Chicago Blackhawks @ New York Rangers GameThread, Oct 10, 2008 6:00 PM CDT

Open Thread: Blackhawks @ Rangers, 6:00 PM CT

by SCH on Oct 10, 2008 9:00 AM CDT in Game Threads Comment 23 comments

Chicago Blackhawks @ New York Rangers

56_medium 144_medium

Chicago Blackhawks (0-0-0) @ New York Rangers (2-0-0)

Chicago TV: Comcast Sports Net (HD)
Chicago Radio: WGN (720 AM)

Tonight, we finally get to see the beginning of the Blackhawks' 2008-2009 season as they take on the Rangers in New York. We also get to hear Pat Foley as the Hawks' play-by-man for the first time since April 18, 2006. Hard to believe it's only been a little over 2 years since he left, because we had to endure Dan Kelly for two seasons. Hopefully the announcing is not the only thing that will be improved this season.

The Rangers have actually already started their regular season since they opened up with two games in Prague against the Tampa Bay Lightning. New York was able to win both games 2-1, so they come into their home opener looking to move to 3-0 on the season. They have a fairly potent offensive attack led by Markus Naslund and Scott Gomez up front, so it will be key to stop them in order to get the win. Henrik Lundqvist is off to a good start in goal for NY as well.

You'll be seeing a couple of regular season debuts for the Hawks tonight: Cristobal Huet in net and Brian Campbell on defense. Hopefully Campbell can pot a goal or two and Huet can make some big stops so they can get their Hawks careers off to a good start.

Overall, with all the buzz surrounding this team right now, it would be nice not to lay a dud in the first game of the season. Let's hope the Blackhawks come out flying and give us reason for a little optimism to start off the year.

0 recs | Comment 23 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

make that seven and a half

i’m good at math clearly

LET'S GO HAWKS!

by SCH on Oct 10, 2008 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Campbell...

…I’m really excited to see how we are with Campbell. Last season we were 24th in the league in power play percentage. That’s going to have to improve for us to get to the postseason and its where Campbell will earn his money. Last season he was tied for 3rd overall for points for a defensemen and 3rd for defensemen in pp assists.

However, there are some big “ifs”. If Havlat can stay healthy, if Sharp has another solid year, if Kane and Toews don’t have soph slumps then we can be a force in the West this season.

by seang03 on Oct 10, 2008 2:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah we need a lot of things to go right

I think Havlat staying healthy is a big key, and I’m not entirely confident that’s going to work out too well, but we’ll see. Maybe he can surprise us this year.

I’d love to see Campbell get a goal tonight just to get it out of the way and give him some confidence early on. I think he’s gonna be a huge help to the power play which definitely will it from him.

LET'S GO HAWKS!

by SCH on Oct 10, 2008 2:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'mmmmmmmm baaaaaaaackkkkkkkk

It’s good to be back in the second city of wind which is really confusing; i figured it would be a little less hot? I dont know why i am sweating so much?

Anyways, i think based on Sharp(dressed man’s) preseason he’ll be fine. He did have 6 tallies this preseason which has to be pretty high up there in the whole league. Regarding Marty, I not going to put any eggs in Hav"not’s" basket. Whatever offense he generates for the team is gravy. Campbell is good enough to come out and play loose. He’s a pro, he’ll be fine.

"I remember taking a look at him and saying ‘Anyone who perms his hair has got to go’. So we sent him to Fort Worth." - Don Cherry on Don Saleski

by Raj Binder's Labido on Oct 10, 2008 3:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Only a half hour away

could be the slowest half hour ever

LET'S GO HAWKS!

by SCH on Oct 10, 2008 5:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Being that now I'm a displaced fan

I find it appropriate to watch all the pregame videos that they usually play on the scoreboard before home games (Orchard, Hit the Ice, Here Come the Hawks)

by antbogey on Oct 10, 2008 5:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs