In the first period tonight. Looks clean: shoulder to mostly shoulder, didn’t leave his feet except thanks to physics. That’s what it feels like to go 60-to-0 in 1.2 seconds, Ales.
And of course Nik had to answer for it with a moronic reaction from the Oilers. And the Wings did nothing with the ensuing power play. Anyway. More on that tomorrow.
Update (8:07 PM): I thought about asking @cotsonika about it because he wrote Hockey Gods, which as you might recall is the story of that 2002 championship team. Then I remembered that I have the book on the shelf downstairs. So I checked.
Here’s the relevant part, from page 169:
Hartley said the Avs had “information that Hasek was playing with an illegal stick.” Hasek said the information must have come from a stick he gave Hartley earlier in the season—for his son, a young goaltender. While Hartley denied having one of Hasek’s sticks, Roy said he had one of them. But he wouldn’t say when or why he got it. At the All Star Game, perhaps? (author’s emphasis)
So, it’s not quite the story the rumor tells, but interesting nonetheless. I’d just forgotten that part of the book since I haven’t read it in years. My bad. - Matt
Via @chrissampang. I never heard that before. Anyone know if it’s true?
It’s both encouraging and not: discouraging because he’s definitely missing more than two games and because doctors in Vancouver told him it could be 4-6 weeks; encouraging because he doesn’t think it will be that long.
It’ll be interesting to see what doctors in Detroit say. But, still. If there was ever a time for Ty Conklin to shape up, this is it. Helene St. James has this to say to prevent freak-outs, though.
Also, it’s Jimmy’s index finger, not his pinky, apparently.
Patrick Eaves may have a concussion. His jaw’s healed, but he hasn’t been cleared to work out off-ice, let alone on it. Not good.
Update (7:14 PM): Followup. - Matt
On Gordie Howe’s latest scrum: with the first signs of dementia.
Ugh. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Mr. Hockey.
Someone put it up on YouTube, though the quality’s not great in spots.
I hate to link to a bootleg copy of something so well done, but the NHL hasn’t yet put up a quality version like they did with Kane’s. So, this is settling until they do.
Or until this one’s taken down.
This is old news by now, but there it is: Homer’s knees have flared back down (the superglue has dried, if you will). So, he’ll be back to annoying goaltenders, starting with Roberto Luongo.
I’m not sure if Babcock’s mentioning Mursak to Khan is an endorsement of him and a sign that he’ll be in, or a “nice try, kid, better luck next time,” though.