The NHL has finished the first quarter of the season. The theme so far this season seems to be injuries, swine flu and hits from behind to name a few. Credit to the NHL as they have clamped down on the vicious hits to a degree. The latest injury goes to the Red Wing’s Niklas Kronwall as he was the recipient  of a leg check from Montreal’s Georges Laraque on Saturday night. Although the trip was called by the officials, the Red Wings are calling it a dirty hit. The NHL agreed with Detroit and suspended Laraque early Monday evening for 5 games. Continue reading »

Another week in the NHL and just like every week, I am here to give you the highlights and the things you may have missed over the last week. Look for this segment at Stick to Hockey every week as I recap the weeks stories all in one article.

Streaks

The New Jersey Devils extended their road win record to 9-0 on Thursday night by beating the slumping Penguins 4-1. The Penguins had a streak of their own, losing 5 straight before Christmas coming early on Saturday night as Tim Thomas and the Bruins hand them a gift in OT. Continue reading »

I don’t know about you but I am sick of hearing about the Anaheim Ducks. First we heard all the crying from the fans about the officiating in their loss to the Leafs a couple of weeks ago and since then there has been the goaltender controversy.

This week Jean-Sebastien Giguere tells the LA Daily news that he would rather retire than be a back up goaltender. With Giguere back in the line up, the Ducks have some decisions to make. Jonas Hiller has held the fort down and played well as he started the last 6 games for the Ducks while Giguere was patting his groin and has proved once again he is a number one goaltender, an under paid one at that making a mere 1.3 million this season. This is the second time in two years Hiller has taken the #1 spot from Giguere at least for now. Continue reading »

If  Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has his way, this could be a reality. Chiarelli told ESPN.com that he would be interested in Forsberg and has had talks with his agent Don Baizley.

I have mixed feelings on this issue because the Bruins obvious need an offensive spark which Forsberg can bring. The B’s could also use another veteran to help this young team develop and once again, Forsberg can do just that but here are some problems that go with the possible deal. Continue reading »

If you read the rumor mill and see all the reports it is heavily rumored that Jean-Sebastien Giguere may be heading to Toronto for Vesa Toskala. I have hinted around with this for almost a week and to me the Ducks are going to get the better deal if this happens.

It’ no secret that Vesa Toskala is having and off season but you need to look at the cast of characters that was in front of him for his 0-2-2 start. Don’t get me wrong, Jonas Gustausson was very solid as he  made 35 saves in his first real challenge of the season when the Leafs beat Wings over the weekend. But  2 of his 3 wins came when Phil Kessel returned. For the time being Gustausson has earned  #1 spot  in Toronto which brings me to my point. Continue reading »

There is no secret that Carey Price has been under fire with Montreal fans with his inconsistent play that goes all the way back to when the Bruins swept the Habs out of the playoffs. The toughest part about being a goalie is if you win 8-6 your a hero and if you lose 1-0 you suck. Fans show no mercy for a goaltender when their team loses especially in the playoffs. Just ask former Bruin Blaine Lacher who basically got booed right out of Beantown 12 games after being voted their 7th player back in 1995. Continue reading »