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 »

There has been a lot of buzzing in the hockey world about this rule in the NHL rule book. The first incident this season happened in the King/Rangers game on October 14th. The Referee apparently blew the whistle after the puck had crossed the goal line and waved the goal off. The play went to video review and the call was over turned. Naturally Kings fans were pretty pissed as the call went against them. The most recent occurrence happened Wednesday night when Brad May appeared to have tied the game for the Red Wings late in the third period when Dennis LaRue waived the goal off even though he had blown the whistle after the puck had crossed the goal line. In this situation, the play was reviewed but the Referee over ruled the replay. Okay your probably saying, what is the point of replay then. Two different outcomes on similar situations. Here is the NHL rule right out of the book. Continue reading »

After 21 seasons, Brendan Shanahan announced his retirement on Tuesday and what a resume he leaves behind. The future hall of famer leaves the sport 11th all time with 656 goals and 23rd all time with 1,354 points in 1,524 games. He is the only player to score 600 goals and have 2000 minutes in penalties. Continue reading »

Last night the LA Kings ended the Pittsburgh Penguins 7 game winning streak away from the Mellon Center leaving only the New Jersey Devils who do not have a loss on the road this season. The Devils currently riding a 7-0 record on the road will try to extend that streak Saturday night at Ottawa, riding a 3 game winning streak the Devils will host the New York Islanders tonight and long awaited Patrik Elias will make his 2009-10 debut tonight for the Devils. Elias, the all time points leader for New Jersey hasn’t  played a game in almost a year after having surgery on hip and groin. Continue reading »

#81 to play tonight?

The Toronto Maple Leafs finally get back the player they have been anxiously waiting for. Phil Kessel is expected to return to the NHL tonight in different colors that Phil wore when he last skated. Tonight instead of Kessel wearing the  Black and Gold paired up with Marc Savard, #81 in his new blue and white threads will be skating with Matt Stajan and Jason Blake. The Leafs with only one win this season are still looking for their first at the Air Canada Center tonight when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning. The big question will be , is Phil worth the future that Toronto gave up for him?

Two more stars out Continue reading »

Happy Halloween to everyone from Stick to Hockey. Today I decided to throw together a quick “trick” or “treat” article about some of the who’s hot and who’s not in the NHL so far this season. Here is a few stand outs for you.

Treats

I don’t think anyone is hotter than L A Kings foward, Anze Kopitar right now in the NHL tallying 8 points in his last 3 games including a natural hat trick against Dallas on Thursday night. The Kings early success this season has a lot to do with Kopitar.

The Colorado Avalanche out to a great start and best in the west need to give goaltender Craig Anderson a pat on the back. Anderson leads the league with wins (10) and is sporting a 2.04 GAA and a .939 save %.

Speaking of goalies, Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres is leading the league in save % (.944) and GAA (1.65) . Miller is still undefeated at 8-0-1, Buffalo is 3rd in the east at 8-1-1.

The New York Rangers got a very good treat aquiring Marian Gaborik from the Minnesota Wild. Gaborik has 10 goals and 8 assist as he sits 5th in the league for points. The much anticipated return to Minnesota last night was a let down as Gaborik was out with a leg injury.

Tricks

Nathan Horton of the Florida Panthers has been less than impressive with a mere 2 goals and a -3. Those are not the numbers that the Panthers were expecting out of Horton when they gave him that 4 million dollar contract. There has also been trade rumors circulating with Horton’s name attached.

The Detroit Red Wings are in the market for a goaltender as Chris Osgood could have passed his prime. Osgood , one game over .500 and a dismal 3.41 GAA and a .882 save %, there is no surprise on why Detroit is shopping.

A big part of the Carolina Hurricanes success a few years ago when they won the Stanley Cup was the outstanding play of goaltender Cam Ward. This season Ward has started out very shaky with a 2-6 record.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!