What about the idea that a bad PP gives opposing thugs the idea that it's OK to commit bad fouls because it's OK to be short-handed?
- Tugboat

I just can't believe that any coach wants to give a team as talented as the Hawks more PPs than necessary, as bad as the PP is.

No matter how bad the PP, going 4 on 5 is not good for any team. Give the Hawks 4 or 5 or 6 PP chances and they are just likely to score once or twice - and then twice more 5 on 5 and the big tough opponent is dead.

Teams will be thugs against the Hawks if it shuts down their offense, NOT because the PP is bad.

If March 1 is, indeed, the date for the outdoor game at Soldier Field, wouldn't the weather in Chicago this day likely be warmer than a January date? The weather on March 1 could be in the 30° range or could even get into the 50° range.

I have never been to a game at Soldier Field. How does the sight line compare FOR HOCKEY as compared to Wrigley Field.

If March 1 is, indeed, the date for the outdoor game at Soldier Field, wouldn't the weather in Chicago this day likely be warmer than a January date? The weather on March 1 could be in the 30° range or could not even get into the 50° range.

I have never been to a game at Soldier Field. How does the sought line compare FOR HOCKEY as compared to Wrigley Field.
- jhawk59

If the NHL has access to technology that allows for an outdoor rink in LA, I think ice can be maintained at Soldier Field on March 1.

I'm still curious about an outdoor game in SoCal. I seem to recall at prior Winter Classics that air temps needed to be below....something like 45 degrees. I could be mistaken...

...and if I recall rain is the worst for the outdoor rinks.

What about the idea that a bad PP gives opposing thugs the idea that it's OK to commit bad fouls because it's OK to be short-handed?
- Tugboat

Gotta play through the pain of vicious checks, can't play scared! Hopefully they find a remedy !!!
And time on the penalty kill takes away from time on offense!!!

So - the sink hole that swallowed several cars at 96th and Houston was caused by a water main break.

The water main was built in 1915.

98 years old.

A long time ago.

BUT STILL NOT AS LONG AS THE CUBS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT!!!

So - the sink hole that swallowed several cars at 96th and Houston was caused by a water main break.

The water main was built in 1915.

98 years old.

A long time ago.

BUT STILL NOT AS LONG AS THE CUBS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT!!!
- StLBravesFan

That's cruel!

So - the sink hole that swallowed several cars at 96th and Houston was caused by a water main break.

The water main was built in 1915.

98 years old.

A long time ago.

BUT STILL NOT AS LONG AS THE CUBS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT!!!
- StLBravesFan

Not cool

Not cool


- mrpaulish

Ok - how's this one:

George Beverly Shea - a famous gospel singer with Billy Graham - died this week.

He was 104 years old (EDIT: born 2/1/1909).

That's old.

Very old.

BUT NOT AS OLD AS THE CUBS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT!!!

Definitely flying out to the CHI for that outdoor game next season... Potential Cup Rematch there.

Considering going to the So Cal game depending on the price of tix. My uncle has a place near the Staples Center (real big $hithole that area is) I could crash at. I really like the expansion of these games. Winter Classic is nice and all, but I like not having to wait 4-5 years for the Hawks to be in the WC.

If March 1 is, indeed, the date for the outdoor game at Soldier Field, wouldn't the weather in Chicago this day likely be warmer than a January date? The weather on March 1 could be in the 30° range or could even get into the 50° range.

I have never been to a game at Soldier Field. How does the sight line compare FOR HOCKEY as compared to Wrigley Field.
- jhawk59

The average temperature difference is only 7 degrees from Jan 1 to March 1.

Ok - how's this one:

George Beverly Shea - a famous gospel singer with Billy Graham - died this week.

He was 104 years old (EDIT: born 2/1/1909).

That's old.

Very old.

BUT NOT AS OLD AS THE CUBS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT!!!
- StLBravesFan

At least they weren't going to move our team to FL cause we couldn't draw any fans!

So - the sink hole that swallowed several cars at 96th and Houston was caused by a water main break.

The water main was built in 1915.

98 years old.

A long time ago.

BUT STILL NOT AS LONG AS THE CUBS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT!!!
- StLBravesFan

Ok - how's this one:

George Beverly Shea - a famous gospel singer with Billy Graham - died this week.

He was 104 years old (EDIT: born 2/1/1909).

That's old.

Very old.

BUT NOT AS OLD AS THE CUBS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DROUGHT!!!
- StLBravesFan

Had to play this one! Cub's fan though!!!!

At least they weren't going to move our team to FL cause we couldn't draw any fans!
- moots

Actually, Reinsdorf used St. Pete to blackmail Thompson and the state legislature to pay for a new ball park.

It worked.

Actually, Reinsdorf used St. Pete to blackmail Thompson and the state legislature to pay for a new ball park.

It worked.
- StLBravesFan

And they built a shyte hole when all these great ball parks are being built they build a spaceship with no Atmosphere! Good food though....

Had to play this one! Cub's fan though!!!!
- moots

Best mother-phucking cokk-sucking b!tch of a phucking tirade ever.

Phuck.

And they built a shyte hole when all these great ball parks are being built they build a spaceship with no Atmosphere! Good food though....
- moots

Built a year too soon - the next year, Camden Yards was built - same architect - the blue print for all modern ball parks.

Although Sox Park is much better than it's reputation.

The average temperature difference is only 7 degrees from Jan 1 to March 1.
- rollpards19

True, but there is a much greater chance for a 50-60 degree day in March than January. I'm guessing it is okay unless it rains; I mean they were talking about a game at Dodger Stadium.

@ChrisKuc: Mini-scoop while taking day off: Tomorrow through Saturday the NHL Network to film #Blackhawks' front office for NHL 36 documentary episode.

Speaking of the Hawks front office...
- teh_HAWKZ

Gentleman's bet to you all that this show will try to showcase McDoosh as the "star" of the episode, and architect of the team's success. I am eagerly awaiting the road to the cup where the Hawks will face CBJ, LAK, and ANA. We will finally see if speed kills in the playoffs, or if speed and brute force are a better approach.

I invite everyone to read his Wikipedia profile. Pay special attention to the notes indicating the original wording of the profile was edited by an unidentifiable user profile specifically to credit him for "guiding the team to the Cup" in 2010.

Sorry John McD - real Hawk fans know the 2010 Cup group was Dale Tallon's team.

JJ, great blog. The first time I really noticed the attitude was after they lost to the Canucks in 2011. That interview with Toews said so much. He was expecting to win and was at a loss as to how they didn't. That attitude will take them far.

True, but there is a much greater chance for a 50-60 degree day in March than January. I'm guessing it is okay unless it rains; I mean they were talking about a game at Dodger Stadium.
- mohel

They still are.

I'd be really scared to face the hottest team in west come playoffs
- rollpards19

The Hawks?

I'll give BOlland the benefit of the doubt but he's still not slotted right as the 2nd line center. He thrives in a defensive first approach, and you can't restrain two of your top scorers in Kane and Sharp playing with him. Time to move Shaw or Kruger up there and put Bolland down low in the bottom 6.

yeah, I believe last year when the PP gained steam is when they put crazy Montador up front and he scored 2 or 3 goals...I think against Columbus.
- SteveRain

He played much better around the net than the Hawks' true forwards.

Had to play this one! Cub's fan though!!!!
- moots

I crack up every time I hear this.

I'm also a Cubs fan who's married to a girl from Bridgeport.

The Hawks?
- Ogilthorpe2

You get me