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CHICAGO -- It started with a clean win of the draw. Jonathan Toews not only beat Pavel Datsyuk on the faceoff, he ripped the puck back to Duncan Keith at the point of the Blackhawks power play. And it was on. The most important power play of the ...

Scratched for Game 4 of the Rangers' Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Bruins, it seems like Brad Richards' days in New York are coming to a unexpected early close. If the Blueshirts cut him loose, where could he land? Craig Custance lists options.

Blog | Conversation | May 24, 2013

DETROIT -- The cameras, microphones and growing media covering the Detroit Red Wings' surprising playoff run filled the space around Jimmy Howard's dressing room stall minutes after Thursday's game ended. They worked to establish position while wa...

The Dallas Stars continue to restructure their front office under new general manager Jim Nill. Longtime assistant GM Frank Provenzano and the Stars have parted ways in a split both sides said was amicable. "Frank is well-known throughout the leag...

Jonathan Toews ranked among the NHL's best players this season, but the Detroit Red Wings have found a way to limit the Chicago Blackhawks center through three games.

Blog | Conversation | May 23, 2013

DETROIT -- When Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Danny DeKeyser broke his thumb on May 2 against the Anaheim Ducks, he was expected to miss the rest of the postseason. The prognosis now sounds a little more optimistic. DeKeyser said he expected...

In 2011, knowing they wouldn't be able to keep Ilya Bryzgalov, the Phoenix Coyotes prepared a list of replacements. Mike Smith, then with the Tampa Bay Lightning, was at the top. They loved his size, how he battled and his ability to play the puck. B...

With key starters hitting free agency and Roberto Luongo on the trading block, the summer goalie market is already fascinating. But the postseason play of goalies in Pittsburgh and Chicago could further add to the offseason intrigue.

Blog | Conversation | May 22, 2013

With rumors swirling of Patrick Roy's return to Colorado as the Avs' new head coach, Craig Custance explores the summer coaching market and some of the top candidates at the NHL, AHL, junior and college levels.

Blog | Conversation | May 21, 2013

DETROIT -- This was the slap in the face, the splash of cold water. Not necessarily one the Chicago Blackhawks needed, but one they knew was coming. During any long playoff run for a Stanley Cup contender, there are moments when a big shove back f...

DETROIT -- It's a theory Mike Babcock has had going back to his days as a junior coach. When it comes to the development of young players, a playoff game counts as two regular-season games. One NHL scout, who has noticed the improvement in some of...

The youthful Red Wings have continued to show their growth in the 2013 postseason, and showed in Game 2 they can battle with the league's best. Now, can they put together another strong effort against the Stanley Cup favorites?

Blog | Conversation | May 20, 2013

With just one season remaining on Phil Kessel's contract in Toronto, the Leafs must decide how much they value their star sniper.

Blog | Conversation | May 17, 2013

Big is better in the minds of many NHL GMs watching these playoffs. But where can they find size this offseason when free agency and the draft are highlighted by smaller skill players?

Blog | Conversation | May 16, 2013

Eliminated from the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Islanders, Maple Leafs, Capitals and Canadiens begin their offseasons seeking solutions and fixes for better results in 2013-14. But where do the answers lie? Craig Custance examines.

Blog | Conversation | May 15, 2013

Craig Custance writes that the San Jose Sharks, a dangerous team this postseason because of the emergence of Logan Couture, are benefiting from the extra time off between their first- and second-round playoff series.

Blog | Conversation | May 14, 2013