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Natalie Vaitas

Contributor

Natalie Vaitas is a sports writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She received her Sport Management degree from Aquinas College in 2021, where she was a member of the women's hockey team. She has experience covering the NHL and her hometown Detroit Red Wings; she also enjoys attending Michigan football games with her family. 

EXPERTISE:

NHL, College Football

Knee-jerk reactions to first week of NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs

As we move into Games 3 and 4, let's take a look at some knee-jerk reactions to the first week of the NHL playoffs.

Most anticipated matchups of the Stanley Cup playoffs

The Stanley Cup playoffs will begin Saturday with the St. Louis Blues taking on the Winnipeg Jets at 6:00 p.m. EST and the Colorado Avalanche facing the Dallas Stars at 8:30 p.m.

Five most surprising NHL teams this season

Let's take a look at the top five most surprising teams this NHL season.

Should the NHL bring back the 1v8 playoff format? 

Gary Bettman stated he liked the setup and had no plans to change back to the 1v8. Is one better than the other?

Can all seven get in? Ranking the likelihood of each Canadian NHL team to make the playoffs

All seven teams are firmly in the playoff hunt as the calendar turns to April.

Race for the NHL's Atlantic Division: A case for and against each top team

The NHL's Atlantic division is as tight as ever, with the top three teams separated by just two points. Let's make a case for and against all three teams.

Five NHL teams with the best chance to win it all

The NHL trade deadline has come and passed, and with about a month left to go in the season, the chase for the Stanley Cup is as tight as ever.

The five biggest names on market heading into NHL trade deadline

The NHL trade deadline is March 7 at 3 p.m. ET, and although some names have already been moved, plenty of impact players are still out there.

The 10 hottest issues coming out of the NHL's 4 Nations break

The NHL resumed play Saturday following a thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off tournament and a two-week break. 

Five takeaways from Canada's thrilling OT win over U.S. in 4 Nations Face-Off final

Canada defeated the United States, 3-2, in overtime Thursday night in the 4 Nations Face-Off, capping off an incredible tournament.

Canada tops Finland to secure spot in 4 Nations Face-Off championship

Although Finland made it interesting at the end, Canada ultimately came away with a win, securing three points and a spot in the 4 Nations championship game against the United States.

4 Nations Face-Off: Finland survives elimination in OT thriller against Sweden

Although the Canada-United States game has overshadowed Saturday afternoon's Sweden-Finland matchup, the heated rivalry lived up to the hype.

Five takeaways from 4 Nations Face-Off battle between Team USA and Finland

The United States defeated Finland, 6-1, in the teams' opening game of the 4 Nations Face-off, securing a key three points for Team USA in the competition.

10 players to watch in NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off

The NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off will begin Wednesday, with top hockey nations the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland vying for the title. 

Contenders or pretenders: The NHL's Eastern Conference wild-card race

Coming into the NHL's 4 Nations Tournament break, the Eastern Conference wild card race is as close as ever, as six teams are currently within five points of each other. With a tight race shaping up, let's take a look at which teams are contenders and which are pretenders.

With a locker room rift growing, should the Canucks trade J.T. Miller?

Amid rumors of a rift between teammates and a season threatening to spiral out of control, should the Canucks make a drastic move to try to salvage things?

Why a fire sale is best move for Penguins

Unfortunately for Penguins fans, a fire sale might be the best way to go.

Examining top candidates for NHL's Calder Trophy thus far

The NHL is just about halfway through its season, and with that, there have been plenty of impressive first-year players. The Calder Trophy, given to the best rookie, should be a tight race between several candidates.

The United States has become the top country for NHL development

When Teddy Stiga slid the puck five-hole to beat Finnish goaltender Petteri Rimpinen in overtime Sunday, the United States forward gave his country something it had never before accomplished: back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship.

After four straight wins, Todd McLellan has the Red Wings believing again

The Todd McLellan era didn't exactly get off to the best start in Detroit. But things have turned around quickly, sparking confidence and hope.

World Junior Championship: United States remain favorite after strong preliminary round

The United States World Junior hockey team began the tournament as the favorites, and with a strong preliminary round will remain just that heading into the quarterfinals.

Blackhawks hope to turn things around on Winter Classic stage

With all eyes on the outdoor Winter Classic taking place at Wrigley Field, the Blackhawks have the opportunity to turn their season around with a big win on national television.

Can the Sabres turn things around amid 11-game losing streak?

The Buffalo Sabres sank to a new low this season after a 6-1 loss on Tuesday to the Montreal Canadiens, their 11th straight game without a regulation win. What will it take for the team to turn things around.

Three midseason candidates for the NHL's Norris Trophy

With just over a third of the NHL season gone, many defensemen have produced stellar numbers for their teams. However, a select few have set themselves apart as the best of the blueliners.

Can Florida Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions?

Will the Panthers become just the fourth NHL team over the last 30 years to win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships?