
Stanley Cups: 0
2011-'12 record: 29-46-2-5, 65 points (5th in Central Division, 15th in West)
2011-'12 playoffs: Did not qualify
Coach: Todd Richards (95-92-18, 4th NHL year, 2nd team)
Top returning scorer: LW Vinny Prospal (16 goals, 39 assists, 55 points)
Top returning goalie: Steve Mason (16-26-3, 3.39, .894)
Key additions: G Sergei Bobrovsky; D Adrian Aucoin; G Curtis McElhinney; LW Nick Foligno; C Artem Anisimov; C Brandon Dubinsky; D Tim Erixon.
Key subtractions: LW Rick Nash; D Marc Methot; D Stephen Delisle; G Curtis Sanford; D Aaron Johnson; C Darryl Boyce; D Brett Lebda.
Goaltending: Another dismal campaign has cost Mason his No. 1 job. The former Calder Trophy winner figures to watch most nights as Bobrovsky takes the reins. Going with two young goalies on a rebuilding team could make for some long nights, though.
Player to watch: D Ryan Murray. This could have been his breakthrough season into the NHL, but the player chosen second overall in the 2012 entry draft is on the shelf for the remainder of the season. Murray underwent shoulder surgery after being hurt while playing for Everett (WHL).
Icing: Best move made by Blue Jackets may have been adding John Davidson to oversee their hockey operations. He helped rebuild St. Louis from the bottom into Central Division champs last season . . . Blue Jackets figure to be among the NHL’s youngest teams with just four players over 30 and 10 under the age of 25 . . . Blue Jackets are only NHL team that’s never won a playoff game.
PHT: After the Rangers and Bruins face off in Game 3 of their series (7:30 p.m. ET; Live Extra, NBCSN), the Kings and Sharks play (10 ET; Live Extra, NBCSN) Game 4 of theirs.
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Video: NHL from NBC Sports |
Highlights: Red Wings top Blackhawks in Game 3 The Detroit Red Wings returned home tied at one in their Western Conference semifinals series with the Chicago Blackhawks. After a physical, but scoreless first period that was dominated by the Blackhawks, the Red Wings jumped out to a two goal lead by scoring twice in 31 seconds. Detroit ended up winning the game 3-1 and now have a 2-1 lead in the series. |
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NBCSports.com |
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NBCSports.com |
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Stanley Cup winners A look at the teams that have earned the right to hoist Lord Stanley's prize since 1965. NBCSports.com |
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