The Fifth Liners

Goalie: Ben Bishop He may have missed out on a Stanley Cup ring, but Bishop was the glue that held Tampa Bay Lightning together during their play-off run. Notching up 13 wins including 3 shutouts, a save percentage of .921 and a GAA of 2.18, Bishop was remarkable in net.  Defense: Duncan Keith The rightful Conn Smyth Trophy winner, Keith was remarkable on the blue line. Scoring the first goal in game 6 was a tribute to his dominance. Scoring 21 points which included a staggering 18 assists, Keith had the highest plus minus rating of +16. The Chicago Blackhawks have been well served by this man and his importance was truly demonstrated in this final. Defense: Victor Hedman   Behind Keith, Hedman was the second highest plus/minus rating of +11. His great defensive quality helped back up Bishop in net. During this series, Hedman broke the record for the most points scored by a Lightning player in a single playoff year with 13. Heavily favored to win the Jam...

Today has seen the nominations for the James Norris Memorial Trophy been announced and soon the league will vote for the leagues best defenseman. The players nominated are as follows: Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins) Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)   Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)  Upon first glance it would probably seem most likely that in the fast the Bruins run away success during the regular season and their current form during the play-ofs, that Mount Chara will rack up  another James Norris win after his previous success in 2009- but although he has been a rock at the centre of the Bruins defense. But it seems like a too safer bet and personally I would like to see Shea Weber rewarded for his continually excellent form, here is a list of reasons why: Reasons Why Weber Should Win  Has been one of the few positives for the Nashville Predators over the last few years Leads the league in goals for defenseman with 23 goals and was Preds top scorer with ...

After last nights 7-2 steamroller over the Colorado Avalanche , it would appear that the Chicago Blackhawks are the public's favourite to retain their Stanley Cup crown this year! If they do succeed in taking back to back titles, it will make them the first team to achieve this since the 1997-98 Detroit Red Wings and will already make them one of the big successes of this decade alone! After their up and down start to their title defense, the Red Express has got back on the rails and it ain't going to stop any time soon! But as always with winning, things are never straight forward because across from our brothers in Illinois are another team who are equally hungry and have a burning desire not to repeat last years play-off nightmare in the shape of the Pittsburgh Penguins ! Both sides have an equally strong case as they possess offensive units to die for- Chicago this season have been led by free scoring winger Patrick Kane, whose 21 goals have pushed them to the top of the...

A brilliant hat-trick from Patrick Kane sealed the Chicago Blackhawks place in the Stanley Cup final against the Boston Bruins with a pulsating 4-3 overtime win over the LA Kings at the United Center last night! After a season which has seem them win many admirers, the Hawks’ superb forward line will get to compete for the ultimate prize!  The Hawks took control in the first period with defenseman Duncan Keith ’s slap shot putting them in front and the lead was quickly doubled when Kane pushed them further ahead, all around the home fans were already getting into party mood!  But the second period would dampen the festive spirit as Dwight King ’s shorthanded goal for LA cut the lead to 2-1 and suddenly it looked like the Kings weren’t keen to have their crown stolen away just yet! After three minutes of the third period, Anze Kopitar scored his first of the series to tie the game and end his barren spell of six scoreless games!  Faith was restored in t...