NHL Blog Beat – February 5, 2013.

Commentaries on Phil Kessel, Shea Weber, and Simon Gagne, plus analysis on the Coyotes ownership saga, possible changes in Buffalo and more.

How is Kessel dealing with his scoring drought?

GRANTLAND/DOWN GOES BROWN: It’s a double dose of Sean McIndoe, as he explores the latest goaltending controversies, then takes a light-hearted look at how Phil Kessel is dealing with his nine-game goalless drought.

HOCKEY ANALYSIS: Speaking of Kessel, David Johnson asks if he’s a complimentary (non-core) player.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Sheng Peng examines the myth some NHL greats saw a sharp statistical decline following the 1994-95 lockout.

FIVE FOR HOWLING: Could Portland Winterhawks owner Bill Gallacher become the new owner of the Phoenix Coyotes?

PREDLINES: Jason Kirk believes it’s only a matter of time until the sleeping giant that is Shea Weber awakens.

MAYOR’S MANOR: John Hoven reports on Simon Gagne dispelling concerns he battled cancer in the off-season.

THE BLUE AND GOLD BUZZ: Chris Schmidt believes change could be coming to the Sabres roster sooner rather than later.

DIRTY DANGLE: The stats of several NHL stars who played in Europe during the lockout remain among the best of their respective leagues this season.