hockey
We talk pucks and objects of that kind. We yell, complain, and analyze in the language of hockey fandom. Gretzky can do no wrong.
How Many Wins Can Vegas Get?
The addition of a new NHL franchise has generated some interest and excitement over this offseason. General Manager George McPhee and the Vegas Golden Knights staff have certainly been busy, overseeing an expansion draft, contract negotiations, and an absolute barrage of trades. While building a new franchise certainly isn’t easy, and Vegas hopes it can field a competitive team, the Golden Knights have an interesting set of expectations ahead of them and will hope to perform well in 2017–18.
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedThe Rise of Peter Budaj
During the summer of 2015, Peter Budaj was a free agent goalie who may have been considering retirement. At the very least, he could head back to Europe to try and save his career. He was given a pro tryout by the Los Angeles Kings, but was a long shot to make the roster. Just 18 months later, Budaj is one of the best comeback stories in the NHL.
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedFinding a Way to Get Duchene to Brooklyn
As the Colorado Avalanche tumble into the trade deadline and toward the end of the season, rumors swirl surrounding two of their young players in left wing and captain Gabriel Landeskog and center/winger Matt Duchene. It’s evident that Colorado needs (or wants to) rip it down to the studs and start over. GM Joe Sakic is in no hurry to move his two young stars — they don’t have expiring contracts or anything like that. His idea, it seems, is to go as young as possible, which might mean there isn’t enough room for 26-year old Duchene and 24-year old Landeskog.
Steve SmithPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedCan the Penguins Repeat?
The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2016–17 season as defending Stanley Cup champions and had 12–1 odds to repeat, the fourth best chance in the league according to Bovada. After opening up a 3–1 game lead on the Columbus Blue Jackets, those odds have skyrocketed to 15–4 favorites via VegasInsider. The NHL hasn’t seen a repeat champion since the Detroit Red Wings in 1998. Now that they’ve advanced to the second round, can the Penguins be the first since then and defend their title?
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedWild Acquire Martin Hanzal from ‘Yotes
Apparently NHL teams thought the trade deadline was tonight! Not long after the Ben Bishop trade was announced, it was reported that center Martin Hanzal and center Ryan White were being moved from Arizona to Minnesota for a 2017 1st-round pick, a 2018 2nd-round pick, a conditional pick in 2019, and Grayson Downing. And my initial thoughts: good lord.
Steve SmithPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedWhat the Devils Should Do with Patrik Elias
He’s the franchise leader all-time in goals, assists, and points. He’s had countless heroic moments in the playoffs and regular season. He’s won two Stanley Cup championships with the team. No doubt, his will be the fifth number retired by New Jersey, and may be the last sweater retirement the team sees for a long time.
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedFive Factors: The Islanders are the Scariest Team in the NHL
Over the last month, the New York Islanders have revived a season that seemed absolutely doomed. The team has a 9–2–2 record over their last 13 games, starting with a 4–0 win in Boston which would prove to be Jack Capuano’s last game behind the bench with the team.
TJ RagusaPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedEnd of the Line for Iginla and Doan?
The longer a veteran player goes unsigned during an offseason, the more the retirement talk ramps up. And unless your name is Jaromir Jagr, this offseason has been no different. For seasoned veterans Jarome Iginla and Shane Doan, the questions about their possible retirement have flown around in recent days. So what will happen to these great players? Have we seen the last of them?
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedWill This Year Mark The Devils' Return?
It’s been a difficult few seasons for Devils fans. What was once a perennial playoff lock, the New Jersey Devils have experienced some unenviable days in the last five seasons.
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedBrent Burns Is Better Than You
Forget everything I said. In an article published back in January, I made the case that Connor McDavid should be considered the favorite to win the Hart Memorial Trophy for MVP. I suggested that he should at least be considered in the same category with Sidney Crosby given his performance through the first half of the year. With where things stood at that point in the year, that’s a pretty easy point to stand by.
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedWhy The NHL’s Response To Charlottesville Should Worry You
View on Twitter This was the statement issued by the Detroit Red Wings following the incidents surrounding the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA over the weekend. A strong, almost threatening statement from one of the league’s most prolific franchises, and one that clearly states where they stand on the issues at hand. Following this statement was one issued by the league, saying,
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in UnbalancedThe Never Ending Saga of Ilya Kovalchuk
With the NHL offseason kicking off and the free agent market set to open, the time is upon us to once again answer the question: Will Ilya Kovalchuk return to the NHL?
Kyle VandenbergPublished 7 years ago in Unbalanced