Calder Watch: Artemi Panarin leads, but could defensemen spoil? Calder Watch is an occasional feature that looks at the NHL rookie of the year race, whose victor receives the Calder Trophy. Hence, Calder Watch.  The Current Finalists Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane’s 26-game point streak doesn’t happen without the contributions of linemates Artem Anisimov and especially … [Read more...]

Pass or Fail: Minnesota North Stars jerseys return in alumni game Minnesota had to wait several years for an NHL outdoor game despite, you know, having the actual climate for an outdoor hockey game.  But if they had just told the rest of the hockey world that outdoor game-equals-North Stars heritage jerseys, they would have gotten one in roughly under a millisecond. The Minnesota Wild … [Read more...]

NHL Three Stars: Purcell powers Oilers; Niemi to rescue No. 1 Star: Teddy Purcell, Edmonton Oilers  Purcell had two goals in the first period just 1:44 apart and then assisted on Justin Schultz’s goal as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Winnipeg Jets, 3-1. No. 2 Star: Antti Niemi, Dallas Stars Kari Lehtonen started for the Stars, and gave up two goals on four shots in 8:16. Niemi came on and … [Read more...]

Dalton Prout has cross-check tantrum on Plotnikov’s head (Video) The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, 5-2, on Monday night. This defeat was manifested in the actions of Dalton Prout, the Jackets defenseman who earlier was victimized on a 2-on-1 for a Phil Kessel goal. Prout decided to respond to a legal hit with as many cross-checks as he could administer to the head, … [Read more...]

Evgeni Malkin takes knee-on-knee hit from Boone Jenner (Video) Jenner hit on Malkin, who appears to have hurt his knee pic.twitter.com/AaBQibRk3s— Stephanie (@myregularface) December 22, 2015 The Pittsburgh Penguins entered their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night without star captain Sidney Crosby, who missed the game with the Brandon Dubinsky Flu … er, a lower body … [Read more...]

Gambling scandal hits Boston University hockey, Roberto suspended Nick Roberto, a junior third-line forward for Boston University, was suspended by the team earlier this season for "a minor violation of team rules." As the suspension lingered on, there were suspicions that it wasn't so minor. But coach David Quinn kept it coy, saying it was a "coach's decision" and the like.  Now, the … [Read more...]

Vancouver Canucks admit to playing for shootouts Once their games head to overtime, the Vancouver Canucks are looking to go to shootouts rather than winning games in the extra session. News of this strategy came after a 5-4 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers, which came after a 4-3 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Province newspaper spoke to winger Daniel Sedin about this … [Read more...]

Top 10 biggest busts of 2015 (Puck Daddy Year in Hockey) (Puck Daddy presents its annual look back at the year in hockey. Check back every day through the New Year for our many lists and hot takes.)  Change brings about hope. And as is often the case in sports, hope is shattered into a million tiny pieces by reality. Relive the moments that made everyone cringe as we take a look back at the … [Read more...]

Caps stun Rangers with big comeback win The Washington Capitals are one of the hottest teams in the NHL for a reason. The New York Rangers are one of the coldest teams in the NHL for a different reason. The two clubs reminded the hockey world of those reasons Sunday night in Madison Square Garden. The game represented a good chance for the road-weary Rangers to get some good vibes going on home … [Read more...]

Aleksander Barkov's nifty move gives Panthers shootout win (Video) The Florida Panthers beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 after a shootout Sunday afternoon. The Cats earned the extra point thanks to Aleksander Barkov’s nifty little move to beat Jacob Markstrom. (Markstrom relieved Ryan Miller after Miller injured himself following Florida’s first shootout attempt.) Barkov’s move will bring … [Read more...]