Playoffs 2013
NHL awards picks & 30 Thoughts
Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman reveals his votes for the NHL's major season-end awards, and delivers his weekly dose of 30 Thoughts.
Playoffs 2013
Suter, Parise must play key role for Wild
Every day during the playoffs, we'll take a look at one big question surrounding each game. So, as the 2013 post-season extravaganza gets underway, we start with three games:
Playoffs 2013
30 Thoughts: Canucks discover winning ugly is beautiful thing
Long considered a team with an elegant style, the Vancouver Canucks have adopted a more grinding approach in clinching their fifth consecutive Northwest Division title.
Hockey Night in Canada
6 outdoor NHL games too taxing for players?
I've covered every NHL Winter Classic and think every fan base should get a
chance to participate in at least one. Everyone loves them. But there's one bad thing about next year's reported schedule of six outdoor games: the two games after the Olympics.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Craig MacTavish poised to shake up Oilers
New Edmonton GM Craig MacTavish sounded a lot like Brian Burke
during his introductory press conference. MacTavish didn't use the
word "truculent" but the message is similar: I'm impatient and we're
going to do something about it.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: NHL players in Sochi Olympics won't come cheap
The NHL and NHL Players' Association plan to meet Friday with the International Olympic Committee and International Ice Hockey Federation to discuss how to cover the costs of competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Dallas is team to watch at NHL trade deadline
Dallas Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk might be the man to watch at the NHL trade deadline, what with several seasoned veterans to be moved and youngsters in need of more experience.
NHL
Time for Flames to be more careful
It isn't exactly brilliant analysis that this is a critical time for Calgary in the wake of the Jarome Iginla deal, Jay Bouwmeester could be next, and who knows about Miikka Kiprusoff or anyone else. They're the biggest decisions this organization is making in years.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: No gasoline poured on Flames' trade rumours
Amid rampant rumours that Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla is trade bait, everyone involved, namely the team, the player and his agent, remain silent on and off the record.
Hockey Night in Canada
Trading Corey Perry was not an option for Ducks
The contract extension given to Corey Perry proves the Anaheim Ducks couldn't replace what the winger brings to the ice.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Many GMs feel trade deadline too inflationary
Many NHL GMs believe the trade deadline is inflationary and that it's better to make your moves earlier.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Getzlaf contract may impact Perry
The initial reaction to the Ryan Getzlaf contract extension was that the big centre didn't
give Anaheim a "hometown discount." What does that mean for free-agent-to-be Corey Perry? The Ducks seem to have four options.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL teams ready to embrace advanced statistics
National Hockey League teams participated in the seventh annual MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston as they try to apply a proved statistical analysis in the search for success on and off the ice, writes Elliotte Friedman.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Ryan O'Reilly pursuit still a hot topic
Certainly, Calgary earned the wrath of its brethren when it comes to Ryan O'Reilly. But this isn't a case of one team screwing up when everyone else knew situation. Otherwise, it would have come out sooner.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL drops '4 conference' realignment plan
The NHL officially notified its teams on Tuesday about its latest
re-alignment proposal and there is much more than we initially realized.
For one thing, the "four conference" idea is a goner, which means four divisions in two conferences. Here's how the new setup would look.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: NHL realignment still needs work
With co-operation this time between the league and the players, the NHL's latest realignment proposal appears to be on more solid footing. But some outstanding issues must still be worked out.
Hockey Night in Canada
Ron Rolston brings technically sound plan to Buffalo
Ron Rolston has won enough at lower levels that he's now getting a chance to coach the Buffalo Sabres.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Hockey socks and safety
There are always going to be injuries. This is a confined, high-speed, high-contact sport. But looking at Erik Karlsson's Achilles tear, I can't help but think the NHL and the NHL Players' Association should be doing more about it.
Hockey Night in Canada
Friedman: Blue Jackets GM chase begins
This is a brutal business sometimes. Columbus gets its biggest win of the season, 6-2 over San Jose, and Scott Howson is fired the next day. Now, the search for his successor begins.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Devils out to prove last year no fluke
The New Jersey Devils simply refuse to be written off, despite losing marquee names like Gomez, Holik, Mogilny, Niedermayer, Rafalski and Parise to free agency since 2000.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Panthers plan to keep Stephen Weiss
The Florida Panthers are loaded with prospects and re-signing veteran centre Stephen Weiss allows the organization to hold on to said prospects and not feel like they have to rush them.
Hockey Night in Canada
Keeping Coyotes in Phoenix is proving tough sell
This Phoenix Coyotes' sale story is like Freddy Krueger. Just when you think it's dead, along comes a sequel.
NHL
Ex-NHLPA boss calls Quebec City, Toronto expansion spots
Former NHLPA boss Paul Kelly stood up in front of Markham city council and said the NHL not only wanted to expand the league to 32 teams, but had directly discussed doing so with him.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: P.K. Subban eyes bigger payday
There's already a ton of debate over who "won" the P.K. Subban-Montreal Canadiens negotiation and what
it means for the future. The Canadiens got the short-term deal they
wanted, at a very reasonable cap hit. But the
structure is very interesting and provides the young blue-liner with some serious incentive.
Hockey Night in Canada
Future of new Toronto-area arena at stake
On Tuesday, there is a council meeting in the north Toronto suburb of
Markham, Ont., that may determine the future of the proposed 20,000-seat
GTA Centre. There is a lot at stake. Essentially, two councillors have
proposed a motion that would force the city to stop doing any work on
this project.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Jamie Benn among 'The Unsigned Three'
That NHL teams are now trying hard to police themselves from overspending adds a layer of intrigue to contract talks with unsigned stars like Jamie Benn, Ryan O'Reilly and PK Subban.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf take priority on Ducks
Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray told reporters Sunday that his "biggest priority" is to re-sign forwards Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, who will be unrestricted free agents next summer.
Hockey Night in Canada
Paul Ranger may prefer to stay in AHL than return to NHL
Toronto Marlies defenceman Paul Ranger is an unrestricted free agent, but may opt to remain in the AHL rather than pursue employment in the NHL.
NHL
Brian Burke firing was personal
Whether on-ice or the boardroom, someone important withing MLSE didn't want Brian Burke around anymore.
Hockey Night in Canada
New CBA doesn't hurt Roberto Luongo
Since the various reports of a Roberto Luongo trade to Toronto aren't already insane enough...let's throw some gasoline on the fire!
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: How the shortened NHL season could work
The first -- and worst -- big NHL story of 2013 is over and done with: the end of the lockout.Now it's time for the league to figure out the logistics of a shortened season, and to make a real effort to reconnect with its fans.
Hockey Night in Canada
Hard to see a winner in NHL labour truce
Even after a tentative deal has been struck, I'm hesitant to say either side "won" the painful NHL-NHLPA labour war, because there are no winners here. The sport just went
through a horrible process, and the only thing both sides should care
about is making sure this never happens again.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL labour talks still inching along
The good news is that mediator Scot Beckenbaugh wouldn't have called the NHL and NHLPA together if there wasn't something to talk about. But, in the social media age, excitement is a runaway train. We should know better.
NHL
Mediator, 'disclaimer' play crucial roles in NHL talks
The NHL and NHLPA are scheduled for another day of mediation, a day after a 13-hour session, while the players' vote on a "Disclaimer of Interest" draws to a close.
Hockey Night in Canada
Bitterness grows during NHL labour waiting game
People are never going to forget this NHL work stoppage. Not the fans. Not the sponsors.
Not the league. Not the players, no matter if they are NHLers now or
being assigned their first Shakespeare play in Grade 10. And not the
media.
Hockey Night in Canada
A wasted day in NHL labour talks
As I write this at 6:20 pm (ET) Thursday, this looks like a wasted day in NHL labour talks. A lot of you have pointed out on twitter that these have been four wasted months. Touche. But this is poor form because it poisons the water so close to the end of the process.
Hockey Night in Canada
Highest hurdles remain in NHL labour talks
There are still wide gulfs when it comes to the most important issues, including salary cap for 2013-14 (owners want $60 million US, players $65M). We all want to get excited, but the highest hurdles remain unconquered.
NHL
It may be 1 minute to midnight for NHL talks
By 11:59 p.m. (ET) Wednesday night, we're going to know if the players think a deal is getting done.
That is the deadline for the NHLPA to file its Disclaimer of Interest in court. And, if the union sees an end to this gong show, the chances decrease, significantly, that the filing gets made. If things devolve into a Fugitive-style train wreck, well, the lawyers get even busier.
NHL
No news is good news during NHL talks
Elliotte Friedman writes that the best news for fans and people suffering financially from the lockout is that there is
very little information seeping out. Sources aren't volunteering much. And while reporters may hate that, it's also a very good sign because it
shows the two sides are serious about getting a deal done.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHLPA set to make crucial next move
We are expecting an NHLPA counterproposal sometime today. There's a belief it will happen early afternoon, but things seem to occur later than scheduled in this process. The bigger question, of course, is what's going to be in the proposal. How much common ground will there be?
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL negotiators need to keep cool with Donald Fehr's tactics
Donald Fehr is an infuriating opponent, writes Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman. He stalls, he delays, he takes longer water breaks than a camel at a Saharan oasis. That's why it will be very important for Gary Bettman and Bill Daly to control their frustration.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL sides still have plenty of work to do
Here's the best advice received about yesterday's NHL offer to the NHLPA: "Don't be optimistic. Don't be pessimistic. There is still plenty of work to do." That's good advice. Hockey fans have received enough kicks to the gut.
Hockey Night in Canada
Only NHL game being played is waiting game
The NHL doesn't believe the NHL Players' Association is truly ready to make a deal so barring a change, it's just going to sit tight.
Hockey Night in Canada
Explaining the NHL's latest move
The best way to describe today's move by the NHL is a pre-emptive strike. The 43-page "Declaratory Judgment Complaint" comes complete with a lengthy history lesson into the tactics of Jim Quinn, a lawyer I wrote about earlier this week in "30 Thoughts."
Hockey Night in Canada
Bettman, NHL already appear winners on paper
If he wanted to, Gary Bettman could end the lockout by the time you finish reading this. Not just because he is commissioner, but because he -- and the NHL -- have already won.
Hockey Night in Canada
Sides in NHL dispute need to push things to the brink
The non-binding mediation session on Wednesday resulted in a spinning of the wheels for the NHL and the players' association, and surely it must soon be time for more drastic measures, writes Elliotte Friedman.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: NHL could call in NBA lockout fixer
Last week, the NHL made its call to the relief corps, introducing fresh voices from the owners before talks disintegrated.Now it's Don Fehr's turn. He's got an ace, the Mariano Rivera of last year's NBA lockout, in Jim Quin.
NHL
Ron Hainsey: The NHLPA's 'bad cop?'
There are no heroes in the NHL's "Implosion of 2012," but both sides have made
sure that one or two of their opponents are known villains. On the players' side, that may be Jets defenceman Ron Hainsey.
Hockey Night in Canada
Implosion in NHL talks leaves players with few options
Any fan or individual affected by the NHL lockout who watched Donald Fehr and Gary Bettman's dueling media conferences deserves a "Commit One Felony For Free" card. But, as bad as that looked Thursday afternoon, and as disappointed as everyone is, this is not over.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL players in tough spot
The post-dinner meetings between the NHL and its players last night were emotional and negative.
Owners feel the players are giving them "moving targets," adding things
to the conversation at late stages. The NHL's new negotiating committee
feels that it's tried hard to understand what's important to the
players and address those things.The offer is not perfect. The
NHLPA still doesn't like the five-year term limits and eight-year (plus
options) length of the CBA. But the league has dropped its demands for
changes to salary arbitration and free agency. While things are moving
closer, the players are giving up more than they are gaining.
Hockey Night in Canada
Nerves frayed as NHL negotiations intensify
Both the NHL and NHL Players' Association are seriously committed to trying to reach terms on a new collective bargaining agree. But it's isn't easy because they've waited so long to get real.
Hockey Night in Canada
Penguins' Crosby, Burkle take charge in NHL talks
There are two big storylines developing from Tuesday's lengthy labour talks between the NHL and the NHLPA here in Manhattan.The
first is that Steve Fehr, the NHLPA's number two, referred to yesterday
as "the best day we've had." The second is the Pittsburgh contingent's
effort to end the lockout. Let's take a look at both situations.
Hockey Night in Canada
Opinions differ on fresh voices entering NHL fray
There are widely differing opinions on Tuesday's meeting. While there is some optimism in the fact that new blood will be introduced on the owner's side, there is still a lot of negativity.
What's behind Portland's punishment?
Wednesday afternoon, the CHL slapped the Portland Winterhawks with an earth-shattering suspension. Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman has the story on what's really behind the punishment.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Harding has kindred hockey spirit in Sigalet
When the news broke late Wednesday that Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Abbotsford Heat goaltending coach Jordan Sigalet said: "Brings back memories."
Hockey Night in Canada
Answers to NHLPA decertification questions
In the last 24-48 hours, "decertification" has become the big buzzword
in NHL Labour Craziness 2012. I was a month away from writing my LSATs
in 1994, but never had to (thank God), so this is far out of my
expertise.But it's a belt-high fastball for Gabe Feldman. He's a
professor at Tulane University's law school and director of its sports
law program. (He can be found on twitter @SportsLawGuy.)
Hockey Night in Canada
Still too many hard lines being drawn in NHL talks
The NHLPA's latest proposal, for the most part, seems negotiable, but the NHL didn't exactly hail it as a breakthrough on Wednesday in New York City.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHLPA offers remedy for back-loaded contracts
One of the biggest issues the NHL wanted to address in any new CBA was
long-term, Kovalchuk-esque contracts. The NHLPA did address these in its
latest proposal, but it was hard to find an exact example.So, here's some clarification.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL players' next move is crucial
The word of the day is "curious." As in, "I'm curious to see what
the NHLPA is going to come up with for its next proposal."This is a significant
moment in Labour Goofiness 2012, and what happens over the next 24-48
hours has huge ramifications for the NHL's future.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Season of growing discontent
I don't know if it's right to say either the NHL or the NHLPA is cracking or bending, but there is growing discontent with how this process is unfolding. "Helpless" is how one team executive described his feelings right now.
The day that changed everything
Hockey Night In Canada commentator Elliotte Friedman pays tribute to the three people who taught him to treasure life, the last living member of the trio dying this week at the age of 92.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Holding the line on contracts
The latest message the NHL is sending in labour negotiations with the players union is that you cannot have everything, so pick one at the expense of another.
Hockey Night in Canada
The final hurdles in NHL talks
What the first year of the new NHL collective bargaining agreement will look like is the subject of intense negotiations, but there are also systemic issues for the two sides regarding the overall framework for player contracts.
Hockey Night in Canada
Gloves are off in NHL labour talks
This isn't the first time the league has taken issue with NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr's communication to the players. Last month, it released a full proposal on nhl.com because it felt the message wasn't getting through. And, the weirdest thing about Friday's accusation was that the NHL's latest offers were made with several players in attendance, writes Elliotte Friedman.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL, NHLPA not exactly match made in heaven
If NHL labour negotiations were a speed date, there'd be a lot of lonely people. But with such forceful people at the table, did anyone really believe this would be solved quickly?
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Silence is golden for NHL, players
The NHL is setting a serious tone for this week's talks
- preparing for several days of discussions and warning media that its
leaders are not going to be talking. It's a complete turnaround from the last time we hopped on the labour rollercoaster, when the league posted details of an offer on its website.The players, meanwhile, are much more careful with their optimism. There are two reasons for
this: the botched Oct. 18 meeting in Toronto and Donald Fehr's paranoia
about ill-timed quotes.
NHL
Next meetings critical for NHL, NHLPA
Hockey Night In Canada's Elliotte Friedman has a couple
thoughts on what's probably going on after a meeting between NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr.
NHL
Making sense of NHL's 'make whole' proposal
It's likely the "make whole" provision is the key to getting a new CBA deal
done. Both the NHL and NHLPA know they are eventually getting to 50/50, but it's
impossible to arrive there without 1) the players eating a chunk of
their contracts or 2) the NHL "protecting" those signed deals somehow.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: Lockouts chock full of familiar refrains
Despite notable differences between the NBA and NHL lockouts, the language used by the main players on the inside and keen observers on the outside often sounds eerily familiar.
Hockey Night in Canada
30 Thoughts: NHL lockout enters crucial week
If there is actual progress this week between the league and the
NHLPA, Gary Bettman doesn't take a chainsaw to the November schedule.
Should both sides continue to steer towards "The Titanic Award for
Disaster at Sea" (credit: Sports Illustrated, circa 1985), the
commissioner will probably cancel the Winter Classic and a month's worth
of games.
NHL
NHL labour solution could come from auto industry
Oh, it looks bleak right now. Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr came out
spitting fire after a brief "negotiating session" at NHLPA offices,
stomping all over each other's proposals and killing optimism.Even
Sidney Crosby, among the biggest optimists throughout the process, said
"I hope" when asked if there was going to be a season.
Hockey Night in Canada
Time to put grudges aside in NHL lockout
The NHL is risking serious damage, and the players won't escape that pain. Therefore, the players are doing themselves a disservice if their dislike of the commissioner blinds them from an opportunity for legit conversation.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL, NHLPA enter zone of potential agreement
Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr's biggest backers will tell you both men want to make a deal. Now is their chance to prove it. The NHL and NHLPA have entered the ZOPA in labour talks.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL could learn from baseball's labour peace
Only two leagues have ever cancelled their championships for labour reasons: Major League Baseball in 1994 (player strike) and, of course, the NHL in 2004-05 (owner lockout). Since MLB returned to work in 1995, it hasn't missed anything.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL, players should consider new ideas
Glenn Healy came up with an idea to help break the impasse between the NHL and the NHLPA. Elliotte Friedman says it's one that is worth a serious look.
NHL
The 2012-13 NHL season that could have been
With the NHL season on hiatus due to a labour dispute, we can only imagine what kind of year it could have been. Hockey Night in Canada commentator Elliotte Friedman writes about the unique events of a hypothetical 2012-13 campaign, from opening night to the Stanley Cup Final.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL landscape littered with landmines
A combination of mistrust, miscalculation and misplaced optimism has everybody trapped in hockey labour hell and left the path to consensus and a new collective bargaining agreement in the NHL littered with landmines.
Hockey Night in Canada
Potential lockout leverage in Devellano comments
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman fined the Detroit Red Wings $250,000 for senior vice-president Jim Devellano breaking omerta and calling the players "cattle," but the real money quote came seconds earlier.
Hockey Night in Canada
Subtlety lost on Oilers' Katz in Seattle
Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz took a sledgehammer to the local arena debate by exploring options in Seattle. But the problem is, the only person he hit was himself.
Hockey Night in Canada
Making sense of hockey-related revenue
The biggest issue to be resolved in the NHL lockout remains the percentage split of hockey-related revenue. And with lots of patience and research, one can see the landmines.
NHL
Bettman should consider stepping away from talks
If I had to win one
negotiation to save my life, Gary Bettman would be on the (very) short list. But, at this stage of the NHL's labour talks, his presence is more of a roadblock than a
bridge.
NHL
NHL proposals to change revenue formula would be significant
When the NHL made its most recent proposal to the players on Tuesday afternoon, initial reports indicated it included a revenue split starting at 51.6 per cent to 48.4 in favour of the NHLPA, eventually moving towards a 50-50 split over the course of the deal.
Hockey Night in Canada
Zach Parise 'ran the show' + 30 Thoughts
In the final 30 Thoughts blog post of the season, Hockey Night In Canada's Elliotte Friedman examines how much influence Zach Parise wielded in the Minnesota Wild's off-season makeover, plus the buzz around Shane Doan, Alex Semin and Patrick Kane.
Hockey Night in Canada
Hard to take NHL's harsh offer seriously
It's difficult to take the NHL's initial offer in labour negotiations very seriously because it doesn't really propose any solutions to the real problem -- the huge disparity between the league's strongest and weakest markets.
Hockey Night in Canada
Scrapping long-term NHL contracts is a bad idea
Craig Leipold, Chuck Fletcher and the citizens of Minnesota certainly
won't care, but a franchise-changing week for their Wild reignited the
debate over long-term NHL "cap circumventing" deals.
Here's the thing, though: changing the rules is an even worse idea.
Hockey Night in Canada
NHL collective bargaining: The issues
We all debate who deserves what or who's going to get what, but negotiations usually come down to "who blinks first," as one NHL executive says. Here are some thoughts and ideas into where we're going as collective bargaining is about to begin between the league and players' union.
Hockey Night in Canada
Time for consensus, not conflict, in NHL labour talks
In upcoming labour negotiations between the NHL and the players' union, NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr probably will propose increased revenue-sharing while team owners most would like to see increased cost certainty. The bottom line is a lost 2012-13 season is a complete failure for the players, ownership and the league.
Hockey Night in Canada
Time to free up NHL free agency + 30 Thoughts
What if the NHL had a similar system to the NBA, where everyone without a contract can talk to any interested party for, say, a week before new deals are allowed to be signed?
Hockey Night in Canada
Islanders' all-in trade offer to Jackets makes sense
On the surface, the New York Islanders' offer to trade all of their
draft selections to Columbus for the number two pick sounds insane. But, if you really break it down, there's a method to this seeming madness
Hockey Night in Canada
Rick Nash's potential suitors, plus 30 Thoughts
Edmonton and Columbus exert great control over the weekend activities, with the Oilers holding the number-one selection in the NHL draft. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets own both the second pick and Rick Nash, who will be at the centre of the trade rumour storm.
Hockey Night in Canada
Keeping Crosby is risky business for Penguins
The 10-year, $90-million rumour for the Pittsburgh Penguins to re-sign Sidney Crosby is a little out of control because neither side is that far along in negotiations.
Curious case of Tim Thomas, NHL's drug policy + 30 Thoughts
Will Tim Thomas sit out next season? Elliotte Friedman examines the goalie's unique decision, what the Bruins options might be, plus a look at the NHL's possible push for stricter drug testing in the latest installment of 30 Thoughts.
Hockey Night in Canada
Lidstrom does it his way, Feaster on the spot: 30 Thoughts
Detroit defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom was unyielding in his personal standards, writes Elliotte Friedman, while general manager Jay Feaster will likely succeed or fail on an individual basis in Calgary based on how well Bob Hartley performs as head coach.
Playoffs 2013
Quenneville uses leverage, plus 30 Thoughts
Chicago coach Joel Quenneville is most likely staying put and not a Montreal candidate, but after being allowed to choose a new Blackhawks assistant, he figures to be under a lot of pressure to succeed in 2012-13.
Hockey Night in Canada
Ovechkin's ice time + 30 Thoughts
Sometime this summer, when Alexander Ovechkin runs into Alexander Radulov and/or Andrei Kostitsyn at Garage (look it up in your Moscow nightlife directory), the Washington captain should buy them a drink and say, "Thanks for taking the attention off me, guys." (Yes, Kostitsyn is from Belarus. Maybe he'll visit.)
Hockey Night in Canada
Will Ovechkin step up in Game 7?
When you consider how much attention Bruce Boudreau's regular-season benching of Alexander Ovechkin received, it's pretty amazing how little fuss there's been surrounding Dale Hunter's usage of his captain.
Hockey Night in Canada
Luongo trade talk + 30 Thoughts
It's easy to look at Roberto Luongo's contract, see the 10 years remaining and say, "Good luck, Vancouver. You won't be able to trade him anywhere." That's not necessarily true.
Hockey Night in Canada
Monday's burning questions
Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman wonders whether the New York Rangers' best players during the regular season will be up for the task in Monday's burning questions.
Hockey Night in Canada
Sunday's burning questions
Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman tees up a busy day of playoff hockey with the most intriguing storylines heading into the action. Can the Vancouver Canucks trio of Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows and Max Lapierre really keep calm and maintain their composure?
Hockey Night in Canada
Saturday's burning questions
Elliotte presents burning questions for Saturday's five games, with the urgency of the Sharks and the finish of the Bruins coming into focus. Also, Shane Doan could be headed for a career first.
Hockey Night in Canada
Patrick Roy's name still linked to Canadiens
Three years ago, Colorado Avalanche president Pierre Lacroix thought Patrick Roy was ready for an NHL job, but he turned down the job reportedly because of the decision-making power he would (or wouldn't have). Apparently, that's not the case.
Hockey Night in Canada
Thursday's burning questions
Martin Brodeur will start in goal again tonight, and, if the Devils don't stop Florida's momentum, there is the possibility this is his final appearance in New Jersey. Brodeur told Hockey Night in Canada earlier this season he wanted to return next season, but who knows?
Hockey Night in Canada
Hockey violence, viewers on rise + 30 Thoughts
The NHL is seeing record television ratings and intense buzz as the Stanley Cup playoffs swing between incredibly entertaining and completely out of control.
Hockey Night in Canada
Crosby centre of attention in wrong way
First thing's first: No Philadelphia Flyer could be blamed for fighting Sidney Crosby at the
end of that game. He was in the middle of everything and not in a good
way.
Hockey Night in Canada
Sunday's burning questions
Everything Nashville's gone through to get him back - the aggravation of securing his commitment, the fights with other GMs - is worth it if he delivers the next two games. The Predators are 0-6 lifetime in Detroit during the playoffs. They've lost in regulation, they've lost in overtime, they've lost leading after two, and they've lost trailing all the way.
Hockey Night in Canada
Saturday's burning questions
Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada will tee up the action every night through the NHL playoffs with burning questions for each scheduled game.
Hockey Night in Canada
Tonight's burning questions
Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada will tee up the action every night through the NHL playoffs with burning questions for each scheduled game.
Hockey Night in Canada
Malkin easy choice for Hart + 30 Thoughts
Okay, here is one 2012 NHL Awards ballot for the trophies voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. (Again, would like to thank the membership for my inclusion. Very appreciative of the opportunity).
Hockey Night in Canada
Is Jarome Iginla off-season trade inevitable?
With at least six expiring contracts, Calgary Flames manager has his first real opportunity to bring new energy into the organization. That could lead to the trading of popular captain Jarome Iginla, who seems reluctant to leave a club that has missed the Stanley Cup playoffs three years in a row, writes Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman.
NHL
Penguins, Flyers on a collision course + 30 Thoughts
Some NHL GMs (and some other execs) were asked what they saw as the Penguins' greatest weakness heading into the playoffs. The obvious answer was injuries, since some critical players (Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang) have unfortunate medical histories.The second answer was a brutal early opponent. "If you're a big-time Stanley Cup contender, you'd love to see them get a team like Boston early on," one executive said. "Because, even if the Bruins lose, they're going to take a pound of flesh out of them."Enter Philadelphia.
Hockey Night in Canada
Quebec arena announcement ends strange week + 30 thoughts
Sunday's announcement of a $400-million arena in Quebec City by September 2015 culminated a very strange week in the NHL's version of The Odyssey - The Coyotes' Saga.
Hockey Night in Canada
Radulov return problematic + 30 Thoughts
They seem unrelated, but there is a link between Alexander Radulov's impending return to the NHL and reports that both the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets will consider trading their (high) first-round draft picks.
NHL
Behind Bryzgalov's bounce back + 30 Thoughts
It was New Year's Day when Ilya Bryzgalov's season descended into "Daily
Show"-style parody. That morning, the Philly netminder announced he
wouldn't be starting the Winter Classic against the New York Rangers.
"Great news: I'm not playing tomorrow night," he said. "Good news: We have a chance to win the game."
People who didn't find that funny: the Flyers, especially coach Peter
Laviolette, who didn't want this information revealed. People who
laughed: everyone else, although we don't depend on him as much as
Philadelphia does.
Hockey Night in Canada
Grabovski's deal fair for both sides + 30 Thoughts
Mikhail Grabovski's five-year, $27.5 million US contract with the Maple Leafs is fair for both player and team. The real question is: What would it cost to replace him? Toronto knows what it has with Grabovski. Without him? Right now, no clue.
Hockey Night in Canada
Nash may wish to broaden trade list
The sense is the Columbus Blue Jackets hope disgruntled superstar Rick Nash will broaden his choices on the short list of teams he is willing to waive his no-trade clause to join.
Hockey Night in Canada
The Kings' royal pains + 30 Thoughts
Los Angeles has until 2019 to grab multiple championships under Doughty's current contract, but success in Year I is definitely endangered. California's seniormost NHL team wakes up Monday outside a playoff position, dropping out of the West's Top Eight with a 1-0 loss to Calgary on Saturday.
Hockey Night in Canada
Trading Nash chock full of complications
The news getting out is a bad thing for both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Rick Nash. For Nash, who does not like attention, this is torture. A deal like this screams for discretion. Now it's going to hang over their heads like a monsoon cloud.
NHL
Nash trade-related rumours won't quit + 30 Thoughts
When dealing with people, you look for patterns.
For awhile now, the pattern with Columbus general manager Scott Howson was very simple. He was willing to say, on the record, that the Blue Jackets would not trade Rick Nash or Ryan Johansen. Made sense. Nash is The Franchise and Johansen is The Future.
Now, the ground is shifting. Given the opportunity to deny the latest Nash-related speculation, Howson has, to at least three different media outlets (including this one), declined to do so. His response is that he doesn't comment on rumours.
Hockey Night in Canada
Predators not in a bind with Suter + 30 Thoughts
There is a perception that the Nashville Predators must "get something" for Ryan Suter ahead of the trade deadline, but Elliotte Friedman says the time is now for the Tennessee team to make a playoff push.
Hockey Night in Canada
Crosby's recovery plight + 30 Thoughts
Sometime soon, Sidney Crosby hopes to learn the truth. As in, "What exactly is/was wrong with my neck?" But, the possibility of fractures in those areas raises a boatload of questions, and, right now, no one has the answers.
Hockey Night in Canada
Thomas' White House snub, All-Star Game + 30 Thoughts
If Tim Thomas was going to skip his team's White House visit, he must accept the
consequences of his actions. And that's where Thomas needed to think
this through. Because as much as he wants to paint it as an "individual"
decision, it's not. He put other people in tough positions, writes Hockey Night In Canada's Elliotte Friedman.
Hockey Night in Canada
Big deals don't always pay big dividends
Do NHL players lose motivation after signing a contract that takes care of their grandchildren?
Hockey Night in Canada
The Penguins' plight, Crosby's recovery + 30 Thoughts
After a crazy weekend with reports of players discussing whether or not
Pittsburgh needed an interim captain and more criticisms that the
organization doesn't update his injury often enough, the Penguins
announced Sidney Crosby is going back to see Professor Ted Carrick.
Hockey Night in Canada
Realignment woes, potential CBA circus + 30 Thoughts
Friedman is a self-proclaimed pessimist when it comes to labour. He assumes there's going to
be a stoppage of some kind next season. But, if you take a really hard
look at the big picture, you can see the landscape in 2012 is very
different from 2004.
Hockey Night in Canada
Las Vegas Coyotes a longshot + 30 Thoughts
Okay, let's make this very clear: the NHL's choice is to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. That's what the league wants.
Hockey Night in Canada
Would Gainey consider coaching Habs? + 30 Thoughts
In this week's installment, Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman receives some interesting feedback on whether Bob Gainey would return as coach of the Montreal Canadiens, and wonders if the Oilers would consider trading veteran Ryan Smyth to a contending team if the Oilers fall out of the playoff race.
Hockey Night in Canada
Habs to blame for coaching situation
While most of us poke fun at the silly language attacks on Randy Cunneyworth -- there is one important point being overlooked. This mess is the organization's fault. It could -- and should -- have been avoided, writes Elliotte Friedman.
Hockey Night in Canada
What to do with Suter, Weber + 30 Thoughts
"Ask me on February 27." That was the word Saturday morning from Nashville Predators executive vice-president and general manager David Poile after he was asked for the 10,000th time what his plans are regarding unrestricted free agent-to-be Ryan Suter and restricted free agent-to-be Shea Weber.
Hockey Night in Canada
Carlyle's vacation is over + 30 Thoughts
Randy Carlyle took his vacation. Now he's ready to go back to work."For sure," he said Sunday (a day before the Kings job opened) when asked if he was ready to coach again. "Without a doubt. I think I have something to offer."Yes, he does. The marriage between Carlyle and the Anaheim Ducks came to an abrupt end two weeks ago. But, it's a guarantee that prospective employers will look at the positives of his first six seasons, rather than what went wrong in Year Seven.
Hockey Night in Canada
Travel key to realignment + 30 Thoughts
How do you feel about 20 teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs? Jim Rutherford likes the idea.The Hurricanes president and general manager proposed such a setup as the NHL headed into its contentious, cantankerous and certainly truculent realignment debate this week in Pebble Beach, Calif.
Hockey Night in Canada
Hunter needs to get Ovechkin going + 30 Thoughts
As the Washington Capitals stormed off to the best start in the NHL, the
last unbeaten team, one of the players had a warning: "We're only at 30
per cent of where we need to be."
Turns out he was right.
And, even though there appear to be deeper issues, the easiest bullet to
fire is at the coach. Colleagues Tim Wharnsby and Mike Milbury have
more on Bruce Boudreau and Alex Ovechkin, but it's clear that Hunter's
first task will be getting the captain going.
Hockey Night in Canada
Crosby's return about comfort + 30 Thoughts
Undoubtedly, people tuned into Monday's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast to see how
Sidney Crosby would react to that first collision.
He did not shy away from that on Monday. That, as much as the four-point game, is the truest sign that he was comfortable.
Hockey Night in Canada
Capitals need to solve Ovechkin problem
Sometime on Sunday, there's got to be a meeting. George McPhee. Bruce Boudreau. Alexander Ovechkin. Get into a room. Be honest with each other, and work it out.
Hockey Night in Canada
Howe has point about policing + 30 Thoughts
I thought a lot about what Mark Howe said during Hockey Night In Canada's pre-game show after seeing Milan Lucic run Ryan Miller without in-game consequence. When Howe speaks, people listen. And I wonder, is he absolutely right?
Hockey Night in Canada
Blues smart to hire Hitchcock + 30 Thoughts
There is a rule good general managers adhere to: Don't fire your coach without lining up a strong replacement. Ken Hitchcock was not that guy in Columbus, but he is in St. Louis.
Hockey Night in Canada
Athletes using Twitter a delicate balance
Last summer, as the NHL held its annual Research & Development camp, I asked one of the prospects what happens behind the scenes.
"It's pretty good," he said. "They have Mike Cammalleri come and talk to us about being an NHL player. They have someone from security tell us to be careful...especially when it comes to taking photos and things like that."
Hockey Night in Canada
Realignment plus 30 Thoughts
Spent some time on Sunday reading my twitter feed, the Puck
Daddy comments section and LetsGoPens.com. The stuff you guys are saying
publicly about significant realignment is pretty similar to what teams are
saying privately. You either really love it, passionately hate it or just
decide, "I can deal with it."
Hockey Night in Canada
Goalie mask changes needed, plus 30 Thoughts
It's been almost a decade since a shot off Mike Richter's head ended his
NHL career and teams are still fighting with their goalies over mask
safety.
"Someone could go out there wearing Jacques Plante's mask from 1960, and
there's nothing we can do about it," one GM said last week. That's
true. The league and its netminders built consensus on pads, chest
protectors and gloves but there is no agreement on masks.
That is going to change.
Hockey Night in Canada
The 10-game rule and 30 Thoughts
If your team is two wins out of the playoffs at the beginning of November, the three-point games give it a very small chance of recovery based on past seasons, writes Elliotte Friedman.
Hockey
Growing pains with Shanahan, plus 30 Thoughts
Pierre-Marc Bouchard's suspension is a small piece of what is making his agent upset. Allan Walsh's missive is part of two larger issues: league-wide reaction to disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan's hammer and the NHLPA's desire to attack the suspension/appeal process.
Hockey
Friedman: Ovechkin's stock drops, Habs get charitable & 30 thoughts
Ovechkin or Crosby?
That was the great debate. Who would you build your team around? Who
would you take first in your hockey pool? Ovechkin or Crosby? You didn't
have to be from Pittsburgh or Washington to fiercely argue that one.
But that's a one-sided discussion now. (And condolences to Ovechkin, en route to Russia for his uncle's funeral.)
Hockey
Kopitar takes high road in Doughty scenario
Anze Kopitar was home Thursday night when news broke that Drew Doughty's summer stalemate finally ended.
Hockey
30 Thoughts: Hockey's giving spirit, Shanahan's tough gig & what drives Corey Perry
In today's 30 Thoughts, a look at the fundraising efforts of the hockey community in Guelph, Ont., in support of one of their alumni, Brendan Shanahan's first week on the job and what drives the reigning NHL MVP, Corey Perry.
Hockey
On Doughty, Turris & leverage, plus 30 Thoughts
Drew Doughty and the Phoenix Coyotes wield leverage, while Kyle Turris and the Los Angeles Kings don't. It will be interesting to see how long each club and the players themselves, can stick to their line in the contract disputes.
Hockey
The anatomy of a dispute
Marty Turco understands what Drew Doughty is thinking today.
"This is when it hits you," Turco said Friday morning. "Your teammates are in training camp and you're not. It's scary. People start saying things. You hear it, take it personally."
Hockey
30 Thoughts: Jets return, The unsigned 6 & hockey's tragic summer
Going to keep it pretty simple to open the season. No huge preamble. Right into the first 30 Thoughts of 2011-12.
Hockey
Crosby can look to Bergeron for inspiration
About a month ago, I ran into one of the Vancouver Canucks at a golf tournament. As much as we both tried to avoid it, the Stanley Cup Final ultimately came up in the conversation. One of his comments: "Obviously, Tim Thomas was great. But Patrice Bergeron also killed us."Think about that when you're considering Sidney Crosby's future
Hockey
Predators in trouble with Weber?
I wasn't in Shea Weber's arbitration hearing on Tuesday, so I don't know what was said.But I can tell you what other teams/agents are saying: For the first time, they think the Predators are really in trouble with Weber. There was always a recognition that dealing with all three of Weber, Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne was going to be impossible, but, assumed the captain was priority number one.
Hockey
Stamkos, Lightning lock-in, plus 30 thoughts
This is the final 30 Thoughts for the season, with the blog set to return in September. Sorry it's so late, but sometimes life gets in the way (moving is the worst).
Wanted to end things by saying "thank-you" to you, the reader.
Hockey
Stamkos talks cause a frenzy, plus 30 thoughts
So, here we are, days before July 1, and Tampa fans are apoplectic about Steven Stamkos, worrying some other team will swoop in and steal their franchise player with an offer sheet.
Hockey
All eyes on 1 agency, plus 30 thoughts
Around this time of year, I try to look around and figure out who's going to be the biggest newsmaker. It's an exciting point on the calendar - the draft, free agency - and someone usually steps up and grabs the headlines.
This year, many hockey people are watching an agency.
Hockey
NHL sends tough message to Rome
Six days after NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stood at a podium and said he wanted to see harsher suspensions for "certain conduct we want out of the game," Mike Murphy unloaded on Vancouver defenceman Aaron Rome.
Hockey
Cramping up Chara's space, plus 30 thoughts
"If you can't make great players work hard on defence, they will kill you on offence."
It's an ample strategy the Vancouver Canucks are using against Boston Bruins all-star defenceman Zdeno Chara through the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final.
Hockey
Crucial off-season awaits Panthers
This is an enormous off-season for the Florida Panthers. Almost 1,000 kilometres
to the North, an NHL franchise is gone. Atlanta's move to Winnipeg
erased one trouble spot, but there are others. Phoenix remains
uncertain, and there are big questions about this situation, too.
Hockey
Front office staff 1st priority in Winnipeg
It's been a near-perfect week for the city of Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba.
The NHL is returning and now that (some) of the hype has subsided, one issue Mark Chipman and the True North ownership group must figure out quickly is the state of the team's front office.
Hockey
Canadian division could get a push, plus 30 thoughts
It was 1992, and the ground was unsteady below baseball commissioner Fay Vincent. He wasn't exactly popular with MLB's owners.
Hockey
Thornton finally growing fangs, plus 30 thoughts
He was the guy who showed up shirtless in interviews, smiled constantly, gave the media everything we needed and wanted to be liked.
Hockey
Thrashers' rollercoaster ride hurtling toward Winnipeg?
Well, here we go.
For a couple of years now, the National Hockey League has told True
North Sports and Entertainment to get everything ready. Get your
financing done, have a ticket plan in place, make some changes to your
building, etc.
But, the warning was strict: "Don't approach any other owner until we
tell you to do so. And we better not see you doing interviews."
Hockey
NHL must be more open about relocation
For the second straight year, Glendale's city councillors pledged $25 million US to cover potential Coyotes' losses. We can argue the intelligence of this decision, but we cannot argue the consequences of saying no. The team was gone. But the situation is far from over. And it's crossing into cruelty. People can only be jerked around for so long before they hit the breaking point.
Hockey
Keefe has coaching chops, plus 30 thoughts
The CCHL, formerly the CJHL, is the league that spawned the coaching careers of Bryan Murray, Jacques Martin, Bob Hartley and Doug MacLean. Pembroke's Sheldon Keefe could follow them to the next level.
Hockey
Scott Gomez's future, plus 30 thoughts
With Montreal's biggest post-elimination question being, "What to do about Scott Gomez?" here is one theory, brought to you by someone much smarter than me: The Canadiens will give him another season before seeing what the new collective bargaining agreement brings.
Hockey
Bruins can draw from Canucks' fortitude
As you can expect, there were two very different attitudes in two very different dressing rooms at the Bell Centre Tuesday night.
Hockey
Vigneault's Luongo dilemma, plus 30 thoughts
As Roberto Luongo was pulled in Game 5 of Vancouver's unbelievably-tied series with Chicago, I sent an email to four different NHL GMs asking how the process would work in their organizations for selecting a Game 6 starter.
Hockey
Anatomy of the long change that doomed Habs
The moment overtime began Thursday in Montreal, Glenn Healy mentioned both teams had to deal with the "long change." This was a night where the Boston Bruins and Canadiens were burned by it, with the losers suffering the more serious scorching.
Hockey
The trouble with Torres, and 30 thoughts
Raffi Torres wasn't suspended for his Game 3 demolition of Brent Seabrook, but the Canucks have to deal with another question.
Can they play him?
Hockey
Pressure on Bruins, for a change
We all know about the expectations and pressures of playing in Montreal.
Walk into the Bell Centre, look at those banners. If all the Stanley
Cups don't remind you what that city is used to, then the retired
numbers certainly will.This time, however, the Canadiens aren't the team under the greatest
scrutiny. For the Boston Bruins, the entire regular season was a dress
rehearsal. This is a team that must eradicate the painful memory of last
season.
Hockey
Pacioretty talks with Chara, plus 30 thoughts
Before I get to today's main topic, some interesting news from the Boston Bruins' media scrum on Tuesday.The last questioner of Zdeno Chara's asked if he'd spoken to Max Pacioretty. Chara said he had, but didn't offer details.Pacioretty's agent, Alec Schall, confirmed it did occur.
Hockey
Mailbag: Western travel schedules, stanchion solutions
Every Thursday, Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman responds to your questions.
On the slate this week? The affect of Western travel schedules, the next World Cup of Hockey and stanchion solutions.
Hockey
Hossa hullabaloo puts system under review
After watching Marian Hossa's questionable goal, not for a second can anyone convince me that the people in the NHL war room were sitting there watching and saying, "Boy, we've got to make this goal count. The Blackhawks play in the NHL's third-largest market and we've got to get them into the playoffs."
Hockey
Canucks fans cautiously optimistic
Don't spend as much time in Vancouver as in Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa, but my occasional trips out west reveal a certain vibe. Canucks fans are different than those of the other Canadian teams. They are passionate, absolutely. But they are more pessimistic than their Northern brethren.
Hockey
Inaugural mailbag: Goaltending, Subban's rep and top interviewee
It's the inaugural mailbag! As I mentioned a week ago, we're starting a weekly forum to answer some of your questions. Every Thursday, I'll respond to five of them.
Here are five from the past week:
Hockey
An award for journeymen, plus 30 thoughts
Six weeks ago, I spent an afternoon with Chris Taylor's family for a Hockey Day in Canada piece. Taylor is 39 years old, drafted 27th overall (second round back then) by the New York Islanders in 1990. In those 20 years, he has played 151 NHL games, including playoffs. The most recent was in 2004.
But he's still going.
Hockey
Da Costa doing business with NHL
Stephane Da Costa, a coveted collegiate free agent with Merrimack College, is en route to Toronto to meet his agents Monday morning. By Wednesday, he hopes to have signed with an NHL team.
Hockey
Cooke an embarrassment to Penguins
Prediction: Matt Cooke is going to get hammered by the NHL. And the primary reason won't be his unbelievably dumb elbow to Ryan McDonagh's head. Or that he's a repeat offender. Or the fact he can't control himself. It's going to be because he embarrassed the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hockey
Pacioretty fallout, plus 30 thoughts
What a week in the NHL. The Pacioretty fallout was so explosive that, in Canada, it completely erased the Phoenix-to-Winnipeg story. That's pretty tough to do.First and foremost, you hope Pacioretty makes a full recovery and returns to play, eventually. As for change to the game, it seemed uncertain. Many league executives and GMs were reacting angrily to criticism. Meanwhile, two days after the winger was hurt, one player said, "If it happened in Atlanta, and not Montreal, nobody would be making a big deal about it."
Hockey
Air Canada letter to NHL is intriguing
Technically, Air Canada can't pull its advertising from the National Hockey League, because it isn't a league sponsor. That's probably why commissioner Gary Bettman reacted so angrily to the letter from the company's director of marketing/communications, Denis Vandal on Thursday.
Hockey
Maybe hockey's problem is game itself
Is it possible that for all of the talk about preventing injuries and concussions, the real problem is simply the game itself? That the best thing about hockey - the intensely competitive games, the tremendous skill, speed and power of the players - is the real danger?
Hockey
Nothing's clear when it comes to Winnipeg
If there's one thing we've learned about Winnipeg, Phoenix or Atlanta, it's anyone who claims they know what's going to happen is kidding themselves, and you.
All I can say is this: When the Winnipeg rumours surfaced last season, plenty of people who know a helluva lot more than I do said such discussion was premature. Now, those same people believe that while relocation is not the NHL's preferred option, there is a realization the time is coming.
On Sunday, The Arizona Republic reported the Coyotes have lost $40 million US this season. That would push Matthew's Hulsizer's purchase price to $210 million. Of course, Hulsizer might not be able to close the deal because Glendale's about to become Lawsuit City in its battle with corporate watchdog The Goldwater Institute.
Hockey
Deadline restraint, plus 30 thoughts
You hear it from NHL GMs all the time: "If you want to make a deal at
the deadline, be prepared to overpay." Or, "There are more bad deals
made at the deadline than good ones."
But, for the first time in recent memory, 2011 appears to be the exception. What happened here? Why was their so much restraint?
In conversations last night with several executives and agents, two theories emerged.
The disease of comfort?
One of the great things about working at HNIC is it provides the
opportunity to have in-depth conversations with people. You get a deeper
understanding of how people think and what really gets their juices
flowing.One of the discussions that really stayed with me came in 2006,
with Ken Hitchcock.
Hockey
An outdoor 'series' on horizon, plus 30 thoughts
Of everything I heard at the Heritage Classic, the quote that stood out most came during a discussion about the NHL's wish to hold even more outdoor games:
"That shows you how much money they're making."
It is believed that a "Stadium Series" (for lack of a better term) will be a focal point of the next U.S. television contract, with several in a row highlighting the package. Can't imagine that, in the long term, outdoor game after outdoor game will be a good thing for TV viewership, but I'm just a talking head, not an executive.
Fact is, there is incredible demand amongst NHL ownership for these.
Hockey
Mario's message good for NHL, plus 30 thoughts
The morning after the Canadiens and Bruins brawled in Boston - complete with goalie fight - the Devils played in Toronto. The players' reaction at the two teams' morning skate? "We need more of that in our league," was a pretty common answer.
While I wouldn't go that far, I'll be the first to admit I watched every second of that brawl. It was entertaining and it was passionate. By hockey standards, it wasn't that bad, although Tom Pyatt may disagree. (More about that later.) But, by about 9 p.m. ET Friday night, we'd remembered why you can't allow players and teams to push that line. You can't trust them. Eventually they go too far.
Hockey
Time for Kessel to step up, plus 30 thoughts
What is more likely: Phil Kessel telling the truth while he's frustrated and annoyed, or Phil Kessel telling the truth after some Clockwork Orange-style mind control from Brian Burke and the player's agents?
Yeah, I'm going with door number one.
Hockey
Scouting cuts hurt Sabres under Golisano
Thursday's media conference announcing the sale of the Buffalo Sabres from Tom Golisano to Terry Pegula comes almost three years after an Hockey Night in Canada sitdown with the soon-to-be-former owner.
Hockey
Emery faces tough road back to NHL
All of the attention is on Ray Emery's hip. Equally as fascinating is what's missing from his leg.
Hockey
The unknown all-star, plus 30 thoughts
It's fitting that Loui Eriksson and Keith Yandle dressed next to one another during NHL All-Star Weekend.
In the fascinating HNIC/NHLPA players' poll, Eriksson was voted the most underrated player. In an informal ask-anyone-I-run-into poll, Yandle was unofficially voted "best unknown all-star."
Hockey
The Nabokov mess and 30 thoughts
What a crazy world we live in. Evgeni Nabokov talks to Pierre LeBrun and hangs up on Garth Snow.
Hockey
An automatic ejection for head shot? It's a thought.
It is the biggest question being asked around the NHL right now: "Why isn't there an automatic ejection for a hit to the head?" The most interesting thing about asking this question to players, coaches and executives is that they agree concussions are a problem. They agree certain hits must be outlawed. But, many disagree that a head hit should be an automatic ejection. Why? Glad you asked. Several reasons:
Hockey
This year's NCAA free-agent chase, plus 30 thoughts
Every year, there's at least one NCAA free agent who has NHL GMs hurdling over each other in pursuit. This year, it's Stephane Da Costa.
Hockey
Reluctant Boudreau preaching trap, plus 30 thoughts
It was their first meeting after a gruesome 7-0 loss to the Rangers on Dec. 12.
"We had a day off after that game," said Brooks Laich, after the Capitals won the Winter Classic. "I remember thinking we were going to get a visit from the GM when we got back."
Hockey
Feaster takes on huge challenge in Calgary
Darryl Sutter did Jay Feaster a huge favour by agreeing to step down in-season as general manager of the Calgary Flames. It gives Feaster a legitimate chance to gain a stranglehold on the job, and put together Plans B, C and D in the event the Flames don't make the playoffs.
Hockey
More musings on Fehr, plus 30 thoughts
Of all the things new NHLPA head Donald Fehr said in both his introductory conference call and during his on-set interview
with HNIC's Ron MacLean, one thing stood out most for hockey fans: that
negotiations on a new CBA probably won't begin until the spring of
2012. (The CBA expires on Sept. 15 of that year)I hope he's either a) wrong, or b) lying. Either is acceptable in this case.What
the NHL needs over the next 21 months is actual leadership from Fehr
and his ownership counterpart, commissioner Gary Bettman, because
Playing Russian roulette with each other -- and a deadline -- wasn't
much of a rousing success for everyone in 2004-05.
Hockey
Fehr big believer in revenue sharing
It's been more than 30 years since sports' greatest labour figure first hired Donald Fehr to work with baseball's Players' Association. Marvin Miller is 93, still lucid and still opinionated. (Immediately after the completion of our interview at a New York City restaurant, he ordered a Jack Daniels on the rocks. That makes him a favorite.)
Datsyuk the Great, plus 30 thoughts
It was an absolute beauty of a goal, one that few NHL players can score. What's going through Pavel Datsyuk's mind as he bears down on Carey Price?
Hockey
The 'Price Theory' may be why Subban sits and waits
He arrived faster than expected, having outgrown the American Hockey League in a hurry. Immediately, he played a major role as the Montreal Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final, only to lose in five games to Philadelphia Flyers.
Hockey
Motivating players in salary cap era challenging
So far this season we've seen a few GMs - Bryan Murray, Brian Burke and Chuck Fletcher among them - warn their players about being shipped out if they don't shape up.
Here's the question: Does this work anymore?
Hockey
Dire days for Ontario's NHL teams
Thursday morning, hours before Dany Heatley heard boos every time he touched the puck in warmups, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray was asked how much the trade set back his hockey team.
Hockey
What's behind Crosby's scorching pace, plus 30 thoughts
In September, Hockey Night in Canada taped an interview with Sidney Crosby. In preparing for that piece, one source said, "Ask him if he feels last year was his best NHL season." He said yes, he thought it was.
After it aired, another source called and said, "You blew it. You missed the big question."
Hockey
Leafs embark on crucial stretch
Gord Stellick has a great line about the NHL: "If you're going to stink, stink on the road." That's why you get the sense this is a huge week for Ron Wilson.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 6-4-2 at home with Tampa Bay (29th in goals against), Edmonton (30th) and Boston (2nd) coming to town. Toronto has 15 goals in its last four home games.
Despite that, they are 13th in the Eastern Conference, seven points out of a playoff spot. They still have 60 games to play, but, in the post-lockout NHL, falling behind that far this early is very dangerous. Three-point games make these pits difficult to escape.
Hockey
Savard then and now, plus 30 thoughts
A few years ago, in preparing for a sit-down interview with Marc Savard, a coach told me, "The amazing thing about him is that he is the most unselfish player on the ice, and the most selfish guy off of it."
Savard knew it, too, painfully admitting that he once asked Calgary teammates why he was so disliked.
That was then. This is now.
Hockey
More on the Campbell emails, plus 30 thoughts
Like many of you, I spent the last day or so re-reading the Dean Warren decision. The thing that bothered me was not Colin Campbell's dislike of him. Campbell's entitled to feel however he wants about someone.
Hockey
Old emails put Campbell's objectivity into question
As one referee said today, "I can't believe it took so long for this to come out." So, kudos to Tyler Dellow, the Oilers fan and blogger who uncovered the fact that NHL vice-president and head disciplinarian Colin Campbell violated the doctrine of impartiality on several penalty calls against his son. While some were quick to rip another "blogger in the basement," that does not accurately describe this Toronto-based lawyer. The key thing to note here is that the emails in question were exchanged three years ago.
Hockey
Debating Rule 48, plus 30 thoughts
The NHL's general managers meet Tuesday in Toronto and there is going to be great debate about Rule 48, the league's new blindside headshot initiative.
Hockey
NHL's referee turnover a concern, plus 30 thoughts
The idea of a coach's challenge on replays (similar to the NFL model) came up for some discussion last season. There wasn't much support for the idea at the time. That may be different now, and one of the reasons is the turnover in referees.
Hockey
Holik not surprised by Kovalchuk-Devils drama
Ilya Kovalchuk miss a meeting? Didn't surprise one former teammate, Bobby Holik.
Hockey
How can concussion problem in hockey be fixed?
Can we remove concussions from hockey? "No," says Dr. Ruben Echemendia. It's not going to happen unless we fundamentally change the game in such a way that you won't recognize it."
That's the big question for everyone: fans, media, players and execs. We love the way the game is played. We're all concerned about the head injuries. What's our choice?
Hockey
Has the window to win closed on Flames?
Admit it, Flames fans, when you saw the Oilers score off Ian White's face on Saturday night, you thought there was no way Calgary was going to win that game. But he - and his teammates - picked themselves off the ice for a gutsy, essential, early-season victory.
Elliotte Friedman
Elliotte joined CBC in October 2003 and is a commentator with Hockey Night in Canada.
As part of his duties with Hockey Night in Canada, Friedman hosts Inside Hockey, a feature airing every Saturday during Scotiabank Hockey Tonight that tells the stories of the people and places that shape the game of hockey. Always committed to giving viewers the inside story, fans call follow him throughout the regular season and playoffs on Twitter.
