Midseason fixes for NHL teams in the playoff hunt
Given how tightly packed the standings are thanks to the number of loser points being handed out on a nightly basis, there’s an opportunity cost in procrastinating until the Feb. 24 deadline. Each passing day makes it that much more difficult to gain ground in the standings, meaning even more value for shrewd general managers […]
Continue readingReport: Sharks’ Logan Couture expected out up to 6 weeks with broken ankle
Couture is expected to miss up to six weeks with a fractured ankle that he suffered Tuesday night in the Sharks’ 3-2 loss at the St. Louis Blues, TSN reported. Couture was in a walking boot after the game. He awkwardly slammed his left leg into the end boards in the second period. The 30-year-old […]
Continue readingNHL Rookie Rankings: Rangers’ Adam Fox gaining ground in defense-loaded rookie group
Fox was the flashy offensive defenseman who led Harvard in scoring and was one of the final three Hobey Baker finalists last season. His production made him the big name. Marino, was right behind him on the depth chart but made a much bigger defensive impact for the team. Marino’s career high in points with […]
Continue readingThe NHL’s best and worst this week: Who can pull off a St. Louis Blues-like run?
So which team has a chance of repeating that success this season? Here’s how teams currently not super secure in a playoff position stack up, in four different tiers. Los Angeles Kings Anaheim Ducks New Jersey Devils Detroit Red Wings Ottawa Senators Sure, three of these teams (Ottawa, New Jersey, Detroit) are where the Blues […]
Continue readingIlya Kovalchuk active in debut for Canadiens
Montreal’s coach was honest and sincere about expectations for his newly signed veteran forward as his team fights to get back into playoff position in the Eastern Conference. But he also knew that Kovalchuk hadn’t played meaningful hockey in nearly two months. “We’re giving him a great opportunity,” Julien said, “and hopefully, he responds.” So […]
Continue readingCapitals rally from 2 down in final minute to beat Sharks
WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals never believe they’re out of a game. On Sunday, they showed why. Lars Eller scored with 2:59 remaining in overtime after the Capitals rallied from two goals down in the final minute of regulation, completing a stunning 5-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks. T.J. Oshie tied the game with […]
Continue readingMissing passport costs G Casey DeSmith call-up to Penguins
The Penguins wanted to promote DeSmith from the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for Saturday’s game against the Canadiens while they let Tristan Jarry rest at home before hosting Florida on Sunday. Pittsburgh called on DeSmith, who has played 50 games for Pittsburgh over the past two seasons, but the 28-year-old couldn’t find the paperwork to travel internationally. […]
Continue readingNHL experts buy/sell Panthers as a top Atlantic team, Jets trading for a defenseman and more
In this edition, we’re buying or selling: The Panthers as a top-three Atlantic Division team The Red Wings as the worst team of the past five years A goalie shift for the Penguins The Jets as a defenseman-seeking trade deadline buyer Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Sell, but only because the teams the Panthers will […]
Continue readingNHL Awards Watch: Nathan MacKinnon has Hart; new Jack Adams leader
Here’s the NHL Awards Watch for January. Again, this is a prediction of how I expect the voters would consider the current candidates, as well as a look at their merits. Keep in mind that the Pro Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) votes for the Hart, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng; broadcasters vote for the […]
Continue readingIslanders’ Adam Pelech out for season with Achilles tendon injury
The Islanders said Pelech suffered the injury prior to Thursday’s game against the New Jersey Devils. Pelech did not play in the 2-1 loss, missing his first game of the season. Pelech, 25, had posted one goal and eight assists in 38 games this season. He had been averaging 21:08 in ice time per game […]
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