(The Verge) – March proved to be an eventful month in the National Hockey League, as the balance of power changed quite a bit from the previous month.
While the Chicago Blackhawks and their record-setting start to the season drew the spotlight to the windy city, many eyes are now fixed on the Pittsburgh Penguins, as an impressive win streak and a few trades have made them the team to beat. However, another injury to Penguins’ star and captain Sidney Crosby has perhaps overshadowed the positives in Pittsburgh. Crosby suffered a broken jaw after being hit by a deflected puck on March 30, and subsequently underwent surgery. USA Today reported on March 31 that he will be out indefinitely. Crosby has played only 99 of a possible 246 regular season games in the last three NHL seasons.
On the bright side, the Penguins added some talent and leadership as they acquired four players in the days leading up to the April 3 trade deadline, including Jarome Iginla and Brenden Morrow, now ex-captains of the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars, respectively. Now in first place in the Eastern Conference, and sixteen points in control of the Atlantic Division, it is clear the Penguins are serious about making a deep playoff run this year.
The New York Rangers also made noticeable changes at the deadline, acquiring gritty forward Ryan Clowe from the San Jose Sharks, as well as sending Slovakian sniper Marian Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for some depth. Rangers’ General Manager Glen Sather’s moves have been cause for optimism, as the Rangers beat the Penguins 6-1 in their first game after the trade deadline.
One of the biggest names moved on deadline day was future the aging legend Jaromir Jagr. Jagr will bring an abundance of goalscoring prowess and wisdom to Boston, as he will join the Bruins in their push for the Stanley Cup.
In the Western Conference, the Anaheim Ducks have established themselves as contenders, as well. They are one of the main obstacles faced by the Chicago Blackhawks in their effort for supremacy in the west. Led by star-caliber players such as Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and the ageless wonder that is Teemu Selanne, the Ducks are a threat to win the Western Conference.
With the regular season set to conclude on April 27, teams are now preparing for the most arduous part of any season: the Stanley Cup Playoffs. NHL fans can look forward to an exciting April month, as teams will battle for every game as they attempt to secure playoff berths. As they do in every season, the last handful of regular season games may feel like playoff games themselves.
