Sidney Crosby was on pace to put forth one of the most impressive campaigns of his career – which, knowing the level of quality we’ve seen from him over the better part of the past decade, says a lot. One errant shot to the face later and the superstar is on the sidelines nursing a broken jaw. Will Crosby’s absence take him out of the running for the Hart Trophy? It shouldn’t.

As Gordon Bombay famously said, “Ducks fly together.” Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry proved the fictional coach right by re-upping with Anaheim, ignoring the lure of unrestricted free agency. By locking up their premier duo for a combined $135 million, the Ducks avoided their own version of Sophie’s choice and ensured themselves a chance at the Stanley Cup this season and beyond. Is the long-term commitment, however, worth the cost?

When former Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson traded Rick Nash to the New York Rangers last summer, the move was expected to add an element they were sorely lacking. What wasn’t expected was that it would be Columbus netting a return of forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, defenseman Tim Erixon and a first-round pick in this year’s entry draft, who would ultimately get the better of the deal.

Last year it was the Ottawa Senators coming back from the dead and making a surprise trip to the playoffs. This year, it’s the Montreal Canadiens who are making a surprise comeback, sitting atop the Eastern Conference in a full worst-to-first transformation. Matt Horner explores the major reasons why.

I’ll admit I live a life of fantasy. I’ve been doing so for some time now. Although that fact is no secret to my family and friends, what started as a ‘hobby’ has become not only a time-consuming passion, but also a painstaking pursuit of glory and salvation bordering on religious fanaticism. This is fantasy hockey. This is what we live for.