Where Goon meets Glitz, from the Ice to the Armchair, balanced and objective hockey analysis and reporting.
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Minnesota Wild: Building a Blue Chip Blue Line
The Minnesota Wild had the season that I expected for them in 2023-24. The expectation was that they would be a competitive unit, and anytime you win 39 games in a season, I would say mission accomplished despite not qualifying for the playoffs. Bill Guerin will once again be facing an uphill battle with… Read more
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Florida Panthers: About as good as you can ask for
In a manner somewhat akin to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 (their adversaries who defeated them in the finals that year, which truly made it a matchup of kin souls), the strong Atlantic Division’s best squad the Florida Panthers won their first ever Stanley Cup in 2024, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in one of… Read more
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Detroit Red Wings: No, come on, what?!
The 2023–24 Detroit Red Wings season saw their playoff drought elongated yet again, as they were in the mix until the very end wherein they were eliminated from postseason contention on a tiebreaker via the Capitals’ victory over the Flyers that many likely still remember. It is arguable that they took proper steps forward last… Read more
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Los Angeles Kings: A Masterclass in Self Destruction
Based on my closing takes in last year’s article, the Los Angeles Kings failed to accomplish any of their goals in 2023-24 and promptly went back to the drawing board as their gambles failed to pay off. Following the big swings in acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois and Vladislav Gavrikov, Rob Blake fancied his roster a… Read more
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Columbus Blue Jackets: Complete overhaul and first steps
For the first time since February 2013, the Columbus Blue Jackets will have a full-time general manager other than Jarmo Kekäläinen in 2024–25, as he was relieved of duty two days after the 11th anniversary of his hiring date. Amongst yet another season as a lottery team, CBJ initially appointed president of hockey operations and… Read more
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Dallas Stars: Another Shot at Glory
The Dallas Stars had another exceptional season in 2023-24 that saw them winning the central division and being largely viewed as the deepest team in the Western Conference after producing more than a half dozen 20+ goal scorers. Despite the overwhelming depth at all 18 skater and both goaltending spots, the Star were once… Read more