Western Conference contenders and pretenders

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are remarkably six weeks away. With the trade deadline in the rear view mirror and the stretch run upon us, we take a look at where some teams stand in their quest to being a Stanley Cup or playoff contender. First we looked at the East. On to the West…

Eastern Conference contenders and pretenders

Believe it or not, the Stanley Cup Playoffs will start a mere six weeks from now. With the trade deadline in the rear view mirror and the stretch run upon us, we take a look at where some teams stand in their quest to being a Stanley Cup or playoff contender. Today we start with the Eastern Conference.

Morning Skate: February 29

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Hurricanes 4, Predators 3
Red Wings 5, Blue Jackets 2
Panthers 5, Maple Leafs 3
Capitals 3, Islanders 2 (OT)
Senators 1, Bruins 0
Kings 4, Wild 0
Lightning 2, Canadiens 1
Coyotes 2, Canucks 1 (SO)

Sharks 1, Flyers 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Robin Lehner (shutout, 32 saves)
2. Niklas Kronwall (1 G, 2 A)
3. Jonathan Bernier (shutout, 26 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Penguins @ Stars, 7:30 ET
Maple Leafs @ Blackhawks, 8:00
Blues @ Oilers, 10:00
Sabres @ Ducks, 10:00

Game of the night:
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Dallas Stars
7:30 ET… TV: NBC Sports Network, TSN 2

What if we had an Olympic point system?

Here is our fourth 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.

Tallon firm in face of trade madness

By Bill Whitehead

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- My last 48 hours can be characterized in one word: madness. For me, much of it stemmed from covering the Daytona 500 and happily discovering that amidst all the hoopla surrounding NASCAR's biggest race, including celebrities, a presidential hopeful, too much moisture and some frightening fire, that two NHL players were poking around in the garage.

A pair of injured Bolts, Vincent Lecavalier and Marc-Andre Bergeron, had come over from Tampa after morning skate. I wanted to get their opinions on the Southeast Division, and after I learned they had left the infield media center, I had to step out and go find them. Leaving the media crush camped in front of Lenny Kravitz, Jane Lynch, Train, Mitt Romney and Kate Upton was tough to do, but I told myself I could always try to find Upton later.

Not surprisingly, I didn't find Lecavalier and Bergeron. On the day of the 500 it really is needle-in-the-haystack stuff in the bee hive-like garage. There was always the prospect of seeking out Upton again, but my attention soon turned to Monday and the anticipation -- and ultimately, minor madness --of the NHL's trade deadline.

Winners and losers of trade deadline

The trade deadline was relatively quiet, considering the biggest names (Rick Nash, Derek Roy and Steve Ott) stayed put with their respective teams. But there were a few teams that were winners and losers on the day.

Morning Skate: February 28

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Rangers 2, Devils 0
Predators 2, Kings 1
Oliers 5, Jets 3
Avalanche 4, Ducks 1
Blues 3, Flames 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jason Arnott, STL (2 goals)
2. Pekka Rinne, NSH (30 saves)
3. Taylor Hall, EDM (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Senators @ Bruins, 7:00 ET
Panthers @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Islanders @ Capitals, 7:00
Predators @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Red Wings @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Canadiens @ Lightning, 7:30
Kings @ Wild, 7:30
Canucks @ Coyotes, 9:00
Flyers @ Sharks, 10:30

Game of the night:
Vancouver Canucks @ Phoenix Coyotes
9:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Canucks help salvage quiet trade deadline

Trade deadline coverage began at 8 am EST but it took hours for the first big trade to happen. Minutes after the 3 pm deadline passed, TSN's Bob McKenzie gave hockey fans a glimmer of hope by announcing a big deal that would send Alexander Sulzer and Cody Hodgson from the Vancouver Canucks to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Marc-Andre Gragnani and Zach Kassian.

Preds big winners at trade deadline

NASHVILLE – After the wheeling and dealing was completed, David Poile stood in front of the local media and simply stated, “I am one happy general manager.”

It has never been Poile’s style to be active on the day of the trade deadline; he likes to maximize the time he has for the acquired players to be in the lineup. He was active today, however, and he sent a clear message to the rest of the league that this Predators team is going all in.

2012 Trade Deadline Twitter feed

The Week Ahead

With the NHL Trade Deadline today, a lot of things happened in the National Hockey League last week. With that in mind, we will give you our "Three Stars of the Week", "Three Players to Keep an Eye on", "Two Teams to Watch", "Game of the Week" and "Other Games to Keep an Eye On".

Power Rankings: Week 21

1. Vancouver Canucks… LW: 2
By accumulating points in 16 of their last 17 games, the Canucks find themselves in the driver’s seat for the Presidents’ Trophy.
2. Detroit Red Wings… LW: 1
The Red Wings are suddenly human at home. It’s only natural for the Datsyuk-less Wings to lose a few on home-ice after winning 23 in a row.
3. New York Rangers… LW: 3
Will GM Glen Sather part with Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, and/or Derek Stepan for Rick Nash? It seems unlikely (at best) right now. The trio of youngsters leads the Rangers in plus/minus, believe it or not.

Morning Skate: February 27

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Lightning 4, Devils 3
Penguins 4, Blue Jackets 2
Stars 3, Canucks 2 (OT)
Senators 5, Islanders 2
Panthers 4, Canadiens 2
Wild 4, Sharks 3
Ducks 3, Blackhawks 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Martin St. Louis, TB (3 goals, 1 assist)
2. Stephen Weiss, FLA (2 goals, 1 assist)
3. Teemu Selanne, ANA (1 goal, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Devils @ Rangers, 7:30 ET
Kings @ Predators, 8:00
Oilers @ Jets, 8:30
Ducks @ Avalanche, 9:00
Blues @ Flames, 9:00

Game of the night:
New Jersey Devils @ New York Rangers
7:30 ET… TV: NBC Sports Network

Teams to watch in final hours of trading season

With less than 24 hours left before the trade deadline comes and goes, here are a handful of teams to keep an eye on…

Rangers should not trade for Nash

When it comes to Glen Sather, the Rangers GM has never been afraid to acquire big-name players in his 11 seasons in New York. With the trade deadline finally upon us, Sather once again has an opportunity to acquire a superstar. This time, it comes in the form of Columbus Blue Jackets franchise player Rick Nash.

Trophy Tracker

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

Deadline closing in: Now what?

In a league begging for separation before the trade deadline, it appears we're heading into Sunday's action still wondering which teams are selling and which are buying.

Morning Skate: February 26

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

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Dustin Brown, LA (3 goals, 1 assist)
2. Evgeni Malkin, PIT (3 goals, 1 assist)
3. Shea Weber, NSH (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Lightning @ Devils, 1:00 ET
Blue Jackets @ Penguins, 1:00
Canucks @ Stars, 3:00
Islanders @ Senators, 5:00
Canadiens @ Panthers, 5:00
Sharks @ Wild, 6:00
Blackhawks @ Ducks, 7:00

Game of the night:
Chicago Blackhawks @ Anaheim Ducks
7:00 ET… TV: NBC Sports Network

Video: Malkin's ridiculous coast-to-coast goal

This afternoon, Evgeni Malkin dazzled his hometown crowd with a fantastic end-to-end goal. The tally would be the sixth for the Penguins en route to their 8-1 win over Dwayne Roloson and the Tampa Bay Lightning 8-1. See for yourself, and try to keep your jaw from dropping.

Saturday Faceoff: Top trade deadline rental of all-time?

Every year teams trade away draft picks or prospects to get their hands on a rental player that they believe can fill a hole and make a difference down the stretch and in the playoffs. Who has been the best trade deadline rental pickup of all-time? Alexander and I debate…

Morning Skate: February 25

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Canucks 2, Devils 1
Islanders 4, Rangers 3 (SO)
Capitals 4, Canadiens 1
Avalanche 5, Blue Jackets 0
Sabres 2, Bruins 1 (SO)
Stars 4, Wild 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. David Jones, COL (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. P.A. Parenteau, NYI (2 goals)
3. Cory Schneider, VAN (30 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Lightning @ Penguins, 1:00 ET
Blues @ Jets, 2:00
Coyotes @ Oilers, 4:00
Capitals @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Bruins @ Senators, 7:00
Sabres @ Rangers, 7:00
Panthers @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Avalanche @ Red Wings, 7:00
Blackhawks @ Kings, 8:00
Sharks @ Predators, 8:00
Flyers @ Flames, 10:00

Game of the night:
Washington Capitals @ Toronto Maple Leafs
7:00 ET… TV: CBC, NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Islanders-Rangers match up has meaning for both sides

For the first time in several years a late season Islander-Ranger game has some serious meaning for both teams. The Islanders are desperately trying to stay in the playoff hunt and move back within six points of the eighth seed. And a Rangers loss tonight, coupled with the outcome of tomorrow night’s game against the Sabres, could raise the belief that they need to acquire Rick Nash.

2008 Trade Deadline Look-back

The 2008 hockey season was unlike any other year we've seen since the lockout. Big names were traded like they were journeymen while almost every team that was remotely close to the playoffs bought. During those times, general managers did not choose to air on the side of caution, like they do now. They simply saw what they needed and went for it.

Let's take a look back at some of the big moves made back in Winter of '08.

Morning Skate: February 24

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Sharks 2, Maple Leafs 1
Ducks 3, Hurricanes 2 (SO)
Wild 3, Panthers 2 (SO)
Canucks 4, Red Wings 3 (SO)
Blues 3, Predators 2 (SO)
Stars 3, Blackhawks 2
Jets 4, Lightning 3
Coyotes 4, Flames 3 (SO)
Oilers 2, Flyers 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Devan Dubnyk (35 saves, shutout)
2. Darren Helm (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Andrew Ladd (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Canucks @ Devils, 7:00 ET
Rangers @ Islanders, 7:00
Canadiens @ Capitals, 7:00
Avalanche @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Bruins @ Sabres, 7:30
Wild @ Stars, 8:30

Game of the night:
New York Rangers @ New York Islanders
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Is Carter the answer in Los Angeles?

There are two things in common this season when it comes to Jeff Carter and the Los Angeles Kings – they have both failed to live up to expectations. With Carter now on his way to the west coast, has Kings GM Dean Lombardi solved the team’s goal-scoring woes with this one trade?

Blues know road improvement is needed

NASHVILLE – If there is one blemish on the St. Louis Blues’ breakout season, it’s their road record. Outside of Detroit, the Blues have been the league’s top team on home ice. But their 10-13-3 mark away from home is something they would like to fix as they begin a stretch where they will play 13 of their next 16 contests on the road.

Smooth landing for Jets in Winnipeg

Twenty games remaining. That's all that stands between the Winnipeg Jets and the unthinkable - a playoff berth and perhaps even a division crown - in their inaugural season back in the Manitoban capital.

Morning Skate: February 23

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Senators 5, Capitals 2
Bruins 4, Blues 2
Avalanche 4, Kings 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Milan Michalek, OTT (2 goals, 1 assist)
2. Brad Marchand, BOS (2 goals)
3. Paul Stastny, COL (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Sharks @ Maple Leafs, 7:00 ET
Ducks @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Wild @ Panthers, 7:30
Canucks @ Red Wings, 7:30
Blues @ Predators, 8:00
Lightning @ Jets, 8:30
Stars @ Blackhawks, 8:30
Coyotes @ Flames, 9:00
Flyers @ Oilers, 9:30

Game of the night:
Vancouver Canucks @ Detroit Red Wings
7:30 ET… TV: NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Ducks still have a long way to go

In recent years, an underachieving team from the first half has made things interesting in the second half. Last year it was the New Jersey Devils; the year before it was the Carolina Hurricanes. Over the last month and a half, Bruce Boudreau’s Anaheim Ducks have miraculously re-entered the playoff picture. But they still have a lot of work to do if they wish to make the playoffs.

Trades can give young backups a starting chance

With the trade deadline fast approaching, goaltenders are expected to be a hot commodity for few teams with the dire need for a new starter. But thankfully for some young backup goalies, the trade market can give them a new opportunity to be the No. 1 with a new team.

Morning Skate: February 22

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Flyers 5, Jets 4 (OT)
Devils 4, Maple Leafs 3 (OT)
Sabres 2, Islanders 1
Penguins 2, Rangers 0
Blue Jackets 6, Sharks 3
Stars 3, Canadiens 0
Lightning 3, Ducks 2
Blackhawks 2, Red Wings 1
Predators 3, Canucks 1
Oilers 6, Flames 1
Coyotes 5, Kings 4 (SO)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Jeff Carter (hat trick)
2. Marc-Andre Fleury (27 saves, shutout)
3. Sam Gagner (1 goal, 2 assists)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Capitals @ Senators, 7PM EST
Bruins @ Blues, 8 PM
Kings @ Avalanche, 9 PM

Game of the night:
Boston Bruins @ St. Louis Blues
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Gill a ‘great addition’ for Predators

NASHVILLE – When the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Hal Gill at the trade deadline in 2008, Hal Gill was viewed as a final piece to their puzzle. There as some similarities four years later, as the Nashville Predators hope Gill can be a solid coup for the postseason.

Top 5 remaining trade targets

With less than a week remaining before the wheeling and dealing comes to an end, let’s take a look at the five best players that are available for contenders to scoop up. While the amount of buyers clearly outnumbers the sellers, there are still a few players of value to be picked over.

Morning Skate: February 21

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Senators 6, Islanders 0
Hurricanes 5, Capitals 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Erik Karlsson, OTT (2 goals, 2 assists)
2. Eric Staal, CAR (2 goals, 1 assist)
3. Jason Spezza, OTT (2 goals)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Islanders @ Sabres, 7:00 ET
Devils @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Rangers @ Penguins, 7:00
Sharks @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Flyers @ Jets, 7:00
Stars @ Canadiens, 7:30
Ducks @ Lightning, 7:30
Canucks @ Predators, 8:00
Red Wings @ Blackhawks, 8:00
Oilers @ Flames, 9:00
Kings @ Coyotes, 9:00

Game of the night:
New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Power Rankings: Week 20

1. Detroit Red Wings… LW: 2
The Wings, who have not lost on home-ice since Nov. 3, look like the best team in the NHL right now – and their record proves it.
2. Vancouver Canucks… LW: 3
Vancouver has accumulated points in 13 consecutive games. They are two points behind Detroit with a game in hand.
3. New York Rangers… LW: 1
Although they’ve fallen from their No. 1 perch, the Rangers are still in control in the Eastern Conference.

The Week Ahead

With the NHL trade deadline just one week away, let's take a look at our "Three Stars of the Week", "Three players to Keep an Eye on", "Two Teams to Watch", our "Game of the week" and of course, "Other Games to Keep an Eye On".

Hiller, Selanne lead Ducks in Florida

By Bill Whitehead

SUNRISE, Fla. -- With his club clinging to a 1-0 lead Sunday and a little over half a period away from climbing to within five points of a playoff position, Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau couldn't help but cringe as one of his former players skated in on Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller with the possible tying goal.

Morning Skate: February 20

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Sabres 6, Penguins 2
Red Wings 3, Sharks 2
Blackhawks 3, Blues 1
Wild 2, Bruins 0
Ducks 2, Panthers 0
Devils 3, Canadiens 1
Predators 3, Stars 2
Rangers 3, Blue Jackets 2 (OT)
Jets 5, Avalanche 1

Canucks 5, Oilers 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Niklas Backstrom (48 saves, shutout)
2. Jonas Hiller (31 saves, shutout)
3. Blake Wheeler (4 assists)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Senators @ Islanders, 1:00 PM EST
Capitals @ Hurricanes, 7:30 PM

Game of the night:
Washington Capitals @ Carolina Hurricanes
7:30 ET… TV: NBC Sports Channel, TSN2

Video: Jose Theodore wows with diving stick save

This evening, Jose Theodore turned in his submission for save of the year with his gorgeous stick save. The feat came at 14:26 of the first period, keeping the game scoreless.

Theodore and his Florida Panthers would eventually take a hard-luck loss with the starting goalie allowing only one goal on 26 shots.

Goaltending problems continue to haunt Flyers

When it comes to the Philadelphia Flyers, there are certain things that are a constant for the franchise.

For starters, goal scoring. The Flyers have never really had problems putting the puck in the net and usually boast one of the top offensive teams in the National Hockey League.

Another constant is injuries. This season, just like every other it seems, the Flyers have had to deal with major/minor injuries to the likes of Claude Giroux, James van Riemsdyk, Daniel Briere and Chris Pronger.

However, the major constant is goaltending problems. With two capable netminders this season, one would think that this simply cannot be the case. Unfortunately, these people are wrong.

Morning Skate: February 19

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Penguins 6, Flyers 4
Blackhawks 6, Blue Jackets 1
Blues 4, Wild 0
Islanders 4, Hurricanes 3
Lightning 2, Capitals 1
Canucks 6, Maple Leafs 2
Coyotes 2, Stars 1 (OT)
Flames 1, Kings 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Miikka Kiprusoff, CGY (28 saves, shutout)
2. Daniel Sedin, VAN (1 goal, 3 assists)
3. Matt Cooke, PIT (2 goals, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Penguins @ Sabres, 12:30 ET
Sharks @ Red Wings, 12:30
Blues @ Blackhawks, 12:30
Bruins @ Wild, 3:30
Devils @ Canadiens, 6:00
Ducks @ Panthers, 6:00
Predators @ Stars, 7:00
Blue Jackets @ Rangers, 8:00
Avalanche @ Jets, 8:30
Canucks @ Oilers, 9:00

Game of the night:
St. Louis Blues @ Chicago Blackhawks
12:30 ET… TV: NBC

Saturday Faceoff: Will Caps make playoffs?

Before the season, the Washington Capitals were viewed by many as a Stanley Cup favorite. Now they are fighting for their playoff lives as the stretch run approaches. Will the Caps turn it around and make the playoffs? Alexander and Tab debate…

Morning Skate: February 18

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Devils 3, Ducks 2 (SO)
Hurricanes 3, Sharks 2
Capitals 2, Panthers 1

Red Wings 2, Predators 1
Canadiens 4, Sabres 3 (SO)

Jets 4, Bruins 2

Avalanche 3, Oilers 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Pavel Datsyuk (1 G, 1 A, GWG)
2. Tomas Vokoun (22 saves, win)
3. Blake Wheeler (1 G, 2 A)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Penguins @ Flyers, 1:00 ET
Blackhawks @ Blue Jackets 1:00
Wild @ Blues 2:00
Hurricanes @ Islanders 7:00
Capitals @ Lightning 7:00
Maple Leafs @ Canucks, 7:00
Stars @ Coyotes, 8:00
Flames @ Kings, 10:00

Game of the night:
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers
1:00 ET… TV: NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Kovalchuck hot at the right time

Whether it’s a case of “Linsanity” or inspiration from the New York Giants Super Bowl victory, Ilya Kovalchuck has been at another level recently.

Trade Deadline Primer: Eastern Conference

With 10 days left before the trade deadline, here is a look at what the Eastern Conference teams will or should do over the next week and a half.

Buyers
Boston Bruins
Needs: Depth
Cap room: $2.8 million
Skinny: Last February, the Bruins acquired Tomas Kaberle, Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley prior to the deadline; both played supporting roles in the team’s Cup run. GM Peter Chiarelli doesn’t seem to have the same incentive to make those kinds of deals, as the general feeling in Beantown is that the B’s can repeat with the roster currently assembled. Nathan Horton’s concussion has thrown a wrench into things and may make Chiarelli ponder a trade for another secondary scorer. Don’t look for them to acquire anything but a rental – if they make a move.

The perfect addition would be… Ray Whitney
At this point, it seems unlikely that the Coyotes will trade Whitney. If he becomes available, though, the Bruins would be an excellent fit for the veteran winger. The B’s have not replaced Mark Recchi’s experience; Whitney would help in that area, as he could just have one playoff run left in him.

Trade Deadline Primer: Western Conference

With 10 days left before the trade deadline, here is a look at what the Western Conference teams will or should do over the next week and a half.

Buyers
Chicago Blackhawks
Needs: Defenseman
Cap room: $4.8 million
Skinny: With a win in New York, the Blackhawks’ miserable losing streak is over. That doesn’t change GM Stan Bowman’s approach, though. The nine-game skid exposed the ‘Hawks in many areas, most notably on defense. Ideally, Bowman would be able to add a top-four defenseman that can be of value on both ends of the ice. They’ve already acquired Brendan Morrison, and Bowman has stated that goaltending is not a need. So defense appears the way the ‘Hawks will turn.

The perfect addition would be… Pavel Kubina
If Bowman wants a rearguard that can chip in offensively and help stabilize the blue-line, Kubina may be the best available fit. Kubina is going to be dealt by Tampa Bay – it’s just a matter of when it will happen. Kubina’s size and heavy shot could help the Blackhawks’ sputtering special teams.

Morning Skate: February 17

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Blackhawks 4, Rangers 2
Flyers 7, Sabres 2
Lightning 6, Sharks 5 (OT)
Blues 5, Islanders 1
Jets 4, Wild 3 (SO)
Stars 3, Flames 2 (OT)
Coyotes 1, Kings 0

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Steven Stamkos, TB (2 goals, 2 assists)
2. Claude Giroux, PHI (5 assists)
3. Mike Smith, PHX (28 saves, shutout)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Ducks @ Devils, 7:00 ET
Sharks @ Hurricanes, 7:00
Canadiens @ Sabres, 7:30
Capitals @ Panthers, 7:30
Predators @ Red Wings, 7:30
Bruins @ Jets, 8:00
Avalanche @ Oilers, 9:30

Game of the night:
Nashville Predators @ Detroit Red Wings
7:30 ET… TV: NHL Net. (US), Local Networks

Video: Ribeiro's sick overtime goal

In tonight's 3-2 overtime win over Calgary, Stars forward Mike Ribeiro pulled off this sick stick-handling move en route to scoring the dramatic winner...

Anderson's season has Sens in playoff hunt

By Dan Berlin

Twenty odd games. Only seven weeks. That's all that remains in the regular season. And there's one team that just won't go away, defying all hockey expert's preseason predictions, and quietly making a strong push in the East towards the playoffs.

The amazing race to eight

The Eastern Conference continues to be a wide-open race between should-be contenders, pretenders and Cinderella stories. With only 10 points separating the eighth and 14th seed literally no team is out of the running just yet. In fact, the teams currently in the East's playoff picture likely need to work even harder just to maintain their standing.

Let's take a deeper look at the East's current race to eight.

Avs-Blues blockbuster revisited

It was almost exactly a year ago that the hockey world saw a couple middle-of-the-road teams make a relatively substantial trade. It took most by surprise, but the impact of the deal was questioned immediately.

Morning Skate: February 16

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Ducks 2, Penguins 1
Bruins 4, Canadiens 3 (SO)
Senators 6, Panthers 2
Maple Leafs 4, Oilers 3 (OT)
Canucks 3, Avalanche 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Milan Michalek, OTT (1 goal, 1 assist)
2. Jason Spezza, OTT (3 assists)
3. Roberto Luongo, VAN (29 saves)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Blackhawks @ Rangers, 7:00 ET
Sabres @ Flyers, 7:00
Sharks @ Lightning, 7:30
Islanders @ Blues, 8:00
Jets @ Wild, 8:00
Flames @ Stars, 8:30
Coyotes @ Kings, 10:30

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

What does Nash's market look like?

Even though we are only days into the Rick Nash trade rumors, it already feels like a decade of awful proposals. We saw a certain unnamed rumor monger infer he would go to Los Angeles for a ridiculously unfathomable package which we can happily ignore, as Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson will want a bit more than a promising young goalie and some throw-ins.

Goalies deserve fair consideration in Hart voting

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist is carrying the Original Six franchise to its best regular season in team history. He has undoubtedly been the team’s MVP since the beginning of the season, posting career-best numbers through mid-February. Should he (and other goalies) be included in the Hart Trophy race? Goaltenders already have their own award, but that should not exclude them from MVP discussions.

Detroit breaks long-standing record

The Detroit Red Wings made NHL history Tuesday night, breaking the record for consecutive home wins by getting their 21st home win in a row. The record had previously been held by both the 1929-1930 Boston Bruins and the 1975-1976 Philadelphia Flyers. During the streak, the Red Wings outscored their visitors 84-31.

Morning Skate: February 15

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Devils 4, Sabres 1

Blue Jackets 2, Blues 1

Senators 4, Lightning 0

Rangers 3, Bruins 0

Red Wings 3, Stars 1

Ducks 2, Wild 1

Predators 3, Blackhawks 2

Islanders 3, Jets 1

Flames 5, Maple Leafs 1

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Henrik Lundqvist (42 saves, shutout)
2. Jason Spezza (3 goals, 1 assist)
3. Ilya Kovalchuk (3 goals, 1 assist)
---

Tonight’s slate:

Ducks @ Penguins, 7 pm EST
Bruins @ Canadiens, 7:30 pm EST

Senators @ Panthers, 7:30 pm EST

Maple Leafs @ Oilers, 10:00 pm EST

Avalanche @ Canucks, 10:00 pm EST

Game of the night:
Colorado Avalanche @ Vancouver Canucks
10:00 pm EST… TV: Local Networks

Reasons for Columbus to keep, trade Nash

This morning, Rick Nash didn’t exactly show much optimism about his future with the only NHL team he’s ever played for. His comments come less than 24 hours after RDS reported that Nash, despite a no-movement clause, is now on the trade market. Those comments/reports aside, should Columbus keep or trade the face of their franchise? There are arguments for both sides.

Analyzing the GM of the Year race

With less than two months remaining in the season, here is a look at the race for the GM of the Year award.

Morning Skate: February 14

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Sharks 5, Capitals 3
Hurricanes 5, Canadiens 3
Canucks 2, Coyotes 1 (SO)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Joe Pavelski, SJ (2 goals, 2 assists)
2. Eric Staal, CAR (2 goals, 1 assist)
3. David Booth, VAN (1 goal, shootout goal)
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Tonight’s slate:
Rangers @ Bruins, 7:00 ET
Devils @ Sabres, 7:00
Blues @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Senators @ Lightning, 7:00
Stars @ Red Wings, 7:30
Ducks @ Wild, 7:30
Blackhawks @ Predators, 8:00
Islanders @ Jets, 8:30
Maple Leafs @ Flames, 9:00

Game of the night:
New York Rangers @ Boston Bruins
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Will trade deadline be a dud?

The trade deadline is basically a holiday in the hockey world. Everyone stops what they are doing to see which teams are going to pull off a blockbuster before the deadline passes – whether it happens two minutes or two weeks before the official deadline. This year’s trade deadline, however, is shaping up to be a disappointment.

The Week Ahead

Welcome to yet another installment of The Week Ahead. As per usual, we will give our "Three Stars of the Week", "Three Players to Keep an Eye on", "Two Teams to Watch", our "Game of the Week" and "Other Game to Keep an Eye On".

Power Rankings: Week 19

1. New York Rangers… LW: 1
With wins over the Flyers and Caps over the weekend, the Rangers are now seven points clear of second-place Boston in the East. Impressive.
2. Detroit Red Wings… LW: 2
Detroit is now the third team in NHL history to win 20 home games in a row. They’ll go for the record Tuesday against Dallas.
3. Vancouver Canucks… LW: 3
Interesting stat: Nine of the Canucks’ last 12 games have gone to overtime or a shootout.

Morning Skate: February 13

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Rangers 3, Capitals 2
Panthers 4, Islanders 1
Ducks 5, Blue Jackets 3
Kings 4, Stars 2
Penguins 4, Lightning 2
Blues 3, Sharks 0
Red Wings 4, Flyers 3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Corey Perry, ANA (3 goals)
2. Kris Letang, PIT (1 goal, 2 assists)
3. Alex Pietrangelo, STL (2 goals, 1 assist)
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Tonight’s slate:
Sharks @ Capitals, 7:30 ET
Hurricanes @ Canadiens, 7:30
Coyotes @ Canucks, 10:00

Game of the night:
Phoenix Coyotes @ Vancouver Canucks
10:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Trophy Tracker

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

Morning Skate: February 12

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Islanders 2, Kings 1 (OT)
Panthers 3, Devils 1
Rangers 5, Flyers 2
Bruins 4, Predators 3 (SO)
Penguins 8, Jets 5
Oilers 4, Senators 3 (OT)

Lightning 2, Sabres 1

Canadiens 5, Maple Leafs 0

Blue Jackets 3, Wild 1

Blues, Colorado 2 (OT)

Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 0

Flames 3, Canucks 2 (SO)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Evgeni Malkin (1 goal, 4 assists)
2. Ryan Callahan (3 goals)

3. Mike Smith (38 saves, shutout)
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Tonight’s slate:
Capitals @ Rangers, 12:30 pm EST
Panthers @ Islanders, 3 pm EST
Kings @ Stars, 6 pm EST
Ducks @ Blue Jackets, 6 pm EST
Lightning @ Penguins, 7 pm EST
Sharks @ Blues, 7 pm EST
Flyers @ Red Wings, 7 pm EST

Game of the night:
Washington Capitals @ New York Rangers
12:30 pm EST… TV: NBC, NHL Network (CA)

Saturday Faceoff: Top GM/coach tandem?

For any NHL team that wants to be successful, they need to have their general manager and head coach on the same page. Just look at teams that have made the playoffs on a regular basis in recent years, and you’ll realize they have a solid GM/coach combo.

Recently, CSN Philadelphia ranked all of the GM/coach duos in the league. Which one is the best? Four of us debate…

Huge weekend for Isles' playoff hopes

UNIONDALE, NY -- The Islanders are living life on the edge when it comes to a postseason birth. They currently sit 14th in the Eastern Conference with 52 points, but can get back in it with wins this weekend.

Morning Skate: February 11

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Sabres 3, Stars 2 (SO)
Red Wings 2, Ducks 1 (SO)
Avalanche 4, Hurricanes 3 (OT)
Sharks 5, Blackhawks 3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Brent Burns, SJ (3 assists)
2. Ryan O’Reilly, COL (1 goal)
3. Joey MacDonald, DET (29 saves)
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Today’s slate:
Predators @ Bruins, 1:00 ET
Panthers @ Devils, 1:00
Kings @ Islanders, 1:00
Rangers @ Flyers, 1:00
Jets @ Penguins, 2:00
Oilers @ Senators, 2:00
Lightning @ Sabres, 7:00
Canadiens @ Maple Leafs, 7:00
Avalanche @ Blues, 8:00
Blue Jackets @ Wild, 8:00
Blackhawks @ Coyotes, 8:30
Canucks @ Flames, 10:00

Game of the day:
Nashville Predators @ Boston Bruins
1:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Toronto’s trade deadline do’s and don’ts

By Dan Berlin

These Leafs aren’t falling. Instead, they appear to be on the rise up the standings this season. Despite losing their last two games, Toronto currently sits in seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, sporting a solid 10-6-1 record since the New Year. So with the trade deadline looming, and his phone surely ringing, Toronto GM Brian Burke is now on the hot seat, looking to make a move that will help ensure the Leafs snap their eight-year playoff drought come April.

While rumors continue to abound around the hockey world on who will stay and who will go, here's a list of five things the Leafs should – or shouldn’t – do come trade deadline.

Panthers regain top spot in Southeast

SUNRISE, Fla. -- It was by no means pretty, but in a span of just under 13 minutes Thursday night the Florida Panthers managed to finally solve the mystery of Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, awaken from an L.A. nightmare and grab the top spot again in the Southeast Division.

Morning Skate: February 10

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Blues 4, Devils 3 (SO)
Canadiens 4, Islanders 2
Rangers 4, Lightning 3 (OT)
Flyers 4, Maple Leafs 3
Jets 3, Capitals 2 (SO)
Stars 4, Blue Jackets 2
Senators 4, Predators 3
Panthers 3, Kings 1
Canucks 5, Wild 2
Coyotes 2, Flames 1 (OT)

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Max Pacioretty, MTL (3 goals)
2. Chris Phillips, OTT (2 goals)
3. Dustin Byfuglien, WPG (1 goal, 1 assist)
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Tonight’s slate:
Stars @ Sabres, 7:30 ET
Ducks @ Red Wings, 7:30
Hurricanes @ Avalanche, 9:00
Blackhawks @ Sharks, 10:30

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

Top 5 GM’s under pressure at deadline

The trade deadline will be here before we know it, and some general managers are under more pressure than others to improve their respective teams. Here are five GM’s that will be under a microscope between now and the February 27th deadline.

Video: Wings, Leafs in 2013 Winter Classic

The National Hockey League officially announced today that the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs will meet up in next season's Winter Classic on New Year's Day. Here is a quick preview from the league...

Morning Skate: February 9

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Sabres 6, Bruins 0
Red Wings 4, Oilers 2
Ducks 3, Hurricanes 2 (OT)
Flames 4, Sharks 3

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Olli Jokinen, CGY (3 goals, 1 assist)
2. Ryan Miller, BUF (36 saves, shutout)
3. Corey Perry, ANA (1 goal)
---

Tonight’s slate:
Blues @ Devils, 7:00 ET
Canadiens @ Islanders, 7:00
Lightning @ Rangers, 7:00
Maple Leafs @ Flyers, 7:00
Jets @ Capitals, 7:00
Stars @ Blue Jackets, 7:00
Predators @ Senators, 7:30
Kings @ Panthers, 7:30
Canucks @ Wild, 8:00
Flames @ Coyotes, 9:00

Game of the night:
St. Louis Blues @ New Jersey Devils
7:00 ET… TV: Local Networks

Southeast Division up for grabs

As the stretch run draws closer, the Southeast Division is becoming more and more of a crapshoot. Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are still the team to beat; but if they can’t snap out of their prolonged funk, the division is anyone’s to win.

Could Grigorenko surpass Yakupov?

Just a few months away from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, rankings indicate that June's draft will have a Russian flavor, much like 2004's draft, when Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin went first and second, the first time two Russians ever went 1-2 in the NHL draft. And, like 2010, the year of Taylor or Tyler, this year's two top draft prospects are so close, either player could be chosen first.

Morning Skate: February 8

The Morning After:
Yesterday’s results:
Blue Jackets 3, Wild 1
Devils 1, Rangers 0
Capitals 4, Panthers 0
Islanders 1, Flyers 0
Canadiens 3, Penguins 2 (SO)
Blues 3, Senators 1
Kings 3, Lightning 1
Canucks 4, Predators 3 (SO)
Jets 2, Maple Leafs 1
Coyotes 4, Stars 1
Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 2

RLD 3 stars of the night:
1. Tomas Vokoun (42 saves, shutout)
2. Alex Ovechkin (2 goals)
3. Evgeni Nabokov (45 saves, shutout)
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Tonight’s slate:
Bruins @ Sabres, 7:30 pm EST
Oilers @ Red Wings, 7:30 pm EST
Flames @ Sharks, 10:00 pm EST
Hurricanes @ Ducks, 10:00 pm EST

Game of the night:
Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres
7:30 pm EST… TV: NBC Sports, TSN 2

Trade could help three contenders

As the trade deadline draws nearer, there are three teams -- all considered Stanley Cup contenders when at the top of their game -- that could use a boost in the form a trade.

Many in Jack Adams contention

Well over halfway through the NHL season, there are numerous coaches that deserve consideration for the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the best coach of the year. Who are some of the top candidates to take home the award this season?