30 teams in 30 days schedule

As we always do at this time of year, the RLD team will be bringing you daily 2011-12 team-by-team previews throughout September. Other than our 30 teams in 30 days feature, we’ll be having other various previews as well. We hope you enjoy our content leading up to a brand new NHL season!

From Anaheim to Winnipeg, here is the 30 in 30 schedule…

Video: Ryder drops Lord Stanley

Michael Ryder recently had his day with the Stanley Cup. It's safe to say he left his mark on it...

Malkin will be an X-factor for Pens

Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin, who is coming off ACL/MCL surgery, has not looked like himself ever since he won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009. The Penguins will need that to change, though, with the uncertainty surrounding Sidney Crosby.

Is a surprise in store for Northeast Division?

Since the lockout, there have been a handful of surprise teams in the Northeast Division. Prior to the season, no one expected the 2010 Sabres or 2008 Canadiens to win the division, nor did anyone think the 2009 Bruins or 2007 Sabres would be as dominant as they were. Due to recent history and trends, another surprise could come from the most unpredictable division in hockey.

Top 5 GM’s of the off-season

Training camps are just around the corner, which means the off-season is about to come to a close. Which general managers did best this summer? Here are five that improved their teams with smart decisions, signings and/or trades.

Who is the next 50-goal scorer?

Scoring 50 goals in a single season is a daunting, unpredictable task – unless your name is Alex Ovechkin or Steven Stamkos. Over the years, though, some unexpected players have come from out of the blue to reach the 50-goal plateau. Will there be a new goal-scorer to join this elite company in 2011-12?

Philadelphia mixing it up again

It seems that the Flyers have been here before. They’ve had a knack for overcoming adversity time and time again to the point that it’s simply become routine. They dealt with a major shake-up once already, so why not be able to handle it again?

This time, though, it has a much greater impact.

Saturday Faceoff: Who improved most in off-season?

With the calendar getting set to flip to September, we take a quick look at some of the teams that improved the most this off-season. (Not necessarily who had the best off-season, but rather who improved their teams the most.) Anthony, Patrick and I debate…

Fantasy Top 5: Red flag players

As Fantasy Week comes to a conclusion, we take a look at five players with warning signs that you may want steer clear of in your drafts.

Fantasy Preview: Goaltender

On the final day of Fantasy Week here at RLD, we preview the goaltenders for this season, with some bonus analysis below from Dobber Hockey’s Jeff Angus…

Fantasy Top 5: Comeback players

By Jeff Angus, Dobber Hockey

As we continue Fantasy Week here at RLD, we take a look at five comeback candidates that will make a fantasy impact this season.

Fantasy Preview: Defense

Fantasy Week here at RLD continues. Here is our preview for defensemen, with some bonus analysis below from Dobber Hockey’s Jeff Angus…

Fantasy Top 5: Impact rookies

By Jeff Angus, Dobber Hockey

As we continue Fantasy Week here at RLD, we take a look at five rookies that will make the greatest fantasy impact in their first NHL season.

Fantasy Preview: Right Wing

Fantasy Week here at RLD continues. Here is our preview for right wingers, with some bonus analysis below from Dobber Hockey’s Jeff Angus…

Fantasy Top 5: Impact newcomers

As we continue Fantasy Week here at RLD, we take a look at five players that will make the greatest fantasy impact with their new teams.

Fantasy Preview: Left Wing

Fantasy Week here at RLD continues. Here is our preview for left wingers, with some bonus analysis below from Dobber Hockey’s Jeff Angus…

Fantasy Top 5: Bang for the buck

As we start Fantasy Week here at RLD, we take a look at five players that may not be ranked as high as others, but get the most out of their value and can contribute in many different categories.

Fantasy Preview: Center

Fantasy Week here at RLD has officially kicked off. Here is our preview for centers, with some bonus analysis below from Dobber Hockey’s Jeff Angus…

RDO Camp Review: What changes will be made?

Some of the most thoughtful men in the NHL gathered this week in Toronto for the NHL’s Research, Development and Orientation Camp, which was again under the direction of the League’s Hockey Ops Chief Brendan Shanahan (officially: the NHL Senior VP of Hockey Operations and Player Safety).

To test some of the myriad of proposals and to sweeten the appeal for media coverage, the NHL invited some of the most talented 17 year olds (a.k.a. the 2012 draft class) and, under the guidance of Adams’ Trophy winners Dan Bylsma (Pittsburgh Penguins) and Dave Tippett (Phoenix Coyotes), had the teenagers play a series of scrimmages looking at each proposed rule change in isolation.

Here are three changes we should be looking for as soon as this coming October.

Saturday Faceoff: Best team furthest from salary cap?

Spending the most money doesn’t exactly translate, in some cases, to on-ice success. Anthony and I debate which team furthest from the salary cap will be on top of their game when all 30 teams drop the puck on the 2011-12 season.

Bradley, Kovalev make media missteps

Most of the media has been focusing on the words of Matt Bradley, the former Washington Capital and current Florida Panther, earlier in the week after he publically questioned the competitiveness of Alexander Semin and others on his former team during an interview with TEAM 1200 radio in Ottawa. The first thing I thought about was how easy it is for players to misstep with the media during the off-season. We all talk a little more off-the-cuff about work when we are on vacation right?

Windows of opportunity (Part 2)

(Note: Last week we had the original version of this post. The readers have spoken and we have decided to come up with Part 2 of this feature.)

Every team, at one point or another, has a window opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. Some of those teams are seeing that window just opening; others are seeing it close right in front of them.

Plenty of unknowns in Northwest Division

The Northwest division is often looked upon as the weakest link in the Western Conference. Save for the Vancouver Canucks, the Northwest is largely beaten down and trod upon by all who dare face them. The hay days of the Edmonton Oilers have long since past, the Calgary Flames cling desperately to shades of hope, the Colorado Avalanche are approaching the level of embarrassment when compared to their former selves, and the Minnesota Wild are... well... there, too.

Kings need Richards to play big in L.A.

Back in late June before the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings shocked the hockey world when they made a trade involving players such as Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Shenn, and Mike Richards.

Two months later, Richards is ready to become a contributing player to the Los Angeles Kings and given who the Kings gave up to get him, he pretty much needs to. Luckily for the Kings, they have a player who can both score, set teammates up and play in all situations.

Time running out for Nabokov to make difference

By Anthony Curatolo

“Time is on my side, yes it is”, is a quote from the song “Time Is On My Side” by The Rolling Stones. For the New York Islanders, they hope time is also on their side – time in a positive manner, that is, for last season’s waiver wire acquisition of goaltender Evgeni Nabokov to finally make his mark.

Rest of Southeast in tough to surpass Caps

For the past several seasons, the Washington Capitals have been firmly in control of the Southeast Division. Last season, Tampa Bay got close, finishing the season with 103 points to the Capitals' 107, and ended up besting them in the playoffs.

But can any other team come as close?

Pressure is on Gaborik to bounce back

When talking about the New York Rangers, a lot of people seem to think that because Brad Richards is now a part of the team, it is automatic that winger Marian Gaborik will explode this season points-wise.

While there is some truth in that, in the end, it is really up to Gaborik when it comes to how much he produces. Sure, it will certainly be easier with someone who can feed him the puck and create opportunities for him but if he has trouble finishing, none of that will matter.

Hockey world mourns Rypien’s death

The hockey world stopped in its tracks late Monday with the abrupt news of Rick Rypien’s death. Rypien, who had signed with the Winnipeg Jets this summer, was 27 years old.

It’s now Howard’s time in Detroit

With Chris Osgood now retired from the Detroit Red Wings and the NHL, it is Jimmy Howard's time in the Motor City.

Video: NHL 12 unveils legends

EA Sports' NHL 12 unveiled a new trailer last week, featuring the new addition of legends to the game. The trailer states that there will be nine legends, three of which are Wayne Gretzky, Ray Bourque and Chris Chelios. Watch the trailer here...

Ducks need Selanne to return

It was recently reported that Teemu Selanne will wait until September to make a decision on whether or not he will play this season. Selanne is currently an unrestricted free agent and underwent knee surgery last month. With as much as he has meant to the Ducks since returning post-lockout, it’d be a big blow to Randy Carlyle and company if the ‘Finnish Flash’ ends up retiring.

Saturday Faceoff: Should NHL continue Olympics participation?

Even with the Sochi, Russia, Olympics three years away, the debate is rampant about whether the NHL should continue sending their players to one of the world’s largest sporting events. Commissioner Gary Bettman has even expressed doubt about letting NHLers participate. This week, Carolyn and Patrick debate…

Top prospects impress at Ivan Hlinka Tournament

There's a week in August that's a scout's dream. It's the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, otherwise known as the U18 World Cup. It's a great chance to see some of the top prospects for the 2012 and 2013 drafts - all players are 1994-born. This year's tournament, taking place in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, began on August 8.

Leafs' hopes rest on Reimer

The Maple Leafs have not had a steady No.1 netminder who could play well consistently since Ed Belfour manned the pipes for the Original Six franchise.

That may change this season as the Leafs now have James Reimer slated to be the starting goaltender on a team that has not made the playoffs since 2004. The Leafs hope that will change with Reimer between the pipes.

What should Doughty’s contract be worth?

Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi has one more task this summer: sign Drew Doughty, who is the most notable restricted free agent currently unsigned. According to a report from LAKingsInsider.com yesterday, the negotiations could last until September, as the demands from Doughty are high.

What is Doughty worth? How will other contracts that star RFA’s received this summer impact what the defenseman will make?

Summer of 2013 does not lack intrigue

The list of unrestricted free agents in 2011 and 2012 were/are pretty underwhelming. Aside from Brad Richards this summer and possibly Zach Parise next, there weren’t/aren’t many other game-changers. That’s not the case in 2013.

Needless to say, the free agent ‘class’, per se, is strong two years from now. Although some of the stars may not even make it to open market on July 1, 2013, it’s certainly fun to think about.

Windows of opportunity

Every team, at one point or another, has a window opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. Some of those teams are seeing that window just opening; others are seeing it close right in front of them.

Who is team to beat in Central Division?

Four years ago, the Central Division was considered to be the weakest division in hockey. Thanks in part to Chicago’s revival, it’s now one of the strongest. For the upcoming 2011-12 season, the Central will once again be deep. Who is the favorite and/or team to beat in the division?

Questionable goaltending could hurt Coyotes

With Ilya Brzygalov now a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Phoenix Coyotes' goaltending situation is not as clear as it once was.

Wild ridding their scapegoats

"Gee, imagine that, (Fill in name here) was on the ice for that goal against. Shocking." - Any random hockey fan

Every fan base has a guy they love to hate. Never mind the fact they wear the home team's sweater, were drafted a developed by the organization, or had that one really good season three years ago.

Top 5 best and worst extinct jerseys

Some jerseys should have never gone away. Some should never come back. Here are five of the best (and worst) jerseys that are no longer used in the NHL.

Atlantic Division boasts great depth

With the way the NHL's Atlantic Division is shaping up to be for the upcoming 2011-12 season, it looks to be one of the deepest divisions in the league and could be a 'playoff division', per se.

Some teams made some additions, others made some re-signings, while another club revamped a good portion of the squad. No matter what each of these teams did, the Atlantic could easily be considered one of the best in all of hockey.

Kings look primed for run in West

Over the last couple years you’ve had a feeling that it’s only a matter of time before the Los Angeles Kings become bonafide contenders in the Western Conference. Well, that time is now.

Saturday Faceoff: Greatest goalie of all-time?

Goaltender is widely thought of as the most important position in hockey. Who’s the best of all-time? It’s a topic that is always being debated, and Patrick and I take our stab at it this week…

The third incarnation of Gary Roberts

NHL veteran Gary Roberts' first career in hockey began as the 12th overall draft pick of the Calgary Flames in 1984, winning the 1989 Stanley Cup with the team before a series of neck injuries and surgeries forced him to retire in 1996, after some 10 seasons and 643 NHL games. He was awarded the Masterton Trophy that year. After a year of intense and unorthodox rehabilitation and research, he returned to the NHL in 1997 to play for his second NHL career, this one lasting 12 more years, including his third All-Star Game appearance in 2004, before retiring in 2009 from the Tampa Bay Lightning at age 43.

All of which may turn out to be simply a preface for the influence he will have on NHL players for the next 30 years with the career he had created now.

How much does Brodeur have left in the tank?

This is something that both the New Jersey Devils organization and its fans now worry about every single season when it comes to its franchise netminder, Martin Brodeur.

Questions galore about Weber’s future in Nashville

On a conference call Wednesday with local and national media, Predators GM David Poile and defenseman Shea Weber said everything the fans would want to hear about the possibility of a long-term contract. However, there is pessimism around the league about Weber realistically staying put.

Hawks’ Bowman doing yeomen’s work

Scotty Bowman, who won an NHL-record 1,244 games behind the bench, is arguably the greatest coach in the history of hockey. He won a whopping nine Stanley Cups as a coach, ranging from 1973 to 2002, doing so with three different teams; that doesn’t include the ring he won with the Blackhawks in 2010 as the Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations.

If the last two off-seasons have proved anything, it’s that Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman, Scotty’s son, is following in his father’s footsteps of being successful in the NHL.

Top 5 remaining free agents

Over a month into free agency, there are still some serviceable players available that could come at a bargain price. Here are five of the best…

30 cities in 30 nights mock trip

Have you ever dreamt of going on the ultimate trip through all 30 NHL cities? And not just in your lifetime… in 30 nights? Yeah, me too!

To see just what it would cost for a trip like this, I’ve put together a mock trip that would take one individual to all 30 NHL cities in a month’s span (with the real 2011/12 schedule). This has almost become an annual post here at RLD. The trip runs from March 9th through April 7th, the last 30 days of the regular season. Oh, what a trip this would be…

Will Cole be worth it in Montreal?

That is what Montreal Canadiens fans are wondering after signing unrestricted free agent Erik Cole to a four-year deal worth $4.5 million a season back on July 1st.

Goaltending musical chairs about to stop

Over the past few seasons there has been a change in the way NHL general managers have signed goaltenders. In the last three seasons the conventional wisdom that a top priority for a team is to secure a franchise goaltender has been flipped on its head. We have seen how serviceable goaltenders on 1-2 year contracts can win Stanley Cups. The job of the general manager is to have the best possible team on the ice for the least amount of money. Remember wins and costs are always the first things GM’s think about when they walk into the office every morning.

This is Vokoun's best chance to win

This season, new Washington Capitals netminder Tomas Vokoun will have the best chance of his career when it comes to winning a Stanley Cup.

Off-season Power Rankings: August

Every week during the season we bring you Power Rankings. This off-season, we will update our rankings on the first Monday of every month. Here is the list for August…