Preview: NHL
Crow-Less:Chicago Tribune
TV Money: TSN
That won’t help attendance in the desert: ESPN
Maple Leaf Projections:TSN
This headline explains so many things: Globe and Mail
It came a little sooner than I expected it, but I think we all saw it coming once Brandon Pirri was kicked off the second line as soon as Handzus was removed from his iron lung. Today he was sent down, along with Mike Kostka who will be on a conditioning assignment. In their place Joakim Nordstrom was called up, as was Jeremy Morin.
The call-up of Morin is curious, as this was a player we’d all pretty much figured Q had written off and was never going to warm up to. It’s obvious Morin is too good for the AHL but he may not be good enough yet for a serious Cup contender in the Hawks (though I think he will be one day). Nordstrom has already gotten a few cartoon hearts to float of Q’s chest in preseason, and has played very well in Rock Vegas.
How this shakes out on the roster? I’m not sure I can tell you.
Gamesheet: NHL
Advanced Metrics: Extra Skater
I disagree with the lede: Chicago Tribune
Toews and Keith and maybe Crawford to get the Call on January 7th: TSN
Great One gets paid: Sportsnet.ca
vs 
Game Time: 7:00PM
TV/Radio: CSN, NBCSN (Yanks), TSN2 (Hosers), WGN-AM 72
Texan Book Of The Dead: Defending Big D
After what can be considered a successful stretch by all non-meatball, bloodlust accounts, the Blackhawks will return home after a 6-1 Circus Trip, with the only blemish coming in the opener away from home against the deplorable Avalanche. Tonight they’ll kick off a month wherein 9 of the next 14 games will be on home ice, starting tonight with the Stars. Who says you can’t ever really come home for the holidays?
vs
Game Time: 7:00PM
TV/Radio: CSN, NBCSN (Yanks), TSN2 (Hosers), WGN-AM 72
Texan Book Of The Dead: Defending Big D
After what can be considered a successful stretch by all non-meatball, bloodlust accounts, the Blackhawks will return home after a 6-1 Circus Trip, with the only blemish coming in the opener away from home against the deplorable Avalanche. Tonight they’ll kick off a month wherein 9 of the next 14 games will be on home ice, starting tonight with the Stars. Who says you can’t ever really come home for the holidays?
Saturday’s Gamesheet: NHL.com
Advanced Metrics: Extraskater.com
Exclamation Point: Chicago Tribune
Tragic: TSN
It’s funny that in previous years when the Blackhawks went out west during the Circus trip and we talked about the Hawks leaving a trail of scorched Earth in their path. Yet after the most successful Circus trip in franchise history, this just doesn’t hold the same gravitas or excitement as those previous trips. Maybe it’s because we all know what waits at the end of the rainbow is the real treasure. Or maybe its because the Hawks are such efficient killers now that the beatings aren’t nearly as sexy as they once were.
Either way, the trip ends with Hawks winning 6 of 7 and actually increasing their lead in the ever-competitive Central Division.
Hawk and Rally: Chicago Tribune
Gamesheet: Blackhawks.Com
Advanced Metrics: Extraskater
Atleast he is self-aware: NJ.com
Arrogance leads to downfall: Globe and Mail
Remember to pace yourself!!!!!!!!!!
5-1: Tribune
Fuel to burn: Cheer the Anthem
Gamesheet: NHL
Advanced Metrics: Extra Skater
This is probably going to be important: TSN
No more NHL coming up after Sportscentre:PuckDaddy
Gamesheet from Saturday: NHL
Advanced Metrics from Saturday: ExtraSkater
Nine Seconds: Hockeenight
Circus Observations: CSN
Hossa home: ESPN
Detroit Swimmers: PuckDaddy
