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The Hockey Writers
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Mike Cranwell

I've been building teams and drafting entire leagues since long car rides when I was 12 years old. Grew up playing competitive hockey (AA, AAA, high school), played minor league pro football (think ECHL) for parts of two seasons, and was a Jr. hockey scout for six years. I also wrote for Bleacher Report for two years. I've been a pro athlete and know what it takes to get there. I've been in the boardrooms, been part of the decision-making process when it comes to signings, trades, and deciding which players will be on your team. Now in the corporate world, I headhunt and negotiate key corporate and tech signings. Though the jersey may be different, it's all the same beast.

Sunday NHL Notes on Karlsson, Crosby, Byfield and More

Mike Cranwell | November 5, 2023

It is a great time to be a hockey fan, as the first few weeks of the NHL season have shown…and that’s before Connor McDavid gets going. Some musing and…

Categories Commentary, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks

Pittsburgh Penguins Need Ethan Bear

Mike Cranwell | November 4, 2023

As of this writing on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, there are some surprises when looking at the NHL standings. In the Atlantic, the Tampa Bay Lightning are in sixth place…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins

What the Penguins Must Fix to Start Winning

Mike Cranwell | October 28, 2023

Several years ago, I was the head scout of a junior hockey team in Ontario. I was in my 20s, and between playing the game at a fairly high youth level…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins

Monday NHL Notes on Matthews, Bedard, Nylander & More

Mike Cranwell | October 23, 2023

While my beat is the Pittsburgh Penguins, I am first and foremost a fan and keep an eye on a number of teams, players, and as much of the goings…

Categories Chicago Blackhawks, Commentary, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs

Pittsburgh Penguins Need Jesse Puljujarvi

Mike Cranwell | October 17, 2023

If you’ve watched the first few games of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ season, you’ve probably got a feel for where the music is taking you: Loads of scoring up topA defense…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins Need to Alter Erik Karlsson’s Usage to Win

Mike Cranwell | October 13, 2023

“Well, that sure can’t happen again.” While these aren’t the words that I would say to my team in the dressing room after an opening night loss that should have…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins Roster Rebuild: Predicting Sidney Crosby’s Next Contract

Mike Cranwell | October 8, 2023

Did you see that Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres game? Specifically, did you see Sidney Crosby, future Canadian National Team wrestler and consummate leader, send a message to young Peyton…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins’ Season Preview: Dubas’ Forward Group has Improved

Mike Cranwell | September 26, 2023

The time for talking, thankfully, is almost over (though, is it really ever over?). To paraphrase Triple H, it’s time to play the games. This is going to be one…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins, Season Previews

Pittsburgh Penguins Training Camp Roster: What to Watch For

Mike Cranwell | September 21, 2023

It’s the most…wonderful time…of the year! (You’ll also hear me say this at the trade deadline.) With training camp starting this week, the 2023-24 NHL season is on the horizon,…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins, Season Previews

Penguins’ Reilly Smith: What He Brings to the Team

Mike Cranwell | September 21, 2023

It wasn’t a blockbuster, however it was meaningful. Has anyone talked about it though? I cannot find any proper analysis of the Reilly Smith trade to Pittsburgh from this offseason.…

Categories Pittsburgh Penguins

Team Canada Could Be Unbeatable at 2025 World Cup of Hockey

Mike Cranwell | September 16, 2023

As a reader, these are some of my absolute favorite articles to read. My hope is to bring you that same excitement and enjoyment as you read this. It’s finally…

Categories International Hockey, World Cup

Penguins’ Crosby & Malkin Both Have Shot at 100 Points

Mike Cranwell | September 12, 2023

During every NHL offseason, the attempt to come up with discussion topics inevitably leads to hyperbole being thrown out into the world. This is because these topics tend to be…

Categories Advanced Stats, Pittsburgh Penguins, Previews and Predictions
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Editor’s Choices

Canucks Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Kyrou Trade Rumours, Pettersson, Chytil and More

DeBoer’s Message to Berube, Stamkos Hesitation, Tkachuk Return & More NHL Rumours

Oilers’ Andrew Mangiapane Facing Unwarranted Criticism From Fans

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Recent Posts

  • Tolvanen’s 3 Points Lead Kraken to 4-1 Win Over Flyers
  • Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs in 3-2 Overtime Win
  • O’Brien’s Hat Trick in Dallas Leads Sirens to 4-3 Win Over Torrent
  • Penguins Season-High 7 Goals Sinks Blackhawks in 7-3 Win
  • Lightning Win 5-4 Shootout Classic vs. Canadiens