They are going for large markets. STL isn't going to be that market they are in search for. I love the extra games! The Winter Classic should be treated a little differently than the other outdoor games. I will watch all of them if the times fit in with my schedule!
- droe411

My enthusiasm for this outdoor stuff is vastly more reserved than yours. Mainly it's a money grab to get HRR up thru TV revenue and sale of jerseys, hats and other paraphanelia.

My tickets will be for sale -at a large markup of course because I can be as greedy as Gary ' the Lockout Commissioner' Bettman who simply wants to pay back his loyal subjects like Rocky Wirtz who backed him during the work stoppage.

JJ, that was an outstanding breakdown. Really amazing how a legend like SB can influence an organization - even in retirement. I have seen this with some board members in companies I have worked with - and one in particular right now. Some people just command extra attention and respect due to their history and character.
- tredbrta

You look at each key guy from amateur scouting to player development to NHL coach to pro player scouting and acquisition, they pretty much ALL bear Scotty's thumbprint. Scotty and Smith also had a lot of input on what went on at Rockford this year. Two KEY players Scotty had a personal role in acquiring: Hossa and Kruger.

You look at each key guy from amateur scouting to player development to NHL coach to pro player scouting and acquisition, they pretty much ALL bear Scotty's thumbprint. Scotty and Smith also had a lot of input on what went on at Rockford this year. Two KEY players Scotty had a personal role in acquiring: Hossa and Kruger.
- John Jaeckel

Have to imagine they give him the keys to the #2 center spot to start next year. Its clear management and the coaches are a fan of his. His defensive position is probably the best on the team (excluding Hossa) and he is good along the wall. Don't love his finishing ability yet, but that can definitely develop as the rest of his game ranges from rock solid to very good. Idk if its logistically possible, but I'd have Kruger attached to Toews' hip this summer. Taking draws, working out, learning the game and leadership a little bit. 16 is good, but he could be a special player. Long winded but JJ do you think they let him be #2 center next year?

My enthusiasm for this outdoor stuff is vastly more reserved than yours. Mainly it's a money grab to get HRR up thru TV revenue and sale of jerseys, hats and other paraphanelia.

My tickets will be for sale -at a large markup of course because I can be as greedy as Gary ' the Lockout Commissioner' Bettman who simply wants to pay back his loyal subjects like Rocky Wirtz who backed him during the work stoppage.
- RickJ

Everyone is greedy, I won't let that hurt my enjoyment in the sport. The owners are greedy, so are the players.

It's been split evenly. However, Dent has been leaning on Hutton as of late. Hutton also has been pretty hot as of late too.
- EKolb13

If Hutton is Dent's go-to-guy then I would question this move. Rockford is tied for 8th in the Western Conference and has played one more game than Milwaukee. The IceHogs just sent an email about possible playoff dates so they're really gunning for the post season.

Have to imagine they give him the keys to the #2 center spot to start next year. Its clear management and the coaches are a fan of his. His defensive position is probably the best on the team (excluding Hossa) and he is great along the wall. Don't love his finishing ability yet, but that can definitely develop as the rest of his game ranges from rock solid to very good. Idk if its logistically possible, but I'd have Kruger attached to Toews' hip this summer. Taking draws, working out, learning the game and leadership a little bit. 16 is good, but he could be a special player. Long winded but JJ do you think they let him be #2 center next year?
- rollpards19

Fixed, and he will get better.

If Hutton is Dent's go-to-guy then I would question this move. Rockford is tied for 8th in the Western Conference and has played one more game than Milwaukee. The IceHogs just sent an email about possible playoff dates so they're really gunning for the post season.
- DarthKane

Then he's likely up for a day or so look-see

Gillis will fix all of Vancouvers problems in one fell swoop! He'll not not only restock the entire farm team but he'll add a whole new second line, a number 3 defenceman, a back goalie and a first round pick all by trading Luongo ... just ask him!
- paulr

LOL. A culture of self delusion.

My enthusiasm for this outdoor stuff is vastly more reserved than yours. Mainly it's a money grab to get HRR up thru TV revenue and sale of jerseys, hats and other paraphanelia.

My tickets will be for sale -at a large markup of course because I can be as greedy as Gary ' the Lockout Commissioner' Bettman who simply wants to pay back his loyal subjects like Rocky Wirtz who backed him during the work stoppage.
- RickJ

The higher the HRR, the higher the cap, the better or the Hawks.

Take what you want out of your fandom and ignore the rest.

Game in Soldier Field would (will) be something to see.

I hear that and i'm sure we all feel this....but let it be clear....I DON'T WANT TO LOSE...TO ANYONE.

- philco28

I know you don’t but my fear is if the Leafs make it to the finals they do so as a real dark horse and as such will have so much momentum and confidence they will be very hard to impossible to beat. On the other hand if they were to somehow have a first round match up, I’d pick the Hawks in 6 or less.

If Hutton is Dent's go-to-guy then I would question this move. Rockford is tied for 8th in the Western Conference and has played one more game than Milwaukee. The IceHogs just sent an email about possible playoff dates so they're really gunning for the post season.
- DarthKane

Farm teams are there to feed the big club as necessary all the time. It's not like they are leaving the Icehogs without a goaltender. They probably want to see if Hutton can handle being the backup goalie in the event of an injury during the playoffs.

Weren't the Icehogs offering 2 for 1 playoff tickets if bought by a certain date. So its not about the money down in Rockford as much as they would like to be in the playoffs.

Hwks have 6 "exhibition" gmes before the start of the "real" season.

How do they play it?

full speed ahead, rotate some icehogs in/out of the line-up...does hutton get a start?

leblanc play? how about a pp line of Handzuis, Shaw and Bicks?

Hwks have 6 "exhibition" gmes before the start of the "real" season.

How do they play it?

full speed ahead, rotate some icehogs in/out of the line-up...does hutton get a start?

leblanc play? how about a pp line of Handzuis, Shaw and Bicks?
- bogiedoc

Full speed ahead! Turning it off is easy, turning it back on may not be. Slide a prospect in here or there to allow guys to nurse minor injuries but otherwise keep the pedal to the metal!

Hwks have 6 "exhibition" gmes before the start of the "real" season.

How do they play it?

full speed ahead, rotate some icehogs in/out of the line-up...does hutton get a start?

leblanc play? how about a pp line of Handzuis, Shaw and Bicks?
- bogiedoc

No......keep your foot on the gas.

I know you don’t but my fear is if the Leafs make it to the finals they do so as a real dark horse and as such will have so much momentum and confidence they will be very hard to impossible to beat. On the other hand if they were to somehow have a first round match up, I’d pick the Hawks in 6 or less.
- paulr

Gimme a f'n break with the Leafs in the Stanley Cup finals. You must be listening to too much Joe Bowen and Gord Stellick spewing the MLSE propoganda. Decent season playing against crap like Carolina, Buffalo, Jersey, Tampa. All I care about is that they absolutely humiliate Les Habs in a series and drive those whiners back in time to the memories of the Plains of Abraham. After performing that noble feat the Maple Loafs will be satisfied to rev up the golf clubs.

No......keep your foot on the gas.
- UnnamedSource

100% full steam ahead! Guys who have minor bumps may sit, but otherwise roll 4 lines, and manage minutes.

No......keep your foot on the gas.
- UnnamedSource

Damn right!

I'd rather see Chi/Tor

- philco28

I'm with Phil on this one. Do it in the Rogers Center. That would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!

I know you don’t but my fear is if the Leafs make it to the finals they do so as a real dark horse and as such will have so much momentum and confidence they will be very hard to impossible to beat. On the other hand if they were to somehow have a first round match up, I’d pick the Hawks in 6 or less.
- paulr

Like your thinking here Paul. FYI...the '94 playoff loss to the Leafs was devastating, but the '95 series win over them was my most exhilarating series win outside of the Cup year.

I'm with Phil on this one. Do it in the Rogers Center. That would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!
- robhawks

Wonder how feasible it would be to build the rink indoors ?

Wonder how feasible it would be to build the rink indoors ?
- philco28

Wouldn't an indoor rink defeat the purpose of having an outdoor game?

Might be Emery because they said Crow was on the ice.
- teh_HAWKZ

Emery, Lower body

Emery, Lower body
- Maggie

Just got it on Team Stream

Farm teams are there to feed the big club as necessary all the time. It's not like they are leaving the Icehogs without a goaltender. They probably want to see if Hutton can handle being the backup goalie in the event of an injury during the playoffs.

Weren't the Icehogs offering 2 for 1 playoff tickets if bought by a certain date. So its not about the money down in Rockford as much as they would like to be in the playoffs.
- RickJ

I don't disagree with your logic here. More of my concern is that if they just want to "look" at Hutton, then he should see time in a game or start a game. Otherwise, it seems to defeat the purpose of seeing what he can or can't do if he's sitting on the bench.

Hopefully, (for my sake at least) Hutton is just up for the day at practice. If he is up for a "look-see," then I hope he gets a start, or at least some playing time.

Simpson was also recalled from Toledo and assigned to Rockford. So I'm wondering if Hutton does see some action with the Hawks, or if something is up with Emery or Crawford?

I don't disagree with your logic here. More of my concern is that if they just want to "look" at Hutton, then he should see time in a game or start a game. Otherwise, it seems to defeat the purpose of seeing what he can or can't do if he's sitting on the bench.

Hopefully, (for my sake at least) Hutton is just up for the day at practice. If he is up for a "look-see," then I hope he gets a start, or at least some playing time.

Simpson was also recalled from Toledo and assigned to Rockford. So I'm wondering if Hutton does see some action with the Hawks, or if something is up with Emery or Crawford?
- EKolb13

Emery with a lower body injury is not good