NHL scores: Blackhawks lose Kane, Canucks survive without Miller

We here at SB Nation would like to take the following few paragraphs to address a growing concern we have about the direction of professional hockey.

We’re not talking about concussions, fighting’s role in the game or the sudden and tremendous downswing in scoring this season. Those are all secondary concerns that can be saved for later.

No, we need to talk about a larger issue: players spearing each other in the groin.

THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR. You are grown men playing a sport at the highest possible level, not 12-year-old kids chasing each other around a playground.

We, as hockey fans, must stand up for responsible hockey behavior everywhere. This may be the most important problem in our sport today.* Only we can prevent this trend from plaguing our beloved sport any further. So speak out. Call your local representatives. Demand better.

*It isn’t.

We started to write off Vancouver’s playoff hopes a little bit when word came down that Ryan Miller would miss 4-6 weeks. The veteran goalie has been an anchor for his team this season, and his absence was likely to be pretty noticeable. But Eddie Lack restored our faith a little with his performance in Boston on Tuesday: 40 saves on 41 shots in a tight, one-goal game against a tough Bruins team.

2. Minnesota took a step forward and then a step backward.

Minnesota made an early trade deadline move on Tuesday, picking up forward Sean Bergenheim from the Panthers to bolster their run to the playoffs. But they followed that move (and their 6-2 rout of Dallas on Sunday) with a disappointing loss to the Oilers at home. It’s a misstep the Wild can’t afford at this point in the season if they hope to make the postseason.

I mean, just look at it. It’s incredible.

(H/T @MyRegularFace)

Wow.