hockey
We talk pucks and objects of that kind. We yell, complain, and analyze in the language of hockey fandom. Gretzky can do no wrong.
Can the Penguins Repeat?
The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2016–17 season as defending Stanley Cup champions and had 12–1 odds to repeat, the fourth best chance in the league according to Bovada. After opening up a 3–1 game lead on the Columbus Blue Jackets, those odds have skyrocketed to 15–4 favorites via VegasInsider. The NHL hasn’t seen a repeat champion since the Detroit Red Wings in 1998. Now that they’ve advanced to the second round, can the Penguins be the first since then and defend their title?
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Wild Acquire Martin Hanzal from ‘Yotes
Apparently NHL teams thought the trade deadline was tonight! Not long after the Ben Bishop trade was announced, it was reported that center Martin Hanzal and center Ryan White were being moved from Arizona to Minnesota for a 2017 1st-round pick, a 2018 2nd-round pick, a conditional pick in 2019, and Grayson Downing. And my initial thoughts: good lord.
By Steve Smith8 years ago in Unbalanced
What the Devils Should Do with Patrik Elias
He’s the franchise leader all-time in goals, assists, and points. He’s had countless heroic moments in the playoffs and regular season. He’s won two Stanley Cup championships with the team. No doubt, his will be the fifth number retired by New Jersey, and may be the last sweater retirement the team sees for a long time.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Five Factors: The Islanders are the Scariest Team in the NHL
Over the last month, the New York Islanders have revived a season that seemed absolutely doomed. The team has a 9–2–2 record over their last 13 games, starting with a 4–0 win in Boston which would prove to be Jack Capuano’s last game behind the bench with the team.
By TJ Ragusa8 years ago in Unbalanced
End of the Line for Iginla and Doan?
The longer a veteran player goes unsigned during an offseason, the more the retirement talk ramps up. And unless your name is Jaromir Jagr, this offseason has been no different. For seasoned veterans Jarome Iginla and Shane Doan, the questions about their possible retirement have flown around in recent days. So what will happen to these great players? Have we seen the last of them?
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Brent Burns Is Better Than You
Forget everything I said. In an article published back in January, I made the case that Connor McDavid should be considered the favorite to win the Hart Memorial Trophy for MVP. I suggested that he should at least be considered in the same category with Sidney Crosby given his performance through the first half of the year. With where things stood at that point in the year, that’s a pretty easy point to stand by.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Why The NHL’s Response To Charlottesville Should Worry You
View on Twitter This was the statement issued by the Detroit Red Wings following the incidents surrounding the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, VA over the weekend. A strong, almost threatening statement from one of the league’s most prolific franchises, and one that clearly states where they stand on the issues at hand. Following this statement was one issued by the league, saying,
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Devils At the Deadline
There was a lot of back-and-forth discussion in the Devils community about what New Jersey’s trade deadline approach would be. On the one hand, they don’t seem good enough to be a serious playoff contender. On the other hand, the playoff race in the East has been open, and even with just 62 points the Devils sit seven back of Toronto for the second wild card spot. There could be solid arguments for either buying or selling.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Where Does Pittsburgh Rank Among All-Time Teams?
For the first time in nearly two decades, the NHL has a repeat champion. Not since the 1998 Detroit Red Wings has any team lifted Lord Stanley’s Cup in back-to-back years, until now. And while the sight of Sidney Crosby and his pre-pubescent facial hair lifting the greatest trophy in sports for a third time in his career is nauseating to some, the point has to be made that this sort of thing is supposed to be damn near impossible in the salary cap era. Even with the addition of a 31st team this offseason, Pittsburgh still has the best chance to win in 2018, according to odds makers. So just how good is this team?
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Ben Bishop Traded to LA, for Some Reason
Well, it finally happened. Though I must say, I’m surprised about the destination. Ben Bishop has been on the trading block since at least last season. His contract is set to expire this summer. He’s a good goalie, and the Lightning knew this, but they have Andrei Vasilevskiy waiting in the wings and many other expensive contracts to worry about.
By Steve Smith8 years ago in Unbalanced
