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If you’ve read 2016’s Stat Shot, or any of Vollman’s previous Hockey Abstract books, then you pretty much already know what to expect from Hockey Abstract, and the 2017 edition sticks to the tried and tested formula. That method is pretty straight forward; start with a question, then look for the answer using statistics. The foreword by Sportsnet’s Rob Kerr sets the scene well and establishes the dynamic between the reader and authors. Vollman’s own opening is warm and gives an endearing insight into the process behind producing the content that you’ll soon be diving into.  The book’s intent is made clear pretty early on,Read More →

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 The NHL 18 beta is now available for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. For EA Sports, this is the third year in a row they have given their fans an early look at their NHL franchise by releasing a beta version. In the NHL 18 beta, they have included a few of their online modes such as EA Sports Hockey League (EASHL) and Online Versus. Also, a new game mode “NHL THREES” is in the beta to give the fans a taste of the new mode. “NHL THREES” is an arcade style of hockey where players play three on three against the CPU, theirRead More →

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After last night’s NHL Expansion Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights selected one name that could prove vital to their success. Although they took big names like James Neal, David Perron, Alexei Emelin and of course, Marc-Andre Fleury, their second round selection of Marc Methot might be their smartest choice. With 10 years NHL experience on the blue line, he could be the franchise leader they are looking for. Throughout the Ottawa Senators’ remarkable run to the Eastern Conference final; Methot was quietly brilliant on defence. Standing tall at 6 foot 3, the 32-year old Ontario native was easily the best d-man after Erik Karlsson. While PittsburghRead More →

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July 1st is more than just Canada day to NHL sides. To most team GMs, this is their equivalent of Black Friday. With the upcoming Expansion Draft for the Vegas Golden Knights, teams will have to decide who they will protect. The quality of free agents is very high in 2017, so expect rosters to deepen. Though the average age might be around the 30-year mark, any one of these guys has the ability to be essential to a prospective suitor’s success. Or if you’re Vegas, they could help kick start your franchise.   Kevin Shattenkirk  Embed from Getty Images The 28-year-old becomes a freeRead More →

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First of all, does anyone watch All-Star weekend? Yes, fans cram into arena’s to celebrate the skill of the league’s finest. However, does anyone really love it anymore? Due to the All-Star break, hockey fans lose out on a total of four days action. Is all this worth it? This weekend is little more than a half-hearted friendly game nowadays. Even more criminally, 4th Line Podcast writer Gwen De Young misses hockey each year on her birthday due to this clash. Last year viewing numbers were high thanks to the John Scott saga. What exactly does the 2017 All-Star game in LA provide? Answer anotherRead More →

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The USA prospects shone brightly during their 3-2 win over Russia at Air Canada Centre. Dominant in the first two periods, after goals from Clayton Keller and Colin White the Americans, looked set for a big win. KHL player Kirill Urakov had previously tied the game after a slightly fortunate goal during the first. Anaheim Ducks prospect Troy Terry put the USA firmly in control midway through the second period. However, top scorer Kirill Kaprizov tipped in Yegor Rykov’s shot with 2:43 left to make it 3-2. After struggling early finally in the third period, Russia, at last, came to life. Due to the goodRead More →

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Being number two is always a hard job, but someone’s gotta do it. These backup goalies might not get the same acclaim as Carey Price or Henrik Lundqvist, but they are still essential. Some members on this list have a case to be starting for their respective teams. Here are the NHL’s top 5 backup goalies. 1. Matt Murray: Pittsburgh Penguins Windsor, Ontario native Matt Murray was instrumental in helping Pittsburgh win last years’ Stanley Cup.  After an injury to Marc-Andre Fleury, Murray stepped in and finished with an impressive 21-15-6 record and a 2.08 GAA. Some might argue Murray should have been awarded theRead More →

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What does it mean to be an enforcer in the NHL? The documentary “Ice Guardians” produced by Adam Scorgie and directed by Brett Harvey answers just that. You may remember Ice Guardians from a recent episode of the podcast. We also had the opportunity to view Ice Guardians at the Calgary International Film Festival on September 24th. Ice Guardians successfully provides a unique and informative exploration of what the life of an NHL enforcer is like. This continues to become more relevant as the amount of enforcers in the league steadily declines. Through conversations with dozens of current and former NHL players, the team behind Ice Guardians are ableRead More →

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Hockey analytics may still be a divisive subject but it’s not going away, in recent years NHL teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have hired staff specifically to work on statistical analysis. NHL.com now carries enhanced stats for those interested in the insight this extra level of data can offer. In episode 97 the guys spoke with Rob Vollman about his new book  Stat Shot, written with Tom Awad and Iain Fyffe. If you haven’t yet listened to the episode, go back and do it now. I’ll wait. The guys also gave away a signed copy of the book. For thoseRead More →