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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

Heading into the playoffs, Craig Custance gets the lowdown on the New York Rangers from rival players, coaches and scouts.

Story | Conversation | April 03, 2012

Craig Custance writes about the return of hockey to Winnipeg before getting into his mailbag, answering questions on the 2011-12 prospects of the Islanders, Capitals and Wild.

Blog | Conversation | October 07, 2011

Craig Custance writes that because of Corey Crawford's emergence last season, the Chicago Blackhawks' goalie enters this season with a new contract and greater expectations. Plus, other notes from around the NHL.

Blog | Conversation | September 29, 2011

Craig Custance checks in with the Los Angeles Kings, as they open up exhibition season without defenseman Drew Doughty, whose holdout continues. Plus, updates on Sidney Crosby's recovery and other notes from around the NHL.

Blog | Conversation | September 19, 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

The New York Rangers brought in Alexander Frolov to ease the scoring burden on Marian Gaborik. If he can accomplish this, the Rangers could be headed to the playoffs.

Story | Conversation | September 22, 2010

The New York Rangers took a one-year chance on mercurial winger Alexander Frolov, added a veteran backup goalie in Martin Biron and hope to complete a deal with Marc Staal soon. And E.J. Hradek says to keep an eye on Mats Zuccarello Aasen.

Story | Conversation | August 18, 2010

E.J. Hradek looks at the restricted free agent market -- and specifically, the situations of Bobby Ryan, Marc Staal and Carey Price -- to see what might happen as the summer turns to fall.

Blog | Conversation | August 16, 2010

Sidney Crosby's recovery hovers over this season's Penguins team, but Pittsburgh projects as a legitimate Cup contender even without its superstar.

Story | Conversation | September 26, 2011

E.J. Hradek turns back the clock and re-examines the loaded 2003 draft. How would the first round look if the GMs could pick knowing what we know now? So glad you asked.

Blog | Conversation | June 09, 2010

Well, after months of speculation, Team Canada executive director Steve Yzerman and his management team (associate directors Ken Holland, Doug Armstrong and Kevin Lowe) released their 23-man Olympic roster. And, it was quite a show -- in front of 3,0...

Blog | Conversation | December 30, 2009

Pardon the interruption (where have I heard that before?), but I've decided to spend my last blog before the Christmas break on my choices for the US and Canadian Olympic teams. I will get back to my usual rookie/prospect-based Wednesday blogging nex...

Blog | Conversation | December 23, 2009

Maybe I'm figuring this picks thing out? After a dreadful start with my weekly Thursday night predictions, I've put together back-to-back strong showings. Last night, I correctly called eight of the nine games. My only loss came via shootout in Colum...

Blog | Conversation | December 18, 2009

Eric Staal tells The Mag's Lindsay Berra how to get the best of Pens goalie Mark-Andre Fleury.

Story | Conversation | May 29, 2009

Marc Andre-Fleury and Eric Staal have been attracting most of the attention, but this draft is very deep.

Story | Conversation | June 20, 2003