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San Jose's Teemu Selanne is in a position very few players get to play.

The last time Original Six rivals the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks met in the playoffs was in the 2009 Western Conference finals, with the Blackhawks the young bucks still figuring things out and the Red Wings the veteran contenders en ro...

It was always going to be the "window" series, two of the Western Conference's long-standing contenders facing off in the first round, with the losers having to face questions about their immediate future. The San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks...

The Leafs owe the end of their lengthy playoff drought to the puck luck gods, and the Devils could have been contenders ... if they'd had more time.

Story | Conversation | May 01, 2013

Craig Custance talks to Boston's rivals to scout out how to beat the Bruins in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Story | Conversation | April 28, 2013

The lockout-shortened regular season has come and gone, and 16 teams are moving on. Pierre LeBrun takes a look at the survivors and identifies five candidates for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Islanders-Hurricanes Preview

Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula's objective to build a Stanley Cup contender remains the same. It's his three-year timeline that's proving unrealistic.

Every season there comes a time when the Sharks look like world beaters ... and then the playoffs start and San Jose's season is cut short of a Cup. Can this year be any different? Craig Custance explores the question.

Blog | Conversation | April 11, 2013

Craig Custance explores five teams facing tough buy-or-sell decisions as the trade deadline approaches, topped by a Blue Jackets team that suddenly appears to be a playoff contender.

Blog | Conversation | April 01, 2013

Kings-Wild Preview

In the wake of the acquisition of Jarome Iginla by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Craig Custance examines how other Eastern Conference contenders can try to keep up as the trade deadline approaches.

Blog | Conversation | March 29, 2013

The Rangers were supposed to be Stanley Cup contenders and instead they're sputtering out of the playoff race. As the trade deadline approaches, Craig Custance examines some of the key options available to them.

Blog | Conversation | March 25, 2013

The San Jose Sharks have played the second-most playoff games, behind only Detroit, since 2004, when a nine-year run as a contender began with a trip to the conference finals. Because that run hasn't produced a championship -- although three confe...

Jets-Maple Leafs Preview

As the trade deadline approaches, Craig Custance examines some key needs for playoff contenders. While Anders Lindback hasn't been the immediate answer for the Bolts, Tampa appears committed to him ... for now at least.

Blog | Conversation | March 04, 2013