The man behind Rask’s mask

MIDDLETON — Dom Malerba was famous this week. At least his handiwork was. The cover of Sports Illustrated showed a large closeup of Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, making a save while inside the net. Malerba’s part in the colorful shot was Rask’s mask. It was made by Malerba. Read more →

Rask gets slight nod in Vezina Trophy race

There is no question the goaltending position has evolved in the past couple of decades, and the statistics back up the idea that the standards in net have risen to never-before-seen levels. Hockey-reference.com tracks the NHL's average save percentage back to 1983-84, and the collective best in a full season was .914 in 2011-12. Read more →

Smith on his goal

Tapped In: Smith on his goal, his music and his hair. Kathryn Tappen spoke to Mike Smith on his goal, his music and his hair. Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith is one of the best puck-handling goaltenders in the NHL. He became the first goalie. Read more →

Jimmy Howard Scare!

Jimmy Howard had one of his best costumes as a little kid - until he saw it himself, that is. "I was Dracula one time," he said. "My dad spent about an hour on makeup, getting me all ready. Then my dad put the mirror in front of my face and I just burst out into tears. I made him take all the makeup off. It freaked me out. I still went as Dracula, but without makeup." Read more →

Penguins’ Zatkoff shutout.

COLUMBUS -- Deryk Engelland gave the Pittsburgh Penguins the lead, Chris Kunitz extended his goal streak to four games, and Jeff Zatkoff got his first NHL victory in a 3-0 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Saturday. Read more →