By:
On:
In: General, NHL, Playoffs
With: 0 Comments

It has been a while! After taking some much needed time to focus on life, I am pleased to return to writing on hockey again. Since my last article, I have changed careers (again), witnessed the birth of my daughter, and have regained work-life harmony for the first time in seven years.  Changes in life, however, were not the only reason. Hockey, for as long as I can remember, was enjoyable to watch, play, and discuss with friends and family. My first ever NHL game was the Buffalo Sabres vs the Vancouver Canucks in 1998 and I was falling in love with the game evenRead More →

By:
On:
In: NHL
With: 0 Comments

With the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, and TV executives praying for anything of substance to fill air time, we take a look at the 32 teams and what they’re likely to do come deadline day.  Anaheim Ducks Embed from Getty Images Sell – They’ve accrued plenty of up and coming young talent, but are in need of several more pieces to return to their former perennial contender status. They got the ball rolling dealing Josh Manson to Colorado, and have more trade targets on the roster (Lindholm, Rakel), so expect new GM Pat Verbeek to put his stamp on his new squad quickly. DoesRead More →

By:
On:
In: NHL, Podcast Episodes
With: 0 Comments

Did you know that the NHL hosted an outdoor game this weekend? Us either! Following the Russian invasion, the IIHF has banned Russia and Belarus from all events moving forward. Was it the right move by the organization? Last week Nick started a debate about Jonathan Bernier. This week, the debate is finished: Was he ever the worst goalie on the team? (See below for all of the details!) The Ottawa Senators are the latest team welcomed into the Elimination Station. But the guys have hope for the future. Lastly, we pick the Pavel Bure Must Watch Games of the Week. Pick the score ofRead More →

By:
On:
In: NHL, Podcast Episodes
With: 0 Comments

The women’s Olympic hockey tournament is well under way, leading to many sleepless nights. We recap a spectacular game between Canada and the USA, COVID difficulties and an increasing in the physical side of the game. The NHL All Star weekend is behind us and we review the highs (Trevor Zegras) and the lows (deadtime on the broadcast). The Chicago Blackhawks’ chairman of the board refuses to discuss their controversial actions uncovered earlier this year. Which leads us to welcome them to the Elimination Station later. Pat Verbeek was named the GM of the Anaheim Ducks, with Scott Niedermayer joining the fray as well. WhatRead More →

By:
On:
In: NHL
With: 0 Comments

Brodie’s Thoughts With the NHL season nearing its midpoint, where better to celebrate than heading to Vegas for the annual All Star game. What’s become a sort of perfunctory affair has been improved with the introduction of 3 on 3, but, especially this season with its erratic, Covid ravaged schedule, it’s lacking a certain fanfare. Or at least that was the case until recent comments from Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon who floated the idea, not that players avoid the world famous buffets, but that there need not be a representative for every team, as it’s not a participation game (it is…) which, in a certainRead More →

By:
On:
In: Central Division, NHL
With: 0 Comments

It’s the holiday season and we here at the 4th Line are in a giving mood. We figured we’d share this generosity with the NHL teams and bring a little joy in these turbulent times. As we’re still negotiating a 4th Line merch deal, let’s see what else Santa Gritty has under the tree in the Central Division: Arizona Coyotes Accounts Payable Department: Businesses have had a very difficult time over the last few years. That goes without saying. This has led to teams trying to cut costs wherever they can. However, the Coyotes should not have fired the accounts payable department, as it wasRead More →

By:
On:
In: Metropolitan Division, NHL
With: 0 Comments

It’s the holiday season and we here at the 4th Line are in a giving mood. We figured we’d share this generosity with the NHL teams and bring a little joy in these turbulent times. As we’re still negotiating a 4th Line merch deal, let’s see what else Santa Gritty has under the tree in the Metro Division: Carolina Hurricanes Cap Relief: Like a lot of teams with COVID issues the Canes have been hit, losing many of their top players, and could use some help from the league. They’re a strong contender, provided Freddy Andersen doesn’t get haunted by the ghosts of playoffs past,Read More →

By:
On:
In: NHL, Pacific Division
With: 0 Comments

It’s the holiday season and we here at the 4th Line are in a giving mood. We figured we’d share this generosity with the NHL teams and bring a little joy in these turbulent times. As we’re still negotiating a 4th Line merch deal, let’s see what else Santa Gritty has under the tree in the Pacific Division: Anaheim Ducks Shooter Tutors: Anaheim’s mightiest Ducks don’t need all that much from Santa Claus, they’re heading into the break second in the division. With the practice facilities closed, the team might want to add some Shooter Tutors to their Christmas List. The Ducks have lost moreRead More →

By:
On:
In: Atlantic Division, NHL
With: 0 Comments

It’s the holiday season and we here at the 4th Line are in a giving mood. We figured we’d share this generosity with the NHL teams and bring a little joy in these turbulent times. As we’re still negotiating a 4th Line merch deal, let’s see what else Santa Gritty has under the tree in the Atlantic Division: Boston Bruins Youth: Seems like every season the Bruins skirt the line with needing to rebuild and contending. With Patrice Bergeron on the last year of his deal and the forward core aging, it may be time for Boston to look to the future and try andRead More →

By:
On:
In: NHL
With: 0 Comments

With the new NHL season a week away, exhibition games are in full swing, teams are setting their rosters and those outstanding RFA’s have signed with their organisations to get back before the puck drops. Well, most of them…News broke Monday night that Brady Tkachuk’s camp and the Senators are still at a stalemate, meaning the much maligned, problem plagued O-Train isn’t the only thing derailed in the nation’s capital these days. Embed from Getty Images The usual insiders are reporting that several issues are holding up the process: First that Tkachuk would prefer a bridge deal (akin to Elias Pettersson in Vancouver) presumably bankingRead More →