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Yearbook 2015-16
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.
STILL STUCK IN REPEAT MODE
THE ST. LOUIS BLUES HAVE BEEN a top regular season team the past four years with a record of 181-86-27. But they are the poster team for demonstrating that regular season success means little in the playoffs, going 10-17 and winning just one of five post-season series. After St. Louis fell to Minnesota in six games, significant changes were expected, but only tweaks were made. The Blues kicked tires on Mike Babcock but ultimately retained Ken Hitchcock as coach. They did pull the trigger on a trade, sending T.J. Oshie to the Capitals for Troy Brouwer, and decided against re-signing defenseman Barret Jackman. But other than that, inking Kyle Brodziak is the only notable addition to a roster that has underachieved. Re-signing Vladimir Tarasenko to an eight-year, $60-million extension was lauded…
THE CANNON IS LOADED
A HORRIBLE START AND AN UNCONSCIONABLE, seasonlong bout with injuries – more than 500 man-games lost – undermined the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 2014-15 season, making them a post-season spectator yet again. But the 2015-16 edition is young, big and talented and expects to challenge for the Metro Division crown, right there with the Rangers, Penguins, Islanders and Capitals. But the Blue Jackets don’t just want to make the playoffs, they want to make some serious noise. The acquisition of Brandon Saad in a blockbuster trade with Chicago has boosted optimism, and will only make Columbus, with three powerful lines, harder to handle. The defense remains solid but not special, though a return to health of 2012 No. 2-overall pick Ryan Murray would be a big boost. Murray is emblematic of this whole…
RIGHT WING AGENDA
ALEX OVECHKIN HITS A MILESTONE in September. Just weeks before his 11th NHL season begins, he turns 30. The clock continues to tick for Ovechkin and his franchise. The Washington Capitals have yet to break through the second round of the playoffs during the ‘Ovie’ era. Last spring’s playoff run ended with a devastating Game 7 overtime loss to the Rangers in the Eastern Conference semifinal. But after a flurry of off-season moves, there is hope the team is again poised to be a contender and take advantage of Ovechkin’s prime before age begins to take a toll. Washington overhauled the right side of its forward group by adding wingers T.J. Oshie and three-time Cup champ Justin Williams. Those moves, coupled with the continued development of young players Evgeny Kuznetsov, Andre Burakovsky…
SID VS. OVIE
IT WILL BE 10 years this fall since Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin debuted in the NHL. The 2004-05 lockout produced the happy accident of two No. 1 overall picks commencing their careers simultaneously and, fair or not, they were destined for constant comparison. It didn’t matter that they played different positions, Crosby center and Ovechkin left wing. They were the most exciting young forces in a league desperate for new flag bearers, and they've delivered on that hype time and again. Who’s better? The pendulum seems to swing back and forth year to year: It’s Ovechkin, the big, fast, energetic man-child who helps Russia to world junior gold and goes first overall in the 2004 draft. No, it’s Crosby, the generational talent who torches major junior like no player since Eric…
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