Russia squeaked by the Czech Republic in overtime, the Finns got past the Slovaks in a game all about offense.
In an unpredictable tournament, Calgary got a pair of dream semifinal games thanks to quarterfinal victories by Finland and Russia. The Finns now take on archrival Sweden, while Russia renews acquaintances with Canada.
by Ryan Kennedy - December 27, 2011 1:19 PM EST
Both Minnesota and Florida have a bright future based on the talent playing in the WJC alone.
Of all the proud papas at the World Junior Championship this year, I’d have to think Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher and his Florida Panthers counterpart Dale Tallon have the most to brag about.
by Ryan Kennedy - December 14, 2011 1:05 PM EST
There were a few surprise cuts and some interesting trends as Canada finalized its roster for the annual event.
Team Canada’s world junior roster is now set and though there are always surprises, there is also obvious logic in the final choices. Let’s break down the final cuts, shall we?
Hockey Canada just doesn’t love Ryan Murphy
The Carolina Hurricanes first-rounder seemed to be a natural heir to WJC legend Ryan Ellis, who played a similar undersized dynamic offensive role on the blueline.
by Ryan Kennedy - December 7, 2011 1:20 PM EST
Do politics play a role for certain countries when they choose their rosters for the world juniors? Let's hope not.
Someone always has to stay home. It’s a fact of life a team can only have so many members and those talented enough to play outnumber the spots available.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 30, 2011 12:36 PM EST
Canada will once again ice an imposing lineup at the annual junior tournament, but they'll also have a problem that's been familiar recently.
With the release of its preliminary camp roster for the World Junior Championship, Team Canada’s architects can give themselves a pat on the back - just in time to feel the arrows coming from the pundits.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 28, 2011 12:10 PM EST
With the Hurricanes struggling and showing no signs of turning a corner, the team had little choice but to dump its coach
Paul Maurice seems to have a certain shelf life as an NHL coach. Today in Carolina it expired. Maurice, who led the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup final in 2002, was fired and replaced by Kirk Muller, formerly an assistant with the Montreal Canadiens and the head coach of the American League’s Milwaukee Admirals until the hiring this morning.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 25, 2011 10:20 AM EST
The Penguins netminder has a way to go yet, but if he keeps on pace, he'll eventually pass his idol.
PITTSBURGH – Lost among the throngs of reporters proselytizing over Sidney Crosby’s performance in his 2011-12 debut (and rightly so – I was doing it too) was the fact Penguins netminder Marc-Andre Fleury posted a shutout in the 5-0 whitewashing of the New York Islanders.
by Ryan Kennedy - November 21, 2011 11:05 PM EST
The Penguins captain fit in seamlessly in his return and the city of Pittsburgh welcomed him back.
PITTSBURGH - With less than six minutes ticked off the clock in his return to hockey, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby charged down the right side, fended off New York Islanders defender Andrew MacDonald and roofed a backhand over rookie netminder Anders Nilsson.
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This Week - Subscribe NowAll things considered, how would you rate this NHL season?
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“I think when you’re at home the first two games, sometimes you get a little bit too comfortable at home. Then you come on the road, maybe it’s like a rude awakening…We’ve had three series to figure that out, learn it. We definitely want to be better (Monday), especially in the first game on the road.”
- Chicago's Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks are 0-3 in Game 3s this playoff.
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