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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

Following the Ducks' Game 7 loss, Anaheim and veteran Teemu Selanne have some big decisions to make. And they're not alone.

Blog | Conversation | May 13, 2013

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller sat in his dressing room stall, his elbows pressing on his knees and stared straight down. He didn't move. The disappointment from the Detroit Red Wings' 3-2 win over his Ducks in Game 7 was still ...

ANAHEIM -- There's a load of experience on both the Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings heading into Sunday night's Game 7, with veterans Henrik Zetterberg, Teemu Selanne, Pavel Datsyuk and Ryan Getzlaf able to lean on plenty of big-game experience. ...

Craig Custance examines what to watch for in tonight's Game 7 between the Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings.

Blog | Conversation | May 12, 2013

DETROIT -- The Anaheim Ducks knew it wouldn't be easy to end the Detroit Red Wings' season. Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau's explanation included a phrase he used multiple times during this series: This Red Wings team has championship blood. It...

DETROIT -- The Hart Trophy finalists were announced Friday, with Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and John Tavares earning the three spots for NHL MVP. It wasn't surprising to players in the Anaheim Ducks' dressing room that it was an Eastern Conference ...