Dvorak's long career in Florida comes full circle

Back in 1995, the Panthers' first-round draft pick arrived in Florida from the Czech Republic at age 18. Today, Radek Dvorak will have played in more games than any player in franchise history. Tonight, Radek Dvorak will skate onto the ice at the BankAtlantic Center and into the Florida...

Brett Friedlander | News/Southeast | Friday, November 12 2010

Abdelkader causing good problems in Detroit

Raise your hand if you expected Justin Abdelkader cutting into the playing time of Jiri Hudler and, possibly, Kris Draper. Suddenly, Mike Babcock is having to get creative with his lineup. The Red Wings’ forward corps features All-Stars and Olympians – names like Datsyuk,...

Michael Caples | News/Central | Thursday, November 11 2010

Oilers taking their growing pains on the road

Tom Renney is excited about his young team's potential, but that potential has failed to translate to wins at home. If Edmonton is serious about making the playoffs, now would be the time to show it. Maybe the best thing that could happen to a young Edmonton team is simply to get out of...

Mike Cook | News/Northwest | Wednesday, November 10 2010

Kings' hot start is a true team effort

This loose bunch of kids showed they know how to roast their oldest teammate. On the ice, they became the fastest NHL team to 10 wins despite getting less-than-super play from their superstars. That the Los Angeles Kings became the first NHL team to win 10 games on Saturday isn't as...

J.P. Hoornstra | News/Pacific | Tuesday, November 09 2010

Ruff start to the season

Buffalo needs to be much better on defense with Ryan Miller out, but some instead are calling for Lindy Ruff's job. Can the Sabres turn their season around in time to keep their head coach around? For the last few weeks this space has been focused on the struggle at the top of the Northeast...

John Chidley-Hill | News/Northeast | Sunday, November 07 2010

Rangers bumping and grinding their way to success

Brandon Prust isn't exactly a household name around the NHL. This season in New York, he's epitomized the lunch-pail attitude that's transformed the Rangers' image – and so far, their fortunes. As reputations go, "hard-working" and "grinding" aren't usually attached to...

Denis Gorman | News/Atlantic | Saturday, November 06 2010

Led by offense, Lightning striking early

Steven Stamkos has picked up where he left off last season and new coach Guy Boucher's neutral-zone system is vexing opponents. So far, it's safe to believe the hype in Tampa Bay.  With a new general manager, a new coach, a high-profile new player and one of the most exciting...

Brett Friedlander | News/Southeast | Friday, November 05 2010

The Central Division is the NHL's best

All five teams would be in the Western Conference playoffs if the season ended today. That means nothing in November, but so far each team has seen someone arrive to fill a long-sought void.  If the playoffs were to start this morning, all five Central Division teams would be...

Michael Caples | News/Central | Thursday, November 04 2010

Budaj trying to grab a second chance in Denver

The last time Peter Budaj started for the Colorado Avalanche, management sought a new goalie in the summer and found Craig Anderson. Now, thanks to an injury, Budaj could get a another long look. The Colorado Avalanche entered the season hopeful that Craig Anderson would not have to play...

Mike Cook | News/Northwest | Wednesday, November 03 2010

The Ducks are in trouble, but who’s to blame?

Head coach Randy Carlyle is trying to motivate his squad with little to show for his efforts in the standings. The popular scapegoat in Anaheim, however, is neither Carlyle nor anyone on the roster. Randy Carlyle has said it often himself: The coach is usually the first to go when a good team...

J.P. Hoornstra | News/Pacific | Tuesday, November 02 2010