One they need to win

Tuesday night's loss in Winnipeg is the type of performance the Maple Leafs can't afford if they plan on making the playoffs.

Brophy on Leafs: Gardiner gets second wind

With seven points in his last eight games, Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner has found his second wind since returning to the lineup.

Big game for Reimer, Kessel

The play of James Reimer and Phil Kessel on Saturday night is exactly what the Toronto Maple Leafs need if they intend to make the playoffs.

Rise to the challenge

Whether it's chipping in on offence or shutting down the NHL's top scorer, Maple Leafs winger Clarke MacArthur willingly accepts his role.

Grabovski, Bozak trade bait?

With the trade deadline looming, the Maple Leafs got impressive performances from potential trade candidates Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.

Down to the final stretch

The Leafs have 15 home games and 18 road game remaining, if they miss the playoffs yet again, it could mean the end of Ron Wilson.

Brophy on Leafs: What they're up against

The Leafs are pushing for the playoffs but how do they stack up against the other teams in the conference as we head into the final stretch?

Is Kessel slowly fading?

For most of the season Phil Kessel was the leading candidate to be the Toronto Maple Leafs most valuable player, but that has changed.

Brophy on Leafs: Secondary sources step up

If the Leafs want to return to the playoffs, they'll need their secondary sources to show consistency after the all-star break.

An unlikely hero

Toronto Maple Leafs' Matthew Lombardi is taking advantage of each and every opportunity that happens to come his way.

Brophy on Leafs: An unlikely hero

Toronto Maple Leafs' Matthew Lombardi has made the most of his opportunity to play alongside centre Tim Connolly and right wing Nazem Kadri.

Brophy on Leafs: Another opportunity lost

The Maple Leafs need to start beating teams below them in the standings if they plan on snapping their six-year playoff drought.

Big Smoke battle

Both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are rediscover their winning ways so they can get back in the playoff picture.

A tough win to read

Are the Leafs back on track after Thursday's win over Minnesota, or are the Wild just that bad?

The honeymoon is over

Whatever magic Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer had last season and at the beginning of this season has all but disappeared.

Banking on Bozak

Ron Wilson is hoping the return of Tyler Bozak to the Leafs' top line will kick-start the stagnant duo of Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel.

Brophy on Leafs: Burke looking to end slide

Back-to-back losses isn't normally a reason to hit the panic button, but it can be when you've missed the playoffs for six straight seasons.

Brophy on Leafs: Right time for Reimer

Jonas Gustavsson has played well since taking over the Maple Leafs' crease, but the time is right to give James Reimer another shot.

Brophy on Leafs: Phaneuf a class act

Dion Phaneuf is beloved inside the Maple Leafs organization and the thought that he is considered overrated is simply preposterous.

Winning wounded

Injuries, illness and suspensions have conspired to keep the Leafs lineup constantly changing, yet they sit comfortably in a playoff spot.

Secondary scoring

If the Maple Leafs are serious about being a contending team, they will need consistent scoring from Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin.

Brophy on Leafs: Back-to-back capitalization

As the second half of the season kicks off, the Leafs enter a significant week with the home-and-home matchup with the Sabres.

Leafs prepping for home-at-home vs. Sabres

With back-to-back games against the Sabres, the Leafs have the opportunity to put 10 points between themselves and their division rivals.

Mid-season grades

Which Maple Leaf players get passing grades with the first half of the season in the books? Find out in the mid-term report card.

Brophy on Leafs: Halfway high note

The Leafs ended the first half of the season with a three-game winning streak, including a win against a perennial Cup contender.

A blueprint for success

Despite the original intentions, the Maple Leafs are closer to evolving into the Red Wings, whose game is based on speed and skill.

Win and you're in

After his shutout win Thursday, Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson deserves to start when Toronto plays the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Braving the cold

The Toronto Maple Leafs took it outdoors Wednesday and if things work out, they'll do it on a much larger scale next season.

Boyce's big night

On a night when the Leafs lit the lamp seven times, it was the gritty, shot-blocking performance of Darryl Boyce that had everyone talking.

Let's get physical

Dion Phaneuf has always been a good body-checker and if he and the Leafs play a more physical game it might help them off the schneid.

Look on the bright side

Despite a rash of injuries and having fallen out of a playoff spot, as the calendar flips to 2012, not all is lost with the Maple Leafs.

Brophy on Leafs: Same old story

Injuries and poor penalty killing continue to plague the Maple Leafs, leaving them out of a playoff position for the 1st time this season.

In need of a shakeup

The Toronto Maple Leafs need something to snap them out of the funk that has them on a two-game losing streak and a miserable 3-4-3 run.

Brophy on Leafs: Positives from OT loss

There were some silver linings for the Leafs Thursday, despite losing a game they should have won.

Brophy on Leafs: Joining the rush

As shown against the Panthers, mistakes by defencemen can lead to opposition goals but many good offences get help from the blueline.

Penalties killing playoff hopes

If the Leafs don't fix its penalty killing woes the return of playoff hockey in Toronto will once again be put on hold.

Brophy on Leafs: Wilson worthy of extension

Despite not guiding the Leafs to the playoffs, Ron Wilson deserves credit for the direction the team is headed.

Path to the playoffs

With 35 games done, the Leafs are still in playoff contention and it looks like they aren't going down the same old road.

Brophy on Leafs: It's all about offence

The Toronto Maple Leafs want Nazem Kadri to be more of a complete player, but at the end of the day, they drafted him to score goals.

Brophy on Leafs: Gordon's return to Long Island

Leafs' assistant coach Scott Gordon will visit New York Friday to take on an Islanders team that he coached for 17 games last season.

Back with a vengeance

Maple Leafs forward Darryl Boyce is eager to prove he can stick it out in the NHL after being sent down to the AHL to start the season.

Reimer gets his mojo back

James Reimer didn't get the win vs. the Kings on Monday but he certainly got his mojo back and that's good news for a struggling Leafs team.

'Tis the season for giving

Excessive turnovers and lapses in their own zone have proved costly for the Maple Leafs in recent games.

Put it in perspective

The Leafs are a playoff contender but in no way are they among the best teams in the league.

Thrilling play, maddening PK

The Maple Leafs were once again woeful killing penalties but to their credit, they made it close and exciting agianst the Sabres in Buffalo.

Dynamic duo

Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul are the NHL's highest scoring duo in a league that features many high-scoring pairs.

Colby the clown

Every hockey team needs a guy who can lighten mood in the dressing room and for the Maple Leafs, Colby Armstrong fills that role.

The talent of Tim

Tim Connolly's two-goal night in the Leafs' victory over Carolina on Tuesday is an example of his potential when he's healthy.

No such thing as a lock

One might be tempted to say the Toronto Maple Leafs should have an easy night Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. On paper, that is.

Time to reverse course

The Maple Leafs have been trying to avoid a losing streak all season and after only one win in five, a homestand might be what they need.

Cup committed

Was winning ever the main priority for the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and will new ownership finally end the Maple Leafs' Cup drought?

Brophy on Leafs: Getting killed on the kill

The Leafs penalty kill continues to be a major cause for concern and could be the difference between a playoff berth and an early summer.

Brophy on Leafs: Still worried about Ovie

Despite the slump, the Maple Leafs still base their game plan around shutting down Alex Ovechkin

On to the next one

Despite losing both starts since coming back from injury, Leafs goalie James Reimer has shown the ability to quickly put losses behind him.

Slow start costly

With the Maple Leafs coming off an emotional road victory in New York, and with their dads in town, the Buds came out flat vs. the Devils.

Monster situation

For those of you who thought Jonas Gustavsson would simply hand the crease over to James Reimer upon his return, well, think again.

Gardiner getting noticed

As the Leafs are on somewhat of a downhill slide, Jake Gardiner is a rookie on the rise.

Kessel's kryptonite

Phil Kessel, the NHL's leading scorer, can't seem to find his groove against Boston and it could pose a threat down the road.

Brophy on Reimer: Return on hold

James Reimer is cleared and itching to get back between the pipes, but he'll have to wait a little longer before making his return.

Pronger can't shake injury bug

The little black cloud that has been hanging over Chris Pronger’s head refuses to disappear.

Brophy on Kadri: Waiting his turn

Nazem Kadri has rounded out his game in the AHL, and the results are showing. He just needs a chance to prove it with the Leafs.

Glass remains half full

The Toronto Maple Leafs deserved a better fate than the 6-3 loss they were handed by the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.

Grinding out a niche

After leaving his final season in the QMJHL with 108 points, Philippe Dupuis had to change his game around to compete in the NHL.

What about Ron?

Now that Paul Maurice and Bruce Boudreau have been fired, can we start asking why Ron Wilson hasn't been given a contract extension?

Brophy on Leafs: Leafs goaltending options

With three goaltenders in Toronto taking turns as the No. 1 option, it will be interesting to see who takes the reigns once Reimer returns.

Brophy on NHL: Leafs to break awards drought?

When it comes to winning individual NHL awards, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been stuck in a dry spell. That could well change this season.

Brophy on Leafs: Another gutsy performance

Despite being decimated by injuries, the Leafs continue to find success in the face of adversity.

Seizing the moment

With Mikhail Grabovski and Tim Conolly on the sidelines, Tyler Bozak is making the most of his opportunity on the Maple Leafs top line.

Handing out the report card

Brophy gives out grades to the Toronto Maple Leafs after the first quarter of the regular season.

Brophy on Leafs: Big night for the kids

Rookies Joe Colborne and Matt Frattin have found instant chemistry since being paired together and showed flashes of it Tuesday in Tampa.

From past to present

Vincent Lecavalier has bought in to Guy Boucher's defence-first system and the once-elite scorer is now a solid two-way player.

Leafs' Reimer feeling better, nearing return

Speaking to the media for the first time since his injury, Leafs goalie James Reimer said he is nearly symptom free and close to returning.

Brophy on Leafs: Overcoming the trap

The Leafs won't be scared to attack Tampa Bay's controversial 1-3-1 defensive system on Tuesday.

Canes' Maurice not worried about job security

Paul Maurice doesn't live every second worrying about job security. That's just how it is when you have coached more than 1,000 NHL games.

The maturation of Kessel

Phil Kessel is leading by example for the Leafs, adding a consistency to his game at both ends of the ice.

Brophy on Leafs: Overcoming the odds

Despite a rash of injuries the Toronto Maple Leafs are showing that they can overcome the odds and have success.

Brophy on Leafs: Heading on the same path

Two of the league's hottest teams in October haven't been able to recapture their magic after their strong starts.

Buds bit by injury bug

Not only are the losses piling up for the Maple Leafs, but so are the injured bodies.

Window of opportunity

The Leafs head into Nashville a banged up club and it looks like defenceman Cody Franson could get the call against his former team.

In Scrivens they trust

Despite another loss and rumours of the Leafs looking for a veteran goalie, Ben Scrivens is gaining the trust of his teammates.

Leafs kick tires on Turco

The Leafs have inquired about goalie Marty Turco, although GM Brian Burke maintains his team has no interest in the veteran netminder.

Counting on Connolly

Despite a frustrating start in Toronto, centre Tim Connolly has proven to be a valuable asset when healthy.

Burke needs to step in

With the Leafs in a bit of a funk, maybe it's time for Brian Burke to step up and do a little fine-tuning.

Killer instinct needed

Although the Leafs are among the top teams in the East, home has not been very sweet.

Drawing the battle lines

While the Battle of Ontario isn't what it used to be, there's never a shortage of fireworks when the Leafs and Senators clash.

Escaping with Victory

The Toronto Maple Leafs played a less than stellar game against the Blues in St. Louis Thursday night and yet lived to tell about it.

Ending the scoring funk

The Leafs won't get the secondary scoring they need until Nikolai Kulemin can end his scoring slump.

Toronto needs better goaltending

The Toronto Maple Leafs had better find their scoring touch soon. If they don’t, they’ll certainly require better goaltending.

Brophy on Pronger: Moment of panic

Chris Pronger discusses the frightening, panicked moments after injuring his eye.

Steckel's stance

Although Sidney Crosby's return could be around the corner, the hit by Dave Steckel is still up for debate.

Brophy on Leafs: Follow the leader

Captain Dion Phaneuf has embraced his role as leader, and it'll be up to him to keep the Leafs focused after a tough loss to Boston.

Brophy on Leafs: Never-ending debate

After an ugly loss to Boston, the Phil Kessel trade is again a major topic of discussion in Toronto.

Brophy on Leafs: Crabb’s of steel

Joey Crabb, summoned to the Maples Leafs from the Toronto Marlies, is scoring at a Crosby-like pace.

No goalie controversy

Ben Scrivens' victory confirms it: There is no true-blue, dyed-in-the-wool No. 1 goalie in Toronto, no matter what the Leafs tell you.

Brophy: Monster stretches for No. 1 spot

Toronto's Jonas Gustavsson is trying desperately to become the Leafs' starter with No. 1 stopper James Reimer sidelined.

Model of consistency

Carl Gunnarsson has been one of the Leafs' most consistent players this season and has emerged as the ideal partner for Dion Phaneuf.

Brophy on Leafs: The cost of success

If Mikhail Grabovski continues to build on his stellar start, next summer could get very expensive for the Maple Leafs.

Interest revived in Battle of Ontario

A combination of youth and speed has both the Senators and Leafs turning heads one month into the season.

Brophy on Leafs: Grabovski shines on defence

Brophy on Leafs: Brown making his mark

Mike Brown is making the most of his ice time and is providing needed energy to the Leafs lineup.

Brophy on Leafs: Head games with Reimer?

The Toronto Maple Leafs swear they’re not being coy, but there’s something fishy about James Reimer’s 'concussion-like symptoms.'

Debut on Broadway

It isn't the way he expected to start the season but after eight games, Tim Connolly is ready to join the Leafs.

The nation's best

The Maple Leafs are the best team in the Great White North -- at least so far.

Don't blame the Monster

Although the Leafs took a hit in the "L" column against Philly, Gustavsson's effort wasn't really to blame.

Brophy on Leafs: Leading the way

Dion Phaneuf has grown nicely into the role of captain but his big test will come when the Leafs hit a losing streak.

Brophy on Leafs: Gustavsson fills in

When the Leafs lost James Reimer early vs. the Habs on Saturday night, Jonas Gustavsson came off the bench and helped earn two road points.

Brophy on Leafs: On the front line

After bouncing around the NHL for most of his career, Joffrey Lupul has found a home next to Phil Kessel on the Leafs' top line.

Brophy on Leafs: Stumble or sign of sinking?

Despite showing a few leaks, the Leafs were getting results to start the season. All that came undone in Boston.

Squeaking one out

The Leafs may be off to a strong start, but they're not playing as good as their record indicates.

Brophy on NHL: Leafs rookies stay positive

Matt Frattin hasn’t scored and Jake Gardiner has been a healthy scratch the past two games, yet neither rookie is hitting the panic button.

Finding their balance

The Leafs need consistent scoring from sources other than Phil Kessel if they truly want to step forward this season.

On the plus side

Leafs centre Tyler Bozak is off to a positive start after finishing with a minus-29 last season.

Brophy on Steckel: Secret weapon

After another dominating performance in the faceoff dot, David Steckel is quickly becoming an integral piece to the Leafs' success.

Leafs raring to go

Brophy on Leafs: Monster not giving up

So far, Jonas 'The Monster' Gustavsson hasn't lived up to expectations, but he's trying to change all that.

Connolly injury status unclear

After Thursday's practice, Tim Connolly said that his upper-body injury is worse than the team initially feared.

Angry Franson to get his shot

Blindsided by the news that he would start the season as a healthy scratch, an angry Franson said it was like a 'kick in the (groin).'

Lupul sets a high standard

Joffrey Lupul knows that the Maple Leafs' playoff hopes depend on how well he and Phil Kessel play on the No. 1 line.

Leafs get big support at CFB Trenton

A huge throng of rabid Maple Leafs fans have gathered at the RCAF Flyers Arena at CFB Trenton to watch their undefeated heroes practice.

Brophy on Leafs: Reimer ready to roll

No place like home

Leafs acquire Steckel from Devils

Hey Sidney, better keep your head up when you play the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Brophy on Leafs: A dream come true

Rookies Jake Gardiner and Matt Frattin turned dreams into reality after earning a spot on the Leafs opening night roster.

Role of a captain

The pressures of wearing the "C" won’t prevent Phanuef in helping the Leafs reach the post-season.

Night of mixed emotions

While one Maple Leaf is thrilled to be back, Clarke MacArthur isn't so happy to be on the sidelines.

Brophy on NHL: The endangered species

Even though his role may be an endangered species, and despite the risks, expect Colton Orr to keep on fighting.

Brophy on Maple Leafs: Final exams

A pair of games vs. the Wings this weekend could be a solid confidence builder for Toronto.

Brophy on Leafs: Liles thrilled in T.O.

Even though he's an American, new Maple Leaf John-Michael Liles says he's well aware of the pressure cooker he's stepping into.

Brophy on Lombardi: A big hit

All on the line(s)

Right now it’s a guessing game as to what line is considered ‘No.1’.

Leafs' Gardiner still competing for a spot

Jake Gardiner has made the cut - so far, that is.

Brophy on Leafs: Rosehill's fight

Jay Rosehill will be the first to drop the gloves but knows there’s more to securing a roster spot.

Brophy on Leafs: Reimer's heavy shoulders

Reimer has a lot on his plate as the Leafs hope to snap their playoff drought.

Brophy on hockey: Stop sign on hits

Lean and mean

The rising

Brophy on Leafs: Colby's mulligan

Just watch him

Joe Colborne knows he's a longshot to make the Maple Leafs, but he's intent on turning some heads.

Plenty to prove

Easy choice

Chris Pronger has a rather logical theory as to why he is the new captain of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Building from the backend

Under the gun

Brophy on Leafs: Rookie roundup

The Leafs may have their goaltending tandem but Mark Owuya continues to work hard.

Back on the ice

Brophy on NHL: Against all odds

No fight left

Five prospects on the rise

Leafs head scout Dave Morrison singles out five rising prospects in the Maple Leafs' system.

Brophy on NHL: Let the chase begin

NHL teams are almost set to open camp and begin the quest to return the Stanley Cup to Canada.

Stevie Y2

Brophy on Sabres: Big-budget club

Tough gig

Burning pre-season questions

Taking a look at the major question marks around the NHL as training camp approaches.

Brophy on hockey: Net increase

Coaches on the hot seat

Brophy on NHL: Blueline hardball

In an age of free agent overspending, three d-men have fallen victim to common sense.

Brophy on NHL salaries: Out of whack

A look at the list of NHL’s highest-paid blueliners makes one realize there’s a problem.

Still play in Mr. Grey

The NHL is a young man’s game but there are some older players keeping up with the kids.

Brophy on Blackhawks: Old news

The Blackhawks have added some new bodies to their squad but they also got much older.

Brophy on NHL: Sens starting from scratch

Feeling the heat

Brophy on Islanders: Chasin' Yashin

Brophy on DeBoer: Lamoriello rolled the dice

Players on the rebound

The heat we have been enjoying this summer is a welcome break from the otherwise frosty spring we endured. The heat some players will feel next season might not be as pleasant.

Cold shoulder

Craig Ramsay wanted to coach the Winnipeg Jets but says he was frozen out by the new ownership.

Not all bad

There have been a few good signings in an off-season dominated by overspending.

Out of control spending

The increased salary cap floor has caused NHL teams to sign a large amount of outrageous deals.

Top 10 free agents

What was already a weak unrestricted free agent class has gotten worse by the day.

Would Stamkos deal financially cripple TB?

If -- and that is a capital IF -- Steven Stamkos re-signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning for between $7-7.5 million a season, will that cripple his team's chances to win?

Brophy on free agency: Everybody loves Brad

One name stands out above the rest in this year’s free agent class.

Brophy on Senators: Optimism in Ottawa

Pronger reacts to Flyers roster shakeup

What was that all about? That was the question being asked by many on Thursday the day after the Philadelphia Flyers traded their captain Mike Richards, along with Jeff Carter and signed veteran goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov to a multi-year contract.

Brophy on NHL draft: Nothing is guaranteed

Culture shock

The Flyers dealt Mike Richards and Jeff Carter to try to change the team’s chemistry.

Not sunny in Philadelphia

Brophy on Canucks: See you next year

The Canucks core will return but the team will make some minor moves this off-season.

Brophy on Bruins: Earning Stanley

They may not have been the favourite but the Bruins prove they’re fit to be champs.

No doubting Thomas

Tim Thomas is bringing the Stanley Cup back to his blue-collar hometown of Flint, Mich. And he'll have the Conn Smythe Trophy in town, too.

Brophy on Stanley Cup: Last action hero

As Michael Rupp proved in 2003, anyone on the ice could score the winner in a Game 7.

The clear choice

Win or lose Game 7, Tim Thomas should get the Conne Smythe trophy.

Brophy on Cup final: One for the ages

No matter who claims the hardware, this year’s Stanley Cup final will go down as one of the greats.

Brophy column: Game 6 player thoughts

With the Vancouver Canucks on the verge of Cup glory, we go inside the players' heads.

Prose & Conns

Taking a look at the five leading candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP award.

Brophy on Stanley Cup goalies: Net worth

Playing his role

Shawn Thornton continues to lead by example, and it’s paying off for the Bruins in the final.

Brophy on Cup final: Making it a series

Brophy on Cup final: Life or death

Brophy on NHL: Conn Smythe candidates

Taking a look at the five leading candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP award.

Sizing up the Sedins

Brophy on Stanley Cup: Teams built to last

The Canucks and Bruins have been assembled with long-term success in mind.

Brophy on Stanley Cup: Sink or swim

The netminders in the Stanley Cup final will be a main factor in deciding a champion.

Brophy on Cup: Bruins burning questions

Examining five 'Burning Questions' the Bruins face ahead of meeting the Canucks in the Cup final.

Prose & Conns

Taking a look at the five leading candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP award.

Brophy on playoffs: A goalie duel unlikely

Offence is the answer

Lashoff's musical life away from hockey

Many young men dream of playing in the National Hockey League. Others imagine themselves becoming rock stars. Matt Lashoff has made both of those goals come true … sort of.

Keys to the game

Prose & Conns

Taking a look at the five leading candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP award.

Brophy on NHL: Gut-check time for Sharks

Reflection of the past

The Thrashers resemble a team that was once called the Winnipeg Jets.

Memorial Cup memories

The NHL playoffs have been incredible, but there’s always something special about the Memorial Cup.

Boosting the Bolts

The Lightning's surprising supporting cast has turned the team into Stanley Cup contenders.

Prose & Conns

Taking a look at the five leading candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP award.

Brophy on playoffs: East burning questions

Brophy on NHL: Lidstrom's place in history

Pronger to have back surgery Thursday

Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Chris Pronger will undergo surgery on his back Thursday. The 36-year-old veteran blueliner appeared in just three of 11 playoff games for the Flyers this year due to a lower back problem and was limited to 50 regular season games because of numerous injuries.

Brophy on NHL: Missing the killer instinct

With both teams highly touted to win, the Canucks and Sharks have yet to squash an opponent.

Prose & Conns

Brophy on Flyers-Bruins: Groundhog Day

Last year the Flyers had a rare comeback down against the Bruins. Can they pull it off again?

Capital pain

Brophy on NHL: Deals paying dividends

Mike Brophy checks in on teams who made deadline deals and are reaping the benefits in the playoffs.

Prose and Conns

Every Monday Mike Brophy will check in on the leading candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP.

Brophy on NHL playoffs: No ordinary Joe

Then there were 4

Brophy on Lightning: Tampa transformation

Luongo’s crippling deal

There is serious concern about Roberto Luongo's future after another troubling playoff performance.

Prose and Conns

Every Monday Mike Brophy will check in on the leading candidates for the Stanley Cup playoffs MVP.

Brophy on NHL playoffs: Goalie decrease

Goalie stocks have fallen quickly during this year’s NHL playoffs.

Brophy on NHL: Who are these Sharks?

Trying to figure out who the Sharks are may be more about looking at the future, than the past.

Rebound to survive

With the Canadiens up 2-0 in the series, the Bruins need to make an impact in order to survive.

Conn Smythe candidates

Every Monday the leading candidates to claim the Conn Smythe will be discussed.

Three-zone player

Brophy on Coyotes: The cost of moving

The Coyotes saga may be coming to an end but would Winnipeg prove to be a successful market?

Brophy on NHL: Can the playoffs save us?

After a lacklustre regular season, here's hoping the playoffs can save the NHL's season.

Open East

Players looking to rebound

Taking a look at 10 players who need to have a strong playoffs after underwhelming seasons.

Brophy on NHL: Regular season wrap up

With the playoffs just around the corner, Mike Brophy analyzes the stories making headlines.

Brophy on Leafs: Ready for next year

The Leafs may have the pieces in place to make a long-awaited return to the playoffs next year.

Race for eighth

All eyes are on the battle for the eighth and final playoff spots in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Time to panic?

Following the leader

NHL Power Rankings: Is this the year?

Year after year they scratch and claw to make it into the playoffs only to lose out in the first round. Could this finally be the year the Nashville Predators have what it takes to make it to Round 2?

The amazing races

Brophy on NHL: Thank the Pens

With much of the head shots controversy centering on the Pens, the hockey world is taking notice.

Heading forward

NHL Power Rankings: Canucks still on top

The unlikely run to the playoffs for the New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs took a big hit last week, but as long as they remain mathematically in the hunt, fans for both teams will keep their fingers crossed.

Make an example

Costly decision

Scratching Reimer for the Florida game may have put the nail in the coffin on the Leafs playoff run.

Brophy on NHL: For the love of the game

Despite the recent negativity, there are still many great reasons to remain a hockey fan.

Brophy on NHL: Playoff hopes take a hit

Chara not a dirty player

NHL Power Rankings: Hawks red hot

Don't look now, but the defending Stanley Cup champions are making a late-season push.

Rise of the Capitals

Don't look now, but the Washington Capitals are closing in on the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

The real deal

Meet the candidates

Meet the favourites in the race to take home individual honours in the NHL this season.

Brophy on deadline day: Capital gain

After an impressive trade deadline day, the Washington Capitals are ready to contend again.

Still No. 1

The defending Stanley Cup champions are making their move - not to defend their title, but to make the playoffs.

Brophy on Leafs, Devils: Playoff aspirations

GMs not willing to wait

The NHL's annual trade deadline day has now become trade deadline month. Teams aren't waiting for the final few days before the deadline to start making moves; instead, they are getting busy much earlier.

10 names to shop

Battle-ready Bruins

You wanted parity?

You wanted parity? You got it.

Soap opera ends

For as long as Leafs fans can remember, Tomas Kaberle has been involved in a trade. Not anymore.

Contract conundrums

Love for Canucks

The Sedin twins and Ryan Kesler generally get most of the ink when it comes to the Vancouver Canucks, but a wily veteran is making his presence felt too.

Brophy on NHL: Fire sale in Ottawa

The Mike Fisher trade is a smoke signal that the fire sale has begun in earnest in Ottawa.

Brophy on NHL: Pronger's winning window

NHL Power Rankings

Just when you thought it was safe to call the Devils season an absolute write-off, Jacques Lemaire's great coaching has them climbing the standings.

Brophy on NHL: Contender or pretender?

Time for Plan B

Flames finding a spark

Just when you thought they were about to fade into oblivion, the Calgary Flames are standing up and making people pay attention to them.

Brophy on all-star game: Always entertaining

State of the union

In honour of Wayne Gretzky's birthday, here are 50 thoughts about the state of the NHL at the break.

Kulemin learns tough lesson

Nikolai Kulemin is a good hockey player; a very good hockey player who is developing into a reliable scorer. But he's no fighter.

Lightning up the charts

Steven Stamkos is serious about this scoring-race thing. The third-year centre edged past idle Sidney Crosby in the race for the Art Ross Trophy with his 38th goal of the year as Tampa Bay has won four straight. Crosby, of course, has been out with a concussion. Stamkos, just 20-years old, has points in six straight games.

Brophy on NHL: Bottom of the barrel

Pronger to return Thursday vs. Senators

The Philadelphia Flyers will welcome back veteran defenceman Chris Pronger Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators.

Brophy on head shots: Zero tolerance time

Great opportunity for Prince

Brophy on NHL: Power rankings Jan. 17

The Coyotes are moving up the charts while the Canucks remain top dogs.

Brophy on NHL: Value of goaltending

You may not need a star goaltender to win a Stanley Cup, but you can't argue the value of depth.

Brophy on Leafs: Some pieces in place

Power rankings

The expectations are high in San Jose this season, no question about it. So it remains to be seen what GM Doug Wilson will do if his team doesn’t start winning soon.

Brophy on Flames: Zero playoff payoff

Brophy on NHL: Yzerman's eyes Cup run

With a pair of shrewd moves, Steve Yzerman has signalled his Stanley Cup intentions.

Power rankings

A little push for Roberto Luongo? That’s exactly what his backup, Cory Schneider has provided for the Vancouver Canucks who are riding a five-game win streak.

Brophy on NHL: New Year’s resolutions

Thinking about ways the hockey world could improve themselves in the New Year.

Names in the news

Fire sale

Brophy on NHL: Power rankings Dec. 27

Lou Lamoriello said he didn't want to fire his coach and may have left it too late to switch rookie John MacLean with veteran Jacques Lemaire. The Devils didn't exactly respond favorably with the coaching change, dropping a pair of games to the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs - two teams having plenty of problems of their own. A playoff spot is virtually out of the question now and the organization's long-term prospects look very bleak, too.

Brophy on Devils: The pain of Lou-sing

Under the Christmas tree

Brophy's NHL power rankings

Thought last season's emergence of the Colorado Avalanche was a fluke? Think again. The Avalanche, powered by sophomore Matt Duchene's emergence as one of the best scorers in the NHL, have peeled off six straight wins. When power forward Chris Stewart went down with a broken hand, some wondered if his loss would crush the team. However, Duchene - who is just 19-years old - has been red hot, and had four goals and seven points in three games before being blanked against Montreal Sunday.

(Bleeping) Capitals

Pronger to miss 4-6 weeks

Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Chris Pronger is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his right foot on Friday afternoon.

Little to separate

Brophy on NHL: Power Rankings

Crosby, the NHL’s best and hottest scorer, continues to run away with the scoring race piling up 20 goals and 36 points in an 18-game points streak as the Penguins have climbed to the top of the standings.

When is late too late?

Close call

It's been a long, tough road to the NHL for Bruins enforcer Shawn Thornton.

Brophy's Power Rankings

What do you get when you cross a rookie GM with a financially strapped team that is for sale? You get one of the NHL’s hottest teams, that’s what.

Rebuild revelation

Brophy on NHL: Thrash talk

Price increase

The Quarterly Report

The 2010-11 NHL season is nicely under way, having reached the quarter point with plenty of surprises, disappointments and questions about what will unfold the rest of the way.

Brophy's power rankings

The Phoenix Coyotes were one of last year's surprise teams, but didn't get off to an especially great start this season.
However, a six-game winning streak has Phoenix rising in the West. They don't score a whole lot - newcomer Ray Whitney leads the Coyotes with 14 points in 18 games - but, like last season, they scratch and claw and somehow find a way to win.

Giving thanks

Brophy on NHL: Kessel over Kovalchuk

Brophy on NHL: Kings of California

Brophy on NHL: Power Rankings

With only one regulation loss in their last 10 games, the shocking St. Louis Blues are the movers and shakers of the following week, moving all the way up to second in the Sportsnet.ca Power Rankings.

A shortage of goals

Defence has been ruling the roost so far in the NHL this season.

Eakins: Kadri ready for NHL challenge

The timing, according the Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, might not be perfect for Nazem Kadri to get called up, but the kid is ready for the challenge. That is according to his coach with the Toronto Marlies, Dallas Eakins.

Twitter me this, Twitter me that

In the ever-changing world of social networking through Twitter and Facebook, some teams are learning they may need to keep tabs on what their players are telling the world.

GMs united against head shots

Challenge proposal shelved

The idea of giving NHL coaches the opportunity to challenge calls made by on-ice officials during games has been shot down.

Brophy's NHL Power Rankings

With only one regulation loss in their last 10 games, the shocking St. Louis Blues are the movers and shakers of the following week, moving all the way up to second in the Sportsnet.ca Power Rankings.

Brophy on NHL: Off to Flying start in Philly

Toronto is Loserville

Brophy's NHL Power Rankings

Led by super third-year centre Steven Stamkos, the Lightning are starting to like the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2003-04.

Brophy on NHL: A curious case for Richards

League approves ratified NHL officials deal

The NHL Officials Association has ratified a new four-year contract with the NHL and the league's board of governors approved the deal Tuesday.

Kessel showing 'Hart'

Brophy's NHL Power Rankings

Led by Steve Sullivan, the Predators power their way to the No. 1 spot.

NHL, NFL to discuss head shots

The National Hockey League and National Football League are both concerned with head shots and are making plans to sit down with one another to discuss the problem.

Early pressure on Sens

Rangers' Staal to wear 'A' vs. Leafs

With injuries to three key veterans on the New York Rangers, the team has turned to one of its youngsters to fill the void of lost leadership.

For real?

What to make of the early-season results around the NHL.

NHLOA to vote on new deal Tuesday

The NHL's Officials Association and their lawyers will speak this morning on a conference call to discuss the new collective bargaining agreement that has been proposed by the league.

NHL Power Rankings

Hard to say which is the bigger surprise, the fact the Toronto Maple Leafs are undefeated or that the Dallas Stars have won all four of their games. Perhaps it is the New Jersey Devils being 30th overall, with a 1-4-1 record and riding a two-game losing streak.

Brophy on NHL: Weekend watch

The dream lives on

The start of the NHL season has Hayley Wickenheiser still dreaming of a womens' professional league.

NHL Power rankings

Ah, the first week of the NHL season. Nobody ever won the Stanley Cup in Week 1, but there's no denying getting off to a good start can be very encouraging, especially for teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers who were not expected to accomplish much this year. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Brophy on NHL: It's Joe's team now

Souray in Hershey, indicates he will report

While Sheldon Souray still isn’t speaking publicly, he has indicated to sporsnet.ca he will report to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League.

Pronger to sit out Flyers opener against Pens

Defenceman Chris Pronger will not be in the lineup on Thursday night when the Philadelphia Flyers face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the season opener. It will be the first game played at the new CONSOL Energy Centre in Pittsburgh.

Under the hot lights

Just because Nazem Kadri is in the AHL, it doesn't mean he's out of the spotlight.

Brophy on NHL: Power Rankings

Despite winning the Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks aren't able to open up the season at No. 1 in Mike Brophy's power rankings.

NHL reaches 4-year agreement with officials

The National Hockey League and the NHL Officials Association have agreed on a new four-year contract.

NHL, officials to meet on Monday

The NHL will meet with its officials association Monday morning in Toronto in an effort to secure a new deal prior to the start of the 2010-11 season which opens Thursday.

Brophy on NHL: Non-obstructed view

2010 NHL season previews

We continue with our previews leading up to opening night on Oct. 7 as sportsnet.ca NHL analysts Mark Spector, Mike Brophy get you ready for the season by asking a few of the burning questions surrounding each team. Today, we examine the Central Division.

2010 NHL season previews

Today we continue with our previews leading up to opening night on Oct. 7 as sportsnet.ca NHL analysts Mark Spector, Mike Brophy get you ready for the season by asking a few of the burning questions surrounding each team. Today, we examine the Atlantic Division.

Wheels falling off?

The Quick solution

Watching Antti Niemi backstop the Chicago Blackhawks to its first Stanley Cup title since 1961 one might think some general managers would be rethinking how much of an investment they make in goaltenders.

2010 NHL season previews

Beginning today and leading up to opening night on Oct. 7 sportsnet.ca NHL analysts Mark Spector, Mike Brophy get you ready for the season by asking a few of the burning questions surrounding each team. The wait is over.

Brophy on NHL: Pre-season passion

The Price of fame

Who's No. 1?

Deep thoughts

Monday morning thoughts about an NHL season that is just around the corner.

Brophy on NHL: Keeping Kadri

On the rebound

Shutting the door

The Edmonton Oilers announced Monday that Sheldon Souray has been informed that he will not be attending training camp.

A fresh start, again

The turnover in Edmonton continues as a bunch of fresh faces are expected to dot the roster

Rangers, Staal close to agreement

The New York Rangers and defenceman Marc Staal are said to be close to reaching an agreement, that would keep the Thunder Bay, Ont. native on Broadway.

Brophy on NHL: A Devilish dilemma

Now that the Devils have signed Ilya Kovalchuk, how will he fit in to their defensive style?

Oilers not planning on re-signing Comrie

Mike Comrie has a new wife. If he wants to continue his NHL career, he’ll need to find a new team. The veteran centre played 43 games for Edmonton last season scoring 13 goals and 21 points, but the Oilers are not planning to bring him back.

Pronger won't push timetable on rehab

Veteran Chris Pronger of the Philadelphia Flyers does not have a set timetable for his return to the ice.

Kovalchuk, Devils agree on new contract

A deal has been reached between unrestricted free agent Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils and could be announced this weekend, a source has told sportsnet.ca.

Few teams making inquires about Souray

The Edmonton Oilers say there is some interest in disgruntled defenceman Sheldon Souray, but it will be a waiting game to see if they can move him before the start of training camp.

Can you win with Kovy?

Malhotra joins Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks signed centre Manny Malhotra to a US$7.5-million, three-year contract Thursday. He had 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) and was a plus-17 in 71 games with the San Jose Sharks last season.

Leafs add front-line grit with Armstrong

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Colby Armstrong to a three-year, $9-million contract.

Many, many questions

Too old? Too expensive? Underrated? Overrated? The free agent questions will soon have answers.

Will work for fortune

Does the curious lack of activity during the draft mean we’ll see some fiscal responsibility July 1?

Open for business: Eastern Conference FAs

The July 1 opening of free-agency in the NHL promises to be busy, and sportsnet.ca gets you ready with a quick look at the names available.

Brophy on NHL: Great Scott! What a career

Tuesday seemed a fitting day for a future Hall of Famer to announce he was hanging up his blades.

Big E earned a Hall call

Brophy on NHL: Canada dry again

Another summer arrives with the Cup remaining south of the border. Will it come back to Canada soon?

Boorish Burish

Maid Marian no-more?

Perennial bridesmaid Marian Hossa is one of several stories headlining Game 6.

Priority No. 1

Despite the trend this year, goaltending will always be a key component of Stanley Cup contenders.

Flying under the radar

It's always sunny in Philadelphia

Think the Flyers are out of it? Well, Mike Brophy doesn't blame you, but he does think Philly still has a chance. He also thinks that Richards and Pronger will need to step up big time.

Brophy: Leighton's last chance

A journeyman netminder has his chance to write a special chapter in NHL history.

Don't ask why

His nickname may hint otherwise, but there is no reason to question the hiring of Steve Yzerman.

Coming-out party

Cammelleri's playoff showing has established the Habs sniper as a key piece to the team's future.

Jobs at stake

IIHF prez apologizes to Crosby over article

International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel has apologized to Sidney Crosby after his organization criticized the Pittsburgh captain for not participating in the world hockey championship.

Hit, hustle & score

Brophy on NHL: The young and the veteran

Playoff mixology

The delicate mix of playoff savvy vets and upstart unknowns has found a home in Montreal.

Brophy: No Extraordinary Joe just yet

Thornton's offensive totals have been stellar this spring but playoff hockey remains a two-way game.

Brophy on NHL: Surviving & thriving

The B's are on the brink of the conference finals in what many thought was a write-off year.

Brophy on NHL: No ordinary overtime win

Was the San Jose Sharks Game 3 overtime win the end of one era and the beginning of another?

Petes to name Reid GM

The Peterborough Petes will announce shortly the signing of former NHLer Dave Reid as the team’s new general manager.

Brophy on NHL: From zeros to heroes

A player's regular season reputation and history mean nothing once the NHL playoffs begin.

Time to shine

Brophy on Senators: No axe to grind

Escaping the Predators

Hawks must find a way to escape the lethal grip that is Nashville's suffocating defensive system.

Sink or swim

Sunday's devastating overtime loss to Colorado will let us see what the San Jose Sharks are truly made of.

Brophy on NHL: Boyle gaffe has Sharks reeling

Sunday's devastating overtime loss to Colorado will let us see what the San Jose Sharks are truly made of.

According to plan?

Pardon the interruption

Before the playoffs get underway, here are some final thoughts from the 2009-10 regular season.

East isn't least

The playoffs were tougher to make out West, but a serious Cup dark horse resides in the East.

Brophy: Feel the heat

Pressure is building on some NHL stars to emulate their regular-season success when it counts.

Brophy on NHL: Race for the Rocket

The Crosby-Ovechkin-Stamkos goal derby will make the final week of the season even more exciting.

Blackhawks rising

The Central Division champion Blackhawks continue to inch towards the top of the Western Conference and Power Rankings.

Brophy: Wednesday musings

Brophy: Green good enough to win Norris?

With no runaway leader for the Norris Trophy, does Mike Green's body of work give him the edge?

Sharks stop tanking

The Sharks are finally headed back in the right direction following their post-Olympic funk.

Down in Flames

Bits & pieces

NHL Power Rankings: Dressed to the nines

In nine games since coming to Phoenix, Lee Stempniak has nine goals while the Coyotes have nine wins.

Brophy on NHL: What sophomore slump?

Chris Stewart is just one of a host of sophomores avoiding the second-year slump.

See it to be-Leaf it

Brophy: What has Ovechkin learned?

Did Alexander Ovechkin throw away the Hart Trophy with his two-game suspension?

Hart of the matter

Did Alexander Ovechkin hand the Hart Trophy to Sidney Crosby, Henrik Sedin or Ryan Miller with his two-game suspension this week?

Caps stay on top

Washington keeps the top spot for this week, but with their top player suspended for two games, can they hang onto it for another week?

Brophy on NHL: Acquisition studs and duds

Here are 10 players with new teams that are paying dividends, and a few who have missed the mark.

Brophy: Wings put scare into top seeds

The top teams in the West want no part of Detroit in the first round of the playoffs.

Brophy on NHL: Nervous in net

Goaltending is a must in the playoffs, which is why a few of the top teams appear nervous.

Time to take action

NHL Power Rankings: Caps keep rolling

The Capitals just keep on rolling, even though Alex Ovechkin hasn't scored in six games.

A Cinderella story

Maybe midnight won't strike and dash the hopes of the NHL's biggest surprise team of the season.

Brophy on East teams at trade deadline

Post-Olympic break

Brophy gives his take on where NHL teams are sitting coming out of the Olympic break.

Back to reality

Let's make a deal

Trade Deadline Day Needs: East edition

Mike Brophy breaks down every team in the East and their possible trades wants and needs.

Brophy on Trade Deadline Day: East edition

Mike Brophy breaks down every team in the East and their possible trades wants and needs.

Missing ingredient?

Canada's bid for Olympic gold in hockey might be lacking the scoring punch Stamkos may have provided

Capital comeback

Washington's crazy rally over the Penguins on Super Bowl Sunday helps the Capitals return to the top of the rankings for the first time since December.

A Devilish dilemma

How much will Ilya Kovalchuk command when he hits the free-agent market next summer?

Early returns are meaningless

Both sides played since 'the deal' but it's to early to tell if Calgary or Toronto came out ahead.

Yes way, San Jose

The Sharks continue to be the big fish in the NHL pond but the Capitals are ready to rule the roost if the San Jose falters.

Risky investments

The Leafs will try to build around Kessel and Phaneuf, two players who haven't proven they can lead.

Brophy on NHL: That kind of year

Heading in to the Olympic break the NHL has provided its fans with a wealth of strange stories.

The last piece

Acquiring the biggest name at the trade deadline does not guarantee playoff success.

Sharks back on top

The Sharks return to familiar waters: No. 1 in the standings, and the rankings.

Sutter under fire

Brophy on NHL: Fantasy island

NHL Power Rankings: Tale of two cities

The Predators are on the prowl, and the Flames are fizzling in this week's rankings.

Brophy: Fill in the blanks

It's time for you, the reader, to play pundit as Brophy asks you to fill in the blanks.

Kovalchuk, Ovechkin to KHL?

Could the lure of $20 million a season cause Ilya Kovalchuk to leave the NHL and return home to play in the KHL? And might Alexander Ovechkin follow?

Referee revenge

Life after Kovalchuk

Fixing things in Philly

The Flyers are finally playing like the team that most expected to challenge in the Eastern Conference.

Work in progress

Pride and prosperity

Top 10 in 2010

Plummeting Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have lost five straight games, and now they are plummeting down the NHL power rankings.

Season's surprises

Brophy: Top 10 NHL players of the decade

The NHL saw drastic changes in the decade in the way it is played, but one player remained dominant.

NHL Power Rankings: Devils jump to the top

As Christmas approaches, it's the New Jersey Devils who make their first appearance in the No. 1 spot of the rankings.

Brophy on NHL: Promising Panthers

Brophy: Sexton on fire

Reality bites

NHL Power Rankings: Caps knock off Sharks

The Capitals end the Sharks run as the Rankings top team, then fall to the Leafs.

Brophy: The black and blue Panther

Gregory Campbell is battered and bruised but he is not alone on the NHL's injured reserve list.

Brophy: Remember us?

A few stars of the past and those with unfulfilled potential are making waves again in the NHL.

Fearless competitor

Philly funk continues

The biggest underachievers in the NHL this season fall even further in this week’s rankings.

Four games for Carcillo

The NHL has suspended Flyers forward Dan Carcillo four games for his role in a fight that earned him 19 penalty minutes and a game misconduct.

Brophy: Canadiens recent history a dud

It started out as a celebration with so much promise, and ended with a thud.

The E word

When sharks attack

NHL Rankings: Predators on the prowl

While the Sharks are still tops, the Predators climb eight spots in this week's rankings.

Preying on defence

The Predators are the hottest team in the league and it's because of hard work and stellar defence.

Brophy: Strength in numbers

Perry & Getzlaf are not much to look at as individuals, but together the two spell danger.

Lightning in a Cup

Young 'Hawks rising

A sweep through Western Canada keeps the Blackhawks streaking up the Power Rankings.

Friends in high places

Under normal circumstances, you’d have to think Ron Wilson is living on borrowed time.

Shanny one of a kind

The season so far

Fallen stars have dominated the NHL through 20 games, but the healthy have made it easy to watch.

NHL Rankings: Devils challenge Sharks

The Sharks and Devils are playing like a Stanley Cup showdown is in the works.

Motown revival

Thanks to its dynamic scoring duo, the Red Wings season-opening slump is a thing of the past.

Further review

The NHL needs to expand its war room reviews to include botched calls, and not just goals.

More head games

NHL Power Rankings

The Sharks are the cream of the crop and the Hurricanes are once again the NHL's bottom-feeders in this week’s NHL power rankings.

NHL Power Rankings: Phoenix rising, Flames freefall

All the off-ice distractions are of no consequence to the high-flying Coyotes.

Policing checks

Big hits have sidelined a few NHL super stars thus far, and left one kid in hospital.

OHL suspends Liambas for season

The Ontario Hockey League has suspended Michael Liambas for the balance of the 2009-10 season including the playoffs.

A shot in the arm

The debut of Phil Kessel in Toronto had all the elements of a Hollywood story, minus the happy ending.

Brophy: Advantage U.S.A in Olympic goal

If we had told you at the start of the season Team USA would have an edge over Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, would you have believed it?

Dropping like flies

Long Island iced team

The New York Islanders are showing promise but have been hurt by bad bounces and missed chances.

Help the kid out!

Rankings: Kings climb, Rangers rocked

Anze Kopitar leads the soaring Kings, while injuries are taking their toll on the Rangers.

Brophy: Young guns

Brophy: Battling the bug

NHL clubs are trying to figure out the best way to keep the to H1N1 virus from rampaging through their locker rooms.

Rankings: Thrashing the competition

Weren't the Thrashers supposed to be gunning for the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft? Apparently somebody forgot to tell that to the team. They are off to their best start in franchise history and aren't nearly the pushovers many thought they'd be.

Early-season auditions

While some players are making a case for Olympic consideration, several veterans are having slow starts to the NHL season.

New stars on Broadway

Some new blood and a new attitude have the New York Rangers once again starring on Broadway.

Flames spark will take time

It’s going to take a while for the Calgary Flames to find their way this season. And that is a good thing.

Don't be cruel

Do you really believe Gary Bettman is considering expanding the NHL to Quebec City? Dream on!

Rangers rocket up rankings

Break up the Rangers! The NHL’s hottest team held the Anaheim Ducks to just one shot on goal in the first period Sunday as they recorded their fourth straight victory to climb into a tie for first overall with Calgary and Pittsburgh.

Greatly exaggerated

Against Chicago the Red Wings showed how one good game can erase a bad start.

The mighty have fallen

With two wins in as many tries the Pittsburgh Penguins didn't look any worse for wear after two short off-seasons. In Vancouver, a pair of losses has some fans on edge.

Chill, baby, chill

They might be Kings

Dean Lombardi has built the Kings into a squad that looks like it is ready to contend for a playoff spot for the first time in seven years.

Brophy: Hall call for Fleury?

NHL Previews '09: Northwest Division

In anticipation of the new NHL season, sportsnet.ca previews a division a day leading up to opening night.

Don't cry for Kadri

Nazem Kadri played well enough to earn a spot with the Maple Leafs, but the club is doing the teenager a huge favour by sending him back to junior.

NHL Power Rankings: Week 1

The Pittsburgh Penguins will attempt to do what the Detroit Red Wings failed to last season -- repeat as Stanley Cup champs. The odds are against them, but last year’s Cup earns them the right to sit atop the sportsnet.ca Power Rankings for Week 1.

NHL Previews '09: Central Division

In anticipation of the new NHL season, sportsnet.ca previews a division a day leading up to opening night.

Is this the year?

Fourteen seasons and 15 years. That’s how long it has been since a Canadian-based team captured the Stanley Cup.

NHL Previews '09: Pacific Division

In anticipation of the new NHL season, sportsnet.ca previews a division a day leading up to opening night.

Great deal cost Gretzky

NHL Previews '09: Southeast Division

In anticipation of the new NHL season, sportsnet.ca previews a division a day leading up to opening night.

Dark clouds over Windy City

Could an off-season filled with troubling headlines be the forecast of tough year for the Chicago Blackhawks?

NHL Previews '09: Northeast Division

In anticipation of the new NHL season, sportsnet.ca previews a division a day leading up to opening night.

On the hot seat

NHL Previews '09: Atlantic Division

In anticipation of the new NHL season, sportsnet.ca previews a division a day leading up to opening night.

High price of preseason

Free ride over

Brophy: Let's hear it for the old boys

Canucks would welcome Mats back

If Mats Sundin wants to continue his NHL career, the Vancouver Canucks would roll out the red carpet.

Kessel denies he's done with Bruins

Phil Kessel says he does not expect to play this season with the Boston Bruins, but he has not broken off negotiations with the team.

Pay for Coyote droppings?

Little shop of horrors

Zebra returns home

Sakic out, Spezza in for Cdn camp?

Will Joe Sakic's retirement open the door for another forward to join Team Canada's summer training camp?