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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

Red Wings must fix offense to break eight-year playoff absence

The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL this season, sporting just an 11-13-4 record, which is 26th in the league, as of Thursday.

Three midseason candidates for the NHL's Vezina Trophy

Many goaltenders have separated themselves from the rest of the pack as elite in their net; who will get the Vezina Trophy as the league's best? Let's take a look at the candidates.

NHL 4 Nations Face-Off: Final roster predictions for USA, Canada

The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, scheduled Feb. 12-20 in lieu of the All-Star Game, will be the first international tournament to feature the best-on-best NHLers since the World Cup in 2016.

NHL 4 Nations Face-Off: Final roster predictions for Sweden, Finland

The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, scheduled Feb. 12-20 in lieu of the All-Star Game, will be the first international tournament to feature the best-on-best NHLers since the World Cup in 2016.

Inside struggles of Bruins' Jeremy Swayman, Senators' Linus Ullmark in nets

Thngs haven't gone to plan for the Ottawa Senators or Boston Bruins in the nets this season.

How the Capitals' aggressive offseason has paid off so far

Last season, the Capitals narrowly eked out a playoff berth, which ended in a sweep by the President's Trophy-winning Rangers. Evidently not keen on that result, GM Chris Patrick decided to be very aggressive in the offseason.

Early season candidates for NHL's Hart Trophy

Which players have cemented themselves in this conversation? 

Analyzing the Pittsburgh Penguins' early-season struggles

After a 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins have dropped to 6-9-3 on the season. The loss has seen them fall to 26th in the NHL standings and puts them at 3-5-2 in their last 10 games.

Can Winnipeg Jets maintain their historic start?

With things clicking on all cylinders, the question remains: can Winnipeg keep it up?

Five biggest breakout players of the NHL season so far

With the NHL just about a month into the season, many players are well on their way to a career year. Let's take a look at which players are having the biggest breakout seasons so far.

Four most disappointing NHL teams so far

The NHL is already littered with surprises and disappointments, and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Here are the four most disappointing teams to start the season.

Could Blues' offer-sheet gambles change NHL landscape?

If Broberg and Holloway continue to find success in St. Louis, the Blues' shrewd maneuvering of the RFA system will likely have its copycats.

Predators' first win doesn't mask tumultuous start

After an 0-5 start, they finally secured their first win of the season Tuesday night, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of questions surrounding them.

Examining the numbers behind Oilers' slow start

After nearly winning a Stanley Cup last season, expectations are high in Edmonton, and anything less than a major turnaround will have fans wondering if this core can truly accomplish its ultimate goal. 

Five players who will make the biggest impact with their new NHL team

With the NHL season underway, several teams are hoping new players will help lead them to the playoffs. Here are five players with new teams who should make the biggest impact.

Why Red Wings could end an eight-season playoff drought

Last season, the Red Wings finished above .500 for the first time since their last playoff appearance.

In or out? Six NHL teams that could see a different result in 2024-25

The 2024-25 NHL season kicked off Saturday, with the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres competing in the NHL's Global Series in Czechia.

Changes coming to NHL preseason? Multiple injuries lead to calls for fewer games

The NHL preseason has been plagued by injuries to some of its biggest stars, raising questions about whether the league should cut down on exhibition contests.