Here Today... Gone To Hell!

 ;D

Have at it.

Go Kings Go.

Many times i thought this wasn't going to happen! Go Rangers!

I'll be at training camp in about 7 hours.

playoffs please Oilers  ;D

Why do you guys need a new thread every year? It would be much simpler just keeping one NHL thread for all seasons. Same with NBA, NFL etc. Especially since there's no "post limit" in the threads at this place.

Oh well!  :P


Brad Richards missed first day of camp with the flu. Del Zotto is now re-signed to a 2 year/2.55million cap hit.

Good news about Del Zotto.

great deal for the Rangers with MDZ

Rangers winger Gaborik switches to left side


http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/right_to_left_x8yq7qtfK1PO95bRlCQ8wK



Also, I read on thehockeynews.com that Ovechkin had been playing RW instead of LW on Caps camps yesterday. "Oates said Ovechkin suggested the move to right wing, which is an experiment for now." What's up with these changes?  :P

That could be a good move for Gabby. I assume this means we'll see RIchards/Nash on the first line. That could be two deadly lines for the rangers. Definitely great news with Del Zotto. One of the best young defensemen in the league.

Thanks to the accelerated buyout rule the Rangers were able to rid themselves of Redden. We take a full cap hit for this season. That is better then the alternative though making him sit in the minors and have to pay him next year too. Now we'll have extra cap room next year.

Yeah buying him out was mostly good for Redden. He gets a chance to play this season and with a NHL club. The Rangers would not have let him play due to the risk of injury. If they would've put him in the minors and he would've been hurt there they wouldn't be allowed to buy him out in the summer.

Montreal did the same with Gomez. We'll see what clubs they'll sign with.

Former Ranger, 40 year old Alex Kovalev has signed with FLA Panthers. I doubt he has much left in the tank but he got a try-out with the team and appearantly had good chemistry with their top rookie Huberdeau

Yeah, i'm still glad they did it. I think it was the right thing to do this way he and the Rangers can both move on which he has, signing a 1yr deal with St Louis.

Opening night is upon us, we've waited a helluva long time for this and many times it looked like it wouldn't happen. Hockey finally returns tonight!

How 'bout 'dem Blackhawks? :smoking:

They looked really good opening day against the Kings.

The Oilers are actually looking quite good, (aside from the 1st in the San Jose game) been carrying the play a lot of the time and that's against 3 of the leagues best teams.

Great with an early Western Conference game, rarely see any those due to time difference.

San Jos? is getting a great start of the season. Especially Thornton and Marleau. 11 points each after 4 games. Marleau with 8 goals. Second ever and first player since the very first NHL season 1917 to start a season with 4 multiple goal games.

Jason Arnott has signed with the Rangers.

He will definitely add some depth and experience for the young guys.

Finally seeing the Rangers i've expected to see the first 4 games of the season. That's how you play good hockey!

and it looks like i spoke to soon about the Oilers, jesus that was not worth staying awake to watch

Five games into the new season, the Chicago Blackhawks are still perfect.

Bryan Bickell's goal midway through the second period broke a tie, and Jonathan Toews scored what proved to be the game-winner as the Blackhawks held off the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 Saturday, spoiling the night for a full house at Nationwide Arena.

The Blackhawks matched the record for the best start in franchise history; the 1971-72 team also won its first five games. Chicago has scored 20 goals in the five wins.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012020059&navid=nhl:topheads (http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012020059&navid=nhl:topheads)

Jason Arnott didn't clear the team doctors so the deal is off.

Scary moment last night for the Rangers with their captain Callahan. Luckily its not as bad as first feared a separation or dislocation. The most it seems he'll miss is 14 days which translates to a possible 3-5 games max.

There goes Ottawas year..Spezzas out till playoffs...GO LEAFS GO

Big loss for Ottawa.

Blackhawks :(

Blackhawks vs. Sharks should be a good one tonight :smoking:

Numbers tell the story of Blackhawks' blistering start

As the 2012-13 season hits the quarter mark, two numbers jump off the page when you look at the Chicago Blackhawks.

One is 12, for the number of games they've played.

The other is 10, for the number of wins they have.

The Blackhawks' 10-0-2 start to the season is remarkable on a number of levels, one of which is that it puts them four games away from tying the NHL record for the longest streak without a regulation loss to start a season -- 16 games, held by the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks, who started 12-0-4.

The Ducks finished that season by hoisting the Stanley Cup; what does the future hold for these Blackhawks?

That's a question that won't be answered until the springtime. For now, let's go inside the numbers on the Blackhawks' blistering start:

1.62 -- Goals-against average for Corey Crawford this season, third-lowest in the League. Crawford has won 30 games each of his two seasons as a starter, but last season his GAA went from 2.30 to 2.72, while his save percentage dropped from .917 to .903. And in two seasons as the starter, the Hawks have been knocked out in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Crawford still has one more year left on his contract, but entering the season his performance was considered a key to the Blackhawks' success. So far, so good, as he he's started the season 7-0-2 with a .935 save percentage and 15 goals allowed in nine games.

2 -- The number of games the Blackhawks have played at home this season, the fewest in the League. One reason for that is the season started right around the time Disney on Ice took over the United Center, forcing the Hawks on the road. The long road trip certainly didn't bother them, and their 8-0-2 record on the road is a far cry from their 18-18-5 mark away from home last season.

7 -- The number of games in the season-long homestand the Blackhawks start Tuesday when the Anaheim Ducks, No. 2 in the Western Conference, visit. Considering the Hawks tied for the League lead with 27 home wins last season, they have a chance to really put distance between themselves and the rest of the conference.

12 -- Points for Marian Hossa through 12 games. The veteran forward is back to averaging a point per game for the first time since the 2006-07 season, and that could be one of the hidden benefits of the lockout. The extra time off seems to have benefitted Hossa, who used the extra rest to fully recover from the concussion he sustained in the 2012 playoffs.

17 -- Games it took the Blackhawks to get their 10th win last season, when they started the season 10-4-3.

19 -- Points for Patrick Kane, in just 12 games. In 2009-10 Kane set career-bests with 30 goals, 58 assists and 88 points, but his numbers in all three categories went down each of the following two seasons. Prior to the start of this season, Kane told NHL.com, "I feel like I have something to prove." He's proven he's still an elite offensive player in the first quarter of this season, with seven multi-point games -- nearly half the 15 he had in 82 games last season.

23 -- Total players the Hawks have used this season, the third-fewest in the League. In a shortened season, health is paramount, and the Hawks have been lucky in that regard. Defenseman Steve Montador is out recovering from a concussion and forward Daniel Carcillo hasn't played since opening night due to a knee injury. The rest of the team has been healthy.

31 -- Even-strength goals, the most in the League. The Hawks' power play has been about the only element that hasn't started hot, entering Tuesday's games 16th at 18.4 percent. With the offensive firepower the Hawks feature, it likely won't be long before the Hawks start taking better advantage of the man-advantage. When that kicks in, along with their proficiency at even strength, it could make for some ugly nights for opposing goaltenders.

41 -- Total goals scored by the Hawks, second in the League entering the week. They've done a nice job spreading around the offense, as well. They have three players with at least five goals and four with at least 10 points -- both second in the League -- and 14 with at least one goal. Besides Kane's nine goals, which are tied for third in the League, Hossa and Jonathan Toews have six each. Kane (19 points), Toews (12), Hossa (12) and Patrick Sharp (11) all have at least 10 points.

92.9 -- Chicago's success rate killing penalties, tied with the Boston Bruins for the top mark in the League. The Hawks have been shorthanded just 42 times (eighth in League), but have allowed just three power-play goals all season. With Crawford in net, the Hawks have killed 31 of 32 opposing power plays.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=655317&navid=nhl:topheads (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=655317&navid=nhl:topheads)

Ray Emery :smoking:

This season is depressing.

Yeah, Rangers lose anyone else to injury its gonna be time to look towards next season. Nash on IR, Powe on IR. Asham, Del Zotto out with injuries. Now Girardi and possibly McDonagh to miss extended time. If it can go wrong it has so far. Just when we were starting to play well we started dropping like flies.

Yeah, but the ones playing don't show up in the games.

Take a look at Ottawa. Karlsson the Norris trophy winner (out for the season) and Spezza who had the 4th most points in the entire league last season out at least 1 more month. Cowen top-4 D-man out for the season. Now their best goal scorer (Michalek) and Anderson their goalie who's put up Vezina numbers this season has been out for a couple of games. You know what? They've won 4 games in a row.

Same old Rangers :hihi:

Hey! Blackhawks suck ass!  :rant:



No, they don't.  :'(

Oh i agree, guys like Richards and Gaborik aren't stepping up and picking up the slack. There's only so many injuries a team can sustain though before the play suffers. Before Nash went down we were starting to figure it out. Then he goes down with a mysterious injury and it goes downhill. Just his presence on the ice was creating so much offense. Apparently Tortarella pulled the team off the ice during practice today in disgust. Seems he's finally had it with how they've been playing. About time he did. Hope that lights a fire under them. There is some good news though. Girardi, Del Zotto and Powe all practiced in full contact jerseys today. So i would expect they play tomorrow. Nash, Asham and McDonagh didn't practice. Hopefully Asham won't be out much longer with the back problem and hope Nash will be ok to come off IR Sunday and be able to play. Still haven't heard anything about what's exactly wrong with McDonagh. Not trying to make excuses but in the span of a week we lost our best play maker and our top 3 defensemen. That's gonna be tough for anyone to overcome.

Yeah the injury bug has bit us in the ass big time. Just when we were starting to play well. We had won 4 in a row before losing that shootout. Then Nash went out and only have one point since. Then we lost Del Zotto, Asham, Powe, McDonagh and Girardi. Del Zotto, Powe and Girardi should be back tomorrow though hopefully.

I just hope Nash haven't gotten a concussion from that Lucic hit. The team won't say anything about it, really weird.

No Hall and the Oilers are against the hottest team in the NHL tonight. God this is going to suck.

Let's go 'Hawks! :smoking:

Me too. They refuse to say more then banged up. I haven't heard anything on McDonagh either. At least we are getting Powe, Girardi and Del Zotto back. That will help. We just have to hope and pray Nash comes off IR when elgible after Saturday's game.

Nash practiced today in full contact jersey. He's not playing tonight. He's still not game shape but he said soon. Girardi and Del Zotto practicing too. No McDonagh still. Also, Staal wasn't out there but he was suffering from the flu last game so that probably has something to do with it.

Blackhawks' start even better than realized

If you pay attention to the NHL on a regular basis, you're already well aware of the special season that's brewing in Chicago, but I'm not sure we all realize just how special it is.

After Monday night's 3-2 overtime win against Edmonton, the Blackhawks are now 16-0-3, which is the longest any team has ever gone without a regulation loss to start the season. When you do something that's never been done before in a league that's 96 years old, that's pretty impressive.

Not only has it never happened, but they did it basically without any training camp as a result of the lockout. You also need to remember that, yes, the Blackhawks have been pretty healthy for the most part, but they've also beaten Vancouver a couple of times, they've beaten San Jose a couple of times, they've beaten St. Louis. They've really beaten everybody. This isn't just a case of them beating up on the weakest horses in the field every night.

To play 19 games while using two goaltenders and not have a game where you let up or get tired is amazing.

This is particularly remarkable considering Chicago opened up its season with 10 of 12 games on the road. When you're on the road for that length of time in the NHL, it's not uncommon to have a night where everyone looks at each other and says, "Man, we're beat." That can happen sometimes, and it really looked like it might have on Feb. 5. Chicago was on the fourth stop of a six-game road trip at San Jose and went down 3-1 just 11 minutes in. Sometimes those are the games when you're on the road and players all look at each other in the room and just say, "Well, this isn't our night. We'll get 'em tomorrow." The Blackhawks rallied to win that game 5-3. They did it again to San Jose last Friday night, trailing 1-0 before winning the game on a shorthanded goal by Brandon Saad in the third period.

These types of wins show just how good this team is. Chicago certainly has an unbelievable amount of talent, but there is also an unbelievable amount of character on this team.

Duncan Keith looks like the guy that won the Norris Trophy, Patrick Kane has done something special every night and he's among the leading scorers in the NHL, and Jonathan Toews is having a great start as well, to say nothing of the leadership he showed when he fought Joe Thornton recently, knowing he was probably going to get beat up.

When you look at their weapons, the talent they have up front in Saad, Viktor Stalberg and Michal Frolik, the tough and deep defense with Keith, Brent Seabrook, Nick Leddy and Johnny Oduya, and the size and scoring they've got all over the ice, this team is starting to look better than the one that won the Stanley Cup in 2010.

The only question to me is the goaltending because Ray Emery took a team to a Stanley Cup Final, but it was six years ago, and Corey Crawford has the demons of last year to contend with. Then again, the goaltending has been excellent to this point.

With all that said, though, we have to be realistic. The Blackhawks aren't going to go 48 games without a regulation loss. They're going to lose at some point. Someone will catch them on an off-night somewhere; they simply can't play like this for 48 games with no letdown. The bigger question is whether or not anyone will be able to beat them in the playoffs.

The team with the best start prior to Chicago's this season, the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks, ended their season by engraving their names on the Stanley Cup, so you have to wonder who could stop these Blackhawks from doing the same. I think any team with a chance at it would need superior goaltending and a solid defense. St. Louis could be that team if Jaroslav Halak plays like he did with Montreal in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I think Boston matches up well against Chicago -- the Bruins only have two regulation losses this season, after all.

Whomever it is that faces the Blackhawks with a chance at beating them, though, it's going to be a team with excellent goaltending, much like Phoenix was a year ago when Mike Smith was unbelievable. It will take Mike Smith from last year, Pekka Rinne or Jonathan Quick like he played last postseason. It will need to be a goalie that is playing on that level, because really, if Chicago is playing this well in the postseason, it's not going to be a team that beats it. It's going to be a goaltender.

Right now, the Blackhawks are the best team in the West. They've beaten everybody and they've shown no weaknesses. Their power play isn't great, but it's a lot better than it was last season. Unless this team suffers massive injuries, there's no reason to think it won't win the vast majority of its remaining games. Unless something dramatic happens that none of us can perceive, the Blackhawks will finish first in the West and get home ice for the rest of the playoffs. At that point we'll see if anyone has the goaltending and the defense to beat them four times in seven games.

The most amazing thing about all of this, though, might be that I think the Chicago Blackhawks aren't just the best team in the NHL, but right now they're also the most fun team to watch in the NHL. It's nice to see entertainment and winning go together.

That's good for the NHL, and it's good for hockey.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=14522&navid=nhl:topheads (http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=14522&navid=nhl:topheads)

Report: NHL proposes realignment, new playoff format
Tuesday, 02.26.2013 / 5:24 PM / News
NHL.com

The National Hockey League is proposing a new realignment plan that would see the League go from six divisions to four divisions and introduce a form of divisional playoffs instead of the current conference system in place for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to a report by ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun.

The plan was detailed in a memo sent to the League's clubs Tuesday, according to LeBrun.

The plan needs approval from the National Hockey League Players' Association and the League's Board of Governors. If it passes, it would take effect for the 2013-14 regular season.

"We have been in discussions with the Players' Association for the past several weeks on the issue of realignment and we are trying to get to a solution that everybody can live with," Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told NHL.com. "There are no perfect answers here, so we have to do the best we can in trying to adequately address a number of competing concerns. Once we get to a point where we have the Union's go-ahead, we will present it to our Board of Governors for its consideration. We certainly hope to be in a position to announce something in the relatively near term."

Under the new plan, the conferences would be realigned with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings moving from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference. There would be no corresponding moves by Eastern Conference clubs, resulting in unbalanced-conference alignment that would see 16 teams in the Eastern Conference and 14 in the Western Conference.

The schedule matrix would see each team play teams in the other conference both home and away.

In the seven-team divisions, teams would play intraconference foes three times per season and five of the six intradivision foes five times a season. The sixth opponent within the division would be played four times. In the eight-team divisions, teams would play intraconference opponents three times and intradivision opponents either four or five times per season on a rotating basis.

Due to the unbalanced conferences, the League has proposed introducing a wild-card element to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to LeBrun.

Under the proposed system, the top three teams in each of the four divisions would qualify for the postseason. The final four spots would go to the two teams in each conference with the next-best records. So, in theory, five teams from one division and just three from the other division in each respective conference could make the postseason.

CBC's Elliott Friedman first broke many of the details of the potential realignment plan, including the composition of the divisions, Saturday.

The Atlantic and Central divisions would be in the East, while the Midwest and Pacific divisions would be in the West.

According to the memo, the Pacific Division would include the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks, while the Midwest Division would be the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets.

The Central Division would be the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs. The reconfigured Atlantic Division would include the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.

PROPOSED REALIGNMENT

   
Western Conference                                                                                Eastern Conference
Pacific                            Midwest                      Central                            Atlantic
Anaheim Ducks    Chicago Blackhawks    Boston Bruins      Carolina Hurricanes
Calgary Flames    Colorado Avalanche    Buffalo Sabres     Columbus Blue Jackets
Edmonton Oilers    Dallas Stars                    Detroit Red Wings     New Jersey Devils
Los Angeles Kings    Minnesota Wild            Florida Panthers     New York Islanders
Phoenix Coyotes    Nashville Predators      Montreal Canadiens New York Rangers
San Jose Sharks    St. Louis Blues            Ottawa Senators     Philadelphia Flyers
Vancouver Canucks    Winnipeg Jets                    Tampa Bay Lightning Pittsburgh Penguins
                                                                  Toronto Maple Leafs Washington Capitals

Thoughts on the new realignment proposal? Its really impossible to make it completely even without putting someone in a division that really doesn't make sense. The league really needs to expand by two teams. Maybe move Columbus to Midwest put a new team in Quebec in the Atlantic. I don't know how you'd solve the 7 team Pacific though. Perhaps expand to Seattle?

Tough loss again tonight for the Rangers but i was mostly encouraged by that third period. Finally i saw some fight in them that i hadn't seen in several games. Still  rough parts letting in that third goal after cutting it 2-1 then the fourth one was all on Lundqvist he should've had that one and admitted it. On the more positive it seems more and more likely Del Zotto and Nash return Thursday against Tampa Bay.

McDonagh, Nash and likely Del Zotto to return tonight for the rangers. Finally for the first time since the losing streak started with Nash going down we're nearly full strength.

Ryan O'Reilly has signed an offer sheet with the Calgary Flames. 2 years, 5 mil cap hit.


Gagn? has been traded back to Philly, scored a goal last night in the first game with his old team.


Michael Ryder is back in Montr?al and Cole went to Dallas as well last night in trades.



Speaking of Montreal, I never would've thought they would lead the Eastern Conference at any point this season. Fuck is up with that, must be the Prust effect. ;)

OH, and yes it's awesome having those guys back, especially Nash. However, it's a long way back and I don't think it'll be easy and happen just like that. Would love to be wrong.

I expect it to be a little rough at first. Those guys need to get back in game shape but its no coincidence our downturn happened with Nash going down with injury. I was mostly encouraged by what i saw against the Jets in the third period. We finally showed some character and fight. We just need to find a way to build on that with the Nash, Del Zotto and McDonagh back. We had good sustained forechecking in Winnipeg's zone but we let them come right a back and score. That's what we need to clean up. Having the top pair defensemen back will help for sure.

Just saw it is now confirmed all 3 of those guys are returning tonight against Tampa Bay leaving only Asham sidelined with back spasms. No more time for excuses now. Time to kick some ass and be the team we were expected to be.

Rangers getting healthy has an immediate impact as they stomp all over the Lightning 4-1. McDonagh, Nash and Del Zotto have immediate impacts all with points tonight. Nash played like a man possessed. This was our best game of the season period. The forecheck was insane. The defense was great with one small mistake on the goal. You can happily say you were wrong CheapJohn. Nash said after the game he's still getting his timing back. If he is going to get better then tonight. Holy shit!

Faaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwkkkkk Yeeeeeaaaaaaaaahh

Blackhawks :smoking:

Now we gotta keep it going Sunday against a very bad Buffalo team.

I should have titled this the "Talk About Your Favorite Team" thread.

No, you should get involved in the thread and contribute. It's up to everybody to get a conversation going, at least some of us are doing it.

Ahh, I went back to the NHL thread of 06-07, back when I first started posting on HTGTH. I was 16 years old, good times. Made a couple of nice predictions for that season. Had a lot of Leaf love as well back then due to Sundin. Those old NHL threads had 20-30 pages!

Blackhawks :smoking:

You sure have a lot to be proud of with that team for sure. At this point we're all just wondering when will they lose in regulation. I can't remember a team in any league to start off a season this good.

Thanks, Tim. It's been a magical ride this season, that's for sure 8)

Yep, its not looking like anyone in the West at least so far can stop them. Unfortunately with the short season they won't be tested against anyone in the east unless they make the finals.

Huge win for ther rangers tonight killing off not one but two penalties in OT being down 5-3 and 4-3. That was huge killing those penalties off to get to the shootout where they win it.

Almost as huge as this ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csRRxfr8kJ0

Couldn't catch the Rangers game last night. Haven't seen the goals or anything yet but god damn Nash  ;D Man am I glad we got him and that he's healthy!






Was watching the game last night. When Ericsson got the penalty I knew that Kane would score a goal  :) I wanted it to go to the SO to see some magic from Kane and Datsyuk but wanted DRW to win.  :P

That's just fuckin Nasty!  :yes:

You missed a scary moment in the third period. Richards was speared in the back and went face first hard into the boards. He was down on the ice barely moving for a few minutes. Luckily he got up and returned to the game. The guy that hit him is a repeat offender so he will likely hear from the league. Girardi may as well he got a boarding call in OT.

The Sabres Kaleta has been suspended 5 games by the league for his vicious dirty hit on Richards last night in the third period.

Best believe I threw my hat onto the ice last night.

What?s Really Behind The Blackhawks? Streak?

(CBS) And I thought God was a Cub?s fan.

I think Harry Caray tried to make us believe that. Little did I realize he wears extra large pads, has shiny silver skates and coaches a team called ?Angels on Ice.? Something has to explain these Blackhawks. Can?t be as easy as ?We have four lines working: there?s a commitment to both ends of the ice and our goaltending has been outstanding.?

Come on.

You don?t do 22 straight games to start a season with at least a point in each without some kind of cosmic occurrence. Did a meteor heading for Chicago spot the Indian head and make an abrupt turn toward Russia? Was that a UFO whizzing over Schaumburg, or just a slap shot by Seabrook?

Or do we dare invoke divine intervention?

I?m starting to believe there are forces other that Patrick Kane, who is playing out of this world, that are helping to contribute to the Hawks? phenomenal streak. I mean, how do you explain them being 2 1/2 minutes from having this seemingly endless run end and a Red Wing?s player suddenly and inexplicably shoots the puck out of the rink and gets a delay of game penalty? And then Kane scores 30 seconds later. And then Kane gets the only goal in a shootout.

I?m trying to phone heaven but the line is busy. Must be Blackhawks fans trying to get through. There?s has to be something in the air. Maybe Kane was whisked away after some tumultuous behavior issues and transported to the planet ?You Gotta Be Kidding Me.? Maybe he?s spreading that something special in the Hawks locker room. Could he have returned to earth an Angel? Kaner? Has anyone detected wings underneath his sweater?

Whatever it is, the Hawks are playing as if they decide to lend the Stanley cup to the Bruins and Kings. There is perceptible bounce to their step, as if someone added rocket fuel to their skate boot. They hit the ice flying: a group programmed to deliver a dizzying display of hockey brilliance. They aren?t punishing their opponents with their bodies, just dominating them with persistence. If Kane isn?t dazzling, Toews is instilling his will or Hossa is hogging the puck.

At times, it doesn?t seem fair. But it?s a joy to watch.

Patrick Sharp offers credit to the man behind the bench. ?Joel Quennville knows how to push the right buttons? he says with some reverence. Quennville exclaims incredulously he has so many buttons to push.

This is another way of the head coach saying it?s a joy to coach this team.

Either that or those wings are hidden under Coach Q?s Suit: Or Corey Crawford?s blocker: Or Ray Emery is actually a Saint.

I Covered the Hawks of the 80′s, one lead by the diminutive lightning bolt named Denis Savard. The Chicago Stadium was then what the United center is today minus the electronic gadgetry. Those Hawks had pizzazz, Secord and Larmer. Doug Wilson could outshoot anyone and of course, they had Baaaaaanerman! But they never won a cup, even when a rugged riptide named Roenick joined them. There was this guy named Gretzy and a team called the Oilers and then a guy named Lemiux and a team called the Penguins. But the Hawks received high marks for fabulous entertainment.

And now, two seasons removed from lofting Lord Stanley?s elusive Urn, these Hawks are playing as if retuning it to the shores of Lake Michigan is a foregone conclusion.

It doesn?t quite work that way unless someone with the ultimate skybox seat happens to have a season ticket. And an endless loop of Chelsea Dagger.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/05/ofman-whats-really-behind-the-blackhawks-streak/ (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/03/05/ofman-whats-really-behind-the-blackhawks-streak/)

Third straight win tonight for the Rangers without Richards for at least one game. Nash is playing like a man posesssed. Scary moment with Staal though taking the puck off the right eye. Hopefully he's ok.

Hawks are now an astonishing 20-0-3. Just incredible. The Wild did make it a little interesting.

I'm not looking forward to Edmonton's second visit to Chicago on this 9 game roadtrip. 1-2-2 so far and playing like shit.

Went last night as well!  Epic comeback!

The standings are so tight!  You lose a game and you are below the eight seed.  It will be interesting to see how everything plays out.

Montreal has been quite the surprise.

Chicago is going to blow their wad in the regular season, that is fine by me.

So many players are contributing goals that I don't know if a slowdown is really possible. Patrick Sharp is also having a quiet season thus far ;)

Update on Staal. He is out indefinitely as pretty much expected. The good news though is he is expected to make a full recovery and there is no permanent damage and no surgery required. He's already improved significantly just from last night. It sucks he's out but thankfully he's gonna be just fine which is most important.

Another nailbiter last night ;)

The NHLPA has agreed to the proposed new realignment for next season. All that remains now is for the board of governers to vote which is expected in the next week and i see no reason the won't vote yes.

4th win in a row for the Rangers! Nash again with a huge third period goal to get us even then Gaborik in OT with the winner.

Patrick Sharp will miss 3-4 weeks with a separated shoulder :(

Cool with the re-alignment and Detroit in the east!

Getzlaf has signed an extension with the Ducks. 8 years. 8.25 cap hit. Wonder if Perry will go UFA or not.

So happy about Staal, hope Richards is back soon. Nash is mr Clutch! All 8 goals this season has been in the third period.  ;D

Jeff Carter looks to have a pretty good season, at least goal wise. what's up with 2 assists? No one else scores in LA?

Richards says his neck and back are just a little sore and it won't be long before he's back. Actually yesterdays goal made it 9 in the third period.

And Richards returns tonight against Ottawa.

Ah well we finally lost, can't win them all. I don't know what it is about Ottawa but they always beat us in MSG. The Hawks have finally lost a game in regulation.

Actually yesterdays goal (against the sens) was his 9th of the season and first in the first period.

Yeah, heard during the game and realized i was wrong. Wish he had gotten his 10th in the third period to at least give us a point.

Kane put on quite a show yesterday ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Raizv_vjPcc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Raizv_vjPcc)

I like Kane's dangles but I was more impressed with Chara's spin-o-rama a few weeks ago.

Blackhawks :'(

They're starting to come back down to earth. It was bound to happen.

+ they lost against the ducks. Not a bad team like the oilers.. Oops!

Tim, don't be friendly and supportive. Calen's an asshole when the black cocks is winnning. :hihi:

I'm just gunna' keep telling myself the result would have been different if Sharp and Hossa weren't injured ;)

Morrow to the Pens eh

Douglas Murray to the Pens as well. Nice to see a Swede with a contender.

lol blackhawks.

first round exit/

And Elvis Iginla as well, dayum!

Those Penguins are going to be tough to beat! 

Everyone said that last year and they got thumped in the first round by the Flyers.

You can't compare last year with this year.  Ever.  That's the worst thing to do with sports.  Vancouver and Boston, the 2011 Finalists were bounced in the first round last year.

True, i'm just trying to point out stocking up all these players doesn't guarantee them anything.

And the Rangers were good last year ;)

Yeah, i'm at a loss as to wtf is their problem. With the players they have they should be scoring 3-4 goals a game. The Defense has been good most the games but when you're only scoring  once maybe twice you aren't gonna win many games. We aren't getting that first goal of the game this year either. That's part of what made us so good last year. I think Staal's absence has something to do with it. We were on a good roll when he went down. Then we started to decline again rapidly. Its been beyond frustrating cause i know the talent to be the best team is there.

Crosby is out indefinitely.

Wonder how much that'll affect the Pens.

Jagr to the Bruins.

Clowe also to the Rangers.

Pretty exciting last hour of the trade deadline..

Gaborik to Columbus

Pominville to Minnesota

among others...

Did not see the Gaborik deal coming and one of the guys we get in return is hurt and might be ready for the playoffs. Wtf was the point of the trade then? Is Sather tossing in the towel for the season?

Salary dump (need to sign Hags, Step and McD), forward depth. Gaborik not playing torts kinda hockey and has pretty much sucked this season.

Happy for the guy! Columbus is pretty much Rangers of the west with Gabby, Duby, Artie, Tuytin, Erixon and Prospal.  :)

Yeah i get the salary dump thing. It'll help us in the offseason. I agree he has sucked this year but the guys we got in return aren't gonna exactly light up the lamp and we need scoring. It adds toughness we've been lacking without Prust Anisimov and Dubi but that's about it. Maybe they'll help create more chances for the scorers but i'm not convinced these moves will help much. in 2014 we have even bigger problems. Lots of FA's to worry about. http://www.spotrac.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/

Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo has weighed in with some blunt talk about what he thought was the stumbling block in potential trade discussions.

The NHL trade deadline passed this afternoon and the Canucks did not move the veteran netminder despite months of rumours that he was on the block.

Luongo was asked for his thoughts on what might have prevented a deal, and replied that his contract "sucks," adding it's a big factor in any potential move and is probably why he's still in Vancouver.

Luongo, who has a no-trade clause in his deal, has 10 years remaining on a 12-year contract that's worth $64 million US.

The former regular starter has seen limited action since being supplanted by Cory Schneider in last year's playoffs.

Luongo, a three-time Vezina Trophy finalist, says he's looking forward to focusing on hockey now that the deadline has passed.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2013/04/03/sp-nhl-vancouver-canucks-roberto-luongo-trade-deadline.html (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/story/2013/04/03/sp-nhl-vancouver-canucks-roberto-luongo-trade-deadline.html)

And it has nothing to do with the fact he can't play well when it matters most the playoffs right?

New guys making immediate impacts for the Rangers against the Pens, Clowe especially. Wow, maybe i will be happily wrong about these trades.

Well i'll be damned. The new Ranger additions make an immediate impact as the Rangers thump the Pens. I know its only one game but i saw a lot of very very positive things tonight. Here's hoping its a sign of things to come.

Awe-fucking-some!  ;D


Luongo has won 2 world championships and an Olympic gold in Vancouver. He also shut out the Bruins twice in the Finals in 2011, Lou can play and gets waaaay too much hate.

Also: Vancouver made 3 offers to Toronto in the final hour. The last was "Luo" for Ben Scrivens and 2 second round picks in '13 '14. If Luongo would've had a better contract, let's say 3-5 years left, he would've been dealt. No doubt.

The sharks must be like wtf right now after the debut Clowe had last night with the Rangers. 28 games only 11 assists and no goals. One game with the Rangers 2 goals and a few assists.


True but he hasn't been able to win the big on at the NHL level.

He was one win away.  Not a lot of players can say that. 

Well the Rangers couldn't win the home and home losing in a shootout. However, i thought the Rangers played very well. Great defense they kept them from being able to get through the neutral zone most of the game to get setup in the Rangers zone. The Rangers had some very good pressure in the Pens zone with excellent forechecking. Two games after the trades i'm seeing more of the Rangers from last year which is a great thing for the Rangers. Fleury was the difference tonight. He robbed the Rangers with incredible saves several times. If it wasn't for him tonight we would've won i think.

Ovechkin is in Beastmode! He has caught up with Stamkos with 25 goals, he has scored 16 in the last 14 games!

Still no timetable for Crosby's return.

After 9 long years.........My Leafs are in this thing called playoffs.....Took 9 years since the last lockout to figure out the rules hadnt changed and you still had to make the playoffs to win the drink

Blackhawks :smoking:

Blackhawks beat Wild in 5
Ducks beat Red Wings in 6
Canucks beat Sharks in 6
Kings beat Blues in 6

Penguins beat Islanders in 4
Canadiens beat Senators in 5
Bruins beat Leafs in 6
Capitals beat Rangers in 6

Go Leafs Go

Lets go MAple Leafs!   I am glad the beat Boston tonight.  I really like their style of play. 

What a battle between Montreal and Ottawa....Unfortunately there was way to many dirty slashes and cheap shots...which isnt real hockey btw...Was still entertaining...Hoping the Leafs can use the crowd to there advantage tonight

That game was UGLY! Montreal just got really dirty and nasty. I wonder if any discipline will be forthcoming.

Same old Sidney crybaby's things start to go wrong and they get nasty.

Blackhawks :smoking:

They are looking good. I still think getting out of the west will be difficult. Some very good teams there in their way.

Anaheim and LA are the only two I'm particularly worried about; Blackhawks decimated the Sharks and Red Wings during the regular season.

And both of those teams you are worried about are 1 game away from advancing.

The Ottawa Senators are lookin' pretty solid.

I really hope the Leafs season dosen't end tonight

And you're in luck.

Senators beat Penguins in 6
Bruins beat Rangers in 5

Blackhawks beat Red Wings in 5
Kings beat Sharks in 5

Trying for better luck in the second round?

The Sens look scary but i think the Pens will win. Chicago will surely beat the Red Wings. I think the Kings can beat the Sharks too. They've played well recently. The  Rangers if they play like they did the last 2 games i think can win against Boston.

The Blackhawks looked amazing last night; sure is a treat having Dave Bolland back :smoking:

I feel so embarrassed for Capitals fans with how Ovechkin and their coach Oates have been acting since they got beat in game 7. Ovechkin blaming it all on the refs and Oates saying he would beat up Tortarella in a fight. Wtf is this crap? You lost to a team that played better then you when it mattered most. Your star player was invisible for games 2-7 where the Rangers got offense from their secondary unit and the Captials and just one goal after game 4.

Blackhawks :(

So we're looking @ Pittsburgh v Boston in the next round

Should be a really good series!

Well its not looking good for the President's trophy winners.

Don't stop believing ;)

NY Rangers, Blackhawks and their pending salary cap ?ruin? under CBA rule

By Greg Wyshynski

One of the least controversial aspects of the new NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement was the ?cap recapture? clause, a.k.a. the rule that penalizes those teams who dabbled in the dark arts of cap circumventing contracts during the previous CBA.

Or as it was known, the Roberto Luongo Rule. Via the Washington Post summary:

For any existing contract over six years, if the player's career ends before the end of the deal, the team that signed him to that deal would receive a salary-cap charge equivalent to the amount of cap benefit gleaned from the structure of the deal. If the player is traded, all teams he plays for would receive a cap hit charge were his career to end early.

See Elliotte Friedman?s breakdown of the Luongo contract for a math-specific example.

When we call this one of the least controversial aspects of the new CBA, it?s because (a) most fans and pundits weren?t in favor of these contracts, and delighted in seeing them punished retroactively and (b) this isn?t a situation that visits but a handful of players and their teams.

According to Cap Geek, there are 40 players that had ?cap advantage? contracts of seven years or more before the new CBA was signed. They affect roughly 20 teams with varying degrees of impact ? one assumes Brian Campbell will play through 2016, but chances are Ilya Kovalchuk won?t still in the NHL come 2025.

There isn?t going to be much sympathy for teams that handed out these contracts that pushed the limits of circumvention, but as Larry Brooks of the NY Post writes: It?s the NHL that approved them, and one assumes these teams didn?t realize that ?cap recapture? was going to be a thing in 2013.

According to Brooks, two players and two 2013 playoff teams could be severely affected by cap recapture: Marian Hossa and the Chicago Blackhawks (12 years, $63 million), and Brad Richards (9 years, $60 million) and the New York Rangers.

From Brooks, speculating on a Richards buyout this season and a Hossa one in the next two years:

If Brad Richards is bought out next month and Marian Hossa is bought out following either this year or next, the cap-recapture will be among the primary reasons management would have felt compelled to act.

The final three seasons of Richards? nine-year, $60 million front-loaded deal are worth $1 million per. Under the cap-recapture formula that was among Brian Burke?s pet projects, if Richards were to retire with three seasons remaining on his deal, the Rangers would be hit with a dead-space charge of $5.667 million per.

? Hossa has continued to play at an extremely high level for the Blackhawks. But the winger?s 12-year, $63 million deal that runs through 2020-21 features the final four seasons at $1 million per. If he were to retire with two years remaining, the charge would be $9.187.5 million per. If he were to play all but the final season of his deal, Chicago?s dead cap charge would be a crippling $18.375 million for 2020-21.

Obviously, there?s more at play with the Richards buyout than cap penalties: Like the fact that he looked cooked in the playoffs, and whether he and John Tortorella still have a tenable coach/player relationship after this postseason.

But in Hossa?s case, the Blackhawks might have to make a decision about a first-line player whose future against the cap might out-weight his present contributions to the roster.

Again, we side with Brooks here: The teams signed these players under the terms of the previous CBA, the contracts were approved by the NHL and, we believe, allowing teams to lock up their own assets ? that they drafted, trained, marketed and built around ? for as long as they damn well please is good for business in the NHL. At least for the team, if not for the diminishing results from the player with that contract.

But because Gary Bettman?s GM buddies made him look aloof and made the 2005 lockout look like a gigantic waste of time through these contracts, they were retroactively punished for contracts that Bettman?s League deemed legal under the previous cap.

Of course, the blame falls to the NHLPA here for giving up those 40 players in the negotiation, right?

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/ny-rangers-blackhawks-pending-salary-cap-ruin-under-152721636.html (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/ny-rangers-blackhawks-pending-salary-cap-ruin-under-152721636.html)

Go Wings

:rant:

Game 7 here we come :smoking:

Gotta give the Hawks credit they came roaring back especially last night going into the third down 2-1.

The New York Rangers have fired Tortorella.

Good news!  : ok:

Yeah, i think it was time. He's a good coach and i wish him well but i think the players kinda gave up on him. Then Lundqvist's comments about not being sure if he wants an extension was the final dagger. We just can't afford to lose him.

Doesn't Brad Richards want out too?

No, he said he wants to remain a Ranger. I can see them using the buyout though for cap space.

Wow, glad to see the Blackhawks won that in OT. If they had lost that after that horrible call disallowing the goal late in regulation that would've been just terrible.

Well well well.....

We're setup for two great conference finals. I think we have the 4 best teams maybe not standings wise but as far as how good they really are. Should be a fun two weeks to see who makes the finals.

I'm surprised I didn't die of a heart attack :hihi:


Are your Kings ready for the Madhouse on Madison, son? :smoking:


Kinda' cool how the Final 4 are also the last 4 Stanley Cup winners.

I would have if it were my team. After the bad call that disallowed the goal i was like oh shit. If they lose the game and series cause of the ref not looking at the developing play that would be crushing. I wonder if the ref has said he made the wrong call. The ref in question is well respected as one of the best in the game.

Yeah that is cool. We know for sure one will win for the second time in 4 years at the most. I think i'm going with the Hawks. The way they came back down 3-1 has to impress anyone.

Some more bad news for the Rangers. Hagelin and Callahan had surgery for a torn labrum. The same surgery Gaborik had. They are likely out 4-5 months. So they may miss the first month of the season.

The Kings continue to struggle on the road ;D

Yep, they don't win the next two at Staples they are done.

These two conference finals have been such a letdown. Its supposed to be the four best teams left. Yet, we have yet to have one competitive game.

Taylor Hall had the same surgery last off season, and was 2nd in points in the West this year.

Hopefully they recover well and are just as good as before. I'm more concerned about Staal coming back and Clowe and Sauer from concussions.

Duncan Keith has been suspended for tonight's game >:(

boston playing really well. they get my vote for the cup.

I wouldn't count out either team in the west.

Hossa :smoking:

That certainly changed the other night in game 3 of the Bruins/Penguins series.  What a game that was!  I don't really have a rooting interest but that was exciting to watch.  It doesn't get much better than OT playoff hockey.  I know its been done before, but the Penguins have a steep hill to climb.  The Bruins just look so much better on the defensive side and in goal especially. 

That game was great. That's playoff hockey. Up until that game it had been rather boring. Last night's Western Conference game was good too. I usually try to watch as much of every playoff hockey game i can cause 9 times out of 10 its the most exciting games of the year. I don't see the Pens recovering from this. I wouldn't be shocked if Boston advances tonight and Chicago tomorrow. That should be fantastic cup finals.

Goodbye Sidney Crybaby's. Hope the door hits you in the ass on the way out.

Penner gets no suspension for his vicious elbow to Dave Bolland's head ::)

Quit your bitching.  You're on your way to the Final (to inevitably be ripped apart by Boston)

From NHL Player Safety "Penner/Bolland: A reflex forearm prior to a collision. Not predatory. Not retaliatory. No history. No Supplemental Discipline."

Bolland isn't out with a concussion.  He went headhunting on Mike Richards, the most important player the Kings have that doesn't hang out in the crease during most of the game.  Bolland is the guy giving out concussions with his dirty play.  Keith is the one skating around doing his best Todd Bertuzzi impression, whacking people in the head from behind.  Kane should be suspended for all the diving he does.  Total disgrace to the game.

Sauer won't come back. Don't see the Rangers resigning Clowe either.

We'll see but you're probably right.

I wonder if the Blackhawks have irreparably damaged Quick mentally the way they did Luongo in 2009 :hihi:

'Hawks and Bruins should be a good one :smoking:

Cheering for the Bruins. Don't really matter I guess, would be happy for the 4 swedes in Chicago if they win as well.

I might have to add a Hjalmarsson jersey to my collection :smoking:

Blackhawks :smoking:

That was an incredible start to the finals last night. I was wondering if it was ever going to end.

Michael Del Zotto had an additional surgery for a sports hernia. Hopefully it doesn't affect his recovery from the torn labrum.

Malkin has signed an extension with the Pens 8 years for 76 million.

Dustin Brown fits those 2 characteristics perfectly, no problem getting elbows up into the head area, and he's one of the biggest divers outside of Vancouver.

Its looking like former Vancouver coach Vigneault is the front runner to replace Tortarella as Rangers head coach.

It's not so much that he's a diver, he's just a terrible skater.  Brown has only gotten suspended once for a hit to the head, and that suspension was questionable at best.  Don't make it sound like he's Raffi Torres.

Alain Vigneault it is for the Rangers. If he can get the offense and power play to play to its potential he will do just fine. He'll have a good young defense and the best goalie in the world. Corey Schneider and Roberto uhoh are no Lundqvist.

Let's go Blackhawks!! :smoking:

Seabrook comes through for the 'Hawks yet again :smoking:

Big game tomorrow night! :smoking:

Yay Calen!  I'm happy for you!  Congratulations!

Congrats to the Blackhawks. I had a feeling Boston wouldn't be able to beat them.

Congrats to the Hawks and Jamal Mayers

Excited for the draft

congrats for the hawks, hopefully they have the cup over there in september when i'm visiting  ;D

Thanks bud.

I'm still in shock going from mentally preparing for Game 7 to overtime to being Champs in a matter of seconds ;D

A big thanks to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization for yet another magical season :beer:

The Rangers and Ryan McDonagh have agreed to a 6 year 25 million deal. Good news for the Rangers. This is a guy we couldn't afford to lose. Now we gotta lockup Hagelin, Stepan and Lundqvist to long term deals. If we're gonna contend we need those guys.

The Blackhawks have lost Bolland, Frolik, and Emery, but managed to re-sign Rozsival, Handzus, and Leddy. The losses hurt, but I guess we need all the cash and cap space we can get in order to re-sign Kane and Toews in 2 years.

Those definitely will hurt but you can't afford to lose Kane and Toews.

The New Jersey Devils have signed Jagr to a one-year deal.

Stability makes Blackhawks favorite again

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville predictably doesn't want to discuss or even utter the word "dynasty," not when it comes to his team, which is the closest thing the NHL has to a present-day dynasty with two Stanley Cup championships in the past four seasons.

"In today's game it's tough to even think like that with the significant changes to your roster," Quenneville told NHL.com.

Except the changes the Blackhawks have made since they won the Cup in Boston on June 24 aren't that significant, at least when compared to what they went through in the months after winning the Cup in Philadelphia on June 9, 2010.

Chicago experienced a roster overhaul necessitated by the NHL salary cap in 2010, losing eight players who suited up for Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers before the next season started. This summer, general manager Stan Bowman chose to trade Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik and not re-sign Viktor Stalberg or Ray Emery, but those are the only subtractions from the lineup Quenneville used in Game 6 against the Boston Bruins.

Emery, the backup goaltender, didn't play in the game. Bolland scored the winning goal.

With Bryan Bickell, Michal Rozsival, Michal Handzus, Marcus Kruger and Nick Leddy all retained with new contracts, the Blackhawks' roster for this coming season isn't all that different from last season, when not only did they win the Cup but had a historic start, going an NHL-record 24 straight games without a regulation loss to start the season.

With the salary cap designed to be the great equalizer, "dynasty" may be a dangerous word in the NHL today. The Blackhawks, though, could be on their way to becoming a legitimate one. They just don't want to recognize it publicly.

"The will to win it again will definitely be in place because we know the character these guys have and what they bring ? but the opportunity to prove that [a dynasty] is not what we're trying to prove," Quenneville said. "We're just trying to win and be successful. It comes with it. It's been a nice start to these guys' careers and they should be proud of what they have achieved, but I don't think anyone is satisfied."

Nor is anyone in Chicago guaranteeing the Blackhawks will win the Cup again next season even though they are the August favorite to come out of the Western Conference. Like every team, the Blackhawks have some issues to iron out.

The Bolland trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs created an opening at center, and because Quenneville would prefer to use Handzus in a smaller role than he had in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, the Blackhawks are going to hold open tryouts for the No. 2 center position. Brandon Pirri and Brandon Saad are the leading candidates.

Pirri has spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League, leading the league in scoring last season with 75 points in 76 games. Saad was a left wing for the Blackhawks last season, but Quenneville said he played center in his development years and the coach wants to give him a look there in camp.

"[Saad] with the puck is a good thing," Quenneville said. "He's big, protects it well, and defensively he's been fine on the wall. Down low you've got a little bit more responsibility in our system for what you have to do, but I think he's capable of grabbing it. We'll see."

Quenneville also mentioned Kruger, Andrew Shaw and Drew Leblanc as candidates. Quenneville called Handzus the safe option should nothing else work out, and Sharp could move back to center if need be, but the team prefers him playing on the left side.

"I'm not concerned because we've got about six or seven different options and you know something is going to work," Quenneville said. "That's how I see it."

Bowman gave Bickell a four-year, $16 million contract based off of his breakout performance in the postseason, when he finished second on the team with 17 points and tied for second with nine goals, establishing a significant role on the top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

That's where the Blackhawks want Bickell to be this season, but he has to play up to the level of his contract.

"He has all the ingredients you want in a power forward," Quenneville said of Bickell (6-foot-4, 233 pounds). "He's big, strong, can shoot, can hit, can play tough, has a nice set of hands. The consistency is what kept him away from playing up there regularly. That's the challenge.

"I think he's capable of doing it, but the everyday stuff and the challenges that come with that consistency is what we're going to be pushing him for and he's going to be striving for as well. It should be a good progression for him in the development of his career."

By trading Frolik to the Winnipeg Jets, Bowman gambled by dealing away one of Chicago's top penalty-killing forwards. Frolik and Kruger were on in every big situation on the PK, but now the Blackhawks need someone to step into that role.

Quenneville would prefer it be someone who doesn't play a prominent 5-on-5 or power-play role, so he's eyeing 25-year-old right wing Ben Smith, who first has to make the team in training camp. Smith was the surprise last-minute replacement for injured Marian Hossa in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Smith has played in 20 regular-season games and eight playoff games.

"Hopefully that guy who gets the opportunity, which is good, quality ice time, can fit well with Kruger," Quenneville said.

There are other unknown issues, such as how will Corey Crawford get along with new backup goalie Nikolai Khabibulin and their yet-to-be-named goalie coach (Stephane Waite left for the Montreal Canadiens), but the point remains that Chicago has a legitimate chance to repeat, an opportunity to become a modern-day dynasty.

Maybe then Quenneville will at least say the word.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679585&navid=nhl:topheads (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=679585&navid=nhl:topheads)

Sports Illustrated is picking the Blackhawks to repeat as Stanley Cup champs ;D

Congrats to all the talent going into the HHOF tonight

yes there is certainly a great class going in tonight.

Versteeg has reunited with the Blackhawks :love:

Leafs need to pick it up big time

The Western Conference is quite competitive this year while Pittsburgh and Boston control the East.

meh the oilers are still sucking, not sure how the team in terms of talent has improved but the results have gotten worse

Hoping for Canadiens and Blackhawks for the Cup :smoking:

Absolutely!

i root for the Canadiens.

Rangers are looking like they can't be stopped right now
Lundqvist is playing out of his mind too

Yep and its in large part because of him. If we win it all he's the Conn Smythe winner hands down. If not him its a travesty. I hate to say the tragedy of St. Louis mom passing suddenly brought them together and rallied them around him but its hard to ignore. Also getting Kreider back has been huge. He's been a one man wrecking crew since he came back. This kid is so good and he's only 23. That's scary for the rest of the league. He's gonna get even better.

For sure, Timothy... The kid changed the entire dynamic of the team upon his retun. They probably would've beaten Philly in 5 or 6 had he been around too. That power play goal by MSL last night was the exact reason why they brought him here too - only a handful of guys can make that shot. It's all clicking - Thursday should be the nail in the coffin.must stay focused.

Yeah he is so fast and so strong. When you're so fast you back Subban up you know you are something special. His first game back was a little rough because he was rusty. Since then though he has been a man on a mission. Game 3 is so important. We have to win do not give Montreal any hope at all. Some food for thought. The last time we were able to win 5 straight in the playoffs was 94. We all know what happened that year.

Also the Canadiens losing Prise isint helping them at all. two great teams in this round. i hope this will go until game seven.

I hope not! ;D

I just don't see it making it to game 7 at this point. Not with the way Lundqvist is playing. If Montreal can win game 3 they have a bit of a chance. If the Rangers win game 3? Forget it. The way they're playing they're not losing 4 in a row.

Impressive win for the Kings last night

Yeah, if we advance whoever we get will be our toughest opponent so far. Good news is we've had success this season against both 1-1 vs LA and 2-0 against Chicago.

That game was crazy...Montreal kept coming after it..I thought for sure after Kreider tied it that we were destined to win
Better win Sunday!

Yeah it was, i believe the last 3 goals all deflected off a skate or someone. Montreal definitely stole that one. Just as we did with game 2. Montreal will be without Prust the next 2 for that vicious hit on Stepan. Carcillo got 10 games but it was deserved you can't put your hands on the officials period no matter how terrible they were last night and they were terrible. If Stepan can't go with a cage helmet after surgery we need Brassard back for game 4 badly.

Rangers one win away from making history being the first team to play the max number of games in the first two rounds and advance to the finals. Lets end this in 5! Do not give Montreal any hope to come back.

Lets go rangers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet Rene Bourque regrets saying now that he though Tokarski had played better in this series than Lundqvist.

What a game
I have no voice left
Bring on the WEST!

Hell yes, we're already being counted out by those idiots on nhl overtime. I hope everyone keeps picking against us. Nobody said we had a chance against Pittsburgh, no chance against Montreal and we keep proving them wrong.

Game 7, baby :smoking:

Nothing personal but i hope they play several overtimes!

I will second that emotion

Brad Richards is a nice pickup for the Blackhawks :smoking:

Yep he is, maybe he will give them the edge they need against LA. I wish the Rangers could've kept him but we just needed the money for the younger more important guys in the long run. I wish him nothing but the best.

Richards gave his all. Not his fault he was handed such a huge contract - he's not that type of player. He's a solid guy and likely will fit in perfectly on a loaded team like Chicago.
It was a good run with NYR

He really did. We just ran into a better team. Still a lucky bounce here and there and who knows how that would've turned out. No doubt we were outplayed but still we were in every game except game 3. He and St. Louis nearly got us there, but good luck to him in Chicago except when they play us.

Kane and Toews are staying put until 2022-3 :smoking:

Smart move by Chicago. Those are two guys you don't want to lose ever.