TheConfluence

Tasca\'s Take by Joe Tasca on 02/16/12 at 06:59 AM ET Comments (0) For years, I’ve marveled at the power of the sports narrative.  Pundits and reporters make a living trying to explain why a particular game panned out the way it did, how individual athletes performed, or failed to perform, in the heat of battle, and what intangible factors contribute to success.  What’s interesting about these narratives is that, although they’re often compelling, there’s usually no conclusive... Read Full Story

The Malik Report by George Malik on 02/16/12 at 01:32 AM ET Comments (7) Edit/update: Whoops, wrong blog. Was meant for KK hockey, not Wings consumption : We’ve gotten to the point where Rick Nash trade deadline frenzy has reached Pythonesque levels, with even reasonable media types throwing out team names—to the point that I half expect someone to say that Ak Bars Kazan will try to out-bid HIFK Helsinki for Nash’s services—so in lieu of asking what also floats in water (Small rocks... Read Full Story

Oilers lose 4-3 to Leafs in OT The Oilers came to play Wednesday night and while players like Ryan Jones, Ales Hemsky and Magnus Paajarvi would get oh so close, but not find the back of the net, goals by Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle would make the game. As it looked all but certain that the Oilers would drop another decision to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jordan Eberle charged into the offensive zone and blasted a shot past James Reimer. Jordan Eberle is a pressure player at its best. Read Full Story

This, Dick Hunter admits, has been one of the more unforgettable winters. “Of all the years we’ve farmed, I’ve never seen anything like it,” the patriarch of the puck-chasing Hunter hockey clan said from his house right off the 80 highway out near Petrolia. “We hardly had any snow. Saturday was pretty crazy around here but that’s about it. We plant the winter wheat and the snow usually covers it like a blanket. “Now, you just don’t know how it’s going to turn out. “It’s gambling here... Read Full Story

Talk\'n Hawks by Vince Maranto on 02/15/12 at 09:48 PM ET Comments (2) The other night, during a Hawks game, there was a goalie interference penalty. Crawford was well out of the crease, but hey, the Hawks need all the help they can get these days. In all seriousness, I thought it was a bad call. Then tonight, while watching the Bruins / Canadiens game, there were 4 goalie interference calls in the first 2 periods alone! This is really getting out of control. Granted, when you... Read Full Story

Petshark: Talking Stick by petshark on 02/15/12 at 09:30 PM ET Comments (0) In today’s Mercury News there’s a story by Mark Emmons about Alex Stalock’s return to pro hockey .  Stalock recently completed a stint with the Stockton Thunder: When Sharks training camp opened in September, there was a growing optimism. Stalock skated for the first time. He slowly worked up to a rehab stint with Stockton, a minor league affiliate for the Sharks and Edmonton Oilers, making his return on... Read Full Story

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The Puck Stops Here by PuckStopsHere on 02/15/12 at 09:01 PM ET Comments (0) The Chicago Blackhawks were in first place in the NHL as recently as mid-November .  They are a team with a good young core built around Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Patrick Kane and Brent Seabrook.  They also have talented older players in Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp.  This is a team that won the Stanley Cup as recently as 2009 and a team that could win with a few lucky bounces this year.  They have a... Read Full Story

The Malik Report by George Malik on 02/15/12 at 07:05 PM ET Comments (8) I can’t quote too much of this article because it’s one of those ESPN “Insider” specials, but Craig Custance did a fantastic job of discussing the Red Wings’ trade deadline plans , and with the inordinate amount of fluffernutter out there, it’s an incredible relief to read somebody of Custance’s surgical stainless steel-caliber credentials actually speak to Holland about his desire to spend some of the Wings... Read Full Story

RED WINGS FAN DAY AT THE JOE SET FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 11 … Fun-Filled Event Presented in Partnership with Meijer and Coca-Cola; Free Tickets to be Given Away at Upcoming Events at Various Meijer Locations … Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings, Coca-Cola and Meijer have teamed up to present 2012 Red Wings Fan Day at Joe Louis Arena (Sunday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). This year’s Fan Day at The Joe will feature photo opportunities with the Red Wings’ 2008 Stanley Cup championship banner... Read Full Story