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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

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?

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.