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Hovering on the fringe of the Eastern Conference playoff chase is not where the Rangers expected to be this season. Now they'll face some tough trade deadline decisions. Plus, this week's dip into the mailbag.

Blog | Conversation | March 22, 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

We know about the superstars like Sidney Crosby, but seasons often swing on the pivotal players who take on new roles or carry big expectations. Craig Custance offers up 10 such players who could define their teams' fortunes in the shortened 2013 season.

Blog | Conversation | January 18, 2013

Hockey Prospectus examines the impact of the 48-game schedule on the NHL's teams, finding that such a short slate of games could deprive a Stanley Cup-worthy team of a playoff spot.

Story | Conversation | January 17, 2013

Grant Sonier breaks down the top 30 prospects for the 2013 NHL draft, topped by the much lauded duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Seth Jones. But another prospect from the QMJHL may actually be chasing down the No. 1 spot on draft boards.

Story | Conversation | December 20, 2012

Scott Burnside looks deeply into his crystal puck to tell you what will happen in 2013.

Negotiations between hockey owners and players are going so well that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says he's "pleased with the process" -- even if he has been left outside the latest rounds of discussions.

No one "wins" in a lockout, but there are some teams and players that are hit harder than others ... and there are a few that might benefit from some extra time off. Craig Custance surveys who might be affected more or less if the NHL shuts its doors.

Blog | Conversation | September 11, 2012

With the 2012 Summer Games serving as a back drop, Craig Custance starts looking ahead to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi Russia, projecting what a possible Canadian roster might look like given an influx of young talent.

Blog | Conversation | August 09, 2012

Ottawa's Erik Karlsson has won his first Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman at the league's awards ceremony.

Craig Custance provides his list of five early favorites to win the 2013 Stanley Cup.

Blog | Conversation | June 12, 2012

Craig Custance breaks down some of the biggest names who could potentially reach the market as free agents in 2013, including Penguins Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal. The Anaheim Ducks likewise may have some hard decisions to make.

Blog | Conversation | June 11, 2012

All eyes will be on Game 6 of the NHL's Eastern Conference finals this evening. And while we don't yet know whether the New Jersey Devils will eliminate the Rangers at home or whether New York will force its third Game 7 in as many series, regardless...

Following the release of the NHL's three finalists for the Hart Trophy, Craig Custance provides his list of the three players who were snubbed most by not being included.

Blog | Conversation | April 27, 2012

ESPN Insider Alvin Chang has the April Playoff Power Meter, and the Detroit Red Wings finish the regular season ranked No. 1, six points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Story | Conversation | April 09, 2012

A month from now, once the regular season concludes, I will sit down to fill out my official NHL ballot for the Hart Trophy, which is voted on by selected members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. My thoughts might change somewhat betw...