NHL files suit against NHLPA to void Wideman arbitration decision In March 2016, a neutral arbitrator reduced Dennis Wideman's suspension for striking Don Henderson from 20 games to 10 games. A determination to which the NHL 'strenuously' disagreed. Nearly three months after the decision was handed down, the NHL has filed suit against the NHLPA to nullify the decision by the arbitrator.   … [Read more...]

Sharks struggling, Ryan Kesler and Las Vegas (Puck Daddy Countdown) (Ed. Note: The column formerly known as the Puck Daddy Power Rankings. Ryan Lambert takes a look at some of the biggest issues and stories in the NHL, and counts them down.) 7. Ryan Kesler's assessment of the coaching job Bruce Boudreau did in Anaheim, which was very wrong Late last week, Ryan Kesler gave an interview with … [Read more...]

Sharks stay loose, ready to battle for survival in Game 5 PITTSBURGH – So I asked Joel Ward: If I played a drinking game where I took a shot whenever scoring the first goal of Game 5 was mentioned in a San Jose Sharks’ team meeting, how drunk would I be right now?  “Depends on your tolerance, I guess.” I informed him I’m part Irish. “OK, so pretty good then” Laughs aside, it’s one of the … [Read more...]

Behold, the 400-pound limestone Stanley Cup (Photo) It’s every hockey player’s dream to hoist the Stanley Cup, after surviving the most arduous tournament in pro sports to win it.  But why should the struggle end there? Why should players merely have to lift 34.5 pounds of silver and nickel alloy above their heads? How about a real challenge: The 400-pound limestone Stanley Cup! According … [Read more...]

NHL executive committee recommends Las Vegas expansion: Report NHL expansion is reportedly coming to Las Vegas.  On Tuesday night the Sin Bin cited sources "with extensive knowledge of the organization and the expansion process" saying that the NHL’s executive committee "formulated a positive recommendation for expansion" to Las Vegas for the 2017-18 season. The executive committee met … [Read more...]

Sharks face end of Stanley Cup dream and their own failings SAN JOSE, Calif. – Four games can feel like a lifetime when you’re facing elimination.  Four games ago, the San Jose Sharks had the best power-play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs at 27 percent efficiency, including a 40-percent conversion rate on home ice. Four games ago, the Sharks had Joe Pavelski leading the NHL with an astounding … [Read more...]

Matt Murray Avenue; NHL17 features; Cherry returns to HNIC (Puck Headlines) Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at [email protected]. Don't believe me? Behold. pic.twitter.com/8oy1zs8VEZ— Adam Vingan … [Read more...]

Penguins one win away from Stanley Cup after Game 4 triumph SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Pittsburgh Penguins are one victory away from hoisting their fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history.  The Penguins earned a split on the road, and earned the right to play for chalice at home after defeating the San Jose Sharks, 3-1 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night. Pittsburgh holds a 3-1 … [Read more...]

Tomas Hertl done for Stanley Cup Final: Report SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl missed his second straight game as his team battled in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to a report, he’s going to miss the rest of them, too.  Roman Jedlicka, the play-by-play man for TV NOVA Sport in the Czech Republic, cites a “very good source” … [Read more...]

Sharks vs. Penguins: Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Key Moment Pittsburgh Penguins star center Evgeni Malkin busted his goal scoring slump with a crucial second period power play goal that helped the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Malkin took a pass from teammate Phil Kessel on the far goalpost and deflected the puck past San Jose goaltender … [Read more...]