Brian Costello's Column

THN.com Blog: San Jose’s ultimate test comes Saturday night

THN.com Blog: San Jose’s ultimate test comes Saturday night

by Brian Costello - January 17, 2009 10:29 AM EST

Top of the food chain or future chum? San Jose's tilt against the Wings will define the Sharks' season.
In case the San Jose Sharks didn’t realize it, Saturday’s game at home against the Detroit Red Wings is sure to go down as the most pivotal moment of their season.


THN.com Blog: Steve Mason becoming NHL’s story of the season

THN.com Blog: Steve Mason becoming NHL’s story of the season

by Brian Costello - January 10, 2009 3:20 PM EST

The Blue Jackets rookie goalie is the frontrunner for the Calder, but has also thrust himself into the race for the Vezina and even the Hart.
We're only halfway through the 2008-09 season, but a remarkable, unprecedented hockey story is unfolding before our very eyes.   And we haven't even made a big deal about it yet.


THN.com Blog: Fans fall short in 'People of Power and Influence'

THN.com Blog: Fans fall short in 'People of Power and Influence'

by Brian Costello - December 27, 2008 9:40 AM EST

While fans play an integral role in how a league functions, it's hard to make a case for them being powerful or influential.
What about the fans? You forgot the fans! By far the most frequent question we receive after publishing the annual People of Power and Influence issue is why we don’t recognize the fans on the top 100 list.


THN.com Blog: Nothing beats the powder blues and hockey cards

THN.com Blog: Nothing beats the powder blues and hockey cards

by Brian Costello - December 21, 2008 12:29 PM EST

Watching the Penguins skate in their classic jerseys over the weekend brings back memories of days-gone-by collectables.
It was great to see the Pittsburgh Penguins again wear the powder blues with the circular logo on the chest last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.


THN.com Blog: Christmas gifts for NHLers

THN.com Blog: Christmas gifts for NHLers

by Brian Costello - December 14, 2008 11:33 AM EST

It's better to give than to receive, so here are some wishes for a handful of NHLers in need.
I’m not one of those last-minute shoppers who waits till the final day to cram in purchasing those thoughtful gifts. I get ‘er done early.


THN.com Blog: Retiring numbers about more than just stats

THN.com Blog: Retiring numbers about more than just stats

by Brian Costello - December 7, 2008 10:41 AM EST

To criticize a team for honoring a player who meant a lot to the organization and its fans is just plain wrong.
Of all the hockey world critiques I’ve heard and read from my associates in the media this season, the nastiest and most uncalled for has to do with the honoring of Wendel Clark’s No.


THN.com Blog: Guidolin kept making a name for himself

THN.com Blog: Guidolin kept making a name for himself

by Brian Costello - November 30, 2008 11:36 AM EST

The former NHL coach and player who passed away this week will be remembered for never doing things by the book.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of 82-year-old Armand ‘Bep’ Guidolin this week. We all know his claim to fame as the youngest NHL player ever, but he also struck me as a lonely vestige from the days when rules and regulations were more relaxed in the world of hockey.


THN.com Blog: What to do with 'Too Bad' Lombardi?

THN.com Blog: What to do with 'Too Bad' Lombardi?

by Brian Costello - November 22, 2008 8:44 AM EST

Coming back from injury, the Flames will have to decide where Matthew Lombardi fits into their lineup.
In 1981-82, the Flames picked up a journeyman by the name of Gary ‘Too Bad’ McAdam. Great team player, ‘Too Bad’ was.


THN.com Blog: Super-duper Doughty and other rookie stuff

THN.com Blog: Super-duper Doughty and other rookie stuff

by Brian Costello - November 16, 2008 9:29 AM EST

The Kings freshman blueliner is the Calder race leader... do away with the Makarov rule... and a silly loophole.
I’ve only seen the Los Angeles Kings play a couple of games this season, but I’ve already penciled in the name Drew Doughty next to Calder Trophy on my virtual NHL awards ballot.


THN.com Blog: Patience paying off for Wheeler

THN.com Blog: Patience paying off for Wheeler

by Brian Costello - November 8, 2008 11:40 AM EST

It's been a strange road to the NHL for the Bruins power forward, but Blake Wheeler is now getting an opportunity to show his worth.
There was a noticeable buzz that came over the crowd at the 2004 NHL draft in Carolina after the Phoenix Coyotes made Minnesota high schooler Blake Wheeler the fifth overall selection.


THN.com Blog: Hitting and head shots two different things

THN.com Blog: Hitting and head shots two different things

by Brian Costello - November 1, 2008 10:11 AM EDT

The knee-jerk reaction from some hockey critics to the Doug Weight hit on Brandon Sutter would eliminate hitting from the game.
There’s only one thing sadder in hockey than seeing a player such as Brandon Sutter lose consciousness and sustain a concussion after an on-ice hit.


THN.com Blog: Larionov and Anderson should have company

THN.com Blog: Larionov and Anderson should have company

by Brian Costello - October 25, 2008 10:51 AM EDT

This year's Hall of Fame induction group is worthy, but there was room for two other candidates.
Glenn Anderson and Igor Larionov are very deserving candidates for next month’s Hockey Hall of Fame induction, but they should be part of a foursome.


Which team trailing 3-1 in their series is most likely to come back and win?





"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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