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. 

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.

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". 

Leo Komarov: the leafs diamond in the rough

It's been a tough couple of years for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, they have been rebuilding for what feels like forever. The Leafs haven't made the playoffs since 2011 when they fell apart in game seven against the Boston Bruins. But they have finally found a decent foundation for them to build on, and his name is Leo Komarov.  Komarov has found a home on the Leafs first line under new head coach Mike Babcock. Komarov a veteran of international play has brought new life to a young Leafs team looking for some offense.  Under the new coaching staff Komarov has become an all-star, the 29 year-old has bounced around the past few years. He has played in the KHL, AHL, and the NHL before finding his place on the Leafs top line. So far this season he has 16 goals and 31 points to lead the Leafs in scoring. 

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.