Are the Blackhawks still the favorites after the trade deadline?

The Chicago Blackhawks like most top teams in the NHL were busy during the last week before the trade deadline. As one of the best teams in the West and having the best player in the NHL this year in Patrick Kane. The future seems pretty bright for the defending champions looking to go back to back. The Blackhawks have become the gold standard in the NHL over the past six years, being able to move players while still maintaining their core of players. The Blackhawks have made the right decisions by taking chances on Brad Richards, Chris Versteeg and a few other veteran players. They have also been on of the best teams when it comes to cutting ties with players that are reaching the end of the usefulness. Their farm system has also been developing solid young players who have been able to come in and fill those roles for the Blackhawks.

Is Ryan Miller the same goalie?

In the early 2000's Ryan Miller was arguably the best goalie in the NHL, he was the back bone of some of those great Sabers teams under Lindy Ruff. But Miller has fallen off over the last few years, age and news teams have led him into obscurity. Miller has struggled since joining Vancouver as a free agent in 2014. The narrative has been his best years were in Buffalo and has been in decline since the 2010 Olympics. He joined the Canucks on a three year 18-million-dollar contract, he was supposed to lead the Canucks back to the playoffs. He had been one of the most sought after goalies at the trade deadline when he was dealt to the St. Louis Blues to help them in their cup hopes. Miller had a decent run with the Blues helping them make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they fell short in their cup hopes and were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. 

Should goalie equipment be reduced?

It's been a debate in the NHL for years now, should the equipment that goalies wear be reduced to create more goals. Many believe that because there are bigger goalies in the NHL who get to wear bigger equipment it gives them more of an advantage. We are witnessing the age of the big goalie, gone are the days where we could see a goalie like Jeff Lerg in the NHL. The shortest goalie right now in the NHL is Jhonas Enroth of the LA Kings at 5'10". The league average size for a goaltender is about 6'2", with the tallest goalie being Ben Bishop who stands at 6'7". Bigger goalies are in high demand for NHL teams. But there is an issue that comes with bigger goalies, their equipment is sized for their protection. That means bigger chest protectors, bigger pads, and bigger goalie sticks all of these things add to the massive goalies.

Can the Montreal Canadiens get back into the playoff picture?

The Montreal Canadiens were the hottest team in the NHL when the season started up in October, they won't their first nine games in regulation. After setting the NHL record for most regulation wins in a row. The Canadiens were on top of the hockey world and nothing looked like it would slow them down. Despite losing their next two games in a row Montreal fans were still confident in their team. Fans were dreaming of the first Stanley cup in Canada in 23 years, the players tried to damper the excitement. PK Subban said “I've said it before and I'll say it again: All we've accomplished is to have a good start to the season, and that's it". 

Scituate's own Josh Beck commits to Babson College

Josh announced on Monday February 1st that he was committing to play for the Babson Beavers next season in the NEHC. Beck who started skating at three years old has always been one of the smaller players on most of his teams. Josh has been able to prove his doubters wrong for much of his life, many thought he would never make varsity at Scituate high school as a freshman. He not only made the team as freshman, but went on to have an incredible career with the Sailors. Beck was a consistent offensive threat through his four years with the Sailors, and was often one of the fastest skaters on the ice. He capped off his great career with the Sailors as a senior captain, making the varsity team all four years.