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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Hawks Choke 2 Goal Lead for 6-5 Shoot Out Loss

Hawks actually had a 2 goal lead twice in this game. But, they lost the game late today after being ahead 5-3 with 4 minutes remaining. They coughed up a goal and then had a late penalty (and we know how awful the Hawks PK unit has been)…and surrendered the tying goal. The Hawks lost in a shoot out despite goals by Toews and Sharp in the Shoot Out. Overall, the Hawks have to keep reminding themselves that they must play 60 minutes against these power house teams. They are making this a habit  of surrenduring late goals to either lose or give up the lead.

Well, the Hawks finished the first half  at 27-7-7. 20 games above .500 and only 2 teams have a better win record percentage wise. Anaheim and St. Louis. (These are the two teams that have had the Hawks number late in games).

Hawks have a home game tomorrow against the Los Angeles Kings. They will try to rectify their issues tomorrow as they start the second half of their season.

Antti Raanta is 9-1-3 in relief of Corey Crawford, with a 2.38 GAA and a Sv% of .906. Not too shabby for someone that has never played in the NHL before. He looks like a solid #2 goalie and will give the Hawks and Corey Crawford good rest as they enter the playoffs.

No news as if Raanta will start again tomorrow, but my guess is the Hawks will most likely go back to Raanta, and that Jason LaBarbera is there simply as a "if need be" basis.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Hawks Avenge Av's Circus Trip Loss with 7-2 Manhandling and Sharp Hat Trick

It's always difficult to know how a team is going to come in after a 3 day layoff, especially when the layoff is Christmas break. The Hawks were fantastic all over the ice tonight and Patrick Sharp was something special. On his 32nd birthday, Patrick Sharp had a hat trick and he actually saved the best for last. On a Matt Duchene breakaway, he went back and without a penalty he stole the puck and passed it to a streaking Jonathan Toews who deeked his way to his second goal of the night. Other streaks that were continued: Patrick Kane with his 13th straight game with a point….and his assist wasn't a gimme. It was a feed from the boards from Kris Versteeg. Kaner opened the space and fed a wide open Michal Handzus for an easy open net goal. Hawks  are one point ahead  (60 points) of an idol Anaheim (who also has one game in hand on the reach for the conference lead). The Hawks play back to back tomorrow with a game against their new rivals…in St. Louis. St. Louis has beaten the Hawks both times this season. The Hawks seek to be up on St. Louis in the Standings  (53pts/ 36 played) and gain a slight edge even if the Blues can win their 4 games in hand. SO, this game is very important in that regard. This game will be #41 for the Hawks,…the halfway point. If the Hawks could win, they would be on pace for a 120points + season. That is the recipe for success in the West. 5 teams are within striking distance of the conference lead. (Hawks, Ducks, Kings, Blues, Sharks).

Today's Goals: (3) Sharp,  (2) Toews, (1) Handzus, (1) Versteeg.

Hawks fans and Blues fans will be looking forward to tomorrow's matchup in St. Louis.  Let's Go Hawks!!!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Hawks Bowman STILL Has Decisions To Make in 2014

To have Stan Bowman's job from a distant glance appears to be an easy job. 2x Stanley Cup winners, a plethora of future HOF players, a solid core with 15 players on the docket for next year...it would seem that he could just put his feet up and have a cup of espresso.

Well, the reason the Hawks are at the top is because Bowman does not rest. He has to consistently keep this standard.

Following the Detroit Redwings formula of success (yes,...Hawks fans), the Blackhawks are year in and year out making themselves the marquis team to play. The Hawks have to constantly replenish and keep young players hungry without wanting to leave the nest for another team.

PIRRI and MORIN:
These are the two top prospects that are able to fly the coup and the end of the year. The Hawks have put both of them in and let them experience the NHL, but have sent both of them down to work on their game. Both appear to be ready to step in,...and sure, for other teams in the NHL they might be able to do so. (i.e. Jimmy Hayes and Dylan Olsen). But, it is important to let both of them know that their game level is close....but, just not there. NOT great enough to stick it on an NHL level. It is important for both of them to see the professionalism of the Hawks and just what they can become if they decide to stay with the Hawks organization. If they do consider offers to play for another team, (and 1 or both of them may just do that at the end of the year), then they need to know what they could be missing. Smart move on the Hawks part. In fact, I don't think either of them are finished with the Rockford- Chicago buss express. I think because this is such a long year, it could happen a few more times.

HANDLING THE GOALIE TRAIN:
No one expected Corey Crawford to go down, but with Khabibulin on the LTIR, they were able to get what they really wanted. They need Antti Raanta to get American playing experience on the smaller ice. He got that and did well. He came up and has filled the roll nicely. It is going to be difficult for me to believe that Nikolai Khabibulin is THAT injured. The Hawks are keeping him on reserve because Raanta is the better goalie. Khabibulin's play was putrid, to say the least. He was on his last straw in that last game, and it is my belief he fabricated that injury in order to remain paid and to keep the Hawks from either cutting him. Hawks would have taken a cap hit by cutting him. The way it is now, they can still pay him, but his salary doesn't count against the cap as long as he is on the LTIR. Fortunate? Timely? Circumstantial? Who knows, but it is a bit "convenient" that it happened this way, don't you think? Hawks found out that 4th goal tender  Kent Simpson isn't even close to an NHL level. So, he will be sent back down to Rockford as soon as newly acquired Jason LaBarbera gets some playing time. Right now though, the Hawks are literally maxed out. $631,667 is Kent Simpson's salary, and Jason LaBarbera is at $1m.
Before Morin went down the Hawks were in the black with $3,747,489 and Morin got sent down.
Morin's salary hit was: $735,000
$3,747,489  + $735,000 = $4,482,489....now Bickell get's reinstated( subtract) $4m = + $482,489

Simpson will go back to Rockford: + $631,667 = + $1,114, 156....now LaBarbera comes up (subtract) $1m =  +$114,156......wow! that is THIN.

ROCKFORD TO CHICAGO BACK TO ROCKFORD:
With the available cap just over 100k, can you see the difficulty Bowman has to work with?
That is why Morin and/or Pirri aren't on the team. Kostka ($625,000)  would have to go down for anyone to come up. (Pirri, Morin, Nordstrom, etc...)

If Kostka went down they'd only have $ 739,156  of cap room. Right now, they are happy with Kostka up while Nordstrom, Pirri and Morin are getting playing time.

Wondering who is worth keeping and who to let go is another difficulty. The Hawks have plenty of players in their system to draw from, but have players that are most likely not going to return from this 2013-14 team. Who of the unsigned players will they keep next year? (Bollig, Smith, Handzus, Brookbank, Kostka, Khabibulin). Khabibulin is as good as dead. His bags will be waiting all packed with the last game's final horn. (Hopefully that is the Stanley Cup Final with a Hawks victory :) )
Brookbank has been a platoon player and so has Handzus. Coach Q has liked the way that Smith and Bollig have been playing together with Marcus Kruger, so the brass may keep them. Kostka should come cheaply, as well.  So, if I was a betting man, I would say the Hawks dump Handzus, Brookbank and Khabibulin.

16 (already signed) + Bollig, Smith, Kostka and Raanta,...leaving 2-3 open positions for next season.
Handzus a centerman to be replaced by Pirri or Teravainen or LeBlanc or McNeill or Danault.

Brookbank a defenseman to be replaced by Clendening or a free agent experienced vet.

Hawks are currently carrying 22 on their roster because of the tight cap. Next years projected $71m cap may allow them to go to 23 players.

2 players that will expect a BIG raise. Brandon Saad and Antti Raanta. The Hawks may look to sign them up before the end of the year to prevent "summer drama". Let's hope that is the case.

Anyway, as you can see, Stan Bowman's job with the NUMBERS is tough. Now, the other difficult thing. Making sure the TEAM CHEMISTRY is there. With their solid core (Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Seabrook, Keith), they have locked up that chemistry. Now add people who are playing very well and belong in that core. (Hjalmarsson, Saad, Versteeg, Bickelly, Crawford, Bollig, Kruger), where all these players know their roles and don't try to disrupt that chemistry.

Solid veterans that have been very stable emotionally (Rozsival, Brookbank and Handzus) and you have yourself a solid foundation.

Young bucks that are learning their way (Leddy, Shaw). Leddy still needs to improve, but has shown improvement. Shaw, can sometimes be disruptive, but he knows his place.

A veteran that don't quite fit...in my opinion...that would be Johnny Oduya.  Johnny Oduya is doing a decent job, but his name appears forgotten. At nearly a $3.4m cap hit, will the Hawks try to trade Johnny? He does have chemistry with Hjalmarsson, but Hjalmarsson appears to be able to play with most of the D-men on that team. We'll keep an eye out for that one.

So,...want to be a General Manager? Not as easy as it looks eh?


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Hawks Get Blown Out In Toronto 7-3

You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Tonight the Hawks looked absolutely putrid. The weakest part of their game right now is their penalty kill. So, the key is to stay out of the box, right?
Well, somebody needs to tell Andrew Shaw about that. He was in the box 3 times today. The Hawks were playing catch up the rest of the game. Everytime the Hawks would try to close the gap, the Maple Leafs immediately would score afterward. The last 10 minutes of the game was really nothing more than pond hockey and it looked miserable to watch. Raanta gave up 5 goals and Simpson came in and was greeted with a goal on his first shot attempt. He looked completely amateurish. He gave up 2 goals and it was quite apparent he didn't know where to dish of pucks to and he looked completely out of place.

The Hawks need to bury this game and move on. Someone needs to give Shaw some lashings, for he looked like horse crap out there. He is supposed to control that 3rd line and he threw the team off balance all night. Kane looked amazing scoring 2 goals and was trying to be the focus as much as he could. Toews was the same way. Although Keith was a -4 tonight, you can't put this one on him.

Bad bad game over all. I notice this with this team. They either are really good, or they all fall asleep. But, here's the thing about this team, they have a unique ability to bury this game and move on. They'll go over their mistakes and try to play the best they possibly can without the use of their starting goal tender. Crawford is expected back in 2 more weeks. In the mean time, the Hawks traded for Jason LaBarbera from Edmonton. He's an average goaltender, but he does have years of NHL experience. He's definitely better as a back up to Raanta than Simpson. Good move on the Hawks part. Hope they didn't have to give up much for LaBarbera though.

Hawks return home to face the HOT L.A. Kings tomorrow at the U.C. For some reason, the Hawks show up against the better teams. Just look at the teams they struggle against. The further they are below .500 the more they struggle against them. (Is it concentration issues?....Who knows). Hawks will try to get back on track tomorrow.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Hawks Score Big On Emery

The Blackhawks were kind of rude to Ray Emery today. They decided to put 5 goals past him in the second period. Then they scored on him once more in the 3rd before being pulled. Welcome back Razor! (Still love ya...but, had to do it).

The Hawks have eliminated that ugly start to the month by reeling off 3 straight 6+ goals a night games.

The Blackhawks after today now have 6 players with 10 goals or more. What? That's unbelievable. (Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Toews, Saad and Shaw). Since Jonathan Toews has had difficulty of late filling the net, he can get credit for Patrick Sharp knocking one off of his body right into the net.  

What was really amazing was that it was 7 different players that scored the 7 goals.

* Patrick Sharp remain's on fire. Since November 6th (19 games ago) He has 12G 11A. That's rackin' 'em up.

* I saw that Mike Kostka was scratched today. Not a healthy scratch either.



Chicago Blackhawks Scratches
PlayerDetail
M. KostkaLower Body Injury
M. RozsivalUpper Body
C. CrawfordLower Body Injury


Really? After ONE game back? What's going on here? Hmm...

* Antti Raanta: Not doing bad at all in relief of an injured Corey Crawford.



Goaltender #31
Chicago Blackhawks
Next Game:
Blackhawks at Maple Leafs
Sat 12/14 7:00 PM ET CBC
STATSGPWLOTLGAASV%
2013-1475012.12.926
Career75012.12.926



* Patrick Kane: 17G 25A and 2nd in the league with 42 points.
December : 1 G 11A in 6 games.
November: (only 2 games without a point: WPG and DAL) 9 G 10A in 15 games.
October: 7G 4A: in 13 games.  (I guess he started off a little slow).









Tuesday, December 10, 2013

$71m cap for 2014-15 season.....LET'S TALK

Board of Governor's meeting in California and Gary Bettman comes out and tells the media that the cap will raise from $64m to $71m for the 2014-15 season.
2014-15
1) Kane             $6.3m
2) Toews           $6.3m
3) Crawford       $6.0m
4) Sharp            $5.9m
5) Seabrook      $5.8m
6 )Keith            $5.539m
7) Hossa           $5.275m
8) Hjalmarsson $4.1m
9) Bickell          $4.0m
10) Oduya        $3.383m
11) Leddy         $2.7m
12) Versteeg     $2.2m (other half picked up by Florida)
13) Rozsival     $2.2m
14) Shaw          $2.0m
15) Kruger       $1.325m
16) Saad           $.764  (Oh yeah,...he'll get a nice raise)

UNSIGNED for 2014-15
Michael Handzus  : I think this will be Handzus' last year with the Hawks.
Jeremy Morin: If the Hawks do keep him, it won't be for a raise.
Brandon Bollig: I think the Hawks will keep him.( I'm guessing $.850m- $1.1m max)
Sheldon Brookbank: Hawks may keep him. They like veteran guys. (I'm guessing $1.5m)
Mike Kostka: Hawks like Kostka also.  (I'm guessing $.850-1.0)
Antti Raanta: Hawks NEED him. He's doing well. (I'm guessing $1.7-2.2 multi year)


On the cap geek.com list that won't be there next year.
Kent Simpson is at $631,667 . He is on an entry level contract. Last year (2014-15)

NOT on the cap list because they were sent down to AHL
Brandon Pirri: $618,333: I believe he'll be re-signed.
Joakim Nordstrom: $616,667. Who knows what Q is thinking?
Brad Mills: $550,000. Again, who knows what Q is thinking?

NOT ON THE LISTof top PROSPECTS that may make the team next year. ( I think 2 of my 3 bolded players will make next years roster).
Mark McNeill
Phillip Danault
Teuvo Teravainen: (I think this kid makes the team)
Garret Ross
Viktor Svedberg
Adam Clendening: (Again, I think this kid makes the team...especially if they don't sign up Brooksy)
Klas Dahlbeck
Alex Broadhurst
Stephen Johns:
Drew LeBlanc: (I'm going to stick my neck out and say this kid makes the team. )
Ryan Hartman
Kevin Hayes: He's a senior now at BC. He's doing well.
Vincent Hinostroza
Chris Calnan
Surprise player that always seems to rise up during camp.

Kane and Toews
Finally,...I'll finish up on the 2 superstars whose contracts end after next season. The Hawks may wait until December (or their agents will wait)...to finish negotiating their contracts. It could be as hefty as $8-9 million per year. Don't be surprised if it hits that amount. Especially if the number rises from $71m to $78m.


Hawks Thankful For DEEP Bench

The Blackhawks were thankful they finally got off the 3 game losing train. It was the first Sunday-Saturday (Full week) where the Hawks had a less than winning percentage. 0-2-1. This week started off with a win against the hapless Florida Panthers, but it was costly. How costly? We aren't sure, but the fact is that Corey Crawford will be missing a few games. It "appeared" like he strained a groin muscle during the save that had him buckled over with pain. We'll , find out shortly though. If it is a groin muscle, that will take a few weeks to recover. (2-3weeks). Hawks have found something special in Antti Raanta. I knew that he was a great one when they signed him. I just didn't think he'd be up so quickly after the signing of Khabibulin.

* Blessing in disguise is that Khabibulin went down during the game and is out on LTIR. (Whether that was planned or not,...it is "interesting" that situationally it happened,...don't you think?). If the Hawks cut him,...that gets dinged against the cap. If he stays on the team, that seriously hand-cuffs the team for he fills up that cap with a $2m cap space,  (amazingly enough his cap space since being put on the LTIR has been lowered to $1.7m...wonder how that works? Wonder if that is a contractual thing, or if they simply average his salary minus time lossed...I'll have to research that more),and he really doesn't deserve to be on the team with his seriously bad performances.

NOTE TO STAN:....don't sign anymore washed up goalies. First there was Turco....now Khabibulin. BOTH useless.

* Hawks bring up Kent Simpson. He is a "young'n'. He's only 21 yrs old. He has appeared in 15 games this season with the Icehogs.  NON impressive 6-7-0 with a equally NON impressive GAA 3.38 and a relatively OKAY .900 GS%.  There have been flashes of brilliance with him,...but to have him come in with ZERO experience says what they think of Khabibulin. (I simply am having a hard time believing his injury was that serious.........PLEASE prove me wrong someone).

* Bickell get's put on IR (retroactive from Nov. 19)

* Kostka has been activated.

* Morin costs more to be on the team than having Pirri. Morin ($.735) vs Pirri ($.618).

* Nordstrom is back down.......Thank goodness. I still don't see what he brings to the team that interests Q and the brass. I guess....he's quick. Still is not good on the much needed PK.

* NOTED that Raanta and Simpson's salary together are both less than Khabibulin's salary.

Hawks look to seek revenge agains the Dallas Stars where they got off to a rocky start 1Dec and although they tied it they gave the lead back up,...then could never equal the score. Therefore they took a regulation loss.



Friday, December 6, 2013

4-3 Hawks Lose to Wild

Blackhawks are back to their old ways of NOT having chemistry. It's apparent on the ice. It's also apparent that Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are giving up more goals than they should be. When the Hawks were winning,...the chemistry was like GLUE. Eventhough I don't think these two losses are going to hurt the Hawks in the long run, the lack of chemistry is so apparent. Kane was double shifting, and AGAIN Nordstrom on a PK is a goal for the other team. Isn't it obvious that it isn't working?

This is the opposite start to the finish they had in November.

Hawks lose 4-3 and looked pathetic in their chemistry. Get it together Q!!!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Pirri Gets Sent Back Down To Rockford

I will admit that I was SHOCKED to see that Brandon Pirri was sent back down to the Rockford Ice Hogs. What?

In addition, the Hawks also activated Mike Kostka and then proceeded to bus him to Rockford, as well. This move wasn't so shocking.

Then the Hawks recalled Jeremy Morin (shocking,...I love him up with the Hawks...but still shocking) and Joakim Nordstrom gets his second crack at the big club (ultra-shocking).

Hawks have at center: Toews, Shaw, Handzus and Kruger. Versteeg can play center also, and so can new call up Nordstrom.
Maybe they want Pirri to work on a few things. I don't see this as a long term move. I also don't see Nordstrom or J-Mo as long term moves either.

I will keep you  abreast on what lines are being created. But, the last time that Nordstrom was up with the big boys, our PK was the single worst in the league.
(updated)
**** It appears the reason for Morin and Nordstrom  were because Shaw and Handzus are NOT traveling to Minnesota. Kostka is a "reconditioning" assignment...so expect him back with the Hawks real soon.****

Maybe Coach  Q wants to shake things up a bit. Make sure that NO ONE is too comfortable with playing up with the Hawks. As I said before, I do expect at least 10 Rockford Ice Hogs to be up with the Hawks throughout the year. Especially with the extended year and the fact that last year they had a jam packed shortened season.

Other moves I do expect. Something has to be done about Khabibulin. His play has not earned him a spot. However, financial issues, the cap issues all come in to play here. They can't just send Khabi down. They could cut him, but they lose that cap space. With the LTIR situation, they can keep Khabibulin out for at least 10 games. As I said before, the injury to Khabibulin was the best thing for both Nikolai and the Hawks. But,...something will need to be done. Most likely if they HAVE to bring Khabi back,...Raanta will get sent back down, even if he is doing well. That sucks, but it's the reality of the cap.

Nordstrom: has already played 8 games with the Hawks. This will be his 2nd stint with the Hawks.

Morin: Morin will be back and forth with the Hawks unless he can PROVE that he can play both ends of the ice and that he DESERVES to be up with the Hawks.

Mills: I was surprised to see this move. But, he's back in Rockford. He may get another crack later on. Who knows?

Raanta: He's done magnificently so far. But, the cap is the cap, and he may have to go back. He is the future back up of the Hawks. That is a fact!

Kostka: healthy scratch half of the time he was healthy, and this will be his first stint back in the AHL since he got injured.

Jimmy Hayes: Now with the Florida Panthers. He started off with the Hawks. He's a big guy that just couldn't earn that 4th line spot so the Hawks sent him packing in order to get Kris Versteeg.

Who else could get a call up?
Danault, Clendening, Broadhurst, McNeill. WHO KNOWS? I will admit that NOBODY saw Nordstrom coming before the season started. And I bet no one saw Mills ever making the team,...even if it was for a short while. So, it is going to be interesting how long Morin and Nordstrom stay. I'll keep my ears pealed to what appears to be going on underneath the surface. They're always doing things for future consideration....that is why they're great.

Over/Under for Pirri staying? I would give it <10 NHL games.



Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Kane and Keith NHL Honors

Last week Duncan Keith was named NHL's 3rd star and today Patrick Kane was named the NHL's 1st star for the month of November.

These honors are very nice to see for the Hawks, but what is nice is this team is finding it's own little niche, their own little personality that differs from the past two championship teams. Their are many things that go into a championship quality team.
1) Great players: Well the Hawks certainly have that. One of the deepest rosters in the entire league.
2) Players willing to fill a role: Their are players that are 3rd and 4th line guys that could easily get more minutes for other teams.
3) Selflessness play: The camaraderie on this team is starting to click. At the beginning of the season, the Hawks were trying to 'find themselves'...You can see the team gelling very nicely now.
4) Limit Injuries: The Hawks have had key injuries to important players, but this well oiled machine simply moves on while these players heal.
5) Chemistry: This may be the single most important thing of all. Without chemistry, you don't have squat!. You can literally have the single best players in the league, and if they are selfish, dislike each other, and are unwilling to play for each other, the team goes NOWHERE,....fast. With the addition of Kris Versteeg, the team gelled and they quickly moved up to the top of the league in points. This has been said by many people, but it needs to be said again. The addition of Kris Versteeg was a genius move. This will be more prevalent during the year and into the playoffs.
6) Resting players: This year, unlike years in the past, REST is going to be vital. They are not only playing a full schedule, but they came off of a partial season and this year they add the Olympic season in the mix. It is important to have a strong bench and a players from the AHL that can come in and fill roles. (Nordstrom, Morin, Hayes (since moved to Florida), Raanta, Mills). By the end of the year, I wouldn't be surprised if that list of Rockford players grows to 10.

Hawks are at home tonight to play an angry Dallas Stars team that took the Hawks to the limit to only see themselves lose again to the Hawks. Here's to hoping that December was as successful as November.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Hawks Finish Road Trip 6-1.

The Hawks were supposed to be weary and tired. Well, don't tell the Hawks that. They came out pumped, and Phoenix came out flat. The Coyotes took a "too many men on the ice" penalty followed up by another penalty leading to a Hawks 5 On 3. Kaner tips a Hossa slap shot for his team leading 16th goal. Smith wasn't strong in net, and Shaw breezed one by him and then Kaner fed Hjalmarsson who buried it top shelf. 3-0 heading into the second.

The 2nd period the Hawks played ridiculously bad, but an untimely penalty on a power play by the coyotes, stopped the bleeding. The Hawks were able to regroup and when the 3rd period started it appeared that perhaps Phoenix was in control. WRONG. The Hawks played the best 3rd period I've seen all year. Wonderful passing, shot selection was beautiful, defense was top notch. They closed it out with a goal from 4th liner Brandon Bollig and an empty netter from Marian Hossa to seal the deal.


THREE STARS OF THE GAME
Patrick Kane
1ST
PATRICK KANE
G: 1Shots: 2
A: 1Hits: 1
PTS: 2PIM: 0
+/-: 0TOI: 18:36
Martin Hanzal
2ND
G: 1Shots: 5
A: 0Hits: 2
PTS: 1PIM: 2
+/-: -2TOI: 18:27
Duncan Keith
3RD
DUNCAN KEITH
G: 0Shots: 3
A: 2Hits: 1
PTS: 2PIM: 0
+/-: 2TOI: 24:37

Blackhawks Finish Up Road Trip Tonight In Phoenix

The past few games the Hawks have decided the time to play is the 3rd period. That's better than the beginning of the year when they decided to give up games in the third period. However, it is a little more comforting to the soul if they would just simply win 4-1 or 5-2. Expect another close game again tonight. They're playing a tough Coyotes team that the Hawks generally have trouble with. Mike Smith has been torrid in net and let's say that the Coyotes haven't been "hospitable" to the Hawks the past few years. In addition, this is the 7th game on a road trip. Betters will most likely pick the Coyotes to win this game. Let us hope that Vegas has this wrong. Go Hawks!

* Antti Raanta will get the start in net tonight giving Corey Crawford rest in back-to-back games.

* Steve Konroyd's pick to click: Ben Smith (or someone from the 4th line)...must think this is going to be a defensive battle. Steve has been hot of late. Let's see how good he is tonight.

* Hawks didn't arrive to the hotel until 3 am

* Coyotes are 9-1-2 at home.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Marian Hossa In Calgary

Marian Hossa's wife Jana Ferova`, had 'an illness" , post-delivery issues . 
Quote from Hossa: (reported by Mark Lazerus):“You love hockey so much, but in this matter, family is the most important thing for me, and I’m sure for everybody here,” said Hossa, who said it was a “rough labor.” “Soon as something like this happens, you want to be there for them.”

 Marian returned to Chicago as his wife was readmitted into the hospital. Here is the good news...It appears from all reports that Jana is fine and Marian can now return to the Hawks knowing his family is healthy and well.
OTHER NEWS:
Walking to Practice (In Calgary)...in Sandals: PRICELESS 

* Antti Raanta will get his first NHL start tomorrow (came in relief of Crawford :last game)
It’s been a week already, been waiting and waiting to get this start,’ Raanta declared. “Of course, I’m excited.”
* Jeremy Morin gets sent back to Rockford (no shock there with Handzus coming off of the DL and Kostka shortly thereafter)
* Johnny Oduya sat out of practice today in Calgary. No update on his status for tomorrow's game.
*  LINES @ practice : 10-19-81, 20-26-88, 23-37-65,  52-16-28




Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Should Steve Larmer & Doug Wilson's Numbers Be Retired?

When I think of my childhood, I certainly think of the famous Savard-Larmer-Secord line, and I think of great defenseman like Doug Wilson and Bob Murray.

If you look at the stats of Doug Wilson, their almost non existent in defensemen today,...and very few forwards can put up numbers like Dougie did back in 81-82. He had 39 goals and 46 assists for an 85 point season in only 76 games played. WOW! That's like Bobby Orr. There isn't a defensemen near his stats and I doubt there will ever be. I get it,...he stole Antti Niemi away from the Hawks (for those that live in a box...He's the GM for the Sharks)...great chess move on his part. By the way, Corey Crawford isn't chicken liver right? So, we can forgive and forget. PLUS, any defenseman that can play an entire career without a helmet deserves consideration wouldn't you agree?

Steve Larmer had 5 seasons with the Hawks of 40+ goals and NEVER had a season below 70pts. HOLY COW BATMAN. He was a point a game person. 1,0006games/1012pts(with the Hawks he had 923 points in 891 games.)

Let's at least start by acknowledging that they should be considered. (Bob Murray, Ed Belfour are two more on my list that should at least consider a nice conversation while we have a stogie with a bottle of wine).





PlayerCur. TeamFranchisePosFromToFranchise: GPGAP+/-PIMPPSHGWGTOTShots
1STAN MIKITACHIC1958-19591979-19801,3945419261,4671,270
2BOBBY HULLCHIL1957-19581971-19721,0366045491,153640
3DENIS SAVARDCHIC1980-19811996-19978813777191,096+981,0051011546312,446
4STEVE LARMERCHIR1980-19811992-1993891406517923+1824751531949112,541
5DOUGLAS WILSONCHID1977-19781990-1991938225554779+11976480923113,060
6DENNIS HULLCHIL1964-19651976-1977904298342640255
7PIT MARTINCHIC1967-19681977-1978740243384627+156439517341,555
8JEREMY ROENICKCHIC1988-19891995-1996524267329596+1175701081938711,453
9TONY AMONTECHIR1993-19942001-2002627268273541+67468682034531,903
10BILL MOSIENKOCHIR1941-19421954-1955711258282540121
11KENNY WHARRAMCHIR1951-19521968-1969766252281533222
12DOUG BENTLEYCHIL1939-19401951-1952546217314531215
13ROBERT MURRAYCHID1975-19761989-19901,008132382514+2087348311102,076
14ERIC NESTERENKOCHIR1956-19571971-19721,0132072884951,012
15TROY MURRAYCHIC1981-19821993-1994688197291488+63707361729211,239
16CHRIS CHELIOSCHID1990-19911998-199966492395487+1201,49537713201,891
17PIERRE PILOTECHID1955-19561967-1968821774004771,205
18CLIFFORD KOROLLCHIR1969-19701979-1980814208254462+109376535391,458
19PATRICK KANECHICHIR2007-20082013-2014470161288449+3220051027011,388
20JIM PAPPINCHIR1968-19691974-1975488216228444+85447426351,124
21CHICO MAKICHIR1961-19621975-1976841143292435345
22ALEXEI ZHAMNOVCHIC1996-19972003-2004528140284424+1941937822211,295
23THOMAS LYSIAKCHIC1978-19791985-1986474137275412-4023838524926
24PATRICK SHARPCHICHIL2005-20062013-2014553197214411+85330481634061,654
25ERIC DAZECHIL1994-19952005-2006601226172398+817662134821,607
26JONATHAN TOEWSCHICHIC2007-20082013-2014432178217395+12323747531021,174