Blackhawks vs. Red Wings - Win Recap

"Rookie Hayes-ing"



The hits just keep on coming for the Blackhawks. Facing the teams with the best records in the NHL is NOT a way to break out of a horrid losing streak, yet the Hawks have done just that. Coming into Tuesday night's game, they had won 3 in a row against two studs, and a dud. Not to take anything lightly, the Hawks were at home to play the ALWAYS tough Red Wings. News before the game surfaced that both Jon Toews and Pavel Datsyuk were out of action, so it was time for some secondary Hawks to take advantage, and show they as deep as any team in the NHL.

The first period of Tuesday night's game, started out heavily in the Wing's favor, but the Hawks found their legs and evened up the shots, even out shooting the Wings 10-9. The Wings still led after the first, but the Hawks weren't out of it. The Hawks came out fairly dominant, in the middle period, and tied the game. They were out shot 15-13, but they had much better and more chances. The Hawks opened up the lead early in the third period, and hung onto it for dear life, which lead them win their fourth in a row.

The Good

• It didn't take Crawford long to make up for the weak goal against bailing Deuce and Olsen, who had forgotten about the strikingly ugly, Jiri Hudler. Crawford was on point after the Filppula goal. For all the fucking harsh criticism he took, I'm going to beat the drum for him while he's kicking ass. Everyone is quick to jump on his ass when he's down.
• The second Hawks powerplay actually showed signs of life, but no goal. Hopefully that means something is finally clicking, not just an anomaly.
• Purple Hayes got a huge goal for the Hawks, picking up a Bickell tip on net, to tie up the game about eight minutes in. Hayes worked Kronwall over in front of the Wings net and spun off just in time for Bickell to tip Deuces long point shot right on to Jimmy the Kid's stick. Slam dunk, tie game, the place goes bananas.
• Dream Warrior put the Hawks up 2-1, just two minutes into the third period, on another great play by Jimmy the Kid. Hayes took the puck behind the net and shielded the puck with his body, trying to wrap it around. While it didn't really make it on net, the puck squirted out to Bruno, who chopped it towards the net. It dropped in behind Opie Howard and Kruger whacked it over the line.
• I don't see many people out there talking about how big Bryan Bickell has been for the Hawks during this winning streak. Like Crawford, he deserves his due credit. He may still be a big dumb animal, but he's finally added something to the mix. I still don't think he's long for this team, but if it means he's more valuable from now until Monday, so be it!
• Most of the Hawks centers, including Sharpie, did decent at the dot, but Kruger was clowned by Darren Helm all night, going 1-6 against him. MageMayers, Morrison, and Bolland were all at 50% or above, and Sharp was just a hair under 50%. If it weren't for facing Zetterberg, Sharp would have been over 50%.
• The Hawks out hit the Wings, 21-17. Maybe they've got something here.

The Bad

• Valtteri Filppula opened the scoring for the Wings, on an early WEAKpowerplay, just three minutes into the game. This was good for me, because he's on my fantasy team, but I digress. The penalty kill was out there FAR too long, and just ran out of gas. They simply couldn't get the puck out of the zone, and it turned into a hot mess really quick. Add a fairly weak shot to this mix which snuck by Crawford's stick side. From a goalie's prospective, it looked like a change-up, that he committed far too early on. Corey Crawford 2 weeks ago hangs his head, and gives up 3 more in the period. Not the new and improved Crow.
• Bolland had a break-a-way, and Kane had TWO in the second period, alone. Just too bad none of them could finish. The game could have easily been 4-1, had Opie Howard not sat on a horseshoe as part of his pregame ritual.
• Big Slow and Pistol strikes fear in ME, but I highly doubt that the Red Wings were shivering in their skates. More like licking their lips.

The Ugly

• Something I NEVER want to hear again, "John Scott getting some time on the penalty kill". Never, fucking, again! Over HALF of his playing time was in the PK. OVER HALF!
• Frolik got a break-a-way from the Hawks blue line in, and got in WAY too close. By the time he tried to get a shot off, he was half way up Howard's right nostril. He seriously has ZERO confidence now. Maybe he needs a pep talk from Bickell.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks at DetroitOT Loss Recap

"The Wing That Got Away"



What better way to wake up, than on a cold January Saturday morning with the Blackhawks and Redwings? That's rhetorical, of course, because this January cold weather sucks, and the fans are the only ones that woke up for this one. Anyhow, This is what we've been given to work with, so bear with me. The Hawks made the short trek to burnt out and abandoned Detroit for a tough tilt with their hated OTHER rivals. The Blackhawks had revenge on their mind, following the collapse and OT loss to the Wings just under a week ago. Well, you'd hope they had revenge on their minds. Taking a game from Detroit in their building would make the sting of last Sunday's tough loss just a little less "ouchy". No matter what their record, they always play the Hawks tough, and unlike the Canucks, you can respect their talent and history. They've earned that. Ok, enough of that, DE-TROIT SUCKS!

There was a team wearing Hawks sweaters out on the ice, in the first period, but it wasn't a professional team. The Hawks were blow off the rink, geting outshot 21-4 and getting outscored 2-0. Not much more needs to be said about that. Unacceptable effort. The good thing is that they had 40 minutes to make up for that effort. The second period resembled a professional team, and the Hawks were able to gain a goal back, and only get outshot by one, 8-7. The Hawks dominated most of the third period, tying up the game, but they lost a lot of momentum when they couldn't score on a crucial double minor powerplay. In overtime the Hawks were once again dominated, and outshot 9-0. For the second time in a week, they fell to the Wings in OT.


The Good

• The Hawks got an enormous gift with Opie Howard pulling a complete "noonan" and missing the puck behind the net. In fact, he actually redirected it right in front to Shock&Shaw who, unlike Frolik, hit the wide open net. Thanks Opie! Just to remind everyone, with that goal, Andrew Shaw passed Dan Carcillo and came within one of Bickell. The clock is ticking, Fellas.
• The Hawks opened up the third period like the Wings did in the first, outshooting the wings 15-2 to begin the frame. With all their dominance and double minor power play, all they could manage was one goal.
• The Hawks tied up the game with 51 seconds to go in the third, with Hossa's point shot going off Lidstrom's skate in past Opie Howard. That would be enough to get a point out of this game, and apparently the Hawks felt that was all they needed.

The Bad

• Vik Stalberg had a prime chance, wide open on a feed from Pat Kane with the Hawks being outshot 5-0, and turned it over to the Wings without a shot. For fucks sakes, kid, shoot the puck!
• Lard ass Tomas Holmstrom opened up the scoring on a powerplay with a redirect of an Ian White shot. When you're getting outshot 16-2 and killing a powerplay, this result isn't a big surprise.
• "Michael Frolik has probably been the most noticeable Hawks player in this period". No offense Fro, but that's a BAD sign. Nothing more needs to be said.
• Todd Bertuzzi snuck in behind Deuce and Sleven for a breakaway, to put the Wings up 2-0, late in the first period. Deuce looked back and saw Bertuzzi, but decided it was best to either depend solely on his ability to chase Bertuzzi down from behind, or just forget altogether and let Seabrook take him. Niether worked. It's NEVER a good idea to let opposing forwards skate 10 feet behind you. It's like football; if you're a safety and let a receiver fuck around behind you, the QB will hit him eventually. Seriously, guys? This is DUMB SHIT HOCKEY!
• You can point a lot of blame, late in the game, to the failed double minor, in the third period. You have the momentum, you have the man advantage, and you fail miserably. That is a MUST SCORE! Not only that, but the defensemen all got caught below the dots and left Drew Miller to come out of the box and get a breakaway from the red line in. Nick Leddy should blow Crawford for saving his ass on that one.
• Keith and Seabrook generously allowed Franzen to knife right up the middle of the Hawks zone and in on net, in OT. That's not going to end up well very often, gents.
• Three of the four Hawks centers were eaten alive at the dots. El Capitan was his usual self to the tune of 65%.

The Ugly

• When you're outshot 21-4 to open the game in Detroit, that's a bad omen. Skating the puck in circles looks pretty, but accomplishes nothing. The need to cut this finesse bullshit out, and start throwing some bodies around. If they simply show up for the first period, this game is won by the Hawks.
• The most frustrating thing about watching a team get their asses kicked, is when they multiply it by doing completely stupid shit. For example, Hossa making a blind backhand pass in the Hawks zone right to the stick of a Redwing. It is so frustrating! If you're going to lose, do it with some pride and effort.
• Todd Bertuzzi won the game in OT whacking the puck out of mid air between Frolik and Deuce. All the Hawks had to do was show up for the first period and they could have won this one, and getting outshot 9-0 in OT doesn't help.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks vs. Red Wings - Loss Recap

"Legends of the Fall"

"Pogo, Pogo, Pogo, Pogo, Pogo, Pogo, Jump!"

Out of the flame and right back into the fire. After getting shut out the other night, the Hawks were back at the UC to face the Redwings of GhettoTown, USA. If the Hawks couldn't muster up some effort for this game, there is good reason to start worrying. If the Hawks can't win these early January home games, then what are we to expect when they hit the road for 3 weeks in February. I guess we're going to have to find out the hard way.

The first period on Sunday's game started out heavily in the Hawks favored with two goals in 44 seconds, to go up 2-0, but the Wings fought back to score one of their own. With the shots tied 9-9 you can get a good idea of how the period went. The second period is more of what you'd expect for a Hawks/Wings game. It was more physical, with chances both ways, and no scoring. The Hawks also out shot the Wings 11-6 in this middle frame. The third period ended up being a huge let down for the Hawks, as they gave up the game tying goal with 5 minutes to go in the game. This one was going to be decided in extra time, and the Wings were the big winners. The slide continues.

The Good

• Believe it or not the Hawks scored a powerplay goal and it was by, of all people, Invisibolly. The original shot from the point by Hossa was blocked and ended up on the stick of Bolland who fought to throw it towards the cage. It was deflected off the skate of a Wings defender, and creeped into the net ever so slowly.
• Shooter followed up the Bolland PP goal and made it 2-0 just 44 seconds later. He took a Wings turnover in the slot and slid over into the middle of the zone, beating Conklin on a backside slapshot to the stick side. That's the last we saw of young Sharpie.
• The fourth line was very good all night and ended up getting a penalty shot out of their hard work. Even though he was stopped on the penalty shot, don't discount Jimmy Hayes work with MegaMayers and Bruno.
• Watching Toews on faceoffs, is like watching an instructional video on how to take them. He's like Mr. Automatic. He was 16-20 on the night.
• Andrew Shaw has a motor that just doesn't quit, but the way he throws his body around, his career isn't going to be long. I'll enjoy him while he's around, though.

The Bad

• Valtteri Filppula put the Wings on the board with a 5-on-3 powerplay goal after Seabrook almost ate a puck in the mouth courtesy of a trip by the big dumb piece of shit formerly known as Tomas Holmstrom. Seabrook moved over to take on a Lidstrom shot, and Holmstrom tripped him in a manner than made him fall face first into the shot. Of course the refs only saw the two handed revenge whack Seabrook gave Holmstrom. I was hoping Seabrook would have broken his ankle. Douche bag!
• The Wings tied up the game with about 5 minutes to go when a rebound of a Zetterberg shot that Cleary tipped snuck through Crawford and trickled through the crease. As Leddy tried to stop the puck he was cross checked in the back by Filppula and the puck dribbled in the net. Goals like that are just painful at that point in the game, but Filppula should have been called.
• In another shit show of a goal, Pavel Datsyuk picked up a loose puck at the goal line while Crawford was down on the ice, and banked it off Nick Leddy into the net to win the game. There has been debate that Leddy was out of position, but from what I saw, there was too much chaos in the crease for Leddy to cut off the angle without walking on Crawford's back.
• The biggest worry is that Shooter missed 2/3rds of the game with the obligatory upper body injury. Doctor Lineblender was fairly cryptic about having to do more tests on Sharpie. Word on the street is that he has a fractured wrist. This could be a huge issue with gaping holes in the Center spot and on Defense already.
• Lets hope this fucking Frolik at center experiment is over. I like the guy, but he's having an awful year. Two of his 5 goals are empty netters, and he only has 11 points. He had an assist on the Sharp goal, but he was only 1-4 at the dot. Not the answer.

The Ugly

• The powerplay is still Clown College. Bolly's goal was pure luck. With one less powerplay guy out there, they are going to need help. I hope Stan Bowman fired up his iPhone bright and early this morning.
• It wouldn't be a Blackhawks game without a shorthanded chance against. This time it was Darren Helm outracing the Hawks defense. Luckily it was blocked.
• Minus 2 for Kaner, and nothing on 5 shots. The yips have hit him, and with Shooter out, they are going to need him in a BAD way.

Here are your video highlights:

Blackhawks vs. Red Wings - Win Recap

"Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot"



What a way to close out 2011; with a bang! The STILL hated Detroit Red Wings came into town Friday night for the first time this season. Both teams came in with almost identical records in their last 10 games (7-3-0/7-2-1), so this was the best match up yet to determine just how the Blackhawks stand. The Wings came in generally healthy, and riding a hot goalie, in Jimmie Howard. This one was shaping up to be a barn burner with a playoff atmosphere. The Hawks also called up rookie Big Jimmy Hayes from Rockford to fill in for injured Marcus Kruger.

The first period had EVERYTHING a great Hawks/Wings game has. Scoring, Breakaways, Penalty Shots, Big Hits, Fights, Great Saves, and Big Defensive plays. How were these teams going to follow that up. Oh, and the score was 1-1 after 20 minutes. The second period was more of the same, with both teams scoring a goal and going into the intermission tied 2-2. The Hawks came out with a message in the third and put the game winning goal in, while holding the Wings scoreless. Great way to close out 2011.

The Good

• Jimmy "Wille Mayes" Hayes almost created a Cinderella story, just missing a fat scoring chance on his first shift of his first NHL game. He continued to buzz around the ice the whole first period, hitting everything that moved. He played 4:01, had 2 pims, 1 shot and 4 hits in the first period alone. Unfortunately, the 4th line only saw 3 minutes of ice time the rest of the game.
• Car Bomb got in a scuffle early with dickbag Todd Bertuzzi after Car Bomb laid a big hit on him. Tim Sassone brought up a good point on Twatter, questioning why Bertuzzi didn't get an instigator penalty after chasing Carcillo down. EXCELLENT question!
• Captain Big Balls whipped his junk out on the ice drawing and scoring on a penalty shot against Lidstrom, no less, to follow up the Wings goal. HUGE play!
• Big Hoss decided it was time to whip his OWN junk out, putting on a one man show in the Wings zone, beating Filppula and blowing a shot past Howard to tie the game back up at 2-2
• Two minutes into the third period Brent Seabrook put the Hawks up for good on what turned out to be a shorthanded chance, because the Hawks were changing. Seabs found a soft spot in the slot and waited for Shooter to see him. Shooter did see him and hit him with a pass on a platter for a one timer, which Seabrook kindly deposited up stairs, over Howard's glove.
• MegaMayers was the only Hawks center that didn't do well at the dot, going just 2-7
• Datsyuk and Zetterberg were invisible last night, which can be mostly credited to the shutdown line, and Deuce/Sleven. Bertuzzi goal aside, they have a tough job, and they don't always get the credit they deserve.
• Crawford was solid when called upon. Twenty seven saves and several big stops. It's nice to be able to breathe easy again, isn't it?

The Bad

• The Wings took a 1-0 lead on a lazy defensive play by Kaner. He watched his guy freely skate right through the middle of the Hawks zone and picked up a ft rebound in the slot. Sloppy.
• Dickbag Todd Bertuzzi put the Wings back up with his enormous tuchus with Mike Commodore taking a long shot that deflected off Dickbag and past Crawford. The question begs to be asked just why all the Hawks forwards were in the same 15x15 portion of the ice leaving Commodore wide open. That's just pure slop from the "shutdown" guys.
• Maybe something finally clicked for Quenneville, regarding the 3rd pair. They were grossly exposed all night, and they only saw a handful of shifts in the second and third periods. They CAN'T keep rolling 4 defensemen for 40 minutes. If Q hates Pistol so much, dump his contract, and figure something out. Enough with the fucking shenanigans already.

The Ugly

• The Hawks powerplay has returned to the land of the clowns and carneys. They get a lot of good perimeter shots, but they are cleanly seen and any rebounds are left for the goalie to cover. I'd like to see more driving the puck to the net and some urgency on the rebounds.

Here are your video highlights:

Redwings at Blackhawks - Preseason Recap

Almost October and the Hawks were back at the United Center, for the first time since winning game 6 against Vancouver in dramatic fashion. What better way to open it up than with the Red Wings in town? Factor in that the Hawks were finally presenting the equivalent of an NHL lineup, and you have a winning combination. What better way to get the home fans fired up?

The Blackhawks came out blazing in the first half of the opening period, but could only manage one powerplay goal. The Wings came roaring back after getting a 5-on-3 and finished the first with two goals to end the period up 2-1. The second started the same way the first ended. The Hawks looked sloppy in their own zone and gave up yet another pitiful coverage goal. This might have woken them up a bit, because they came back a few minutes later, to get their second powerplay goal of the night, and that's how the second finished. A one goal third period is how the night was going to wrap up. The third period turned ugly with a vicious hit after the Hawks tied it up. The end result was a 4-3 Hawks win, but it was not without a price.

The Good

• The line of Hossa and Brunette with Kaner at center looked really hot right out of the gates, as Kane went right up the middle of the ice, and dished to Hoss, who tried to go 5-hole on Conklin. This was just a little preview of what was to come, as the game went on.
  
• It certainly didn't take long for the powerplay line of Brunette/Tazer/Kaner to score. They pretty much toyed with the Wings for about 45 seconds, and Toews decided it was time to take it to the net, like a boss. Just when everyone was thinking shot, he dropped it to Kaner, who put it 5-hole.
  
• After surrendering a second awful goal, the Hawks took advantage of their next powerplay chance. Keith fed Seabrook in the high slot for an absolute cannon of a one timer that Conklin had no chance on, nor should he want to. A shot like that could kill a man. Time to buckle down, gents.
  
• A minute and a half into the third period, Ben Smith got a gift wrapped goal when the puck took an insane bounce off the partition and shot out in front of the net. With Conklin fully into "no mans land", Smith still had to fight the ridiculously obnoxious hook of former Blackhawk, Ryan Johnson. We'll certainly take that one.
  
• After Smith went down, Tazer drew another silly penalty to end up with a 5-on-3. The Hawks eventually took advantage, as Kaner fed Hoss for a one timer that snuck through Conklin, to finally take the lead.
  
• If Kaner had just scored on MOST of the great chances he had, he would have EASILY had a hat-trick. He was all over the ice, but clearly a little gassed, at times. The breakaway he had might have been the slowest I've ever seen him skate. Not only that, but he was 67% on faceoffs. Nothing wrong with that, and maybe Quenneville is onto something.
  
• Sami Lepisto looks like he's going to be the "under the radar" signing of the year, for Stanbo. While he gets as little "foggy" in his own end, while carrying the puck the other way, he's looked very good. Let's hope he learns a little of that defensive stuff from his talented teammates.
  

The Bad

• Just when the Hawks were looking really good, the Hawks take two penalties and end up trying to kill a 5-on-3. Crawford and the rest of the PK line were playing very tight and the Hawks got an unfortunate bounce, with the Red Wings Nyquist banking it off Brunnstrom's skate and into the net.
  
• Shortly after giving up the powerplay goal, Toews decided that chasing a player behind the net was a great idea, and the combination of Seabrook/Hammer got completely mesmerized by the puck. With three players following the puck, Drew Miller slid right into the open area, which was literally the entire front of the net. He took a nice pass from Conner and buried it past Crawford. It was really an awful defensive play from players that should know better. Playing down to their competition?
  
• Hoss, Rusty, and Bolly on the powerplay is...curious, to say the least. Can we please not see any more of that?
  
• Things just went from bad to worse after the Hawks failed on a second period powerplay, as Corey Emmerton beat two Hawks behind the net for the puck and unloaded it out in front of the net to Brunnstrom, who had all day to whack away at it. Lepisto and O'Donnell were out there for this one, and, again, I can't say it was a stellar display from two veterans. For the second time in the game a Detroit player was left in front of the Hawks net wide open.
  
  

The Ugly

• Ben Smith took a BRUTAL hit to the head from Brendan Smith about halfway through the third. Benny had a break and Brendan came across with a shoulder to Benny's cabeza. Ben Smith went down in a HEAP and was residing somewhere between Mars and Pluto. He's going to miss some time because his egg was seriously scrambled. I've seen certain writers say things like, "What was he suppose to do? Let Smith skate in?". The answer is no. What he could have done is any assortment of other things, like maybe bend his knees and get under Smith, for a clean hit. Instead he had his knees practically locked and threw his shoulder and elbow into Ben's head. It's illegal no matter how you filet it.
  
• If the Smith news wasn't bad enough, Viktor Stalberg quietly disappeared between the first and second periods, and never returned after sustaining what Q called a knee injury that was "not good". This will change the dynamic of the final cuts pretty significantly, if both players are ruled out for extended time.
  
  
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Blackhawks at Redwings - Preseason Recap

Here the Hawks were, playing the Wings in Detroit for preseason game, in a 80% empty Joe Louis Arena. While the Hawks were still playing with a mostly minor league roster, and the Wings had most of their big guns on the ice. The baby Hawks still put up a valiant effort, and came storming back.The first period was NOT a good one at all. Two failed powerplays, two pretty weak goals against (one on a bad penalty), and the Hawks couldn't muster up much pressure at all. Trying to chase a 0-2 deficit was going to be a tough task, after just 20 minutes. The Hawks rebounded nicely in the second twenty minutes, winning the period 2-1. Penalties were still their Achilles Heel, though. The third period would hold the key, and the Hawks answered the call by tying up the game, sending it to overtime, and eventually a shootout. Unfortunately, they weren't able to pull it out in the shootout. We can write it up as a character builder. The lines for the game were as follows:

Bickell-Frolik-Kruger
Saad-LeBlanc-McLean
Smith-Pirri-J.Hayes
Stalberg-Mayers-Carcillo

Lepisto-Connolly
Leddy-Olsen
Lavin-Montador

The Good

• Even though he was relegated to playing with the forth line slugs, Vik Stalberg looked like he was carrying his confidence with him into this game, at least in the first period, after his 2 goal performance Friday.
  
• Each time I see Dylan Olsen, I can't believe how big he looks out there. For a 20 year old kid, it's remarkable. He's got a rocket of a shot too. He's going to be a pretty good one, unfortunately he still looks pretty slow, especially being that big and all.
  
• Rookie Brandon Pirri continued to impress with a snipe of a shorthanded goal. I'm always happy to see talented kids do well, and he deserved some recognition. Conklin must have underestimated him, but it's an important goal nonetheless.
  
• Frodo had a 20 foot lead on anyone in the building after Bickell fed him for a break-a-way, and Conklin made a nice save. Glad to see him with chances in the offensive zone.
  
• Nice to see Jimmy Hayes make an appearance this preseason, with some excellent composure. He was fed in front, all alone, by Ben Smith. Hayes pulled it to his backhand and beat Conklin.
  
• I like what I see on the penalty kill from Megamind Mayers. He is going to turn out to be a very good "under the radar" signing, and for a forth liner, I'll take it.
  
• Brandon Pirri and Jimmy Hayes continued to play exceptional hockey tying up the game about halfway through the third period. Ben Smith started the play by forcing a turnover, and Hayes composure showed again, as he held it long enough for Pirri to get into position. Hayes then dumped it off to Pirri, who buried it.
  
  

The Bad

• After being the center of attention Friday night, Brandon Saad faded into the background. Expect to see him send back to Saginaw in the next few days.
  
• The Hawks were lucky early when a shot that beat Salak was negated by a penalty. Salak is going to need to play standing up more, if he expects to be successful in the NHL.
  
• Well, Well, Well. Tell me how long it's going to take for THIS sideshow to get old. Dan Carcillo takes a bad offensive zone penalty (he also took another stupid one, later) and then the Wings score on the ensuing faceoff. Johan Frazen screened the HELL out of Salak and he was beaten again, high, by Filppula. Atta boy, Carbomb, right on queue. Preseason or not, stupidity calls for
  
• With 46 seconds left in the first Zetterberg beat Salak high once again. This was just an awful play. If I were Quenneville, I would have taken him out. He didn't make one solid save all period and only faced 7 shots. He was on his knees before the PASS was even made.
  
• Lidstrom put the Hawks down 3-1 with another powerplay goal after Marcus Kruger lost the initial faceoff. Even though we have to realize that the Hawks team was playing an NHL roster compared to their AHL roster, no one wants to see this.
  
  

The Ugly

• The Wings were CLEARLY shooting high early on Salak, and he was beaten just about every time. He needs to get that glove up, because these NHLers are going to snipe him at will. He evened out the rest of the game, but still looked a little panicky, which caught him out of position a few times.
  
  

The Shootout

• Franzen stopped by Salak.
  
• Pirri scored on Conklin
  
• Bertuzzi scored on a fancypants move.
  
• Frolik was stopped by Conklin
  
• Zetterberg scored 5-hole on Salak
  
• Saad was stopped by Conklin, never getting a shot off
  
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Minnesota Dreaming

This is the day. 81 games done with, and the Hawks have left their fate in their hands. The Hawks need at least a point, and a Dallas loss (preferably in regulation) later, to ensure that they will take the 8th spot. Based on this game, the Hawks could face, Anaheim, San Jose, or Vancouver. They can thank the schedule makes for give Dallas softy games, at the end of the season. How bad do the Hawks want it, and can they go 5-1 against the Evil Empire this year? Maybe Ty Conklin is right and the league will tell them to roll over and play dead. Somehow I doubt that.

The first period was entertaining and exciting, with each team getting a solid chance, but the shots were 10-10 and the score was 0-0. A storybook ending is in order. The second period was a bit of a different story. The Hawks went up and it seemed like they would roll, but an unfortunate missed pass led to a Detroit goal and was followed up by another one on a personnel mismatch. As a result, the Hawks went into the 3rd period down 2-1. At least they didn't have a lead to blow. The third period turned into a shootout. Each team scored 2 goals, and the Hawks failed to cash in on a late powerplay. Looks like their fate rests in the hands of Minny. Lets hope Madden, Havlat, and Barker still like their former teammates.

The Good

• For the first time all year, we saw the Hawks defenders actually knock someone on their ass for whacking away at Crawford. Deuce, Seabs, AND El Capitan put Tomas Holmstrom on his wallet, which sent a message of urgency. Only took 81 games, guys.
  
• Michael Frolik opened up the Hawks scoring after a great forecheck by Kaner, who stole the puck from Brad Stuart, and fed it to Frodo, who ripped it past Opie Howard's glove. The part that should not be overlooked, is Ben Smith causing havoc in front of Howard.
  
• Pierre McGuires lover, Pavel Datsyuk, was caught out of position on the Hawks second goal of the game. Seabs snuck in and took a pass across the Wings zone, and unleashed a cannon on net. TomoKop provided the screen, and it was 3-2.
  
• Deuce pulled his head out of his ass long enough to pick up a loose puck in front of the Wings net and backhand it in. The first line once again came up big. Hossa was huge controlling the puck off the faceoff, and it ended up in the net.
  
• Faceoffs weren't an issue with everyone but Frodo (44%) going over 50%.
  
• The Hawks had no penalties against, so they have that going for them.

The Bad

• Pick-to-Click Vik had a beautiful assist on a goal, just too bad it was a Detroit goal. He could have done ANYTHING but what he actually did, but he fed Holmstrom who skated straight up the ice and beat Crow. All he had to do, is eat it, in the corner. Momentum shift activate.
  
• Couple of minutes later, Pavel Datsyuk victimized Stromboli and Leddy, who were floundering in their own zone. Cleary out muscled the Hawks defenders, and kept the puck moving. Bad matchup, bad goal, bad coaching.
  
• The Hawks were the lucky recipients of some pretty lax officiating in the second. There at least two instances that the Hawks should have gotten penalties, and didn't. The high stick on Keith, and an interference call later. That could have put the Hawks in an even deeper hole.
  
• Detroit took a 3-1 lead on a sloppy play, 2 minutes into the 3rd period. Crawford was caught well out of position and the puck was poked into the crease. Drew Miller rushed the crease and pushed it into the net. Leddy, Stromboli, and Dog Pisani were all in bad position on the play. WHY is that group of people out there together? 4th line and 3rd "D" pair. What would you expect?
  
• The fourth goal, by Former Hawk Dan Cleary was also a result of bad personnel. Bickell-Dowell-Pisani-Hammer? WHY? That line shouldn't have seen a SHIFT in the 3rd. Deuce was the only competent person on the ice, and it showed. The Hawks did their best to give this one away, and Detroit was taking. Did I mention that the Dowell line was collectively -9 on the afternoon?
  
• The Hawks had the game in their hands, with a LATE failed powerplay. You absolutely have to score at that point, and they spend a majority of it chasing the puck in their own zone.
  
• Todd Bertuzzi, plus 2, 2 assists, and NO poetic justice.

The Ugly

• Have I mentioned my hatred for Pierre McGuire? "Are we going to chase some cats, Spike? Are we? Are we? Are we?"
  
• Someone needs to explain to me why Ben Smith was sit on the bench in favor of Stalberg late in the 3rd. Smith did nothing to deserve shifts off, and Stalberg did EVERYTHING to.
  
• What a better way to finish the season, than Deuce with the puck in front of the net with 4 seconds, and doesn't even get a shot off. That was a brief encapsulation of the entire season, in one quick moment.

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Detroit Rock City

Game number 81 against the scum of the earth, and playoff seatings on the line. This is the situation the Blackhawks NEVER want to be in. In a tight race, at the mercy of the Wings. Not only that, but they are at the mercy of the Wings AGAIN Sunday.

Quenneville couldn't ask for more from his team than what they did in the first period. They went up in their first shift and kept lighting the lamp to the tune of a 3-0 first period lead. Color me shocked, because I NEVER thought this team had it in them. Outshooting the division leaders 13-5 in their rink and leading 3-0. The Second was much more even, as you'd expect. A goal either way, but The Hawks maintained the edge in play, and went into the third frame with a 4-1 Hawks lead. Detroit scored a very late ridiculous goal and the Hawks went home a 4-2 winner. To be continued on Sunday...

The Good

• I'm not sure I can remember the last time the Hawks jumped out to a lead, like they did here. Seabs took a needle threading pass from Sharpie, and put the Hawks up TWENTY SEVEN seconds in. You don't see Pavel Datsyuk give it up in his own end like that...EVER. Who is this team and what have you done with our average NHL club?
  
• Hey Marcus Kruger, see that Ben Smith guy? How about doing some of THAT? Kaner set up the play, by stripping Valtteri Filppula cleanly, 15 feet in front of his own net. Smith picked up the puck, turned to his forehand, and roofed it off the crossbar and in.
  
• I could really get to like this new found offensive power. Brian Campbell snuck in from his point, while Todd Bertuzzi was too busy talking to his parole officer or eying up some local trailer tramp. Soupie took the pass, threw a little dangle sauce at Opie Howard, and tucked it in behind him. That is how you start an NHL hockey game, folks!
  
• I could count, on one hand, the amount of time the Blackhawks had a swagger like they did in this game's first period. They were physical, fast, and confident both with and without the puck.
  
• Crawford capped a superb first period with a huge stop on Filppula, who had turned it on and gotten past Deuce. Nice whiff, Mister Number Two.
  
• Ben Smith's first in game interview sounded EXACTLY like the Ebby Calvin 'Nuke' LaLoosh interview from Bull Durham. Here is to you, Ben Smith, Congrats!
  
• Boss 81 bit the hand that fed him once again, and took a long Seabrook pass that went off Brad Stuart's stick and squirted behind him, and was in on a powerplay Break-a-way. Opie Howard was probably mumbling under his breath at that point, and Hoss beat him LIKE A BOSS.
  
• I love the game I saw from Ben Smith. In the most important game of the season, he played like a big boy, all night. He wasn't intimidated, and he was noticeable. I hope the kid can keep this up, because we haven't had a lot to look forward to, this season.
  
• The Hawks were very good at the faceoff dots, again. Everyone, but Frodo was over 60%. That's what you're looking for in a big game.
  

The Bad

• We all knew it was going to end sometime and the shutout ended with about 20 seconds left in the second period. Drew Miller snuck between Soupie and Ryan Johnson, and redirected a pass past Crow, who had ZERO chance at getting a piece of it.
  
• Stalberg and Johnson were each -2 on the night, take THAT for what it's worth.

The Ugly

• You hate to see this with ANY player, but Pick-to-Click Vik smoked a shot off TomoKop's ear, as he was hanging out in front of the Detroit net, and he went rushing off the ice. Lets hope that it's nothing serious, and just precautionary.
  
• The Hawks can't have a game without some completely dumb shit play happening. That happened with 1:20 left to play, when Tomas Homlstrom backhanded the puck through the cease, and Hammer tipped it into his own net. Allow me to roll my eyes.

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Turkey Wings

Here the Hawks were, in Detoilet, playing a beaten up club, with their 3rd string goalie in net. Was this going to be an easy game? I think not. The way they fought back last week against Pittsburgh was really admirable, especially considering the weapons they have on IR and in the press box.

The first period was fast and furious with the Hawks scoring 2 and the Wings 1. Apparently, Defense wasn't on the agenda with 14 shots a side. The Second had no scoring, but 16 shots aside, which AGAIN led to a one goal third period lead. If you've heard this one before, stop me, but guess who surrendered a third period goal to lose another lead? With a little help from the refs, the Hawks were able to score in OT and win a big game.

The Good

• Three minutes into the game, and El Capitan put the Hawks up 1-0. Troy Brouwer kept the puck in the zone at the blue line, like a boss, and threw the puck at the net. Ronald MacDonald kicked a fat rebound right to Tazer, after he skated right past Ruslan Salei. Way to pay attention to your man, Woosy. After the Tazer roofed the puck, MacDonald looked up as to blame someone else for the rebound. The coverage was absolute dung, man, but that wasn't exactly a blistering shot.
  
• Finally, the Hawks powerplay showed some life, with Seabs sneaking in to Sharpie's usually backdoor position (yeah I know half the female Hawks fans are licking their lips at that one) and putting the puck past MacDonald.
  
• Crow was outstanding all game. Absolutely HUGE, when the Hawks needed him to be. He was the unsung hero of this game, and he deserves more credit than he'll get. Our little boy is growing up right before our eyes.
  
• All the bad defense aside (and you can't claim there was great defense in a game that had 76 shots on net), this was an extremely fun game to watch and was most definitely played with a playoff atmosphere.
  
• Boss 81 was far and above the Hawks best player, and had points on two of the three Hawks goals. Consider his balls out on display for the Detoilet fans to behold. He was obviously out to prove something to the Evil Empire, because he stickhandled through and around opponents multiple times. He could have easily had a hat trick, if he would have done ANYTHING but wind up from 15 feet in front of the net on a breakaway. Really Hoss?
  
• Hey, Mike Babblecock, thanks for keeping Lidstrom on the bench for that OT game winner.
  

The Bad

• Bertuzzi's ass hattery aside, the Hawks need to score on that five minute powerplay. It doesn't help when the refs call a borderline make up penalty like they did, but you need to score nonetheless, rather than give up a 4-on-4 goal.
  
• Speaking of the Lidstrom goal, I'm not sure what Bickell and Kruger were doing, but it was clearly ALL wrong. Eddie tried to defend Krugs, but all the Hawks needed to do was stick with each of their men, and they would have been alright. You can't leave a future Hall Of Famer with that much time. He'll find a way to get that puck to the net, and he did just that.
  
• As much of an adventure the Blackhawks defenders have been in their own zone at times, they can't hold a candle to Stromboli. Maybe it's as a result of bad habits from playing on that shithole team in Ottawa, but it needs to end YESTERDAY. There are times that he has the attention span of a six month old Labrador. Slow it down a little, Slick. You don't have to be EVERYWHERE on the ice, all at once.
  
• Did you really think you were going to get away with kicking that puck in the net, TomoKop? Don't act so surprised, Doofus.
  
• I really can't describe what style of defense the Hawks were playing in the third period, but it was clear that they didn't want to chase the puck anywhere and thought Crow didn't get enough work earlier. There are MANY times, where wide open Wings forwards were able to whack away at free pucks within feet of their own net. Seabrook SPECIFICALLY had a chance to plant someone into 1985, but just stood there and watched him whack at the puck.
  
• Kopecky skating around in circles, the offensive zone, with the puck on his stick, and his head down is accomplishing NOTHING. Work the puck to an open player, and cycle. You're not Hossa, and you never will be. Accept it.
  
• The Hawks got walloped at the faceoff dots. Kruger was 20%, Kopecky was 25%, Toews was 34%, and Ryan Johnson was the lone positive player, with 64%.
  

The Ugly

• Todd Bertuzzi proved that he is not only a criminal, but a complete degenerate. After his little "incident", in Vancouver years ago, you'd think he would be a little more cautious with his elbow. Apparently not. When you go ass first and elbow up, against a defender, you're not trying to do anything but hurt a defender. Fuck you, Todd Bertuzzi.
  
• The Hawks got really lucky that Hammer didn't get called for a penalty shot, when pulling down Holmstrom on a breakaway.
  
• The game tying goal was just pure bad luck. Originally, it looked like Brian Campbell let Dan Cleqary easily direct the puck in, and he DID let Cleary sit there, but it went off Stromboli's skate. Crow had no chance.

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

Clip Those Wings

The Hawks got a much needed week off to refresh themselves and gear up for the second half of the season, but they have two very tough games this weekend. The first of which was an afternoon tilt with the hated Red Wings. Things looked lie they weren't going to end well, when the Red Wings went up 1-0 early in the first, but the Hawks answered with a powerplay goal to end the first tied 1-1. The Hawks turned on the jets in the second with two more goals and looked like they were in good shape, going into the third. They added a 4th goal in the third and went home a 4-1 winner. Great start for the weekend, but I hope they didn't use it all up against the wings. HUGE game at the UC on Sunday.

The Good

• Invisi-Bolly is officially going into the closet. He has been on a TEAR, lately, and he deserves to lose the nickname.
  
• Mr. Crawly quietly had himself an excellent game. He's stepping up against very solid competition. At this point last year, the goaltending position was in a complete state of chaos, and it's nice to have the situation settled at this point. The one goal he gave up was a bit of a tweener, but we'll take those in a 4-1 game. Stopping 36 out of 37 in Detroit is a great game.
  
• You cannot possibly ask for anymore than this powerplay is doing. Even the second group is scoring and I can't even explain why they are working. That is not a group I'd even briefly entertain putting out there, on the powerplay. The first powerplay goal was beautiful. Tick-Tac-Toe, and Bolly ends up with a wide open net.
  
• I'm not going to even suggest the penalty kill is fixed, but they killed off two successfully. Baby steps.
  
• TomoKop has finally come back from Uselessville. If he played this well against the rest of the league he'd be spectacular, but that's FAR too much to ask for. He wouldn't be TomoKop if he wasn't marginally idiotic for a majority of the games.
  
• The Brouwer goal was just the icing on the cake. Good night, Irene. Nice coverage, Detroit.
  

The Bad

• Toews and Kane really had a 2-0 early in the first and Howard made the stop. I was sure that Toews would dish it off to Kaner, but I'm sure he caught Lidstrom out of the corner of his eye, and didn't want to chance it.
  
• I'm not sure what Fernandog was thinking dumping the puck into the middle of the ice in his own zone, but he owes Mr. Crawley an apology.
  

The Ugly

• The really only ugly part of this game was the 20 shots they gave up in the third period. Kind of took their foot off the gas, didn't they?
  

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

My Big Fat Greek Funeral

Well, all the bells and whistles were out to honor former teammate Chris Chelios, but we'll get to those festivities later. Before the game it was announced that Pick-To-Click Vik was out of the lineup, with a concussion. The Second Period started 2-1 but the Hawks were losing momentum quickly. The Hawks went into the third period leading 3-1, and looking good.

The Good

• The Chelios thing was nice even though there were quite a few boo's, but he brushed it off, and finished on a good note. He turned that crowd around, and I felt good for him.
  
• The powerplay finally clicked as Sharpie as Seabrook fed him for a beautiful one timer. What a great start.
  
• One Trick Bick was at it once AGAIN. the guy does shoot VERY well. awesome shot. I can't say too much ad about him the way he's playing. Great job, Bick!
  
• Jack Skillington has been shooting the hell out of the puck. Sure, he probably passes up some passes, but he's shooting on net, which quite a few Hawks aren't doing.
  
• Brian Campbell absolutely made a phenomenal play on the delayed penalty and led the rush for Kopecky, and ultimatly the goal. If Campbell isn't on the ice, that doesn't happen.

The Bad

• This just in, Invisi-Bolly turned the puck over again in his own zone.
  
• I hate seeing pro players throw their sticks on plays like the open netter. Fuck you, Rafalski. Dickhead.
  

The Ugly

• Ok, I already don't like dumb ass Ryan Johnson. Why in the FUCK you ign some dopey has been that has nothing left in the tank beyond me. That #17 is going to be free again REAL soon, because Johnson is awful.
  
• what the hell are Big Show, Ryan Fucking Johnson, and Jordan Hendry doing out there with Dick Boynton, and Jassen Cullimore? Please? Tell me? The opposing team calls a time out and that's the line you produce me, Quenneville? C'MON, man. That's just fucking STUPID!

Here are the video highlights for your viewing pleasure:

The Evil Empire is Alive

Well, that wasn't so hot. Imagine Luke Skywalker missing that shot that blew up the first death star. That's kind of what happened last night. After all the hoopla of the banner raising, the Evil Empire beat the Hawks in front of their own, delirious, full house. Maybe that banner is bad luck, and we need to take it down. I will fully admit that I sat there with an ear to ear grin watching that ceremony. It was something special, and the only thing better would have been if I was there, and of course, a STINKING WIN! The videos from the ceremony are on the Hawks site, and broken into roughly 5 different parts, so I'm not going to post them all here. That crap is over and done, so the team needs to focus on the current situations.

The Good

The forth line, or as I like to call them, SDS. Plain and simple, they were the Hawks strongest and most consistent players. So when your fourth line grinders are your best trio, things are deplorable. Stalberg showed some serious speed, but still can't get to the net, with the puck that is. Dowell has made everyone forget the name Colin Fraser, after only two games. He's has shown that he belongs in the NHL, and has had several very good scoring chances, along with throwing his body around like a maniac. Jack Skille has been a man on a mission, as well, with several very nice hits and the speed that made the Hawks select him in the first round the year before Toews. I honestly think Quenneville needs to play them more. They have earned it. It can't hurt at this point, because they've shown they aren't a liability. This isn't the Burish/Fraser/Eager line of years past, and that's a good thing.

Seabrook snuck in on the power play and put a nice feed from Hoss in the net to tie the game in the first. Seabs had a much better second game, that much is for sure. Chuck Norris is still wearing his Hossa pajamas, as he rolls out of bed this morning. Turco didn't have a terrible night, but that last goal was really awful and, obviously, costly. Brandon Pirri made his Hawks debut, with Sharpie out nursing the unspecific "upper body injury", and didn't completely suck, so that's promising. He might want to do something about those frightening eyebrows, though. YIKES! Bickell had his second goal in as many games, and I actually saw him look like a big boy and carry the puck. There is no way this sham lasts. It's like a Jesus, Santa Claus, or the Easter Bunny; a figment of our imaginations. Bickell is not leading this team in goals for much longer, and if he does, there is cause for extreme panic.

The Bad

Once again, Hjalmarsson was out there for all 3 Detoilet goals. The difference is that they had him out there with Nick Boynton. I'm certainly not blaming the goals on Hammer, but something isn't clicking. At the rate things are going, he's going to be personally chauffeuring Campbell to his rehab treatments. He's two games into the season, and already a -4. That's something to be concerned about. John Scott didn't exactly light the world on fire, either. He turned the puck over in his own zone a couple of time, and BADLY I might add. We all saw him trip over the blue line, like some "c league" bender, and allow Filppula around him, and eventually score the game winning goal. Of course, he was left to cover for the "phenom" Nick Leddy most of the night, but I just don't see why Scott is seeing so much time. Leddy was where he belonged last night, but he needs a solid partner. Not "dump in the pants" Scott. In Leddy's defense, Hammer was out there with Scott when the game winning goal was scored. I think Boynton would play well with Leddy, but that leaves no one for Hammer. This Campbell thing is really just fouling everything up, and is the basis for a good deal of this poor play. Bad chemistry. There isn't a solid #3 man to play to Hammer's #4. As a result, Hammer is having to play #3 to a bunch of #5's and #6's.

The Ugly

The powerplay. After that Hossa to Seabrook goal, the PP looked exactly like that; Pee Pee. It sucked! Jesus Christ on a cracker, I'm tired of this Dave Bolland experiment at the point on the PP. Can we please put it to rest? It's atrocious. Simply embarrassing. Since when is Dave Fucking Bolland the puck control artist extraordinaire? That's right, he's NOT! He's a 3rd line shut down center. Quit acting like he's some kind of worthy PP quarterback. I can understand replacing Bolland with Hossa, because he can control the puck. In fact, he's one of the leagues BEST at controlling he puck, but with Hoss at the point, who plays with Kane and Toews? I guess Kopecky or Bickell could just create havoc in front of the net, because someone has to. I really never saw Osgood struggling with traffic in front of the net. By the end of the game, Coach "Q" was throwing Boynton, Pisani, Brouwer, Dowell and a host of others out there on the powerplay. Talk about an act of desperation. When you feel that Nick Boynton or Fernando Pisani are the answers to your PP problem, you're really reaching the bottom of the barrel. I think "Q" actually pulled some drunken beer bellied slug out of the crowd, to try on the powerplay, because it couldn't have been much worse.

The second Detoilet goal wasn't exactly something to write home about. Purposely banked of the back boards and Mr. "Assault and Battery" Todd Bertuzzi somehow poked it through Turco. Davie Bolland almost kept it out of the net, but the damage was done.

The easiest of the ugly was the last goal. Soft, to say the least, and a complete culsterfuck from the blue line in. Scott falling, Hammer's desperation because of it, and Turco misplaying it. Horrible timing. You do realize that 2 goals by Filppula is almost 20% of his goal total for the ENTIRE last season, right? He looked like an allstar last night. Unfortunately, Turco had a bad night, but he's still better than the alternative of Huet and Niemi, no matter what kind of bullshit you try to feed me. I'll take an aggressive, confident goaltender over those two fragile rubberheads any day. You can watch the carnage below, because it's a buzzkill after that banner ceremony.


The Highlights.

Turco Accepts the Keys to the 2010 Stanley Cup Defense

Marty Turco
I’m not a betting man, but I’m going to ride this hot streak I’ve been on. Monday the Hawks announced that they signed 3 time former All-star Marty Turco to a one year deal worth a reported $1.3 Million. Yes, I just said only $1.3 Million. The Hawks just signed a $5.4 Million, 3 time all-star for a mere $1.3 million. In doing so, the Hawks let Antti Niemi try his luck in the free agent market. The only words I have for that are "GOOD LUCK", because he will need it. Based on the fact that goalies have been signed for bargain basement prices all summer, I cannot believe that someone will sign him for a long term deal at $2.75 million a year. I’ve said over and over that I feel this is a very smart move by the Hawks. In fact, based on the current roster situations, he’s not even guaranteed a starting job somewhere else. He went from the starting goalie on the Stanley Cup champs to fighting for a starting job on some other team. I’m not a sports agent, but I’d say that’s a considerable step down.


I don’t want to take away from Antti Niemi, because he HELPED bring the Hawks a Stanley Cup, but lets look at the facts in this situation. He’s not even close to the only reason the Stanley Cup is in Chicago. Before last season, Niemi was an undrafted free agent signing that had ONLY played in the AHL, where he ONLY went 18-14-3 with a GSS of 2.43. He barely beat out Corey Crawford for the backup position and remained there for a good portion of the season. He only won the starting position when Cristobal Huet completely shit the bed in late February. During the regular season he only faced 21.8 shots a game, and in the playoffs he faced 26.7 and his GAA went up to 2.63. He’s played a total of 64 NHL games.
Turco, on the other hand, has an average of 29 wins a year (262 total). His GAA is 2.31 and he’s faced an average of 22.6 shots a game over his career. He’s been the starting keeper of a team for nearly 10 years. He’s a superior puckhandling goalie, and a great locker room presence. He’s never had a defense in front of him like the one the Hawks currently have. You can chirp all you want about how he’s a playoff choke artist, and all that other horseshit. He’s never had a team in front of him with offense and defense like this. Niemi rarely ever had to stand on his head and take over a game and neither will Turco. He’s a positive guy that keeps his teammates loose. He’s not a pouting Frenchman who has such a fragile ego that he can’t keep a job anywhere he goes, and he’s not a green, sophomore goalie that had the benefit of a strong defense in front of him. I love what I’ve heard and read of Turco. He took a huge pay cut just to come to Chicago. In the day and age of pompous egotistical athletes that expect huge contracts before they ever step on the field/ice/court, and for fluke years, this is refreshing. So, hate him all you’d like, but he has showed the maturity and character that most professional athletes lack.


Detroit has a new man in charge
Marty Turco will do just fine here in Chicago, so all of you haters and your “Enjoy your cup now because you’ll never defend it” can kiss my ass. This is a win/win situation for Stan Bowman. They get a proven goalie at a bargain price, and have leftover cash to fill out their roster. Some of these people act like the Hawks wanted this situation. Their hand was forced because of some bad decisions by previous members of the staff. Until the cup is in another city you can yap all you want; especially in Detoilet. The days of Detroit mowing the conference down are over, "Hockeytown". You’re older, and more fragile, so that "we had a lot of injuries" excuse doesn’t fly any longer. Every team has injuries, and every team has to learn to overcome them. You people can jump on the Chicago hating bandwagon just like everyone else outside of Chicago. If winning means everyone hates the Hawks, I hope every person outside of IL hates the Hawks. I’ll be the first to admit that maybe the Hawks won’t repeat. It’s a VERY hard thing to do in ANY pro sport, and the odds are against them without this salary capocalypse, but I will promise you one thing; The Chicago Blackhawks will contend for the Stanley Cup and will for quite a few more years to come.


In the shadows of the Turco situation the Hawks signed a few pretty obscure minor league players, some of whom I’d reported earlier. Evan Brophey, Jassen Cullimore, Nathan Davis, Hugh Jessiman, Hannu Toivonen, and Igor Makarov were announced this week. None of these guys are going to see significant time with the team, so don’t put too much effort into remembering their names. The biggest name is Jessiman, because he’s a former 1st round draft pick of the NY Rangers in ’03, and obviously hasn’t panned out.