Faxes from Uncle Dale

Category: Everything Else

  • Hawks Acquire Karlsson

    No, not that Karlsson, silly.

    For a 7th round pick, the Hawks have picked up former Flames backup Henrik Karlsson. What it means, I can’t tell you. But I don’t think it’s simply because of Carter Hutton’s upcoming suspension in the AHL, as the Hogs had already called up Kent Simpson to back up Alec Richards for that. At least I think. It could be that Stan saw what we all saw last night from Emery, and thinks it’s something more than just rustiness and lack of games in the past eight months.

    What Karlsson brings is a big frame, which the Hawks seem to like as it probably means he’s in his crease and his defenders know where he’ll be. That doesn’t mean he’s going to stop the puck while everyone knows where he is, however. Karlsson has only had 26 appearances the past two seasons in the Flames continuing attempts to turn Mikka Kiprusoff into flubber. In that limited sample he’s got a .905 SV% and a 2.79 GAA. His performance two years ago in 17 appearances of .908 and 2.58 would probably just clear the acceptable hurdle considering what kind of dog-breath he was playing behind in Calgary.

    But it doesn’t look like Karlsson has played anywhere this season, and would face the same sharpness issues as Emery. Guess someone is going to have to explain this one to us.

    Update: Karlsson has been assigned to The Rock, but not clear if he’s there to get in shape to replace Emery or to just fill in for Hutton while he’s on “leave.”

  • Grinds My Gears 1/21

    Grinds My Gears 1/21

    Good to have this one back.

    As expected, the NHL returned this weekend with full houses (for the most part) and record TV audiences for its biggest rivalry (Flyers-Pens) or defending champs raising a banner against one of its most popular teams (Kings-Hawks). This was met with derision from tons of commentators inside and outside the sport. “Look at the rabble,” they mocked, “this is why owners think they can get away with lockouts multiple times per decade. Because they can.”

    Do you understand now, hockey fan? You are the Great Enabler, without principle or conviction. When will you understand your plight like everyone else?

    Except when you look back almost exactly one year, that is.

    (more…)

  • Morning Links 1/21/13

    Morning Links 1/21/13

    6-4 (Chicago Tribune)

    Revenge:(Comcast Sportsnet)

    Doing Work:(Cheer the Anthem)

    Childlike:(Puck Daddy)

    Spoiler:(TSN)

    What the fuck is going on in Rockford: (Puck Daddy) (The Third Man In)

    Why is he still talking: (Sportsnet)

    Captain Classy:(Comcast Sportsnet)

    Honeymoon is over:(Globe and Mail)

    Swag Vault:(Calgary Herald)

  • Desert Brush Fire – Hawks 6, Coyotes 4

    Desert Brush Fire – Hawks 6, Coyotes 4

    There were lots and lots of goals scored and it’s late on a school night, so hit the jump for our characteristically brilliant insight.

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  • Hawks at Yotes 3rd Period Thread

    So ripe so sweet come suck it and see
    But watch out Daddy I sting like a bee
    I know some tricks I swear will give you the bends…

  • Hawks at Yotes 2nd Period Thread

    I wanna hear you call out my name.

    I wanna see you burn up in flames.

    Keep you on ice so I can show all my friends…

  • Hawks at Yotes 1st Period Thread

    I got a fever, come check it and see.

    There’s something burnin’ and rollin’ in me.

    It may not last but we’ll have fun to the end….

  • Going Down In The Valley: Hawks at Yotes Preview, Pregame Thread, Snowbird Migration

      @  

     FACEOFF: 9pm Central
    TV/RADIO:     NBCSN, Comcast, WGN Radio 720
    ACME’S FAVORITE CUSTOMER:     Five For Howling

    Turn it right around. That’s how this season is going to go. Any gleam from a win is going to be quickly washed away with the flow of another game right on its tail. So it is as the Hawks return to the Valley Of The Sun/Invisible Owner to face the Coyotes in their home opener tonight.

    A lot of the narrative will be about a rematch of last year’s playoff series, Raffi Torres not playing and Marian Hossa playing, Mike Smith, Corey Crawford, etc. But with the urgency now spiced to taste in every game this year thanks to there being only 48 of them, no one should pay too much attention to it. It’s a game on the schedule you need to win, no more no less.

    (more…)

  • Never Cheer Before You Know Who’s Winning – Hawks 5, Kings 2

    Never Cheer Before You Know Who’s Winning – Hawks 5, Kings 2

    Our long national nightmare is over, as there is now an actual NHL hockey game in the books for us to cover, and it’s about goddamn time. And give the Hawks credit, the display they put on today is about as good as anyone could have drawn it up. Two points are two points, and the giant SAMPLE SIZE asterisk for any and all points made from here on out is attached, but even still, this was quite emphatic.

    (more…)

  • Never Cheer Before You Know Who's Winning – Hawks 5, Kings 2

    Never Cheer Before You Know Who's Winning – Hawks 5, Kings 2

    Our long national nightmare is over, as there is now an actual NHL hockey game in the books for us to cover, and it’s about goddamn time. And give the Hawks credit, the display they put on today is about as good as anyone could have drawn it up. Two points are two points, and the giant SAMPLE SIZE asterisk for any and all points made from here on out is attached, but even still, this was quite emphatic.

    (more…)