GMs contemplate headshots, rule changes

Several key issues and new ideas are being tossed around at the annual three-day general managers meeting currently taking place in Florida, with none perhaps more important than rule changes concerning hits to the head.

The headshot issue gained even more attention with the recent hit by Matt Cooke on Boston’s Marc Savard (pictured) that resulted in a Grade 2 concussion for Savard, which will likely end his season. However, headshots have continually been a hot topic in hockey circles this season, starting with the vicious blind side hit that Mike Richards gave David Booth earlier this year. Booth missed half the season recovering from the effects of that hit.

A small group comprised of eight general managers is closely looking at headshots and contemplating recommendations on how to proceed with new rules and regulations and how to classify what is and isn’t a legal hit. More than likely ne59836447w rules will be put into effect along with stronger suspension policies.

“We’d like to leave here — in my mind anyhow — with some clarity or closure going forward,” said San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson. “(I think) we can put something in place to really say `this is how we’re going to play the game.’ What’s acceptable, what’s not acceptable.”

All headshots are illegal in international play and in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the top developmental leagues for the NHL.

Other proposed rule changes include a mini-playoff for the bubble teams fighting for the eighth playoff spot in each conference. Winner of the mini-playoff would move into the eighth seed and into the playoff picture. Another proposed rule change would allow coaches to send players onto the ice for the shootout without having to submit a written list of the first three shooters to the refs and scorekeeper. League GMs are also considering adapting new rule changes for tie-breakers at the end of the season for teams tied in points. The current system looks at each team’s number of wins if they are tied in points, but a new rule change could have officials looking at regulation wins instead of overall wins so that overtime and shootout wins don’t have as much merit on the overall picture.

If the league plans on minimizing the impact of shootout victories, why not eliminate shootouts entirely? As exciting as it is to watch guys like Datsyuk, Kovalchuk and Ribeiro dangle goaltenders in a one-on-one situation, I think there are better ways to handle the NHL’s overtime. Don’t bother with any of this 4-on-4 for five minutes and then 3-on-3 for five minutes before going to a shootout that has been proposed before. Instead, lengthen the overtime period to 10 or 20 minutes of four-on-four hockey before going to a shootout. I would bet that more than half of those games would end on the power play after a tired player takes a stupid penalty.

Or, the league could say that for the first 40 games, overtime will be decided by four-on-four hockey for five minutes and then a shootout. For the next 20 games, 10 minutes of overtime before a shootout. For the remainder of the season, 20 minutes of overtime before the shootout. This would generate a lot of excitement for the games that should be exciting – the games at the end of the season between teams fighting for playoff spots. Imagine if that rule were implemented now and Nashville and Detroit went into a 20 minute sudden death overtime period where the outcome could potentially determine which team claims the eighth seed in the playoff race. Now that’s exciting hockey.

The final meetings for the annual GM conference take place tomorrow, after which we should have a better idea what types of changes may be in store for the league next season. With that being said, I’d like to know what types of changes our readers (and my fellow bloggers) would like to see occur in the NHL? From the basic to the absurd, what do you think would make the game better and more exciting for fans to watch?

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Phoenix Coyote’s Trade Deadline Acquisitions Paying Off

Wojtek Wolski looking good in his new uniform with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Wojtek Wolski looking good in his new uniform with the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Phoenix Coyote’s made a big splash on NHL trade deadline day. The team, who was expected to be run out of town this year, has had an impressive year thus far. Coyote’s fans were a little down after then team point leader Scottie Upshall was hurt and not to return for the rest of the season,  but now fans can cheer as the Coyote’s stocked up not only for the rest of the season, but for the upcoming playoff run. Here is a run down of those additions.

Wojtek Wolski has 2 goals and an assist in the two games played under a new jersey. In addition, he has a +3 rating and the game winning goal against his former team the Colorado Avalanche. Wolski was a stud in his Junior career earning the Ontario Hockey League’s MVP in the 2006 season. The trend seems to be continuing, and at the young age of 24, it is only expected he will get better and better.

Derek Morris returns home as he played with the Coyotes for 5 seasons from 2003-2009. The tough defenseman has put up a power play assist, +3 rating, and has already been in a fight. Morris’ physical presence in front of the net will assist in keeping it clean for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

Mathieu Schneider has yet to play a game with the Coyotes and is currently playing with their AHL affiliate the San Antonio Rampage. The veteran defensman has been in question of his capabilities at his age, but optimist think he will be a good addition especially come playoff time.

Lee Stempniak entered the league at the tender age of 19 with the St. Louis Blues and posted an impressive 27 points. Since then, he has had a high of 52 points, but averages more around 35 points. Since joining the Coyotes, Stempniak has a point in each of his two games, a +3 rating, and 3 shots each game. Stempniak’s point production should be solid, making the third line even more dangerous than what it is already with the likes of sniper Robert Lang.

I cannot say I know too much about young center Petteri Nokelainen, but it seems he will be playing on the fourth line. Many people overlook the importance of this line thinking of it as less ice time away from better lines. True as that may be, those lines do need rest, and a good fourth line does not only give them that rest, they also keep pucks from going in the net. Nokelainen is currently sporting a balanced +/- rating, not scoring any goals, but not letting any in.

The Phoenix Coyote’s made some great steps to improving their already solid team. As much as I love my home team the Wing’s, I will be rooting for the Coyote’s this year in the playoffs. Let’s go Yotes!

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NHL elite look to continue impressive pace

Steve Stamkos, the number one overall draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, struggled to produce just over 40 points in his rookie campaign. Last night against Atlanta, Stamkos recorded goals 39 and 40 for a grand total of 76 points in 64 games. By season’s end, Stamkos could double his point production from his rookie year. But Stamkos isn’t the only player exceeding expectations this season. As the NHL rounds the corner to the last leg of the season before playoffs begin in April, here’s a look at some of the stat leaders and what to expect in the last 18 games. Toronto+Maple+Leafs+v+Tampa+Bay+Lightning+Lf7ld430P19l

Looking at the NHL points leader board, the usual names are there. Alexander Ovechkin tops the list with 90 total points scored this season and Sidney Crosby comes in tied at second with Henrik Sedin at 83 points. In only 64 games, Sedin has already surpassed last year’s career-high total of 82 points. Ovechkin seems primed to finish with over 100 points and could ultimately land around 110. Crosby and Sedin will most likely finish right around the 100-point plateau. Martin St. Louis, fourth on the points list with 78, should finish around 90 points, which is average for the super-consistent winger.

Sidney Crosby has taken over in a category normally dominated by Ovechkin. Crosby currently leads the league with 44 goals – a career high and counting.  Ovechkin and Steve Stamkos fall in line with 42 and 40 respectively. This is unfamiliar territory for Crosby who usually serves as a set-up man in Pittsburgh instead of a goal scorer. Before this season, his best goals output in a single season was 39 in his rookie year. Will Crosby get to the 50-goal plateau? You better believe it. Crosby has been on a tear all season long and could finish with 55-60 goals by the end of the season. Ovechkin will undoubtedly reach 50 as well with his ability to rip the puck. The wild card here is Stamkos. With seven goals over his last five games, Stamkos could even surpass Ovechkin and Crosby for the goal scoring title if he maintains this pace. For reference, Crosby has five goals  in his last five games and Ovechkin has two. And with Tampa Bay fighting for a playoff spot, Stamkos will be called upon to produce and help catapult the team into the playoffs.

Another familiar face dominates the assists category. With the addition of Dany Heatley to the San Jose lineup in the off season, many believed that Joe Thornton could get back up to 90 assists. Well, 90 will be unattainable this year, but 75 sure wouldn’t be a long shot with 61 on the board already for Big Joe Tho. Henrik Sedin and Martin St. Louis fall in with 58 and 55 assists to occupy the second and third spots. Both players could end up around with a season total around 70. St. Louis could manage more or less depending on the play of Stamkos and Vincent Lecavelier. With Lacevelier experiencing a lackluster season in terms of production, St. Louis has been paired with Stamkos for the most part. This pairing gives Tampa Bay the best chance to win night in and night out. St. Louis could end with as many as 75 assists if the electrifying duo of Stamkos and St. Louis stays together.

Washington+Capitals+v+Florida+Panthers+7R7pIsnITS6lIn goal, a few unfamiliar names have set up shop on the league leader boards. Tomas Vokoun (pictured) and Ilya Bryzgalov are tied with juggernaut Martin Brodeur for the lead in shutouts with seven shutouts all around. Craig Anderson of the Colorado Avalanche has played his way to six shutouts while Ryan Miller has five. Will any goalie make it to an even ten shutouts? It’s highly unlikely. Bryzgalov, Brodeur and Vokoun shoulder most of the workload for their respective teams though and any one of them could notch another goose egg or two down the stretch.

Miller and Vokoun land on top of the save percentage category as well. Each goalie sports an impressive .931 save percentage. A surprise on that list comes with Jimmy Howard at number five with a .925 save percentage. Howard will need to be great in the last stretch of games for the Wings if the team wants to make the playoffs. In his last four games since the Olympic break, however, Howard has been pulled once and let in 12 goals. More consistency will be needed from the rookie goaltender.

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Linus Klasen Sick Penalty Shot Goal

This gem of a goal comes from Linus Klasen of the Swedish Elite League. So smooth and effortless.

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NHL Trade Transactions Trade Deadline March 3

Anaheim Acquired goaltender Curtis McElhinney from the Calgary Flames for goaltender Vesa Toskala; acquired goaltender Joey MacDonald from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2011 seventh-round draft pick.

Boston Acquired defenseman Dennis Seidenberg and the rights to defenseman Matt Bartkowski from the Florida Panthers in exchange for forwards Byron Bitz and Craig Weller and a second-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Buffalo Acquired a third and fourth round pick in the 2010 draft from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for forward Clarke MacArthur.

Calgary Recalled goaltender Matt Keetley from Abbotsford (AHL).

Carolina Acquired goaltender Justin Pogge and a conditional fourth-round draft pick from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Aaron Ward; recalled forward Zach Boychuk and defenseman Jay Harrison from Albany (AHL).

Colorado Acquired forwards Stephane Yelle and Harrison Reed from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Cedric McNicoll and a 2010 sixth-round draft pick.

Columbus Acquired the rights to forward Matt Rust from the Florida Panthers in exchange for defenseman Mathieu Roy; acquired forward Chad Kolarik from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Alexandre Picard; recalled forward Mike Blunden from Syracuse (AHL); assigned defenseman Grant Clitsome to Syracuse.

Detroit Acquired forward Jordan Owens from the New York Rangers for forward Kris Newbury.

Edmonton Claimed forward Ryan Jones off waivers from the Nashville Predators; acquired defenseman Ryan Whitney and a sixth-round draft pick in 2010 from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky; acquired defenseman Aaron Johnson and a third-round draft pick from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Steve Staios.

Los Angeles Acquired center Jeff Halpern from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Teddy Purcell and a third-round draft pick; acquired forward Fredrik Modin from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in 2010 draft; recalled forward Scott Parse from Manchester (AHL); assigned forwards Oscar Moller and Marc-Andre Cliche to Manchester.

Nashville Acquired forward Dustin Boyd from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a 2010 fourth-round draft pick.

New Jersey Acquired defenseman Martin Skoula from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft.

NY Rangers Acquired defenseman Anders Eriksson from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for goaltender Miika Wiikman and a 2011 seventh-round draft pick; assigned defenseman Corey Potter to Hartford (AHL).

Phoenix Acquired left wing Wojtek Wolski from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forwards Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter; acquired defenseman Derek Morris from the Boston Bruins for a conditional choice in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft; acquired defenseman Mathieu Schneider from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for defenseman Sean Zimmerman and a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft; acquired forward Lee Stempniak from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Matt Jones, a fourth-round pick and seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft; acquired forward Petteri Nokelainen from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2011 sixth-round draft pick; re-assigned forward Joel Perrault to San Antonio (AHL).

Pittsburgh Acquired a 2010 sixth-round draft pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Chris Peluso.

St. Louis Acquired forward Matt D’Agostini from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Aaron Palushaj.

San Jose Reassigned forward Dwight Helminen and defenseman Jason Demers to the Worcester (AHL).

Vancouver Acquired center Yan Stastny from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for left wing Pierre-Cedric Labrie; assigned defenseman Brad Lukowich to Manitoba (AHL); acquired defenseman Andrew Alberts from the Carolina Hurricanes for a third-round pick in the 2010 draft.

Washington Acquired center Eric Belanger from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft; acquired forward Scott Walker from the Carolina Hurricanes for a seventh-round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft; acquired defenseman Milan Jurcina from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2010 conditional draft pick; acquired defenseman Joe Corvo from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Brian Pothier, forward Oskar Osala and a 2011 second-round draft pick; recalled defenseman John Carlson from Hershey (AHL).

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NHL Recent News

Chris Chelios signed with an the Atlanta Thrashers. The veteran defenseman will stay with their AHL affiliate until needed. Perhaps the trade of Ilya Kovalchuk left management looking for the next big name to fill his shoes…maybe not. Could the Thrashers be stocking up on veterans for a deep playoff run… I doubt they even make the playoffs. Who knows the method to their madness. All matinee games will now have a senior citizen discount for those above the age of 50 to improve attendance.

Nikolai Khabibulin will be charged with extreme DUI. The Edmonton Oiler’s goaltender blew over a .15 blood alcohol level as well as speeding 15 mph over the limit. Khabibulin thankfully did not hurt anyone besides his playing career… oh wait, that is non existent. Time to move back to Russia and enjoy some of the motherland’s fruits… vodka.

Riley Cote has been waived by the Philadelphia Flyers. The tough guy forward has only played in 12 games this year with no stats besides 5 shots and 12 penalty minutes. The Broad Street Bullies never did pan out, but fear not, I hear there is a vacancy with the Montreal Canadiens.

Ray Emery is down and out for the remainder of the season after hip surgery. Whoever picked him to be a stud this year is an idiot… oh that was me. Emery’s contract is up after this year, the Flyer’s have a goalie controversy, and I would recommend no other team picking him up with his bad attitude, poor stats and now bad hip. I wonder if he and Khabibulin can get a discount if they book their flight together to Russia?

The Detroit Red Wings won their first game back from the break. The team edged out the Colorado Avalanche after a strong start to go two up, but ended up winning 3-2. What was good to see is their ability to hold their opponent to no points in the last period. The Wings are as healthy as they have been all year. As George “Boost Mobile” Washington would say, “Dont call it a comeback, I been here for years, rockin my peers and puttin suckas in fear, makin the tears rain down like a mon-soon, listen to the bass go boom!”

Ryan Miller faces Sidney Crosby in their first game back from the Olympics. I think I speak for the majority, and if I do not I should be, but why out of anyone did it have to be Crosby? Don’t worry Miller, when the Penguins lose in the first round and Buffalo advances, flash a good grin and keep going for the Stanley Cup.

Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be having a sale tomorrow just short of the whole organization. Tomorrow is the deadline, not expected to be too crazy, but you never know what could happen.

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NHL Trade Transactions March 2

Anaheim Recalled foward Dan Sexton from Bakersfield (ECHL).

Atlanta Signed defenseman Chris Chelios.

Boston Acquired the rights to defenseman Steve Kampfer from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional fourth-round draft pick; acquired defenseman Cody Wild from the Edmonton Oilers for forward Matt Marquardt.

Calgary Recalled forward Mikael Backlund from Abbotsford (AHL).

Carolina Activated forward Chad LaRose from injured reserve.

Chicago Acquired defenseman Nick Boynton from Anaheim Ducks for future considerations.

Edmonton Acquired forward Matt Marquardt from the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Cody Wild.

Minnesota Signed defenseman Marek Zidlicky to a three-year contract extension; signed defenseman Clayton Stoner to a two-year contract extension.

Ottawa Acquired defenseman Andy Sutton from the New York Islanders in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2010.

Philadelphia Activated defenseman Ryan Parent from injured reserve.

Phoenix Re-assigned defenseman David Schlemko to San Antonio (AHL).

Pittsburgh Acquired forward Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Luca Caputi and defenseman Martin Skoula.

San Jose Recalled forwards Dwight Helminen and Jamie McGinn and defenseman Jason Demers from Worcester (AHL); placed Sharks defenseman Marc- Edouard Vlasic on injured reserve.

Tampa Bay Recalled right wing Brandon Bochenski from Norfolk (AHL).

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NHL Trade Transactions March 1

Atlanta Acquired forward Evgeny Artyukhin from Anaheim in exchange for defenseman Nathan Oystrick and a conditional draft choice in 2011.

Boston Assigned goaltender Matt Dalton to Reading (ECHL).

Calgary Signed forward Matt Stajan to a multi-year contract.

Chicago Assigned goaltender Hannu Toivonen and defenseman Danny Richmond to Rockford (AHL).

Columbus Recalled defensemen Grant Clitsome from Syracuse (AHL); acquired forward Greg Moore from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Dylan Reese.

Dallas Signed forward Steve Ott to a four-year contract extension through the 2013-14 season.

Edmonton Recalled defensemen Taylor Chorney and Theo Peckham, and goaltender Devan Dubnyk from Springfield (AHL).

Nashville Recalled forward Colin Wilson and defenseman Alexander Sulzer from Milwaukee (AHL); named Tom Cigarran chairman; acquired defenseman Denis Grebeshkov from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2010.

NY Rangers Recalled defenseman Corey Potter from Hartford (AHL).

Philadelphia Waived forward Riley Cote; placed goaltender Ray Emery on long-term injured reserve.

Phoenix Recalled defenseman Anders Eriksson and forward Joel Perrault from conditioning assignments with San Antonio (AHL).

Pittsburgh Acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a 2010 second-round draft pick.

St. Louis Acquired goaltender Joe Fallon from Chicago in exchange for goaltender Hannu Toivonen and defenseman Danny Richmond.

Tampa Bay Recalled forward Mark Parrish from Norfolk (AHL); assigned goaltender Jaroslav Janus to Norfolk.

Washington Recalled left wing Quinin Laing, defenseman Tyler Sloan and goaltender Semyon Varlamov from Hershey (AHL).

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NHL Returns

Fantasy owners don’t forget to put in your players as the NHL schedule returns tonight as the Detroit Red Wings take the ice against the Colorado Avalanche.

Colorado is tied for first place within the Northwest division and the Red Wings look to catapult to the 8th seed within the Western Conference.

The teams, and the NHL, will take a week to get back into full swing but once they do, prepare for playoff like hockey as both Conferences are close and everyone wants a shot at this year’s Stanley Cup Champion title.

On another note, the trade deadline is only a few days away. HWB will do their best to keep you informed of trades, extensions and signings of all sorts.

Check back often and welcome back to action NHL.

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Olympic wrap-up

Team Canada claimed Olympic hockey gold over Team USA in overtime off a slick shot by none other than the Canadian Kid himself Sidney Crosby. Can you ask for a better finish to a great game? Well, as a fan of Team USA I would have preferred a different outcome, but the fact remains that the past two weeks have been nothing short of spectacular as the best players in the world converged in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic games. Before NHL action resumes again tomorrow night, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the highlights and stories that stuck out over the past two weeks.

miller timeFirst off, I have to mention Team USA. Here is a young squad put together to gather experience for the 2014 games, and they come out of nowhere to place second in the tournament after going undefeated before losing to Canada by one goal in the gold medal game. Talk about spectacular. Ryan Miller played out of his mind and was absolutely the anchor of this team. But what really impressed me was the sheer determination and the effort shown by this squad. Watching the first game where Team USA beat Canada, I was thoroughly impressed with the effort USA put forth to keep their lead in tact. Any time a Canadian player wound up at the point to rip a shot, I saw two guys sliding down to get in the shooting lane to block the shot. You’re not getting paid $6 million a season to block shots in the Olympics. You’re doing it out of pride for your country. Team USA took a blue collar approach and it got them the silver medal. Ryan Miller was visible upset after losing the gold. He has no reason to be. That team had less talent and less star power than a lot of other teams and still worked hard all the way through to the very end. They earned themselves that silver medal and should wear it with pride.

I thought it was great in the preliminary round when Russia played the Czech Republic and the announcers asked Pierre McGuire between the glass what language the teams were speaking. Pierre answered, “Well, on the benched the Russians are speaking Russian and the Czechs are speaking Czech, but when they talk to each other they speak English and they aren’t saying nice things to each other.” It doesn’t take long to learn the swear words in a new language, does it?

Over his storied career, Teemu Selanne has appeared in over 120 international hockey games for Finland, including five appearances in the Winter Olympics, five Ice Hockey World Championships, and the 1996 and 2004 World Cup of Hockey tournament. Selanne ended his international career yesterday with a Bronze medal victory over Slovakia and cemented his place in history as the all-time Olympics points leader with 37 career points. Not too shabby for a guy who taught kindergarten for three years in Finland before becoming an NHL player. parise goal

Marian Hossa can’t seem to catch a break. For two years in a row, first with the Pittsburgh Penguins and then in a devastating Game 7 loss with the Detroit Red Wings, Hossa has failed to place his hands on Lord Stanley. Just yesterday Slovakia entertained a 3-1 lead over Finland going into the third period where Finland scored four unanswered goals to route Slovakia 5-3 for the Bronze. Needless to say I wouldn’t want this guy on my team because it means you will fall just shy of some sort of hardware, whether it be a medal in the Olympics or the Stanley Cup. Can’t wait to see what he does this season with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Did anyone else see Jaromir Jagr get rocked by Alexander Ovechkin at center ice when the Russians played the Czech Republic? To top it off, Ovechkin caused a turnover with the hit that teammate Alexander Semin scooped up and dished off to Evgeni Malkin for a snipe past Vokoun.

Okay, I can make fun of Hossa and Jagr a bit, but in all seriousness, one of the best stories I heard came late one night when Norway was playing. The announcers began talking about Norwegian goaltender Paal Grotnes and the fact that when his time at the Olympics ends, he goes back home to his family and his day job as a carpenter. After working his day shift as a carpenter, he goes out and backstops the Norwegian national team.  We can talk about Canada’s talented roster or Team USA’s blue collar approach to hockey, but these guys all get paid millions of dollars to do what they do night in and night out in the NHL. I think Grotnes is a great story that really exemplifies love for the sport of hockey. They finished close to the bottom of the standings, but they have heart. And that goes a long way in the sport of hockey.

Tomorrow the NHL returns from their two-week hiatus. Trade deadline is March 3, so things will get hectic very quickly in the NHL and it will be back to business as usual and playoff will be here before we know it. For what it’s worth, I had a great time watching the highest caliber players playing on the grandest stage of them all – the Olympics. I look forward to seeing them back at it in 2014. 54618_m15

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