RIP Pit Martin

story

Kaner is now #1 forward in the west for all star votes. Now we need to get Tazer up there.

Happy Birthday Patrick Sharp!!!

Time to start posting more about the Hawks

Currently on a nine game win streak, they are only 4 points behind the Wings. These next 2 games are huge, for both teams and the NHL. If the Hawks had made the coaching change before the season started, they'd probably be in first place in the Central. The whole team is playing well, with a different line stepping up each night and all defensive pairings played solid team while always an offensive threat. Both goalies are on hot streaks, and Coach Q can start either one with confidence. If that's not enough, the Hawks get some bulletin board material after their win over the Wild when Mikko Koivu said "Nine wins in a row shows something about their team, but they're not that good. They outworked us tonight. We had one guy tonight, that was Backstrom, who had the effort to play this game." I couldn't be more excited about the games on Tuesday and Thursday!

I never watched hockey really until this year, (Still don't a bunch really..) I think owning NHL 09 has a lot to do with it, but having the Hawks be this good is probably 1A on the list of reasons... Actually looking forward to Thursday's game.

Yes, it is a good time to be a Blackhawks fan. Kane, Toews and Campbell are still leading he West in all-star votes. Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp should have a good shot at being all-stars also. Add to that Versteeg looking like he has a real shot at the Calder and this is a fun year. The BEST part is that if the Hawks don't win it this year, it's alright because they are already ahead of schedule. You figure a year or two to get battle tested in the playoffs then start making serious runs. Having said that, I think they are one of about 10 teams that have a legitimate shot at making the finals; along with the Wings, Sharks, Canucks, Caps, Bruins, Penguins, Rangers, Flyers and Devils.

You forgot the Leafs.

and he somehow included the Penguins..Must be another Penguin team I am not seeing.

OK Serge, who are your 10 teams that have a shot?

Fair enough..Some have better shots than others..In no particular order..

Boston
Rangers
Devils
Flyers
Washington
San Jose
Detroit
Chicago
Calgary
Vancouver

Looks like the only difference was Flames over Pens?

didnt notice....things can change, its a fine line between 9th place and a Stanley Cup contending team..Especially in the East...Its fairly tough to make the playoffs if you dont win the division, as you are fighting for only 5 spots for at least 8 or 9 teams..In the West its even closer.

Calgary would be the next one on my list, but I think the Pens are better than Calgary. My picks are also based on the line-up a team could ice come playoff time barring any injuries and assuming teams get their injured players back.

Makes sense, but the Pens aren't even gonna make the playoffs. That's how bad they are.

Interesting...Montreal has more points than 4 of the teams you've listed.

I didn't notice them missing, but I would have found somewhere to put Montreal in there as well.

Kane left tonights game after taking a hard hit (i belive they said along the boards). They said it might be a lower body injury/knee, or else maybe just winded.

Would be too bad if he was out for the Classic.

He is back and continuing to skate around with his head down.

The Hawks looked like crap yesterday. I hope they use this as a wake-up call or a learning experience and come out with a chip on their shoulders for the Classic. Not going to be a fun practice for the team today.

I gotta say, and I said it before probably in this thread, the Blackhawks becoming a contender brings this rivalry back. Those down years really took a lot out of the Hawks/Wings games but the last two years it is starting to heat up again and the three games I watched this year were excellent games. Not because we won them but because it had intensity I remember years ago.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/...91&n8pe6c=2

are they sure that isn't Trent YAWNney? I almost feel bad linking the video.

Nope.






I haven't been this excited about an NHL game since the '91 All Star game. Let's go Hawks.

THIS GAME IS HUGE! I'm hoping this is a breakout game for the Hawks. Hopefully they come out with some purpose and excitement. I want to see finished checks, crisp passes and top shelf shots. Take it to them boys!

If I could stop feeling terrible I would be more excited for the game. GL to the Hawks, should be a great one.

Just get back on that horse!

Bloody Mary's FTW.

ugh, the thought of more booze is making me nauseous.

GAME ON!!! that rink is so awesome.

I thought it was really neat how both teams walked out side by side together. I wish all games started that way.

if that's the type of enthusiasm he had in the locker room then it's no mystery why he didn't succeed. I was shocked at his dullness.



what a goal by datsyuk. good game.

talk about putting in a cold goalie

hey hoo heeyyy

Herro?



Nice West Coast road trip so far. Key win to finally beat the Sharks.

Huet looked pretty good last night. The side trip to Vegas must have been a good idea.


...now we just have to beat the Red Wings.

4-1 since the break. Woot.

Undefeated against the Canadian teams so far.

Duh.

It's not so much that they're good now as it is that playing NHL 09 got me understanding how to actually watch the game. Not like I didn't want them to win before.

Yep, I'm a jinx.

That was nothing but fatigue. The Hawks haven't played that bad all season.

Would have enjoyed watching the game...stupid NHL network.

You didn't get to see the Q-Stache?

Nope, no NHL Network means no watching the game on my Centre Ice...pisses me off.

That was really really ugly.

Did you get steamrolled on NHL 09?

man that was a jinx of Serge like proportions...lol

I'm 94% sure I'm going to the game tonight, here in Tampa, but we're buying scalped tickets, so wish me luck, lol.

I hope you were able to go Zach. It was a great game! Natural by Stamkos, Kaner's first goal in 20+ games, a couple good fights, Ramo playing good despite getting bombarded with 49 shots, a sweet goal by Bolland set up by Havlat working his ass off and Tazer getting two goals (one was a wicked wrister.)

Yeah, it was a great game.

I also managed to win $105 by betting the Hawks and the over with a buddy there, lol.

The Chicago Blackhawks are just flat getting it done!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN!

What a dirty team.

As much as I know you guys want to win the division, I'm really hoping for a Chi/Van first round series after the game tonight.