HOCKEY TALK

(all the news that still fits - most recent postings at top of this page)

Capitals hope to overcome loss of Backstrom
Plus: NHL Video - Bourque suspended 5 games for hit | Prior to the injury, Backstrom had recorded 13 goals and 42 points in 38 games. By Chris Kober

Will Capitals Emulate Tenacity of Legend Dale Hunter?
The new coach likes superstar Ovechkin's willingness to hit. “As many shots as he gets, he usually gets his hits too. He plays a hard style...which is unique for a guy that scores like he does.” By Josh Brewster

Avalanche Surge Continues Despite Loss of Duchene
Between a goaltending duel and the emergence of defenseman Stefan Elliott and the take-charge attitude of center Ryan O'Reilly, the Avalanche could be full of surprises as the second half of the season unfolds. The Avs have won 9 of their last 11 games. (Photo: D Stefan Elliott)
By Josh Brewster

Production a Concern for Kings
On paper, Penner (left) appears to be the prototypical player that fits the Kings’ style of play, but four goals and 15 points in 50 games played since becoming a King at the trade deadline last season will hardly get the job done. By Chris Kober

At Christmas, it's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Shea Weber for the Hart Trophy
Only eight defensemen have won the Hart as League MVP, including only two (Orr, Pronger) in the post-expansion NHL. Weber should be next. He deserves the Norris, but that's not enough. He's the game's best player.

Chuck Fletcher's Wild surging, but offense still an issue
GM Chuck Fletcher has much to be happy about these days, while one particular problem continues. Sitting in a surprising second place (as of Wednesday, Nov. 16) at 10-5-3, Fletcher's Wild have won six of their last eight games and have rattled off some impressive Western conference wins.
By Josh Brewster

The Trap? You Can't Handle the Trap.
Incidents during Flyers/Lightning tilt reminds us that talent, not schemes, win hockey games.
NHL Quick Shots by Josh Brewster

Kings on steady climb during highly hyped season in Hollywood
Kopitar's elite status; Quick "Tremendous" says Murray (Photo: Jonathan Quick)
By Chris Kober

Leafs, Lupul continue ascent vs. familiar foe in Anaheim
"I don’t think about myself in that category with the top scorers in the league," says Joffrey Lupul. "I am confident in my ability and my skill, but I’ve got to do most other things to have success—go to the net hard, win puck battles, but when I get in open ice, I can make some plays too.” by Brian Kennedy

Consistent performance, not stats, make Crawford No. 1 in Chicago
Corey Crawford’s numbers don’t jump off the page...but the Blackhawks rely heavily on the young goaltender and there is one reason why: He wins. By Chris Kober

Datsyuk Far From 'Awful'
The self-effacing Wings' star says he was 'awful' earlier in the season, but he was far from that in California, scoring two goals and five points against the Sharks, Kings and Ducks to close out a four game road trip. By Chris Kober

Kings on steady climb during highly hyped season in Hollywood
Kopitar's elite status; Quick "Tremendous" says Murray (Photo: Jonathan Quick)
By Chris Kober

The Trap? You Can't Handle the Trap.
Incidents during Flyers/Lightning tilt reminds us that talent, not schemes, win hockey games.
NHL Quick Shots by Josh Brewster

Much Ado About Doughty
NHL Quick Shots by Josh Brewster

Shanny Legit as NHL Disciplinarian
"Transparency" can be fun for fans
Plus: Marc Staal is not on the plane / Matt Lombardi returns? / Good for Charlotte
Shanny's videos & more...
NHL Quick Shots by Josh Brewster

Staal Fills Big Shoes in Pittsburgh
While the NHL marketing machine may have you think that Crosby owns the key to the city of Pittsburgh...without the quality depth of Staal and his cohorts of the lower lines, the Penguins would not be where they are today. By Chris Kober

Rinne Deal a Surprise for Budget-Conscious Preds
Nashville Predators General Manager David Poile is a busy man. Tuesday morning he crossed one item off his to do list as the Preds and goaltender Pekka Rinne came to an agreement on a seven year $49 million contract extension. The deal makes Rinne the highest paid goalie in the league, in terms of annual cap hit. By Chris Kober

NHL DRAFT 2011: Minneapolis
Trades and Countries of Origin
First Round Notes
Rounds 2-7

Hall of Fame Class of 2011:
Mark Howe, Joe Nieuwendyk,
Ed Belfour & Doug Gilmour

League Report: Stanley Cup Final Sets TV Ratings Milestones

Marr new Director of Central Scouting

Mandatory visors
"As soon as I opened my eyes, I was able to see. I saw blood coming down but I knew it wasn't bad." But it could have been, were it not for his trusty visor...60 percent of NHLers wear them...how long will it take for the NHL to make it 100? Column by Chris Kober

Germans Flock to First Regular Season NHL Games
By Ivo Jaschick
Tickets sell quickly; Sabres start hot as Luke Adam (above) jump-starts Buffalo's offense. Jochen Hecht and Christian Ehrhoff return to native country. Thomas Vanek draws Austrian interest; LA's Kopitar, Slovenian fans. NHL enjoys successful visit to Germany.

Blues Bounce Back with D'Agostini, Elliott and Return of Colaiacovo
Brian Elliott (left) 3-0-0, has supplanted Jaro Halak as Blues' netminder. Big wins vs. 'Canes and Flyers this week.

Lehtonen Fuels Stars' Start
Lehtonen's six wins lead all NHL netminders and his 1.48 GAA currently sits third. Add in the .957 save percentage and you can see why the Stars are in love with the Finnish goaltender.

North Americans in the German Elite League
By Ivo Jaschick
Catch up with who's across the pond in the DEL

Jets Face Former Jets for 1st Time

NHL Announces: Flyers to Host Winter Classic 2012

Devils to Retire Niedermayer's No. 27 Dec. 16

Shanahan's First Two Suspensions a Firm Statement
Video: Shanny explains each incident

TRAGEDY IN RUSSIA:
PLANE CRASH CLAIMS LIVES OF 44 - LOKOMOTIV YAROSLAVL HOCKEY CLUB ON BOARD

VERSUS to be re-branded as NBC Sports Network

Corey Perry Wins Hart

Through July 15, 2011

NHL QUICK SHOTS:
So Much for Tolerance
Sean Avery should be applauded for his brave stance, but his opponents should be respected, not smeared.
(One of Hockeytalk's most famous pieces, was reprinted in FrontpageMag.com by David Horowitz)
by Josh Brewster

Boston Wins the Cup:
Notes, Quotes, Game Recap and More
by Charles Smith and Josh Brewster

Game 7 Preview by Josh Brewster

GAME 6 RECAP:
BOS 5 VAN 2

GAME 5 RECAP:
VAN 1 BOS 0

GAME 4 RECAP:
BOS 4 VAN 1

GAME 3 RECAP:
BOS 8 VAN 1

GAME 2 RECAP:
VAN 3 BOS 2 (OT)

GAME 1 RECAP:
VAN 1 BOS 0
Preview | Schedule

Hockeytalk's (Somewhat) Prophetic Preseason Picks:
Vancouver 1st in West (Correct), Boston 3rd in East (Correct). HT picked Canuck Cup win (Close), but did not foresee Bruin final appearance (Oops).

TELEVISION SPECIAL:
Hockeytalk's Josh Brewster (right) is the guest on INSIDE SPORTS with Charles Smith (left) and Jon Moncrief *****

Conn Smythe Favorites
by Chris Kober

Learning From the Lockout
by Gaby Martinez
Six seasons removed from the lockout, it seems that hockey is back and better than ever. Although most would say that this hurt the NHL tremendously, it has, in fact, improved and shaped the game in many ways. Many changes and adjustments were made to the game to make it the best that it has been in a long time and arguably ever.

NHL, NBC announce 10-yr. deal
Versus network to be renamed within 90 days, Ebersol says

What Makes the Playoffs So Great?
by Chris Kober

Do the Opposite
by Brian Kennedy
It’s imperative that all who love the Kings get involved in “Do the Opposite Day” on Thursday. It’s one thing that might just make a difference, and make it impossible for something like the Flop on Figueroa (or whatever you’re referring to Tuesday as) to happen again.

What Makes the Playoffs So Great?
Volume 2: Crazy Week
by Chris Kober

Move Aside, Let the MVP Go Through
by Josh Brewster
With a hat trick in a huge game at home against the San Jose Sharks that likely secured a playoff spot for his club, Perry punctuated what many fans on the west coast have known for months: Perry is the National Hockey League’s MVP and deserving of the Hart Trophy come June.

A Watchdog and a 'Gift Clause'
Quick Shots
by Josh Brewster
The Goldwater Institute asks inconvenient yet necessary questions, causing a stir in Glendale. Direct benefits or direct subsidy, and who pays if things go awry?

SoCal Sweep More Proof That Life is Good For Canucks
by Chris Kober
The mental toughness to overcome a slew of injuries that most other teams couldn’t fathom...and the confidence to take it all in stride and push for more is what makes the Vancouver Canucks a team to be reckoned with down the stretch and into the playoffs.

'Large human' with soft hands, Cup experience answers Hollywood casting call
Penner fits the bill for Lombardi's Kings
New! by Christopher Kober The Winkler, Manitoba native played in 33 playoff games and won a Stanley Cup while playing down the road in Anaheim from 2005-2007 and is now one of only three Kings to have his name emblazoned on hockey’s Holy Grail.

Key Losses Cast Shadow Over Kings' Stretch Run
by Chris Kober
No team relishes losing its top two scorers within a week while in the thick of a playoff race, especially one that resides in the bottom half of the league in goals per game. However, the Kings’ roster is built on a foundation of defense and goaltending that ranks fourth in the league with 2.35 goals against per game and has given up two or fewer goals in 23 of their last 35 games.

Jon Moncrief and Charles Smith welcome guest Josh Brewster from Hockeytalk on INSIDE SPORTS TV talking NHL!
(Tune to JB @ midpoint; Jim Fox of the LA Kings 1st Segment)

COLUMN:
Rocky Mountain Blockbuster
New! by Chris Kober
Hall of Famer Stastny goes off re son's club; Determining a winner of this deal will take time (Photo: Erik Johnson)

It's Okay to Thank The Boss Once in a While
Quick Shots
by Josh Brewster
Ray Emery returns, Tom Golisano departs, Tampa goes retro(!) and Sergei Kostitsyn enjoys a change of scenery.

January Swoon Leads to Uncertainty for Kings
by Chris Kober
Are (the Kings) really the team that lead the league in mid November, or the team that has only won once since the New Year? Analysts, fans and players alike are searching for the answers to these questions, and more, with good cause. (Photo: Justin Williams)

Stan Lee teams with NHL to Offer Exciting Comic Superhero Revival
by Gaby Martinez

Superhero Preview Images Released

COLUMNS:
January Swoon Leads to Uncertainty for Kings
by Chris Kober
Are (the Kings) really the team that lead the league in mid November, or the team that has only won once since the New Year? Analysts, fans and players alike are searching for the answers to these questions, and more, with good cause. (Photo: Justin Williams)

Fearless Hall brings physical game as ascent continues
Oilers' top pick answers the call on ice, stat sheet
by Chris Kober
During Edmonton’s showdown with the Los Angeles Kings Saturday night, Taylor Hall was absolutely demolished by a hip check from Kings defenseman Drew Doughty. It was literally and figuratively a collision of two superstars in the making.

NHL QUICK SHOTS
All-Star Salvation River
Here's how you REALLY save the
All-Star Game.
by Josh Brewster
Plus: Malhotra's best shutdown line in the West / Weber for the Norris ...and more!

JR'S RINK RANTS: THE MADMAN RETURNS FROM THE WORLD JR'S
Junk Punch Drunks from Russia
A sordid tale by Jason Reed
The shootin', scorin', drinkin', lawbreakin' batch of future shinny pros from the former Soviet...not the classiest, but still the best on ice after insane comeback.

Briere Hard to Replace
by Chris Kober
Briere’s 30 points – 12 goals 15 assists – led the league last year in the playoffs and was the highest total in a single playoff season by a Philadelphia Flyer ever. His 12 points in the Stanley Cup Final was one short of Wayne Gretzky’s record of 13 points during the 1988 finals against Boston.

Winter Classic Most-Watched NHL Regular Season Game in 36 Years

Censorship? It's business.
Nothing personal.
by Dennis Bernstein
A writer discusses his decade-long journey towards legitimacy and the circumstance of a writer becoming the story.

Devils Fire MacLean, Lemaire Returns
With Video Courtesy NHL - Watch Online

Oh, Captain You're a Good Doggy
Quick Shots by Josh Brewster
Falling down the depth chart happens (Rivet is the team's eighth defenseman)...But it's not supposed to happen to your captain. (Photo: Buffalo's Craig Rivet)

Devils, Leafs, Bruins and Habs Remember Pat Burns

Martinez and Lewis Latest Youngsters to Fuel Kings
by Chris Kober
They may have made their way onto the roster in different ways, but both Alec Martinez and Trevor Lewis are each carving out niches for themselves in the Kings’ lineup. PLUS: KINGS ACQUIRE STURM

Lidstrom Leads Deep, Consistent Red Wings
Motor City again emerges as one of League's elite
by Chris Kober
“He makes the game easy,” said his current defense partner, Brad Stuart. “You always know where he’s going to be and he usually makes the right play with the puck...when you have confidence in your partner it makes a world of difference.”

Breaking Taboo
Byfuglien a legit Norris candidate; also: Bernier bounces back
Quick Shots by Josh Brewster
Transferring Dustin Byfuglien...to defense has been one of the season's biggest stories. Who would have known that reserved and quiet Coach Craig Ramsay would have such an audacious idea in mind when he was hired last summer?

The Elite, the Threatening
and the Also-Rans after 20 games
by Josh Brewster

Blackhawks Road Trip No Circus as Sharp Comes into Focus
by Chris Kober
Sharp has points in seven of his last eight games, including goals in his last four and back-to-back multi-point outings in Anaheim and Los Angeles. “It’s probably a good play to get it in his hands these days,” said Patrick Kane, “’cause he’s on fire.”

Bettman and Daly are Not Psychic
by Josh Brewster | HT/Inside Hockey

Healthy Williams an In-House Solution for Kings
by Chris Kober
(Justin) Williams is certainly doing something right...(he) quietly leads the team in points with 14 after collecting two assists Saturday against Nashville. Two of his goals are game-winners. (Photo: Justin Williams/Getty Images)

EYE ON EUROPE
Endras "Watches" as Wild Call
by Ivo Jaschick
On the heels of an excellent showing at the 2010 World Championships, Endras is looking forward to an opportunity in the NHL in 2011-12 after signing a development deal with the Minnesota Wild over the summer.

Mr. America vs. the Neanderthals
Miller on the mark with comments re hockey "culture"
NHL Quick Shots by Josh Brewster
For too long, the League has struggled with employing a consistent standard of punishment for over-the-line violence. The reigning Vezina Trophy-winner and Buffalo Sabres star put his neck on the line recently, challenging the League's top disciplinarian directly. (Photo: Ryan Miller)

Captain Weber Put
to the Test
by Chris Kober
Jonathan Toews is Chicago’s “Captain Serious” but Nashville defenseman Shea Weber could challenge him for that title.
(Photo: Shea Weber)

NHL Video: Head Shots and Other Disciplinary Matters - Watch Online

Devilish Descent
by Chris Kober
It’s a well worn saying in hockey that sometimes the best move a GM can make is no move at all, and Saturday night’s Kings/Devils game was, quite possibly, the most blatant manifestation of that cliché in recent memory. (Photo: Lou Lamoriello)

Who'd we pick? How'd we do?

Devils Respond to Kovalchuk Benching
by Karen Francis
"You're not going to win unless your best players -- and this is not targeting any one or two -- but your top players have to be your top players, at least 80 percent of them, night in and night out," Lamoriello said on Thursday.

6 Game Suspension for Rick Rypien

NHL Claims Huge Growth in Fan Demand

Watch: Rock n' Roll Great Slash Performs Anthem at Kings Opener

BUFFALO SABRES TELL FANS TO DROP DISH NETWORK
“This is a matter between MSG and DISH Network, and the Sabres have no involvement in the negotiations between the two parties. As a result, we encourage all of our fans who have DISH Network to switch carriers. As it currently stands, DISH Network subscribers will be unable to watch Buffalo Sabres games starting with the season opener on October 8.”

HBO, NHL TEAM UP FOR WINTER CLASSIC SERIES WITH TRANSCRIPT OF BETTMAN/COLLINS SEPT 23 PRESSER

Straightening Out After Stumbling In (Oct 20, 2010)

New-Look Thrashers Storm Out of Gate
by Karen Francis
“We got some very good assets from New Jersey," said GM Rick Dudley Friday. "They are helping us and we’ll take it from there. We got whom we wanted. They got whom they wanted. Hopefully everybody’s happy.”

Chara Signs for Big Bucks

Back to the 70s for Caps at Winter Classic '11

Doan Suspended 3 Games for Hit on Sexton
Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan has been suspended for three games and will forfeit $73,387.11 in salary as a result of delivering an illegal check to the head of Anaheim Ducks forward
Dan Sexton. WATCH THE VIDEO

Heavy on the SoCal:

3 New Kings Columns
By Josh Brewster for NHL.com:

Kings Have Plenty of Talented Kids in Net

Doughty Ready to Take His Game to Yet Another Level

Kings Looking to Finish the Job in 2010-11

Carlyle, Ducks Have Regular-Season Mindset as Final Cuts Loom
by Karen Francis

3 New Ducks Columns
By Josh Brewster for NHL.com:

Ducks Will Play Defense By Committee

Selanne's Last Kick at The Can: Uncertainty "Works"

Ducks Stress Fast Start as Important to Success

NHL Discipline: 2 Games? 2 Games.
Hjalmarsson Gets 2 Games for Hit from Behind; Pominville concussed

Wisniewski Gets 2 Games for Obscene Gesture
Defenseman Forfeits $79,268.30 in Salary

Kings Go Classic for Matchup vs. Canucks

NHL Board Approves New Tie-Breaker

Ottawa to Host 2012 All-Star Game

NHL, Devils Release Statements
Devils fined, will surrender pick(s)

Luongo Relinquishes Captaincy

SPECIAL:
Discovery Of HMS Investigator Rekindles Plans For World Hockey Heritage Site
Author and historians George and Darril Fosty report
courtesy BoxScoreNews

Kovalchuk Deal Accepted; League, Union Amend CBA / Lou Sez A-Okay
“The New Jersey Devils acted in good faith throughout this entire process and operated solely on the assumption that our negotiations and both contracts reached were fully compliant with the CBA, as written and applied...Arbitrator Bloch reached that same conclusion in his August 9 decision...” (MORE)

QUICK SHOTS
The All-Overpaid Team
by Josh Brewster
Some of these are very good players, some are not. They have one thing in common: They’re all overpaid, or coming off seasons during which they invited the criticism…

JR'S RINK RANTS
Modano Fizzles Out?
Plus: Kovy Knocked Back to Earth
No-holds-barred takes by Jason Reed

THE KOVALCHUK MATTER
Bettman and Daly Are Not Psychic
Special to INSIDEHOCKEY.com
By Josh Brewster
In some cases, Gary Bettman and Bill Daly occupy a purely reactive position because there is literally no way that every massaging of the League’s salary cap can be foretold...

Josh Brewster: July 8, 2010:
Pedigree Makes Yzerman Good Bet as GM

Josh Brewster: July 5, 2010:
Dudley Moves Fast in Atlanta

MORE KOVALCHUK:
The Crown with Big Time Thorns
by Dennis Bernstein (Special Courtesy The Fourth Period)

League's Top Lawyers Right to Reject Kovalchuk Deal
NHL Quick Shots
by Josh Brewster
Kovalchuk’s deal included a full six seasons close to the League’s minimum salary of $525,000... the deal was, for all intents and purposes, an 11-year pact...If I owned an NHL club, I’d applaud my top lawyers for doing their jobs.

Bob Probert Dead at 45
His most memorable season came in 1987-88, when he led the league with a whopping 398 penalty minutes yet scored 29 goals and 62 points, a career-high. He also played in the NHL All-Star Game that season.

Report From Backstage at the NHL Awards (with audio)
Plus: All-Star and All-Rookie teams named

Brind'Amour Retires

NHL Approves Rule re Illegal Checks to the Head

Go Green: Salary Cap $43.4-$59.4

LA, CA (6/24/10) -- The NHLPA and the NHL announced today that the Team Payroll Range...provides for a Lower Limit of $43.4 million, an Adjusted Midpoint of $51.4 million and an Upper Limit of $59.4 million. (Courtesy NHL)

Free Agent Tracker
Who Went Where?

Draft Tracker
ROUND: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Plus! Draft Audio:
Prospect expert SHANE MALLOY analyzes the 1st round...listen online!

Players from 12 Countries Selected
at Draft

Versteeg Traded to
Maple Leafs

Devils Name Oates Assistant Coach

Marleau and Pavelski Re-Sign with Sharks

Blackhawks Dump Salary, Trade Byfuglien to Atlanta
Also: Craig Ramsay New Thrashers Coach

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: GERMANY 2010
Ivo Jaschick

Niedermayer Retires, Sure Bet for Hall
by Karen Francis
Also: Mike Foligno Named Assistant Coach, Mike Brown Traded to Leafs

Hall of Fame Inductees 2010

Bruins Name Neely Prez

World Championships:
Czechs Stun Russians at Worlds
Ivo Jaschick reports from Germany

STANLEY CUP FINAL
Blackhawks the Stars of
"The Tonight Show"
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

A Hockey Town Again:
Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup
by Josh Brewster
The Blackhawks are number one in Chicago again, and will prove as much on Friday, when they parade the Stanley Cup north on Michigan Boulevard in America's most livable big city, where Hollywood flash means nothing and New York crass earns you a punch in the face. The city of broad shoulders, a beautiful lake and some terrible winters...a hockey town again.

TV Viewership for Stanley Cup Final Game 6 Highest in 36 Years

Game Results

Hockeytalk's Preseason Prediction: Blackhawks for Cup

Free Agency Special:
The Crown Jewel
By Dennis Bernstein Courtesy The 4th Period

Jackets Name Arniel Coach

NHL Award Nominees 2009-10
Las Vegas June 23 with Snoop Dogg
and Mark "Dirk Diggler" Wahlberg

Likely Conn Smythe Trophy Candidates
by Gaby Martinez

Expert Playoff Picks

Cup Final Stat Pack

Game 6 Audio Preview: Listen Online

Flyers Surge, Hawks Hope for Home Turnaround
by Charles Smith

Stanley Cup Final Preview
by Charles Smith

Chris Pronger's Second Act
by Charles Smith

How the Cup Finalists Were Built
by Chris Kober

What a Difference a Generation Makes
Bill, Rocky and the trip from '92 to '10
by Josh Brewster | NHL Quick Shots

Since 1994: Want the Cup? Finish 1-4 in Conference

Yzerman Named Lightning GM

College Hockey Inc's Paul Kelly Responds to WHL

League Says Viewership for Playoffs Up

Russia Sets Standard at World Championships
Ivo Jaschick reports from Germany

USA vs Germany Sets World Record for Attendance: 77,803
Ivo Jaschick reports from Germany

European Playoffs 2010
Compiled by Ivo Jaschick

Hockeytalk's Charles Smith Appears on Kings Roundtable
Courtesy LA Kings: WATCH ONLINE!
4TH PERIOD & HOCKEYTALK'S
DENNIS BERNSTEIN ALSO FEATURED

Battle of the Best as Elites Set for West Clash
Sharks vs. Blackhawks Series Preview by Charles Smith

Funny Stuff: LA Kings Bloopers 2009-10 - Watch Online!

Flyers make history with comeback
by Josh Brewster

Time for Stanley is Now, Not June
Quick Shots by Josh Brewster

Will Sharks Follow in Opponent's Glorious Footsteps?
by Chris Kober

Capital Punishment, Canadien-Style
by Charles Smith

Carolina Hurricanes to Host 2011 NHL All-Star Game

Series Turning Points are Kings' Toughest Lesson
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Canucks await rematch with Blackhawks
by Joel Bergman
The Vancouver Canucks have waited one year for their playoff rematch against the Chicago Blackhawks. Now, they need to wait only a few days longer.

Tampa Bay Coach Tocchet, GM Lawton Fired

Alternative Standings
No points for losers!
by Bob Krause

Tkachuk Retires

NHL Says Times are Good: Web Growing, Versus Ratings Up

Selanne, Niedermayer Mum on Future Plans
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Kings' Young Stars Get a Dose of Reality
by Josh Brewster on NHL.com

NHL PLAYOFFS:
RADIO SPECIAL: Hockeytalk's Josh Brewster Appears on the Sports Lodge with
Roger Lodge on AM830
4/21/10 Show: Listen Online!

Kings' Shutdown Line Can Turn the Tables
by Josh Brewster on NHL.com

Power Play Continues to Carry Kings
by Josh Brewster on NHL.com

Olli Jokin'
Rink Rants by Jason Reed
I was originally going to start this by saying “The joke’s on Olli.” But the more I thought about it I realized that the joke IS Olli. ..For some reason the Flames were all hot and bothered ...they traded Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust AND a conditional first round pick in 2009 or 2010

Stars' Modano at a Career Crossroads
by Josh Brewster on NHL.com
When Mike Modano looks to the future, he sees options branching off in different directions...

Coyotes Rally for 3-2 Shootout Win Over Kings
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Kings Rally for 5-4 Shootout Win Over Ducks
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

NHL's Daly Says "No Deal" In Place Re Winnipeg

NHL 3 Stars of the Week:
4/5: Halak, S. Koivu, Rask

Early Lapses Haunt Ducks
by Karen Francis
...“What happened earlier in the season put us behind the eight ball,” said Teemu Selanne... “That is why we are where we are. October, November, we lost games we were not supposed to lose. Those points are killing us now”...

Executive of the Year: Vancouver's Mike Gillis
Quick Shots by Josh Brewster
With the power to remake a franchise (with ownership’s approval of course) at their fingertips, many NHL GM’s would have chosen a different game plan than the one crafted by Mike Gillis.

2-PART EAST/WEST SERIES:
A View from the East
by Charles Smith
The Washington Capitals are well on their way to the Presidents Trophy for best regular season record. Washington also leads the league in goals scored...Moving in for a closer look, it is clear all that glitters is not goals. (Photo: Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils)

A View from the West
by Charles Smith
At a glance, the battle for the Western Conference championship looks like a simple two-horse race...When one moves in for a closer look however, things become a bit cloudier. (Photo: Evgeni Nabokov, G, San Jose Sharks)

Ducks Honor Selanne's 600th Goal, Stellar Career
by Josh Brewster on NHL.com

Wilson Answers Call
by Chris Kober
When Dustin Brown scored in the third period Sunday to give his LA Kings a 2-1 lead over Nashville, it looked dismal for the Predators, but only for 39 seconds...That’s how long it took for rookie Colin Wilson to answer back. (Photo: Colin Wilson, F, Nashville Predators)

Royal Slip
by Chris Kober
After a shootout loss at Colorado, then a loss at St. Louis and a losing return to Staples Center against Dallas Saturday night, the young Los Angeles Kings are learning that playoff contention can be a slippery slope.
(Photo: Dustin Brown, RW, LA Kings)

Kings Rout Luongo and Canucks, 8-3
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Selanne Scores Goal No. 600
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Ducks Take Desperate Show on the Road
by Karen Francis
(Selanne's) teammates made sure the puck found its way to him every single time he was on the ice. It was starting to look ridiculous, but it finally worked.

Highly-Anticipated Head Shot Rule Proposed
by Chris Kober
The NHL’s 30 general managers convened this week in Boca Raton, Florida, for their annual March meetings and emerged with a recommended rule change concerning hits to the head, one of the most compelling issues facing the league this season.

Tough Times for Chicago Defense
Injuries to Seabrook and Campbell diminishes trio of elite defensemen
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Ryan Scores 2 as Ducks Top Blackhawks 4-2
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com
Wisniewski hit on Seabrook angers Quenneville, Blackhawks

Hawks Rebound With 3-0 Victory Over Struggling Kings
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Grit, Goals, Shuffle to Buffalo with Torres
by Jason Reed

Leighton Takes Over in Flyers' Net
by Jason Reed

Miller Earned Hart in Vancouver
Quick Shots by Josh Brewster
They will not count the Olympic matches in the NHL's statistics or standings...however, when the writers vote on the trophies, Ryan Miller's Olympic performance will stand out.

Doughts About Norris?
by Dennis Bernstein
Drew Doughty has exceeded all expectations set for him in less than two seasons toiling for the Kings.

Predators Rebound, Blank Ducks 1-0
Ducks' playoff hopes slipping away; Preds respond after debacle in San Jose
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Olympic Hangover
by Karen Francis

Smackin', Trashin' and Tweetin' the Olympics
Rink Rants by Jason Reed

Blake's Play on the Upswing in Anaheim
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Young Trio Has Been Key to Ducks' Rise in West
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Smyth Bringing a Winning Template to Kings
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Adding Jones Becoming a Big Deal for Kings
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Canada 3 USA 2 (OT) in Memorable Gold Medal Game
Recap by Charles Smith

Olympic Preliminary
Round Results

Hockeytalk's NHL Preview 2009-10
How are we doing?

3 features by HT's Josh Brewster for NHL.com's All-Access Vancouver:

Handzus appreciates all that comes with opportunity

Canada's Doughty more than earned his spot

Johnson brings international experience to Team USA

Jokinen and Prust Eager to Settle in, Move On
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Kings Outlast Rangers 2-1 in Jokinen's Debut
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

The Sox Traded Bullfrog!
The Giguere deal
by Brian Kennedy

Giguere Ready for New Start in Toronto
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Ducks Bid Farewell to Former Playoff Hero
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

NHL to Open 2010-11 w/Record 6 Clubs in Europe

Thrashers trade Kovalchuk to Devils

Vinik to Purchase Lightning

Hitchcock Fired

Team USA Announced:
Ryan Whitney replaces Mike Komisarek, Tim Gleason replaces Paul Martin

Team Canada Announced

READ THE NEWSMAKING SERIES: THE HOCKEYTALK INTERVIEW W/ DEAN LOMBARDI:
Part 5: Can Purcell Build Confidence, Add Grit?
by Gann Matsuda

Part 4: 'Thoroughbred' Johnson Learns Craft Belatedly
by Gann Matsuda

TSN Reports Jack Johnson Upset with Lombardi's Comments to Hockeytalk's Matsuda

Kings GM Blames Blogger for Michigan Hockey Flap - Yahoo! Sports

Olympian Miller One Of NHL's Elite Netminders
by Gaby Martinez

The Almighty Official
Reed at his ranting best...
Rink Rants by Jason Reed

Sacco's Avalanche Rolls Down Hill, Up Standings
by Charles Smith

It's a Man's Game
by Dennis Bernstein

Back off Ovechkin
Rink Rants
by Jason Reed

Perry's Star Continues to Rise with Anaheim
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

Robitaille: Draft Will Showcase Kings and California Hockey
by Josh Brewster for NHL.com

SPECIAL:
Vachon Speaks About Career, Hall Exclusion
by Gann Matsuda

Maloney Navigates Coyotes Through Perilous Waters
Quick Shots
by Josh Brewster

New Netminder, Resurgent Young Stars Propel Avalanche
by Gaby Martinez

Hockeytalk/Ducks Radio's Josh Brewster Featured in New Hockey Book

HOCKEYTALK EXCLUSIVE:
Major Player in Eagleson Case Submitted Letter to NHLPA in Support of Paul Kelly

Hall of Fame Inducts Robitaille, Hull, Yzerman, Leetch, Lamoriello

USDOT Rule Change Complicates Travel for NHL's Canadian Clubs
by Gaby Martinez

Canada Names Babcock 2010 Olympic Coach; Ruff, Lemaire, Hitchcock Associates

Canada Invites 46 to Olympic Orientation Camp

USA Invites 34 to Olympic Orientation Camp

NHL Schedule 2009-10

Winter Classic 2010: Bruins vs. Flyers at Fenway Park

Penguins Win Stanley Cup
Game Recap, Plus Stats & More

Ovechkin Captures 2nd Hart; Chara 1st Norris; Thomas 1st Vezina, more...

All-Star Teams

All-Rookie Team

NHL: 8 Million Watch Game 7
SCF Huge TV Success; Gm 7 Best TV in 36 Yrs.

Tippett Fired, Crawford Hired

Goalie Coach Allaire Hops from Ducks to Leafs; Former NHLer Peter Zezel Dead at 44

Konowalchuk, Deadmarsh Join Sacco with New Avs Coaching Staff

Game 7 Wins TV Ratings Battle*

Game 6 Second Only
to NBA Final*

*News links: TVbythenumbers.com

NHL Scores Ratings Victories for Games
1, 2 and 5

Versus' Games 3 and 4 SCF Highest Rated in Network History

Lemaire Steps Down; Risebrough Also Gone

MacTavish Fired

Draft Lottery: Islanders Pick 1st

GM Giguere Fired (Colorado)

Final Alternative Standings (No Points for Losers)
Final 08/09 Update
by Bob Krause

Malkin wins Art Ross; Ovechkin 2nd Rocket in Row; Thomas/Fernandez Split Best GAA

NHL Posts Record Attendance for 4th Consecutive Season

NHL Awards to Take Place in Las Vegas for First Time

Good News from TV Land: Blackhawks' Ratings Success

Complete Trade Deadline Roundup

NHL Trade Deadline in Review: All 30 teams
NHL QUICK SHOTS by Josh Brewster

Ducks' "Science of Hockey" a Permanent Exhibit at Important SoCal Institution
by Karen Francis

Roy leads Sabres back from 'Summer of Discontent'
By Josh Brewster

Legendary GM Sather Survives in New York Despite Poor Track Record
by Charles Smith

Complete Trade Deadline Roundup

NHL Trade Deadline in Review: All 30 teams
NHL QUICK SHOTS
by Josh Brewster

Blue Jackets Poised for Run at First Postseason Opportunity
by Gaby Martinez

NHL Premiere 2009 Cities, Teams Announced

USA
WORLD JR. CHAMPIONSHIP USA Eliminated by Slovakia

EYE ON EUROPE: Steve Stirling's Iserlohn Roosters Awake and Crowing
by Ivo Jaschick

AHL: All-Stars

ECHL:
Matt Thomas New Stockton Coach (AHL and ECHL coverage courtesy Prohockeynews.com)

Winter Classic Again Pulls Good TV Rating

Winter Classic: Snapshots from Wrigley

Winter Classic: Original Buffalo Rink Still in Use: Check out these pix!

Sean Avery: Love to Hate You, Baby
by Catherine Pelonero

On the Ice, "Write-in Candidate" Thomas Outpaces Competition
by Gaby Martinez

Maybe Q is Part of the A
by Dennis Bernstein

Carolina Coaching Change: Laviolette Fired, Maurice Returns

Burke Named Maple Leafs GM

NHL Highlights, Oct 2008: TV Ratings Rise, Web Use Way Up, more

NHL Rule Changes 2008-09
by Gaby Martinez

NHL 2008-09 PREVIEW:
Eastern Conference
Western Conference
by Josh Brewster
and Karen Francis

The Ingredient
What does your team need...and is there a supplier?
by Josh Brewster and Karen Francis

Winter Classic 2009: Blackhawks vs. Red Wings at Wrigley

Naegele, Burke, Housley and Lindsay Win 2008 Lester Patrick Trophy

NHL Announces Salary Cap 2008-09

NHL AWARDS
Ovechkin Wins Hart, Lidstrom 6th Norris
Plus: All-Star and All-Rookie Teams

Black Ice Wins Best Short Film Documentary at Roxbury Film Festival

Audio Special:
Josh Brewster Talking NHL with Matt Ross, Team 990AM Montreal
...Listen Online

NHL Draft: First Round Picks

Cup Final
Detroit Wins 4th since 1997

Cup Final a TV Ratings Success
Best numbers in years

NHL, NBC Announce Extension

Vokoun Kept Panthers Legit, in Race Until End
by Gaby Martinez

Fan Photo Gallery
Send us yours!

EXTRA AUDIO:
Josh Brewster filled in as radio color commentator when the Ducks traveled to Phoenix, Nov. 3rd. Click here to listen to the audio from the game.

New NHL Schedule Approved

All-Star Musings
Niedermayer for Hart? Nope. Clueless in Toronto...more.
by Gann Matsuda

Super Value Menu
Big players, small price...want fries wit' dat?

Kings' Robitaille Assistant GM of Canadian Nat's

Four Teams will Open 2008-09 Season in Europe

Schedule Change Welcomed by Most
by Gaby Martinez

Winter Classic Delivers Good TV Rating
Top NHL regular season rating in 10 years

Haili's Hero
Drew Miller Reaches Out as Young Fan Searches for Diagnosis
by Karen Francis

Athletes Performance: Elite Training Facility Draws NHLers Galore

Lindros Named NHLPA Ombudsman

HALL OF FAME:
Mike Emrick wins Ferguson Award; Neil Stevens captures Hewitt

YOUTH HOCKEY SPECIAL:
The
Bowman Cup
By Trevor Dugan

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PHOTO BY MIKE DUGAN: ORIGINAL WINTER CLASSIC RINK NOW A PUBLIC SKATING/HOCKEY FACILITY OUTSIDE BUFFALO, NY

2011 Western Hockey Network

COLUMNIST ARCHIVES: CHARLES SMITH / KAREN FRANCIS / DENNIS BERNSTEIN /
JASON REED / JOSH BREWSTER / IVO JASCHICK / CHRIS KOBER