NHL history suggests that the Detroit Red Wings are shoo-ins to win the Stanley Cup now.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Joe Thornton's return to Boston lasted less than six minutes after he was ejected for an illegal hit in the San Jose Sharks' 6-2 win over the Bruins on Tuesday. The Sharks, however, did not need the services of Boston's former captain and current NHL assists leader.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Joe Thornton's return to Boston lasted less than six minutes after he was ejected for an illegal hit in the first period of the San Jose Sharks's 6-2 win over the Bruins on Tuesday.

By GREG BEACHAM Joe Thornton was the cornerstone of the Boston Bruins for eight years - until he was abruptly shipped off to the West Coast with a dinnertime phone call.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Boston Bruins pulled off a major trade in the National Hockey League on Wednesday, sending their veteran captain and leading scorer Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks for three players.