Bryan McCabe is digging his new digs

For the first time in a long time, the former Florida Panthers captain is in a playoff race. The veteran defenseman is having little trouble fitting in on a team full of leaders. The scene playing out in front of Bryan McCabe was one he's starred in thousands of times in his NHL career. ...

Denis Gorman | News/Atlantic | Saturday, March 19 2011 Tags: Bryan McCabe, New York Rangers

Will DeBoer be shown the door?

The Florida Panthers' head coach says he doesn't fear his impending postseason evaluation. The numbers – no playoff appearances and only one winning record in three seasons – suggest he should. The Florida Panthers have clearly turned their vision to the future, thanks to a spate of...

Brett Friedlander | News/Southeast | Friday, March 18 2011 Tags: Florida Panthers, Peter Deboer

Central Division is back to status quo

Detroit and Chicago are up, and the rest of the Central Division is down. In other news, the sun came out today – though the season isn't over yet. For a time in November, all five Central Division teams were high enough in the standings to earn a playoff spot if the NHL decided to...

Michael Caples | News/Central | Thursday, March 17 2011 Tags: Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings

Canucks cruising, Wild reeling

The playoff race in the Northwest is shaping into a Tale of Two Cities. The Wild can only hope the worst of times are behind them, while the Canucks hope the best are yet to come. Monday’s game in Vancouver showed why one team could be playing into June and another could be on a...

Mike Cook | News/Northwest | Tuesday, March 15 2011

Ellis getting comfortable in Anaheim

Dan Ellis has transitioned nicely from a backup in Tampa Bay to starter in Anaheim, making it look easy. The Ducks will need him if they intend on making the playoffs. ANAHEIM – The transition from seldom-used backup to starter is not easy to make for a goalie. It’s a different...

Curtis Zupke | News/Pacific | Monday, March 14 2011 Tags: Dan Ellis, Ducks

Chara's hit on Pacioretty still reverberating

The NHL probably didn't want another tipping point in a season being defined by violent collisions. The league got one anyway, courtesy of Zdeno Chara's hit on Max Pacioretty. Now outsiders are bringing their own supplemental discipline. A bombshell was dropped on the NHL in Tuesday’s...

John Chidley-Hill | News/Northeast | Sunday, March 13 2011 Tags: Chara hit, Max Pacioretty, 2011 Chara hit, Bruins, Canadiens, Habs

'Better built for the long haul'

The Washington Capitals have endured more setbacks this season than most expected. Now they have a turning point and, they think, a team that can make it past the first round of the playoffs. The difference between being a disappointing underachiever and a legitimate Stanley Cup contender can...

Brett Friedlander | News/Southeast | Saturday, March 12 2011 Tags: Capitals, Thrashers, Hurricanes, Panthers, Lightning, Bruce Boudreau

Islanders aren't booking their tee times yet

'Crazier things have happened' than the New York Islanders making the playoffs, Blake Comeau believes. Their season has been crazy enough already. The Devils are the darlings of the Atlantic Division. They might even make the playoffs, in case you haven't heard. New Jersey has the won...

Denis Gorman | News/Atlantic | Saturday, March 12 2011 Tags: Islanders, Devils, Penguins, Flyers, Rangers, Blake Comeau, Al Montoya

'Hawks charge back into contention

In less than a month, Chicago has risen from 11th to fourth in the Western Conference. Led by a rookie goaltender, the defending champions have their swagger back. On Feb. 16, the Chicago Blackhawks were in 11th place in the Western Conference.   Their coach was hospitalized with...

Michael Caples | News/Central | Thursday, March 10 2011 Tags: Chicago Blackhawks, Jonathan Toews, Captain Serious

Iginla gets milestone; Flames keep rolling

Jarome Iginla joined elite company Sunday by becoming the 10th player ever to reach the 30-goal plateau in 10 straight seasons. Not surprisingly, the Flames' captain reacted with trademark humility.  One day the No. 12 sweater should rightfully be raised to the rafters at the...

Mike Cook | News/Northwest | Tuesday, March 08 2011 Tags: Jarome Iginla, penalty shot