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On October 12, 2021, the NHL will “Release the Kraken”. Seattle hockey fans have waited a long time for this day and Vegas will be a great challenge. As the newest expansion side, many fans have no idea what to expect? We expected little from Vegas but in their first season, they made a cup final. What surprises will GM Ron Francis and Head Coach Dave Hakstol have up their sleeves? Well hockey fans, let’s find out… Here are some things to expect from our new friends Seattle Kraken! Embed from Getty Images A Balanced Roster During the expansion draft, the Kraken resisted the urgeRead More →

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Alright Washington Capitals fans, put away your pitchforks and call off Tom Wilson! I am not saying Alex Ovechkin will leave D.C. However, I feel there is a good argument here. This season marked Ovi’s 16th season with the Capitals. Washington will do everything in its power to lock their captain down for life. You get the sense that Ovechkin is probably keen for this to happen as well. Last season unfortunately saw yet another early playoff exit and this is where a certain doubt starts to creep in. Embed from Getty Images This question begs a big discussion and Joe Martini and I willRead More →

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The NHL equivalent to Black Friday is approaching. On July 1st teams will be scrambling to get their free agents. This year’s options are some of the deepest we have seen for some time. However, some of these players will face tough choices. Two team legends will need to decide to either stay and cement their legacy, or face a new challenge elsewhere. Here are the 4th Line’s top five choices: Alex Ovechkin It feels weird that Ovi will officially be a free agent this summer. His 13-year $124 million dollar Caps contract has run dry. Word around D.C is that Ovechkin is keen toRead More →

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When Taylor Hall signed for the Sabres last offseason it raised eyebrows. Sabres fans believed a new revolution was here. This surely was the team’s statement of intent to bring King Jack his first cup. However, to most fans outside of Buffalo, this deal seemed bizarre. Hall’s prior trade to Arizona was an expensive rental, but this deal seemed too good to be true. Sadly, it appears that Sabres fans will be once again left in despair as it appears a messy divorce is looming. Embed from Getty Images Since arriving, Hall has gotten 11 points, but the Sabres have been a mess. Dead lastRead More →

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After the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 win over Montreal, one fact became clear. Thatcher Demko is the clear first choice in net. His eight straight starts are an indicator that his form is paying off. Particularly as he has won seven of those starts. While Vancouver is in the process of patching this season together, Demko has been a ray of light. This franchise has never handled goalie situations well. Remember the horrific ending of the Cory Schneider/Roberto Luongo fiasco? Then its terrible sequel: Luongo/Eddie Lack! Well, it appears we have another contender in our midst. Embed from Getty Images Canucks fans howled when Jacob MarkstromRead More →

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As we mentioned in one of our previous articles, the Buffalo Sabres are looking at losing key stars. Jack Eichel and Taylor Hall are both showing obvious signs of displeasure. Based on how this season is progressing, it seems only a matter of time before they are on the trading block. In the past, we have had a number of NHL trades that have been difficult, surprising or even game-changing. The trades listed below didn’t all happen because things were running smoothly and often they have caught fans, players and front-office personnel off guard. Let’s look at some of the best NHL trade sagas. PerhapsRead More →

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On Thursday Jack Eichel was left out of the Buffalo lineup against New Jersey. Trade rumours are swirling once again. This ugly marriage has hit another speed bump. The Sabres and their marquee captain are in another untenable situation. Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this and unless things change drastically it won’t be the last. As much as he is beloved in Buffalo, Sabres fans have to ask themselves how much longer can this drag on? Should the Sabres trade Eichel and risk more obscurity or is he a talent worth keeping? Alex Watson, Mike Laybourne, Brodie Cotnam and Joe Martini areRead More →

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#FireBenning is trending once again, but when hasn’t it been for Vancouver fans? It’s been a bad week for hockey in B.C. and last night’s 5-1 loss in Toronto confirmed the underlying issues. Like so many off-seasons before it, fans called into question the moves made by GM Jim Benning. This team has serious potential, but it appears like this might be another learning year for the Canucks. After a great four-win streak, they are now winless in February. Currently, Vancouver’s record stands at 6-9-0, which in a competitive division might not seem terrible, however, there’s no denying that they lack sharpness and competency atRead More →

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The Pacific Division is always a difficult one to predict at the best of times. This season will be no exception, especially with a shortened season in hand. The winner of this division will be hard to predict as over the last few seasons teams have made key upgrades. Let’s take a look at the contenders in our midst. Anaheim Ducks On The Christmas List: Draft lottery favor The Ducks will be hoping to improve on an underwhelming 6th place in 2019-20. Their off-season acquisitions have been quieter than fans would’ve liked, but let’s not forget they are rebuilding. Kevin Shattenkirk was signed on a 3-yearRead More →

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One of the most glittering hockey dynasties came to an end this week. After 15 seasons, Henrik Lundqvist and the New York Rangers have parted ways. The King had the last year of his contract bought out and now he faces free agency for the first time. I’m sure this was not the end they envisioned, but it was a respectful and amicable one. Tributes from the Rangers brass and fans have flooded in and they know for sure just how much gratitude they owe him. Lundqvist will always remain a legend in the Big Apple. Voted Rangers MVP no fewer than nine times andRead More →