The Washington Capitals could be without star center Nicklas Backstrom for Game 4 of their first-round series against the Boston Bruins after Backstrom cross-checked Bruins forward Rich Peverley in the face following the final buzzer of Boston’s Game 3 victory Monday night. Backstrom received a match penalty for the move and the NHL rule book states that any player receiving a match penalty [...]

Quick hits from around the NHL: Craig Custance discusses Brendan Shanahan approach to discipline in the playoffs. ”The standard of what is illegal or legal doesn’t change,” Shanahan said. “For the most part, you’re looking at things in seven-game clumps. It’s a seven-game season each series.” Katie Carrera of the Washington Post reports Dale Hunter hints Nicklas Backstrom who [...]

Today is the NHL Trade Deadline at 3PM EST. As I mentioned before I am on vacation but will do my best to keep things updated. Be sure to follow NHLTR on Twitter to get all the latest new/rumors. It appears the San Jose Sharks want to pry James van Riemsdyk away from the Philadelphia Flyers. So much so, General [...]

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch says the Blue Jackets seem intent on making “radical changes”. And beyond potentially moving Jeff Carter, the list of available players could include the likes of R.J. Umberger, Derick Brassard, Antoine Vermette, and if the price is right, captain Rick Nash. George Johnson of the Calgary Herald says that, despite rumors of Jeff Carter possibly being dealt to Calgary, he doesn’t believe that Carter [...]

ESPN’s Craig Custance says Alexander Semin would be the most likely big name to go. At least among the forwards. Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are basically untouchable and Semin is only signed through this year. What’s more, his point total dropped from 84 to 54 last season and he’s on pace for just 33 this season.