Philadelphia has major buzz for Classic

PHILADELPHIA -- You saw Eric Lindros skate down the right wing, feed a perfect pass to John LeClair, who deposited the puck in the Rangers’ net. You had to remind yourself it wasn’t 1998 anymore. And then you heard the roar from a sold out Citizens Bank Park clad in orange and black with a hint of blue. You had to remind yourself that this was the alumni game, not Monday’s main event.

Saturday Faceoff: Locale of 2013 Winter Classic?

The Winter Classic has taken on a life of its own since the debut of it in 2008. In just two days, the NHL’s biggest event of the year will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Before that, though, Erika and I debate where the Classic should be held in 2013…

Why reconciliation between Lindros, Flyers was necessary

Later today, Eric Lindros will represent the Philadelphia Flyers against the New York Rangers in the Alumni Game portion of the NHL's Winter Classic festivities at Citizens Bank Park. After more than a decade of hard feelings and no communication whatsoever with the organization, it is an utter and complete irony that the healing process between 'The Big E' and the Flyers began in preparation for a weekend between the two teams that battled it out feverishly for his NHL rights almost 20 years ago.

Morning Skate: December 31

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Capitals 3, Sabres 1
Senators 4, Flames 3 (OT)
Rangers 4, Panthers 1
Predators 2, Blues 1 (SO)
Blackhawks 3, Red Wings 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Alex Ovechkin, WSH (2 goals)
2. Pekka Rinne, NSH (35 saves)
3. Daniel Alfredsson, OTT (1 goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Oilers @ Islanders, 1:00 ET
Penguins @ Devils, 3:00
Hurricanes @ Lightning, 5:00
Coyotes @ Wild, 6:00
Canadiens @ Panthers, 7:00
Senators @ Sabres, 7:00
Maple Leafs @ Jets, 7:00
Blues @ Red Wings, 7:00
Capitals @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Bruins @ Stars, 8:00
Avalanche @ Ducks, 8:00
Canucks @ Kings, 10:00

Game of the night:
Vancouver Canucks @ Los Angeles Kings
10:00 ET… TV: CBC, Local Networks

Top 5 questions for 2012

Monday in Philadelphia, the NHL will kick off 2012 with a bang. The Flyers and Rangers Winter Classic Game is a showcase for the sport and this year also opens the NHL's television partner newly tagged "NBC Sports Network". Interesting, but in truth only a small element of what's to come for hockey and the National Hockey League in 2012. Here are five questions that we hope will be answered by this time next year:

Trophy Tracker

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

Morning Skate: December 30

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Islanders 3, Flames 1
Flyers 4, Penguins 2
Maple Leafs 4, Hurricanes 3 (OT)
Lightning 4, Canadiens 3
Wild 4, Oilers 3
Jets 1, Kings 0 (OT)
Blue Jackets 4, Stars 1
Avalanche 3, Coyotes 2
Canucks 5, Ducks 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Eric Staal, CAR (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. Chris Mason, WPG (31 saves, shutout)
3. Rick Nash, CBJ (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Sabres @ Capitals, 7:00 ET
Flames @ Senators, 7:30
Rangers @ Panthers, 7:30
Predators @ Blues, 8:00
Red Wings @ Blackhawks, 8:30

Game of the night:
Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks
8:30 ET… TV: Local Networks

Top 5 storylines of 2011

For the most part, the year of 2011 was one to forget in the hockey world. Yet, it was still as memorable as ever. Here are five storylines that caught our eye this year…

Morning Skate: December 29

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Devils 3, Sabres 1
Capitals 4, Rangers 1
Predators 2, Wild 1 (SO)
Kings 2, Blackhawks 0
Bruins 2, Coyotes 1 (OT)
Canucks 3, Sharks 2 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jonathan Quick, LA (38 saves, shutout)
2. Petr Sykora, NJ (2 goals)
3. Alexander Semin, WSH (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Flames @ Islanders, 7:00 ET
Flyers @ Penguins, 7:00
Maple Leafs @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Canadiens @ Lightning, 7:30
Oilers @ Wild, 8:00
Kings @ Jets, 8:30
Blue Jackets @ Stars, 8:30
Coyotes @ Avalanche, 9:00
Canucks @ Ducks, 10:00

Game of the night:
Philadelphia Flyers @ Pittsburgh Penguins
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Wild looking for luck to turn around

When you look at the big picture, the Minnesota Wild are 7-5-2 in their last 14 games and one point out of first place in the Northwest Division. Not bad, considering the expectations around the league were low coming into the year. However, the Wild have gone from having the NHL’s best record to a seven-game losing streak in a matter of two weeks. They hope their luck turns around soon.

What does Flyers-Rangers rivalry mean to both sides?

Less than a week from now, the Flyers and Rangers will do battle outdoors in Philadelphia. It’s been a rivalry that has been around for a long time, though. What does the rivalry mean to both sides? Dave, from Philadelphia, and Patrick, from New York, weigh in…

Morning Skate: December 28

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Penguins 4, Hurricanes 2
Flames 2, Blue Jackets 1 (SO)
Canadiens 6, Senators 2
Lightning 5, Flyers 1
Panthers 5, Maple Leafs 3
Red Wings 3, Blues 2
Jets 4, Avalanche 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Steven Stamkos, TB (2 goals)
2. Evander Kane, WPG (2 goals)
3. Pavel Datsyuk, DET (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Sabres @ Devils, 7:00 ET
Rangers @ Capitals, 7:30
Wild @ Predators, 8:00
Kings @ Blackhawks, 8:30
Bruins @ Coyotes, 9:00
Canucks @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks
10:30 ET… TV: TSN, Local Networks

WJC Blog: Blowouts, hat tricks mark first day

Both Canada and USA gained some early attention on the first day of the World Junior Championships, routing their respective opponents Monday.

Top 5 trade deadline commodities

The holiday roster freeze is over tonight. The trade deadline is two months away. Who will be the biggest names on the market between now and February 27th? Here are five players to keep an eye on…

Morning Skate: December 27

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Avalanche 4, Wild 2
Sabres 4, Capitals 2
Rangers 3, Islanders 0
Hurricanes 4, Devils 2
Blues 5, Stars 3
Red Wings 4, Predators 1
Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackets 1
Canucks 5, Oilers 3
Kings 4, Coyotes 3
Ducks 3, Sharks 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (28 saves, shutout)
2. Viktor Stalberg, CHI (2 goals)
3. Jimmy Howard, DET (31 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Hurricanes @ Penguins, 7:00 ET
Flames @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Canadiens @ Senators, 7:30
Flyers @ Lightning, 7:30
Maple Leafs @ Panthers, 7:30
Blues @ Red Wings, 7:30
Jets @ Avalanche, 9:00

Game of the night:
St. Louis Blues @ Detroit Red Wings
7:30 ET… TV: VERSUS

The Week Ahead

Here is this week’s version of The Week Ahead, where we take a look at the three stars of last week, players and teams to keep an eye on and some of the better games you need to watch this week.

Power Rankings: Week 12

1. Boston Bruins… LW: 1
Is there any doubt that the Bruins are the best team in hockey right now? They have scored six goals or more in a game nine times this season. They had just two at this time last season.
2. Chicago Blackhawks… LW: 3
As the All-Star Game selections draw nearer, it’ll be interesting to see what the NHL does with a ‘Hawks club that has five worthy participants.
3. Vancouver Canucks… LW: 4
Roberto Luongo has improved his game as this season has gone on (as usual), and has responded well since Cory Schneider’s brief stint as the go-to guy in net.

Morning Skate: December 26

Tonight’s slate:
Avalanche @ Wild, 6:00 ET
Capitals @ Sabres, 7:00
Islanders @ Rangers, 7:00
Devils @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Stars @ Blues, 7:30
Red Wings @ Predators, 8:00
Blue Jackets @ Blackhawks, 8:30
Oilers @ Canucks, 10:00
Coyotes @ Kings, 10:00
Ducks @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Detroit Red Wings @ Nashville Predators
8:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Happy Holidays from RLD!

From all of us here at RLD Hockey, we'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The Chicago Blackhawks wish you a Merry Christmas, as well...

Saturday Faceoff: Should Buffalo deal Miller?

The Buffalo Sabres are struggling, and there have been recent rumors that owner Terry Pegula is looking to shake things up. Goaltender Ryan Miller’s name has been thrown into those rumors due to his below-average performance this season. But should the Sabres deal Miller? Carolyn and I debate…

What if we had an Olympic point system?

Here is our second 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.

Morning Skate: December 24

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 8, Panthers 0
Devils 4, Capitals 3 (SO)
Maple Leafs 5, Islanders 3
Rangers 4, Flyers 2
Hurricanes 2, Senators 1 (OT)
Penguins 4, Jets 1
Stars 6, Predators 3
Avalanche 2, Lightning 1 (OT)
Blues 3, Coyotes 2
Flames 3, Canucks 1
Sharks 2, Kings 1 (SO)

A look at worthy All-Star Game participants

A little over a month from now, the NHL’s stars will convene in Ottawa for the 59th NHL All-Star Game. That means we’re only a couple weeks away from the league announcing which players will participate in the annual event. Who is worthy of going? Here are the 42 veterans and 12 rookies that deserve to go to Ottawa next month.

Morning Skate: December 23

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Maple Leafs 3, Sabres 2
Rangers 4, Islanders 2
Senators 4, Panthers 3 (OT)
Predators 6, Blue Jackets 5
Jets 4, Canadiens 0
Flames 3, Red Wings 2
Oilers 4, Wild 1
Kings 3, Ducks 2 (SO)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Blake Wheeler, WPG (2 goals, 1 assists)
2. Jeff Carter, CBJ (3 goals)
3. Jordan Eberle, EDM (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Panthers @ Bruins, 7:00 ET
Capitals @ Devils, 7:00
Maple Leafs @ Islanders, 7:00
Flyers @ Rangers, 7:00
Senators @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Penguins @ Jets, 8:30
Predators @ Stars, 8:30
Lightning @ Avalanche, 9:00
Blues @ Coyotes, 9:00
Flames @ Canucks, 10:00
Kings @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Philadelphia Flyers @ New York Rangers
7:00 ET… TV: NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Should GM's be more responsible for team failures?

The firings of Terry Murray in Los Angeles and Jacques Martin in Montreal came within a week of each other and marked the sixth time a bench boss was relieved this season. Were these moves premature or necessary? Furthermore, did each organization make the right move in firing the coach and not their general manager?

Emery making mark in new home

For Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery, Christmas has indeed come early this year. After battling back from a potential career-ending injury two seasons ago, the 29-year-old has taken over the bulk of the netminding duties for the month of December on one of the premier NHL franchises.

Morning Skate: December 22

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Coyotes 4, Hurricanes 3
Blackhawks 5, Canadiens 1
Flyers 4, Stars 1
Avalanche 3, Blues 2
Canucks 4, Red Wings 2
Sharks 7, Lightning 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Claude Giroux, PHI (1 goal, 3 assists)
2. Logan Couture, SJ (2 goals, 1 assist)
3. Jean-Sebastien Giguere, COL (37 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Sabres @ Maple Leafs, 7:00 ET
Islanders @ Rangers, 7:00
Panthers @ Senators, 7:30
Blue Jackets @ Predators, 8:00
Canadiens @ Jets, 8:30
Red Wings @ Flames, 9:30
Wild @ Oilers, 9:30
Ducks @ Kings, 10:00

Game of the night:
Buffalo Sabres @ Toronto Maple Leafs
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Malkin once again a force for Pens

Sidney Crosby is concussed. Again. Even in absence, the Pittsburgh Penguins continue to win games. It hasn’t hurt that Evgeni Malkin has returned to top form and become a consistently dominant player once again.

Devils' Henrique quietly in Calder race

Move over Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. You're not the only rookie in contention for this year's Calder Trophy anymore.

Morning Skate: December 21

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Rangers 4, Devils 1
Capitals 4, Predators 1
Penguins 3, Blackhawks 2
Senators 4, Sabres 1
Coyotes 2, Panthers 1
Islanders 3, Jets 2 (SO)
Flames 2, Wild 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Evgeni Malkin, PIT (3 assists)
2. Jarome Iginla, CGY (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Marian Gaborik, NYR (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Coyotes @ Hurricanes, 7:00 ET
Canadiens @ Blackhawks, 7:30
Flyers @ Stars, 7:30
Blues @ Avalanche, 9:30
Red Wings @ Canucks, 10:00
Lightning @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Detroit Red Wings @ Vancouver Canucks
10:00 ET… TV: TSN, Local Networks

Which new coaches will excel most?

The calendar has yet to flip to 2012 and a whopping six coaches have been fired in the 2011-12 NHL campaign. Which hired coaches will make the biggest impact for their new clubs this season and beyond?

‘Reality check’ turns Blues’ season around

On November 6th, the St. Louis Blues fired Davis Payne and hired Ken Hitchcock to be his replacement. Blues forward T.J. Oshie called the moment a “reality check” for the team. Ever since then, the team has taken off and is starting to fulfill their potential, going 13-2-4 in 19 games.

Morning Skate: December 20

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 3, Canadiens 2
Kings 3, Maple Leafs 2 (SO)
Stars 5, Ducks 3
Avalanche 3, Flyers 2 (SO)
Red Wings 3, Oilers 2
Canucks 4, Wild 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Roberto Luongo, VAN (33 saves, shutout)
2. Henrik Sedin, VAN (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Brenden Morrow, DAL (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Rangers @ Devils, 7:00 ET
Predators @ Capitals, 7:00
Blackhawks @ Penguins, 7:30
Sabres @ Senators, 7:30
Coyotes @ Panthers, 7:30
Islanders @ Jets, 8:30
Wild @ Flames, 9:00

Game of the night:
Chicago Blackhawks @ Pittsburgh Penguins
7:30 ET… TV: VERSUS

The Week Ahead

Here is this week’s version of The Week Ahead, where we take a look at the three stars of last week, players and teams to keep an eye on and some of the better games you need to watch this week.

Power Rankings: Week 11

1. Boston Bruins… LW: 2
As if the last six weeks weren’t enough proof, the Bruins showed on Saturday that they are still the NHL’s best with a 6-0 beat down in Philadelphia.
2. Detroit Red Wings… LW: 3
Ian White has really been a shrewd addition to Detroit’s blue line this season. In the last five games, White has four points and a +8 rating.
3. Chicago Blackhawks… LW: 6
December has been kind to the ‘Hawks, as they boast a 7-0-1 record thus far. Most of the work has been done with Ray Emery in net, who is starting to steal playing time from Corey Crawford.

Morning Skate: December 19

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Panthers 3, Hurricanes 2 (OT)
Blackhawks 4, Flames 2
Blues 6, Blue Jackets 4

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Marian Hossa, CHI (1 goal, 1 assist)
2. T.J. Oshie, STL (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Kris Versteeg, FLA (1 goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Canadiens @ Bruins, 7:00 ET
Kings @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Ducks @ Stars, 8:00
Flyers @ Avalanche, 9:00
Red Wings @ Oilers, 9:30
Wild @ Canucks, 10:00

Game of the night:
Minnesota Wild @ Vancouver Canucks
10:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Elliott exceeding expectations with Blues

When you go to NHL.com’s league leader page, there’s a goalie’s mugshot that shows up three times – he is leading in the league in goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts. If you haven’t been paying attention this season, you may guess that the goalie I am referring to would be Tim Thomas, Pekka Rinne, or Henrik Lundqvist. But actually, it’s St. Louis Blues goaltender Brian Elliott.

Morning Skate: December 18

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 6, Flyers 0
Canucks 5, Maple Leafs 3
Devils 5, Canadiens 3
Penguins 8, Sabres 3
Jets 5, Ducks 3
Red Wings 8, Kings 2
Lightning 3, Blue Jackets 2
Predators 2, Blues 1 (SO)
Islanders 2, Wild 1 (SO)
Rangers 3, Coyotes 2
Avalanche 2, Capitals 1
Sharks 3, Oilers 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Evgeni Malkin, PIT (3 goals, 2 assists)
2. Pekka Rinne, NSH (39 saves)
3. Zach Bogosian, WPG (1 goal, 2 assists)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Hurricanes @ Panthers, 5:00 ET
Flames @ Blackhawks, 7:00
Blue Jackets @ Blues, 7:00

Game of the night:
Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Video: Richards beats buzzer

On Saturday night in Phoenix, New York Rangers forward Brad Richards scored the game-winning goal with 0.1 seconds remaining, giving the Rangers a dramatic 3-2 victory...

Saturday Faceoff: Southeast Division favorite?

As unlikely as it is that Minnesota is leading the Northwest Division, no one could have predicted that the Florida Panthers would be looking down on the Southeast in mid-December. Are they favorites to win the division, or are the high-powered Capitals still the team to beat? Alexander and I debate…

Morning Skate: December 17

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Sabres 5, Maple Leafs 4
Senators 6, Penguins 4
Panthers 3, Flames 2 (SO)
Devils 6, Stars 3
Blackhawks 4, Ducks 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Thomas Vanek, BUF (2 goals, 2 assists)
2. Jason Spezza, OTT (2 goals, 2 assists)
3. Zach Parise, NJ (1 goal, 3 assists)
---

Today’s slate:
Bruins @ Flyers, 1:00 ET
Canucks @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Devils @ Canadiens, 7:00
Sabres @ Penguins, 7:00
Ducks @ Jets, 7:00
Kings @ Red Wings, 7:00
Lightning @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Blues @ Predators, 8:00
Islanders @ Wild, 8:00
Rangers @ Coyotes, 8:00
Capitals @ Avalanche, 9:00
Oilers @ Sharks, 10:00

Game of the day:
Boston Bruins @ Philadelphia Flyers
1:00 ET… TV: NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Concussions in NHL: What's changed?

In the 4 days since I began pondering this story, the size of  “the List”  of top-tier hockey talent sidelined by concussions has exploded. Each day the key phrase “out indefinitely” was repeated in the press releases regarding the statuses of Claude Giroux, Jeff Skinner, Joni Pitkanen, Milan Michalek, Steve Staios. By the time the Flyers released the news last night that Chris Pronger was diagnosed with "severe post-concussion syndrome" and was done for the season, the magnitude of the problem had escalated so quickly that Monday’s headline, with news that Sidney Crosby’s symptoms had returned, had dropped down to the footnotes.

Trophy Tracker

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

Morning Skate: December 16

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Stars 3, Islanders 2
Hurricanes 4, Canucks 3
Kings 2, Blue Jackets 1
Flyers 4, Canadiens 3
Lightning 5, Flames 4 (OT)
Blues 4, Rangers 1
Predators 4, Red Wings 3
Capitals 1, Jets 0
Coyotes 4, Oilers 2
Sharks 5, Avalanche 4

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Michal Neuvirth, WSH (26 saves, shutout)
2. Shea Weber, NSH (2 goals)
3. Drayson Bowman, CAR (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Maple Leafs @ Sabres, 7:30 ET
Penguins @ Senators, 7:30
Flames @ Panthers, 7:30
Stars @ Devils, 8:00
Ducks @ Blackhawks, 8:30

Game of the night:
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Buffalo Sabres
7:30 ET… TV: TSN, Local Networks

Video: Ward's spectacular glove save

With a 4-3 lead late in the third period, Carolina goaltender Cam Ward made an unreal glove save on Vancouver defenseman Keith Ballard...

Flames heating up, ‘finding their way’

On the strength of regular offensive production from their big guns, the Calgary Flames are starting to win games with more consistency in recent weeks. Though there’s a long way to go in the season, the team feels like they are headed in the right direction.

Should Vancouver move a goaltender?

Is the Vancouver Canucks' crease big enough for both Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider to remain with the team for the rest of the season, or should GM Mike Gillis look to move one of his goaltenders to bolster another spot prior to the trade deadline?

Morning Skate: December 15

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 5, Senators 2
Blackhawks 4, Wild 3 (SO)
Ducks 4, Coyotes 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Tim Thomas, BOS (47 saves)
2. Niklas Hagman, ANA (2 goals)
3. Jonathan Toews, CHI (1 goal, 1 assist, SO goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Stars @ Islanders, 7:00 ET
Canucks @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Kings @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Flyers @ Canadiens, 7:30
Flames @ Lightning, 7:30
Rangers @ Blues, 8:00
Red Wings @ Predators, 8:00
Capitals @ Jets, 8:30
Oilers @ Coyotes, 9:30
Avalanche @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
New York Rangers @ St. Louis Blues
8:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

On pace for how many points?

Here is what all 30 teams are on pace for, points wise, through Tuesday's action...

EASTERN CONFERENCE
		Pts / Gms	On Pace
1	Philadelphia	41 / 29	116
2	Boston	39 / 29	111
3	Florida	38 / 31	101
4	NY Rangers	38 / 28	112
5	Pittsburgh	38 / 31	101
6	Toronto	35 / 30	96
7	Buffalo	33 / 30	91
8	New Jersey	33 / 30	91
9	Montreal	33 / 31	88
10	Winnipeg	32 / 30	88
11	Ottawa	32 / 31	85
12	Washington	31 / 29	88
13	Tampa Bay	26 / 30	72
14	NY Islanders	24 / 28	71
15	Carolina	23 / 32	59

Lightning in need of a spark

Just a few months ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning were flying. The surprise of the East, the team got to the Eastern Conference Finals, led by their goaltender Dwayne Roloson, who caught fire with Tampa after his trade from the New York Islanders.

It couldn't be much farther from where the Lightning are now.

Morning Skate: December 14

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Bruins 3, Kings 0
Senators 3, Sabres 2 (OT)
Maple Leafs 2, Hurricanes 1 (OT)
Stars 1, Rangers 0
Red Wings 4, Penguins 1
Flyers 5, Capitals 1
Blue Jackets 2, Canucks 1 (SO)
Canadiens 5, Islanders 3
Devils 3, Panthers 2 (SO)
Predators 2, Flames 1
Jets 2, Wild 1
Avalanche 4, Sharks 3 (SO)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Tuukka Rask, BOS (41 saves, shutout)
2. Richard Bachman, DAL (34 saves, shutout)
3. Steve Mason, CBJ (30 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Bruins @ Senators, 7:30 ET
Blackhawks @ Wild, 7:30
Coyotes @ Ducks, 10:00

Game of the night:
Chicago Blackhawks @ Minnesota Wild
7:30 ET… TV: VERSUS

Ducks hope to turn season around

At 8-16-5, the Anaheim Ducks are not where they’d like to be in mid-December. With a new coach behind the bench and a refreshed atmosphere in the room, the Ducks hope they can turn things around quickly.

Timing right for Kings’ firing of Murray

With each passing loss in Los Angeles, it seemed more and more likely that Terry Murray’s time was running out behind the Kings’ bench. His time indeed ran out on Monday, as Kings GM Dean Lombardi fired Murray and named John Stevens interim coach. Was it the right time to pull the plug on Murray? In a word, yes.

Morning Skate: December 13

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Devils 5, Lightning 4
Predictions record: 0-1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Adam Henrique, NJ (1 goal, 2 assists)
2. Zach Parise, NJ (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Steven Stamkos, TB (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

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

Game of the night:
Detroit Red Wings @ Pittsburgh Penguins
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

HBO’s ‘24/7’ a perfect portrait of life in NHL

Wednesday night is a highly-anticipated moment for most hockey fans around the globe, as HBO’s reality series 24/7: Road to the Winter Classic makes its return. If it’s anything like last year’s, we are in for another treat.

The Week Ahead

Welcome to another installment of "The Week Ahead". This week, we'll let you in on who our "Three Stars of the Week" were, which "Three Players to Keep an eye on", what "Teams to Watch", our "Game of the Week" and of course, other games that you should think about checking in on throughout the week.

Power Rankings: Week 10

1. Minnesota Wild… LW: 4
Role players are stepping up for the streaking Minnesota Wild. Kyle Brodziak (7 points in last 7 games) and Nick Johnson (7 points in last 8 games) have helped Minny win seven straight. Also, Matthew Hackett has won each of his first two NHL games in net.
2. Boston Bruins… LW: 1
Backup Tuukka Rask had an up-and-down campaign in 2010-11, but has bounced back this season. He has a 5-1-1 record and .941 save percentage since the start of November.
3. Detroit Red Wings… LW: 3
Valterri Filppula has taken his game to another level this season. He ranks third on the Wings in points (25) and boasts a +13 rating.

Morning Skate: December 12

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Blackhawks 3, Sharks 2 (OT)
Rangers 6, Panthers 1
Predictions record: 0-2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Derek Stepan, NYR (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. Artem Anisimov, NYR (1 goal, 1 assist)
3. Patrick Sharp, CHI (1 goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Devils @ Lightning, 7:00 ET

Game of the night:
New Jersey Devils @ Tampa Bay Lightning
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Conversation with Bobby Ryan

Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan the subject of trade rumors last week. It almost seemed like a certainty that he would be dealt, but obviously, it didn’t happen. He talked about that and the change behind the team’s bench when I caught up with him this weekend in Nashville.

Morning Skate: December 11

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Canadiens 2, Devils 1
Rangers 4, Sabres 1
Canucks 3, Senators 1
Penguins 6, Islanders 3
Flyers 5, Lightning 2
Red Wings 7, Jets 1
Bruins 5, Blue Jackets 3
Blues 1, Sharks 0
Predators 3, Ducks 2
Wild 4, Coyotes 1
Flames 3, Oilers 0
Stars 2, Kings 1
Predictions record: 7-5

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Ryan Kesler, VAN (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. Brian Elliott, STL (24 saves, shutout)
3. James Neal, PIT (2 goals)
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Tonight’s slate:
Sharks @ Blackhawks, 7:00 ET
Panthers @ Rangers, 7:30

Game of the night:
San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks
7:00 ET… TV: NHL Net. (CA), Local Networks

Saturday Faceoff: Tavares or Duchene?

Leading up to the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, there was an ongoing debate as to whether the New York Islanders should take John Tavares or Matt Duchene at No. 1 overall. Obviously, the Islanders went with Tavares, and Colorado selected Duchene third. Two and a half years later, did the Isles make the right choice? Alexander and I discuss…