Monday Grab Bag

by SamFels on Dec 28, 2009 3:05 PM CST Comment 48 comments

I rule, and you know this.

I love this picture. I hate putting too much into stuff like this (the Cutler-body language thing drives me up a wall) but I got a kick out of how excited John Madden was after scoring the equalizer last night. Madden's play hasn't been as noticeable of late, though still solid. Clearly though, he loves being on this team. Or maybe he just doesn't score on that many breakaways with a sweet move.

-Brian Campbell the past three weeks has been as entertaining to watch as any Hawk I can remember. I know he's a turnover away from going down to the whipping post again, but I'm really enjoying the silence right now. Sassone agrees.

-Burish is skating again, per Kuc.

-Yes, I am going to pull a muscle patting myself on the back for calling Troy Brouwer as a breakout player.

-On to other teams. For those of you who haven't seen this effort from Bloge Salming and Down Goes Brown, watch it and see what real bloggers can do:

-Finally, a big thank you to all The Indian readers. Your patience as I Forrest Gump my way through home publishing is truly appreciated, and we've got it all sorted now. We'll see you outside Gate 3 on Thursday.

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really happy to hear the news on the burish front.

as for madden- probably a bit of both.

regarding soupy, heard this bit in between periods on the radio last night (not sure if you have reported on the stick change or not):

Campbell changed his stick design a few weeks ago, which has boosted his confidence and allowed him to get more elevation on his shots from the point.

“My sticks make a difference,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve been 100 percent happy since I’ve been here. I know it’s part of my equipment and I don’t try to make excuses out there, but it makes me feel real good.”

Campbell no longer goes into games trying to prove to the hockey world he is worth the big money he makes.

“It’s just forgetting about everything and going out and playing hockey and enjoying it,” Campbell said. “I’m not trying to put too much pressure on myself. I’ll just take care of my job and then it’ll show what I can do out there and how I can play and make a difference.”

by bangbangerang on Dec 28, 2009 3:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Madden

…is for sure a great asset to the team. I’ve been wondering for some time who the Hawks will be able to retain after this season; he was signed to a one-year deal, no? Well, I hope he sticks around for many seasons to come.

by Hawk4Eva on Dec 28, 2009 3:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

yeah, i agree.

he was signed for a one year $2.5 million contract (i think). i really enjoy watching him play, and he seems to bring out the best in those that are out there with him. he was fantastic last night. hopefully we’ll get to see a lot more nights like that out of him.

by bangbangerang on Dec 28, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if he’s at the point of his career where he would be willing to take a pay cut to try and get one or two more cups before he retires. It would probably also help if he felt really loved here. I’m sayin let’s get signs and chants goin for him Bobby Valentine style.

BlackhawksDL.wordpress.com
twitter.com/BlackhawksDL

by Original Six on Dec 28, 2009 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

The only way we keep him is at a steep, steep discount, which means he must really really want to stay here to sign. Would be awesome, but I’m not getting my hopes up.

by illinikc33 on Dec 28, 2009 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The best thing about Madden

is that even on games where he isn’t at his best, the guys they put on his line play their most focused hockey. He makes his teammates better.

by Scott13 on Dec 29, 2009 12:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

fucking reebok

isnt making Madden player T-shirts

Who do I gotta shoot to get one?

Second City Hockey

by Battery on Dec 29, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Much love to John Madden last night

Dig the site; long time listener, first time caller.
Madden really picked the Hawks up last night, when they were out-skated for much of the game. Definitely improves the play of his line-mates, even when he doesn’t get on the score sheet himself.
Another great moment in body language was right after Kane scored the game-winner, and all five skaters had the group hugfest. Really got to love the way they are jelling right now, and winning last night when they didn’t look their best is a great example.

by DirkGrahamKnuckleSandwich on Dec 28, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can't believe Burish is skating again..

"Trying is the first step towards failure" Homer Simpson

by ccm on Dec 28, 2009 3:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not to put even More "Not Much Into These Things" but...

…nearly everyone, has their mouth open. cool.

by WirtzGMnomore on Dec 28, 2009 4:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is a spectacular photo.

"Call Detroit, tell dem... BULLSHIT!"

by Hungryhawk on Dec 28, 2009 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are they all yelling “SHOOOOOOOT!”?

SHOOOOOOOT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Dec 29, 2009 7:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It’s been fun watching Madded, he is a MUCH better upgrade than Sammi P IMO. I wish he would of been avail last year! I think the Hawks are happy to have him. It’s been a fun b/c it looks like he’s gained a few years back from being on the young squad! Either way between that and the love for Campbell it’s nice to see some positives out there!! First time writing but I’ve been reading this blog for a while now, just got too lazy and never signed up!

by Jrs23 on Dec 28, 2009 4:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If I was in the 2nd row...

…and missed the goal on accounta that dumb bitch banging on the glass, I’d go all Reaper on her ass and slice her empty head off with a sickle.

by cliffkoroll on Dec 28, 2009 5:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no way.

you’re supposed to bang around and yell shoot. that’s what hockey is. nothing more, nothing less.

by bangbangerang on Dec 28, 2009 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe she wasn’t banging on the glass, maybe she had her hands up in prayer?

SHOOOOOOOT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Dec 28, 2009 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

since this is a grab bag

i found this interesting…
17 NHL teams are selling more than 95% of their tickets (hawks #1 at 106%)
only 10 NBA teams are doing as well.

I know TV ratings are another thing but still not bad for a sport considered to be the “4th major”.

by SLoop on Dec 28, 2009 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nobody really watches basketball anymore

Oops, I meant HOCKEY, according to Tiger Woods. When was the last time you heard an NHL player complain about a no-call for a scratch on the forearm? That’s what I thought.

by radguy213 on Dec 28, 2009 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tiger?

Who wants to watch Tiger now that he’s gone all monogamous? BORING.

by ChicoMaki on Dec 28, 2009 9:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Shooting for the strange hole, that is what makes him so good.

SHOOOOOOOT!!!! Anon

by burpchelischili on Dec 28, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Lower the salary cap!

I be on my green like Irish Spring.

by chrome on Dec 29, 2009 9:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hockey sucks on TV...

In general…… HD has come a long way, but hockey is one of the few sports where being there live is better….. the camera just can’t keep up with the speed of play….

Basketball is much better on TV than in person… have you ever been to a Bulls game high up in the 300 level? Angles suck…..

by Wanker751 on Dec 29, 2009 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

CBJ

just picked up Milan Jurcina and Chris Clark from the Caps for Jason Chimera.

BlackhawksDL.wordpress.com
twitter.com/BlackhawksDL

by Original Six on Dec 28, 2009 4:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

is this official yet?

I read that they had a trade in the works that may have involved jurcina or clark but it wasnt offical thats who was going from wash.

by SharpFTW10 on Dec 28, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I got a text from ESPN which usually comes a while after its official. NHL.com has confirmed it.

BlackhawksDL.wordpress.com
twitter.com/BlackhawksDL

by Original Six on Dec 28, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

After reading the NHL article

it seems like the only losers here are Clark and Jurcina. Moving from a cup contender to a clusterfuck of a team who can’t get more than 10K to show up to games. Clark was the captain in Washington and you gotta think he’s had dreams of passing the cup to Ovechkin one day.

BlackhawksDL.wordpress.com
twitter.com/BlackhawksDL

by Original Six on Dec 28, 2009 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Clark

Was the captain? Dick move by the Caps.

wait what?

by pepe126 on Dec 29, 2009 6:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Phil Kessel

Reminds me of the Matt Damon character from Team America. That video is brilliant.

by cubs22 on Dec 28, 2009 5:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

MARC SAVAAARRDDDDDD

BlackhawksDL.wordpress.com
twitter.com/BlackhawksDL

by Original Six on Dec 28, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

PHILLL KESSSSELLLL

by ChargingMajor on Dec 29, 2009 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All of Bloge Salming’s videos are pretty good, but some only make sense if you closely follow the Leafs (or at least read Pension Plan Puppets fairly regularly). However, this is one just about anybody can (and should) enjoy.

According Twomey

by hawksfan21 on Dec 29, 2009 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Madden is an impact player for the Hawks

His REAL value will shine when the nonstop intensity of the playoffs begin. It’s really too bad that he in all likelihood will be a one year rental. It’s going to be nearly impossible for the Hawks to re-sign Madden and I don’t suspect he will be in the mood to give a deep discount to return.

The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.

by BLou on Dec 28, 2009 6:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Madden aint getting any younger. He is in the best possible spot with the Hawks. We might get our discount.

by HjammerTime on Dec 29, 2009 9:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t he also write a guest column for one of the papers in town about 6 weeks ago about how he already loves playing in Chicago and that the fans and the team here seem to have a special bond like he has never seen before. A bond that took him a few times of going out with the boys and seeing up close in bars as players and fans drank together like old friends before he really even began to understand it. Yeah, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t want to stay another year or two.

But who knows what happens when you throw an agent into the mix. Ask Havlat about that – I’m still of the belief that his agent fucked him without the courtesy of a reach around.

by runningquicklynowhere on Dec 29, 2009 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Brian Campell is an excellent player

I’m not one of those who bashes Campbell. Fact is his game is hugely important to the Hawks. And if good fans were paying attention to the playoffs last season then they recognize completely how valuable Campbell can be for this team. Keith was not nearly as important as Campbell was in last spring’s playoff games. Keith is exceptional, but what Campbell brings to the table fits this Hawk team to a tee. Coach Q and Bowman understand this too.

Glad to see him happy with his sticks.

The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.

by BLou on Dec 28, 2009 6:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Here is a question that has been bugging me as of late...

Have the Hawks scored an empty net goal this year?

by Ghost of Bill Wirtz on Dec 29, 2009 3:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

They have not...

They’re the only team in the league without at least one

Second City Hockey

by Matthew Dirt on Dec 29, 2009 8:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Am I the only one

who thinks kane stayed out on the ice to net a hat trick? seems to me like there would be no other reason to leave him out there instead of a guy that can play lock down D like ladd or madden

by illinikc33 on Dec 29, 2009 8:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

all I know is up in standing room we were hoping for the Madden hat trick.

by runningquicklynowhere on Dec 29, 2009 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It just wouldn’t be a Hawks blog without a rip on Kane now would it? I’m not sure what some of you guys are watching or smoking for that matter but he has been the best player on the ice for some time now. Defensively he is what he is, get over it.

by SLAZZ on Dec 29, 2009 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Methinks you do illini an injustice...

…it’s fair to speculate on the motives for leaving Kane out after a goal with 45 seconds left and a one-goal lead. If he’s out there, that’s the stache’s call, though, and not really a reflection on 20 cent./32 mil.

Even if true though, in a way It’s the opposite of the “lazy” tag. All of a sudden, the guy is a shift bogart. He bogarts all the shifts.

by cliffkoroll on Dec 29, 2009 11:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Kane is bogarting all the shifts does that make Buff mad?

by runningquicklynowhere on Dec 29, 2009 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Slovakin Olympic Team

Kopecky will join Hossa in the Olympics. Though NHL.com points out that Kopecky still plays for scum. Anyone else routinely find blatant errors in NHL.com stories?
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=511451

by Beltway Hawks on Dec 29, 2009 9:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs