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In Part 2 of his two-part series, E.J. Hradek creates rebuilding plans for the non-playoff teams in the Western Conference, looking at what went wrong for each this season and what their next steps should be.

Blog | Conversation | April 14, 2011

For his final "Five for Friday" column of the year, EJ Hradek lists five trends that defined the 2010-11 season. Included are Sidney Crosby's statistical dominance that could have been, and Alex Ovechkin's status as the league's most shot-happy player.

Blog | Conversation | April 08, 2011

E.J. Hradek dips into his weekly mailbag to answer questions on the Blues' future in St. Louis, the progress of Jonas Hiller and the downfall of the Atlanta Thrashers.

Blog | Conversation | March 17, 2011

E.J. Hradek ranks the top rookie defensemen in the NHL, leading off with his top choice: John Carlson of the Washington Capitals.

Blog | Conversation | March 16, 2011

E.J. Hradek dips into his weekly mailbag to answer questions on the New Jersey Devils' playoff chances, the Red Wings' home woes and the underrated abilities of the Stars' Jamie Benn. The good news for Devils' fans: They're not out of it yet.

Blog | Conversation | March 10, 2011

E.J. Hradek wraps up the NHL weekend action and looks ahead to the stretch drive as teams press ahead for playoff spots. Plus, notes on the Isles' coaching situation.

Blog | Conversation | March 07, 2011

E.J. Hradek offers up his weekly Tuesday picks column, taking the Dallas Stars over the Phoenix Coyotes in an upset.

Blog | Conversation | March 01, 2011

E.J. Hradek evaluates each team in the Western Conference following the flurry of trade deadline deals Monday.

Story | Conversation | February 28, 2011

Before diving into his weekly picks column, E.J. Hradek weighs in on Monday's trade between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Dallas Stars. Plus more whispers from around the league.

Blog | Conversation | February 22, 2011

Trades are already coming in fast and furious as the Feb. 28 NHL trade deadline approaches. E.J. Hradek breaks down 10 trades that have already happened to see who won each deal.

Blog | Conversation | February 21, 2011

In his weekly picks column, E.J. Hradek takes the Carolina Hurricanes over New Jersey Devils and makes picks for the other five NHL games Tuesday night.

Blog | Conversation | February 08, 2011

On the heels of Brent Johnson's one-punch knockout of Rick DiPietro on Wednesday night, EJ Hradek ranks the best goalie fights of all time.

Blog | Conversation | February 04, 2011

E.J. Hradek dips into his mailbag to answer questions on the Phoenix Coyotes' playoff chances, the fate of the Buffalo Sabres' leadership, and the chances of Peter Forsberg returning to the NHL this season.

Blog | Conversation | February 03, 2011

Ahead of All-Star Weekend, Gary Bettman tells E.J. Hradek there will likely be another edition of HBO's "24/7" chronicling the Winter Classic. Plus the latest on the league's key issues, including its expiring TV contract and protecting its players.

Blog | Conversation | January 27, 2011

E.J. Hradek usually looks at the Calder race -- i.e. rookies -- in his Wednesday blog, but today he's focusing on the sophomore class, kids like Tyler Myers, Jimmy Howard and Matt Duchene. In all, 10 guys are evaluated.

Blog | Conversation | January 26, 2011

E.J. Hradek looks at 10 stars -- think Daniel Alfredsson, Brad Boyes, Craig Anderson -- who need to rebound in the second half of the season for their teams to make some noise in the form of a postseason push.

Blog | Conversation | January 24, 2011