hockey
We talk pucks and objects of that kind. We yell, complain, and analyze in the language of hockey fandom. Gretzky can do no wrong.
Will Duchene Make The Sens Better?
Well, it finally happened. After months of speculation and prognostication, Matt Duchene has finally been dealt by the Colorado Avalanche. The winners of the Duchene sweepstakes are the Ottawa Senators, who were involved as part of a three-team trade to earn the coveted centerman.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Surprise Teams as the Calendar Flips
Ah, November 1. The NHL season has been under way for a few weeks, and it's been a delight as usual. Though, as there often is around this time, there are a few surprises in the standings. It's a wacky time, and certainly nothing to glean any valuable insight from. Simply a time to enjoy the wonder and mystery that makes the commencement of the NHL season so amazing.
By Steve Smith8 years ago in Unbalanced
Evander Kane is Better Than You Thought
As the NHL celebrates its centennial, it could be argued that the league is more stacked with stars than ever before. With names like Crosby, Ovechkin, Price, Burns, Toews, Stamkos, Matthews, McDavid... has there ever been an era in the NHL where more big names all share the ice? You'd be hard-pressed to find it. Even in the 80s, when Gretzky and Lemieux ruled the ice, there simply weren't as many players in the league to see such an abundance of meteoric superstars across the game. As a result, some players get lost in the shuffle. Such is the story of Evander Kane.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
NHL's Biggest Winners in Week One
I have a hard time stifling my excitement when it comes to hockey. If you're anything like me, the anticipation was almost too much to bear as the calendar finally reached October and hockey fans everywhere were treated to a superb opening week of NHL action. As we ramp up the action this season, let's take a look at the teams and players who are off to the best starts early on.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Jesper Bratt: The Devils Rookie You Didn't See Coming. Top Story - October 2017.
It's definitely a new era in New Jersey. A complete roster overhaul, paired with an influx of young rookies, arena upgrades, and those terrible new jerseys have made it clear to us that the New Jersey Devils are indeed new again.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
"Almost 100% Certain" Jagr Won't Be Retiring
Well, it finally happened. After an entire off-season of wondering where Jaromir Jagr would land, he finally signed with the Calgary Flames on Monday on a one-year, $1 million contract. It was a long time coming, and as I wrote back at the beginning of pre-season, the case could be made that Jagr deserved to be signed before most of the over-30 veterans who were signed to similar (or even larger) deals. At age 45, Jagr is coming off a season that is on par with or better than almost any of the veteran players signed this off-season to the same contract. And yet, perhaps because so many teams don't want to be left holding the bag when Jagr finally reaches his end, he remained unsigned until October 2nd, just a few days before the NHL season begins.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Pittsburgh Penguins, and NHL, Reveal Unsurprising Tone-Deafness, but Players of Color Are Thankfully Speaking Out
On August 14, 2016, Colin Kaepernick didn't get up for the national anthem before the San Francisco 49ers' first preseason game. Less than a week later, he again did not rise. He piqued the public's interest when it occurred a third time, before the 49ers' third preseason game, on August 26. He announced he was doing so to bring attention to and combat the oppression of people of color, as well as police brutality.
By Steve Smith8 years ago in Unbalanced
Predicting the NHL Western Conference Playoffs
Last week, I discussed who might be in line to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Admittedly, preseason playoff predictions don't usually go so well. But it's fun to think about who might have great years, comeback years, or fall out of their conferences top eight, even if your own moderators express concern over your potential existential crisis. I assure you, I'm fine. And here's who I think is going to the playoffs in the West.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
Top Ten Ultimate Comebacks in NHL History
Freshly zambonied ice. A highly anticipated fight between two rivals. The blinding glint of the Stanley Cup under the lights of the rink. Hockey can be heart pumpingly, down the rest of your beer, storm-the-ice exhilarating.
By Eric Green8 years ago in Unbalanced
Predicting the NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs
Can you feel that? September is more than halfway over. Football is under way. Baseball playoffs are just around the corner. The best time of year for sports has always been the fall, and for those of us whose sport only takes place on ice, the arrival of October means one thing.
By Kyle Vandenberg8 years ago in Unbalanced
2017-18 NHL Storylines to Watch
Ah, my friends, I've just finished watching the end of the Islanders-Flyers preseason game that was streamed on the Islanders' website today. I only caught the third period and overtime, but my how I have missed hockey. I didn't even realize it, but watching it again gave me all the fuzzy feelings. Now I have to be sad that real hockey doesn't start for another three weeks, but chances are, if you're reading this, you feel my pain. My mouth waters for more.
By Steve Smith8 years ago in Unbalanced
