Earn your Feathers

Hawks vs. Blues

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:09:00 +0000

They shit the bed! Do I need to write anything else? I should have played Modern Warefare 3 instead of wasting my time with this game! Next up is the Blue Jackets who are bad at everything including hockey.
Go Hawks!!

Blackhawks/Ducks Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Meyers) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Anaheim Ducks (4-3-0) @ Chicago Blackhawks (4-1-2)

Time: 7:30

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WGN 720

Internet: Justin.tv/hawks33channel (password is “stoogetvcom”

The first of four meetings between these two clubs begins tonight in the United Center. Both teams are coming off losses in their previous games, with the Ducks losing a frustrating 5-4 decision to Phoenix on Sunday, while the Blackhawks of course fell to the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 by way of the shootout at the UC on Saturday.

For the Ducks, this is the first of a brutal 7 game road trip, in which they play 5 clubs who were playoff contenders. Hopefully, the Blackhawks can start this trip off on a sour note for Anaheim. This is the 2nd game of a 3 game homestand for Chicago.

The Ducks definitely have players, both up front and on the bluelines, who can hurt you offensively. Their biggest threat is reigning Hart Trophy winner and NHL MVP Corey Perry, who after coming off a 50+ goal campaign last season, has picked up right where he left off. Perry is tied for the team lead in points with 7. Players that also have seven points for Anaheim are Ryan Getzlaf, Ageless Wonder Teemu Selanne, and offensive weapon Lubomir Visnovsky. Other notables for Anaheim include Bobby Ryan, who when put with Perry and Getzlaf last season formed the best line in hockey, and their goaltender Jonas Hiller.

Hiller, after suffering through vertigo last season (which is part of the reason Ray Emery is Chicago’s backup goalie), has definitely seemed to lose a step in his six starts this season. Usually, Hiller can be considered one of the NHL’s top goaltenders. However, through six games Hiller has posted a 3-3 record with a subpar .892 save percentage and a 2.71 GAA. Hopefully the Blackhawks can inflate those numbers even more tonight.

Overall, aside from the opening night loss in Dallas, the hasn’t been too much to complain about in the Blackhawks overall game. Sure, they got stoned by a hot goalie in game 1, they zombie-walked their way through the late stages of the loss against Boston, and a couple of bounces didn’t go their way against Colorado on Saturday, but for the most part, when the Blackhawks can get their transition game going and limit the opponent’s chances, it usually turns out well for them. It also helps when your penalty kill, which was a big weakness for Chicago last season, is one of the most elite in the league. If the Hawks continue to play the way they have for most of the year, they should have no problems beating any team in the league. Sometimes, though, that can be a huge “if”.

Former Maple Leaf Jason Blake is out for Anaheim for about the next three months after undergoing wrist surgery last month. Thankfully, the Blackhawks still have no injuries to report.

Let’s Go Hawks

KTM

Blackhawks/Avalanche Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Meyers) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Chicago Blackhawks (3-1-1) @ Colorado Avalanche (5-1-0)

Time: 8:00 PM Central

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WGN 720

Internet: Justin.tv/hawks33channel (password is “stoogetvcom”)

After an impressive, thorough, and all around dominant victory over the Phoenix Coyotes, the Blackhawks stay out west to take on the red-hot ~~Quebec Nordiques~~ ~~Big Falling Snow Pile~~ Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center.

As was the case with Phoenix, it seems as if the Blackhawks never play well against the Avalanche. Memory seems to recall a game where Tomas Fleischmann scored a couple power play goals in the third to once again, as was the case more times than preferable last year, cost the Hawks much needed points. However, considering the Hawks haven’t played Phoenix well the last couple of seasons and beat them handily two nights ago, it should make all of us feel a little bit better.

The Blackhawks, coming off a game where they dominated in all phases of the game (cue Lovie Smith impression) , should really keep things in tact from Tuesday. As long as the Hawks win the special teams game (especially if the power play looks halfway decent), they should be ok. And if they can beat Semyon Varlamov…

When it was announced that the Avalanche gave the Capitals for a first round and conditional second round pick, most people (including me) thought they were crazy for doing so, especially with Varlamov’s less than great career in DC. However, he has been a huge part in the Avs success so far this season, going 3-1-0 in his first four starts. David Jones leads the team with 4 goals.

Peter Mueller and Brandon Yip are injured and will not play in tonight’s game. The Blackhawks (shockingly) have no injuries to report.

Corey Crawford is Coach Q’s guy in net tonight.

Let’s Go Hawks

KTM

Head West Young Man: Blackhawks/Coyotes Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Meyers) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:40:00 +0000

After losing a sloppy 3-2 game in the shootout to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, the Chicago Blackhawks head west to take on the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Coyotes have played the Blackhawks well in recent vintage, winning five out of the last eight meetings between the two clubs.

Blackhawks

The Blackhawks come into tonight’s game with a good, not great, 2-1-1 record. I say not great because, in my opinion, they should have won the two games in which they did not pick up the maximum 2 points. A couple notes on the Blackhawks for tonight:

The power play needs to step up. The Blackhawks have one of, if not the most, talented groups of players in the NHL. And even though they finished 4th in power play percentage a year ago, it seems like every year there are always MAJOR issues with the power play. This time around, the power play needs to figure out how to make short, quick passes instead of the long 50 foot stretch passes that get picked off and throw back down the other way. The Hawks have scored 2 or fewer goals in half of the games they have played so far this season. Fixing the power play would go a long way toward breaking that trend.

4 games into the season and it’s already “Marian Hossa was playing great but now he’s hurt” time. The Hawks are optimistic that he’ll come back tonight, but remember, this is the Blackhawks. Ya know…the same team that listed Kim Johnsson as “day-to-day”. He hasn’t played an NHL game since.

Considering we haven’t hurt otherwise, Corey Crawford will be in net tonight for Chicago.

Any takers that John Scott will be in the lineup AGAIN tonight?

Coyotes

The Phoenix Coyotes are a team that many people considered a bottom feeder in the Western Conference a couple of seasons ago, especially considering all the “Coyotes back to Winnipeg…?” turmoil the team had been facing the last couple seasons (although now that Atlanta moved to Winnipeg it’s now become “Coyotes to *insert city here”…?”) and the fact that it didn’t seem they had the talent to be a top 8 team in the West. However, the Coyotes responded to that by being a top 5 team in the conference for the last two seasons.

The Coyotes top player is their captain, and only player on the team who was an original member of the Jets when the team moved from Winnipeg in 1996, Shane Doan. The old man has gotten off to a hot start again this year with 7 points in the first 4 Phoenix games.

The biggest change for the Coyotes in the offseason surrounded their netminders. Asshat Ilya Bryzgalov followed up his “stellar” performance against the Red Wings in round 1 of the playoffs last year by demanding he be handed a significant raise. The Coyotes declined to make an offer to the pending free agent, sending his negotiating rights to the Philadelphia Flyers. Replacing him in net are no other than Jason LaBarbera, who has been the backup in the Valley of the Sun for a few seasons now, as well as former Lightning netminder Mike Smith. Don’t expect master performances by whomever gets the nod tonight.

The puck drops at 9:00 for you locals back home in the Chi. A 10:00 start for us in the east. You can catch it on WGN, WGN Radio 720, or on http://www.justin.tv/hawks33channel (the password is “stoogetvcom”).

Let’s Go Hawks

KTM

Hawks Edged by Bruins

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:49:00 +0000

I didn't get to watch this game until this morning so I got to enjoy this very frustrating game with a cup of coffee right before football started. I really don't blame the Bruins for laughing at Patrick Kane in the photo above. Lets get right to the bullet points.

The Kane/Bomb line is almost unstoppable. When players play there rolls and play them correctly it is fun to watch. Dan plays with heart and knows what he is suppose to be doing on the ice and that is freeing up Patrick enough to do what he's suppose to do.
Toews is having another slow start. The Toews/Brunette/Sharp line isn't even showing up and his bad back pass lead to the game tying goal in the 3rd period, that's not like our captain. *He also missed on a great opportunity on a shootout goal.
Hossa was a scratch because of an upper body injury. Hope it's not serious because Boss Hoss was playing with a chip on his shoulder and was in beast mode since joining the Hawks after having his first child.
Duncan Keith struggled with Nick Leddy again. I'm almost getting sick of seeing this pairing!
Props to Jamal Mayers for dropping the gloves again, nice to see the grit on the back end again.
Bickell's breakaway goal was fantastic he didn't do too much with the puck and just buried it 5 hole. It's also nice to see Bicks taking the body and doing it in the right situations he needs to be bringing this every night all season to be effective.
Big ups to the penalty kill. So far this season is looking like a strong point to the Hawks unlike last season. Nice job Stan Bowman for knowing what the Hawks where lacking and good job bringing in the right guys to fix the situation.
Dave Bolland had another good game. His line of Frolik and Bickell has been fantastic, now if we could only get the first line going.
We got 1 point!
Losing the momentum in the 3rd period with no puck support and letting the Bruins do basically whatever they wanted to do. Looks like we lost our legs and basically got pushed around the entire 3rd period.
Tim Thomas was awesome like he's been all of last season and the playoffs. Good start to the season for him.

Blackhawks Down the Jets!

noreply@blogger.com (Cory) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 01:34:00 +0000

It’s a little too early for the Halloween puns, but the Blackhawks looked ghastly at the start of last night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets. With 2 goals nearly three minutes apart, Jim Slater (yeah I had no idea who he was either) looked as if he was about to single-handedly hammer the nail in the Hawks coffin (I said it was too early for the Halloween pun, not that I wasn’t going to use em) when Coach Q delivered what was obviously a pretty solid ass-chewing to his team. It was all goal horns and spinning red lights after that, as the Blackhawks took control and shut down the Jets with 4-3 victory.

I loved the Kane, Hoss, Carcillo line. On paper you think hmm…. But I have to say I was intrigued from the moment I heard Q was going this route. It made for some fun hockey.

Carcillo gets slagged off for almost never using his brain, but the truth is he has always been a better hockey player than most people think. Sure he looks like John Holmes younger brother, but the guy actually does have some game and when he’s on the ice and playing smart whoever is beside him is going to get plenty of opportunities, and last night this is exactly what happened. He’s never had the chance to play with this many “skill” guys and it’s going to be really interesting to see if he’s able to maintain the balance between his various personalities. We saw him do it last night and both Hossa, and Kane were both better because of it.

FEATHERS EARNED

Patrick Kane – Talked about elevating his game and is now doing just that.

Daniel Carcillo – Played smart, played hard, and looked like he belonged out there.

The chick from the Mike Anderson Chevy Giant commercial – Okay, I’ll admit that initially I thought she was kind of hot, but if I have to see her rock that fucking granny-wig while spouting “greeeaaat customer service” one more time I’m probably going to stab someone in the ear with a cattle prod.

Blackhawks/Jets Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Meyers) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:50:00 +0000

The ~~Atlanta Thrashers~~ Winnipeg Jets come into the United Center tonight looking for their first win of the season. This is the first Winnipeg Jets road game in more than 15 years, and generally, the franchise has struggled in Chicago. The Blackhawks have won the last two meetings, both 5-4 by way of the shootout. The Jets are coming off their home opener in which they were stomped on by the Montreal Canadiens. The Blackhawks fared much better in their home opener, as they routed the Dallas Stars 5-2 at the United Center on Saturday night.

The Jets aren’t that good of a hockey team, but they do have players who can hurt you. Nik Antropov, Evander Kane, 2011 first round pick Mark Scheifele, Zach Bogosian, and of course former Hawks Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien will all be offensive threats. Ondrej Pavelec will be netminding Winnipeg tonight.

The Blackhawks are coming off a much needed 5-2 victory over Dallas on Saturday. However, it appears a couple lineup changes will be in the cards for Chicago. Daniel Carcillo will be in the lineup tonight after serving a 2 game suspension for the beginning of the season. It also seems as if Carbomb will be skating with Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. Why? Nobody knows…knowing Joel Quenneville the lines will be changed after the first shift of the game.

Also, Ray Emery will get his first start of the season. He was sick with the flu earlier in the week, but he is all ready to be between the pipes tonight for the Hawks. It’s probably a good idea to give Crawford a rest now, because knowing Joel Quenneville, Corey Crawford will start the last 39 games of the season.

The puck is set to drop at 7:30 at the United Center. It will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet as well as WGN Radio 720. Let’s Go Hawks.

KTM

Roster moves and etc.

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:29:00 +0000

Today we saw Brandon Sadd sent down to the minors after only 2 games. Saw this move coming miles away with Stalberg, car bomb, and Ben Smith getting ready to make there season debuts. Salak was also called up today just in case Crawford's groin isn't ready to go tomorrow night and Emery supposidly sick with the flu could give Salak his first start as a Blackhawk.

Hang on To Those Tickets After All

noreply@blogger.com (Cory) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:33:00 +0000

It was a tale of two teams tonight at the UC as the Blackhawks dominated the Minnesota Southstars and showed what this team is capable of when everyone is on the same page. Gone was the timid squad that let Dallas dictate the pace of the previous night’s tilt. The Hawks defense clearly felt it had something to prove. They were jumping in all night and I’m pretty sure Keith spent as much time behind Raycroft as he did at the blueline. Seabrook, O’Donnell, and Montador all had assists, with Montidor looking considerably more comfortable out there.

On the offensive side the Blackhawks looked good. The skill level alone appeared miles ahead of where I thought they’d be at this point. The boys were reading each other and correctly anticipating where the plays were going to open up. That’s something we didn’t see early last season. The Blackhawks got goals from Andrew Brunette, Dave Bolland, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp. The

I hate to be one of those guys that make grandiose statements every time a player has a good game, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious that a healthy Dave Bolland is as valuable to this team as some of the “big contract” boys. The league is full of guys who can change a game with their stick, but is there another player whose team visibly responds more than the Blackhawks do when Dave Bolland is in the lineup?

FEATHERS EARNED

Dave Bolland - Scored two goals and brought some needed grit.

Marcus Kruger – Diving to block shots in the second game of the season? That’s the kind of play that earns feathers!

Jake Dowell – None classier. Nuff said!

Seasons Over!!

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:14:00 +0000

Everyone please return your season tickets and hope for next year! I'm just fucking with you, I saw some bad, really bad and I saw some really good last night. Everyone needs to put the rope and step stools away, it's one fucking game.

Marian Hossa! Let me say that again Marian Hossa. He was in full Hossa beast mode last night and was trying to carry the load himself. I am very optimistic that Hossa is completely healthy and is going to have a great year with anyone you put with him.
Patrick Kane was a one man show last night on any line he was added to. He was the only Hawks forward (other than Hossa) to be able enter the zone and create on his own. He also held his own in the faceoff circle.
Duncan Keith had a tough game as you can see in the photo above leading to a breakaway chance for Dallas. He also blindly through the puck up the boards to a Dallas player for a goal.
Crawford is my number 1 star of the game. If it wasn't for Craw they would have gotten blown out of Dallas. The man saw 33 shots and only let in 2. If anyone had any doubts that he would have a sophomore slump needs to think again. He's been strong all preseason and has carried that over to the regular season.
Coach Q really pissed me off last night dressing 7 defensemen and playing Steve Montador as a forward was fucking stupid. I hate to say it but I would have rather seen John Scott dress for the 4th line last night.You will never see me write that again hopefully.
The kids played good. They didn't make any dumb mistakes in either end of the ice and play the boards well all night and created chances for themselves and there line mates.
Jamie Benn destroyed Hammer and the glass!
Sharp looked like he was hurting still.
Sami Lepisto sucks and pissed me off the whole game.

I have a wedding to go to tonight so I'm recording the game and will watch it Sunday morning since the Bears aren't playing and will have something up tomorrow afternoon.

Let's Do This!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Cory) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:48:00 +0000

Shhh…Can you hear it? That buzzing sound? It follows me everywhere I go. It’s like 10,000 wasps hovering just behind me at all times. It started on April 27, 2010. Just 5:22 into overtime Alex Burrows rips a slapshot over Corey Crawford’s right shoulder and before you can exhale, its goodnight, via con dios, see ya next year. It was at this moment that the buzzing began.

Think, if you will, of the opening scene in the Dark Knight. Listen as the Joker’s henchmen methodically go about their tasks in preparation for the big heist. Throughout this scene there is a low, menacing sound that suggests something is coming. The buzzing grows and grows. As it builds you realize that it’s leading to a moment, a confrontation yet to be seen. The buzzing speaks to you, and asks one simple question… Are you ready?

Does the Pope shit in the woods? Hell yeah we’re ready!!!

Questions - The biggest difference between this season and the start of last season is the reduction of question marks. New faces???? Fatigue??? Cup hangover??????? Opening night of last season was wrapped in a bundle of uncertainties We all new last year would be tough, and If we were honest with ourselves we would have used the two most hated words in a defending champions vocabulary…

“Transition year” No matter how confident I was in the Blackhawks ability to repeat, I think we all knew that it was going to be next to impossible to put that puzzle together after such a short off-season, and I truly believe the short off-season was a MAJOR factor in the Blackhawks struggles. All last season they denied that physical and mental fatigue was having a major affect, but as soon as the season ended most Blackhawks finally acknowledged that the quick turnaround was more of a factor than they had indicated. So as I see it, two of the “big three” reasons for the Blackhawks struggles have been addressed. So that leaves…

Uh, The players? Duh! (Sorry about that, Charlie Sheen stopped by to borrow some nasal cartilage and when he sees an open laptop…) Anyway, back to the players. Are there new faces? Absolutely. But the Blackhawks are in that rarified air in which their core group of players, who just won a Stanley Cup, hasn’t even hit their prime yet. Jonathon Toews is 23 years old. I’ll repeat that for you, Jonathon Toews is 23 years old. Let me ask this, out of all the superstars in the NHL is there anyone more likely than Toews to still be playing at his current level of ability10 or 15 years from now? And it’s not just Toews. Down the line the Hawks are loaded with young players who have a mountain of NHL hockey already behind them. Kane, Sharp, Seabrook, Keith, Bolland, are essentially young veterans who can provide that core stability amidst all the new faces. The other positive is the stable of promising youngsters. The Blackhawks have done a good job showing patience and giving young players the time necessary for their individual development, this coupled with some savvy drafting over the last few years, indicates a bright future. It should also be noted that the Hawks will give you the chance if they feel you’re ready, I’m looking at you Brandon Saad…

All in all, I think the Blackhawks are primed to make another serious Cup run. So on behalf of the EYF knuckleheads I’d like to say… DROP THE PUCK!!!!!!!!

Hawks vs. Wings (preseason)

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:07:00 +0000

Red Wings edge Hawks 4-3 in overtime needing the shootout to win. There was a lot of good and some bad to take out of this game even though it was mostly a group of guys they where sent to either the AHL or there respective clubs as I'm writing this.

From what I've seen these first few preseason games is that every night there is a different rookie hero. Last night it was Brandon Pirri's turn to be that guy. He played very well being a difference maker on both ends of the ice.

I was very pleased to get an extended look at Dylan Olsen in real action. The only few times I've seen him and he was playing other rookies at rookie camp. I didn't think he played all that bad, he used his size and checked some people and for what it was worth tried to clear the front of the net. Which he isn't very good yet at doing that. Another season down on the farm will do the kid some good.

Jimmy Hayes had a good night getting a very nice patient goal. He also played good along the boards and used his size to hit some Red Wing scum.

Car bomb took some stupid penalties but didn't do anything really dumb that stood out to me. He has yet to drop the gloves this preseason. Probably trying to show the coaching staff he can do other stuff than just fight and be completely useless.

Frolik has had a really good preseason so far and I am really hoping he carries his efforts to the regular season. He's playing fast and he's playing confident in which why he is in almost every play when he's on the ice. Frolik could be a huge X factor this season if he can find his scoring touch again and help out our big guns.

All in all it's still a preseason game and they lost with the Rockford Ice Hogs but played well enough to pull out a victory against the hated Red Wings which is a good sign for what we having coming up through the system.

I want to touch on this subject real fast since word broke that Coach Q is thinking about trying Patrick Kane out at center when he is able to hit the ice for some preseason work. I just want to say that is the dumbest thing I've ever read I don't care what the reasoning is behind it. You are going to take one of the best right wingers on the club possible one of the best in the Western Conference and move him to center because your GM didn't get you a solid center in free agency? DUMB

This is to you Stan Bowman get us a solid 2nd line center you dumb ass!

I'm sure that will work out good for him/Hawks!

News and updates from training camp and first preseason game

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Training camp was once again sold out for the second straight year. It was fantastic seeing the Hawks back on the United Center Ice.All that speculation of Patrick Kane not being ready for training camp was a horse shit lie. He's not 100% by any means but he was on the ice for practice. He still can't really take any contact but he's on the ice shooting and passing and doing Kaner type of stuff.

Watching Dan Carcillo was the best part of training camp. Seeing him pull up a couple of times on Seabrook and tapping him on the back of the helmet basically saying your welcome for not running you through the glass and 3 rows of the UC. He also was ready to scrap when someone took a run at Stalberg, that was just a little preview of what to expect Dan to bring to the Hawks every night he is dressed.

JT looked like a beast where as his brother David looks like he needs a couple more years in the minors before is even a factor for the Hawks.

If anyone watched the first preseason game on Tuesday night you witnessed a fantastic N64, NHL94 classic from the view of the jumbo tron.

Here comes the Mark McNeil love fest and fan club starting already. He had a very nice game on Tuesday but for the love of god the 18 year old center will not, let me repeat myself again, WILL NOT make this team. The Hawks will give him some time in the minors to mature his game and become the first round center they want him to be.

Goalie show down: Salak looked shaky and a little bit of place. I'm not totally sold on him yet if you ask me. Emery looked better and is the seasoned vet. Emery also looked better at training camp so if i was the betting man and I am, I'm going with Emery to take this job and run with it. It looks like tonight the two of them are going to get the chance again to play against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The only 2 goals scored on Tuesday where from Rostisliv Olesz and Jamal Mayers. Nice to see a 4th liner get set up from a rookie and Olesz who I think is fighting to keep a job on the crowded roster.

Tonight's game is being broadcasted on WGN radio and on NHL Network if you get that channel.

Thanks for Reading
BZ

Kaner to Miss Training Camp?

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Meyers) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:13:00 +0000

All of a sudden, there have been whispers regarding Patrick Kane's wrist injury. The general consensus seemed to be, based on comments from Kane and General Manager Stan Bowman, that #88 would be ready for the start of training camp. However, that all changed a few days ago when Kane was interviewed on Fan 590 in Toronto. You can here part of the interview here. Based on that interview, it didn't seem all that certain that Kaner would be back for the start of camp. It's not the most exciting news, or the most concrete but it's all we have to work with right now, so just roll with it. Until then...

KTM

More signings and notes

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:25:00 +0000

Michael Frolik signed a 3 year contract extension right before the Blackhawks convention. When he was added to the convention list I knew that he was close or actually signed. This former 2 time 20 goal scorer was a high priority on Stan Bowman's list.

This can be a great signing if he goes back to his old form. He showed some flashes in the playoffs that he found his scoring touch, if and when him and Bolland can find some chemistry that 3rd line can put up some numbers.

As we all heard Patrick Kane is going to have surgery on Tuesday to repair his wrist. It is said he hurt it in one of the last games against Vancouver, 6-8 weeks for recovery and he'll be ready for training camp.

Kane was training this offseason and it wasn't getting any better so he was told to get it done sooner than later so he can be ready for the start of preseason. Kane has bulked up this offseason up to 185 lbs. from 160.

I've never been a fan of dogging Patrick Kane of not working hard, I've all ways believed that Kane (a point per game player) has nothing but upside to his game. There is only a hand full of these players in the NHL that put up points like him, and to all those rumors that the Hawks where shopping him "fuck off"! Unless they trade for one of the other point per game players don't even think about moving Kane. OK, but why would you do that? Stupid people start stupid rumors. Just saying.

Chris Campoli will not be brought back says Stan Bowman over the weekend at the convention. He priced himself right out of Chicago. I wouldn't be surprised if his rights get traded for some Gatorade or a bag of pucks for the UC. Oh well, thanks for the turn over in overtime in game 7 I'll never forget it Chris.

Signings, news and notes

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:11:00 +0000

To begin the Hawks have signed Viktor Stalberg, Rob Klinkhammer, and Alec Richards. Stalberg's deal is a 2 year worth 1.75 million with a cap hit of 875K. Klinkhammer and Richards deals are to keep them down in Rockford for a little bit longer. Now all we are waiting for is Campoli and Frolik to get inked and we should be set unless Stan can pull off a trade and get me a damn 2nd line center.

In other news prospect camp finished up today and everyone is expected to make the Blackhawks roster this upcoming season. Sorry nobody from this weekends prospect camp will make this years team, I'm sorry to get your hopes up since everyone always has a boner for the high draft picks. But I do like what we've got coming through the system with good size (finally) and good speed/skill.

Stan has some trading chips in the minors if he really wants to try and make a trade. Not all these kids will make it to the NHL no matter how good they looked over the weekend or in college.

I want to go back to the Stalberg signing this to me was the one guy I didn't care if he came back or not, but Bowman's got a hard on for the kid. He really doesn't do one thing all that great out on the ice. He wasn't very good on the fourth line he couldn't play on the top lines and he can't play on the checking line. So what is he good at?

Skating.

Oh well, maybe he'll figure it out. Hopefully.

My plea to you Stan

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 04:09:00 +0000

I know he will never read this but please, please do not plan on having Patrick Sharp play center this season unless he has to for injury reasons. Sharp is better suited for playing left wing for either of the top lines as we all seen last year.

I don't care right now where we get another quality center from but we need to find one.

I want to get a pool going for how long it takes Kyle Beach to fight Dan Carcillo this preseason. I'm going with the 2nd period of their first scrimmage against each other. If the Hawks where smart they would put those 2 on the same squad. Just saying.

News & Notes

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:32:00 +0000

Unless you've been living under a rock lately you've gotta know that Campoli and Stalberg filed for arbitration. Who cares what happens to Viktor but Campoli if he gets priced out of Chicago will hurt seeing we might need his puck moving abilities.

Hoping Stan can get Campoli signed quickly.

Frolik is still not signed and not arbitration eligible . Stan has to get something done here as I think he can be a positive asset to this team still.

Tomorrow starts rookie training camp running through Monday. I will be in attendance on Saturday so I will get some info up asap after the scrimmages. Make sure to visit www.chicagoblackhawks.com to see what players will be there and the schedule.

Stamkos anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:12:00 +0000

I've been reading a couple of rumors that the Hawks could be in the running for Steven Stamkos. Should the Hawks be in the market for him?

What I've been seeing is that the Tampa Bay is asking for top d-man. Who would the Hawks give up for him? Seabrook? Keith? And is that worth getting Stamkos?

Is trading Brian Campbell and Duncan Keith in one offseason too much too handlefor the Hawks blueline? The other rumors floating around is Doughty from the Kings to Tampa for Stamkos so I'm sure they would be asking for Keith.

But just imagine:

Smith,Toews,Kane
Sharp,Stamkos,Hossa

Just saying!

Happy 4th of July!

In Stan we trust.

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 18:50:00 +0000

When free agency started at 11 a.m. central time Friday I really didn't know what direction Stan Bowman was going to go with his found cash. He decided to go with the veterans with some toughness.

He went after guys like Jamal Mayers (36), Sean O'Donnell (39), Andrew Burnette (37), and locked up Steve Montador (31) before the madness even started.

Then just when you thought the Blackhawks where done for the day Stan goes and grabs a nut job in Danny Carcillo. The whole Blackhawks world was thrown through a loop. Everyone got so upset by signing this guy, but I think the Hawks need a little bit of crazy on the ice.

Sometimes you need that guy who will stick up for Kane, Toews, Shrp, and Hossa no matter what and show the other teams (mainly Vancouver) you are not going to take liberties on our stars!

I don't think Stan is done yet. I still think Stan will get a second line center still and try to lock up Michael Frolik and Viktor Stalberg.

When the Hawks just kinda floated through the very frustrating season to watch last year I thought that they where just too soft of a team. So now I get my wish of having a bigger tougher team. I was complaining that we had no defensemen who wanted to clear the front of the net for Crawford nobody other than Hjalmersson that would block shots.

Nobody wanted to go to the dirty areas of the ice and score goals other than Ben Smith in the playoffs and should get a real nice look at making this team out of camp. Now we brought in Andrew to stand in front of the net and pick up those dirty goals and screen for our snippers.

Well i got my wish I just hope I'm right. Nice work Stan!

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Sorry I've been gone so long I am going to try and give this another shot even with all my wedding crap and work shit. I will have a blog up over the weekend about free agency and what I think even if nobody cares. I think I'll be on my own for this but I don't really care so there!

Quick note I think the Steve Mantador was a good pick up for the Hawks. Good size likes to block shots and gives you a little bit of offense. I can deal with that!

Anyways have a good 4th of July and I will have something up over the weekend about the Hawks free agent pick ups.

Blackhawks Drop Their Second In Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Cory) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:36:00 +0000

Close but no cigar. The Blackhawks came from behind tonight, but were unable to get it done in the shootout. I'm not sure what they saw in Toronto because anyone with eyes could tell that Marty St. Louis steadied that puck to a complete stop before zipping it past Crawford. That's exactly why the shootout is bullshit. The Blackhawks still get a very crucial point, which turned out to be even more important since the Wings were dropped by the Kings tonight in Detroit. Scoring for the Hawks came from Toews, Kane, and Sharp.

Happy Birthday to me!

noreply@blogger.com (BZartler) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:41:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to me at the ripe old age of 25!!!!!!

Flame Out

noreply@blogger.com (Cory) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 07:55:00 +0000

With tonight's win at the UC, the Blackhawks fired yet another warning shot across the bows of the NHL's elite teams, letting the entire league know that this Hawks team won't be going gently into that good night. The Hawks lit up the red hot Flames (13-3-3 in their last 19) for a 6-4 win in a game the saw Jonathan Toews net another two goals, and Dave Bolland score a crucial 3rd period tally. The Blackhawks continued to display the growing confidence that comes with success. I can't be the only one who's noticed this team's swagger returning. Right now the Hawks are playing like champions defending their Cup. Gone is the shell-shocked team with the target one it's back. The fact is right now the Hawks are playing playoff hockey. You want consistency? Check. You want a core that made their bones in the Stanley Cup Finals? Check. You want a goalie who doesn't give 2 shits what your snipers can do because, fuck it, he was an Ice Hog last year? Check. You want a captain who leaves everything on the ice and won't settle for less from his teammates, and who happens to be playing at a level no one in the NHL can touch right now? CHECK. Now it's time to hoist the black flag and give the rest of the NHL the fight they were expecting all along.

Uh, hi... Remember me?

noreply@blogger.com (Cory) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:03:00 +0000

I said it at the beginning of this season, way back when Brent had us do the roundtable discussion. I said it halfway through when things weren't looking so great. And I'm saying it again today. What is my bold statement, that is mine alone and nobody else's? Jonathan Toews shoulders will decide this teams fate. Okay, so I'm not even close to the only person that said it. I know the 2010 playoffs seem like a long time ago, but as any Hawk fan will tell you, something special happened during that long grind toward history. The special thing we witnessed was not the rebirth of a franchise (what the fuck does that even mean?) or the end of the Hawks historic cup drought. No, what we had the good fortune of seeing was a player make "the move" Sometimes the move is subtle, occurring over time. Other times it happens on one epic night. With Captain Serious we watched it build. Points, defense, leadership, repeat. "The Move" happened when Toews went from pretty damn good NHL center, who had an outstanding olympics, to Steve Yzerman / Brian Trottier incarnate. A player who is better than the sum of his parts. A player who knows going to the ugly places on the ice won't get him any facetime on NHL On The Fly, but goes there anyway. And we are seeing it again. From the now famous locker room tirade that rallied the troops for a victory over the Blues, to 23 points in his last 14 games. Toews finished his Conn Smyth winning performance with 29 points in 22 games. Looks to me like someone is playing MVP hockey at the moment. Oh, and don't give me that "well that was the playoffs, the regular season is different" horse-shit. You don't need George Parros Smarts (seriously, dude majored in economics at Princeton) to see that right now every game is a playoff game. Toews sees it. Now we find out how broad those shoulders really are.