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hokkeynutt

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  1. hokkeynutt
    That’s the headline going into tonight's Blackhawks/Blues game. One concern that I have is that whichever team is singing the blues after tonight's contest they will not be as hawt as Elisabeth Shue was at singing the blues. The Mighty Blackhawks are in St Louis tonight to take on the Blues, a place where the the Blackhawks have dropped five of their last seven games. This could be one of the stiffest challenges the Blackhawks have faced all year. The first half of this shortened season has been fairly successful for the Blues. They are 10-6-2 and have the #1 Power Play in the league. For the Blackhawks, they will be looking to add to their NHL record and make it 20 straight games to start the season without a regulation loss. I expect tonight's game to be played like it is Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. The Blues have had this date marked on their calendar since losing to the Blackhawks on January 22nd and are a much improved team. The Blues are on a mission to show the league and the Blackhawks that they are a team not to be messed with and are serious about wanting a Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks will need to play disciplined hockey and avoid the penalty box or this game could get ugly. The boys in the Indiancrest better be ready to match the Blues intensity to silence the crowd at the Scottrade center, otherwise they will be singing the Blues. The Rat is likely out after injuring his surgically repaired back.
    Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams:
    Blues 10-6-2 24pts:
    Goals for: 2.94 (5)
    Goals against: 2.83 (18)
    PP%: 30.3 (1)
    PK%: 78.8 (20)
    Blackhawks 16-0-3 35pts:
    Goals for: 3.10 (4)
    Goals against : 1.79 (1)
    PP%: 18.2 (13)
    PK%: 88.7 (2)
    Did you know:
    1) The Blackhawks are 10-0-3 in games decided by one goal. In each of the last five games and all but one on the homestand were decided by that margin.
    2) The Blackhawks have won three straight vs the Blues, all at home and all by one goal with two going to a shootout. The Crow made a season-high 32 saves in a 3-2 win Jan. 22.
    3) Rumors are heating up in Philly that the Flyers are inquiring the Winnipeg Jets in acquiring ex-Blackhawk Dustin Byfuglien. Hmm. Not sure if the Flyers acquisition of Simone Gagne will silence these rumors.
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Hossa
    Sharpie Krugs Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Carbomb Meyer Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    GO HAWKS!
  2. hokkeynutt
    A "Shaw-Zam" goes out to Andrew Shaw who scored his 4th goal of the season (his first GWG) that was set up by gritty play by both O-du-ya and Bicks. But it wasn't all good for Shaw. He wasn't feeling too good on the bench after taking a spear right to the family jewels from James Wisniewski. Shaw, who has a reputation growing of being pesky was in a tussel with Wisniewski in the Blue Jackets' goal crease. It was at that point that Shaw delivered a cross-check right to Wisniewski's back, certainly enough to upset anybody. So Wisniewski's repsonse was to jab Shaw in the family jewels. (I suppose that's one way to clear the crease.) It's going to be interesting to see if the league wants to look at this one. Wisniewski has a history with the league office and no, I don't buy that it was an accident. Wisniewski seems to give a pretty hard jab with his stick, not just an accidental shot. Whether or not there is any more punishment for Wisniewski, there was plenty of punishment for Shaw. But a game-winning goal will probably help take away some of the sting. Here is a link to the video of theattack on the Shaw's family jewels:
    Now for tonight's action!
    Tonight, marks the last game of a seven game homestand for the Mighty Blackhawks and is the beginning of a nine-game, 17-day road trip for the Edmonton Oilers as they come into the Madhouse on Madison. For the spectators of the game, tonight's game promises to be a game of speed and talent as the Oilers are branding themselves similar to the Hawks. The Oilers are a team built on speed and their puck movement and their power play are exceptional. The Hawks can't afford to make the same mistakes made against Columbus last night (e.g. Kaner turnovers and penalties (5)). Additionally, both the Crow and Razor have struggled versus the Oilers, with Crow compiling a 5.75 gaa over the past three meetings, losing two starts and Razor has surrendered 10 goals on 40 shots over his two appearances, losing his only start against the Oilers. On the positive, the beloved Blackhawks have momentum and I truly believe that this Blackhawk team is faster than perhaps any Hawk team in years, including the slightly bigger, more physical 2010 Cup Team. The Blackhawks will have to skate hard for 60 minutes and play smater tonight if they want to keep the streak alive.
    Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams:
    Oilers 7-7-3 17pts:
    Goals for: 2.24 (27)
    Goals against: 2.65 (16)
    PP%: 23.7 (7)
    PK%: 87.5 (4)
    Blackhawks 15-0-3 33pts:
    Goals for: 3.11 (4)
    Goals against : 1.78 (1)
    PP%: 17.3 (14)
    PK%: 89.6 (2)
    Did you know:
    1) The Blackhawks have lost the last three meetings with the Oilers.
    2) With last night's shuout, his secon of the season, The Crow is Crawford is 8-0-3 with a 1.50 gaa.
    3) Hammer was very good last night against Columbus and was credited with six blocked shots.
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Hossa
    Sharpie Krugs Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Carbomb Meyer Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    GO HAWKS!
  3. hokkeynutt
    First, Congrats to the Blackhawks on setting the record! At 14-0-3, the Hawks set an NHL record by going 17 straight games without a regulation loss to open a season with the win over San Jose on Friday night.
    Tonight, the beloved Blackhawks face the 5-11-2 Columbus Blue Jackets who are capping off a six game road trip (going 1-4). To simply look at the team records and one would say that tonight's should be a cake walk for the Hawks. However, the Blue Jackets have a new coach and a new team slogan “Lead the Charge” since the Hawks last played them in January. If the Blue Jackets are to end the Hawks streak tonight at the Madhouse, they'll need to do a lot of what they did in their last meeting with Hawks. If you recall, the Hawks escaped that game due to a questionable goaltender interference call (and disallowed game-tying goal). In that contest the Blue Jackets gave the Hawks one of their better tests of the season. Tonight, the Hawks look to avoid a let down and continue their stellar play. The Crow is expected back in net after recovering from a mild concussion. The Rat is out tonight.
    Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams:
    Sharks 5-11-2 12pts:
    Goals for: 2.17 (28)
    Goals against: 3.00 (21)
    PP%: 13.2 (27)
    PK%: 82.9 (13)
    Hawks 14-0-3 31pts:
    Goals for: 3.34 (4)
    Goals against : 1.88 (2)
    PP%: 18.1 (13)
    PK%: 88.7 (3)
    Did you know:
    1) Emery is 7-0-0 on the season and has a goals-against average of 2.10
    2) Ryan Clowe, San Jose has been suspended a minimum of 6 games for coming off the bench Friday night to go after Shaw adfter Shaw labeled San Joses Pavelski into the boards just before the game ended.
    3) Big Hoss has three goals and five assists during a six-game point streak against Columbus, while Tazer has four goals and four assists in his last five.
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Big Hoss
    Sharpie Krugs Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Carbomb Meyer Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    Go HAWKS!


  4. hokkeynutt
    With their shootout victory over the Canuckleheads on Tuesday night, the beloved Blackhawks tied the record for the most successful start in NHL history (earning at least a point in their first 16 games of the season). They surpassed the 1943-44 Montreal Canadiens, who started the season 11-0-3, the 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers, who started 12-0-3, and have tied the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks who started 12-0-4. What do all of these teams have in common? Well, as I stated before, they all won the Stanley Cup the year they posted that record. Could the Mighty Blackhawks follow suit? We shall see. The Hawks however currently own the best record to start a season at 13-0-3.
    Tonight, the Sharks come to the Madhouse on Madison for the last regular season matchup between the two teams expected to contend for the Western Conference Crown. The Sharks ended an 0-4-3 skid with a 2-1 victory at St. Louis on Tuesday. Both of the teams meetings this season have been testy affairs and if you recall in the last matchup, Captain Serious engaged in a rare fight with the Shark's Joe Thornton. Both teams comes into tonight's game rested and as you know the Hawks are a bit dinged up. While Big Hoss participated in practice yesterday, he will be a game time decision. If Hoss is out, I expect Stalberg to move up to the first line. The Crow, is again out tonight with what is being rumored as a mild concussion. Seabs will return to the lineup after missing a game due to a, umm, severely bruised nut. The Razor mans the pipes again tonight. Although he gave up a soft goal, against the Canuckleheads, he did settle in and deliver a solid performance for his second shootout win of the season. With a victory on tonight over the Sharks, the Mighty Blackkawks will make NHL history with the most dominant start to a season.
    Below are the NHL Rankings of the two teams:
    Sharks 8-4-3 19pts:
    Goals for: 2.47 (22)
    Goals against: 2.13 (4)
    PP%: 18.9 (11)
    PK%: 87.1 (5)
    Hawks 13-0-3 29pts:
    Goals for: 3.31 (2)
    Goals against : 1.94 (2)
    PP%: 18.6 (12)
    PK%: 87.9 (3) (gave up 2 goals to the Canuckleheads Tuesday)
    Did you know:
    1) Is Sharpie out of his scoring slump? We shall see as Sharpie has scored in two consecutive games.
    2) Duncan Keith has five points in his last three games.
    3) Sharks netminder and former Blackhawk Antti Niemi has given up more than one goal just twice in his last six starts.
    4) As many of you probably already know, the Hawks practice at Johnny's Ice House but do you know what is written on the the Blackhawks lockerroom walls at Johnny's? Below are a few of the sayings written on those walls:
    "To win the game is great. To play the game is greater. To love the game is greatest."
    "Don't judge those who try and fail. Judge only those who fail to try."
    "Success is a journey, not a destination."
    "If you lose,say little. If you win, say less."
    "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."
    "If there is no one in your way, then you're not going anywhere."
    If the words above don't get you excited for tonight's game, nothing will!
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Stalberg
    Sharpie Rat Kaner
    Bicks Krugs Shaw
    Bollig Meyer Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    Razor
    GO HAWKS!
  5. hokkeynutt

    Sweet Sixteen?

    By hokkeynutt,

    The beloved Hawks are 60 minutes away from tieing the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks as the only two teams to start a season with 16 games without a regulation loss. Tonight, the Hawks face their Western Conference nemesis, the Vancouver Canucks who open up a four game roadtrip at the Madhouse on Madison. In the first meeting between the two teams at Rogers Arena, Jordan Schroeder scored the only shootout goal to provide the Canucks with a 2-1 shootout victory. The Hawks have gone 2-0-1 in the first three games of a seven game homestand and are determined to beat the Canucks in regulation, it will not be easy. I expect tonight's outcome to be determined by the special teams, the Hawks 3rd ranked PK versus the Canucks 12th ranked PP and the Hawks 12th ranked PP versus the Canucks 21st ranked PK. Unforunately Seabs is out tonight.
    Below are the two teams NHL Rankings:
    Sharks 8-3-3 19pts:
    Goals for: 2.79 (11)
    Goals against: 2.14 (4)
    PP%: 18.5 (12)
    PK%: 80.4 (21)
    Hawks 12-0-3 27pts:
    Goals for: 3.33 (2)
    Goals against : 1.87 (1)
    PP%: 18.5 (12)
    PK%: 89.1 (3)
    Did you know:
    1) Since acquiring defenseman Johnny Oduya last season, the Hawks are 24-2-7 with him in the lineup.
    2) After ripping off six straight wins, the Canucks welcomed back Ryan Kesler, by losing two straight (Dallas and St. Louis). Hockey doesn't make sense sometimes.
    3) The Canucks earned points in both games they played at the Madhouse last season finishing with a record of 1-0-1. Luongo started both games and allowed just four goals on 77 shots. In fact, the Canucks and Luongo are undefeated in regulation in their last four regular season trips to the Madhouse (2-0-2).
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Big Hoss
    Sharpie Rat Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Bollig Krugs Frolik
    Defense:
    O-do-ya Keith
    Hammer Leddy
    Rozsival Brookbank
    Netminder:
    Razor
    GO HAWKS!
  6. hokkeynutt

    Shark Bait?

    By hokkeynutt,

    Just not sure bout this Hawks team, I have some concerns. Sure the Hawks own the best record in the NHL but… in my opinion they are not the best team in the NHL. I realize you have to be lucky to be good and good to be lucky but I have a number of concerns with this team and the time to improve and experiment is now, during the season. The Hawk power play, which in spite of all kinds of star power, was awful last year. This young season has seen the Hawks slide to 15th in the league, going 1 for 8 against the Ducks, including a couple of 4 on 3's. Someone has got to explain to Q that Sharpie should not be on the point on the PP when you have Seabs sitting on the bench who has one of the hardest shots in the league. Also, the opponents know the Hawks, nothing has changed… backdoor all of the time or a set up for a timer. My suggestion, the blueline on the PP needs to improve significantly if this team is going to have a deep run in the playoffs. How bout faceoffs… it would sure be nice if the Hawks could land a second line center to take the pressure off Tazer for game critical faceoffs. It’s a blessing that Tazer was 74% against the Ducks in key situations. Acquiring a second line center would also help Sharpie who has been in a funk. The Rat has a tendency to dump and chase and with Kane and Sharpie as your wingers, puck control is their specialty, not dumping and chasing. I mean ****, when was the last time you saw Kaner go hard into a corner for a puck that was dumped in, with a 225lb defenseman, defending him. Not blaming Kaner but that’s just not his game, puck control is. Next for improvement is the the Hawks shootouts. The Hawks have not been great and as I mentioned yesterday if the Hawks next shootout is tonight, Big Hoss gets his turn as the #3 shooter. The Hawks problem has been finding a consistent third shooter. Sharpie, Leddy and Saad were all given opportunities this season, but failed to score. Lastly, the Hawks need to against bigger and more physical teams. Rumor has it that the Hawks are exploring the possibility of acquiring some additional size and toughness on wing so stay tuned.
    Tonight, the Hawks face a rested Sharks club, who are in the middle of a six-game road trip, have lost six consecutive contests overall and are looking to even the season series between the two teams. Maybe, I am in a funk but I see tonight's game going to the Sharks, 3-1. Hope I'm wrong.
    Below are the two teams (NHL Rankings):
    Sharks 7-3-3 17pts:
    Goals for: 2.62 (19)
    Goals against: 2.08 (5)
    PP%: 21.2 (9)
    PK%: 87.0 (6)
    Hawks 10-0-3 23pts:
    Goals for: 3.31 (2)
    Goals against : 1.92 (3)
    PP%: 18.2 (16)
    PK%: 91.5 (2)
    Did you know:
    1) Car Bomb took to the ice yesterday and is now practicing.
    2) The Hawks dropped to 1-3 in shootouts this season with Tuesday's shootout loss to the Ducks.
    3) Big Hoss hasn't taken a shootout chance this season and hasn't been used much in recent years. He was 0-4 in shootouts last season, 0-2 in 2010-2011 and 2-5 in 2009-2010. He's 12 for 40 for his career.
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Big Hoss
    Sharpie Rat Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Bollig Krugs Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    Razor
    GO HAWKS!
  7. hokkeynutt
    The first game back home from long road trip is always dangerous as the Hawks are back at the Madhouse after a successful 4-0-2 roadtrip. Usually the last game of a long road swing and the first game coming back home are difficult challenges. The first half of the challenge was a success and now the Hawks need to take care of the second half. There will be no doubt that an eager crowd will be on hand at the Madhouse on Madison to welcome back the boys in the Indian Crest sweaters.
    All of you diehard Hawk fans already know that the Hawks have not suffered a regulation loss in their first 12 games. Interestingly, tonight's opponent the Ducks, set the NHL record by not losing in regulation during the opening 16 games of the 2006 campaign. Not to count the chickens before they hatch, but the Ducks won Lord Stanley's Cup that season. A bit of déjà vu? Maybe.
    The Hawks still have a lot room for improvement especially against bigger, more physical teams, especially those who can also skate and/or clog up the neutral zone. The Ducks, 6-2-1 in their last 10 games are a bigger, physical team with a lot of skill on its top two lines and I expect the Hawks to have their hands full. Speaking of improvement, lets talk faceoffs for a moment because everyone not named Toews or Mayers is getting murdered. Hey Q, can we get this fixed?
    The Hawks have only played 2 games at the Madhouse this season to date so its critical that the Hawks take advantage of home ice and bring home some additional W's.
    Did you know:
    1) The Crow is 7-0-2 with a 1.62 gaa and .935 save percentage.
    2) Sharp is barely cracking 2 shots per game, and his career average is over 3.5.
    3) Make it a five-game goal-scoring streak for Kaner, whose nine goals and 10 assists trail only the Sabre’s Thomas Vanek (11 goals, 12 assists) for the NHL’s points lead.
    4) Leddy and Frolik have been held with out a point in the last 6 games. With that said, both are playing well, especially on the PK.
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Big Hoss
    Sharpie Rat Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Krugs Mayers Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    Lets go HAWKS!
  8. hokkeynutt
    First a quick comment on Hawks last game Sunday night against the Flames ... Can you say 'the great escape'? You can bet Calgary will not let a game like that get away from the them again. Big Hoss scores the tying goal with 2.4 ticks of the clock left and then Kaner wins it for the Hawks in a shootout. Additionally the Razor was sharp in net making 45 of 47 saves setting a new career high in saves.
    Tonight, the beloved face the Sharks who are coming into tonight's game at 7-1-1 after dropping last night's contest to the Ducks in Anaheim 2-1. The Hawks and Sharks will use tonight to judge just how good they are as this game will be between the two best teams in the Western Conference. With two days rest a poor start by the Hawks will be inexcusable as they've regained their legs that were clearly dead in Calgary three days ago. The Rat will be back in the lineup, which is a mild relief after missing only one game due to an ankle injury that looked a lot worse at the time than it ended up being. The Rat figures to jump right back into the middle between the Patricks.
    Catch a power nap before tonight's game as it starts at 9:30pm CT
    Did you know:
    1) Hawks are #1 in the NHL PK at 94.4%
    2) Hawks are 3-3 killing off opponents 5-3 power plays
    3) The Crow has a 1.66gaa and ranks 4th just behind Baby Lu who has a 1.53gaa
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Big Hoss
    Sharpie Rat Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Bollig Krugs Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Rozsival Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    Lets go HAWKS! Let's hand the Sharks their second straight loss!
  9. hokkeynutt

    Hey, Let's Get Wild!

    By hokkeynutt,

    Tonight the Hawks will see the 'new' Wild in which the organization surprised most of the NHL by grabbing both of the highest sought after free-agents over the summer Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. These two signings drastically changed the dynamic of what was a pretty dull hockey team. Parise is one of the NHL's better scorers and is an awesome forechecker. And Hawks fans are too familiar with Suter's defensive skills from his time in the land of the Grand Ole Opry. The Wild escaped with a 3-2 victory last over the Blue Jackets as the Wild let a two-goal lead evaporate early in the third before getting a game winner from Bouchard, the 100th of his career. For those who watched, the Wild appeared to pay solid hockey for about for 40 minutes but lost it in the third, allowing the Blue Jackets to tie it on the power play. Eventually the Wild were able to regain momentum and rally for the win but it could have taken it’s toll for their overall stamina tonight. The Hawks come into tonight's game 6-0 after having two days of some much needed rest. The Blackhawks coaching staff even attended the Wild/Jackets game last night to scout out the Wild. The Hawks are undefeated right now because they are getting contribution from all four lines and are able to roll all 3 defensive lines. I expect that all lines will be clicking tonight after their much need rest and send the Wild back into the Wilderness.
    Did you know:
    1) Rozsival will be out his 3rd straight game with a knee injury.
    2) Wild Dman Ryan Suter is a -5 this season.
    3) The Crow has a 1.83gaa in 5 games.
    Tonight's expected Hawks lineup:
    Offense:
    Saad Tazer Big Hoss
    Sharpie Rat Kaner
    Bicks Shaw Stalberg
    Bollig Krugs Frolik
    Defense:
    Seabs Keith
    Hammer O-do-ya
    Brookbank Leddy
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    In my opinion tonight would have been a good game to start Emery knowing that the Hawks head to Canucklehead land and the Shark Tank after tonight's game.
    Lets go HAWKS! Let's make it 7-0!
  10. hokkeynutt
    Been a long time since I've posted so, here goes my first post of the shortened season.
    Wow a 6-0 start for the Mighty Blackhawks, can you believe it?
    I don't, and I could not imagine the Hawks starting the 2013 campaign at 6-0. So it’s six in a row to start the year and now the beloved embark on a pretty nasty looking six game road trip (it looks even nastier with travelling to the undefeated Sharks on February 5th). Although, I love the Hawks start, let me remind you that the primary focus is winning Lord Stanley's Cup. Many teams have had great starts to a season only to lose in the playoffs or not even make the playoffs. You have probably heard by now that the current NHL record for the longest winning streak to start a season is 10 games by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1993-94. That year the Maples Leafs ended up being the 3rd seed in the playoffs and lost in the Conference Finals to the Canuckleheads. The Ottawa Senators started the 2007-08 season with a 13-1 record only to be knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Penguins 4-0. Heck even the Hawks started off 4-0 in 1972-73 and then went 3-7-2 in their next 12 games. That year the Hawks lost in the Cup Finals to the Canadiens four games to two. I am not trying to ruin the party, its exciting to watch the Hawks have such a great start this season but this will mean nothing to me unless this team continues to improve and brings home another Cup in June.
    Regarding the victory over the scum from Detroit …
    It was another clutch performance by the Crow and the Hawks penalty kill, primarily Frolik and Krugs. These two saw increased ice time on the pk and it was well deserved as the Hawks killed all six of Detroit's power plays including four in the 2nd period (one a 5 on 3), improving to 22 of 23 this season. Six games is a small sample but in this case accounts for 1/8 of the season. So far the Blackhawks rank fourth in goals scored and sixth in goals allowed in the NHL. The power play is tenth best while the penalty killing unit ranks second. The Hawks discipline has been very good as they are the fourth least penalized team in the league.
    Other stuff…
    – This is the bad part of only playing Western Conference foes in a shortened season: Every OT game hands over a point that could prove to be crucial in the division race and battle for playoff seeding. With Detroit unable to find its scoring touch, a regulation victory was there for the taking, but …
    – The Hawks looked completely gassed in the third period on the end of back-to-back games. That’s understandable, especially given they played most of the second period shorthanded. Though it’s frustrating to give up a point to the Deadwings, the flip side of that is the Hawks got two points when they didn’t appear they’d even snatch one at times.
    – The Hawks have won four straight against Detroit, dating back to Feb. 21, 2012.
    – Congrats Crow! The Blackhawks wall in front of the net has been named the NHL's Second Star of the Week!
    – Johnny Oduya and the Hammer are a +8 and a +6 respectively.
    – Interestingly, Keith is a -4 and Brent Seabrook is a -5.
    – Andrew Shaw and rookie Brandon Saad have yet to record a point.
    – Has anyone seen Sharpie?
  11. hokkeynutt

    Wings come to Town!

    By hokkeynutt,

    Tonight the Hawks take on their biggest rival, "The Detroit Scum", "Deadwings", or whatever you would like to refer to them as. Tonight, two big stars will be out of their respective line ups, Detroit's All-Star center Pavel Datsyuk will miss about two weeks following knee surgery and Captain Marvel is out for the Hawks with the infamous "Upper Body" injury. The Hawks will be looking to continue their 3 game winning streak as they continue to gain back their confidence. While the Hawks are far from perfect, they will need to play a perfect game tonight against the best team in the NHL. The Hawks PP is a must have tonight and must produce tonight for the Hawks to be successful (Sunday against the Blues the Hawks were 0-3).
    Tonight's contest is a big challenge for the Hawks, but wining this one changes things in the West. A sinking Dallas squad follows, with the Southern Cal trip to Anaheim and San Jose and then Ontario Double (Toronto and Ottawa) to follow. Win here, and suddenly the idea of immediately canceling out that damn losing streak doesn't seem so ridiculous.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Sharp - Bolland - Hossa
    Stalberg - Kruger - Kane
    Brunette - Mayers - Bickell
    Hayes - Morrison - Scott
    D-Men:
    Keith - Olsen
    Leddy - Seabrook
    Lepisto - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    Trade Deadline:
    - So far all is quite on the trade front.
    Odds and Ends:
    - Hjalmarsson returned to practice this morning but still isn’t ready for game action and will be out tonight.
    - Detroit is 7-4-1 in 12 Tuesday games this season
    - Detroit is 70-4-4 the last 78 times they've scored 4+ goals in a game
    Side Note(s):
    If you only knew...
    A $100 bet on the Detroit Red Wings in November would be worth $3.9 million now if a bettor had allowed his money to ride during the team's current home win streak, according to Todd Fuhrman of Caesars Entertainment. The Red Wings began a 23-game home win streak on Nov. 5 with a 5-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The original $100 bet would have earned the bettor $68 after the first game and accumulated into more than $100,000 after the 15th. Fuhrman, a senior race and sportsbook analyst, suggests that a bettor could have earned $3.9 million dollars after the Red Wings' 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday if they kept their money in for the entire duration of the streak. There have been no reports of an actual bettor who has cashed in on every game of the streak at this point.
    Thanks for reading!
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott

  13. hokkeynutt

    Battle of the Streaks!

    By hokkeynutt,

    Tonight the Hawks are in New York to take on one of the NHL's elite teams, the New York Ranger. This does not bode well for the Hawks. The Rangers have stayed relatively consistent through the month of January and the first half of February and might be able to put a string together with five straight wins with a victory over the struggling Hawks. The Rangers have won eight of their last ten games.
    The Hawks have lost nine straight games and their last eleven games on the road. After Tuesday's loss to the Preds, the Hawks are now tied for 6th with LA and are only two points ahead of Phoenix in the Western Conference. Scarier still, the Hawks are only three points ahead of 9th place Calgary. Both the Yotes and Flames are playing solid hockey right now, matching 6-2-2 records in their last 10 games.
    Playing the first place team in the Eastern Conference while under the bright lights of MSG are ideal conditions for the Hawks to break out of their slump. This could be a confidence-booster if they do. The Hawks must be a very hungry hockey team tonight and must get on the board early to take the life out of MSG. I am tired of watching the Hawks playing from behind and I am afraid of what will happen if the Hawks get off to another one of their slow starts.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Sharp - Toews - Hossa
    Stalberg - Kruger - Kane
    Brunette - Bolland- Bickell
    Shaw - Mayers - Scott
    D-Men:
    Keith - Olsen
    Leddy - Seabrook
    Lepisto - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    Odds and Ends:
    - The Crow is 0-4-1 in his last five games with a 4.35 GAA
    - Captain Marvel has been held scoreless in the last eight games
    - In '05-'06, the Hawks had a ten game losing streak in January. Do you know who the leading scorer on that team was? Kyle Calder with 59 points.
    Side Note(s):
    - Anyone else tired of hearing the Kaner trade chat? Look, Kaner has a no trade clause in his contract. While I admit, I have not been a big fan of his of late, he is still considered one the NHL's elite play-makers.
    - With all of this trade rumors occurring, if the Hawks were to make a trade or trades, do you really think that this will help the team this year? We have known all year long that the Hawks Special teams have been in disarray and continue to be. The Hawks defense has needed another solid blue-liner to anchor the D. And... it has been known since last summer that the Hawks have needed a #2 center. These issues have been clearly known up to this point. Furthermore with the current nine game skid these issues have become even more apparent. If Stan gets off his *** and makes a few trades, will it be enough? My guess is that the Redwings will not be silent at the trade deadline, nor will the Blues. In my opinion, the Blues and the Redwings are the teams to beat in the Western Conference and I would not be surprised to see one of those teams representing the West in the Stanley Cup.
    Thanks for reading!
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  14. hokkeynutt

    Shark Bait?

    By hokkeynutt,

    Tonight the Hawks are in San Jose looking to get back on track. This past week has been a tough one of sorts for the Hawks including Tuesday's loss to the Avs and a flu bug knocking a quartet of Hawks players out of practice on Wednesday (Hjalmarsson, Leddy, Stalberg and Bicks).
    For all the talk over the Hawk's porous defense, their offense has disappeared and has compounded matters. The Hawks have scored more than two goals just once during their current losing skid. And to make matters worse, the power play is just 1-for-15 over the six-game span. Most of Wednesday's practice was spent on the power play and as I mentioned in my prior post, the Hawks pp was 0-for-3 at Colorado and they did not register a shot on goal. The Sharks come into tonight's game losing two straight.
    Let's think positive tonight Hawks Fans! The Black Eyed Peas sing, "I've gotta a feeling... that tonights going to be a good night" and I have that feeling too. The string of Hawks' losses ends tonight.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Frolik - Toews - Hossa
    Sharp - Kruger - Kane
    Shaw - Bolland- Stalberg
    Mayers - Morrison - Bickell
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Scott - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    No news from GM Stan Bowman in the way of trades or acquisitions, though depending on who you listen to he is in the market for either a goalie, a defenseman, a center, a goalie and a center, a goalie and a defenseman, or a center and a defenseman.
    Odds and Ends:
    - Sharpie's next GWG - which will be his 30th with CHI - will give him sole possession of 12th on the #Blackhawks' all-time list
    - The Hawks have recalled defenseman Dylan Olsen from Rockford and have put Steve Montador on IR.
    - In the last meeting at the Tank, between the Hawks and Sharks the Hawks lost 1-0, Crow was in net.
    Thanks for reading!
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  15. hokkeynutt
    Make that four losses in row on this nine game road trip and it would appear that the Hawks are in trouble as they continue their downward spiral in the Western Conference. The Hawks finished their season series with Colorado, Edmonton and Calgary with a record of 4-7-1... nothing to be proud of. To make matter worse, the Hawks will finish the road trip against some of the NHL's elite teams, San Jose, Phoenix, Nashville and New York Rangers. They wrap up the trip in Columbus (yay, maybe a "W"). The Hawks had 3 power plays last night in Colorado and did not score, worse yet, they had no shots on goal! I mean are you serious, no shots on goal on 3 power plays? The Hawks are now 0-10 on power plays on this road trip. But wait it gets better, I say that sarcastically of course, before the second period was 4 minutes old, the Hawks gave up their sixth 2 on 1 break and you knew it was a matter of time before the Avs would score and they did just that. The Hawks are in disarray and something must change now. At this point I am not sure if it is a lack of talent, the players quitting on Q, or if there was to much hype on the free agents signings this past summer. Captain Marvel said it best after last night's game, "I don’t really know what to say at this point. It sucks. It's not like we’re enjoying this." Hey Tazer, you bet this sucks! Stan its clearly evident, this team needs changes and they must start now. Get on the damn phone and do something!
    Thanks for reading.
    Scott
  16. hokkeynutt
    That's the questions to be answered by the Hawks tonight who are currently on a five game losing streak and have lost the first three games of the nine game road trip. The Hawks face the Colorado Avalanche who are also on a five game losing streak. Tonight one of these teams breaks their cherry and will get the "W". For the Hawks, Razor will be back in net and I've got to believe the job is now his to lose. At practice yesterday, Coach Q had the lineup blender on "max" and blended the lines quite a bit. I have a feeling that we will see the lines below at puck drop. Q's goal is more offensive production. Q has also blended the second and third lines on D moving Hjalmarsson down and moving Montador up. We'll see how these line changes work out tonight if not does panic set in? Stan mentioned last Friday that the trade wires have been silent has teams are in "wait mode". If the Hawks lose another tonight, that just might be the match-stick needed to light a fire under Stan's a$$ to get something done.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Toews-Kane-Shaw
    Bolland,-Sharp -Hossa
    Morrison-Kruger- Stalberg
    Mayers-Bickell*-Frolik
    *Bruny is a game-time decision and could replace Bicks as center on the 4th line. (He has been out the infamous "upper body injury")
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Montador
    Hjalmarsson- O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    Razor
    Odds and Ends:
    - A special thanks goes out to the Yotes who last night beat the Detroit Scum 3-1.
    - The Hawks have lost their last seven road games.
    - The Hawks been outscored 22-10 in the first three games of the nine game road trip.
    Thanks for reading.
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  17. hokkeynutt
    Tonight, we will see how the Hawks respond to a humiliating 8-4 loss last night to team 20 points beneath then in the standings when the visit the Calgary Flames in Calgary. This will be the third road game of a nine game road trip. The Hawks are sixth in the Western Conference with 65 points, one point out of fourth and five points ahead of seventh. The alarm clocks should be buzzing of the harsh reality that this team is currently not a playoff caliber team. Let me rephrase that, they can make the playoffs but will not make it past the first round. As I mentioned before, this team struggles against the NHL elite teams as evident in three of the last four losses and weeks earlier two losses to Detroit. This team has holes... in net, on defense and needs another top 6 forward. Things need to change now! I am sure Stan is working the phone lines but dammit, get something done and now. Hey Stan there are only 30 games left! And before I turn my attention to tonight's game against the Flames... Hey Q! Q ! Hey Q will you bench that idiot who stupidly wore a Superman's cape at the All-Star game, he has not scored in how games now??? and still has not learned that thing called "team defense". He's no Superman! Hey Q grow a pair and bench him! Or move him to the third line and bring Shaw up to the first.
    Ok enough venting... Tonight's game with the Flames is the fourth and final meeting this season. Interesting enough is that the home teams have won each of the first three games, all by comfortable margins. The Hawks have won 4-2 and 4-1, while the Flames won 5-2. The Hawks are expected to start the Razor in net tonight and word is Bruny is out with an upper-body injury in which some are saying anonymously that it is serious. The Flames are coming off 3-1 loss Tuesday to Detroit and in seven of their last twelve games scored less than two goals.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Stalberg - Toews - Kane (bench him or move him to the third line)
    Hossa - Kruger - Sharp
    Frolik - Morrison - Shaw
    Bickell - Mayers - Scott
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Montador - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    Razor
    Odds and Ends:
    - The Hawks are 7-3-1 in the second game of back-to-back scenarios.
    - The Flames record when leading after two is an impressive 15-0-3.
    - In the last 10 games between the Flames and Hawks, the Hawks are 7-3-0
    Thanks for reading.
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
    　
    　
    　
    　
    　
    　
    　
    　
  18. hokkeynutt
    Hey Stan, the Hawks need to fill their holes now. They are falling fast in the West after another embarrassing loss in Edmonton. The Crow played one of his worst games of the season, blowing a 2-0 second period lead and getting pulled in the third. The Crow looked like a fish out of water in his crease all night and may now take a seat behind Razor, who is expected to get an opportunity to win the starting job for the stretch run. As ugly as it was, the status of the team is pretty much the same. One of the best in the West, but with holes that need addressing...Now! These holes are starting to get bigger as other teams in the West are passing the Hawks. I know Stan is working the phones, but jeezuz, lets not fall to far down before the deals get done. The Hawks will try to regroup later tonight against the Flames in Calgary in an attempt to break their four game losing streak and their 6 game road losing streak. More to come later on tonight's game.
    Odds and Ends:
    - The injury bug hit the Hawks again last night as Bruny left the game with an upper body injury. When Coach Q was interviewed after the game, one got the impression that the injury is serious or at least that was my take.
    - Bicks spent more time in the penalty box (4 mins) than he had on the ice (3:39) through two periods. And to think Frolik was not dressed to play this worthless piece of dung.
    - The Oilers' Sam Gagner scored four goals and became the first player with eight points in game in 23 years (since Gretzky and Coffey).
    - In my opinion the Crow is done, spent, and has lost all confidence. Rumors of the Hawks being interested in Columbus' Curtis Sanford although I think he is to small to be an elite NHL goalie, 5'10", 185lbs.
    Thanks for reading.
    Scott
  19. hokkeynutt

    Drillin' For Oil!

    By hokkeynutt,

    Tonight the Mighty Blackhawks will play game two of their nine game road trip, facing the Edmonton Oilers in their final meeting of the season. The Oilers lead the season series, three games to one. The Hawks will be looking to end many bad streaks tonight; a three game losing streak and trying to keep pace with division leading Detroit Dead Wings, and the Hawks will also try to avoid the longest road losing streak in more than eight years as Tuesday's loss to the Canuckleheads was the Hawks fifth consecutive road loss. The Hawks have not dropped six straight away from home since setting an embarrassing franchise-record 19-game skid from November 10, 2003 til January 29, 2004.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Stalberg - Toews - Kane
    Hossa - Kruger - Sharp
    Frolik - Morrison - Shaw
    Brunette - Mayers - Scott
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Montador - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    The Crow... gets a chance to redeem himself
    Odds and Ends:
    - Sharpie is going to play the balance of the season with a broken bone in his wrist and wait for surgery till the season's over.
    - Of the 72 players in the NHL who have reached 15 goals this season, Viktor Stalberg is the only one without a special-teams goal.
    - Captain Marvel has 11 goals and seven assists in his last 11 games versus the Oilers.
    - The second half of the NHL season began this past Tuesday night, the NHL teams with the toughest remaining schedule (based on the combined points percentage of its remaining opponents) are Nashville (.596), Chicago (.586), New Jersey (.583), Columbus (.576) and Buffalo (.575). The NHL teams with the easiest remaining schedule are Florida (.532), St. Louis (.541), Colorado (.542), San Jose (.543) and Vancouver (.543). Not only do the Hawks have the second-toughest remaining schedule, they also have 20 road games to play, tying them with Los Angeles and St. Louis for the NHL high.
    Thanks for reading.
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  20. hokkeynutt
    Tonight's game against Nashville Predators is the last one before the All-Star break, and for the Hawks, Shooter and Captain Marvel are out. The Hawks lost Saturday 5-2 to the Preds and appeared to have tired legs in that game (they arrived at their hotel at 3am). However, this is hockey and there are no excuses for the lack of effort the Hawks displayed Saturday night.
    The Preds are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now after winning their third-straight game Monday night. They've now won 11 of their last 13 games. Rinne has been remarkable of late, giving up just 11 goals in his last eight games.
    For the Hawks, they will need that Animal Instinct to get at least one point to keep themselves in the fifth spot in the west, a Preds win in regulation... moves them into a tie. It sure would be nice to see Kaner get hot and come out and light up the lamp as he disappeared again in Saturday night's game. This is the last game for Chicago until Jan. 31 when the Hawks begin a nine-game road trip in Vancouver. They don't play another game at the Madhouse until Feb. 19 and have only four home games in February. Momentum is keep before any long road trip so lets get the "W" tonight!
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Stalberg - Bolland - Kane
    Hossa - Kruger - Shaw
    Brunette - Pirri- Hayes
    Frolik - Mayers - Bickell
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Montador - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    The Crow... gets a chance to redeem himself
    Odds and Ends:
    - Earlier today, the Hawks placed Captain Marvel on IR
    - The Hawks have played 49 games... after Saturday’s loss to the Preds they are now 14-8 in games decided by exactly three goals.
    - In the last home meeting with the Preds, Kaner had two goals and an assist and Big Hoss added three assists in a 5-4 overtime victory on Oct. 31.
    Thanks for reading.
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  21. hokkeynutt
    Hello Blackhawk fans. Tonight, at the Madhouse on Madison the Blackhawks take on the ex-Hawks know as the Florida Panthers. The Panthers, last played on Wednesday night blowing a 3-1 third period lead in Colorado and lost in overtime 4-3 to the Avs. The Panthers are now 11-0-4 when leading after two periods. The Panthers have received a bit of good news as former Blackhawk, Jack Skille will be back in the lineup as he’s been out since December 16th with a shoulder injury. The Panthers have sorely missed his hard forechecking, his speed on the puck and his work in the corners. As the Panthers visit the Blackhawks it will be a reunion of sorts. Many of the current Blackhawks were teammates of five Florida Panthers (Versteeg, Campbell, Kopecky, Madden and Skille), as well as general manager Dale Tallon, who was the architect of the Hawks' Cup winning season.
    For the Blackhawks, Razor gets the start in net tonight. I expect the lineup to change slightly with Bickell back in the lineup as it is rumored that there will be numerous scouts from various teams at tonight's game. This because of teams are approaching the 50-game mark and trade talks are full-go. Word is, Bowman is eager to enhance his 62-point team. Only three games remain until the All-Star break and every point is valuable to the Blackhawks so picking up two points tonight is important.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Stalberg - Toews - Kane
    Hossa - Kruger - Shaw
    Brunette - Bolland - Hayes
    Frolik - Mayers - Bickell
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Montador - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    Razor
    Odds and Ends:
    - The Blackhawks have outscored their opponents in their last for home games, 20-9 winning all four.
    - The Blackhawks are 4-1 on Friday night Home games.
    - The Panthers are 0-3-4 in their last seven games away from home.
    - Former Blackahwk, Kris Versteeg leads the Panthers with 17 goals and 39 points.
    Thanks for reading.
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  22. hokkeynutt
    The Blackhawks routed the Buffalo Sabres, who are in a complete tailspin, 6-2 last night at the Madhouse on Madison. With a route like that, you would have thought that one Hawks' player would be a lock to be on the score sheet. I am talking about Kaner. Once again, Kaner did not score last night. Kane has just ten goals on the year, and has only found the back of the net three times in the last 29 games. He does however, have 29 assists on the season and is just struggling to score. Kane is going to have to start finding the back of the net soon.
    Two players that continue to find the back of the net are rookies Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes. These two have done nothing but impress everyone. And their performances last night against the Sabres were no different. Shaw was camped out, unmolested in front of Sabres' goalie Jhonas Enroth eventually knocking in the rebound of a Duncan Keith shot to tie the game early in the first period. For now it appears that the Hawks have a player in Shaw that is not afraid to battle in front of an opponents net. One could argue that's exactly why Captain Marvel was able to score his 25th goal of the season on a first period power play. Shaw once again went to the net and screened goalie Jhonas Enroth, as Captain Marvel tapped in the redirected Seabrook blast on the right side of the goal. Now to the other Rook, Jimmy Hayes... Hayes took a perfect pass from Bruny and buried the puck in the back of the net late in the second period. In the third period, Hayes dropped a sweet pass to set up Bolland's 14th goal of the season. When Sharpie comes back from a wrist injury, it will be interesting to see how the Hawks keep the lineup. My guess is Bickell will be traded and Smith will be sent back down. Stay tuned.
    Odds and Ends
    - Hayes' 2nd period goal was his fourth in ten games, while Shaw netted his fourth straight goal and his fifth in just eight games.
    - The Sabres team that staggered into town Wednesday is in the midst of a nine-game road losing streak and leave with it now at ten games. Credit the ‘Hawks for taking care of business, but Buffalo is pathetic right now. Think they may be ready to make some deals? Derek Roy would look good in a Hawks jersey.
    - Don’t look now, but the guy they call the Weapon, Dave Bolland has nine points in his last six games. The Weapon has 14 goals in 43 games this season. His career-high in goals is 19, set in 2008-09 when he played in 81 games.
    - Next up for Chicago are the Panthers, who just lost Ed Jovanovski for a couple of months after he broke his hand in a fight.
    Thanks for reading.
    Scott
  23. hokkeynutt

    Stop the Herd!

    By hokkeynutt,

    Tonight the beloved Blackhawks take on the Buffalo Sabres at the Madhouse on Madison. This past weekend the Hawks proved to themselves that they can skate with the Big Boys in the Western Conference (losing to the Hot Wings 3-2 SO and beating the Sharks 4-3) although their power play was 0-6. Tonight's game appears to be a "trap" game for the Hawks as the Sabres have been slumping of late and have lost 11 of their last 14 games. So with that said, it is important tonight for the Hawks not to play down to the Sabres. Recently called up Ben Smith will be in the lineup replacing Bickell on the 4th line as Coach Q has not pleased with Bicks performance of late.
    　
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Stalberg - Toews - Kane
    Hossa - Kruger - Shaw
    Brunette - Bolland - Hayes
    Frolik - Mayers - Smith
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Montador - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    The Crow
    　
    Hawks Trade Rumors are Heating Up
    One rumor has it that the Hawks may be interested in Anaheim's Defensemen Francois Beauchemin. If this happened, he'd be a great fit as he is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman the Hawks need right now. He also would be a positive to the Hawks power play. His contract would not be a concern as he's months away from unrestricted free agency and his cap hit currently would be about $1.9 million for the rest of the season.
    　
    Odds and Ends:
    - Rookie Andrew Shaw has four goals in seven NHL games.
    - Kaner has only three goals in his last 27 games. (UGH!!!)
    - Yesterday, Daniel Carcillo was officially placed on Injured Reserve, and in fact underwent successful knee surgery on his ACL during the late morning. He is expected to be out 6 months.
    - Patrick Sharp update, he is on-schedule for a 4-week recovery from his wrist injury.
    - The Sabres have only 36 goals in twenty road games to date.
    - Bolland and Stalberg each have five goals a piece in the last five games.
    Thanks for reading.
    GO HAWKS!
    Scott
  24. hokkeynutt
    Thats a question to be answered by the Hawks on Saturday and Sunday. Coming off two 5-2 victories over Columbus and Minnesota, the Hawks now get a chance to test out their new lineup and (possibly) improved defense against two of the NHL's elite teams: at Detroit against the Deadwings on Saturday and Sunday at the Madhouse on Madison versus San Jose Sharks.
    Just a few comments on last night's game:
    Blackhawk Rookies, Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes again had very good games each scoring a goal. As I stated yesterday, both might be able to stick and help this club. Time will tell.
    I have to sing this again, but "Oh where, Oh where has Kaner been, oh where, oh where can he be?" With four goals in his last 26 games, Kane is on pace for a career-low 18. Kane is feeling the pressure and the lack of scoring and admitted so during the in-between period interview with SaraH Kustok of CSN. Hey Kaner, this is your weekend to shine! Kane this weekend's games are the real deal and it would be nice to see you go ape sh!t and score a few goals.
    How about some praise for the power play! As you know, the Hawks have been terrible on the power play as of late. Last night, the Hawks scored twice with the extra man. They will definitely need to keep this momentum going as this type of production is a must in the second half of the season.
    Odds and Ends:
    - Marcus Kruger is cleared to play against the Deadwings and the Hawks have sent Ben Smith back down.
    - I expect on Monday, that the Hawks will officially place Car Bomb on IR as his season is over and his seven game suspension will have concluded on Sunday evening.
    - Early word is that Emery will start in goal against Detroit
    Thanks for Reading!
    GO Hawks!
    Scott
  25. hokkeynutt

    Let's Get Wild!

    By hokkeynutt,

    Tonight at the Madhouse on Madison the beloved Blackhawks take on the Minnesota Wild. Wow how a few weeks change things in the NHL. In mid December when the two teams met, the Wild were first in the Conference and the Hawks were slumping. When that game was all said and done, Kaner had just completed undressing Wild netminder Niklas Backstrom in the shootout and was leading a victorious Blackhawks team off the ice with a 4-3 win.
    For tonight, Minnesota is currently seventh in the West and ended a 1-8-3 slump with a 5-4 shootout win over San Jose on Tuesday. Minnesota netminder Josh Harding is likely to get the start. The Hawks enter this game determined to gain two very much needed points before the big Detroit-San Jose back-to-back games this weekend. Hawks' rookies Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes continue to play well and one could argue that should remain on the 23 Man Roster.
    Tonight's Expected Hawks Lineup:
    Stalberg - Toews - Kane
    Hossa - Bolland - Hayes
    Brunette - Shaw - Frolik
    Bickell - Mayers - Smith
    D-Men:
    Keith - Seabrook
    Leddy - Hjalmarsson
    Montador - O'Donnell
    Netminder:
    Razor
    Odds and Ends:
    - Happy 33rd Birthday Hoss!
    - Will Kaner score tonight? (He has 3 goals in the last 24 games.)
    - Carcillo serves game five tonight of a seven game suspension. Yesterday, Q stated after practice that Car Bomb need surgery but hesitated to state exactly what for.
    - Tazer is currently 3rd in the league in Faceoffs taken (860), and 1st in faceoff win percentage (61.5%), and that win percentage is 3.4% higher than the next closest player with over 600 draws taken.
    - Nick Leddy is -9 over the last four games.
    - Marcus Kruger will miss his eighth straight game with a concussion. He is expected to return to the lineup as early as Saturday against the Deadwings.
    Thanks for reading!
    Go Hawks!
    Scott

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