Most of the sports media is focused on the NFL labor dispute or NCAA March Madness, but on this blog, we like to take a look at pop culture that has a little more international appeal. While there are many cosmopolitan leagues in the United States, perhaps no employs more foreign born players than the National Hockey League.
The NHL is nearing the end of the regular season, and the games are getting more important. At the top of the standing in the Western Conference are the Vancouver Canucks. In the East, the Philadelphia Flyers are in first place, and they face the second place Washington Capitals tonight. Capitals forward and Superstar Alex Ovechkin is out for about a week.
At the bottom of the playoff race in the East, there are about 5 teams battling for the last playoff spot, currently held by the Buffalo Sabres. In the West, the script is a bit different. There are about 5 teams battling for 3 playoff spots, including defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Leading the scoring race is Tampa Bay forward Steven Stamkos, who is from Canada, with 43 goals. Vancouver center Henrik Sedin (of Sweden) leads all players in assist, with 68.
Headlining NHL news this week is the suspension of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke, who was suspended for as many as 16 games for his elbow against New York Ranger Ryan McDonagh.
Most teams have under 10 games left, with the final regular season games on April 10th.
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