I would be more upset about the Stars losing last night, but I’m too busy feeling good about Dallas taking 5 out of 6 possible points against the top 3 teams in the Pacific Division. And yeah, I know that LA and Vancouver are technically 3 and 4 in the division, but, come on.
In other NHL action last night, NBCSN chose to broadcast the storied rivalry of the Penguins and Sabres and who really gives a flying fruitcake when Chicago and Anaheim are playing?! Two teams who are, coincidentally, the most likely first round opponents for the Stars, should the Stars deign to qualify for the playoffs. If the Stars do, I’m hoping they wind up opposite Anaheim, losers last night at home by a score of, you guessed it, 2-0.
Oh dominant Pacific Division, where have you gone? Wait that’s right, San Jose beat Dallas last night. But not in regulation! Stars haven’t lost to a Pacific team in regulation since October 20th. That’s a lot of days, for those of you who don’t want to count them.
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Game recaps, because that’s a thing we do here. [Stars Inside Edge] [NHL.com] [Sports Illustrated]
And the game notes, because that’s another thing we do here. [Stars Inside Edge]
So this was a pre-game article yesterday, meaning that with the Sharks win they have somewhat redeemed themselves. But whatever. We can still make fun of the Pacific Division. I mean, the Ducks are in it. [The Canafornians]
And more locally, some further talk on the Pacific Division. Although this time it’s how the Stars have fared against their old division foes. [On the Radar]
Mike Heika weighs in with some trade thoughts. Erik Cole and Shawn Horcoff caught in no man’s land? [Sports Day DFW]
Fancy stats article for non-fancy statisticians. For non-statisticians even, fancy or otherwise. It’s also for fancy-statisticians though. Just good all around fun. Suitable for the whole family. [Broad Street Hockey]
So I jumped the gun on declaring Stamkos fit for action the other day. Sue me. Turns out he’s mortal after all and won’t be playing this Saturday, or making the trip to Sochi. But wait. Canada will need a replacement now. Hmm… [NHL.com]
And speaking of broken legs, here’s an update on Robi. [Sports Day DFW]
As xTraPointLess said in the comments yesterday, ‘Don’t even think about it, he ain’t coming here.’ But… but… nah. He ain’t coming here. [ESPN New York]
Let’s talk about Kessel. The pretty one. Amanda Kessel will be participating in her first Olympics, and her US team has a better chance of bringing home gold than her brother’s. [Yahoo Sports]
Respite! For those not traveling to Sochi anyway, which is most of the Stars. Thoughts from Dan Rosen on the upcoming Olympic break. [Over the Boards]
I know I know. A lot on the Olympics today. It’s kind of a big deal. Down Goes Brown takes a look at the ten best NHLers to have participated. [Grantland]
And lastly, a little light reading. In that it’s mainly numbers, because it’s a feature called ‘Stunning Numbers.’ And they are stunning. [Puck Daddy]