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Yearbook 2014-15
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
ELECTRICALLY CHARGED
FROM THEIR HOT START, to Steven Stamkos’s broken leg, to Martin St-Louis’s trade demand, to finishing second in the Atlantic Division before being swept in Round 1 by Montreal, there were highs and lows for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2013-14. The team reached the post-season despite Stamkos missing 45 games, while eight rookies played at least 43 games. With more growth from those youngsters and Ben Bishop, along with the addition of super prospect Jonathan Drouin, the Bolts look to continue their skyward trajectory. Over the summer, GM Steve Yzerman shipped out Teddy Purcell, B.J. Crombeen and Nate Thompson to free up space to sign unrestricted free agents Anton Stralman, Brian Boyle and Evgeni Nabokov. He also added the hard-shooting Jason Garrison from Vancouver via trade. With deficiencies addressed during the summer…
NEW EMPEROR AT THE HELM
WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS SINCE a 2009 Stanley Cup, the Pittsburgh Penguins once again faced Cup-or-bust pressure in 2013-14. After winning a division title, they only just managed to squeak by the Columbus Blue Jackets in Round 1 before blowing a 3-1 series lead to the New York Rangers in Round 2. The “bust” part of the equation quickly kicked in, with fans wielding figurative pitchforks and ownership frustrated. That meant big changes. Veteran GM Jim Rutherford and first-time NHL coach Mike Johnston replaced Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma. Traded was cornerstone James Neal, who has a 40-goal season on his resume and was Malkin’s regular right winger. Rutherford allowed nearly half the roster to walk as free agents, including D-men Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik, opting to populate the roster with fresh faces…
STANDING ON GUARD
IF HOCKEY IS YOUR religion and THN is your bible, you can appreciate the fervor that fills our sanctuary, er, meeting room, each summer when our staff members gather to forge the pending season’s predictions. It’s our version of electing a pope. The writers and editors – having studied the scriptures (a.k.a. the roster reports of the 30 franchises) – come armed with myriad theological arguments. We hunker down for as long as it takes, emerging only when we’ve slotted each club and agreed on the playoff results. The Stanley Cup winner is our papal puff of smoke. This season’s head of church is Chicago, a decision that, when compared to previous seasons, came shockingly easily. Senior writer Ryan Kennedy touches on this, and other projections, on pg. 44. Sadly, for fans…
PACING THE ARMS RACE
WITH SIX GAMES LEFT in the season, the top spot in the league remained in reach for the St. Louis Blues. A first-round playoff series against a wild card opponent was probable. But a 0-6-0 finish cost them a chance at their second Presidents’ Trophy and resulted in a first-round matchup against the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks. The Blues won Games 1 and 2 but dropped the next four, collapsing yet again in the post-season. A lack of timely scoring, particularly on the power play, illustrated the continued need for a high-caliber offensive weapon. GM Doug Armstrong believes he found suitable help in free agent additions Paul Stastny and Jori Lehtera, a Kontinental League standout. The team also acquired defenseman Carl Gunnarsson from Toronto for Roman Polak. Talent was added, but will the…
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