Hockey News: Injured Penguins; Playoff Races

Rest might help an underachieving hockey team. Playing better might help even more. [Pensburgh]

James Neal doesn’t want a reputation as a dirty player. Stopping with the cheap shots would go a long way. [Trib Live]

The ridiculously short-handed Penguins beat the Avalanche in a shoot-out. [Post Gazette]

Really not cool of David Backes to after Nate MacKinnon. [Toronto Sun]

 (Bridgetds@Flickr)
(Bridgetds@Flickr)

Patrick Roy headlines the list of candidates for the Jack Adams trophy. [Globe and Mail]

Zac Rinaldo is at it again. [Puck Daddy]

What’s more important in hockey, toughness or skill? [Mc79 hockey]

The Blue Jackets’ playoff hopes got a big boost last night. [National Post]

Roberto Luongo continues to help the Canucks. [Vancouver Sun]

Roberto Luongo
(Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

The Dallas Stars might be in some trouble. [Defending Big D]

Mayor Rob Ford did his part in helping to distract people from the Maple Leafs failed season. [CBC]

Take that, Steve Simmons. [The Leafs Nation]

It’s been an up and down season for Taylor Hall and the Oilers. [Edmonton Sun]

The Blackhawks aren’t missing a beat without Kane and Toews. [The Windsor Star]

And finally, if you’re eating, I suggest you stop before looking at this picture of Christian Ehrhoff’s ear. [USA Today]