A Christmas gift has appeared under the tree a few weeks early for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and you cant scold the Pens for greedily ripping off the wrapping paper. No, you cant keep Evgeni Malkin under wraps until Christmas. Beset wi...

Sutter, Devils move on With the New York Rangers in Calgary Saturday night, MSG Network spoke to Calgary Flames coach Brent Sutter about his departure from behind the New Jersey Devils bench after last season, resigning June 9. "I...

All hail the King Henrik Lundqvist reached a milestone in Sundays 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins, earning his 150th victory -- and 21st shutout -- as a Ranger. "It was a fun game," Lundqvist said. "This is what I was use...

GET WELL PAT! Reading about Pat Dapuzzos continuing efforts to come back from severe facial injuries suffered on Feb. 9, 2008 isnt pretty to be sure. "After 24 years, my career as an NHL linesman was over in an instant," Dap...

Remembering The Big Whistle Back in the day, I never saw Bill Chadwick officiate a game, but I sure did listen to him during his career as a television analyst on New York Rangers telecasts. "The Big Whistle" passed away Satur...

Just as a society benefits from the diversity of its citizenry, hockey teams benefit from a diversity of skill sets. A team needs a goalie who can stop pucks, players who can pass, shoot and score, and players who can defend their teammate...

"I thought the kid played great and helped us win a hockey game. He gave us some energy and he made a couple of great plays. He could have had a couple of goals in the game and made several other good plays. He was responsible, and even t...

"Hes capable of great performances and we know that so we have to be good defensively ourselves. We have to get a lot of pucks to the net and make him work.  We were able to do that last game and were going to have to do that tonig...

IN AND OUT Flyers forward Danny Briere, who has missed the last four games with a pulled muscle in his leg, will play Thursday against Ottawa. Coach John Stevens likely will start Briere at right wing on a line centered by Jeff Carter....

"Hes become an Army chaplain now. Hes a man of strong faith and family values. I couldnt be more proud of him as a man." -- Brian Leetch on his brother, Eric Leetch Great trees have great roots and that, as much as anyth...

"I think we all have hundreds of trades that run through our head. I know I do. Even if they dont happen, its still fun to think about them." -- Don Waddell TORONTO -- This weeks NHL General Managers Meeting here produced ...

Mike Komisarek knows a little bit about pressure. In seven NHL seasons, he has had just two homes, and each is in the running for the most demanding place to play in the NHL. Komisarek, an American from West Islip, N.Y., broke into the ...

NHL NETWORK UNMASKS THE MASK November 1, 1959 became one of the landmark moments in NHL history when Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante revolutionized his position -- and the sport -- by donning a facemask. Plantes mask, in addition t...

Wayne Gretzky broke a slew of records during a singular Hall of Fame career that literally rewrote the NHLs record book, but none were as bittersweet as the biggest record of them all -- the career points total. Twenty years ago today -- Oct. ...

HELSINKI -- There is no rest for the weary in the case of Florida goalie Tomas Vokoun. The Florida goalie exerted a good deal of energy Friday night at Hartwall Arena, frustrating the Chicago Blackhawks with a game-stealing 52 saves in a 4-3 sh...

It took Henrik Zetterberg a while to find his scoring touch. But the 2008 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is now on a roll -- and so are the Detroit Red Wings. Zetterberg capped his best week of the season with the best night of his career Sa...

Does it seem like your favorite team has trouble scoring in the first period? Youre probably right. Through the seasons first 261 games, far fewer goals have been scored in the first period than in either of the other two. Just 401 goals were...

Jimmy Howard is showing the Detroit Red Wings hes capable of handling the role of backup goaltender just fine. Howard got an easy win Wednesday when he was in goal for Detroits 9-1 victory at Columbus. He had to work a lot harder on T...

After a disappointing loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 31, Calgary Flames coach Brent Sutter challenged his teams captain, Jarome Iginla, to be better. Iginla took the message to heart, and his play on the ice certainly showed it....

Like many of the NHLs top offensive players, Sidney Crosby never has been especially good at shootouts -- he entered this season just 12-for-38, a 31.6-percent success rate thats below the League average of just over 33 percent. But Cros...

Columbus, Ohio, your long local nightmare is over. In the teams eighth season, your Blue Jackets have qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Can I get an amen?! Its absolutely fitting that Rick Na...

What the heck is going on in the Northwest Division? The Canucks and Flames dont seem to want to win the division crown, the Oilers and Wild have choked their way down the stretch and the Avalanche ...

Its funny how things turn out. On July 1 (it seems oh so long ago), St. Louis management team wasnt too thrilled with its peers in Vancouver. On the opening day of free agency, the Canucks signed ...

Boston Globe writer John Powers penned a terrific feature on Bruins power forward Milan Lucic . Theres a lot more to the burly winger than meets the eye. You can check it out here . As I read it, I ...

In the hockey business, March doesnt go out like a lamb. Instead, the month is like those silly, hard-to-open toys on the floor of my house and transforms into something more threatening. April! On...

The number of teams who have a realistic chance of claiming top spot in the upcoming Olympic Games runs as deep as the opinions in the THN office

The Devils goalie has maintained his elite level of play; something that cant be said for nearly all of his fellow keepers. - I’ve long believed goaltending in the NHL is the single most important position in all professional team sports

The fact some Flames and Leafs got their needles first isnt anything new; the privileged are often at the front of the line. - Every morning on my commute to the office I sit in a lengthy line on a local street with dozens of other cars waiting to make a right-hand turn

Its spelled out right there in the rulebook, the Maple Leafs tough guy should sit for three or 10 games. - The lack of a suspension to Colton Orr for shoving a linesman is wrong on so many levels, it’s tough to know where to begin

After being honored for his past 20 years of service at The Hockey News, editor Jason Kay reflects on some of the most memorable stories. - I had the honor the other day of being recognized by our company for 20 years served at The Hockey News

Theres a lot of head shaking going on over the Ottawa Senators attendance struggles and Toronto Maple Leafs on-ice woes. - Everywhere in Canada except one place, not a single seat has gone unsold since the lockout

With his move back to Russia after butting heads with Ken Hitchcock, it seems the only solution is for Columbus to trade Nikita Filatov. - The recent turn of events concerning Columbus Blue Jackets (now prospect) Nikita Filatov has led some to compare him to Nikolai Zherdev

The unions former interim ombudsman gives his version of what happened the night Paul Kelly was fired and whats happened since. - In what can only be described as a shocking development, there’s something of a difference of opinion on a number of matters between some NHL Players&rsqu

Despite the fact Bettman and Medvedev will sit down and talk, there isnt much hope for a working partnership between the two leagues. - The fact Kontinental League president Alexander Medvedev requested a meeting Wednesday night with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in Washington might lead a person t

At the first day of GM meetings, the trapezoid rule was left untouched and head shots will be the focus for tomorrow. - If the GMs are ultimately going to do anything about head shots in the NHL – and there are certainly no guarantees they will – it will not include taking away t

The feisty 17-season veteran brought a leadership element that the Penguins were sorely missing. - As much fun as it may be, the NHL trade deadline rarely produces a positive effect for teams gunning for the Stanley Cup

The one-time 50-goal scorer who was a key in the Dany Heatley trade hasnt been able to get back on track in Ottawa. - When the inevitable Dany Heatley trade went down last summer, it seemed as if the Ottawa Senators had done about as well as they could in procuring Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek

Martin Hanzal and James Wright are two examples of why young players can still be considered a success even if they dont produce impressive offensive totals

Historically, the Leafs have only achieved in front of a game-stealer. And looking at his play early on, Jonas Gustavsson might just be that goaltender

Its seems like a simple equation but teams are continuing to forget that hustle goes a long way towards putting wins on the board. - Hockey, like any sport, inspires a follow-the-leader mentality

Team Russias elite skill level coupled with the pressure on the Canadians to win at home will result in a championship for Ovie and Friends

Niklas Backstroms numbers and his teams record may lead you to believe his play has dipped, but that notion couldnt be further from reality

The season-ending suspension to the Erie player will cause a debate, but it will hopefully send a message that demands respect. - After doing his due diligence in assessing Michael Liambas’ hit on Ben Fanelli, Ontario League commissioner David Branch has sent a clear message that attempts

The shot-blocking defender from Latvia talks about choosing to play in Dallas and the expectations for the Latvian team in Vancouver. - Karlis Skrastins isn’t a name that shows up on the scoresheet often – his point-per-game average is just 0

The third overall pick in 2008 missed a chunk of last season due to injury, but theres no doubt he is quickly learning how to be a successful NHLer

Taking a look at the bottom half of past drafts, we construct some of the best two-line teams. - Every once in a while I like going back and looking at old trades or draft orders because there are usually a few things that lift the brow and have me thinking “Really!?” I especia

The power forwards development may have been a slow one, but good things come to those who wait. - When big-body players breakout after spending a few years in the development leagues, not only do they surprise commentators and fans, they give an unexpected boost and fortification of depth to the t

Hockey is a physical game and injuries are going to happen. And a much-ballyhooed head-shot rule isnt going to change that. - For lack of a better, appropriate term, crap happens

Overshadowed by the talent around him, including his defense partner, Brent Seabrook deserves more recognition. - Who is the most underrated player in the NHL? It’s a tough question and one with many answers

In 2005, Sergei Gonchars five-year contract seemed over the top, but time has proven it to be a wise investment. - It’s tough to have a contract in the NHL these days that doesn’t seem like an overpayment

The co-founder of the NHL Fans Association explains why its time for some serious changes to the game off the ice. - It’s time to start over

The co-founder of the NHL Fans Association looks back at the former union heads days at the top and what his firing means for the game. - September 2009 Paul Kelly Former Executive Director NHL Players’ Association No Fixed Address Dear Paul, I was filled with a sense of optimism o

The president of the NHL Fans Association grades the leagues management and lays out a plan for the future. - Clearly, there are two types of NHL fans.

The co-founder of the NHL Fans Association discusses results of a poll done on his organizations website. - The NHL Fans’ Association and The Hockey News have a few things in common.

The NHL Network host looks at each of the 30 NHL teams and the deals that will come back to bite them. - As teams set their rosters on the final day of September, you can only imagine what kind of thoughts are going through the minds of 30 GMs after lengthy internal debates with assistants, scouts,

Despite leading the Flyers to the conference final in 2008, Martin Biron still couldnt find a No. 1 this summer, but hes still planning on landing that long-term deal

The NHL Network host writes about the times had on the road from Detroit to Pittsburgh and everything in between, while covering the seven-game series

The NHL Network host looks back at the Traverse City prospect tourney, where he first got a glimpse at the Blues rookie whos taken St. Louis by storm

The NHL Network host discusses Josh Harding as a fit in Colorado, crease crashers becoming an issue and why Rod BrindAmour isnt done yet. - If someone were to ask you - name one team that needs a goaltender for next year - which team would you pick? For me, the answer is pretty obvious: the Color

Agent Allan Walsh may have been trying to be humorous or perhaps trying to start a goalie controversy, but either way it was a poorly thought out move

Is Vinny Lecavalier playing well enough to earn a spot? What effect will injuries to certain players have? Does Dustin Penner fit into the mix? - Watching the Tampa Bay Lightning during the month of October convinced me superstar right winger Martin St-Louis is desperately trying to play his way ont

Florida is finding out what former GM Jay Feaster bet on in 2007: that Tomas Vokoun cant get it done when it counts. - Shortly after the 2006-07 season ended in another first-round playoff exit for the Tampa Bay Lightning, I began receiving calls from Predators GM David Poile offering to solve our

The former Tampa GM and Cup champion writes why Toronto GM Brian Burke is among the best managers in the game today. - Give Toronto GM Brian Burke high marks, not just for rebuilding the Toronto Maple Leafs and giving Leafs Nation hope, but for stirring the pot across Canada as well

Bringing in a player who puts himself above the team puts Sharks coach Todd McLellan in a tough position and team chemistry in peril. - While it is still early, Bryan Murray is my front-runner for executive of the year honors this season

The former NHL GM talks about the value of analytics and how it can make a big difference in evaluating players performances. - I have been asked a lot this past year, “Are you still doing the statistics thing?” My answer is, “analytics, not statistics

The former NHL GM looks takes a statistical look at the teams that remain in the playoff hunt. - The 2008-09 regular season is down to the last few days

The former NHL GM talks about whos buying and selling and keeping tabs on players he drafted. - The much discussed, written and speculated about trade deadline is upon us again

The former NHL GM looks at four teams who have underachieved this season and what their cap situation is moving forward. - The All-Star Game is over.

The former NHL GM explains why Detroits wealth of experience is a big reason for their continued success. - I started working for the Chicago Blackhawks well into the 1999-2000 season.

The rebuilding Belleville Bulls have made another trade, moving one of their veterans to the Kitchener Rangers. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Theres good news and bad news in my return from my vacation in Vegas. Since I always like hearing the bad news first: it is with great sadness I must report that I will not be buying the Kingston Frontenacs anytime soon. I tried really, really hard too. Read more »Original post blogged on

NHL Central Scouting has put out its first set of rankings for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

We do not usually report on ECHL trades, but this one caught our fancy considering the names involved. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

A story we originally broke here late Monday night has been officially wrapped up. Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

It was another close and spirited affair between the Nashville Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets. Yet again, the home team won. 13,790 looked on as these teams took the game to the max, finishing in a 4-3 Predators shootout victory. Felderâ &tm;s FICKLE Five: 1. The New Dad Leads The Way - Wha

Blair Betts dislocated his right shoulder during the Flyers 3-1 loss to Phoenix tonight in the desert. Hell miss at least a month, according to GM Paul Holmgren. And Darroll POwe has a "significant left shoulder" injury, Holmgren said, from the San Jose game. Thats two centers down in two gam

Leafs 2 - Caps 1(SO) - Highlights - 1 point out 4 from two teams that are likely to miss the playoff is bad news. - The Caps left Semyon Varlamov out to dry tonight. 65 minutes of play, 38 saves on 39 shots...where did all the Capitals scoring go? - Alex Ovechkin(6), Brooks Laich(6) and Chris

Im sick and tired of ignoring the 1,000 pound gorilla in the room. The Buffalo Sabres have a crisis in their crease on nights when Ryan Miller is resting. Lindy Ruff and Darcy Regier had better address this matter ASAP as their Sabres have frittered away a sizable first place lead that they had b

So who do you believe? Danny Briere says his fight with Marc-Edouard "Pickles" Vlasic on Friday night in San Jose was his third, official NHL fight of his career. hockeyfight.com had Briere with just one career fight going into the game. "No, Ive had a few," Bruiser Briere told me before tonight