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NHL superstar roundtable: Must-see teams, summer highlights, rule changes, trade reactions
HENDERSON, Nev. — It was an eventful offseason for NHL players, with high-profile trades and surprising free-agent signings. Not to mention those weddings, bucket list golf outings and scooter rides along the Amalfi Coast. ESPN reporters Ryan Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski caught up with over a dozen stars at the NHL Player Media […]
Continue reading2022 Stanley Cup playoffs: Breaking down all 16 teams in the NHL postseason
The matchups and storylines are set as the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs get underway this week, with the last team standing hoisting the cherished chalice sometime in late June. Will that be the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are looking to become the first team to win the Cup in three consecutive seasons since the New […]
Continue readingNHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus the biggest decision for every team
For this week’s Power Rankings, we identify the big decision on tap (either in the coming weeks or this summer) for all 32 teams. How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those […]
Continue readingNHL playoff watch standings update: Pacific contenders clash as Kings visit Oilers
L.A.’s remaining core from the Stanley Cup championship teams — Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Jonathan Quick — has helped bring along the club’s promising batch of young players perhaps more quickly than some expected. GM Rob Blake did not push all of his prospect chips to the middle of the proverbial table for […]
Continue readingKaplan: Answering 20 big questions heading into the season’s final months
We also have the old guard standing tall. The veteran two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning refuse to go dull, while Alex Ovechkin is playing like a man on a mission in his age-36 season, as he stares down Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. There’s also a new group of elites — the Colorado Avalanche, […]
Continue readingThe first decade of the NHL’s Rule 48: How it completely changed the league’s trajectory
“I’m Brendan Shanahan, the National Hockey League’s senior vice president of player safety …” Shanahan was 42 years old in 2011. He had retired from a Hall of Fame career two years earlier, taking a job with the NHL. In June 2011, he helped create the league’s first Department of Player Safety. It wouldn’t just […]
Continue readingFantasy hockey: What to expect from the Seattle Kraken
But how should we handle the impact of a brand-new NHL team? Fun. Free. Easy. Create or join a league and play ESPN Fantasy Hockey! Sign up for free! Luckily, we have a recent example to draw on. So let’s have a look at the Seattle Kraken’s roster, how the Vegas Golden Knights did in […]
Continue readingFantasy hockey – What to expect from 2021 NHL draft picks … and when
With few exceptions – while knowing a surprise or two is undoubtedly to fall out in training camp – we’re largely looking at most recent draftees blossoming in seasons beyond 2021-22. But that doesn’t mean only dynasty/keeper managers should hold interest. Even in re-draft or limited keeper leagues, it’s never too early to look ahead, […]
Continue readingNHL Power Rankings: 1-31 poll, plus the biggest trade-deadline sticking point for every team
How we rank: The ESPN hockey editorial staff submits selections ranking teams 1 to 31 — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated in the list featured here. Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to our Week 11 edition, published on March 31. Points percentages are […]
Continue readingHave the Los Angeles Kings arrived ahead of schedule?
“I mean it sucks, to be completely honest with you,” Carter said. “Those are guys we had won with, have great relationships with still to this day. It’s not easy to see guys move. It’s definitely not easy for a team that has won before, seeing the direction that it’s going.” GM Rob Blake knew […]
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