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.

How two goalies this season have redefined the way we look at the ECHL

For years the ECHL was a league of goons and the last resort for older players slowing down just looking for a few more years in the game. But as the ECHL has grown and teams have started aligning with NHL and AHL teams the league has grown. 528 players have made the NHL from the ECHL in their history. There have ben many players that cycle in and out, but two goalies this season have help redefine the way team should look at their ECHL affiliates. Garret Sparks and Mike Condon are just latest two former ECHLers to come up and make an impact for their NHL team.