Unlike the traditional playoff format, the league is running a 24-team tournament, with 12 teams from each conference playing in fan-less arenas in Toronto (for the East) and Edmonton, Alberta (for the West). The top four teams in each conference are in the round of 16, and seeds 5 through 12 will square off to […]
Continue readingThe NHL is set to return from its monthslong pause because of the coronavirus pandemic. The postseason will be played out with a 24-team format, with 12 teams from the Eastern Conference skating in Toronto and their Western Conference counterparts heading to Edmonton, Alberta. Some have said this format could be the greatest NHL playoffs […]
Continue readingMartin Jones, San Jose Sharks (55.2%): What can I say? One the league’s most volatile netminding assets has been a fantasy dream for three weeks now. Since re-seizing the reins from Aaron Dell, Jones is 4-2-0, including two shutouts, while boasting a .947 SV%. Out of the playoff hunt (so no pressure!), the Sharks have […]
Continue readingRecency bias is very much a thing, considering that the ballots aren’t sent out until near the end of the season and the votes are sent in right up until the first game of the playoffs. This is especially true of the Hart Trophy race, for which players such as Taylor Hall, Corey Perry and […]
Continue readingBackup Anton Khudobin, who joined Bishop in Tuesday’s morning skate, will start against the Oilers, and Dallas will protect Khudobin with AHL call-up Jake Oettinger. Bishop is 21-14-4 with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage this season, and has been a key cog in the Stars’ run to the postseason. As play […]
Continue readingWith that attitude in mind, let’s take a look at who needs to be on your roster for the stretch run. Dominik Kubalik, W, Chicago Blackhawks: He won’t be rostered everywhere, but Kubalik needs to be in lineups. Since Jan. 1, he trails only Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov in points per 60 minutes at […]
Continue readingNow that the 2020 NHL All-Star Weekend is in the rearview mirror, the league’s trade season is underway in earnest. The next several games for each team will be pivotal, as general managers decide whether their teams should be buyers, improving their chances for the Stanley Cup playoffs, or sellers, perhaps accelerating rebuilds. Get caught […]
Continue readingIlya Samsonov, GSAA: 5.26, Washington Capitals (48.7%): After registering his first shutout versus the Hurricanes Monday, Samsonov is scheduled to make his inaugural back-to-back NHL start Thursday. Capitals coach Todd Reirden: “I just thought he obviously played phenomenal last game. … I think he’s earned it. Now it’s a chance to for him, again, to […]
Continue readingJason Zucker, LW/RW, Minnesota Wild (55.1%): In wanting to mention his return from injury, I’m bending my own rules here in including a player rostered in more than 50% of ESPN.com leagues. Before fracturing his fibula in mid-December, Zucker cobbled together 12 goals and 12 assists in 34 games. Back on a Wild scoring line […]
Continue readingWhether you’re a die-hard follower of pucks, someone who just watches the Stanley Cup playoffs, or are brand-new to the sport, we’ve got you covered as you get ready to watch the event on New Year’s Day. Why were these teams and this venue chosen? What do the special uniforms look like? Which players are […]
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