Sharks primed for successful December

Due to playing the least number of games in the West, the San Jose Sharks enter December outside of the top eight in the conference. That is about to change. With a home-laden slate awaiting them in December, San Jose is a team to watch in the next month.

Skinner proving he is real deal

After winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year last season, many people throughout the hockey world wondered if Carolina Hurricanes' forward Jeff Skinner would experience any kind of drop off in 2011-12. In 26 games this season, the answer would have to be a resounding NO.

Morning Skate: November 30

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Islanders 2, Sabres 1
Blues 2, Capitals 1
Panthers 3, Hurricanes 1
Rangers 4, Penguins 3
Senators 6, Jets 4
Coyotes 4, Blackhawks 1
Flames 1, Predators 0
Canucks 4, Blue Jackets 1
Predictions record: 5-3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Cory Schneider, VAN (47 saves)
2. Zack Smith, OTT (2 goals)
3. Miikka Kiprusoff, CGY (26 saves, shutout)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Bruins @ Maple Leafs, 7:00 ET
Lightning @ Red Wings, 7:30
Devils @ Avalanche, 9:30
Wild @ Oilers, 9:30
Canadiens @ Ducks, 10:00

Game of the night:
Boston Bruins @ Toronto Maple Leafs
7:00 ET… TV: TSN, Local Networks

What if we had an Olympic point system?

Here is our first look of the 2011/12 standings as if there was a different points system. The most popular solution is to dish out three points per game (and the one I’m in favor of the most) like they do in the Olympics.

Are changes needed in Anaheim?

As the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” With the Anaheim Ducks right now, everything is broken. How long will management wait to fix it? That’s a decision that needs to be made soon as they will head into December sitting no better than 14th place in the Western Conference.

Morning Skate: November 29

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Wild 3, Lightning 1
Stars 3, Avalanche 1
Predators 2, Oilers 1
Kings 2, Sharks 0
Predictions record: 4-0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jonathan Quick, LA (33 saves, shutout)
2. Andrew Raycroft, DAL (35 saves)
3. Niklas Backstrom, MIN (32 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Islanders @ Sabres, 7:00 ET
Blues @ Capitals, 7:00
Panthers @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Penguins @ Rangers, 7:30
Senators @ Jets, 8:30
Coyotes @ Blackhawks, 8:30
Predators @ Flames, 9:30
Blue Jackets @ Canucks, 10:00

Game of the night:
Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers
7:30 ET… TV: VERSUS, Local Networks

Muller takes over in Raleigh

After weeks of speculation that Coach Paul Maurice’s tenure in Raleigh was drawing to a close, General Manager Jim Rutherford pulled the trigger this morning and fired his friend, the long-time coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. Soon after, the club announced that the former assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens Kirk Muller was the man brought in to take the reins.

Boudreau's time runs out in D.C.

Talk about a rude awakening. At 6:15 AM Monday, Bruce Boudreau got the phone call from general manager George McPhee notifying him that he had been fired as head coach of the Washington Capitals.

Who’s next on the firing line?

Many hockey fans woke up to the news this morning that Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau and Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice had been fired. The time had come for both of them to exit stage left (we’ll have more on that later).

With Boudreau and Maurice receiving the pink slip, that means three head coaches have now been fired in the season’s first two months. Which NHL head coaches should be leery of answering their phone? There are numerous candidates that could see the chopping block before the season ends.

The Week Ahead

It was a fun-filled week in the National Hockey League this Thanksgiving week. Now that it is out of the way, it is time for us to focus on "The Week Ahead", where we will look at the "Three Stars of the Week", "Three players to keep an eye on", "Two Teams to Watch", "Game of the Week", and of course, "Other Games to keep an eye on".

Power Rankings: Week 8

1. Boston Bruins… LW: 2
Tim Thomas is putting up numbers similar to those from last year, while the offense is getting contributions from everywhere, including Chris Kelly. So are the Bruins better than last year?
2. Pittsburgh Penguins… LW: 3
Sidney Crosby’s presence has made the Penguins the most feared team in the NHL. They’ll be tested in the next couple weeks with games against the Rangers, Capitals, Bruins and Flyers.
3. San Jose Sharks… LW: 1
You could make the argument that San Jose has been the West’s best club here in November. They hold a 7-2-1 in 10 games this month and have looked like a complete team.

Morning Skate: November 28

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Senators 4, Hurricanes 3
Blues 2, Blue Jackets 1
Flames 5, Wild 2
Maple Leafs 5, Ducks 2
Predictions record: 1-3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Tyler Bozak, TOR (2 goals)
2. Jason Spezza, OTT (2 goals)
3. David Backes, STL (1 goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Lightning @ Wild, 7:30 ET
Stars @ Avalanche, 9:00
Predators @ Oilers, 9:30
Sharks @ Kings, 10:30

Game of the night:
San Jose Sharks @ Los Angeles Kings
10:30 ET… TV: Local Networks

Early look at Vezina race

At the quarter mark of the 2011-12 NHL season we find ourselves looking toward the end of the season -- the time of the year where we speculate over Stanley Cup favorites, offseason moves and awards. While the Vezina Trophy only includes three finalists, we found it hard to distinguish between many of the worthy candidates. Short sample sizes have made even the obscure candidates like Brian Elliott appear elite, making the decision even more difficult. Let's take a look at some of those deserving starting goalies.

Morning Skate: November 27

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Islanders 3, Devils 2
Rangers 2, Flyers 0
Avalanche 5, Oilers 2
Bruins 4, Jets 2
Sabres 5, Capitals 1
Penguins 4, Canadiens 3 (OT)
Lightning 5, Panthers 1
Red Wings 4, Predators 1
Coyotes 3, Stars 0
Canucks 3, Sharks 2
Blackhawks 2, Kings 1
Predictions record: 6-5

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (29 saves, shutout)
2. Mike Smith, PHX (26 saves, shutout)
3. Steven Stamkos, TB (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Hurricanes @ Senators, 5:00 ET
Blues @ Blue Jackets, 6:00
Flames @ Wild, 6:00
Maple Leafs @ Ducks, 9:00

Game of the night:
St. Louis Blues @ Columbus Blue Jackets
6:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Video: Brodeur's glove save

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur stoned Islanders forwards Michael Grabner and Kyle Okposo in succession, including this vintage glove save for the future Hall of Famer...

The Islanders won the game, however, 3-2, their first road win of the season.

Saturday Faceoff: First quarter Hart favorite?

The first quarter checkpoint has passed, which means it’s time to take an early look at the awards races. Through the first month and a half, the Hart Trophy race is neck-and-neck between two candidates – Toronto’s Phil Kessel and Philadelphia’s Claude Giroux. Who is currently the favorite? Carolyn and I debate…

Morning Skate: November 26

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Red Wings 3, Bruins 2 (SO)
Devils 1, Islanders 0
Flyers 3, Canadiens 1
Oilers 5, Wild 2
Rangers 6, Capitals 3
Blackhawks 6, Ducks 5
Penguins 6, Senators 3
Jets 3, Hurricanes 1
Blue Jackets 5, Sabres 1
Lightning 2, Panthers 1 (OT)
Blues 2, Flames 0
Maple Leafs 4, Stars 3 (SO)
Canucks 5, Coyotes 0
Predictions record: 6-6

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jonathan Toews, CHI (2 goals, 3 assists)
2. Patrick Sharp, CHI (3 goals)
3. Brian Elliott, STL (24 saves, shutout)
---

Today’s slate:
Islanders @ Devils, 1:00 ET
Flyers @ Rangers, 2:00
Oilers @ Avalanche, 7:00
Jets @ Bruins, 7:00
Capitals @ Sabres, 7:00
Penguins @ Canadiens, 7:00
Panthers @ Lightning, 7:00
Predators @ Red Wings, 7:00
Stars @ Coyotes, 8:00
Canucks @ Sharks, 10:00
Blackhawks @ Kings, 10:30

Game of the day:
Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Rangers
2:00 ET… TV: NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Same old story for Islanders

Each season, it seems like the Islanders follow a similar formula: start off well, run into some injury trouble and, ultimately, lose a lot of hockey games. Through the first month and a half, this season has been no different.

Morning Skate: November 25

Today’s slate:
Red Wings @ Bruins, 1:00 ET
Devils @ Islanders, 3:00
Canadiens @ Flyers, 3:00
Oilers @ Wild, 4:00
Rangers @ Capitals, 4:00
Blackhawks @ Ducks, 4:00
Senators @ Penguins, 7:00
Jets @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Sabres @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Lightning @ Panthers, 7:30
Flames @ Blues, 8:00
Maple Leafs @ Stars, 8:30
Canucks @ Coyotes, 9:00

Game of the day:
Detroit Red Wings @ Boston Bruins
1:00 ET… TV: NBC, TSN

Playoff outlook at first checkpoint

Thanksgiving is usually regarded as the time where every team evaluates themselves, makes changes and prepares for the meat of the season in the second and third quarters. This time of year also serves as a checkpoint for seeing which teams could make the playoffs. Ever since the lockout, teams holding a playoff seeding at Thanksgiving, more times than not, have been in good shape for the rest of the year.

Morning Skate: November 24

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 4, Sabres 3 (SO)
Devils 2, Blue Jackets 1 (SO)
Flyers 4, Islanders 3 (OT)
Blues 3, Penguins 2 (OT)
Capitals 4, Jets 3 (OT)
Canadiens 4, Hurricanes 3 (SO)
Red Wings 5, Flames 3
Panthers 2, Rangers 1
Wild 3, Predators 2
Stars 3, Kings 2 (OT)
Coyotes 4, Ducks 2
Canucks 3, Avalanche 0
Sharks 1, Blackhawks 0
Predictions record: 8-5

Thomas picking up where he left off

It is easy to say that for Tim Thomas, last season was an absolute dream one for the 37-year-old Boston Bruins netminder. As we cross over to the second quarter of the season, Thomas has shown no signs of any Stanley Cup hangover or letting up.

Is something wrong with Ovechkin?

Coming into Monday night's game against the Phoenix Coyotes, Alex Ovechkin was in a funk. He hadn't had a point in four games, matching his longest drought, set in February 2007. Thankfully for the Capitals, in the third period Monday, he ended the streak by notching an assist on Nicklas Backstrom's goal. But opinions continue to run rampant that Ovechkin is playing some of the worst hockey of his career.

Morning Skate: November 23

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Maple Leafs 7, Lightning 1
Kings 3, Blues 2
Oilers 6, Predators 2
Predictions record: 0-3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jordan Eberle, EDM (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. Tim Connolly, TOR (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Mike Richards, LA (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Bruins @ Sabres, 7:00 ET
Blue Jackets @ Devils, 7:00
Flyers @ Islanders, 7:00
Blues @ Penguins, 7:00
Jets @ Capitals, 7:00
Canadiens @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Flames @ Red Wings, 7:00
Rangers @ Panthers, 7:30
Predators @ Wild, 8:00
Kings @ Stars, 8:30
Ducks @ Coyotes, 9:00
Canucks @ Avalanche, 9:30
Blackhawks @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Chicago Blackhawks @ San Jose Sharks
10:30 ET… TV: Local Networks

First quarter all-underachieving team

With the first quarter essentially in the books, here’s a look at 12 forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders that are performing below expectations thus far.

Yeo steering Wild in right direction

When Chuck Fletcher fired Todd Richards after last season's finale, the speculation immediately began. Certainly, Fletcher would learn from hiring a no-name coach with no NHL experience. The big names guys with a proven record of not winning (why else would they be jobless?) had to be at the top of Fletcher's list, right? Wrong.

Morning Skate: November 22

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Hurricanes 4, Flyers 2
Penguins 5, Islanders 0
Capitals 4, Coyotes 3
Blue Jackets 4, Flames 1
Bruins 1, Canadiens 0
Panthers 4, Devils 3
Stars 4, Oilers 1
Predictions record: 5-2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Sidney Crosby, PIT (2 goals, 2 assists)
2. Tim Thomas, BOS (33 saves, shutout)
3. Kris Versteeg, FLA (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Maple Leafs @ Lightning, 7:30 ET
Kings @ Blues, 7:30
Oilers @ Predators, 8:00

Game of the night:
Los Angeles Kings @ St. Louis Blues
7:30 ET… TV: VERSUS

Crosby shines in season debut

Sidney Crosby collected a pass at center ice, displayed a burst of speed and backhanded the puck top shelf. And that was only the beginning of a special night for Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who beat the New York Islanders 5-0. With a sparkling four-point game after missing over 10 months and 67 games, it was as if Crosby hadn’t missed a single shift.

Video: Crosby scores in comeback

Welcome back, 87. Just over five minutes into his first game of the year (and on his third shift), Sidney Crosby -- who has missed the last 67 games with a concussion -- blew by Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald and went top shelf on Anders Nilsson. Yeah, Sid the Kid's still got it.

The Week Ahead

Welcome to another installment of "The Week Ahead". It was a crazy week in the NHL so we will tell you about our three stars of the week, three players to keep an eye on, teams to watch, our game of the week and of course, other games NHL fans should watch this upcoming week.

Power Rankings: Week 7

1. San Jose Sharks… LW: 5
San Jose takes the top spot with convincing wins over Detroit, Dallas and Colorado. They are 6-1-1 in November.
2. Boston Bruins… LW: 6
Is there a team firing on all cylinders like the Bruins? In a word, no. Claude Julien’s club has won eight in a row with a +26 goal differential during the streak.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins… LW: 2
With Sidney Crosby returning to the lineup, the Penguins will (finally) have their top three centers at the same time again. Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal played together just twice last year.

Morning Skate: November 21

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Hurricanes 3, Maple Leafs 1
Sharks 4, Avalanche 1
Red Wings 4, Ducks 2
Canucks 2, Senators 1 (OT)
Predictions record: 4-0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Patrick Marleau, SJ (3 goals)
2. Jeff Skinner, CAR (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Cory Schneider, VAN (28 saves)
---

Today’s slate:
Hurricanes @ Flyers, 7:00 ET
Islanders @ Penguins, 7:00
Coyotes @ Capitals, 7:00
Flames @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Bruins @ Canadiens, 7:30
Devils @ Panthers, 7:30
Oilers @ Stars, 8:30

Game of the night:
New York Islanders @ Pittsburgh Penguins
7:00 ET… TV: CBC, VERSUS, Local Networks

Top 5 NHL sparkplugs

Who are those players who absolutely spark their team? The guy who takes an endless shift and inspires the rest of the team to play in their image. The guy who lights a fire onto the ice, effectively waking up the rest of the staff. We're going to take a look at the five best sparkplugs in the NHL.

Conversation with Ryan Johansen

This weekend I caught with Blue Jackets rookie Ryan Johansen to get his thoughts his month in the NHL, the team’s tough start and his experience in the WHL and World Juniors.

Morning Skate: November 20

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Jets 6, Flyers 4
Red Wings 4, Kings 1
Coyotes 4, Sabres 2
Maple Leafs 7, Capitals 1
Canadiens 4, Rangers 0
Bruins 6, Islanders 0
Devils 4, Lightning 2
Panthers 3, Penguins 2
Blue Jackets 4, Predators 3 (OT)
Wild 3, Blues 2 (SO)
Sharks 4, Stars 1
Oilers 9, Blackhawks 2
Predictions record: 6-6

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, EDM (5 assists)
2. Taylor Hall, EDM (3 goals)
3. Chris Kelly, BOS (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

Today’s slate:
Maple Leafs @ Hurricanes, 5:00 ET
Sharks @ Avalanche, 8:00
Red Wings @ Ducks, 8:00
Senators @ Canucks, 9:00

Game of the night:
Ottawa Senators @ Vancouver Canucks
9:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Saturday Faceoff: Which surprise is most legitimate?

The NHL has had a few surprises early on this season. Three of them, Minnesota, Dallas and Florida, have been the most surprising. Which ones will be able to keep it up? Patrick, Chris and I debate…

Morning Skate: November 19

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Sabres 1, Hurricanes 0
Avalanche 3, Stars 0
Flames 5, Blackhawks 2
Predictions record: 2-1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jhonas Enroth, BUF (34 saves, shutout)
2. J.S. Giguere, COL (24 saves, shutout)
3. Curtis Glencross, CGY (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

Today’s slate:
Flyers @ Jets, 3:00 ET
Red Wings @ Kings, 4:00
Coyotes @ Sabres, 7:00
Capitals @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Rangers @ Canadiens, 7:00
Bruins @ Islanders, 7:00
Devils @ Lightning, 7:00
Penguins @ Panthers, 7:30
Blue Jackets @ Predators, 8:00
Blues @ Wild, 8:00
Sharks @ Stars, 8:00
Blackhawks @ Oilers, 10:00

Game of the night:
Detroit Red Wings @ Los Angeles Kings
4:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

What has come from Miller-Lucic collision?

The violent collision between the Bruins Milan Lucic and Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller in Boston’s TD Garden last Saturday night was one of the more spectacular of the season. The verbiage in the hours following was visceral, particularly the comments coming from the injured goaltender post-game and then from his chastened teammates back in Buffalo the following day.

The ripples of the incident carried through to Monday when Lucic was interviewed by the NHL’s ubiquitous Director of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan, who subsequently released the 23 year old with credit for time served (aka the 2 minute minor for charging). By Tuesday morning, when the Leagues’ General Managers gathered in Toronto, the topic of goalie protection was a last-minute add to their agenda.

After all the attention, nothing tangible has come of it. And that’s how it should be.

Morning Skate: November 18

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 2, Blue Jackets 1 (SO)
Islanders 4, Canadiens 3
Flyers 2, Coyotes 1
Lightning 4, Penguins 1
Blues 4, Panthers 1
Predators 4, Maple Leafs 1
Wild 1, Avalanche 0
Jets 4, Capitals 1
Senators 5, Oilers 2
Kings 5, Ducks 3
Sharks 5, Red Wings 2
Predictions record: 7-4

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, SJ (1 goal, 3 assists)
2. Niklas Backstrom, MIN (27 saves, shutout)
3. Evander Kane, WPG (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Sabres @ Hurricanes, 7:00 ET
Stars @ Avalanche, 9:00
Blackhawks @ Flames, 9:00

Game of the night:
Buffalo Sabres @ Carolina Hurricanes
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Video: Smith misses empty net

Predators forward Craig Smith embarrassingly missed a wide open empty net in the later stages of tonight's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Preds head coach Barry Trotz was not pleased with the play.

Trophy Tracker

Every other week, we’ll bring you an updated look at the candidates for the major awards around the NHL…

Flames in need of a makeover

It has been two and a half years since the Calgary Flames last played in a postseason game. Due to one poor personnel move after another, the Flames have been on a downhill trend, and it isn’t going to get any better anytime soon. If the Flames want to get back to playoff-contending status, GM Jay Feaster and company should start a full-blown rebuild.

Morning Skate: November 17

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Canadiens 4, Hurricanes 0
Devils 5, Sabres 3
Blackhawks 5, Canucks 1
Kings 2, Ducks 1 (SO)
Predictions record: 4-0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Carey Price, MTL (25 saves, shutout)
2. Patrik Elias, NJ (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Corey Crawford, CHI (28 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Blue Jackets @ Bruins, 7:00 ET
Canadiens @ Islanders, 7:00
Coyotes @ Flyers, 7:00
Penguins @ Lightning, 7:30
Panthers @ Blues, 8:00
Maple Leafs @ Predators, 8:00
Avalanche @ Wild, 8:00
Capitals @ Jets, 8:30
Senators @ Oilers, 9:30
Kings @ Ducks, 10:00
Red Wings @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Detroit Red Wings @ San Jose Sharks
10:30 ET… TV: Local Networks

Avalanche find new captain

After Adam Foote's retirement at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season, the Colorado Avalanche was tasked with finding a new captain to lead the team in coming seasons. On Monday, the team announced that 35-year-old winger Milan Hejduk was to succeed Foote as captain of the Avalanche.

Morning Skate: November 16

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 4, Devils 3
Coyotes 3, Maple Leafs 2 (SO)
Rangers 4, Islanders 2
Wild 4, Blue Jackets 2
Penguins 6, Avalanche 3
Blues 2, Red Wings 1
Predators 3, Capitals 1
Panthers 6, Stars 0
Senators 3, Flames 1
Predictions record: 6-3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Pekka Rinne, NSH (39 saves)
2. Bobby Butler, OTT (2 goals)
3. James Neal, PIT (1 goal, 2 assists)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Hurricanes @ Canadiens, 7:00 ET
Devils @ Sabres, 7:30
Blackhawks @ Canucks, 10:00
Ducks @ Kings, 10:30

Game of the night:
Chicago Blackhawks @ Vancouver Canucks
10:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Video: Duchene's dazzling goal

Matt Duchene put his talent on display on Tuesday in Pittsburgh with this slick first period goal.

Brouwer’s presence valuable to Caps

The Washington Capitals made a handful of bold moves in the off-season. One of them was giving up a first round pick on draft day to pry Troy Brouwer from Chicago. The Caps acquired Brouwer not only for a boost to its secondary scoring, but for his physicality as well.

Luongo back on the upswing

The month of October is long gone, which means Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo must be settling into a groove between the pipes. That’s exactly the case, as Luongo has put another slow start in the rear view mirror.

Morning Skate: November 15

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Flyers 5, Hurricanes 3
Sabres 3, Canadiens 2 (SO)
Jets 5, Lightning 2
Predictions record: 2-1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Claude Giroux, PHI (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. Derek Roy, BUF (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Dustin Byfuglien, WPG (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Devils @ Bruins, 7:00 ET
Coyotes @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Rangers @ Islanders, 7:00
Wild @ Blue Jackets, 7:30
Avalanche @ Penguins, 7:30
Red Wings @ Blues, 8:00
Capitals @ Predators, 8:00
Panthers @ Stars, 8:30
Senators @ Flames, 9:00

Game of the night:
Washington Capitals @ Nashville Predators
8:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

The Week Ahead

Welcome to another installment of "The Week Ahead" where we will tell you who our stars of the week are, look at a few players and teams to keep an eye on, and preview the top game of the week.

Power Rankings: Week 6

1. Chicago Blackhawks… LW: 5
Patrick Kane and company have unseated Washington for the top spot. They own the most points in the NHL and impressively steamrolled through Columbus, Calgary and Edmonton – just like they should.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins… LW: 2
James Neal is on a six-game point streak and leads the NHL in shots. More importantly, the Penguins lead the Eastern Conference without Sidney Crosby playing a shift.
3. Washington Capitals… LW: 1
After a torrid start, the Caps are looking so invincible. They have gone 3-4-1 in the last eight games and simply aren’t playing their best hockey.

Morning Skate: November 14

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Flyers 3, Panthers 2
Blackhawks 6, Oilers 3
Wild 3, Ducks 2
Canucks 4, Islanders 1
Predictions record: 3-1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Steve Montador, CHI (2 goals)
2. Aaron Rome, VAN (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Matt Cullen, MIN (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Flyers @ Hurricanes, 7:00 ET
Sabres @ Canadiens, 7:00
Lightning @ Jets, 8:30

Game of the night:
Buffalo Sabres @ Montreal Canadiens
7:00 ET… TV: VERSUS, Local Networks

Hornqvist finding offensive groove

Nashville Predators forward Patric Hornqvist said in the off-season that he was frustrated by an inconsistent offensive campaign in 2010-11. He had scored 30 goals the year before, but only 21 last season. After being hampered by an injured foot for most of October, the Preds hope Hornqvist can continue his current hot streak.

Morning Skate: November 13

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 6, Sabres 2
Senators 5, Maple Leafs 2
Devils 3, Capitals 2 (SO)
Hurricanes 5, Penguins 3
Red Wings 5, Stars 2
Blue Jackets 2, Jets 1
Canadiens 2, Predators 1 (OT)
Blues 3, Lightning 0
Flames 4, Avalanche 3
Kings 5, Wild 2
Coyotes 3, Sharks 0
Predictions record: 6-5

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Tyler Seguin, BOS (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. Mike Smith, PHX (31 saves, shutout)
3. Jeff Skinner, CAR (1 goal, 2 assists)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Flyers @ Panthers, 5:00 ET
Oilers @ Blackhawks, 7:00
Wild @ Ducks, 8:00
Islanders @ Canucks, 9:00

Game of the night:
Edmonton Oilers @ Chicago Blackhawks
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Video: Lucic checks Miller

Tonight, Bruins forward Milan Lucic controversially bowled over Sabres goalie Ryan Miller in the first period. Miller didn't return following the second period.

Saturday Faceoff: Best player not in Hall of Fame?

With the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies coming up on Monday, this weekend’s Saturday Faceoff takes a look at the best players that have yet to be inducted. Alexander and Patrick debate…