NHL

Where casual NHL fans become diehards.

205 Articles
Oct 15, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Jose Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (33) celebrates with his teammates after the shootout win Nashville Predators during the overtime period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

San Jose Sharks’ Mediocre Opening to Season Leaves Plenty to Be Desired

The San Jose Sharks may have started their 2026-27 campaign at a steady 4-3-0, but the opening two weeks certainly haven’t lacked drama. ...

Oct 13, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) waves to the crowd against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
NHL

Alex Ovechkin Singlehandedly Reformed Hockey in DMV Area

41-year-old Alex Ovechkin announced on Instagram that his 22-year career will be coming to an end following the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season....

Oct 3, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) chats with right wing Quinton Byfield (55) before a faceoff against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

Who Must Step Up for the Los Angeles Kings in Post-Kopitar Era?

Last season, the Los Angeles Kings once again struck out in the first round in a swift four-game sweep at the hands the...

Nov 12, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) defends against a shot on goal attempt by New York Rangers right wing Reilly Smith (91) in the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

The New York Rangers Should Trade for Connor Hellebuyck

The New York Rangers entered the season with fairly low expectations. The team is three seasons removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy and...

Oct 2, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Tristan Luneau (67) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Boz Bloom-Imagn Images
NHL

Ducks’ Hot Start Is Proof of Good Management

Anaheim General Manager Patrick Verbeek has been working to form a team of young talent for the 2026-27 season. While balancing hefty new...

Oct 6, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Anton Frondell (16) moves the puck against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
NHL

Can the Blackhawks Turn It Around at Home?

Home ice offers familiarity, but for the Chicago Blackhawks, it also offers opportunity. The Blackhawks’ next six games will be played at the...

Oct 10, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues center Mason McTavish (83) controls the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
NHL

Mason McTavish Has Nailed His First Impression in St. Louis

The 2026-27 season hasn’t started perfectly for the St. Louis Blues, but early returns on their biggest offseason move make this team look...

Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
NHL

The NHL Needs to Reform the No Trade Clause

Dylan Larkin dominated headlines before the 2026-27 NHL season even started. Along with a few American Olympians, Larkin asked to be traded from the...

Oct 3, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) waits for the face-off during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
NHL

The Blackhawks Must Break Out of Their Defensive Zone

After their first road trip of the 2026-27 season, the Chicago Blackhawks return to the United Center with an 0-3 start. They lost...

Oct 1, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth fans celebrate a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

Utah Mammoth Home Opener Is Important to Utah Sport Culture

Oct. 1 marked a landmark in Utah sports history. The Utah Mammoth beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-0 in their third season opener. This...

Apr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier (61) carries the puck up-ice against the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
NHL

What Can Anaheim Ducks Fans Look Forward to This Season?

The biggest off-season news was the signing of two Anaheim Ducks powerhouse forwards: 22-year-old Cutter Gauthier and 21-year-old Leo Carlsson. After being traded...

Sep 22, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Michael Misa (77) shakes hands with teammates on the bench aftre scoring a goal against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (not pictured) during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
NHL

What Should San Jose Sharks Fans Look for in Season Opener?

The long wait is finally over. San Jose Sharks hockey is back—and with it comes their most anticipated season in a while. The...

Apr 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) advances the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
NHL

Can Frank Nazar Drive His Own Line Amid Bedard’s Absence?

The Chicago Blackhawks’ 2025-26 season was another disappointing one. They finished second-to-last in the league and last in the Central Division by 10...

Mar 30, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates during warms ups before the game against the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

NHL Pacific Division Preview: How Far Can the Sharks Rise?

In part one of The Lead’s Pacific Division preview, one team rose even more after last year. In a weak division, there was...