Boston’s problems start with Sinden

Harry ‘Houdini’ Sinden is the only executive in the NHL than can make talent disappear right before your eyes while pulling a minor-leaguer out of a hat. Gone are Andy Moog, Jon Casey, Mariusz Czerkawski, Bryan Smolinski, Joe Juneau, Bobby Carpenter, Dave Reid, Glen Wesley, Adam Oates, Rick Tocchet and Bill Ranford. In their places, the Bruins got Jim Carey, a goalie who can’t win in the playoffs, and a bunch of unknowns. It’s time the Bruins made a change at the top before Ray Bourque gets traded for an eighth-round pick in 2010. Troy Nipstad, Chandler, Ariz. Broten for Hall Neal Broten for the Hall of Fame. That’s right, I said Neal Broten. Consider the facts. First, remember it is the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL Hall of Fame, into which players are…

NHL ROSTERS AND TRANSACTIONS

Moreau gets rave reviews from Hawks

Ethan Moreau won’t win the Calder Trophy, but that doesn’t lessen what the Chicago Blackhawks think of their rookie left winger. Moreau’s 15 goals were fourth on the team and he was growing more every day into the role of power forward. Down the stretch as the Hawks were fighting to make the playoffs, the 21-year-old Moreau had five goals in an 11-game stretch. “He’s getting better and better as the season goes on,” said coach Craig Hartsburg. “He’s a steady player, strong along the boards and he goes to the net. He’s there night after night and his confidence is growing.” Hawks’ captain Chris Chelios calls Moreau a “young Bob Gainey,” the Hall of Famer with whom Chelios played on the Montreal Canadiens. “Ethan is exactly like Gainey,” Chelios said. “Those wrist shots…

Life looks up for McKenna

This is no tall tale. Steve McKenna of the Los Angeles Kings insists he’s a legitimate 6-foot-8, unlike some NHL players who would have to stand on a stack of phone books to reach the height that’s listed next to their name on the roster. “On skates and with a bucket (helmet) on my head I may be tipping seven feet,” said McKenna, who weighs 245 pounds and was promoted from the Phoenix Roadrunners of the International League March 23 and is believed to be the tallest player in IHL and NHL history. McKenna, a Toronto native, signed with the Kings as a free agent last May after playing at Merrimack College. He’s one of many youngsters who got ample playing time as the Kings, long eliminated from the playoffs, wound down their…