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Alex Wiederspiel

Contributor

Alex Wiederspiel is a digital reporter, play-by-play broadcaster, radio show host and podcast host in West Virginia covering high school athletics, Division II college athletics, and some West Virginia University athletics. He's an avid follower of all things hockey and football with a soft spot for prospects -- the future stars of the league. When not consuming sports, Alex is usually doing something related to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or watching movies for his movie podcast, The Movie Spiel

Stars-Avalanche has been a roller coaster ride that deserves seven games

The Dallas Stars are on the cusp of eliminating a Colorado Avalanche team that went all-in at the trade deadline, despite missing two of its best players in defensemen Miro Heiskanen and winger Jason Robertson.

All six teams have something to prove in Friday's Stanley Cup playoff action

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs turn seven days old on Friday, and with each passing game, the stakes only get higher. 

Disaster season: What can Rangers, Predators learn from previous Hindenburgs?

Can either New York or Nashville use these teams as a blueprint? 

Stanley Cup playoffs pressure index: Stars HC Pete DeBoer doldrums

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are famous for high-pressure situations, and after six games, there are already a few situations where it is mounting on head coaches.

Stanley Cup playoffs power rankings: Who lurks behind Avalanche?

In this edition of the power rankings, teams are listed in order of their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. Teams are also separated into five tiers.

Stanley Cup playoffs storylines: Are Hurricanes, Avalanche best bets in wide-open race?

All eight first-round matchups are set for the Stanley Cup playoffs. With the playoffs set to begin Saturday, here are the biggest storylines to watch during the journey to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup. 

Five under-the-radar Stanley Cup playoffs MVP candidates

The Stanley Cup playoffs field is set, and it's time to look at the next crop of potential playoff heroes.  Seemingly no tournament in sports offers as much opportunity for an unlikely hero to shine as the NHL's postseason.

The case for and against Rangers GM Chris Drury

There are cases for and against Drury returning as Rangers GM.

Multiple playoff-bound NHL teams dealing with major injury issues

Here are the most injury-riddled playoff teams who will have to play at less than 100 percent when the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on April 19.

The Rangers' gamble on Gabe Perreault is the right move

The New York Rangers mistakes this season have been costly, but signing top prospect Gabriel Perreault to a three-year entry-level contract and burning the first year of his deal for just eight games remaining this season won't be among them.

Top NHL prospects shine in first round of NCAA Tournament

Some of the top NHL prospects stood out during the first round of the 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey tournament on Friday. 

Watch: Top NHL prospect scores game-winner for Boston College

Boston College freshman center James Hagens made a big statement in his quest to be the top overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.

John Tortorella joins crowded field of potential offseason NHL coaching candidates

John Tortorella's firing Thursday as Flyers head coach this close to the end of the regular season serves as the start of the offseason in Philadelphia.

What's next for John Tortorella following Flyers exit?

The Flyers relieved the HC of his duties amid a turbulent end to a disappointing season where the team failed to take a step forward in its ongoing rebuild.

Top available defensemen in free agency after Capitals' extension of Jakob Chychrun

With San Jose and Chicago eliminated from postseason contention and many more to join them soon, here are the five most interesting defenseman who will hit the free-agent market.

Storylines on path to Frozen Four: Can Boston College star cement status as a top NHL pick?

Sixteen teams are left for Thursday's opening round of the 2025 NCAA men's hockey tournament.

How taxing issue creates competitive imbalance in NHL

One of the NHL's foremost insiders wrote recently about a proposal for how the league could and should handle one of its more vexing issues: taxes.

NHL power rankings: No. 1 Jets hold steady, but who's soaring behind them?

The trade deadline has passed, and in one month we'll have the entire playoff field set. 

Suspension of Panthers star defenseman could further jeopardize his future with team

The NHL announced a 20-game suspension for Florida Panthers star defender Aaron Ekblad for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program on Monday.

Blockbuster trade could have huge implications for future of superstar Brady Tkachuk

A Tkachuk trade seemed far-fetched 24 hours ago, but that door may now be ajar.

Four questions about Hurricanes' stunning trade of superstar Mikko Rantanen

After just 13 games with the Carolina Hurricanes, superstar winger Mikko Rantanen is being traded to the Dallas Stars, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan on Friday.

Five takeaways from the 2025 NHL trade deadline

The NHL trade deadline is officially over, with more than 30 trades and more than $130 million in money moving around the league.

Bargain bin options could still make big impact at NHL trade deadline

Fans typically want their teams looking top shelf when it comes to buying at the trade deadline. But sometimes you have to shop from the bottom shelf. And, in some cases, the general manager of your favorite team may have to go bargain hunting.

The five best potential fits between player and team at the NHL deadline

The trade deadline is fraught with possible mistakes, but the pay-off can result in flags flying forever — just ask Tampa and Colorado. Here are five potentially perfect marriages we could see at this season's deadline.

Matching one player with every NHL team ahead of March 7 trade deadline

With the NHL's inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in the rearview mirror, it seems likely that general managers will resume the pre-tournament trade frenzy that resulted in multiple blockbusters in January.