Signs of progress on display in Edmonton

Don't be deceived by the Oilers' last-place standing in the Western Conference. Their early struggles built character; now a more confident Taylor Hall and company are beginning to win some games. Taylor Hall gave the Rexall Place crowd just what it expected Saturday. Hall beat...

Mike Cook | News/Northwest | Tuesday, December 07 2010

Coyotes look like they're staying put

The light at the end of the Coyotes’ ownership tunnel grew Monday, when Matthew Hulsizer interviewed with the NHL Board of Governors Executive Committee. He could be on the job by January. Matthew Hulsizer is a former hockey player and a multimillionaire. He is as optimistic as he is...

J.P. Hoornstra | News/Pacific | Tuesday, December 07 2010

Waiting for Geno isn't holding Penguins back

The Penguins, winners of eight straight games, are the hottest team in the league. The scary thing is, they're still waiting for Evgeni Malkin to be Evgeni Malkin – at least on offense. All you needed to learn about the Pittsburgh Penguins' collective stress level was taught by Dan...

Denis Gorman | News/Atlantic | Saturday, December 04 2010

Maurice has had a whale of a ride

Coaching his 1,000th NHL game gave Paul Maurice plenty to reflect on this week. At 43, the Canes' boss is the youngest coach ever to reach the milestone. He ought to have much to look forward to. Funny how things work out, but Paul Maurice may never have made it to the NHL had he not been...

Brett Friedlander | News/Southeast | Friday, December 03 2010

As winter approaches, Wings are heating up

Other than a scary injury to Mike Modano, there isn't much to complain about in Detroit. By the time they catch up with their Central Division brethren in games played it might not be much of a race. In the last ten games, there has been no Western Conference team hotter than the Detroit Red...

Michael Caples | News/Central | Thursday, December 02 2010

Pair of wild cards could boost offense in Minnesota

The Wild can't score, but the solution could lie within the trainer's room. Pierre-Marc Bouchard might dress today, while a rehabbing James Sheppard nears closer to playing – and being paid. Getting goals has been problematic for the Minnesota Wild, but help is on its way. ...

Mike Cook | News/Northwest | Tuesday, November 30 2010

Ownerless Stars thriving atop the Pacific

The Stars must be oblivious to the team's front-office mess, because confidence is permeating the dressing room in Dallas. Four straight wins, including three on the road, will do that for you. Let’s get this out of the way first about the Dallas Stars: The team’s...

J.P. Hoornstra | News/Pacific | Tuesday, November 30 2010

In Montreal, the Price is Right

Pierre Gauthier's off-season vote of confidence in Carey Price has been belatedly rewarded, in a big way. The Habs are hot and Price has suddenly worked his way into the Vezina Trophy conversation. More than a quarter of the way through the NHL season, it might be time to admit that...

John Chidley-Hill | News/Northeast | Sunday, November 28 2010

This Ladd isn't too young to lead

The Thrashers' 24-year-old captain has already won a pair of Stanley Cups. Andrew Ladd may have been overlooked in Chicago, but he is leading the Thrashers in scoring as well in the dressing room. Even at the age of 24, Andrew Ladd already knows a little something about being a leader. And...

Brett Friedlander | News/Southeast | Friday, November 26 2010

Sutter, Devils' struggles mirror each other

Wednesday's Devils-Flames tilt was better viewed as a trip down memory lane than 65-plus minutes of flashy hockey. The grass isn't any greener for Brent Sutter or the Devils since they parted ways. As far as returns go, what took place Wednesday night, won’t ever be compared to...

Denis Gorman | News/Atlantic | Tuesday, November 23 2010