Michael Traikos

LATEST STORIES BY MICHAEL TRAIKOS

TRAIKOS: Maple Leafs versus Habs is going to be 'a war out there'

There will be bleu, blanc and lots of blood.

May 19, 2021 Sports

Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson slams into Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Justin Holl during a game on May 6.

TRAIKOS: Penguins need Malkin as much as they need Crosby right now

It is sometimes easy to overlook just how important Evgeni Malkin is to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

May 17, 2021 Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin missed Game 1 of the playoffs because of injury and will be a game-time decision for Game 2 against the Islanders.

TRAIKOS: Craig Anderson unlikely Game 1 hero for Washington Capitals

A 39-year-old third-string goalie, who has played in just four games in the past 14 months, might not have been in the Washington Capitals’ post-season plans when the Stanley Cup playoffs began.

May 16, 2021 NHL

Boston Bruins left wing Nick Ritchie (21) scores on Washington Capitals goaltender Craig Anderson (31) at Capital One Arena.

TRAIKOS: Boston's Taylor Hall looking to rewrite his reputation with long playoff run

This is not the first time that Taylor Hall has been in the playoffs. But based on his post-season resume, it sort of feels that way.

May 15, 2021 NHL

Boston Bruins left wing Taylor Hall (71) reacts after his goal against the New Jersey Devils this season.

NHL PLAYOFFS: Why Maple Leafs will beat Habs in five — and other not-so-wise predictions

Four months later, the Stanley Cup playoffs are finally upon us. And like the 56-game regular season that preceded it, they promise to be nothing like we’ve seen before.

with Video

May 14, 2021 NHL

Montreal Canadiens Corey Perry and Toronto Maple Leafs Jack Campbell get into it in front of the net during first period action in Toronto on May 6, 2021.

TRAIK-EOTOMY: The Habs are a much tougher opponent than some Maple Leafs' fans might think

If it felt like the NHL season was split into two different leagues this year — one in the U.S. and one in Canada — having Boston and Washington play Game 1 of the playoffs on the same day that Edmonton and Vancouver will be playing an otherwise meaningless regular-season game probably won’t change that.

May 12, 2021 Sports

The opening-round series between Toronto and Montreal is a matchup fans have been waiting for since 1979.

NHL Power Rankings: Race for the Presidents' Trophy down to Vegas and Colorado

Vegas Golden Knights (2) Will it be Fleury or Lehner for Game 1?

May 12, 2021 Sports

The Vegas Golden Knights could go with either Robin Lehner (90) or Marc-Andre Fleury (29) for Game 1 of their opening-round playoff series.

TRAIKOS: Now that we know Eichel is going to be traded, will the Sabres be able to get value for him?

The question surrounding Jack Eichel has changed in the past 48 hours.

May 11, 2021 Sports

Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel had just two goals and 18 points in 21 games before a neck injury ended his season.

TRAIKOS: 'Frustrated' Eichel finally reaches breaking point with Sabres

Jack Eichel’s season came to an abrupt end two months ago when he suffered a herniated disc in his neck that caused him to miss the final 35 games. It looks as though his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres ended around the same time.

May 10, 2021 Sports

Sabres captain Jack Eichel has not made the playoffs in his six seasons in Buffalo.

TRAIKOS: Marsblade revolution creating buzz among NHLers as a potential game-changer

When the inventor of a new type of hockey skate claims that it can make Connor McDavid even faster than he already is, the first instinct is to roll your eyes and add it to the pile of failed gimmicks collecting dust in the back of your local pro shop.

May 8, 2021 Sports

The Marsblade rollerblades were a popular training tool of NHLers last year after the pandemic shut down their season.