The Evan Brophey call up didn't work. The Ben Smith Call up didn't work. Now, the Hawks today, after a less than stellar 6-5-1 start, have recalled Ryan Potulny. My opinion, is they NEVER should have sent him down. The Hawks front office has made some their biggest mistake prior to the Marian Hossa injury. (That is the reason that Ben Smith was called up). Jack Skille has not worked out. He's been given his opportunity on the first line and he's not doing anything. Either is Fernando Pisani. Pisani has 1 point through the first 12. Bryan Bickell who started off hot and cooled down. The person that has hurt the most out of this is Tomas Kopecky. Yesterday he was a -5 +/-..... that is NUTS. He was solidly on a good line with Toews and Hossa and was doing well. But because the likes of Brouwer, Bolland, Bickell, Pisani, Stalberg, Skille, Dowell........okay anyone not named Toews, Kane, Hossa and Sharp. In other words, their superstars have come to play, but the rest of the team hasn't done a single thing.
The defense.....is just putrid. John Scott was finally sat the last game, but that didn't help. The Hawks got bomblasted by Edmonton as the Oilers won their FIRST road game ... and it happened to be at the UC.
The Hawks are going to keep spinning their wheels until Campell returns, Hossa returns and they need to retune that line up. I actually believe that the reshuffling of the lines is an attempt to find some type of unity.....and it's not there. The 4 players I mentioned...yes......they bust their asses every night, but the Hawks just aren't gelling together as a unit offensively or defensively. Hjalmarrson has turned into a total marshmallow. Keith took a few weeks to get that Norris trophy out of his butt, now he's showing up to play.
The Hawks best players have been the 4 offensive superstars and Brent Seabrook. You could argue that Tomas Kopecky and Nick Boynton could be thrown into that, until Tomas Kopecky threw up a giant -5... Let's go Hawks. Let's get some unity. Can't even make the playoffs the way you guys are heading. I tell you now, this Hawks team is going to take about half a season to start gelling. Then they will scramble to get into the playoffs, barely making it in. That's my best guess from this years team.
G
Giovanni's Tweets
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Evan Brophey get's called up to the NHL
Blackhawks recall Evan Brophey from Rockford
Saturday, 10.23.2010 / 5:41 PM / News
By Chicago Blackhawks
 |
| Evan Brophey |
Brophey, 23, has appeared in all six of Rockford’s regular-season contests this season, sharing second on the club with two goals and pacing the IceHogs with a +4 plus/minus rating. Chicago’s fourth selection (68th overall) in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft, the Kitchener, Ontario, native has registered 36 goals and 56 assists over the course of 238 career regular-season AHL tilts with Rockford from 2007-10.
The Blackhawks will host the Columbus Blue Jackets at the United Center on Saturday, October 23 at 7:30 P.M. The game can be seen locally on Comcast SportsNet Chicago and heard on Chicago’s WGN Radio.
Jordan Hendry has been struggling to get any ice time and even worse, has been struggling to get off of the "healthy scratch" list.
I like to keep a look at how the "Boys in Rockford" are doing... so, here's a quick look at how they're doing in Rockford.
Rockford IceHogs 2010-11 Individual Stats
| # | Player | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | PP | SHG | SOG | SH% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Jeff Taffe | 7 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0.200 |
| 9 | Shawn Lalonde | 6 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.100 |
| 19 | Jeremy Morin | 6 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 16 | 0.188 |
| 37 | Rob Klinkhammer | 6 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0.154 |
| 27 | Brandon Pirri | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0.091 |
| 10 | Brian Connelly | 6 | 0 | 4 | 4 | -2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0.000 |
| 34 | Ivan Vishnevskiy | 7 | 0 | 4 | 4 | -3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0.000 |
| 7 | Evan Brophey (X) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0.167 |
| 16 | Ryan Potulny | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0.167 |
| 12 | Kyle Beach | 7 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0.067 |
| 21 | Ben Smith | 7 | 0 | 3 | 3 | -2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0.000 |
| 8 | Simon Danis-Pepin | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.500 |
| 26 | Igor Makarov | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0.111 |
| 4 | Ryan Stanton | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.000 |
| 15 | Wade Brookbank | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1.000 |
| 18 | Brandon Bollig | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0.167 |
| 32 | Peter LeBlanc (X) | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 5 | Jassen Cullimore (X) | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.000 |
| 14 | Kyle Hagel | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.000 |
| 6 | Nick Leddy | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.000 |
| 33 | Hannu Toivonen | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 25 | Chris DiDomenico | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.000 |
| 35 | Alec Richards | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 2 | Garnet Exelby | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0.000 |
| BENCH | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |||||||
| TOTALS | 6 | 19 | 35 | 53 | -5 | 134 | 6 | 0 | 158 | 0.115 |
| # | Goalies | GP | Mins | W | L | SOL | SO | GA | GAA | SVS | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Alec Richards | 5 | 265 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 2.94 | 103 | 0.888 |
| 33 | Hannu Toivonen | 3 | 120 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5.00 | 42 | 0.808 |
| TOTALS | 6 | 385 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 3.59 | 145 | 0.863 |
StatisticsX indicates players not on active roster
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Stanley's Journey comes to an end
It's been a good summer. The cup has been nearby and as far as Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.
It has had babies pictured in the cup, Fruit Loops cereal eaten out of it and been touched not only the hands of near passer byes, but has touched the hearts of many,...including the hearts and souls of many Chicagoans. Many of the 40 something gang (myself included), had never had the experience to see them win. And many of the 50 year olds were too young to know a cup from saucer. Now the cup heads home to Toronto to it's resting place. I don't wish to say "good bye", but rather,... "take care Stanley, we'll see you real soon". Not only does that sound more prophetic, but it ere of return certainty to it. Yes, Stanley will make a return visit to Chicago,... we hope it is quite often with #88 and # 19 still wearing the Indian head sweater.
It was a great summer. I am looking forward to seeing how the team can mesh with their new teammates and to see if they can do it again. Tough task, but, definitely worth watching.
LET'S GO HAWKS !!
G
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Sharp and Hossa show...
Oh, that is EXACTLY what it has been. 13 goals between the two of them in ONE week. That's Lemieux -Jagr(esque), Gretzky-Messier(ish), ...yes simply an "ish"... Sharp and Hossa aren't quite at that level,...yet.
The Hawks have actually played "DEAD" the first several periods in the last few games, but have managed to come back in the third with strong efforts in each of them (Buffalo at St.Louis: both at home), and managed to win. The new guys in the line-up? Stalberg, Skille, Pisani, Scott, Leddy, Dowell, ...yuk !
Pisani tricked me. I thought after camp he was going to do well. He's started off with some unknown virus called the 10day flu,... or he better have some excuse for he's putting up more donuts than a Chicago cop can put down in an evening.
Skille and Stalberg...give them time. I like their games. Both need to be more consistent, but shingles of talent,...the both of them.
Scott,...U-S-E-L-E-S-S...what's that spell? Get-the-hell-off-my-team, is what that spells. Here's a proposition. While Campbell is down,...keep Cullimore in...Good move "Q". Dump the 6'8'galute. Potulny you can bring back. Or Morin or even the underlooked at Jeff Taffe. (Just a thought...look at his output and video of him in Rockford...not bad).
But, whatever the case.......dump him. Useless.
You're always going to sit someone,... but bring one of them along for the NHL ride. Stalberg is doing ok.
Returning veterans. Keith.........what the hell are you doing? Is that Norris trophy stuck so far up the ole' caboose you forgot how to play? Get your crap together. You're playing like 2007-8 season where I wanted to kill you everytime you touched the puck. No excuses from you........or Hjalmarrson for that matter.
Seabrook and Boynton have done a wonderful job,...and I was hard on Hendry before the season started...he's trying to keep himself dressed for every ga
me,
Seabrook and Boynton have done a wonderful job,...and I was hard on Hendry before the season started...he's trying to keep himself dressed for every ga
me,and he's playing like it too.
The good news about the Hawks is that most of the Stars have decided to carry the Hawks through this beginning stage of "getting to play well with our new linemates"... (Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa,Seabrook, Kopecky, Bolland, Brouwer).
Speaking of Tomas Kopecky,...what a fantasy pick up... He's on both of my teams and raking points...just think about it okay?
The man is playing out his gourd. At this pace he'll equal last years point total before October is up. Way to go Tomas !!! Maybe the media will NOW know how to finally pronounce your last name.
Fun things that happened and things that I've noticed
* Hawks chopper designed by Orange County Choppers. I saw the piece on BHTV and yes,...I WANT IT !!! It rocks !
* Marty is actually playing well. He plays better under pressure it appears.
* Nice that Toews and Kane aren't always needed. They'll be there and continue to support.
* Nashville..starting off hot. They usually play the Hawks tough. I was scared of them as a first round match up (and you saw why)...they match up well with the Hawks.
* This week is Luongo week. Hello Roberto...remember us?
Thank you for supporting my blog and hope to get some comments from you.
G
Friday, October 15, 2010
Can Anyone Recall The October Firing Of Denis Savard?
I can recall that firing. It was the start of the second season of the "NEW" regime and it was only 4 games into the season. 1-2-1 was their start. At that time, there was a lot of hype about how the Hawks were good enough to make the playoffs. They had just missed out on it the previous year, (that being the rookie seasons of Kane and Toews)...and this was going to be the season. Dale Tallon was the General manager, and whether or not it was a popular decision, he made the right one. He fired Denis Savard and hired Joel Quenneville. Coach "Q" proceeded" to bring home the cup the first time in 49 years, so it was arguably the least popular , but most correct decision Dale Tallon ever made.
Two years later, the Hawks have 1/2 a new team, and talks of repeating have diminished, but haven't depleted to non-existence. They did proceed to keep the core players, but the season has started out rocky.......to say the least. The last day of training camp, one of their core defensemen, who was pivitol in the playoffs, (my least favorite defensemen because of his salary...and I don't think he's worth the money) Brian Campbell, got injured thereby keeping him out for 4-5 weeks.
Then 4 games into the season, there have already been 2 short suspensions. First game of the season: Nick Boynton with his preseason "throat slash" gesture and Nick Hjalmarsson with his 2 game suspension for an illegal hit to the head.
The camaraderie isn't there. I think they are seriously hurting on defense right now. Nick Leddy, as talented as he will become is being forced to play defense at age 19 and is doing a commendable job, but he doesn't have support back there. Nick Hjalmarsson has played awfully. He's been on the ice for EVERY single goal in the first 3 games. That's horrific. Seabrook has been there best defenseman so far, and Keith hasn't played to his potential either. John Scott is a joke. He's a big thug who cannot skate. It actually cost the Hawks as he tripped over himself and allowed the winning goal against Detroit. Jordan Hendry isn't doing poorly, but he hasn't been a beeming ray of sunshine either.
So, the Hawks have to rely on their forwards to pick them up. Hossa has played out of this world. Kane is starting to score the past two games. Kopecky is playing on the top line and is being rewarded with assist points,...but hasn't scored himself. Bickell is filling the net. Toews got a two point night the other night...but, Stalberg, Pisani, Dowell.........NOTHING... we need more from the new guys that we picked up. Donuts are for cops, not for forward stat sheets.
Okay,......not panicking, however it needed to be pointed out that Savard was replaced with the same exact record that "Q" has right now........so, what's next for the Hawks? How can they get out of this mess?
First line of Kopecky/Toews/Hossa is wonderful.......the next three lines........NEED WORK...
Defense: uterly pathetic.
Goal: hard to tell. They are making wonderful saves, but are both allowing in too much and getting way too many shots on goal. Untypical of a Hawks team. Let's go Hawks !!!!
Two years later, the Hawks have 1/2 a new team, and talks of repeating have diminished, but haven't depleted to non-existence. They did proceed to keep the core players, but the season has started out rocky.......to say the least. The last day of training camp, one of their core defensemen, who was pivitol in the playoffs, (my least favorite defensemen because of his salary...and I don't think he's worth the money) Brian Campbell, got injured thereby keeping him out for 4-5 weeks.
Then 4 games into the season, there have already been 2 short suspensions. First game of the season: Nick Boynton with his preseason "throat slash" gesture and Nick Hjalmarsson with his 2 game suspension for an illegal hit to the head.
The camaraderie isn't there. I think they are seriously hurting on defense right now. Nick Leddy, as talented as he will become is being forced to play defense at age 19 and is doing a commendable job, but he doesn't have support back there. Nick Hjalmarsson has played awfully. He's been on the ice for EVERY single goal in the first 3 games. That's horrific. Seabrook has been there best defenseman so far, and Keith hasn't played to his potential either. John Scott is a joke. He's a big thug who cannot skate. It actually cost the Hawks as he tripped over himself and allowed the winning goal against Detroit. Jordan Hendry isn't doing poorly, but he hasn't been a beeming ray of sunshine either.
So, the Hawks have to rely on their forwards to pick them up. Hossa has played out of this world. Kane is starting to score the past two games. Kopecky is playing on the top line and is being rewarded with assist points,...but hasn't scored himself. Bickell is filling the net. Toews got a two point night the other night...but, Stalberg, Pisani, Dowell.........NOTHING... we need more from the new guys that we picked up. Donuts are for cops, not for forward stat sheets.
Okay,......not panicking, however it needed to be pointed out that Savard was replaced with the same exact record that "Q" has right now........so, what's next for the Hawks? How can they get out of this mess?
First line of Kopecky/Toews/Hossa is wonderful.......the next three lines........NEED WORK...
Defense: uterly pathetic.
Goal: hard to tell. They are making wonderful saves, but are both allowing in too much and getting way too many shots on goal. Untypical of a Hawks team. Let's go Hawks !!!!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Dear Jesus, let there be no Stanley Cup Hangover
Dear Jesus,
After an 0-1-1 start, I am praying the Hawks are merely trying to find themselves , with all the new faces in the locker room. I am hoping there is no
Stanley Cup Hangover. I want them to be as focuses as last year,... if not more so. For this year, they aren't even projected to win the cup.
I see the Defense is already "all over the place" not knowing where to play or where to pass the puck. I do hope that fat contract hasn't already gotten to Niklas Hjalmarsson's head, Lord. Let's hope that the desire to succeed is there, just like last year.
Sincerely the biggest Hawks fan on this side of the ocean.
Giovanni
After an 0-1-1 start, I am praying the Hawks are merely trying to find themselves , with all the new faces in the locker room. I am hoping there is no
Stanley Cup Hangover. I want them to be as focuses as last year,... if not more so. For this year, they aren't even projected to win the cup.
I see the Defense is already "all over the place" not knowing where to play or where to pass the puck. I do hope that fat contract hasn't already gotten to Niklas Hjalmarsson's head, Lord. Let's hope that the desire to succeed is there, just like last year.
Sincerely the biggest Hawks fan on this side of the ocean.
Giovanni
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Game 2 lineup
The Blackhawks made a valiant effort coming back from a 3-1 deficit after allowing 3 straight goals after Bryan Bickell's opening goal of the game. However, the Hawks did pick up a point in that overtime loss.
Brandon Perri makes his NHL debut (Patrick Sharp is sitting out...must be injured)...and Nick Boynton returns to the line up.
Here is the lineup for game #2:
Kopecky , Toews, Hossa
Pisani, Perri, Kane
Stalberg, Bolland, Brouwer,
Skille, Dowell, Bickell
Keith, Seabrook,
Boynton, Hjalmarsson,
Scott, Leddy
Turco , Crawford
Brandon Perri makes his NHL debut (Patrick Sharp is sitting out...must be injured)...and Nick Boynton returns to the line up.
Here is the lineup for game #2:
Kopecky , Toews, Hossa
Pisani, Perri, Kane
Stalberg, Bolland, Brouwer,
Skille, Dowell, Bickell
Keith, Seabrook,
Boynton, Hjalmarsson,
Scott, Leddy
Turco , Crawford
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Opening day starting line-up
Welcome to the defense of the Stanley Cup. The year...2010... the day October 7th, Thursday.
The Blackhawks travel to Denver, CO with half of their team not on last years roster. So, here is the line up that "Q" has come up with. (Now, realize that if you know anything about Coach Quenneville, he'll change lineups left and right, backwards and forwards, ...but here is your team).
LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING
1st Tomas Kopecky Jonathan Toews Marian Hossa
2nd Fernando Pisani Patrick Sharp Patrick Kane
3rd Troy Brouwer Dave Bolland Viktor Stalberg
4th Bryan Bickell Jake Dowell Jack Skille
back up: Ryan Potulny: ( he should be in Rockford, unless he got claimed off waivers)
DEFENSE DEFENSE
1st Duncan Keith Brent Seabrook
2nd Niklas Hjalmarsson Nick Leddy
3rd John Scott Jordan Hendry
Suspended: 1 game suspension for Nick Boynton
back up: Jasson Cullimore (he should be in Rockford, unless he got claimed off waivers)
Injured Reserve: Brian Campbell (out 4-5 wks with a knee injury )
GOALIES
1st Marty Turco
Backup: Corey Crawford
Kyle Beach, Brandon Perri and Jeremy Morin are back in Rockford, but don't be surprised if they get called up throughout the season. Same goes for Shawn Lalonde.
The Blackhawks travel to Denver, CO with half of their team not on last years roster. So, here is the line up that "Q" has come up with. (Now, realize that if you know anything about Coach Quenneville, he'll change lineups left and right, backwards and forwards, ...but here is your team).
LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING
1st Tomas Kopecky Jonathan Toews Marian Hossa
2nd Fernando Pisani Patrick Sharp Patrick Kane
3rd Troy Brouwer Dave Bolland Viktor Stalberg
4th Bryan Bickell Jake Dowell Jack Skille
back up: Ryan Potulny: ( he should be in Rockford, unless he got claimed off waivers)
DEFENSE DEFENSE
1st Duncan Keith Brent Seabrook
2nd Niklas Hjalmarsson Nick Leddy
3rd John Scott Jordan Hendry
Suspended: 1 game suspension for Nick Boynton
back up: Jasson Cullimore (he should be in Rockford, unless he got claimed off waivers)
Injured Reserve: Brian Campbell (out 4-5 wks with a knee injury )
GOALIES
1st Marty Turco
Backup: Corey Crawford
Kyle Beach, Brandon Perri and Jeremy Morin are back in Rockford, but don't be surprised if they get called up throughout the season. Same goes for Shawn Lalonde.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
This may be the current team
LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING
Kopecky Toews Hossa
Morin Sharp Kane
Bickell Bolland Pisani
Stalberg Dowell Brouwer
---------------------------------------------- Jack Skille sitting (injured),
Defense Defense
Keith Seabrook
Hjalmarsson Leddy
Scott Boynton
----------------------------------------------Campbell (out 4-5 weeks injury)
Goalies
Turco
Crawford
Olimb, Potulny, Hendry and Cullimore didn't dress.
Olimb and Cullimore are most likely not on the team. That leaves 24.
Joel Queneville likes 7 defensemen. Meaning most likely that Hendry will stick until Campbell comes back.
Potulny or even perhaps Dowell. Both are centermen. This could mean newly aquired centermen Ryan Potulny doesn't make the team. Find out this week.
--------------------------------------------------------------
5Oct2010 Well, the surprise was that Jeremy Morin was sent back down to Rockford. Ryan Potulny made the squad.
The 23 (24 due to Campbell on the IR) will have some fluctuation ...usually does the first month.
This is where Stalberg, Dowell, Potulney, Hendry, Leddy, Scott, Cullimore and Bickell have to play for ice time. Since 20 dress, that means there will be 3 at all times that aren't dressing. Morin, Beach, Perri and Lalonde will be waiting...
It appears that Kopecky is ready for his promotion and has played his tail off this preseason.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05Oct2010...The Blackhawks put Ryan Potulny and Jasson Cullimore on waivers.
The Chicago Blackhawks placed Ryan Potulny and Jassen Cullimore on waivers on Tuesday.
If they clear waivers, they'll be sent to Rockford of the AHL..... news from the Blackhawks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kopecky Toews Hossa
Morin Sharp Kane
Bickell Bolland Pisani
Stalberg Dowell Brouwer
---------------------------------------------- Jack Skille sitting (injured),
Defense Defense
Keith Seabrook
Hjalmarsson Leddy
Scott Boynton
----------------------------------------------Campbell (out 4-5 weeks injury)
Goalies
Turco
Crawford
Olimb, Potulny, Hendry and Cullimore didn't dress.
Olimb and Cullimore are most likely not on the team. That leaves 24.
Joel Queneville likes 7 defensemen. Meaning most likely that Hendry will stick until Campbell comes back.
Potulny or even perhaps Dowell. Both are centermen. This could mean newly aquired centermen Ryan Potulny doesn't make the team. Find out this week.
--------------------------------------------------------------
5Oct2010 Well, the surprise was that Jeremy Morin was sent back down to Rockford. Ryan Potulny made the squad.
The 23 (24 due to Campbell on the IR) will have some fluctuation ...usually does the first month.
This is where Stalberg, Dowell, Potulney, Hendry, Leddy, Scott, Cullimore and Bickell have to play for ice time. Since 20 dress, that means there will be 3 at all times that aren't dressing. Morin, Beach, Perri and Lalonde will be waiting...
It appears that Kopecky is ready for his promotion and has played his tail off this preseason.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday 05Oct2010...The Blackhawks put Ryan Potulny and Jasson Cullimore on waivers.
The Chicago Blackhawks placed Ryan Potulny and Jassen Cullimore on waivers on Tuesday.
If they clear waivers, they'll be sent to Rockford of the AHL..... news from the Blackhawks.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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