The New York Islanders to play a game in Brooklynhttp://www.examiner.com/sports-business-in-national/the-new-york-islanders-to-play-a-game-brooklyn

The trade that moved Rene Bourque from Calgary to Montreal was something of a double-edged sword. While it presented Bourque an opportunity for a fresh start with a new team, it also meant he’d have to face the Washington Capitals again.

Bourque’s been public enemy No. 1 in Washington since elbowing and concussing Caps leading scorer Nicklas…[Read more]

NHLPA rejects NHL realignment plan…sort ofhttp://www.examiner.com/sports-business-in-national/nhlpa-rejects-nhl-realignment-plan-sort-of

The National Hockey League announced today that it will not move forward with implementation of the Realignment Plan and modified Playoff Format recently approved by the NHL Board of Governors for the 2012-13 NHL season because the NHLPA has refused to provide its consent. This is the prelude to an epic CBA Battle

The NHL, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, announced Monday’s Winter Classic will start at 3 p.m. ET.

New York Rangers GM Glen Sather got his way earlier this season by bringing Sean Avery back up through waivers, but it only seemed like a matter of time before he’d be out of favor once again. That time appears to be now, as ESPN New York’s Katie Strang reports that the Rangers waived Avery – again.

Eric Lindros thinks the NHL is partly to blame for all the concussions we’ve been seeing lately….the former star whose career was cut short due to repeated concussions condemned the rule changes the NHL made following the 2004-05 lockout.

“The game’s gotten too fast,” Lindros said.

“The red line is out and the game’s quicker. It’s inevitable…[Read more]

Seeing an old rivalry rekindled is a beautiful thing. Such is the case in tonight’s game on Versus between Detroit and St. Louis (7:30 p.m. ET) thanks to the Blues getting their season turned around under Ken Hitchcock.

Of course, that’s the same Hitchcock that gave the Red Wings fits when he coached in Dallas and Columbus, and after going 0-2-0…[Read more]

This morning’s rumors have been made official — the Los Angeles Kings have fired head coach Terry Murray.

The Kings made the announcement just a short time ago while also confirming that John Stevens would assume interim head coaching duties.

The news probably didn’t come as much of a surprise to Murray, who has twice been fired mid-season (by…[Read more]

Congrats to Chris Chelios, Gary Suter, Keith Tkachuk, Mike ”Doc” Emrick and Ed Snider for tomorrow’s U.S. HHOF induction. Well earned.

For those wondering how Brendan Shanahan would handle repeat offenders under his watch, wonder no more: Edmonton Oilers’ defenseman Andy Sutton was suspended yesterday for eight games for his charging Alexei Ponikarovsky on Wednesday night.

More injury problems for the #Penguins as Jordan Staal is out tonight.

Peter Laviolette is going to make sure everyone remembers how to stall once again.

We’re sure you remember how the Flyers handled Tampa Bay’s 1-3-1 trap the last time they played. Guy Boucher’s “stalling” technique created a firestorm of debate on how to handle their defensive system. As the teams are set to square off again tonight, Flyers coach…[Read more]

NHL to undergo radical realignmenthttp://www.examiner.com/sports-business-in-national/nhl-to-undergo-radical-realignment

Brendan Shanahan warned there would be “heightened sensitivity to the well-being of our goaltenders,” and Tootoo’s suspension is proof

Curious tidbit in Bruce Garrioch’s weekly NHL rumors piece for the Ottawa Sun. According to Garrioch, “The talk among league executives is the Canucks have dangled [Roberto] Luongo in trade circles, but haven’t been able to find anybody interested in his $5.3-million cap hit and contract that runs through the 2021-22 season. [Cory] Schneider will…[Read more]

The Leafs have been playing well even with Jonas Gustavsson in goal. With James Reimer back, could the best be yet to come?