Sean Leahy

Playoffs with full buildings is ‘return to normalcy’ for NHL

The Lightning celebrated their second of back-to-back championships at home last summer in the middle of a packed house, but that was far from the norm everywhere.

Locked in since January, path to Cup through East isn’t easy

Florida and Carolina emerged as division winners, the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Panthers are favored to come out of the East and win the Stanley Cup, but no team’s path to the final is an easy one.

2022 NHL Playoffs: First Round, Stanley Cup predictions

The ProHockeyTalk team make their picks for the First Round and Stanley Cup Final.

Islanders disappointed to miss playoffs after two long runs

After two straight trips to the Stanley Cup semifinals, there were high expectations this season for the Islanders.

Coyotes find glimmers of hope after rebuilding season

They also closed the season with three straight wins, including 5-4 over Nashville after falling into a 4-0 hole their final game at Gila River Arena.

Offseason moves to show what Blackhawks think of rebuild

The franchise’s biggest stars all want to know how long the team’s already painful rebuild is going to take.

The Comeback Cats: Florida overcame adversity this season

The best regular season in Florida history — and the best regular season by any team in the NHL this season — is now complete.

Auston Matthews’ career year gives Maple Leafs playoff hopes

He had 106 points in 73 games and has improved as a two-way player, making him a favorite to win his first Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP.

Gallant has Rangers headed to playoffs in first season

Gallant has come through with a steadying influence in his first season in New York

Sabres counting on late-season surge to carry into next year

A palpable sense of optimism might finally be taking root on a team that showed distinct signs of gelling following a year of upheaval and overhaul.

Ducks use emergency backup goalie Tom Hodges in loss to Stars

After life-insurance salesman Hodges learned he would be going into the game, he had to put down a hot dog and go to his car to get his gear.

NHLPA begins search for executive director Fehr’s successor

He will remain in his job until a successor is found by a seven-player committee.

Kings’ Dustin Brown looks back on career, ahead to playoffs

He didn’t want a distracting farewell tour, so he waited until just before the final game of the Kings’ regular season to announce his impending retirement.

Crosby, Penguins searching for spark as playoffs loom

The weekend offers a chance at a hard reset regardless of where the Penguins wind up in the standings.

Young Oilers fan battling cancer gets own Upper Deck hockey card

Ben Stelter, who is battling glioblastoma, has become a source of inspiration for the Oilers.

Girls hockey programs show promise in nontraditional markets

The Stars, Lightning, Hurricanes, Predators and Capitals are trying to do their part to get participation numbers up — and similar efforts are taking place in Arizona and elsewhere around the NHL.