NHL Eastern Conference News

Given the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers recent struggles, it's easy to see why people might think the state of Florida can't support hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tomas Vokoun has a .943 save percentage so far in the Eastern Conference Semi-Final series against the Ottawa Senators.

Pittsburgh Penguins' James Neal jumps over the boards for a shift in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Pittsburgh, Saturday, April 27, 2013.

The President's Trophy winners are in a bit of trouble now as one team with an ex-Boston College Eagle made a statement on their home ice.

The Tampa Bay Lightning may not have made the playoffs this season, but their top prospects continue to impress and are headed to the Eastern Conference Finals of the AHL playoffs.

Daniel Paille's goal with 3:31 left in the game led the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers in Game 3 of this Eastern Conference semifinal series.

New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur reacts during the team's first official practice since the NHL hockey lockout ended, Sunday, Jan.

Ryan Pulock will be drafted in this building in June. Will he call it home in the future as well? - Jim O'Connor-US PRESSWIRE Ryan Pulock is a defenseman with a monster shot and good awareness/playmaking skills on the ice.

After playing the best hockey in franchise history down the stretch, the Columbus Blue Jackets have enjoyed an upsurge at the box office in recent weeks.

The loss of Syracuse Crunch blueliner Brian Lee for the rest of the postseason could free up minutes for depth players like Jared Nightingale and Evan Oberg.

According to coach John Tortorella, the Rangers played much better in the Game 2 blowout than in their overtime defeat in the series opener.

Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller said realignment "makes you sit back and evaluate your team and organization, asking, are we the type of team that's skilled enough to go into certain arenas and get points or do you want to change your style to match up with your opponents?" Caps general manager George McPhee last week made it clear he doesn't want to ... (more)

According to Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald in a report on Saturday, Calgary native Josh Morrissey , a defenceman for the Prince Albert Raiders, is projected to be drafted in the first round, 27th overall, in the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft in New Jersey on June 30.

Adam Oates won just two of the first 11 NHL games he coached. It was the kind of start that could've been a breeding ground for doubt and second-guessing. "I wasn't second-guessing myself being a coach," Oates said.

Some of the Tampa Bay Lightning 's best young prospects had little trouble helping the Syracuse Crunch make quick work of both their first and second round opponents, and as a result, they are headed to the AHL's Eastern Conference finals.

Jaromir Jagr's impressive ice resume included 78 career playoffs goals when the Bruins began their Stanley Cup quest May 1. Eight games and 18 days later, he remains one strike behind Jean Beliveau for 10th place all-time. Combine that with the fact Jagr scored twice in 11 regular-season games with the Bruins after being acquired at the trade ... (more)

Colin Greening scored 7:39 into double overtime, and the Ottawa Senators rallied for a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins that cut their series deficit to 2-1 on Sunday night.

According to Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald in a report on Friday, Calgary native Hunter Shinkaruk is projected to be drafted sixth overall in the 2013 National Hockey League entry draft scheduled for June 30 in New Jersey.

Jason Spezza doesn't have much time to return to form if the Ottawa Senators want to extend their season.

The Boston Bruins have three rookie defensemen in the lineup for the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Rangers.