Remembering Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe was a hockey icon during his time playing in the NHL and in the WHA. He was born on March 31, 1928 to humble roots in Saskatchewan. He joined the Detroit Red Wings at the age of 18 and was a part of four Stanley Cups. Howe died Friday morning at 88 years old, this after surviving two strokes in late 2014 when it seems to be close to the end for Howe. But Howe like a true warrior survived and recovered from the strokes, putting many fans at ease. According to the Detroit free press Howe went peacefully and without regrets early this morning. Many of the younger generations will remember Howe for the infamous "Gordie Howe hat trick", which Howe only did twice in his career. 

Is Jonathan Drouin making the right decision?

It has been a major story this season surrounding the 2013 3rd overall draft pick for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jonathan Drouin's season has been surrounded by controversy and doubt, after struggling to crack the lineup early in the season it was clear Drouin was unhappy. After being limited to just 19 games because of injury and only five games in November. So in his second season Drouin was sent down to the Lightning's AHL affiliate the Syracuse Crunch to get more playing time. GM Steve Yzerman stated at the time "he's been dealing with a minor nagging injury that is finally healed. With everyone coming back at the same time, it's a good opportunity to get a young player a lot of ice time, get his game right back on top and bring him back at the appropriate time". With that there was no clear date set for Drouin to rejoin the Lightning. 

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. 

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". 

Jaromir Jagr: the ageless wonder

One of the biggest stories of the season has been 43-year-old Jaromir Jagr who has found new life with the young Florida Panthers. Since entering the league with the Pittsburgh Penguins Jagr has more than lived up to his first round pick status. Jagr is a two time Stanley Cup champion playing on the great Penguins teams of the 90's along side Mario Lemieux. He is a 13-time all-star with the latest selection coming this year, with him captaining the Atlantic Division all-star team in the 3-on-3. He has done absolutely everything there is to do in professional hockey also winning five Art Ross trophies, the 1999 Hart memorial trophy, and three Lester B. Pearson Awards. He is also one of only 26 players to ever win a Stanley Cup, a World Championship, and Olympic Gold in Men’s Ice Hockey over his career. 

John Scott the NHL's unlikely all-star

John Scott's run in the NHL has been mediocre at best, he is giant enforcer who can barley keep up with the slowest NHL players. Scott's style of play is quickly being eradicated from the NHL and the hockey world for good. Fighting is dying and players like Scott are quickly realizing that they have been thrown into the wrong era of professional hockey. Scott has made a career off of being the scary enforcer who is never afraid to fight. In his nine year NHL career he has five goals and 11 points in 285 career games. He also has 542 career penalty minutes in the regular season, and 22 in the playoffs with the Blackhawks. Scott has also been suspended by the NHL two separate times by the NHL for a total of 11 games. Most causal fans know Scott as the goon who threatened to "jump" Phil Kessel causing a huge line brawl in the Leafs and Sabers preseason game a few years ago. 

Why the Predators shouldn't have traded Seth Jones

On Wednesday the Columbus Blue Jackets traded superstar Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for former 4th overall pick Seth Jones. Johansen has been on newly hired head coach John Tortorella's chopping block since he was hired in late October. Torts has battled with with the young star since coming to the Blue Jackets. His early comments about the center included that he was "out of shape". Torts also scratched Johansen in early December to "reset the superstar".