From contemplation to just plain giddiness ... thank you!

From last week's contemplation to this week's giddiness, John Buccigross is the gift that keeps on giving with the infinite reasons he's thankful for the sport played on ice.

Family Values

Linda and Henry Staal raise two choice Canadian products: sod and skaters. Meet the new first family of hockey

Malkin: I'm learning … I'm trying to be better every game

After a disappointing finish to last season, Evgeni Malkin is proving he has no Cup finals hangover. Scott Burnside checks in with the league's best player of this season's first quarter.

Quarterly report: Team-by-team grades

Most teams hit the quarter mark in the next week. Here's a breakdown of where teams stand as they make the first turn in what has been a wildly exciting and unpredictable start to the 2008-09 regular season.

Penguins' six-game winning streak ends with shootout loss

Marek Zidlicky scored the only goal in the shootout and the Wild benefited from a gift goal that Pittsburgh put into its own net for a 2-1 victory that ended the Penguins' six-game winning streak.

Clearing out my files: Melrose, rankings, MVPs, wrist shots and more

Maybe it's the November stretch that has Bucci contemplating? Either way, he's clearing his mind with his take on a few lingering hockey issues.

Open Ice: Are the big three free agents worth roster slots?

Sean Allen analyzes whether free agents Brendan Shanahan, Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg deserve roster slots, and more.

5 Things: Youthful Kings staying ahead of the curve

What has the Kings on the fast track to success? How is it that stalwart goalie Brian Boucher will be relegated to backup while erratic Carey Price is the Habs' top guy? Scott Burnside wants to know.

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 13: Jordan Staal #11 of the Pittsburgh Penguins controls the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 13, 2008...

UNIONDALE, NY - NOVEMBER 8: Jordan Staal #11 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates the puck across the blueline during the game against the...

Wild-Penguins Preview

Wild-Penguins Preview

Malkin and Semin the best fantasy options

Since the NHL came back from it's lockout/hiatus, we have been barraged with the Sidney Crosby versus Alex Ovechkin storyline. Which one is better? Wh...

Staal scores game-winner, adds empty-netter as Penguins rally past Sabres

Jordan Staal had two goals, including the tiebreaker late in the third period, and the Pittsburgh Penguins scored four third-period goals to rally for their sixth straight victory, 5-2 over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.

Crosby scores twice to help Penguins overcome blown three-goal lead

Penguins rookie Alex Goligoski scored on his first shootout attempt after Sidney Crosby tied it late in the third period with his second goal, and Pittsburgh rallied to beat the Flyers 5-4 after blowing a three-goal lead.

Pittsburgh Penguins v Detroit Red Wings DETROIT - NOVEMBER 11: Jordan Staal #11 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck during a NHL game against the Detroit...