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Additions of defensemen Sami Salo and Matt Carle have been monumental for the Lightning, Craig Custance writes. He also looks whether or not the Kings will trade forward Andrei Loktionov.

Blog | Conversation | January 31, 2013

Minnesota Wild forward Dany Heatley is off to a scorching start, rebounding to his previous star status. And he's not alone. Craig Custance looks at a pack of revitalized scorers early in the 2013 season.

Blog | Conversation | January 30, 2013

Craig Custance writes that a loaded 2013 draft class and the lockout-shortened season could affect teams' decision-making this season -- and that a big-market team has a better-than-usual chance of landing a game-changer in the draft.

Blog | Conversation | January 29, 2013

Craig Custance looks at the fast starts of the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks, noting that their plan to stay true to their identity and limit offseason changes is paying off early.

Blog | Conversation | January 28, 2013

With a short season, is it time for the winless Capitals and Kings to panic? Craig Custance explores that topic as he dives into his weekly mailbag.

Blog | Conversation | January 25, 2013

With some of the veterans starting slowly as they ramp up to full speed after the lockout, a number of rookies are making some big impressions early, including the Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko.

Blog | Conversation | January 24, 2013

The Dallas Stars inked 40-year-old forward Jaromir Jagr to help spark a market that had gone dark in the absence of playoff hockey, and the early returns in the 2013 have been nothing short of glowing.

Blog | Conversation | January 23, 2013

Faced with what may be the Sharks' final chance to chase the Cup with their current core of players, Craig Custance writes that there is even more urgency for San Jose's players in the shortened season.

Blog | Conversation | January 22, 2013

With the NBA returning to Seattle, will the NHL move one of its teams into the Emerald City? Craig Custance explores that very possibility.

Blog | Conversation | January 21, 2013

Craig Custance reports on 20 interesting findings from his whirlwind camp tour prior to the NHL openers, starting with why he thinks Chicago goalie Corey Crawford is poised for a bounceback season.

Blog | Conversation | January 21, 2013

Craig Custance takes a look at whether the lockout-shortened season will help the Los Angeles Kings in their bid to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

Blog | Conversation | January 19, 2013

We know about the superstars like Sidney Crosby, but seasons often swing on the pivotal players who take on new roles or carry big expectations. Craig Custance offers up 10 such players who could define their teams' fortunes in the shortened 2013 season.

Blog | Conversation | January 18, 2013

Craig Custance breaks down the looming decisions faced by the Anaheim Ducks concerning free agents-to-be Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, a storyline that will dominate the 2013 NHL season.

Blog | Conversation | January 17, 2013

Craig Custance chats with Zach Parise, Ryan Suter and Chuck Fletcher to assess the new expectations facing the suddenly-stronger Minnesota Wild.

Blog | Conversation | January 16, 2013

Craig Custance examines the pivotal early storylines in the Central Division, a quintet of teams that should once again be among the NHL's best. And St. Louis Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock has not been idle during the lockout, looking for an edge.

Blog | Conversation | January 15, 2013

Craig Custance breaks down the key themes in the Pacific Division ahead of the 2013 season. Among the most notable storylines: Jaromir Jagr leads an impressive corps of veterans in the division. How will they hold up in the short-season sprint?

Blog | Conversation | January 14, 2013