Big moves upcoming? Chicago Suntimes
Together, Forever: Chicago Tribune
Highest Honor: TSN
Tretiak, Belfour, Hasek: Chicago Tribune
So I heard you’re a farmer? DMN
Really? Sportsnet Autoplay
More crack smoking in Philly: USA Today
Despite what the empty talking heads on TSN and NHL Network would have everyone believe every March, the NHL Trade Deadline is no longer the cornucopia of big name player swaps that it once was. That title has been usurped by the draft, and with a major new wrinkle in the CBA, it stands to get even more silly.
If anyone needs a break…
Well, at least I know I don’t have to work New Year’s Eve this year.
Bob McKenzie was the first to put it out there, but it looks like the Hawks will be the visitor in an outdoor game for the first time as they will head to likely Nationals Park (outside shot of Camden Yards) on New Year’s Day to face the Caps in The Winter Classic.
It’s a strange choice in that usually the NHL has opted for something of a rival to play the host. Obviously, the Hawks and Capitals have no connection whatsoever. But NBC does like to guarantee its ratings, which the Hawks almost certainly do.
I’d like to believe as well that after the Leafs and Wings served up just about the most boring 24/7 possible, HBO begged the NHL to give them the very photogenic and television-ready Hawks. I don’t know how important that series is to the NHL, but if it is at all I’d like to think it played a small role.
While the game will of course be dogshit thanks to crap ice and whatever weather conditions come up, the HBO series should make for interesting watching and just to see how much the Hawks let in. Remember, both the Wings and Leafs caught flak for kicking the cameras out of the dressing room during games, and I’m sure McDonough is going to throw his back out trying to control whatever message he wants put out there. Still, we’ll be glued to every episode.
Back later today with more exit interviews.
8 Picks: Chicago Tribune
Come on Gramps: CBC
On the roster would be preferable: Comcast AP
Go get drunk for a good cause: HockeeNight
The top 30: Sportsnet
And now that we’re done with the defensemen, it’s on to the forwards. And since I’ve already written more words about Brandon Bollig this season than he’s written in his entire life, what better person than myself to undertake this massive duty. Buckle up.
Regular Season: 82 games, 7 goals, 7 assists, 14 points, -1, 0.947 Behind The Net Rating, 2.19 Corsi per 60 (-12.5 Corsi Relative per 60).
Playoffs: 15 games, 0 goals, 1 assists, 1 point, -6, 0.043 Behind The Net Rating, -28.88 Corsi per 60 (-28.2 Corsi Relative per 60)
If I was his agent I’d start with Bollig money: ESPN Chicago
Decreased revenue will slow cap growth: CSN
Well yeah: PHT
I’ll look for any excuse to post a Vin story: PD
Oh Garth: TSN
Come to the end of the defense, which ends with the Hawk most likely to take home personal silverware this season. Mostly due to his excellent play, with slight credit to Eddie Olczyk banging the drum from November on, Keith has been the Norris front-runner for a while. He added a second gold-medal as well this year, the only time he didn’t have to drag around a jack-cheese soaked partner. How much that balances out his not taking the toughest competition is up for debate. But wherever you land on that, Keith had a mostly excellent season.
Regular Season: 79 games, 6 goals, 55, assists, 61 points, +22, 0.13 Behind The Net Rating, 16.40 Corsi per 60 (+7.2 Corsi Relative per 60).
Playoffs: 19 games, 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points, +7, 1.57 Behind The Net Rating, -1.91 Corsi per 60 (+0.4 Corsi Relative per 60)
I could have used grading this soft in college: ESPN Chicago
Q times 2 come June?: NHL
Fantastically done: PD
Uh sure: PHT
Knowing when to shut up is underrated: SI
