Several reasons could be given as to why this NHL season just “feels” different.  The compressed schedule has teams playing back-to-back games more often with the obvious potential of burning out some players.  The rash of injuries, some of the more bizarre variety, has teams utilizing more creative coaching solutions including the heavier use of AHL call-ups.  Additionally, especially for... 

For any NHL player lucky enough to be picked for his respective Olympic team it is considered a great honor, one that is not to be turned down.  Imagine the uproar if Sidney Crosby, Henrik Zetterberg, or Alexander Ovechkin decided they would rather have the time off.  I believe traveling home would become rather unpleasant. Therefore the matter is considered settled, they are playing and barring... 

Vladislav Tretiak, arguably the best goaltender to never play in the NHL, is undoubtedly being pressured to shine some light on his home country’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and its players through his position as general manager of the 2010 Russian Olympic men’s hockey team.  Using the Olympic roster as a tool, he made headlines when he announced that most likely half of his team would... 

A couple of weeks ago I made my forward selections for the Canadian Olympic squad, along with line combinations. Today, I adjust my thinking cap to “sober” and do my best Stevie Y impression while I break down my selections for goaltenders and defensemen. With a face to the wind, here I go. Defensive Pairing #1 Shea Weber – Dan Boyle – Both players are great defensively, very solid offensively,... 

Olympic hockey is almost upon us. It is with this in mind, that I take a moment to play GM and coach and select from the list of 46 invites those who I would have in the red and white jersey for my home country of Canada, and the lines which they would play on. The real roster management is underway as I type this, as Steve Yzerman will announce his choices on December 31st. Granted, changes can be... 

For years, international hockey competitions featuring the United States were anchored by Mike Richter, the Rangers stalwart netminder who was one of the game’s most solid producers. Funny thing happened, though. He got old. The Stars and Stripes entered the 2006 Olympics sorely lacking in net. Rick DiPietro, Robert Esche and John Graheme backstopped the United States to another middling finish,...