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Craig Custance ranks his top 5 candidates to win the Norris Trophy, with Minnesota's Ryan Suter at No. 1.

Blog | Conversation | April 23, 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

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

In response to a recent poll of NHL statistical analysts, Craig Custance checks in with NHL coaches and scouts to see how they explain the big contracts issued to Paul Gaustad and Dennis Wideman.

Blog | Conversation | September 26, 2012

As Columbus waves goodbye to its franchise player in Rick Nash, it brings in one of the game's brighter defensive prospects in Tim Erixon. Corey Pronman analyzes what he provides to the Blue Jackets' rebuilding project.

Blog | Conversation | July 23, 2012

Corey Pronman writes that while no organization is built to handle a hit like losing Shea Weber and Ryan Suter in one month, defense is actually the strength of the Nashville talent pipeline.

Blog | Conversation | July 19, 2012

Craig Custance examines the unorthodox roster construction of the New Jersey Devils, a team with an aging goalie, a no-name defense and its star players on the wings, to pin down the team's unusual blueprint. Plus notes from the NHL draft combine.

Blog | Conversation | June 04, 2012

Craig Custance looks at the New York Rangers' hard-working defense and how the return to form of Marc Staal may be the key in Saturday's Game 7 showdown with the Washington Capitals.

Blog | Conversation | May 11, 2012

ESPN Insider Alvin Chang takes a look at how the 2012 draft is trading size for skill in defensemen.

Blog | Conversation | February 10, 2012

Michael Schuckers' new stat helps show how valuable goalies are apart from the defenses in front of them.

Story | Conversation | November 07, 2011

Craig Custance writes that the Detroit Red Wings' early-season success can be attributed to an organizational change in philosophy. Custance gives five reasons for Detroit's success, plus notes on Phil Kessel, the Columbus Blue Jackets and hybrid icing.

Blog | Conversation | October 20, 2011

Neil Greenberg analyzes the blockbuster trades of the San Jose Sharks for Martin Havlat and Brent Burns and other offseason additions. While they have gained key pieces on defense, will they have enough scoring?

Story | Conversation | July 12, 2011

Stopping Alex Ovechkin is never easy, but some defensive pairings in the Eastern Conference do a better job than others. See how the best shutdown pairings in the East stack up, and why the "success" of Marc Staal and Dan Girardi may be an illusion.

Story | Conversation | April 22, 2011

Hockey Prospectus examines the current Philadelphia Flyers goaltenders and questions their ability to go deep in the playoffs. A historical comparison to past goalies in Stanley Cups reveals that they are more than capable of winning a Cup.

Story | Conversation | March 30, 2011

Gare Joyce writes of Jamieson Oleksiak, a 6-foot-7 (maybe 6-foot-8) prospect who could be the next Zdeno Chara or Tyler Myers. He's playing at Northeastern right now, but could be a 2011 first-rounder, even with a focus on offense in the first round.

Blog | Conversation | February 09, 2011

Goaltending could keep the Tampa Bay Lightning from pursuing the Stanley Cup. But that's a problem the Bruins and four other teams don't have. E.J. Hradek lists his top five netminders, headlined by the B's Tim Thomas.

Blog | Conversation | December 03, 2010