Both Sale and Beckham were pumped. Tank and the Missile were pumped. Mitchell to a certain degree has been pumped.

They have had success to varying degrees.

Reed was a rookie last year who got 29 saves.

Quite a bit of homegrown talent in the Sox line up especially for how they get bashed for "trading prospects" and nonsense like that. Throw in the reclamation projects like Danks, Konerko, Floyd, Thornton... I think their player development is a bit underrated.
- fattybeef

Me too. I think the big difference is, Sox prospects are overlooked a bit just through the sheer media weight in the city surrounding the Cubs. And to your point, Sox prospects have tended to develop into reasonably solid if not very good players.

Me too. I think the big difference is, Sox prospects are overlooked a bit just through the sheer media weight in the city surrounding the Cubs. And to your point, Sox prospects have tended to develop into reasonably solid if not very good players.
- John Jaeckel

Especially last year with a bunch of rookie pitchers (10 I want to say???) stepping into major league roles.

The Sox system reminds me of the Hawks system...seemingly a lot of guys that can contribute in some manner in the future but lacking that can't-miss star in the making.

seriously...Eddie O was always a corporate @ss kisser. But I'm disappointed in Foley. He's not the same guy I grew up with, and that's sad.

It's coming to a point I may need to watch games in silence.
- SteveRain

Although you and I think alike a lot, I swear to God, I have been thinking the same thing since last night. Normally, I hate the other side's announcers for the same reasons. But it is disappointing because you could count on Foley and Tallon, and early on, Foley and Edzo, to give you some balance.

I still say Sam Rosen (NYR) is the best announcer in the league—for the above reasons. He knows his team's guys and he knows the guys around the league and gives them full due.

I think this was a game the Ducks desreved to win but no one really deserved to lose.


Both Duck goals were very fortunate...

Both Sale and Beckham were pumped. Tank and the Missile were pumped. Mitchell to a certain degree has been pumped.

They have had success to varying degrees.

Reed was a rookie last year who got 29 saves.

Quite a bit of homegrown talent in the Sox line up especially for how they get bashed for "trading prospects" and nonsense like that. Throw in the reclamation projects like Danks, Konerko, Floyd, Thornton... I think their player development is a bit underrated.
- fattybeef

Sale and Beckham didn't spend much time in the minors, right? I've been seeing a bit more about Mitchell recently. Not sure if it's because he's been in the system longer than some of the newer draftees or if he's starting to produce.

Nothing holds a candle to all the tire pumping we saw about Corey Patterson and Felix Pie.

BINGO. Thank you. Bickell, Mayers, and Carcillo won't be able to do it alone.
- SteveRain

Yep, that's just it. The teams that give you trouble are the ones you will face in the playoffs. Tell you something else too. Anaheim did not look like they were buying in to the Hawks being the '81 Oilers last night.

Me too. I think the big difference is, Sox prospects are overlooked a bit just through the sheer media weight in the city surrounding the Cubs. And to your point, Sox prospects have tended to develop into reasonably solid if not very good players.
- John Jaeckel

I think cubs and sox are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms prospects lately. Cubs apparently have the golden prospects coming up all the time that never amount to their hype. Sox apparently always have garbage in the system.

But in reality, which is greater?

Viciedo, Sale, Beckham or Samardzija, Castro, and Barney?

Didn't have time to read all the comments, so if I copy someone sorry. Couple of things. 1st, Saad is growing on me and he's earned it. Coming along nicely. But the problem is that there is a redundency on the first line. Saad's game is too much like Hossa's to complement it. And 2nd, if you want to have a run & gun speed team that's not very physical your team will draw penalties. The only way you can continue to have your way is to score on the powerplay. If you fail to do so, it encourages the opponent to play more and more physical and not be afraid to take a penalty. This team will go as their powerplay goes. Not knocking a great start as it's fun to watch, but I can't totally buy in until I see an upgrade on the PP. And anytime they want to start clearing their own crease is ok with me. #4 did it once last night. They all need to step up.

Imagine a 7 games series with these guys.......... I am sold more than ever that this team needs more guys like Bickell. Two more rugged wingers who can skate with this team and I am sold 100% on this season. This will show us a lot about Bowman too, will he pony up some of these prospects like Saad for a shot this season? Now before someone jumps down my throat wanting to trade Saad, I am using him as an example. JJ keeps saying value for value. Bowman will have to sack up and make a hard decision.
- droe411

Imagine a power play that finished 20-30% of its opportunities...

Kane on the left boards is f-ing stupid. Whoever was the mastermind behind that should be punched in the dome.

Would like to see someone stronger on their skates in front of the goal and a second player next to it. Bickell probs earned some time there and Bollig probably has enough hand eye coordination to get some tips in the limited viewing there (either in place of Shaw). Stalberg set a nice screen yesterday on Leddys.

Another guy down low instead of floating would be neat to free up some space. Movement would be cool too I am fairly certain Hossa could play on the point like Kovy does and hit bombs for 2 minutes straight.

The best power plays rip point shots and clean up garbage. Ain't pretty but it is effective. The Oilers do that well and they are more physically challenged than the Hawks. There are very few quality point shots and rarely anyone in position to go to the dump so to speak.

Although you and I think alike a lot, I swear to God, I have been thinking the same thing since last night. Normally, I hate the other side's announcers for the same reasons. But it is disappointing because you could count on Foley and Tallon, and early on, Foley and Edzo, to give you some balance.

I still say Sam Rosen (NYR) is the best announcer in the league—for the above reasons. He knows his team's guys and he knows the guys around the league and gives them full due.
- John Jaeckel

Ill take the TSN guys over any American announcer.

Although you and I think alike a lot, I swear to God, I have been thinking the same thing since last night. Normally, I hate the other side's announcers for the same reasons. But it is disappointing because you could count on Foley and Tallon, and early on, Foley and Edzo, to give you some balance.

I still say Sam Rosen (NYR) is the best announcer in the league—for the above reasons. He knows his team's guys and he knows the guys around the league and gives them full due.
- John Jaeckel

Not everyone can be as objective as Jack Edwards.

http://deadspin.com/59839...-the-bruins-tied-the-game

Me too. I think the big difference is, Sox prospects are overlooked a bit just through the sheer media weight in the city surrounding the Cubs. And to your point, Sox prospects have tended to develop into reasonably solid if not very good players.
- John Jaeckel

At least one advantage to being the red headed step child of the city.

Although you and I think alike a lot, I swear to God, I have been thinking the same thing since last night. Normally, I hate the other side's announcers for the same reasons. But it is disappointing because you could count on Foley and Tallon, and early on, Foley and Edzo, to give you some balance.

I still say Sam Rosen (NYR) is the best announcer in the league—for the above reasons. He knows his team's guys and he knows the guys around the league and gives them full due.
- John Jaeckel

hands down. love Sam Rosen, most energetic hockey fan of an announcer there is in the league. I live in NY and watch every ranger game just because he is a delight. (despite the fact that Micheletti does his best to neutralize it with his irrational homerism). Sam Rosen would announce and give praise to a gaborik goal just as much as he would give to a Kane goal. Calls it down the line

Today's article including comments on goal cams and the UC ice...

Crawford strong but Ducks a little better in SO loss - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/Va2kFA

Today's article including comments on goal cams and the UC ice...

Crawford strong but Ducks a little better in SO loss - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/Va2kFA
- Al

Well Written AL!!!! I agree with the Ice comment, looked like there were some rough spots and bouncing pucks pretty frequently.

Well Written AL!!!! I agree with the Ice comment, looked like there were some rough spots and bouncing pucks pretty frequently.
- nickmo2699

Thanks....Even Q had to acknowledge in post game presser.

Not everyone can be as objective as Jack Edwards.

http://deadspin.com/59839...-the-bruins-tied-the-game
- eburgio

...Or Tyson Nash.

It was a great play (physically) and is testament to the kind of athlete Saad is.

I've got a feeling a year from now, this conversation is going to be a lot like the Leddy conversation is today. Maybe they expected too much from him the prior year, but look how he's settled in now and benefited from the experience.

It remains to be seen if he will stay on the first line all year, or if that will be the right thing for the team all year and in the playoffs.
- John Jaeckel

All valid point which I agree with. The issue I see is the comparing Saad to Orr that the photo suggest is a very slippery slope. The comparison that photo suggests could be used to argue that Saad is a "once in a generation" talent as Bobby Orr clearly was. Will Saad be the answer to "hockey great" in the NYT crossword forty years later? Seriously doubt it.

Oh and thanks for the Hammer love. The game would have never gotten to OT without his outstanding play last night. The man has become a beast.

Should just learn to wait for JJ's wrap. Feel like I'm writing a post twice.

1) Saad was the best player on the ice. Sorry Saad haters. But it's true.

Patrick Kane has some of the best hands in the league. He missed too. 2) This argument that Hossa, 0 for 9 last year, is a better choice is futile. 3) Shootouts are luck. Again, if you're arguing about who should be the THIRD shooter in a shootout, you're probably missing the reason they lost the game....

4) Here comes the mockery from JJ again but takeaways were 17-6 in favor of Anaheim. While this stat doesn't trump everything else, I'd say the fact that Anaheim was allowed to have the puck that much more than the Hawks, especially in the third when Joel ( way too often this year.) decided to "sit" on a shaky 2-1 lead.

Crawford made huge saves last night. Maybe his best game.

While there are trouble spots on the Hawks, And in no way should they be glossed over, take a look at what's goin on with "contenders" St. Louis and San Jose...... Those are problems. 5) The hawks simply have some things that need fixing.
- yahoodi

1) Let's see. I've gone from saying this kid is overhyped and not ready to readily admitting, he's winning me over. But also tempering that with the fact, FACT, his game is far from complete, and maybe not complementary to the guys he's playing with. Who really has the agenda? I applaud your loyalty, but the hype surrounding Saad is still maybe not fully justified by what he is—as opposed to what he might, might, become.
2) Agreed.
3) You could not be more wrong. It's a gimmick and not real hockey, but there is a skill set required to be good at it. And it does matter as long as points are settled by it. Hello? Send me out there and you'll see what luck gets you.
4) You need to read my blog more, or maybe more than just the parts about your favorite rookie (just jabbin' ya there) cuz I think takeaways are hugely important. And full marks to the Ducks. Kinda underscores my point that maybe the Hawks got a little lucky last night. And thanks because I had no idea it was that lop-sided.
5) I don't think anyone, even the "Negative Nellies" disagree with you on that.

Didn't have time to read all the comments, so if I copy someone sorry. Couple of things. 1st, Saad is growing on me and he's earned it. Coming along nicely. But the problem is that there is a redundency on the first line. Saad's game is too much like Hossa's to complement it. And 2nd, if you want to have a run & gun speed team that's not very physical your team will draw penalties. The only way you can continue to have your way is to score on the powerplay. If you fail to do so, it encourages the opponent to play more and more physical and not be afraid to take a penalty. This team will go as their powerplay goes. Not knocking a great start as it's fun to watch, but I can't totally buy in until I see an upgrade on the PP. And anytime they want to start clearing their own crease is ok with me. #4 did it once last night. They all need to step up.
- 6628

Everyone here, listen to this guy.

He knows of what he speaks (or something like that). Few guys are "closer" to the game.

Wish you would post here more, my friend.

Do you have it tivo'ed? Would love to see it.
- John Jaeckel

Yeah, it was a goal, because even though the post was elevated it was STILL on the stantion (sp?)-so the play si not dead until it os OFF.
You have to wonder if Hoss lifted so there WAS a better look of the front part of the puck being over the line on the final video shown on the NHL package (Ducks sat feed)

When their announcers aw that, they clearly chnaged their whine to the rule is a bad one, because the vartical net post is no longer upright 90 degrees...like that matters if it crosses the line.
Believe me, it look inconclusive until I saw this angle video...

Didn't have time to read all the comments, so if I copy someone sorry. Couple of things. 1st, Saad is growing on me and he's earned it. Coming along nicely. But the problem is that there is a redundency on the first line. Saad's game is too much like Hossa's to complement it. And 2nd, if you want to have a run & gun speed team that's not very physical your team will draw penalties. The only way you can continue to have your way is to score on the powerplay. If you fail to do so, it encourages the opponent to play more and more physical and not be afraid to take a penalty. This team will go as their powerplay goes. Not knocking a great start as it's fun to watch, but I can't totally buy in until I see an upgrade on the PP. And anytime they want to start clearing their own crease is ok with me. #4 did it once last night. They all need to step up.
- 6628

Been a LONG time...I hope you are doing well. if you want to meet up before a game on this homestand, Friday vs Sj or next Tues vs Vancouver, let me know.

Great to hear from you.

Yeah, it was a goal, because even though the post was elevated it was STILL on the stantion (sp?)-so the play si not dead until it os OFF.
You have to wonder if Hoss lifted so there WAS a better look of the front part of the puck being over the line on the final video shown on the NHL package (Ducks sat feed)

When their announcers aw that, they clearly chnaged their whine to the rule is a bad one, because the vartical net post is no longer upright 90 degrees...like that matters if it crosses the line.
Believe me, it look inconclusive until I saw this angle video...
- wiz1901

Got it, it also looked like Hossa lifted the net (by his momentum)

completely agree with all those pointing to Leddy as the PP QB - kid has looked very at ease doing it when given the chance. Would also like to see coaches take the reigns off him when 5 on 5 - he has shown he can skate the puck up ice pretty well then too - just doesn't seem to do it enough

Hammer has been playing really good - have not been a huge fan, mostly cause of the grenade style of handling the puck, but so far this year, impressive.

PP sucks - the stationary players is maddening plus Keith on the point - eeesh!

still think the playoffs could be challenging for this team when most games will be like last nights

Sbisa covered the puck and actually moved it back in the other direction, well before it crossed the line. the puck went over the line concurrent with or after the goal coming up off the ice. Nothing's changed since last night. Hawks got lucky.
- John Jaeckel

The whole thing with the goal coming off is kinda crappy, the rule goes as long as the little rubber stoppers that hold the net in are still in their holes then the goal is still considered in its starting postion. Cerca pat foley after the game