Stefan Della-Rovere was last year's poster boy for undisciplined play by Team Canada and I thought he played well on Monday in terms of puck management as well as discipline and control. From start to finish, it was an outstanding effort by a player who was out on the edge last year. ...more
Wednesday's world juniors roster cuts played out as expected. Some people may have thought Plymouth Whalers' Matt Hackett could have been the backup goaltender behind Jake Allen of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, but Calgary Hitmen's Martin Jones obviously jumped up there. ...more
In spite of the fact that Jason Spezza was not playing his best hockey for the Ottawa Senators, his knee injury leaves a gaping hole in their lineup that won’t be easy to fill. ...more
Of all the battles for spots on Canada's national junior team, none is as intriguing as the competition at centre.Now, if Steven Stamkos, John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly weren't playing and staying in the NHL, we wouldn't be able to say that. That foursome would no doubt be Canada's starting lineup in the middle. ...more
There is no question that Ontario Hockey League commissioner David Branch's decision to suspend Michael Liambas for his hit on Ben Fanelli for the rest of the OHL regular season and playoffs is remarkably harsh. I would submit, though, that it is, in a sense, also courageous in nature. ...more
The hit delivered by the Canucks' Darcy Hordichuk on Jared Boll of the Blue Jackets during Monday night's game, once again brings into question the validity of the widespread acceptance and belief that hits happen, players get hurt, so be it, it's a rough game. ...more
With the injury to Andrei Markov, the Montreal Canadiens have lost maybe the single most important guy on the team. It just makes Carey Price all that much more important. ...more
If there's one thing that can be said about the Ottawa Senators, it's that they are not burdened with high expectations this season. Not after spectacularly flaming out last season and the subsequent Dany Heatley controversy that led to the trading of the 50-goal man. ...more
In a year where Bob Gainey got out the wrecking ball and virtually reconstructed his entire line-up, perhaps it is unfair to be shining the spotlight squarely on a 22-year-old, third-year pro. But that is precisely the reality that Montreal goalie Carey Price faces this season. ...more
You have to be careful with the Edmonton Oilers. A year ago we were all guilty of being overly optimistic about their prospects for the NHL season and we all know what happened - no playoffs and massive disappointment. Now, though, we have to be careful not to be overly pessimistic because this is an Oiler team that can compete for a playoff spot. ...more
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