Cowboys From Hell - Hawks 3, Stars 3 (Hawks win popularity contest)
I'm starting to find the Dallas Stars really, really, really irritating. They don't do anything particularly well, coach Marc Crawford looks like a total d-bag salesman who would be cruising for 19-year-old tang at a college bar, and Mike Ribeiro is a soft, diving, sneering, complete penis of a hockey player, yet he always finds ways to get his chances against the Hawks, and often buries them. His obligatory goal against the Blackhawks is not quite to Martin Erat territory yet, but it's getting there.
All that being said, prior to Ribeiro's goal which opened the scoring after numerous Hawks got caught behind the net in a scrum when the puck squirted to the front, the Hawks dominated the play territorially. Leading the charge at the outset and throughout the evening was a reunited Daydream Nation with Patrick Sharp. The line buzzed around the Stars zone its first couple shifts, and finally converted on a weak Patrick Kane wrister that found its way between Marty Turco's legs from the near circle. Dallas would answer on the power play when James Neal poked the puck through Antti Niemi's pads after he was allowed to set up shop alongside of the crease behind Duncan Keith. Patrick Kane would pull the Hawks even with half a minute remaining in the frame when he took the puck from behind the net and walked around front of the net on the far side to sneak a wrist shot through the crook of the arm of the downed Turco.
The Hawks control of the play continued in the second period, this time to a greater degree due to Coach Q having enough of the Tomas Kopecky Experience in the Top 6, and rightfully putting Troy Brouwer opposite Marian Hossa on Dave Bolland's line. That line, along with the Toews line, both had long stretches of sustained pressure in the second, and Dustin Byfuglien got in alone on Turco on a breakaway, but both the Hawks and Stars came up empty in the second. Dallas' only prime scoring chance came off a centering feed from Mike Modano that was redirected, and Niemi blockered aside.
Quenneville's line-reshuffling payed direct dividends when Troy Brouwer banged home into a gaping net a Marian Hossa shot that had ricocheted off of the end boards on a two-on-two rush. The Men of Four Feathers did not bring their collective foot off the gas, still putting 14 shots on net in the period after taking the lead early. Dallas almost drew even after Kris Versteeg predictably refused to dump the puck in at the center stripe which led to a chance going the other way where dicknose Ribeiro rang a one-timer off the near post on a shot that would have surely beaten Niemi. With a shade under four minutes left, the Stars would indeed tie it, when Loui Eriksson again got behind Keith who was covering the front of the net and buried a feed from the other side of the slot. Turco made a couple of point blank saves on Sharp and Toews near the end of the game, and Trevor Daley redirected a puck into the net well after the final horn had blown, but the game would indeed go to overtime.
The opportunities for either side were limited in OT until halfway through when Ribeiro drew a hooking call on Keith resulting in a four-on-three. Brent Sopel was on the ice for the entirety of the kill, and while the Stars did have 5 shots in the over time, none of them were of the overly difficult variety. To the shootout things went, where the goalies at both ends were excellent, stopping each of the shooters they faced in the opening three rounds, though Toews did ring one off the post. In extra innings, James Neal hit a goalpost of his own, before VERSTEEG! slid the puck five-hole for the clincher in the fifth round for the only goal of the skills competition. Hawks win 4-3.
Observations
- The Kane-Toews-Sharp line was absolutely dominant tonight. It's clear that even after a long time apart, the three have a very natural chemistry with one another. Sharp in particular was all over the place tonight, assisting on both Kane goals and forechecking aggressively.
- Once again, some of the CORSI numbers are pretty silly. Kane a +19, Campbell and Toews at +15, and Sharp at +11.
- Great work by Catfish on the 4-on-3 kill in overtime.
- None of the three goals did Niemi have a legitimate chance on, and on the latter two he was hung out to dry because his Norris Candidate defenseman was napping. While Keith did have a strong game in transition and retrieving pucks, he is obviously having some positional issues recently when the other team has possession.
- As was noted by Pat and Edzo, as well as in the comments here, great move by Stars d-man Trevor Daley in giving the little boy who had been hit by the pane of glass his stick as a souvenir, and fortunately, it looked as though he was just dazed and not hurt.
- The power play is still fucking clown shoes.
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holy shit this was fast
I’m still catching up with the third period thread!
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
Seriously
What the fuck was up with Crawford’s big, wide tie? It looked like he was wearing curtains. Dude’s going up against the most dapper coach in the league and he pulls something out of the costume drawer?
I like boobs.
Observations from the UC
- Sopel IMO saved the game with his “hand swipe”
- Soup played like expected in the D zone. I.E. he was sloppy
- Why is Buff on this team?
- Got to disagree on the 2nd goal, where Niemi had a decent view and gave up a juicy rebound
- I FUCKING HATE THE STARS
Thank you and feel free to rip me :)
Derrick Rose will lead us back to the promise land.
In Vinny We Trust!
I strongly agree with your last observation
So I won’t rip you on any of the others. If Stars had won I’d have a really ridiculous amount of hatred for them
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
2nd goal...
was a redirected from a stick less than 2 feet in front of him and it hit his chest and then it bounced in front of him. unless his chest was temper-pedic material, there was nothing he could do there.
1961 is a long time ago.
And of course, it's Niemi's fault...
That 2 Dallas players got behind the defense all alone at the net.
"My Father's name is Jack, and my mother's name is Daniels..."
well ... what's Niemi doing just standing there in the crease?
shouldn’t he be clearing those guys out of there?
and driving the Zamboni between periods?
and manning the ticket ofice before the game?
I believe all of these things
are listed in the rookie job description handbook
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 11, 2010 10:39 AM CST up reply actions
my observations from the game with sportsgal...
1. her seats FUCKING ROCK…. right behind the west goal… amazing!!!
2. ronny woo-woo is a fucking clown shoe… he shows up in full Cubs gear, and a bedazzled silver MJ glove… and spends almost the whole second period yelling “Go Cubs”
3. if you are one of those fucktards who scream “SHOOT” or the douchebag who kept yelling “SKATE” which confused us both… outside of kops. everybody skates. that same guy was yelling to put a body of somebody during the 4-3 in OT.
So pretty much like most of you assumed… if you are annoying and a douchbag sportsgal will let you know… And it was awesome hearing her yell at people….
Once again thank you sooooo much steph for bring me. i had an absolute great time.
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 9, 2010 11:53 PM CST reply actions
re: #3
I heard that turd too, somewhere behind me (I was in 303). I just wish people would think before they yell and heckle and remember, “oh wait, i’m a moron, i should shut up”
tell me about it...
the worst part about it is the “Shoot” guy ok, that somewhat makes sense… u want to see more shots… i hate you but i can attempt to make a case for you… but the guy who was yelling “Skate” wtf is that?
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 12:04 AM CST up reply actions
You forgot to mention this guy's game outfit
He wears light blue jean shorts and a red, white and black “tie dyed” Blackhawks jersey to EVERY. SINGLE. GAME.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
your right...
i can’t believe i forgot that… the one side White the other side Black. and the Faded together in the middle to a black it was awesome
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 12:20 AM CST up reply actions
It's not the dude from the picture I posted, is it?!
If not, how many fucking tie dye jerseys are out there, and why are their owners allowed to live?
Chicagoan in the Lou.
by Mike Martin on Feb 10, 2010 12:32 AM CST up reply actions
This one only had three colors on it
As opposed to the Grateful Dead rainbow-colored jersey you posted.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
A couple people yelled "shoot" in the 2nd when Kane got the puck, even in his own end...
…thought it was kinda funny. Would have loved to see 10,000 Espo hats on the ice.
There was a moron in 302 yelling shoot
but my favorite was when he yelled “You’re over-paid Campbell!!”
Really?
SCH Resident Idiot
The only Cup we can win is this years
well, there's some stuff I missed
Woo Woo was there? Glad I was up in 300! Also, I missed the incident of someone falling on the ice that I believe was mentioned on Twitter (maybe here too but I didn’t read the game threads)
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
OMG
How could I forget that!
SARAH KUSTOK BIT IT ON THE ICE!!!! SHE FELL FLAT ON HER ASS!!! And speaking of that moron, did anyone hear her ask, YET AGAIN, “how about these fans?” God I despise that dip shit.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
i did forgot about that also...
i believe sportsgal might have been happier that she fell then the hawks winning… it def. was close
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 12:41 AM CST up reply actions
She's a terrible interviewer
It irritates me that she’s only on television because she’s the token woman and supposed to be hot. Are there really no female journalists with talent in sports?
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 9:22 AM CST up reply actions
That's exactly what I said!
There has to be one pretty girl in this country that knows something about hockey who could do a better job than her. And don’t even get me started on her man voice.
I get she’s doing a live interview and the 5000 people still standing around trying to listen to Pat Kane (who you couldn’t even hear) would love to get a shout out from a player about how great the fans are, but does it really need to be asked every single time? Heaven forbid we get to listen to a player answer a question that’s relevant to the game that was just played.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
You mean like this?
You may need a new move in the shootout Patrick.
Have you come up with any, and when will we see it?
"All questions must be submitted in writing"
I'll take ANY question relelvant to the game at this point.
“Kaner, did you feel like guys were feeding you the puck more so you could get a hat trick?”
“Was it easy for you to transition to Sharp being on your line instead of Brouwer?”
Anything. Those questions may be stupid but they’re at least about hockey.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
Amen
The “how ’bout them fans?” ritual shtick is really annoying.
When Huey’s been #1, it’s especially awkward, cuz he squirms a bit, and then I squirm, and the whole thing feels dirty, and I want to punch the booers in the dick.
by cliffkoroll on Feb 10, 2010 10:02 AM CST up reply actions
I get so nervous during Huet's 1st star interviews
I always worry that someone’s going to boo and I’ll lose it and get thrown out of the UC for hitting someone.
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
I think we've found a new job for you
Those were some good questions. Even Steve was shocked once when he heard that she asked a good question in Q’s postgame.
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 12:33 PM CST up reply actions
With my potty mouth there's no way I could work on network TV
The FCC would fine me ridiculous amounts of money!
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
There's a delay
They could bleep it out.
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
Or...
The Late Late Night with Stephanie?
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
Konroyd
Sometimes I forgot people can’t read my mind
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
they're too lazy to
that’s why they’re getting traded first thing tomorrow!
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
god
that accent. every time Kustok speaks, i feel like i’m listening to the Superfans.
don’t get me wrong, nothing wrong with that, just weird for the token hot chick to sound like she’s actually from Chicago.
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
Kustok
Did anyone else hear her refer to the playing surface as a “court” during the Kane interview? I feel like she sorta mumbled it b/c she realized halfway that she was making an ass of herself. It was terrible, even by her standards. When did she fall?
by HungryHungryPanda on Feb 10, 2010 3:16 PM CST up reply actions
I think the "SKATE" guy in my section is the most annoying person in the UC
I would put him up against the smelly guy in 303, the guy that yells at Campbell for being overpaid, and the people who don’t pay attention to the game.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
I sat in the Harris club for Nashville
(I know you’re happy for me)
The family that played video games the entire time. Too top it off, it was tennis.
They should be banned from Hawks games.
The food up there was nice though
"All questions must be submitted in writing"
Sportsgal's name is Stephanie?!
That just seems so…innocent.
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
It's all an act
In real life I’m super innocent and quiet.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
this is a fact...
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
if facts came from Eklund
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
nope...
rozner told me so…
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 11:20 AM CST up reply actions
QUIET!!!
Ya that’s the first thing that comes to mind
September 26, 2007 The day a Franchise was reborn.
It's called sarcasm, a-hole.
But thank you for the glowing personality assessment.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
sarcasm it is
as was my comment.
It’s a give and take thing…….
September 26, 2007 The day a Franchise was reborn.
Hey I "took" the first one
The second one deserved a response.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
you do understand
that there is a very big difference between “innocent” and “not guilty”
one of the other lawyers here might be willing to pontificate on that …
by krome on Feb 10, 2010 6:09 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Statistical proof that the fools yelling "Shoooot!!" should STFU
The (PP) unit has dropped to eighth in the NHL at 19.3 percent success rate. At home, the Hawks are 28th in the league at 15.4 percent
SCH Resident Idiot
The only Cup we can win is this years
by Johnny Lava on Feb 11, 2010 10:40 AM CST up reply actions
My God
I haven’t been to a game since the Calgary Comeback, but in that time has the crowd gotten dumber? Every fucking possession they’re yelling “shoot!” even if Sopel has the puck at the blue line with no one in the zone. People yelling at Keith to hit a guy in the neutral zone. I heard someone say Niemi was having a bad game since all the goals were on close shots. People were leaving in OT. There was one point in the 3rd where a hawk was caught in the offensive zone, and he was basically alone as the puck was cleared out, it was quickly picked up by hawk D-man and he shot back into the zone from center, and people were bewildered that the hawk forward didnt go for the puck since he would have had a breakaway. Durrrr, he’s 15 feet offside. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been to many games recently, but Jesus Christ, are all these people bandwagoners?
there was also a 6-7 year old girl with a sign, trying to get it shown on the jumbotron, and some dick yelled at her to put it down. i don’t even think the puck was in play at the time.
sorry but fuck that kid
signs should not be allowed at any sporting game. you block the view for the people behind as you to ATTEMPT to be shown on tv for like 2 seconds????
fuck that kid
Praise Him!!
by Hawk is God on Feb 10, 2010 12:36 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
particularly
fuck people who make the signs at the sharpie station in the 300 level and then bring that funky stank of magic marker into my section for the rest of the damn game. If I want a headache inducing headrush I’ll just go find an old mimeograph machine, thank you very much.
teaching respect for the Indian, one Red Wings fan at a time.
I heard someone yell "shoot!" when Hawks were in the defensive zone.
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
I can only hope that it was ironic.
I called Cam Barker a retard about 329 times during the game, but I love what Sopel did on the PK, especially in OT.
Definitely had a short bus field trip to the UC vibe last night...
…maybe the weather.
326 row 2: a Three’s Company scene, including a male of dubious sexuality and a couple bubbleheads.
Moronic, obnoxious loud chanting of “Let’s Go Hawks”- a ritual so hilarious it was followed by extended, grating, high-pitched giggling.
They were metaphorically rubbing their eyes and getting cranky in the 3rd period, obivously having had their fill of hockey, and proceeded to flood my ears with a cornucopia of other inanity.
That might have been me.
I had finally had enough of the moron a few rows back that kept yelling it regardless of who had the puck, or where they had it. ( I swear to christ the doofus even yelled it once while Dallas had posession.) So I sarcastically yelled once while we were carrying the puck out of our own zone.
Funny thing is, I didn’t hear it again from this mouth breather the rest of the game. Maybe he finally figured it out, but i’m not counting on it.
Jesus, do they hire these fuckers and put one in every section?
(This was in 331. Near you?)
non se•qui•tur (nŏn sěk'wĭ-tər, -tŏŏr')
n. 1. An inference or conclusion that does not follow from the premises or
evidence.
2. A statement that does not follow logically from what preceded it.
We do that in 326 to confuse the a-holes yelling shoot constantly in the O-zone
Maybe folks think it’s the right thing to do.
"Youuuu Suck, Mayyyyers!!"
by Tiocfaidh ar La on Feb 10, 2010 8:07 PM CST up reply actions
at the game tonight
all i really have to say is during the skills competition the crowd got louder and louder for every hawk player.
Also i had an idiot sittin next to me in 303 who smelled terrible and kept yelling buff you suck every time bolland was on the ice…looks like hes been smoking some of pat foleys stash
by punchdrunkcabbie on Feb 10, 2010 12:02 AM CST reply actions
Everyone knows Pat Foley's stash isn't smokeable
It’s several 55 gallon drums of Jameson strategically hidden in the broadcast booth.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.
I think I heard that guy
and I was in 306.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 7:25 AM CST up reply actions
My view
Saw the first line control the puck, yes but they do not get quality shots. I think they need a C go to the front of the net. Kane, Toews, Sharp move the puck from the outside, and around the back of the net. I live in Texas, so I have to listen to the Stars broadcast. The annoucers are pretty good, and they talked about just that. They believed the Stars were lucky to be in the game, but for all the Hawks shots, alot were from the outside, and some were clearly seen by Turco. They had alot of positives to say about Hawks, and also about Keith. In the third they commented that Cambell was Keith’s opposite, while Keith was active knocking pucks waway, Cambell was loafing around. We definitely have a hell of alot of talent, but I think he need a few more large bodies, or muscle out there.
that is a bg part of why I prefer Brouwer w/ Kane & Toews
someone has to be the grunt out the dirty work in front of the net guy – I’ve liked the Brouwer has filled that role for much of the year
by krome on Feb 10, 2010 7:17 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I'll say it
I liked Buff on the line with Kane at the beginning of the year. If I remember right the season started with a line of Kane/Bolland/Buff. I remember thinking at the time that it was our most consistently dangerous line. I never would have believed it, but it turns out any line Kane is on this season has been our most consistently dangerous.
Brouwer also filled that role well. I agree with krome though, that DN is best served with a big-body grinder, no matter how talented Sharp may be.
well...
If I remember right the season started with a line of Kane/Bolland/Buff. I remember thinking at the time that it was our most consistently dangerous line. I never would have believed it, but it turns out any line Kane is on this season has been our most consistently dangerous.
Is that line good because Buff is there, or is Buff good because he’s on that line?
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
a question for the ages.....
or the ladder… yea i think the answer is the ladder
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 3:36 PM CST up reply actions
the latter
Playing with Kane elevates everyone’s game
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 3:36 PM CST up reply actions
I actually think the latter
and I think that was the point you were trying to make. But from my perspective it seems Buff has played his best hockey when he has a clearly defined role, as he did on that line. Lately, I’m not sure what his role is and his play has suffered.
I’m not defending the guy and I realize that a professional should be able to do whatever is needed in any situation. But it’s also true that when he and Kane were paired together there was a lot of top notch production.
but i think...
the production was there cuz of kaner and not buff… i mean if u put me on a line with DN i would productive, not cuz i’m any good at hockey but when ur playing with 2 players of that caliber its hard to look tooo bad.
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 3:41 PM CST up reply actions
Let me give you an example
The second Hawks goal in this game has Kane skating into the slot with a Buff screen in front of the net and Kane has a lot of open net to shoot at that Kiprusoff (sp?) can’t see. On a line where Kane has Buff or Brower he can get those types of goals, one a Kane/Toews/Sharp line we get a lot of puck possession but it’s a differnt kind of game.
o i wasn't talking about...
being set on keeping sharp on that line, or that brower is a bad choice… i was just specifically talking about buff alone.. i do like have a grinder on DN’s line. but i will also admit that Buff is my least fav. person on this team. and i am in no way unbiased about his game and how much i greatly dislike him.
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 3:57 PM CST up reply actions
Does it really matter if it's the former or the latter?
If it makes Buff a productive member of society, I’d like to see Q try him back there! I also believe this would clear things up on the 3rd and 4th lines because there seems to be a clusterfuck right now, especially with Brouwer dropping of the 1st line.
Waking up today I never thought that Buff would be the hot topic of the comment section…
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 10, 2010 6:08 PM CST up reply actions
to be fair
I thought he was fairly decent with Madden too, as he was with Pahlsson. But I don’t know what’s going on with the third line lately, and I guess that’s why they were broken up.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 3:42 PM CST up reply actions
Ya, that line got rocked two weeks ago against the Sedins, and there’s been inconsistency since, from them and from Q.
www.mjt.org
you mean they started sucking
since after the limo incident?
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 3:54 PM CST up reply actions
that line has been terrible since.......
1/16 against columbus. The Sedin thrashing came in the middle of a bad stretch of games from the third line.
"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."
As stated, (twice) Sopal earned the second point for the boys.
I for one am tired of this back and forth stuff… I say lets go back to that whole “the Hawks score lots and the opponents score little” plan from a few weeks ago.
by Ghost of Bill Wirtz on Feb 10, 2010 12:08 AM CST reply actions
Someone swapped my ‘a’ and ‘e’ keys during the shootout. I promise to give 500 dollars to the ‘catfish face fund’ as penalty.
by Ghost of Bill Wirtz on Feb 10, 2010 12:18 AM CST up reply actions
As for Brouwer
I think he did pretty well when moved with Hossa and Bolland. I was hopeing Q would get that line together at some point.
Catfish
Downright heroic during the OT kill.
Also, I think the Stars’ second goal is sort of on Niemi. Big fat chesseburger of a rebound right in front of the goal. The other two, though, not much chance for him. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the Finn.
And Foley was toasted before the game even started. It was great.
I know
But I disagree with your contention up thread that there was nothing he could do. Tough play, yes, but he’s got to at least swipe it aside instead of leaving it out front.
Still, like I say, I’m pretty happy with the guy. I’m not looking to bang the trade drums or anything like that, I assure you.
And how many games have you started in goal?
"My Father's name is Jack, and my mother's name is Daniels..."
Once
But it was soccer (or “football” for the Euros out there), and I was 7. And I gave up six goals in the first half.
But seriously, who gives a fuck?
I think he was wondering if you’d be interested in taking over for our crappy goalies, maybe acquire you in a trade?
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
Will a bag of pucks do?
We’ll throw in redtribe.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 11, 2010 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Oh the bandwagoners!
Well guys we are legit but yes there are more and more of them…. But that means we are in good territory. So it works both ways.
Derrick Rose will lead us back to the promise land.
In Vinny We Trust!
the highlight of my night........
the woman in brand new hossa jersey, to my right, saying “come on, kane!” when he was even on the ice. every single time someone touched the puck she was giving them a hard time for not shooting it, i think? “oh hossa…come on, hossa!” etc. all. fucking. game. didn’t really ruin it for me by any stretch- more amusing than anything else. also, this little WEIRDO teenager- going through puberty- provided all sorts of entertaining quips throughout the night. While playing air bass along to the White Stripes, he took a moment to turn his hat backwards, before continuing to shred. He was sticking his tongue out the whole time. Home schooling…………
Pretty entertaining game. Is anyone else sick of overtime and shootouts?
meh, at least they were watching
the couple beside me didn’t come in until almost 10 minutes into the 2nd period. Someone suggested they had SRO tix and just took over available seating but then they spent the rest of the game talking about work politics.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 9:12 AM CST up reply actions
that's awful.
hey, don’t take that as a complaint though! i was having a laugh at it. everyone around me was really into the game- i just thought it was funny. it seemed like she thought she had to be upset that they weren’t shooting every time the puck was touched? i’m not sure- either way, nice to get a win.
by bangbangerang on Feb 10, 2010 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
oh I wasn't taking it as a complaint
just pointing out that apparently there are worse things than ignorant fans, and those are disinterested attendees. Didn’t realize that either until last night, when I sat beside them.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
good!
i’d rather my neighbor than yours.
by bangbangerang on Feb 10, 2010 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
I guess that was worth all the time on the CTA
…which actually wasn’t worse than for any other game this year. Damn, I do not like shootouts (I noticed 4 of the 7 NHL games had them tonight), but does Versteeg get back an exclamation point for that?
But…lazy Kane! I was expecting a hat trick, dammit. Before the game at the UC I finally found a Hawks winter hat I liked (the selection at the Mich Ave. store was lousy). When he scored those two in the first I thought, hmm, he might get a hat trick, and now I have a replacement for the Hawks giveaway winter hat I wore to the game…so I put the old hat on for the rest of the game, but he didn’t make it. (I came home with the Esposito cap too.)
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
o yea...
how did the CTA go… how did u decide on going
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 12:48 AM CST up reply actions
I took the #19 bus to the Loop
Since it was already sitting there…crowded, but at least I wasn’t standing outside waiting. Then Brown Line and a bus so I could run an errand elsewhere. I didn’t feel like trying anything new when it involved trudging through snow (the sidewalks weren’t very clear around the UC).
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
I forget where you live, but I assume it’s further away than I am from the UC.
Man, I lived in Ukrainian Village for years and the UC would have been a short walk and a mile ride on the Damen bus, but I wasn’t going to any hockey games (or any sporting events) then…and easy to get tickets then, too…
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
i live in ukrainian village
and always walk the whole way home from games. the #50 bus is too annoying. it’s about a mile and a half walk- nice way to burn off some of the calories from that beer. PLUS it was fun in the snow last night!
by bangbangerang on Feb 10, 2010 12:49 PM CST up reply actions
"LUDA-KRIS VICTORY"
is what the caption at the bottom of the main part of NHL.com’s front page says re: tonight’s game.
I keep meaning to come up with a “Terrible NHL.com Player Name Pun Headline Generator”…
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
I actually had a hunch about Versteeg
from the way he was shooting the puck during warm-ups — he went top-shelf on Niemi four times. Even though he didn’t do much during the game (with those linemates, though …), once it got to him in the shootout, I had high hopes.
One of these days I’m seriously going to find the nearest bird-whistling asshole and punt him over the 300-level railings. Even more than SHOOOOOOT, or HIT SOMEBODAAAAAYYY, I hate the goddamn whistling. HATE HATE HATE.
I also hate those goals that we gave up, especially the first and third ones. Whatever, five points out of the last six is okay by me.
the whistling
is ridiculous and I am guessing given the timing of it that those who do it the most aren’t aware of its significance.
Niemi
would like to see a couple more starts in a row from him. He’s funner to watch for me. But I’m a selfish asshole.
1961 is a long time ago.
Wonder if Niemi will get the 3rd straight start.
I think his good play against St. Louis and the fact that Huet gets rocked by the Stars both had a role in him getting a 2nd straight. He was solid this game and getting a 3rd start could represent a shift in Q’s confidence level in his goalies.
I'm pretty sure
that Niemi will get one of the next 2 starts considering they are back to backs….personally,i’d give the Atlanta start to Huet since it is at home,and the Columbus start to Niemi,even though Cristo is 3-0 against the bluejackets this season,if i’m not mistaken….Columbus game is on the road,it would be another good test to see if Niemi is up for the challenge of being th blackhawks number 1
Huet may be 3-0 against Columbus this year but,
his last game in Columbus was pretty bad. That was the game the hawks won 6-5.
I like Huet Saturday and Niemi Sunday as you have suggested.
"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."
Nice summary, as always
I think Niemi could have prevented the second goal by not letting up such a nice rebound. He really seemed to focus on not allowing rebounds after that.
Naturally, some asshats booed after the 2nd goal. Guh.
Third goal was fluky- off Seebs skate right to the guy in front of the net, who made a perfect, quick touch pass. Can’t get too down on Dunc for that play.
Still, not a great game by his standards (+1, 3 blocks, < 25 minutes) and the front of the net has always been his weakness anyway.
Niemie was very good in OT, but I think the Hawks only got 1 SOG, and it went in.
"Naturally, some asshats booed after the 2nd goal. Guh."
probably thought Huet was in goal.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 9:09 AM CST up reply actions
Versteeg
I know he had the game winner and he made a couple of crazy moves but the turnovers in the neutral zone and at the blue line are unacceptable. He had to have at least 10 turnovers. Eventually that is going to cost us and am looking forward to when he is wearing a different jersey.
by SergeiKrivokrasov25 on Feb 10, 2010 9:35 AM CST reply actions
stat line says...
Kris Versteeg – 1A, +1, 2S, 1GV, 2TK, 4-for-5 or 80% in FOs.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 9:41 AM CST up reply actions
Steegs
Agree about the turnovers, and that’s been a constant complaint against Versteeg since, well, forever. But I say be careful what you wish for. He seems like the type of player who’s going to score constantly against the Hawks when he gets into that different jersey. If they do trade him, I hope it’s to Montreal or somesuch where we don’t have to worry about it.
High risk - high reward
Versteeg is this type of player. He contributes more than Kopecky and Buff at this point, so I say keep him.
"All questions must be submitted in writing"
Yeah
That’s why people speak of “unrealized potential” with him… maddening but that’s what you get with youth. This is why I’d be afraid of him doing well against us elsewhere, and it’s also why he might be one of our more valuable pieces of trade bait.
Obviously anybody with a half a brain here would rather he stayed here and matured, but we’ll see if that ends up being even possible…
I've heard that he's not the sharpest crayola in the box
and that might be a reason for his lack of development.
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 10, 2010 6:16 PM CST up reply actions
sort of like Buf
who never played high school hockey in Minnesota because he was “academically ineligible”?
Just thought of this today
What do you think Versteeg thinks about his inability to dump the puck in?
Do you think he goes back to the locker room and stares at himself in the mirror like Stuart Smalley and says, “OK, next time, I’ll dump the puck in, dump it in, dump!” and then freezes and just fucks it up?
Or do you think he goes back, cracks open a beer, and says, “Man, I almost skated through five guys, fuck! I am hot shit with that puck, duders!” while Kane stares at him like he’s an asshole?
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
the latter, with a minor tweak
I bet Kaner encourages that behavior. They’re both very similar players that way, but Kaner just gets through guys more times than he doesn’t, so no one notices.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 10:29 AM CST up reply actions
And
When Kane does get his pocket picked, he immediately pivots back and often steals the puck right back. Versteeg, by the time he gets his crazylegs settled down the opposing player is usually long gone.
Kaner's talent level is a lot higher than Versteeg's
but in the same way Kaner learned to play sound defense after his 2nd year, I think it’s something Steeger will be able to learn given time. And maybe it’s a function of the team’s performance this year but hey, he’s a +14, 8th on the team, while his linemates Madden are Byfuglien are both in the negatives. How bad is he really? I mean maybe I’m biased but where only his refusal to dump the puck was noted, last night I saw two good plays that could have resulted in goals had he been with linemates that could finish.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
Great thoughts on VERSTEEG!?!
I really like that crazy fucker.
He’s been down lately, and his miscues are very visible, but he can play some hockey.
by cliffkoroll on Feb 10, 2010 12:38 PM CST up reply actions
I'm just glad Kaner hasn't taught him his "shootout" move...
"My Father's name is Jack, and my mother's name is Daniels..."
Sarah Kostock update
After the shoot the puck charade before the third period she egged her cameraman on to have a foot race to the door — which ended with both of them spilling on the ice. Then she got up and waved around for the attention. She would likely be annoying to live with over time, and her backyard is bigger than I thought it would be — but still I would like to do.
But if she really is nailing Bulls players, I don’t think I stand a chance. 1) I am broke, 2) I am Irish. I have other skills though (bow hunting, nunchucks for instance).
The 4 on 3 PP
That diamond formation they were playing in looked like it tightened up quite a bit. Everyone was in an area inbetween the faceoff circles which is just shit fucking stoopid. How the hell they didn’t spread out more to open shooting lanes really pissed me off. They made it really easy for the defence. Who the hell is in charge of this part of the game!?!
SCH Resident Idiot
The only Cup we can win is this years
Torchetti runs the powerplay
This team has the components that should yield a solid powerplay. They have playmakers, snipers, big bodies, puck moving defensemen, etc, there really is no reason our powerplay shouldn’t be more consistent.
Currently, the hawks sit at 8th in the league with a PP% at 19.3. While 8th in the league sounds alright, consistency has really been an issue.
"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."
It's the Penguins' syndrome
Their PP suffered for-fucking-ever too, if I remember correctly, to the point that fans were calling for the firing of their PP coach.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
I hate season stats
They can be very misleading. Sure 8th does sound good but what has it been for the past month? We know what it been for about the past 2 weeks – 0.0% Flat out bad. Is it just a slump they’re going through like a baseball player? Or is it the actual approach they’re taking and they have just gotten lucky before based on the skill of the players?
Seeing all those bodies bunched up like that had me pissed. There’s no way a decent shot could come from that.
SCH Resident Idiot
The only Cup we can win is this years
by Johnny Lava on Feb 10, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
It seems pretty simple...
…move the puck. PP chances and open lanes are created by 3 or 4 quick tape-to-tape passes.
On the Hawks PP, everyone wants to be Patrick Kane, holding the puck and circling and allowing the defense to sit back and watch the show.
by cliffkoroll on Feb 10, 2010 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
The holding the puck worked early in the year though
As it was drawing out defenders and creating lanes. Now defenses are being patient and waiting for the Hawks to force something. Murray pointed out last night that it’s time for the Hawks to back to what they did so well during the playoffs last year- put a big body in front of the goal, like Buff, and use that screen to fire shots from the points and sides. It seems like every power play ends up as a scrum behind the net, which keeps the Hawks from setting this up.
Chicagoan in the Lou.
From these comments
it sounds like I’m going to have a tough time readjusting to the UC. I’ve gotten used to the insane level of hockey knowledge of Habs fans. Yeah, they’re annoying as all fuck, yeah, their team sucks (but they are starting to admit it); but they sell out their barn and don’t do stupid stuff like yell “skate” or wear a tie-dyed sweater.
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
It shouldn't be surprising that last night's crowd was bad
Chances are that given the weather and the opponent, a lot of season ticket holders, particularly ones from the suburbs, didn’t feel like making the trek in, leaving a lot of last minute tickets available for the “Shoot/Campbell Sucks!/Huet Sucks!/Newbie” Crowd.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn shame.
good point
I definitely had a lot of people like that around me.
But fortunately also had some “Wait for the whistle, asshole!” people nearby to keep them in line. Or to give people leaving early a hard time—sure, the weather’s bad and you need a while to get home, but leaving a tied game?!
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
They left during OT
or before the shootout? Because I never stay for shootouts. I hate watching shootouts. They’re horrible. But I’d never leave when there’s still hockey to be played.
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
I hate shootouts too
but would never leave a live game to miss it!
I turn my head around when the other team shoots at home though. They make me too nervous. Not like I already don’t have an ulcer from watching
Some left late in the 3rd. Some before or during OT, I think. I can understand not wanting to watch shootouts, that was excruciating.
Hey, I’ve still never seen the Hawks lose in a SO in person…I’ve only seen them lose in regulation. (I’m looking for any “winning streak” I can…)
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
my seatmates left while we were up 3-2
Guess they thought we had it in the bag, even though there were 6 minutes left…
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 11:35 AM CST up reply actions
Oh yeah, I forgot, the people sitting on the end of my row left then too. At least I had more room. And the older woman who put her stuff on my seat during both intermissions (er, kind of rude) had more room too…
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
Again
Weather, school/work night, and those who have to drive could have made a difference. I’d stay if I went, but I can understand people leaving early last night.
2009 SCH Post Whore
2010 Troll Collector
SCH's Resident Mom
dont forget
lately I’ve been hearing the “barker sucks” add him to teh mix. Even though I’m not defending his lazy playing at times but still drives pisses me off
Offsides...
The blatant lack of knowledge of the concept of offsides has been my biggest beef this year. I had the good pleasure of sitting next to a jackbait last Friday who only stopped playing with his iPhone long enough to scream “WHY THE F*** DID YOU STOP SKATING!!! GO!!!” every time someone would pull up at the blue line to avoid going offsides. I don’t mind that people are starting to follow this team, but Jesus, learn that the rules are not the same as basketball…
From someone who didn't learn hockey by playing it
My BFF took me to my first game and that was basically my introduction to hockey. She explained offsides and icing and even though I technically knew what it was, it took me a while to learn how to see it on the ice. I guess it’s just one of those things that not a lot of people will get if the concept isn’t introduced to them, especially if you have morons like that writer who insists the game is simple.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 10:42 AM CST up reply actions
it is super simple...
thats why all the fans can scream and tell you what to do… all you have to do is SHOOT!!!, SKATE!!!… PUT A BODY ON SOMEBODY!!!! and DON’T STOP SKATING… god this game is sooo easy.
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
I’ll admit that I’m not clear enough on some of these things to be able to explain them to someone else…but I know enough not to yell anything.
I’ll be taking a friend to her first hockey game next month, probably, and so I spend games figuring out what I should try to explain before the game, what I should point out while there, what things I probably don’t need to get into unless they actually happen at the game, etc. I’m sure I’ll be asking for advice as it gets closer (this’ll be a game in Detroit, BTW).
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
I guess that was kind of my point...
It’s not that they don’t know, it’s that they feel the need to get up and scream about it.
yup...
i don’t think anybody is really sitting on their high horse and looking down at people b.c. they don’t know as much about hockey as they… and trust me i don’t know enough to be up there… but if u don’t know a lot about the sport. which is fine… don’t go scream and yell as if you do…
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
+1
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
IMO, the Hawks
have looked like a very average team since Minnesota scored 4 goals in the 3rd to beat them.
They’re young, they’re talented. Maybe the believed all the headlines about their greatness.
Time will tell.
Nah...
…more like dog days- look at Buffalo, NJ, and Pittsburgh. The Hawks aree still picking up over a point a game on average- two more games until the break.
by cliffkoroll on Feb 10, 2010 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
AND
teams are attacking them differently and they haven’t found the right counter moves.
I have a feeling
that after this break we are going to give a few less minutes to teh guys in the Vancouver at first but I think w/ the Cluster of games it’s been taking a toll b/c of how hot we started the season and have played thus far..
Dont get me wrong I’m not making excuses for the lack luster play at times but everyone has a down point but at least they are picking up some points even if they are not play up to par. Once the intensity picks up I have a feeling they will pick it up down the stretch b/c we all and I’m sure they know if you don’t play the full 60 they will be out after the 1st round!
Very true... i serious need of adjustment
"My Father's name is Jack, and my mother's name is Daniels..."
The Worrier
As soon as Katherine215 posted that, I knew right away who you are. I didn’t recognize your name, but I thought to myself “oh, thats The Worrier” and knew exactly who you are.
Shoooooooot
OK, let’s admit that there were a couple of times last night when that shout was appropriate, but I agree that most times it’s ignorant.
Sopel is about the only D-liner playing at or above expectations right now. I’m starting to hope Seabs and Keith continue to suck ass thru the end of February, perhaps it will give team USA a chance for a better finish in Vancouver. I tell you if they play like they have been against some of the top Olympics teams Canada’s goalies will look like punch drunk nutjobs by the time it’s over.
And yes, 20cent definitely needs a new strategy on shootouts. But can we just win a game in regulation for Christ sake? These mid-week OTs are KILLING me.
teaching respect for the Indian, one Red Wings fan at a time.
I have to say
that the “shoot” is appropriate at times with this team. Several guys are in love with holding the puck and trying to stickhandle etc and pass up shots with guys around the net because they are waiting for the perfect pass to get an open net and “pretty” goal. They need to put the puck on net more than they do, especially on the PP.
Funny
Last Wednesday, a Blues fan said this while thier team was on the PP. A few seconds later, Hossa was celebrating a goal.
Throwing the puck into a defender is a waste unless you can shoot hard enough to break the defender’s foot. I’d rather they wait until they have a shot at the goal.
Chicagoan in the Lou.
i was not advocating
Shooting into defenders shinguards. Guys pass up open shooting lanes a lot more than I think they should, but what the hell do I know…
by Esquire02 on Feb 11, 2010 7:38 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
This line of thinking...
…runs counter to the criticism that the Hawks don’t generate the quality chances the opposition does (see goalie defense arguments.) While I don’t think this is really true either (the Hawks are about average in shooting %), the fact is the Hawks lead the league in shots per game for crying out loud (and SA/G as well!)
Hard to defend the “SHOOOOOT!” crowd.
I have a couple of different takes on this
I hear what everyone is saying. First off, the Hawks probably lead the league in puck possession time (and if anyone has stats on this I’d honestly be very interested in seeing them). If your opposition doesn’t have the puck, they can’t score, but you might. I like that. No need for “shoot the puck!” But that refers more to 5 on 5. Esquire02 was referring more to the PP. On the PP, I think the Hawk get caught up in their puck possession style and miss some opportunities.
I’d prefer a little more risk/reward on specifically the PP. I think Huet is strong enough to stop the occasional odd man rush if that’s a possible result of it.
See what I did there Esquire02? ;)
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 11, 2010 8:59 AM CST up reply actions
I think this is fair
…but the cure for the PP isn’t simply to shioot more but to generate better shots. I actually think more crisp, quick passing, and less fancy circling and stickhandling on the PP, is the ticket here.
I thought Dallas ran a pretty good PP.
by cliffkoroll on Feb 11, 2010 10:04 AM CST up reply actions
I thought
we already get it on net a lot… too lazy to pull up the stats but we usually do outshoot the other team.
You probably meant quality shots though, and I’d agree with that — but sometimes throwing it on net and generating rebounds is a productive thing to do.
Now, if we can only get more parking of butt in front of the net…
I yell skate sometimes.
If the Hawks have a chance at a breakaway or a 2-1, I can’t help myself.
In football its “Go, go, go!”, in lacrosse, it was "Wheels, baby wheels!‘, in hockey its "skate, skate, skate, for the love of God, I believe in you, but please continue to skate!’
Honestly, I think some people have their "Things Are Different Now!’ senses tuned up too high. Yes, there are more new fans in the building. Those new fans are mainly there because season ticket holders realized their playoffs would be free if they sold a few regular season games at 3x face value.
That’s life. Give some friendly pointers to those fans who seem like they’ll accept friendly pointers, and tune out the dicknozzles.
Enjoy the fact that Sopel played great last night over bemoaning the fact that people yelled skate too much.
Just because your friend says she saw me in the club with some other bitches,
sitting in V.I.P,
Smoking, and drinking, and kicking it.
there is a difference though...
b.w that and the guy who is yelling skate when the puck is tied up on the boards… like the dicknozzles behing me and sportsgal was yelling…
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 11:00 AM CST up reply actions
Well, “skate” and “shoot” seem like things you might yell if you’re watching a game on TV, but should be avoided in person, I think. But they bother me a lot less than people who don’t wait for the whistle, or boo home team players for no reason…
There was a LOT of yelling at or about Sopel in my section—just about the only player called out by name. Kind of odd.
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
Why?
I paid for my seats, and I was not raised to believe that watching sports live should be a silent event.
I think some of you might want to temper your expectations that 21,000 other individuals plan on watching the game exactly the same way you do.
Just because your friend says she saw me in the club with some other bitches,
sitting in V.I.P,
Smoking, and drinking, and kicking it.
Well, sometimes it seems like yelling at a movie you watch at home vs. watching in a theater (of course there are theater experiences where it’s okay to yell, I guess). I don’t want people to be quiet, I’m just referring to some of the complaints other people have had about yelling “shoot” at inane times…
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
Going to a sporting event is nothing like going to a movie theatre.
But I’m not saying the inane ‘shooters!’ don’t bother me, just seems like lately there has been such a focus on how other fans act that people let it take away from the enjoyment of the game, particularly since so many of these grizzed vets started watching the team in 2007.
People have been cluelessly yelling shoot for decades. Its a part of hockey.
Reminds me of the Onion article about a 3 yr resident of a neighborhood decrying its gentrification.
Just because your friend says she saw me in the club with some other bitches,
sitting in V.I.P,
Smoking, and drinking, and kicking it.
I knew that was a bad analogy, which is why I thought about using it in my first comment but didn’t.
Okay, live music then—some of the things we’re complaining about are like a guy yelling “Freebird!” (do people still do that? they did at every friggin’ show I went to in the 1990s). The only time that was funny was at the Pierogi Fest last year, when someone yelled it at a polka band and they actually played it. It’s annoying, but not a big deal, really.
Like I said, I do like people to be loud at sporting events…unfortunately I have to go to virtually every game by myself and feel too self-conscious to yell anything myself…
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
Big difference between annoying behavior and bad behavior
A lot of the angst is directed towards people who are just downright rude. Would I prefer that the guy next to me not yell “shoot!” everytime Kane touches the puck? Absolutely, but it really doesn’t ruin the game. There is a certain etiquette for any public performance – sporting event, movie, concert… Yeah, you paid for your ticket but I paid for mine too, and it doesn’t give you free reign to be a jackass. The groups that get up with 2 minutes left in the period while the play is going on to beat the rush at the concession stands or the people in front of you that spend the whole game leaning behind their seats to talk to someone three seats away about everything but the game are the ones that I have a problem with. It’s called common courtesy…
That being said, I don’t have a problem with the bandwagon. I honestly hope that most of these people hang around and become fans of the game. It’s exciting as hell to have a sold-out house every night and the atmosphere is electric. We all started somewhere and I don’t fault anyone for not knowing all the nuances of hockey. I sure don’t.
Excellent perspective...
…but last night was a total outlier in terms of fan supidity, at least around my seats- thus the venting today.
by cliffkoroll on Feb 10, 2010 12:29 PM CST up reply actions
The solution to bad fan behavior
is to buy extra Committed Indians when you attend and give them out to fans behaving badly.
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 6 recs
That is my first rec!!!!!
KofC, I understand the thrill
by Katherine215 on Feb 10, 2010 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
I yell shoot and skate and hit him and tear his fucking head off...
I also yell stop pinching, cover the point, don’t let him stand in front of the net, get in front of the net, and a handful of explatives like I have tourrets.
Sporting events should be interactive to a point…otherwise why not just watch it from home?
Pain is a good reminder you are alive
by Bad Ass Burish on Feb 10, 2010 11:10 AM CST up reply actions
Watching from home
I never get a sense of what’s going on. I prefer to sit quietly and observe the action on the ice, letting out semi-obscene groans from time to time.
That said, when I had season tickets to the Fire, I used to yell for the last half at the sideline ref to no end. God, I was horrible. I would insult his mother, his kids, his penis size, his knowledge of soccer, his athleticism, his fashion sense, his literacy, and anything else I thought might piss him off. I’m surprised my girlfriend didn’t break up with me after the first game we went to. (It took a whole other year of dealing with me.)
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
I yell
GET IN FRONT a lot more than I wish I had to. The failure to regularly do that dirty work is why our shot totals are so high without a corresponding goals-scored total lately. Most NHL netminders can stop a clear shot from 20’ away. Last night was a little better, but still lame on that count.
teaching respect for the Indian, one Red Wings fan at a time.
by 334Rules on Feb 10, 2010 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I say skate as well....
Mostly in foot race situations. Don’t yell shoot, but I do say “Bring it” when a player has an open shot.
Is seems like skate is something a youth hockey parent must always say,
Speaking of "skate"
I swear, I don’t normally surf YouTube (usually just get links from other people) but I saw this on the front page today:
News and notes....
Dallas traded for netminder Kari Lehtonen during the game last night.
This trade will only make Turco trade rumors worse.
Versteeg is still on my shit list, but it was nice to see the kid win the game for us last night.
Many are wondering why the hawks are playing in so many close games and why they can’t seem to blow anyone out anymore. Look no further than the powerplay. The last game the Hawks won by more than 1 goal was against Edmonton on 1/26, and you guessed it, that was the last time they scored on the powerplay. Scoring 3 or 4 even strength goals a night is tough, as we all know, they need to start tallying with the man advantage.
"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."
ya and I read
some shit saying that a deal “would be finalized” today from TSN. Who knows…nor do I give a shit. Just waiting for that either a deal to fall through or PLEASE get to March 3rd
As far as Turco goes...
Nick Kypreos suggested that the Flyers are most likely the suitors for Turco due to Ray Emery’s health issues concerning his hip and that it might require surgery. If it does then the Flyers are stuck with Leighton as their top netminder to lead them into the playoffs and that won’t cut it in Philly. So people might want to scratch Turco off the list, but it’s early and the trade deadline is another month away.
Myself, I’m going to enjoy the Olympic coverage that is about to commence in 2 days.
"Negative energy is better than no energy at all"- "Iron" Mike Keenan
a little belated
but Brett Ballantini of CSN Chicago gave a shoutout to SCH for “spearheading the invasion of St. Louis on Saturday and contributing massively to a strong Blackhawks presence there.”
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
cool
I wish it didn’t make it sound like OUR section was doing “Detroit Sucks,” though. I hate that I can’t see the TV broadcast of games I attend—anyone have a copy of it? We were on there? (or did they focus on the section to our left?)
Did anyone see the StL Post-Dispatch the next day (they were free at the hotel)? Game recap mentioned “The Chicago Blackhawks’ growing bandwagon took up residence Saturday at Scottrade Center and got behind its team early.”
That’s gotta be one of the more annoying uses of “bandwagon” I’ve seen this year…
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
didn't see the actual paper
but found it online here, for those interested.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
I'd also like to see the CSN broadcast
The power play is still f**king clown shoes
Everybody...HIT SOMEBODY! ~ the Chicago Rush are back in April 2010
Brent Ballantini...
Author of the best seller, “The Wit And Wisdom of Ozzie Guillen” ?
"My Father's name is Jack, and my mother's name is Daniels..."
the very same :|
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 8:17 PM CST up reply actions
Hawks make the top 10
In worst contracts…. according to Wed Goldstein on CBS Sports….. Try to guess who before you look.
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/12905378/ten-worst-contracts-expensive-mistakes-linger
Did Rozner blow him to add Huet to the list?
Where does all this
burying in the minors shit come from? You never, ever see that with any of these other horrible signings. Take Redden. He took number 1 in that list, and not once did anyone mention burying him in the minors. Is there something I’m missing that makes a goalie more likely to be buried, or is this more of that strange groupthink that Huet seems to incite?
All right, come on, dummy, you won the game. Come on. Pick up your trophy.
I’m sure there are a few examples, I don’t know … Mogilny and Nylander come to mind, no goalies I can think of. It’s hugely uncommon anyway.
On a team as close-knit as ours is rumoured to be, I’d think this would be a very unpopular move. They’re professionals and all that, and understand they’re paid to win, but I’d think it would sit poorly with a lot of his teammates.
And Wanker, I’m one of Huet’s supporters and believe he’s good enough for a Cup run. That said, although he’s not a bad goalie, it is a bad contract, there’s no way around it.
www.mjt.org
Heh, ya, I miss it, don’t remind me. I feel like I’m being untrue to myself. But I like this one, a close-up of the 1961 Hawks’ names from the Cup.
www.mjt.org
the new one is really cool,
and was a good idea, don’t get me wrong. But I think you ARE being untrue to yourself, so you should change it back. Guess I just don’t do well with change…and the fact that I usually look at the avatar instead of reading the person’s name (unless I don’t recognize the picture).
I gotta apologize for the "rec" situation yesterday
…which came up in a couple other posts here. I was just directing a friendly (or, at least, not unfriendly) jab at mjthor for complaining about negative posts, and wished my fanpost wouldn’t get buried under the negative ones we were complaining about…
So, um, thanks for rec’ing stuff (even if sarcastically?). But you don’t rec and I feel weird, you do rec and I feel weird. Sorry, it’s just some tendencies/insecurities I have from other places on the internet.
Anyway, I feel embarrassed now and will go away…for a few hours at least.
a little chippy: a blog, mostly hockey
SCH's Resident Goalie Fixation Specialist
by KofC on Feb 10, 2010 12:28 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
you felt weird and embarrassed...
even after the pic i posted for you…. i’m hurt
fisting barry rozner with every goal!!!
by soupy's spin-o-rama on Feb 10, 2010 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
I didn't rec it sarcastically, and you had a good point.
Unfortunately, I’m a very cynical person (surprise!), and it’s a lot more fun for me to make negative comments about the trash in the right rail than it is to praise stuff that actually deserves to be there (e.g. your Fanpost). It took your comment for me to actually pay attention to your Fanpost, and I rec’d it because it was rec-worthy, not because you were “complaining.”
Second City Hockey Most Postingest Poster of 2009
NOW STOP IT RIGHT HERE
True, but...
…without the original complaint, this era of bonhomie and (retch!) adorable hugging bears would not hve ensued.
Yeah, you've got issues
;)
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 11, 2010 9:00 AM CST up reply actions
Guess Chelios wasn't drunk... (sorry it's off topic)
Or at least will get away with being drunk…. And there’s a video!!
Couldn’t the cops have requested a blood test if they really thought it was that bad?
Link Fail!!
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=358139
There’s relevant link
The thing that has cracked me up about this story since the beginning
is that he got pulled over at Ogden Ave and BLACKHAWK Drive!
I like to imagine that one of two things probably really occurred:
1. Cheli was driving along, saw the Blackhawk Drive sign, freaked out, and swerved. Can’t blame him there.
2. Cheli was pretty drunk, saw the sign, ended up circling the block about 20 times blasting “Memories” from Cats on his stereo while crying along, and basically got caught.
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 10, 2010 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
The best part of the police video is when Chelios whines
I’m one block from home! My parents live right here! I live with my parents!
That coming from a guy almost 50 years old. That must have been the exact moment the cops decided to bust him just on principle. Oh Cheli…
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 11, 2010 10:01 AM CST up reply actions
He can certainly afford a local place
but with the other residences he owns, and a tightnight Greek family centered here in teh Chicago area – why wouldn’t he bunk with the family for his (presumably relatively short term) Wolves stint
Yeah, but he could've just said "I live right there"
Throwing in mommy and daddy leads to the embarrassing knock on the door and “Sorry to wake you M’am. Is this your son?” At that moment, at his age, I would’ve been like “OK, just shoot me now.” But it would have been classic. I can picture his mom whacking him with a newspaper and cursing at him in Greek. I guess maybe we can say he’s young at heart?
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 11, 2010 11:34 AM CST up reply actions
He was mostly worried
About getting home in time for curfew.
“Dude, please, my mom will kill me if I’m not home by 5 a.m.”
wait what?
So, I think I'm an idiot, but...
…as great as the Kane-Toews-Sharp line played last night, with those three guys, there’s nobody to stand in the middle to create screens and pound home rebounds. Yes, they can skate and handle the puck ad make the defense look silly, but I just worry that teams will sit back and let them do that stuff and force action from the outside…you know, like our power play. Now, Turco’s five-hole was no match for Kane last night, but I fear on other nights there will be lots of domination from that line but not enough results. I hope I’m wrong.
Oh, and the UC could’ve used Roger Bossard last night. That puck was bouncing all over the place and I swore we would lose on some freak play when the puck jumped over three Hawk sticks. I know sharing a venue with NBA arena is going to cause your ice to be less than ideal, but man, was it bouncy last night.
by GenPabloSecobar on Feb 10, 2010 2:12 PM CST reply actions
Tazer
Last year Tazer did some good work in front of the net. He had quite a few redirection goals and was tough enough to handle that role. When Brouwer was on that line, Toews didn’t have to do those things, but if Sharp stays on the line, I think you’ll see the captain in front of the net more.
"In an ideal world I would have all 10 fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."
Sharp and Toews...
…are both apt to get greasy and crash the net at times.
But, I don’t like the idea of Toews in the firing line on shots from the point. Think Brouwer, Ladd, Buff there.
On the third hand, Sharp plus Daydream actually has a long track record of productivity.
I think (know?) you're right
and Toews was good in that role, but personally I’d rather see someone else doing more of the dirty work. With Buff, Brouwer and Ladd on the team, you’d think Q would come up with a solution.
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 10, 2010 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
Jinx??
What he said
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 10, 2010 2:58 PM CST up reply actions
I know Toews is capable of doing it...
but I’d rather see someone a teeny bit more expendable in that role (not that I want any of our guys to get hurt). Toews can’t be expected to win all of the battles in the corner and the ones in front of the net. There’s no way he’d last through the playoffs.
What I really want to know is why Buff decided he doesn’t want to work the crease anymore? And since he’s not going to do it, then why the F do we even have him on the team? Everyone loves to talk about his size (that’s what she said) and physicality but he uses neither to his advantage like similar players do in the NHL. He’s slow, he doesn’t really hit guys that often, he is awful on the point, etc.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
you say that...
and yet we’re going to Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonald’s to see him do tricks with McNuggets, or whatever that event is. :P
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 3:05 PM CST up reply actions
Whoa whoa whoa
Just because I’m questioning his playing ability doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want to see him scarf down a box full of McNuggets.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
I don't even know WHAT he's doing in McDonald's
but I will agree: McNuggets + Buff = Potential for Hilarity.
Tweets @ChiBlackhawks and blogs at Blackhawks Down Low.
by chiblackhawks on Feb 10, 2010 3:33 PM CST up reply actions
I like to imagine
Seeing Buff walking around asking all the kids if he could just try a teeny bite only to eat sandwiches and nuggets whole.
wait what?
the only reasons I can come up with
are that, like you mentioned, he’s got size which we lack and that maybe Q believes that although he doesn’t seem to excel anywhere, he is versatile enough to fill in at just about any position if need be.
Well, folks, I want to thank you for being here for the recording of my live comedy album. Funny material and laughter will be dubbed in later.
by ChicagoNativeSon on Feb 10, 2010 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
But that's what I'm saying
We have him here for his size, but what good is a guy with size if he’s playing the exact same role as our small guys. He’s had some decent hits, but he doesn’t use his size to his advantage in any other aspect of the game.
Everyone saw what he did in the playoffs when he was working the crease. Why aren’t the coaches asking him to do that?
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
This is the conundrum called Buff...
Clearly very successful in the playoffs last year.
Not being used in that role whatsoever this year..
God help me why still on the point in the power play?
Remember that burst he showed winning the Ranger game? (Skate, Forrest, skate!)
I want so badly for that kid to find his potential…
"My Father's name is Jack, and my mother's name is Daniels..."
Maybe he has found it
Maybe this is it. NHL player 15-20 goals per year, 3+ mil contract. He can play a long time with 15-20 goals per year.
"All questions must be submitted in writing"
I hear you, but I don’t think you can call him slow. I also think he’s doing exactly what you could fairly expect of him. We signed him hoping he’d be a top-6 forward. But he’s not … or at least not yet anyway. He’s a 3rd line hitter with some occasional streaky outbursts of production … which will forever be the case as long as most of his minutes are on checking/grinding lines. He’s not in front of the net a lot, I don’t think, because his line doesn’t get extended control of the puck like the top two lines. if they did, I think we’d see him there more often.
www.mjt.org
He's on the first power play line
But they let (make?) him play at the point. That’s a clear example of when he should be in front of the net.
Even if he doesn’t get as many opportunities to get in the crease when he’s on the grind line, he would most certainly get the opportunities on the power play.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
I won’t argue with you there … I agree, I think he’d be more effective in front of the net on the PP. But you can’t fault Buff for Q’s decision on where and with whom to play him.
www.mjt.org
I guess I’m wondering how that decision was made. Buff wasn’t on the point for the whole season. Not only that but he reverted right back to his previous style of play (aka Not getting his ass in front of the goalie) when the new season started.
He’s clearly expendable for whatever reason. Either Q doesn’t think he can play the size role or he doesn’t want to. We could find a size guy with the same capabilities as Buff.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
Hmm
I don’t think he is expendable, actually, not at all. He leads the team in hits and has great speed for a guy his size. I just don’t think we should think of him as anything more than a 20-goal scorer in good years.
For me, too, it’s tough to isolate Buff’s play on the PP since the whole thing is such a shitbox right now. Put me out there in workboots and it wouldn’t be glaringly different.
www.mjt.org
To each his/her own
For me perception = reality. I haven’t seen him do anything that Burish, Eager, Ladd or Brouwer couldn’t or can’t do.
I don’t see the point of having a 6’4 230lb guy running the point on the power play and being ok with him never crashing the crease. Even if the opportunities are few and far between when playing on the grind line, it’s not like the grind line NEVER has any offensive chances.
"Another successful interaction with a man!" - Liz Lemon
I don’t see the point of having a 6’4 230lb guy running the point on the power play and being ok with him never crashing the crease
We’re agreeing on this … I’m just wondering why Q is doing that, I don’t see it being Buff’s fault. The PP blows right now and Barker has a great shot, showed he can put up PP points last year quite admirably. It’s not like putting him back there again is going to make things worse.
www.mjt.org
Q knows more than us
so I’d like to think that his shot is quicker, harder, and more accurate than the alternatives…but I dunno.
BOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!
Oh ya
Buff’s got a missile. But if you want to shake it up a bit, and it seems like it needs it, I’d think switching, say, Barker for Buff instead of whatever, Fraser for Toews, is worth a go.
www.mjt.org
Barker
sent a couple wide yesterday, I’m thinking Q believes Buff is more accurate, and there’s no use in a guy on the point that can’t put it on net, especially on the PP.
I hate Buff on the point more than anyone, but I don’t really have a strong case against moving him out except that he should be in front of the net. Maybe Q knows that Buff can take the creas

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