Heading into the second round of the playoffs, here is an early look at some candidates to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup playoffs). [caption id="attachment_13882" align="aligncenter" width="534"] Photo Credit: (Scott Rovak, USA TODAY Sports)[/caption] Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings: The defending Conn Smythe winner is at it again, single-handedly keeping the Kings al ...

Although it is coming a little later than usual, the playoffs are finally here. The Western Conference, in typical fashion, was decided on the last day of games and has plenty of salivating match ups. Chicago Blackhawks (1) vs Minnesota Wild (8) [caption id="attachment_13652" align="aligncenter" width="600"] via blackhawks.nhl.com[/caption] Chicago was nothing short of spectacular, starting out the season w ...

One of the most underrated parts of sports is the uniform. They have the ability to make or break a fan base. We have all been there before, either wondering how in the world someone produced that hideous jersey or praising the genius that designed those awesome sweaters. It’s time to take a look at the best jerseys in the league as well as the ones that should probably be burned. Top 5 5. Rangers Home Ah A ...

Every season, some fans check the standings here and there, expecting to see the usual teams in the playoff picture.  And sometimes some of the normal suspects are outside the top eight, but are expected to wake up and make a push before the regular season is over. And some do, i.e. the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils from last year. But this year, without a late charge, the Flyers and Predators wil ...

Three Stars of the Week 1. Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) [caption id="attachment_13100" align="aligncenter" width="680"] via Reuters[/caption] The league should start to worry knowing that the Capitals’ superstar is starting to score goals in head coach Adam Oates’ system.  Ovechkin is one of the key reasons for the Capitals’ turn around, and it starts where Ovi knows best – in the goals departme ...

After the first week of the shortened NHL season, it looks like fans are in for a season full of drama and surprises. Traditional powerhouses like the Flyers, Rangers, Red Wings, Captials, and Canucks all got off to slow starts, which can have a huge impact on the playoff picture considering the season is so short. The defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings also stumbled out of the gates, only ear ...

1. The Los Angeles Kings [caption id="attachment_11881" align="aligncenter" width="604"] Photo Credit: Gary Hershorn/REUTERS[/caption] Despite the Kings’ sluggish start to the season, I have no doubt that they will find a way to bounce back and reclaim the division.  There is too much talent and consistency in LA.  Suffering virtually no losses from last year’s Stanley Cup team, the Kings are in great shape ...