Stain Avery

Tonight will prove a lot about this Hawks team. Seems that there have been a lot of must-win games already in this season and that could be a good or a bad sign. More likely than not, it's a bad sign, but we'll let that slide for now. Tonight certainly isn't "must-win" but it definitely is a "could-win" and a "should-win" game. The kind that always end up hurting you when March and April roll around.

Tonight's Star's team is looking just o.k. Nothing spectacular, but there sure is a lot of controversy surrounding Avery's return to the UC. Hopefully, tonight Q puts his enforcers into the line-up as I would even appreciate seeing Matt Walker getting a uni tonight and maybe dropping the mitts with someone. We need to dominate the physical game immediately in this game. As it's easy to see/interpret every physically intense game we've played this year we've ended up with a point. If we go to the body and get pucks out of the corner we will control this game.

Also, keep an eye out for Capt. Serious as he tries to pot his first goal of the season. A lot has been made of his lack of scoring and at first I didn't buy into it. Now, things are getting a little weird. Why hasn't he scored unless he's on the shootout? He's shared a lead in shots on the team for quite a while and is getting real quality chances, but somehow he's having trouble finding the touch that lit the torch over twenty times last season. My opinion is not that he's pushing too hard, it's that he's taking different shots than he took last year. Toews is a circles shooter and has the ability to fire a roofer from that place better than nearly anyone in the NHL. For some reason, this year, Toews is getting caught between the circles or behind traffic which I think may be messing with his sight lines and his mojo. That being said, I think his first of the year will come on a breakaway rather than a circle shot and hopefully it will calm him down enough to slow down and start taking better shots. One quality scoring chance is worth three shots in my book. Also, if you've notice the Kane/Toews/Versteeg line is obviously lacking a physical presence. Since Byf has been struggling to pot one as well, now might be a good time to try him on this line or maybe an Andrew Ladd. The skill you give up removing Versteeg from this line is negligible and you gain a huge body with either Ladder or Byf. Especially tonight, the Hawks need to put some serious/intimidating lines on the ice.

I'm also beginning to wonder about Dave Bolland. He's played well, but has not looked as aware of the ice (or who's on it) as he was last year. There's something to be said about being a player who is not noticed, it can often be a good thing just as much as a bad thing, but with Dave it's a bad thing.
He's been responsible defensively, but the scoring touch and vision he displayed at the end of last year has all but disappeared. It'd be nice to get a big game out of Dave as I think his line (whatever it may be tonight) has really not produced as much as everyone anticipated it would.

Upside is, I think that Troy Brouwer may actually, finally, be ready for the NHL. Every time he's come up in the past it's been incredibly brief. I believe that if Troy can maintain the intensity that saw him dominate the AHL that he'll be up here for the rest of his career. He's got a great touch with the puck and is absolutely fucking fearless.

Khabi's in net tonight.
Let's Go Hawks Go!

The Chicago Blackhawks Are My Favorite Band

The Chicago Blackhawks are my favorite band

I remember the first time I saw a Misfits T-shirt in the mall. It kind of freaked me out, and as I walked up to the register with it my justification was: “I’m a real fan, who cares where I got it? They’re hard to find...” Little did I know that I would spend the entire day, every day, trying to prove my cred to all the other kids who had 17.50 in their pockets at the mall.

It’s strange how these situations seem to repeat themselves. Unless you’ve been hanging out with Brent Sopel, you know that the Hawks are gaining quite a lot of steam. Attendance is through the roof, we have some of the best young talent in the NHL, free-agents actually consider Chicago a destination instead of a retirement home, and we’re hosting the biggest game in the league right here at Wrigley.

I’m sure you see where I’m going with this.

But, why be pissed off? Don’t you want the team to succeed?

Yeah, jack-ass, I do. That’s why I went to thirty games in 2005-2006, and cheered like I was Jaroslav Spacek’s wife.
Maybe I’m pissed because I go to games and see people screaming, “Shoooooot!” when we don’t even have the puck. Maybe it’s because that same guy is wearing a 200 dollar jersey that I would fight a bear to own. Maybe it’s because when he got up to leave there was ten minutes left in the third. Maybe it’s because this is happening a whole hell of a lot more than I remember. So this is how it’s going to be, the Hawks finally put together a hockey team and I don’t get to go to games anymore because the pub crawl for the night ends at the UC and tickets are sold out.

I know that one hand washes the other and that this increase in ticket sales is going to put a better team on the ice, but it also got Denis fired. Sure, say what you will about his coaching, but he had heart and bled Blackhawks, and he was canned (in amateur fashion) four games into the season as to not affect season ticket sales. This makes me want to rescind my commitment ‘to the Indian’.

Yes, I know it’s totally juvenile.

No, I’m not going to be any less of a lunatic fan.

But, dude, how do you not know the lead singer’s name is Danzig?

That was awfully nice...

Well, when i rolled up to the bar I had an o.k. feeling about the game. I figured we were coming off a good win in Vancouver and scored some gritty goals so we should keep up that intensity. We did.

First off, another incredible game from Brian Campbell. He's playing like a man possessed and I think that his confidence and patient work with the puck is invaluable to a team that was having trouble entering the offensive zone the first three games of the year. He is the most positionally sound player on this team and is ALWAYS where he needs to be. You wanna talk about overpaying? I will take anyone on that thinks we are paying Brian Campbell a cent more than what he is worth to this team. Sure, he sounds like the dumbest man on earth when he talks, but really, who cares. He can shoot.

We played like the Oil were sleeping with our girlfriends. Marty fuckin' Havlat got his helmet taken off in a scrum after facewashing a dude. Not only that, but he drew an extra penalty. Things seem to be clickin' right along.

I was reeling from the win.
Simply amazing.

Only thing that woulda made it better was some hockey talk with Ricky Berger.
I guess Sethie talked to him during the game for a bit and I was jealous for the rest of the third period. Hockey season always seems a little weird without Rick and I hope he's having fun in NY watching a fantastic Rangers team.

three stars would have looked like this for me:
1. Nik
2. The chick that shot the puck during the 2nd period
3. Brian Campbell

I know I'm pretty much fellating Campbell at this point, but i don't believe how much of a cornerstone he has become already on this team.

I was certainly expecting to see baby Huet in goal, but Q started Nik. This is likely the reason I do not coach an NHL team (yet). It was absolutely the right decision as Khabby was LIGHTS OUT, and rather than a bunch of flashy saves, Nik just played smart and got the puck covered up or out of the crease responsibly. After the game Q talked of how this is the best problem a team could have (having two hot goalies) but i feel there's a bit of bullshit in his stew. As great as this situation seems, it's not really all that good. Goalies, more than anyone in hockey, i feel, are streaky. Nik is proof positive of that. Juggling the goaltenders then seems kinda like a game of Russian roulette. Who starts against Detroit? Nik because he's coming off a shutout, or Huet who played a great win in Vancouver and should be the next in a rotation. I believe that Q is going to go with Huet. Eventually, this scenario is going to weigh a little too heavily on the coaching staff and of course Nik and Cris. We'll see.

Saturday brings a real test as Detroilet is a strong team and maybe even stronger than last year. I really don't think they're ready for the speed of the Hawks. Last year, we won the season series because of our speed and our ability to move the puck through the archaic defensive strategy of Babycock. Detroit has been playing a lot stronger at the blue line this year and I'm hoping Q has some entry drills practiced for what is sure to be one of the most important games of this early season.

those swedes and their dildos...

Pretty intense, right?
My buddy Mike moved to sweden and started a family a few years back, and i hope that he was at this game and got a chance to toss a plastic phallus at a hockey player.

In actual Blackhawks related news, Coach Q has made his first move of the season by sending "handsome" Jack Skille down to Rockford in favor of the red hot Troy Brouwer. I don't like this move. Sure, Brouwer is producing in Rockford but he's looked like a total pantywaist every time he's made it up to the big show. I would like to think that this time will be different, considering Quenneville's style of play suits Troy more than Denis', but I just don't see it happening for the kid. Before we know it, I'm sure we'll be seeing Petri back up with the big club and Troy lugging his shit back to the burbs.

Kyle Beach is setting Everett on fire this month with eight points in five games and a decent share of penalty minutes. This kid should be a lock for the big club next year, as he's got some serious game and should have made the team this year if DT didn't fuck up our budget so bad. He plays with real grit and has great hands. Best of all, he always has his stick on the ice in front of the net. The Hawks need a player like Beach, like now. Think about how many goals that asshole Holmstrom has already. Just by being a pest. Hanging in the kitchen, you usually get free food.

Huet looked great in the win and I expect that Q will stay honest and go with the hot hand, especially since Cristo could use a couple of games under his belt. I expect Nik will play against Detroilet and that things should start to show themselves really soon. The Hawks undoubtedly need to make a move soon for a second line center as Bolland is NOT stepping up to the plate. If Nik keeps playing the way that he has, he could become rather valuable to a team like Colorado or Los Angeles. With Gaborik on the market a three-way trade wouldn't be totally out of the question. I don't want Gabs (we already have one oft injured star winger) we could likely send some people worth him over there and get some wonderful stuff in return.

Keys for tonight's game against Edmonton:
-Byg Byf needs to have a huge game. He's been slow to produce after ripping it up last year. He started to show a little grit a few games back with some big hits and even a "fight" (read: wrestling match). He needs to keep it up. If he isn't going to score he can bring some much needed intimidation. Mainly because he's fucking seven feet tall and scary looking.

-Kane and Sharp need to continue their domination. They're constantly in the right place at the right time and are opening scoring opportunities for everyone else because of how much attention they are demanding from opposing coaches.

-Toews needs to stay sharp on the draw. After winning 7 of 10 against Vancouver the value of a faceoff win is showing. Small game hockey will win us many games this year. Nobody expects a fundamentally sound team of young kids. With a little focus we can take them by surprise.

-SHUT DOWN COGLIANO. 'nuff said. That kid is a fucking gamer. That means: finish you hits, sopel. don't get beat to the near post Hendry. annnnnnnnnnd most importantly, NOT SO MUCH FUCKING SPACE WHEN ENTERING THE ZONE, BOYS.

that should get us a win
i'm saying 3-1 HAWKS!

TSN blog coverage on Savard firing

http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/bob_mckenzie/?id=252817

I think that McKenzie is a fucking dumbass most of the time, but his points here make a lot more sense that I expected them to by reading the title.

It's day two now, and it hurts just as much to not have Denis. I'm a sap, yes, but there needs to be a period of mourning. Even dudes who thought Savvy lacked in experience are sad to see him go.

Interested to hear what Toews has to say after the practice in Bensenville today.
Players were asked not to address the media about the firing until then, but I do know that Toews called a player meeting.

Commit to the Indian?

There are few things that I understand about today's move to fire coach Denis Savard a mere four games into the season. People will tell you that Savard wasn't a great coach and that he was still learning the game. They might also bring up the fact that for the three years he was here he was a notorious line juggler. They might even say that he looks limp and uninspired this season, nose diving in the first two games and losing a close home opener.

Fuck these people.

The reason that I follow the Chicago Blackhawks is not only because i was born and raised on the team. There is a certain history, however tainted it may be, that follows the team. Something that leads the eyes away from the wins and loss columns. I'm not saying that Savard's legacy as a player should secure him an infinite tenure as coach, but I am saying that it warrants him more respect than this. I will follow the Blackhawks if they win or if they lose, but I would rather watch a team with heart lose, than watch a "product" win. Heart is something that is irreplaceable and Denis loved his team and truly wanted to win. He was a passionate and honest coach, and made sure his players trusted him. He basically raised Toews and Kane in the NHL and brought a team with TEN rookies within three points of a playoff spot last year. If this move benefits the Hawks, which it may, am I the only one that thinks Denis got cheated out of his team? Shouldn't it have been Tallon's head on a platter for trading away our 2nd line center to free up cap space and bringing in another goaltender before he had rid us of Bulin? Savard is a patsy, and it is an unfortunate move by a team that, this summer, could do no wrong. Why the downturn? Pressure is a bitch, but sacrificing a team's morale and heart is a dangerous move four games into the year. And why, because we've only got three out of a possible eight points?

Only a fool would have assumed Denis wouldn't be on the way out eventually if the team didn't produce this year with the new guard of McDonough, Bowman, and Rocky at the helm. When Quenneville was brought on in the offseason there is little doubt that Savard was worried. Obviously, Joel was the heir to the throne. Add in the pressure of a Hawks team that is EXPECTED to make the playoffs and you have quite a pressure cooker. Excuses aside, I understand the need to win, and i understand that need far exceeds friendships, history, and loyalty.

But why?

Denis, you were my favorite Blackhawks coach ever.
It was a pleasure to watch you enjoy the game in a suit as much as you did in a jersey.
You are a true Blackhawk legend.
Take a vacation and write 'em some hate mail.

We'll miss you.

Why Martin Havlat will have a career year...

...and it's not because it's a contract year.
Marty has looked better than ANYONE on the ice now for three straight games. Alright, there's still a little cherry picking and stupid "cute" passes, but who'd have thought he would come out of the gates this strong.
That's right.
Me.

McFly will have a wonderful year this year. Yeah, the possibility of him getting hurt is going to rest pretty heavy on everyone's shoulders (no pun intended) for a while, but what can we do about that?

In a discussion the other day I was reminded of the fact that Marty didn't sit out all those games because he broke his toe or pulled a hamstring. His shoulder kept popping out of it's socket, something that probably hurts a bit. Remember last year when he opted not to have surgery so that he could come back and possibly play? Sure, in retrospect, it wasn't a great idea since he ended up going under, but it shows a dedication to his teammates that everyone seems to think he lacks.
in interviews after last night's game against Phoenix, all anyone was asked about was Marty's goal. The goal was incredible. Nobody even batted an eye. "Marty is an elite player and we expect that from him. He's a leader in the locker room and a leader on the ice." "Marty is incredibly skilled those things will keep happening."

Now how would somebody who is reportedly "soft" be so loved and respected by his teammates?
Because the dude is a great hockey player and from all accounts a great locker room presence.

Who was the first guy in Hanzal's face when he pushed Kaner?
Who made that wonderful cross to Campbell?

Marty was all over the ice last night and boy, is it good to have him back.

I love the kids too, but the most important off-season pick up this year may have already been on the team.

good to see...

not much has changed in rene borque land.

Barker and Niemi down to Rockford K. Adams cut...

well, seems there's no real rhyme or reason to these moves yet. i listened to an interview with scotty bowman this morning and he said that the only reason barker is going down (ha!) is because his cap hit is 2.8 million. makes sense.
what doesn't make any fucking sense is why this situation wasn't resolved in a different way. as of right now, khabibulin's contract and uselessness has cost us our second line center, K. Adams (whom i think is an important character guy in the locker room and on the ice, especially for captain serious), and now a 2nd pairing defenseman for the opener.

everyone seems to think that this situation will get resolved before the season starts but i'm skeptical. it honestly seems that things have just come to an impasse. if dale had something to pull the trigger on, it would have been pulled, even bowman said that in the interview (http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content=20081007_100942_15020) so what the fuck does everyone think is going to happen???

now, it's possible that we'd be packaging barker with khabby and some more in a three or four way trade, but even then what could (would) we really get in return. i understand that everyone thinks we can land o'sullivan or somehow make a package for marc savard, but we need to be realistic. barker has no way near enough value to draw either of those dudes in, and the fact of the matter is if we think we're going to land a 2nd line center for barks, k-bag, and a few prospects we are in for a harsh dose of reality.

i'm sure by friday we'll have a little better of an idea (at least i hope we will) of what's going on, but until then the skies are way too cloudy to launch a flight.