The Hockey News Jan. 27, 2020 - Rookie

Who’s the best defenseman in the NHL today? John Carlson. Obviously hilariously good in the O-zone, but it’s his vision and ability to threaten with his shot AND passing that make him scary. He’s also very good defensively and is physical, has a great stick and makes elite breakout plays. He’s all around excellent. – @CKNX_Drury Cale Makar. He plays a Drew Doughty-like two-way style while putting up Erik Karlsson-like numbers. He has one of the best hockey senses that has come from college hockey in the last decade. His strides are incredible, and his vision is equally as impressive. He is a 21-year-old rookie who has a legit case for both the Calder Trophy and the Norris Trophy, which has never been done before. – Bryce Aldrich Victor Hedman. He is the…

FORWARDS ARE THE FIRST-BORN children of the hockey world. They’re fawned over and celebrated, getting attention because they’re front, center and in charge. One of the best of them was even called Bossy. Goalies are the babies of the family, the quirky cute ones known for their free spirits, creativity and theatrics. They, too, are highly adored. And, as you’ve undoubtedly deduced by now, defensemen are the middle child, literally and figuratively lumped between their more flashy siblings. They’re problem solvers, reliable and patient, conditioned to get less adulation than their brothers and sisters. Exhibit A is the Calder Trophy. Over the past 30 seasons, defensemen have won it just five times compared to 20 for forwards. Even first-year goalies, who as starters are a rarer breed than frosh blueliners, have…

Dear readers, The past two years are proof positive that time flies when you’re having fun. It’s hard to believe 24 months have passed since I broke in as the rookie owner and publisher of The Hockey News. I’ve enjoyed the ride immensely, and it’s become increasingly exciting. A highlight each year for me has been the Money & Power edition, which contains our annual 100 People of Power & Influence list. If you’re a Gold Member, you’ve received the edition as part of your package. If you aren’t a Gold Member – and it’s probably time you considered becoming one to take advantage of the great value – the Money & Power issue is available for purchase at TheHockeyNews.com/store, select Indigo and Shoppers Drug Mart outlets in Canada and Barnes &…

IT TOOK 66 YEARS for an NHL team to come back from a four-goal deficit twice in a season. The 2019-20 Florida Panthers did it in nine days. Down 4-0 after two periods in Boston Nov. 12, the Panthers waited for Joel Quenneville to come into the dressing room to speak with them. The coach had already run them through a bag skate in the first week of the season for underperforming. How would he react now? There would be no dramatic outbursts or a ‘Miracle’ speech from the three-time Stanley Cup champion. Quenneville let his squad figure it out on their own. Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle suggested to his teammates: just win the period. Florida instead accomplished the biggest come-from-behind victory in franchise history. Yandle tied the game with 1:39 remaining and Mike…

THATCHER DEMKO | VANCOUVER CANUCKS MANY OF DEMKO’S MASK designs have paid tribute to actor Will Ferrell. Demko has featured Anchorman’s Ron Burgundy and Step Brothers’ Brennan Huff and Dale Doback in the past. For the new design by Dave Gunnarsson: Jackie Moon from the Ferrell basketball movie Semi-Pro. And that’s just on the backplate of this ambitious mask. On the sides: Poseidon, god of the sea, riding an orca, and a skull version of ‘Johnny Canuck’ designed by Demko’s father.…

COLGATE RAIDERS | 2019-20 IT’S REFRESHING WHEN A team comes out with a new jersey that looks timeless. That’s what the women’s team at NCAA Colgate has accomplished with this sweet sweater, which looks like a throwback but is actually a new creation this season. While the university’s primary logo is a block ‘C’ that is still worn by the men’s side, the women have this excellent ‘C’ that looks like it could’ve been worn by a pre-Original Six NHL team. Given how much maroon and dark red can be found in the U.S. college ranks, this jersey stands out in a positive way. Here’s hoping they keep the look for a long time.…