The Fifth Liners

After their 4-3 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks on home turf at the Canadian Tire Centre last night, the Ottawa Senators have dropped a bombshell. Today was announced that head coach, Paul MacLean has been dismissed after three seasons! So far there has been an massively negative reaction to this decision. Particularly by Senators fans who dearly loved the coach with the most impressive facial hair in the league! Winner of the Jack Adams Award in 2013 (albeit a lockout shortened season), MacLean has been highly praised for his development of Senators and has guided them to the playoffs twice in only three years, making the second round in 2013. Last season was one to forget in Ottawa as they finished 5th in Atlantic Division with a record of 37-31-14. This season there has been signs of life such as the form of new captain Erik Karlsson and the surprising goal scoring of Clarke MacArthur . Overall the Senators lie 6th in the Atlantic and 10th in the Eastern Conference where...

It was a big night for Alexander Ovechkin on Saturday at the NHL awards as he beat Sidney Crosby and John Tavares to claim a third Hart Memorial Trophy in 10 years! He also took home the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard scoring trophy after scoring an amazing 24 goals in his final 23 games! Sergei Bobrovsky edged out Henrik Lundqvist and Antti Niemi for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goalie- the Russian has proven to be a wall for the Columbus Blue Jackets this year but it would seem his future there is currently in doubt! Montreal Canadiens , rookie defenseman P.K Subban won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the best defenseman in the league, his form this year has proven impressive and it would seem the Habs have an interesting prospect on the horizon. The Florida Panthers’ dire season was given a ray of light as Jonathan Huberdeau claimed the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. Sidney Crosby was awarded the Ted Lindsay trophy by his fellow profess...

Montreal Canadiens Center Lars Eller was stretchered off the ice and taken to hospital during the Habs' game with the Ottawa Senators . Eller received an unexpected pass in center ice and turned into Sens' defenseman Eric Gryba who maintains the hit was clean. Eller has concussion, facial and dental fractures caused by the hit and the landing on the ice. Replays show that Gryba's shoulder caught Eller in the chest and head. Coach Paul MacLean has stated that it was a poor pass that led to the collision. We wish Eller a quick recovery. Was it a bad hit or was Eller just unfortunate in the hit? Watch the video  here  and tell us what you think. Update. Gryba has been handed a 2 game ban.

Here's some of my predictions for 2012/2013 individual awards based on performances so far. Sadly there's no Red Wings players in there, still time to change that though boys! Go Wings.  Hart Memorial Trophy Sidney Crosby (PIT) - Current overall points leader, Crosby hasn't netted as many as others in the league but he's top of the table for assists. For me, this defines a team player and Crosby is the best so far.  Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Patrick Kane (CHI) - There's no dispute over Kane's skillset, his excellent points total speaks for itself. What sets Kane apart his overall conduct. He's a playmaker on the ice and although still young, his disciplinary record and points tally is an inspiration for his team.  Vezina Award Corey Crawford (CHI) - The Blackhawk's phenomenal winning streak is in part down to Crawford's effort between the sticks. Calder Memorial Trophy Jake Muzzin (LAK) - 27 games, 8 goals and...