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Craig Custance makes his 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs picks from Round 1 and the Cup Final.

Story | Conversation | April 29, 2013

Craig Custance talks to Chicago's rivals to scout out how to beat the Blackhawks in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Story | Conversation | April 28, 2013

Craig Custance writes that the unlikely playoff charge of the Columbus Blue Jackets has created a new challenger in the Hart Trophy race.

Blog | Conversation | April 22, 2013

With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, Craig Custance identifies the top available targets.

Blog | Conversation | April 02, 2013

While the spotlight was fixed firmly on the streaking Chicago Blackhawks, the Anaheim Ducks have flown under the radar. But with a veteran roster benefiting from a shorter season, the Ducks may be about to make some noise in their quest for the Cup.

Blog | Conversation | March 13, 2013

Craig Custance writes that small midseason deals like defenseman Johnny Oduya to Chicago could have major impacts.

Blog | Conversation | February 21, 2013

A quarter of the way into the season, several players, coaches and executives have emerged from somewhat off the radar to become lead candidates for some of the NHL's major awards.

Blog | Conversation | February 12, 2013

During the lockout there was speculation that disciplined, defense-first teams and players competing in Europe would have an advantage when play resumed. That has not been the case so far.

Blog | Conversation | February 06, 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 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

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 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

With the CBA settled, Craig Custance looks at the next big dominoes set to fall in the NHL. While a Roberto Luongo trade dominates the discussion, other teams look to finalize signings ... or simply reclaim their players from Russia.

Blog | Conversation | January 08, 2013

With the possibility of a very rapid start to the NHL season should there be a breakthrough in CBA talks, Craig Custance revisits several key injuries that could impact early returns for the Kings, Wings, Canucks and Blackhawks.

Blog | Conversation | January 04, 2013

With the NHL including an option for teams to buyout contracts to comply with a proposed drop in the salary cap, Craig Custance examines some likely candidates in the Western Conference.

Blog | Conversation | December 31, 2012

Following the release of Forbes' NHL franchise valuations, Craig Custance digs a little deeper to see which franchises figure to increase the most in value in the years ahead.

Blog | Conversation | November 30, 2012