INSIDE HOCKEY

Given the precipitous declines suffered by the US/Canadian economies in the past year, one could certainly understand if this summer's NHL free agent frenzy were a bit muted. But instead, NHL GMs have continued to hand out long-term deals like Halloween candy.

A combination of Pavel Bure and Cam Neely at their respective pinnacles, Alexander Ovechkin is incredibly exciting to watch. But his behavior off the ice - most notably his reckless driving - is cause for serious concern rather than celebration...

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane led a revitalized Blackhawks team back to the postseason... but standing in their way in Round One will be former 'Hawks coach Mike Keenan and his latest project, the Calgary Flames. Which team will prevail?

The Lighting's run to the Cup in 2004 was nothing short of scintillating, and the future seemed so bright. But things have gotten progressively uglier over the past four years, with the organization consistently making ill-advised decisions that hamper progress.

We've broken down our fantasy projections, position-by-position. At left wing, Washington Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin leads the way with a whopping 71 goals and 124 points. Here's how it all shakes out...

We've broken down our fantasy projections, position-by-position. At right wing, Calgary Flames power forward Jarome Iginla leads the way with 52 goals and 97 points. Here's how it all shakes out...

The New York Rangers have made some dramatic changes this off-season, and all indications are that the team is now much better prepared to take advantage of the unique skills of first line center Scott Gomez.

After all the wild speculation--including rumors that the Boston Bruins were prepared to offer him a 12-year deal worth $100 million--Marian Hossa has decided to join the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, signing a one-year deal worth $7.4 million.

Brian Campbell, the most sought-after defenseman on the free agent market this summer, cashed in big time on Tuesday, inking a lucrative eight-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks worth a reported $56.8 million.

The Edmonton Oilers have been extremely aggressive at the opening of the annual free agency signing period, pulling off three trades that should significantly improve the team. But of the deals, it's the least publicized that offers the greatest potential.

Some have suggested that the first-day trades stole the thunder from first overall pick Steven Stamkos and his new team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. But in truth, no draft day transaction was more important than the Lightning's acquisition of Stamkos.

Tonight in Ottawa, the NHL’s powers-that-be will convene for the first round of the annual Entry Draft, an incredibly challenging exercise during which they’ll attempt to project the long-term potential of a few hundred 17- and 18-year-old hockey prospects.

When one thinks of the Pittsburgh Penguins, talent is typically the first attribute that comes to mind. But what’s differentiated them in these playoffs, much more so than their playmaking ability, has been their surprising toughness.

Former Edmonton Oilers forward Rem Murray is demonstrating Cup-caliber character this spring with his efforts on behalf of those suffering from cervical dystonia (CD), a rare disease that forced him into temporary early retirement back in 2005.