Sitting It Out

For any self-respecting nine-to-fiver, a two-month vacation sounds sweet. But if you work for an NBA or NHL team, a mid-april layoff can be a fate worse than death.

Red Wings build big lead, cruise past Stars to go up 1-0

Johan Franzen, Brian Rafalski and Tomas Holmstrom scored power-play goals for the Red Wings, who built a big lead in the second period and coasted to a 4-1 win over the Stars in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

Caple: Twelve for 2008 – Calendar of Must Sees

A month-by-month calendar of must-see events for the sports tourist.

Top ESPN searches of 2006

Top ESPN searches of 2006

...where 72,000 fans created the biggest hockey crowd in history for the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans on October 6, 2001 in East Lansing, MI. The game ended...

The rookie race? The winner will be a Johnson

Recent rookie classes have sported a ton of talent, and this year is no exception. But Terry Frei isn't afraid to admit that the Calder race should come down to a pair of defensemen.

INCH looks at college hockey's biggest flight risks

Anyone who hoped the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement would lead to fewer early departures is in for a rude awakening.

INCH previews 2007's top story lines

You got questions? INCH has answers -- ranging from the CHA's future to the dethroning of the WCHA.

North Dakota, Wisconsin among early favorites

The west's hockey dominance will continue in 2007, according to the experts at Inside College Hockey.

Defensive issues pose problem for Michigan

Michigan's hockey program is known for its consistency, but the only thing the Wolverines have managed to do consistently this season is play inconsistently.

Colorado College, Denver among early favorites

When the puck drops again in the fall, expect college hockey's balance of power to remain in the West.

Vanek will be present at NHL draft

Thomas Vanek captivated the Frozen Four. Can the NHL be far behind?

Frozen Four at a glance

...Hutchinson (Predators, 2nd, '99) John-Michael Liles (Avalanche, 5th, '00), Ryan Miller (Sabres, 5th round, '99) Michigan Wolverines (West No. 3 seed) Record: 27-12-5 (6-4-0 in last 10 games) Conference...

Pistons or Wings? Cups finals schedule forcing fans to take sides

Detroit fans are in sports heaven. The Pistons are still alive in the NBA playoffs and the Red Wings are in the Cup finals. Too bad the NHL is forcing Motown fans to choose sides.

What's in an NHL team name? Bucci knows ...

What is Bucci doing to pass the time before the Stanley Cup finals? He's playing his NHL name game, and he's got thoughts for all 30 NHL teams.