http://www.thehockeynews.com The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. en 2007 Medias Transcontinental Sat, 17 May 2008 01:47:47 -0400 60 http://thehockeynews.com/imgs/design/logo_thn_print.gif http://thehockeynews.com/ http://thehockeynews.com/articles/16013-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Briere-disappears-when-it-matters-most-while-Hossa-finally-finds-second-gear.html 2008-05-13 22:50:05 Ryan Dixon's blog Maybe Daniel Briere should have a little chat with fictional Philadelphia legend Rocky Balboa about how to rally in late rounds. Briere soared through two playoff series this year, posting eight goals and 14 points in 12 games. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15852-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-07-deadline-deal-paying-dividends-for-Stars-in-08.html 2008-05-07 14:06:25 Ryan Dixon's blog Trade deadline deals often take time to play out, usually because it’s a waiting game to see how prospects involved in swaps develop. But in the case of the Dallas Stars, a move they made to acquire a veteran defenseman at the 2007 deadline is paying dividends this spring. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15776-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Hard-work-pays-off-for-Flyers.html 2008-05-03 22:23:48 Ryan Dixon's blog This might have been the first series since 1987 where the Flyers got decidedly better goaltending than their opposition, but that’s not the sole reason Philly has gone from Eastern doormat to conference finalist in the span of a year. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15595-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-What-a-difference-a-Biron-makes.html 2008-04-26 22:16:53 Ryan Dixon's blog Martin Biron put an end to the Philadelphia Folders. Distill Game 2 down to a pair of key moments from the second period and you’ll find Martin Biron wearing No. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15443-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Canadiens-move-on-but-can-learn-from-Bruins.html 2008-04-21 22:35:01 Ryan Dixon's blog MONTREAL - Rookie goaltending phenom Carey Price found his top form when the Montreal Canadiens needed it most. The 20-year-old made 25 saves and brothers Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn combined for three goals as the Canadiens routed the Boston Bruins 5-0 in Game 7 of their NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final series on Monday night. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15278-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-Pronger-Briere-step-up-and-Price-proves-Gainey-was-right.html 2008-04-15 23:58:33 Ryan Dixon's blog Making a point is often about so much more than scoring. Daniel Briere and Chris Pronger both had two-goal, three-point games in crucial Game 3 wins for their teams, but their contributions went well beyond bending twine. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15182-THNcom-Playoff-Blog-McCarty-makes-good-Hamrliks-hammerin-and-Ribeiros-hot-hand.html 2008-04-13 02:22:20 Ryan Dixon's blog Darren McCarty and Detroit, Michigan are a perfect marriage of style and city. They go together like stick and tape; goal and assist. How sweet it was, then, to see McCarty bring the fans of Joe Louis Arena a little higher out of their seats than they’d usually get for a first-period goal when he swatted a loose puck past Dan Ellis. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/15063-THNcom-Blog-Rounding-the-playoff-bases.html 2008-04-09 13:18:04 Ryan Dixon's blog The best thing about the first round of the playoffs? It’s fast, furious and all over the place, just like these random post-season thoughts… • Martin Brodeur was a big part of three Cup-winners on balanced New Jersey teams, but never once skated off with the Conn Smythe Trophy. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14856-THNcom-Blog-The-right-way-to-Hawk-a-team.html 2008-04-02 12:30:25 Ryan Dixon's blog Channel surfing just got a lot better for sports fans in Chicago. On the heels of a season in which the club took dramatic steps forward on the ice comes news all 82 Blackhawks games will be televised next season. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14640-THNcom-Blog-Ovie-over-Cats-Bears.html 2008-03-26 11:29:33 Ryan Dixon's blog The first rule of sports journalism is check your bias at the door. There are no pom-poms in the press box. That said…go Caps! With apologies to Olli Jokinen and the people in New England not already consumed with the Red Sox, any first round series with Alex Ovechkin would automatically generate 10 times the excitement of a tilt involving either Boston or Florida. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14455-THNcom-Blog-Staal-hits-top-gear-at-perfect-time.html 2008-03-19 10:55:27 Ryan Dixon's blog Why do I get the feeling Eric Staal won’t be going out like a lamb? Staal’s performance through the first half of March has been positively lion-esque, averaging better than two points per game through seven contests. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14241-THNcom-Blog-Cheechoo-Vanek-rediscover-scoring-ways.html 2008-03-12 12:04:25 Ryan Dixon's blog It’s tough to keep a good goal-scorer down for long. But that’s precisely where former Rocket Richard Trophy winner Jonathan Cheechoo and restricted free agent poster boy Thomas Vanek were for a good portion of the season. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/14047-THNcom-Blog-Introductions-are-in-order.html 2008-03-05 11:39:06 Ryan Dixon's blog Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I come from a very neutral place and didn’t arrive on the NHL scene until I was almost 30 years old. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13860-THNcom-Blog-Ottawa-misses-the-Lapointe.html 2008-02-27 11:18:04 Ryan Dixon's blog When did Martin Lapointe become Dr. Phil? When a veteran like Lapointe is acquired, the chatter often references his ability to change the culture of the dressing room with his presence. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13647-THNcom-Blog-Tampas-problem-not-the-Big-3.html 2008-02-20 12:49:06 Ryan Dixon's blog Tampa Bay can’t compete in a salary cap world because they’ve got too much money tied up in three players. Let’s debunk this myth forever. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13459-THNcom-Blog-Hurricanes-calm-in-the-eye-of-trade-insanity.html 2008-02-13 12:04:52 Ryan Dixon's blog Kudos to Jim Rutherford for his clairvoyance. Honest evaluation of yourself, or an entity you have a huge stake in, is a difficult thing. Most people let emotion temper true, unbiased self-examination. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13265-THNcom-Blog-Happy-days-continue-for-OHLs-Knights.html 2008-02-06 13:05:41 Ryan Dixon's blog Major junior hockey is typically similar to an old mining town; the boom and bust cycle is an accepted way of life. Then there’s the London Knights, who’ve basically blown up that notion by winning the Ontario League regular season points crown the past four years. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/13093-THNcom-Blog-Whats-driving-Dan-Ryder.html 2008-01-30 12:39:59 Ryan Dixon's blog A lot of people in Montreal can’t figure out how Michael Ryder has downshifted from a 30-goal man to a guy basically tagging along on the first line. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12912-THNcom-Blog-Goodlooking-Theodore-looking-good-for-Avs.html 2008-01-22 17:50:58 Ryan Dixon's blog It never hurts to have a few golden boys in your league. Tom Brady is cheered by New England Patriots fans for his ability to toss touchdown passes with astonishing regularity and win clutch games like it’s, well, his job. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12718-THNcom-Blog-Wonders-never-cease.html 2008-01-16 13:36:20 Ryan Dixon's blog The Christmas season has passed, but miracles haven't ceased. Tuesday's game between Carolina and Toronto alone contained two astounding events – not including the fact the Leafs won a hockey game. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12525-THNcom-Blog-Playoff-system-could-leave-deserving-teams-out-in-the-cold.html 2008-01-09 14:08:59 Ryan Dixon's blog The combination of league parity and the NHL’s current playoff seeding system could lead to a nightmare scenario for the league – and one really angry team. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12338-THNcom-Blog-Sweet-Texas-Ribs.html 2008-01-02 11:55:41 Ryan Dixon's blog Mike Ribeiro’s game sure got a lot bigger in Texas. Still slim enough to make the most form-fitting jersey look baggy, the talented center is on pace for a 92-point season in his second year with the Stars. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12179-THNcom-Blog-Predators-missing-Vokoun.html 2007-12-26 21:10:30 Ryan Dixon's blog The Nashville Predators bid adieu to a boatload of quality players last summer, but it says here they’d still be afloat had they decided to keep just one of those departed men: goalie Tomas Vokoun. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/12056-THNcom-Blog-Traveling-back-to-school.html 2007-12-19 14:07:33 Ryan Dixon's blog Mike Keenan’s happy travelers have won six straight road games. That gives them 10 W’s as visitors before Christmas. Last year, a very, very similar bunch of guys wearing the same Calgary Flames uniforms made the playoffs despite winning just 13 contests away from home all year. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11856-THNcom-Blog-Why-I-love-sports.html 2007-12-12 12:14:27 Ryan Dixon's blog This is why I love sports. Doug Weight goes 25 games this year without putting the puck over the most significant line on the ice; then, suddenly, he can’t stop scoring. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11622-THNcom-Blog-ArnottToskala-exchange-truly-refreshing.html 2007-12-05 11:39:26 Ryan Dixon's blog Players don’t respect each other. You hear it all the time. That’s what makes little exchanges like the one between Jason Arnott and Vesa Toskala during last night’s Leafs-Preds game so unique. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11434-THNcom-Blog-Five-for-a-clean-hit.html 2007-11-28 13:48:55 Ryan Dixon's blog Hockey has so many great traditions, but one of my least-favorite customs was on display last night in Detroit. Calgary crusher Dion Phaneuf laid out little Jiri Hudler with one of his patented, bone-crushing hits at center ice. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11253-THNcom-Blog-When-is-a-slash-not-a-slash.html 2007-11-21 13:02:58 Ryan Dixon's blog Usually when there’s a bone to pick with a penalty call it has more to do with the referee’s judgment than the validity of the rule, but there’s an inconsistency in slashing calls around the league that is driving me crazy. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/11067-THNcom-Blog-NHL-could-learn-from-NFL.html 2007-11-14 13:47:28 Ryan Dixon's blog Emulating the NFL is good practice for the NHL – and every other pro sports league – on just about every front. The latest example stems from the pre-game antics in Toronto last Saturday, when Sean Avery said something that made Darcy Tucker put on his Jack Nicholson face from The Shining and offer to shave Avery with his stick blade. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10823-THNcom-Blog-Hitchcock-working-wonders.html 2007-11-07 10:56:14 Ryan Dixon's blog So Columbus has finally discovered winning. Rick Nash and Pascal Leclaire are rightfully getting a lot of press, but I can’t shake the feeling this Ohio about-face is mostly due to the presence of coach Ken Hitchcock. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10538-THNcom-Blog-Boyes-buoys-Blues.html 2007-10-31 11:52:13 Ryan Dixon's blog What do Toronto, San Jose and Boston have in common? They’re all members of the Brad Boyes Broken Hearts Club. After three teams gave up on him, the 25-year-old, who was drafted 24th overall by Toronto in 2000, is now making sweet music in St. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10340-THNcom-Blog-Speed-to-burn.html 2007-10-24 00:58:00 Ryan Dixon's blog If you've ever see Ilya Kovalchuk at full speed it's hard to believe the Atlanta Thrashers lose any of their games, let alone the vast majority of them. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10339-THNcom-Blog-Tender-tendencies.html 2007-10-17 00:22:00 Ryan Dixon's blog So we all know goalies are weird, but when did they collectively acquire such severe yo-yo tendencies? Two years ago, Cam Ward stands on his head, wins the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy, then his play slips last season, which partially triggered the Canes tripping out of the playoff picture. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10338-THNcom-Blog-Starting-points.html 2007-10-10 00:33:00 Ryan Dixon's blog After gaining just one win in five games on two continents, the Anaheim Ducks will be happy to see the Boston Bruins waiting for them when they finally get to raise their Stanley Cup banner in their home opener tonight. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10337-THNcom-Blog-Escape-for-LA.html 2007-10-03 11:03:00 Ryan Dixon's blog Call me Johnny Hindsight, but after seeing the Kings split two games with Anaheim on the weekend I can't help but be impressed with their crop of forwards. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10336-THNcom-Blog-Disappearing-acts.html 2007-03-30 00:42:00 Ryan Dixon's blog Adam Proteau will return April 2. In his absence, the The Hockey News.com will feature several guest bloggers. Up today is THN copy editor Ryan Dixon: • Initially, I thought New Jersey center Scott Gomez's 13-goal campaign was an issue of bad timing. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10335-THNcom-Blog-Playoff-bound-on-Broadway.html 2007-03-26 00:20:00 Ryan Dixon's blog Adam Proteau will return April 2. In his absence, the The Hockey News.com will feature several guest bloggers. Up today is THN copy editor Ryan Dixon: • So Sean Avery is just some jerk that flaps his gums and flops on the ice? Since landing in New York, Avery has recorded 15 points in 23 games. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10334-THNcom-Blog-Fights-and-flops.html 2007-02-23 00:55:00 Ryan Dixon's blog Adam Proteau will return Feb. 26. In his absence, the The Hockey News.com will feature several guest bloggers. Up today is THN copy editor Ryan Dixon: • So NHL GMs feel the instigator rule needs some tinkering because, as is, it inhibits teams' abilities to protect their stars? Didn't really see evidence of that Thursday night in Buffalo. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10333-THNcom-Blog-Bleu-Blanc-and-Rouges-blueline-blues.html 2007-01-08 10:51:00 Ryan Dixon's blog Adam Proteau will return Jan. 9. In his absence, the The Hockey News.com will feature several guest bloggers. Up today is THN Copy Editor and Pro Tips and Backchecking author Ryan Dixon: • There's some serious symmetry between the situation the Montreal Canadiens are currently facing and the one fouled up by their Original Six rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs, last season. http://thehockeynews.com/articles/10332-THNcom-Blog-The-Great-Western-Unknown.html 2007-01-05 00:41:00 Ryan Dixon's blog Adam Proteau will return Jan. 9. In his absence, the The Hockey News.com will feature several guest bloggers. Up today is THN Copy Editor and Pro Tips and Backchecking author Ryan Dixon: The Vancouver Canucks enter tonight's game versus Edmonton riding a five-game winning streak.