Kuznetsov, Rundblad, and Erixon Drawing High Praise in Hockey Circles

Evgeny Kuznetsov’s breakout performance at the World Junior Championships has broken the ice and made the 18-year-old forward a noteable prospect in hockey’s near future. He took shifts at center in that tournament, and it’s a testament to his talent that he made it look like he had played there all his life. Kuznetsov has

Radulov Thriving in KHL

Alex Radulov has had star written all over him since he was chosen 15th overall in the first round of the 2004 NHL draft. It’s no surprise that the 24 year winger old has continued to exceed promising expectations this season with his KHL Salavat Yulaev club, where in 50 games has compiled a league-leading

Pekka Rinne named NHL’s 3rd Star of the Month for January

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne was named the NHL’s 3rd Star of the Month for January, his first such honor after having been Rookie of the Month in February 2009. Boston’s Patrice Bergeron was named 1st Star, and Keith Yandle of the Phoenix Coyotes was 2nd. Pekka racked up a .945 save percentage in 11

Patient approach works for Florida Panthers’ Dadonov

Like DeBoer, even Dadonov was a little surprised by the honor. Dadonov, 21, got word he would be going to Raleigh a few hours before he played in just his 19th NHL game. “I don’t know much about this, this is the first time they told me about it,’’ Dadonov said soon after word broke

Vancouver Prospect Sergei Shirokov Ready For Sunday’s AHL All-Star Classic

Only his second season playing professional hockey in North America, Vancouver Canucks prospect Sergei Shirokov has become accustomed to playing in the American Hockey League All-Star. Last winter Shirokov participated in the Ducks Unlimited AHL All Star Competition and scored two goals for the Planet USA AHL All-Stars. This year, Shirokov will again look to

Blueshirt Banter Exclusive: Q&A With Brian Leetch

Courtesy of Jim, last night I was able to partake in a Q&A with Brian Leetch and Don Mattingly at the Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan. When Jim came to me (and Joe, who was unable to make it due to the weather), I jumped at the opportunity to cover this event for the Banter.