10 Copyright (c) 2013 Yahoo!, Inc. All rights reserved. en-us 126 15 http://sports.yahoo.com http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/b/ysp_logo_rss.gif Latest opinons from Nicholas J. Cotsonika. http://sports.yahoo.com/top/expertsarchive?author=Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13p8d0foq/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--once-unbeatable--the-blackhawks-have-to-prove-their-playoff-pedigree-171653938.html The Chicago Blackhawks began the 2013 NHL season with a 24-game point streak, but things can change quickly in the playoffs and suddenly the 'Hawks are on their heels against a determined Detroit Red Wings team. Thu, 23 May 2013 10:16:53 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,bf1edb77-6331-3db5-8fab-37d9e24e7356-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=144k0ihdg/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--fun-and-games--senators-coach-paul-maclean-takes-light-approach-with-young-team-175504835.html Ottawa Senators coach Paul MacLean flipped the "bug-eyed fat walrus" insult back on Montreal in Round 1, and he's pushing all the right buttons against favored Pittsburgh in Round 2. Wed, 22 May 2013 10:55:03 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,aca2b2a2-b5cf-3feb-8780-db158cf472e5-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13qdjtvmf/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--babcock-keeps-pushing-red-wings-in-perhaps-his-best-coaching-job-ever-184636304.html Detroit's head coach is all about pushing everyone around him to achieve their best results. Mon, 20 May 2013 11:46:36 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,8c65adb2-f20f-3162-9845-01124aa3a1e2-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14lnag6mh/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--a-penguin-s-progress--pascal-dupuis--tireless-trek-from-playoff-spare-part-to-goal-scoring-gamer-185924898.html Pittsburgh Penguins' Pascal Dupuis has gone from a forgotten role player to Sidney Crosby's indispensable wingman and one of the NHL's most productive 5-on-5 scorers. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:59:24 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,1901a487-06e2-39bd-a606-f4de2fda96b6-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=143ku8o16/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--nhl-repeat-offender-raffi-torres-risks-last-chance-with-series-long-suspension-030132901.html San Jose Sharks winger Raffi Torres was banished for the rest of the Western Conference semifinal after delivering a hit to the head of Los Angeles Kings' Jarret Stoll. Torres, coming off of a 25-game suspension last season, needs to listen to this wakeup call. Thu, 16 May 2013 20:01:32 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,2c917954-cc3a-34d2-af73-95639dd3cba1-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13u98lfda/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--round-2-nhl-playoff-power-rankings--blackhawks--kings-emerge-as-favorites-202825873.html Tue, 14 May 2013 13:28:25 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,2fe6cb96-e75f-32e3-bc21-951b20a3b0c0-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14rfubser/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--back-from-the-brink--bruins-finish-off-furious-game-7-rally-with-ot-win--crushing-leafs--playoff-hopes-051153372.html The Boston Bruins came back from a 4-1 third-period deficit to win Game 7 in overtime against the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the B's had lost, they might have undergone major changes in the off-season. Mon, 13 May 2013 22:11:52 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,2ca9980a-7c3e-3308-a363-462ab35a6251-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=143mcikd0/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--from-shutout-to-game-7--no-margin-of-error-for-rangers-goalie-henrik-lundqvist-025339463.html New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist makes the most of the little offensive support that he receives. The latest example: a 1-0 shutout win over the Washington Capitals to force a Game 7. Sun, 12 May 2013 19:53:39 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,0eeb47db-1067-3b2b-b019-6aaadde41c77-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=1429huiu3/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--pavel-datsyuk---henrik-zetterberg--red-wings--best-players-leading-by-example-154013580.html The Detroit Red Wings have leaned on captain Henrik Zetterberg and the dazzling Pavel Datsyuk to extend their playoff streak and force the Anaheim Ducks to a Game 7. Sat, 11 May 2013 08:40:12 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,4978d20d-6cb2-3e64-95ba-88cffabc4c9c-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14b6k5pf2/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--overlooked-and-underappreciated--meet-david-krejci--the-best-kept-secret-on-the-bruins-185936366.html Not that anyone remembers, but David Krejci led the NHL playoffs in scoring when the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011. And he's off to a running start in the 2013 playoffs, centering Boston's productive and intimidating top line. Fri, 10 May 2013 11:59:36 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,dfb26986-c229-3992-b106-3abae3f0a36a-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13q7rvr8i/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--playoff-warhorse-jaromir-jagr-embraces-stanley-cup-chance-with-bruins-165800169.html Jaromir Jagr has seen and done it all, and keeps coming back for more. The Boston Bruins hope the veteran superstar can lead them back to the Stanley Cup final. Wed, 08 May 2013 09:57:59 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,80a129c7-dc08-33f3-bd9b-33473e4c9be0-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13pbbei1d/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--bruins-ruin-party-at-maple-leafs--first-home-playoff-game-since-2004-041029453.html The Boston Bruins broke it open in the second period of Game 3, spoiling the party for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their legions of fans who had waited so long to see NHL playoff hockey. Mon, 06 May 2013 21:10:29 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,46bcfb58-fa0b-3a89-8a85-af74b0f573fa-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13uprn5p2/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--use-your-head--when-it-comes-to-high-hits--the-risk-reward-isn-t-worth-it-152802324.html Mon, 06 May 2013 08:28:02 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,9c65fc31-30b5-3fdc-8fcc-209be50c4455-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14dovdlb5/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--eric-gryba-s-controversial-suspension-by-the-nhl-based-on-a-hit-determined-to-be-illegal-010719953.html NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan had to make a call on a body check that was neither clean nor dirty. Fri, 03 May 2013 18:07:19 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,1c054909-a832-3d46-a3db-61e00e31ae55-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14adb8hdu/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--capitals-impressive--entertaining-in-high-speed-skill-show-in-game-1-win-over-rangers-044707878.html The Washington Capitals have returned to their roots as a speedy, skilled and exciting team, but they're also sticking to coach Adam Oates' system. And in Game 1 against the New York Rangers, it worked. Thu, 02 May 2013 21:47:06 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,02d2a2b7-4de1-3c18-9028-abbf147bdf21-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13uhpe84a/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--alex-ovechkin-s-regular-season-rebound-prompts-same-old-playoff-questions-192057743.html Alex Ovechkin returned to superstar status with a torrid second half in the regular season, but now he's faced with familiar playoff questions as the Washington Capitals pursue their first-ever Stanley Cup. Thu, 02 May 2013 12:20:56 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,7e31ae78-97a2-3027-b1d4-042bfbb61af6-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13t7du94q/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--wild-goalie-josh-harding-refuses-to-use-ms--last-minute-start-as-excuses-055213504.html Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding turned in a stellar performance after being pressed into duty when Niklas Backstrom was injured during warm-ups, but he couldn't stop the Chicago Blackhawks from winning Game 1 in overtime. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:52:12 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,ed35ffc2-aab3-3d73-a688-bf112c8a28dc-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=145etdb25/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--kings-skate-into-nhl-playoffs-with-lofty-goal-of-repeating-as-stanley-cup-champs-175508008.html The Los Angeles Kings seek to become the first NHL team to defend its Stanley Cup championship since the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and '98. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:55:07 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,101bd50d-df57-34d1-9978-048ac0064f68-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14a2utlic/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--nhl-playoff-power-rankings--respect-the-favorites--but-stanley-cup-chase-is-wide-open-210818443.html The Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks skate into the 2013 NHL playoffs as favorites. But things can change in a blink in the postseason, and all 16 teams truly have a chance to win the Stanley Cup. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:08:17 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,99e183fc-f519-3bff-9103-0594e78c8346-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14r773eb9/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--2013-stanley-cup-playoffs-will--bring-back-the-chills-and-thrills-despite-the-shortened-regular-season-194707646.html The quest for the Cup promises to be as exciting as ever for the National Hockey League teams and fans. Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:47:06 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,f2be4591-6182-37ab-a92a-74da6aeb3fbb-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14qjvlft6/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--three-periods--trophy-worthy-turnaround-by-oates---ovechkin--bruins--bad-timing--doan-s-dogged-belief-220115900.html Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:01:15 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,a7cd8799-7552-3838-afc9-c6f0d2105413-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=145k2avb5/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--red-wings--21-season-nhl-playoff-streak--an--impossible--run-that-isn-t-over-yet-211703771.html Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:17:03 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,f72a8758-95c6-3595-bd1f-d5a81776751a-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=1484fhvah/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--keith-yandle-to-give--martin-richard--jersey-to-family-of-8-year-old-bombing-victim-215816073.html The family of Martin Richard, the 8-year-old who was killed in the Boston Marathon bombings, reached out to Boston native Keith Yandle and requested the jersey that the Phoenix Coyotes defenseman wore in Richard's honor. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:58:14 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,e7b918a3-aceb-39b1-a551-fffbab777f73-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14tg6a0oh/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--three-periods--crosby-mvp-quandary--rangers-running-out-of-time--mason-s-surprising-success--shark-watch-204849156.html Sidney Crosby reclaimed the title of the NHL's best player this season, but will he take MVP honors? Also, the New York Rangers are hard-pressed for playoffs; Steve Mason's early affinity for Philadelphia; You Can Play makes NHL progress; and, San Jose Sharks speed up. Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:48:48 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,3ff43dad-b3b4-346f-814e-2d17de7deb13-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=145nk2s72/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--outdoor-overload--when-it-comes-to-the-winter-classic-experience--more-is-better-160452175.html The NHL plans to host six outdoor games next season, starting with the Winter Classic on Jan. 1, 2014. Is the league's plan too much of a good thing? Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:04:51 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,843ac3c0-b370-357e-8abe-d18b6d864d05-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14hmua2ll/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--transformation-or-aberration--raffi-torres-keeps-it-clean-one-year-after-hit-on-marian-hossa-202908886.html Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:29:07 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,4a4bcbd9-2073-3405-a487-a039bd8b19ed-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13fa3jqgp/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--same-old-oilers--edmonton-hands-gm-job-to-craig-mactavish--224722425.html After firing Steve Tambellini, did the Edmonton Oilers do the best thing for the franchise by giving the GM job to ex-player and ex-coach Craig MacTavish? Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:47:22 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,e2149f31-a3d3-3150-bdc1-44aa4d5345dd-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=1481lnb8d/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--three-periods--red-wings-on-playoff-bubble--you-can-play--nagging-coyotes-questions-204551461.html After 21 consecutive postseason berths, the Detroit Red Wings are on the playoff bubble. Also, NHL and NHLPA take important step and partner up with You Can Play; nagging questions on the Phoenix Coyotes sale; multiple outdoor games; more. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:45:50 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,051f6564-a3a6-3e62-91ff-9574fdea0f38-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14c0e7i48/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--brian-elliott-s-trip-to-the-minors-helped-him-and-the-st--louis-blues-get-back-on-track-184310944.html The St. Louis goaltender has been terrific since a stint in the American Hockey League. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:43:10 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,9056be7c-239d-380b-a5a1-8b4da3e4fe37-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13eb74j9k/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--nhl-emerges-from-lockout-gloom-in-record-breaking-fashion-211428976.html What lockout? The NHL is chugging along better than ever, from attendance to TV ratings to sponsors. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:14:28 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,38ee76e2-ed93-312f-8e4c-7de8c3d2d8a3-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14oh3nrhp/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--discovering-columbus--with-john-davidson-and-marian-gaborik--blue-jackets-headed-in-right-direction-194646133.html The Columbus Blue Jackets have been basement-dwellers for most of their NHL existence, but the arrival of John Davidson in the front office and Marian Gaborik on the ice bodes well for a franchise that desperately needs to turn the corner. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:46:45 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,a44a4064-0463-398f-9455-ea941582b114-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14b29ci7m/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--three-periods--rating-the-stanley-cup-contenders--from-the-favorites-to-the-forgotten--201841960.html With the NHL trade deadline behind us, the categorization of Stanley Cup contenders can truly begin. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:18:41 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,315c1afe-6a68-32ef-861b-69365ca44564-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=12uqa0k28/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--2013-nhl-trade-deadline--winners---losers-001536484.html Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:15:35 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,2646be0a-af69-3f3b-9d94-cc0f527e1d65-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=1367c20a6/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--2013-nhl-trade-deadline--trade-tracker---analysis-151814108.html A look at all the wheeling and dealing up to the NHL trade deadline on Wednesday, April 3, at 3pm ET. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:13:39 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,9db17f07-e79a-3ffb-95cd-e633ed4a485c-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=12n9k4d49/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--jagr-s-a-gun-for-hire-at-deadline--161751406.html Jaromir Jagr looks like a good fit for the Boston Bruins. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:17:50 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,28954e88-71f1-3d3a-a850-e2c29622f061-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=15946dgt8/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--three-periods--flames-fumbled-jarome-iginla-for-years--sharks-test-trade-waters---canes-comfy-with-alex-semin-gamble-215222179.html The Calgary Flames should have recognized the need to move Jarome Iginla years ago; San Jose Sharks considering their buy/sell options ahead of NHL trade deadline; Carolina Hurricanes comfortable with long-term Alex Semin signing. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:52:21 PDT Nicholas J. Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,fb815edb-2e60-35df-9719-06489705ad87-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=14sf0p4m0/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--jarome-iginla-trade-to-the-penguins-an-improbable-move-that-isn’t-supposed-to-happen-in-today’s-nhl-132458359.html The Pittsburgh Penguins pulled off a trade for Jarome Iginla that only happens to superstar teams in the MLB and NBA. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 06:24:57 PDT Nicholas J Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,e4d31848-bbf9-387c-9cad-625172ce2ae1-l:1 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/Nicholas+J.+Cotsonika/SIG=13r69ujub/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--nhl-trade-deadline-preview--the-biggest-names-who-could-be-on-the-move-151105064.html Jarome Iginla, Dan Boyle, Roberto Luongo and Jaromir Jagr could be dealt in the week leading up to the NHL trade deadline on April 3. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:11:04 PDT Nicholas J Cotsonika NHL urn:newsml:sports.yahoo,lego:19780928:top,article,c5cedbec-4cd8-3274-89c7-76202b7b4ee3-l:1 Thu, 23 May 2013 10:16:53 PDT