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The 2004 and 2005 NHL Entry Drafts were two of the most star-studded drafts in the history of the NHL--featuring the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and Sidney Crosby. Together, these three superstars have amassed two Calder Memorial Trophies, three Art Ross Trophies, three Hart Memorial Trophies, one Conn Smythe Trophy, and two Stanley Cup Rings (albeit from the same team). For those who are unfamiliar with the process, ...

Through the opening 10 minutes of Sunday's Game Two of the NHL Eastern Conference playoffs in Pittsburgh, it seemed as if the Penguins were poised to take charge of their second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens. They had complete control of the game, dominating along the boards, getting pucks and traffic to the net, which led to their 1-0 advantage after a beautiful Matt Cooke goal 4:38 ...

In Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens, Pens fans took witness to an unfamiliar sight as center-man Jordan Staal gingerly limped off the ice in the second period. Staal has yet to miss a game in his four seasons as an NHL forward, amassing a consecutive game streak of 358 games, which includes the playoffs.   But after undergoing surgery on a lacerated tendon in ...

Anyone else having déjà vu right about now? Much like the start of last season's playoff, the Pittsburgh Penguins polished off their first opponent in six games, on the road, after coming back from a three-goal deficit in the deciding game. While it was Pascal Dupuis's ripper in the first overtime period of game six that sealed the deal for the Pens, there are always a multitude of moments that ...

As the 2010 playoff season has commenced, one thing is evident: the NHL is loaded with a smorgasbord of talent. Yes -- I said smorgasbord. In the constant debate over whether Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin is the league's best player, we tend to overlook the rest of the NHL's vast array of talent. Although it may not seem like it, our league is full of other great players beyond Crosby ...

After a poor opening game against the Ottawa Senators, the Marc-Andre Fleury critics have begun to bask in their self-perceived correctness, as they so love to do when the Penguins' goalie falters.   As I was leaving the game Wednesday night, I overheard many of the typical complaints and grumbles that one would expect after a tough loss. But to hear the suggestion that "the Pens ...

As I cram to make my predictions for the 2010 NHL Playoffs, I'm reminded of one thing: They're unpredictable. With the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the past no longer matters. Regular season slates are wiped clean as the sixteen teams prepare for a whole new season that is the NHL playoffs. Any team that enters has the potential to get hot and make a run. With that in mind, ...