>Uh, no -- this is a meaningless game for Chicago
>#1 in the Western Conference, possibly #1 overall -- Chicago knows where it stands
>For the Blackhawks, this is nothing more than "taking the racecar around the track" for a few laps before the real race begins
>Only fans believe "that every regular season game has meaning and carryover"
>Even if these teams meet in the playoffs, which is in doubt, this game means very little
- SnapitUpstairs

Good points. I want to see how the PP handles a top notch PK like the Canucks tonight, if they can get one in that would be a good sign.

Keith did elbow him right in the head so...... Its ok to admit our guy's do stupid things sometimes. That was a dirty play, and I was unhappy he did it. Keith's not a dirty player so I don't feel bad cheering for him. As to resting the core, why? Hockey players play hockey. Maybe sit the last game against StL. Barring a few guys NHL players don't try to hurt each other
- rollpards19

As dumb as it was, it was not un-provoked.

Even so.. NHL.com :


Schneider is


17th in Wins

15th in GAA

10th is Save %

21st in Games Played.



Hardly elite....
- mrpaulish

For Qualified Goalies

17th in Wins
9th in GAA
6th in Save %
21st in Games played
tied for 1st in SO

This while splitting time with Lu and dealing with that media distraction. Also did you know that he is also one of I believe only 2 goalies to have a .925 sv % or better for his first 3 seasons. If he was on the hawks I can only imagine how his numbers would be judging how both Crawford and Emery did since they are very average goal tenders.

WHY does he HAVE to be TRADED?

Is he disenchanted attempting to WIN a spot on the Hawk roster next fall?

Does he not want to eventually be an NHL player?

Why would anyone learning their trade feel that the need new surroundings and quick advancement, when they can improve and wait for a chance at a call-up, where that player must do what is necessary TO show they are going to be NHL-calibre.


I am sure there are many a kid playing in NHL farm teams who might feel "slighted" and that if that played in the organization for "crappy team," they would "be there already!"

Just where is "there" becomes the essential question.

Unless Pirri is one of those kids, I suspect he is confident he can continue as an AHLer who at some point must grab hold of the opportunity that opens with the Hawks...wouldn't you rather be suurounded by good players who can make you better, or have to go elsewhere and have to stand-alone in terms of your opportunities?
I don't understand how so much time and energy is wasted on what might happen to the kids....the idea is to keep and develop the kids, so you really have something to talk about when you see them in the Hawk sweater.

Not speculate on which will be traded.

We don't know the future of many Hawks on the REAL team, and there is no reason to speculate on them at present either. Why waste thoughts on trying to dump the teams AHL scoring leader?

And before you do...gaze at who was the second highest scorer former Icehog Jeff Taffe.
- wiz1901

Every AHL team is a piepline of developing talent for an NHL team 1st, at the same time it is also a biz. to make money and excite the fan base. Reasoning the better the AHL players the better "OUR" NHL team will be later. While this sells more tix. we know only a few reach the NHL level. Ultimately it is really up to the FO if they see him on the team, if they don`t they should persue making a trade to make the team stronger in balanced depth. Darth mentioned "A PACKAGE DEAL" to help dump salary. May be work a deal that gets us the 2nd line center. Question should be "Does Kruger, Shaw or Smith have what it takes to let Kaner be the force he can be?" Wiz has some great thoughts here if the prospects think they have what it takes to make the club he`s with, if not there is no reason to keep them anyway

nhl.com
- mrpaulish

yeah you left all the goalies that have played a game or 2 in......

Keith did elbow him right in the head so...... Its ok to admit our guy's do stupid things sometimes. That was a dirty play, and I was unhappy he did it. Keith's not a dirty player so I don't feel bad cheering for him. As to resting the core, why? Hockey players play hockey. Maybe sit the last game against StL. Barring a few guys NHL players don't try to hurt each other
- rollpards19

Are you joking? Ask any NHL player - body checks are intended to hurt and inflict pain on the opponent. Not necessarily injure but if that's the by-product of a hard clean hit, all the better.

And if you watched the LA/Dallas game last night you"ll know what I'm referring to.

Keith did elbow him right in the head so...... Its ok to admit our guy's do stupid things sometimes. That was a dirty play, and I was unhappy he did it. Keith's not a dirty player so I don't feel bad cheering for him. As to resting the core, why? Hockey players play hockey. Maybe sit the last game against StL. Barring a few guys NHL players don't try to hurt each other
- rollpards19

According to most Canucks fan's Keith's hit was one of the worst cheap shots in the history of sport. But Hossa was totally faking it when Hansen hit him and it was all actually Hossa's fault.

Both hits were bad, each player got suspended and it's time to move on.

yeah you left all the goalies that have played a game or 2 in......
- SMP8719

Who cares, he's still not "arguably the best goaltender in the league", that's the point.

Tradable and expendable - yes. The future #2 center in Chicago - no. Just when Pirri leaves could rest on the outcome of various scenarios involving multiple players.

But first of all realize that although improvement in skating and in other areas of his game, Pirri does not fit in nearly as preferred for a team blessed with a lot of team speed. And Pirri is not good enough in face offs.

Where does Stalberg and Bolland land next season? Is either Shaw or Kreuger going to develop into a #3 center next season.

You have Danault, McNeil, Nordstrom on the horizon. Each skates better. Danault and Nordstrom are better than Pirri on face offs. McNeill an all terrain, Danault could be an energy forward, and Nordstrom is a defensively solid good skater with descent skill. That is their calling card most likely as role players and on a #3 or #4 line in their freshman NHL days. When is that day....maybe late next year or later. And perhaps they aren't going to be putting points up soon, but later they have the projection to contribute offensively.

Pirri on the other hand is too one dimensional. Offense only. He has to be really good to hold the #2 center job. Another candidate for that job could be Leblanc. So yeah, Wiz, with one yr left on his contract Pirri does have a friendly cap hit if his salary is needed on the NHL roster. He can produce points if he plays with top six linemattes....so could Morin but both are a tad slow and I prefer skating speed whenever possible.

So when is Pirri traded? Who knows....not even Bowman knows yet how the roster shakes out after the playoffs and through training camp next fall.

Sure Bowman would like to get some 2013 picks back. Teams would probably rather give their 2014 picks, however, as everyone knows the quality and quantity of quality picks in 2013 is more desirable. It is just ironic that a player can win the AHL scoring title and yet he is not a good fit as could be for a center ice job in Chicago.

You can only hold on to prospects for as long as you can manage their salary and development on the ice. While we would like to think a prospect pushes a roster player for a job when the prospect is ready to replace someone at the NHL level, the team's economic situation may force Bowman's hand

So yes Pirri is tradable...but when/ for what? Time will tell.

For Qualified Goalies

17th in Wins
9th in GAA
6th in Save %
21st in Games played
tied for 1st in SO

This while splitting time with Lu and dealing with that media distraction. Also did you know that he is also one of I believe only 2 goalies to have a .925 sv % or better for his first 3 seasons. If he was on the hawks I can only imagine how his numbers would be judging how both Crawford and Emery did since they are very average goal tenders.
- SMP8719

OMFG, "media distraction" is now part of your Excuse-O-Meter quotient for trying to rationalize Schnieder as a Vezina candidate?

Face it, he isn't even going to be one of the finalists. Nothing to see here.

Tradable and expendable - yes. The future #2 center in Chicago - no. Just when Pirri leaves could rest on the outcome of various scenarios involving multiple players.

But first of all realize that although improvement in skating and in other areas of Hus game, Pirri does not fit in nearly as preferred for a team blessed with a lot of team speed. And Pirri is not good enough in face offs.

Where does Stalberg and Bolland land next season? Is either Shaw or Kreuger going to develop into a #3 center next season.



You have Danault, McNeil, Nordstrom on the horizon. Each skates better. Danault and Nordstrom are better than Pirri on face offs. McNeill an all terrain, Danault could be an energy forward, and Nordstrom is a defensively solid good skater with descent skill. That is their calling card most likely as role players and on a #3 or #4 line in their freshman NHL days. When is that day....maybe late next year or later. And perhaps they aren't going to be putting points up soon, but later they have the projection to contribute offensively.

Pirri on the other hand is too one dimensional. Offense only. He has to be really good to hold the #2 center job. Another candidate for that job could be Leblanc. So yeah, Wiz, with one yr left on his contract Pirri does have a friendly cap hit if his salary is needed on the NHL roster. He can produce points if he plays with top six linemattes....so could Morin but both are a tad slow and I prefer skating speed whenever possible.

So when is Pirri traded? Who knows....not even Bowman knows yet how the roster shakes out after the playoffs and through training vamp next fall.

Sure Bowman would like to get some 2013 picks back. Teams would probably rather give their 2914 picks, however, as everyone knows the quality and quantity of quality picks in 2013 is more desirable. It is just ironic that a player can win the AHL scoring title and yet he is not a good fit as could be for a center ice job in Chicago.

You can only hold on to prospects for as long as you can manage their salary and development on the ice. While we would like to think a prospect pushes a roster player for a job when the prospect is ready to replace someone at the NHL level, the team's economic situation may force Bowman's hand

So yes Pirri is tradable...but when/ for what? Time will tell.
- jhawk59

I don't think there is any doubt that Pirri is always on Stanbow's list of available players when he is talking trade. (More accurately put, when his daddy tells him to inquire about a player and offer Pirri).

But here's the thing to remember about Pirri, he never played Major Junior Hockey and he had one season of NCAA competition. Therefore, he missed critical development time and it has to be made up somewhere. A few years in the American Hockey League is critical to the process. And not so bad if you can lead the AHL in scoring while you are being groomed.

A player like Nazin Kadri floundered for a couple of years after turning pro but he spent at least 2 seasons under a very strong coach with the Toronto Marlies. He got some extra tough love, a few attitude adjustments along the way while he learned some things about pro hiockey. And this year he's had a breakthrough NHL season so far.

Checkers, muckers and grinders are a dime a dozen and genuinely interchangeable year after year. Natural point producers and goal scorers are hard to find. Don't be surprised if Pirri stays a member of the Blackhawk organization longer than we all think. 3 strong seasons in minor pro just may be the amount of training he requires. If they decide he can't make then, he will be outta here.

I thought it was funny. But, once again, the Nuck entitlement syndrome emerges. I believe the points could be made that

1) Garrison plays in a different PP system which emphasizes more shots from the point - hard to compare him to Seabs - many of his goals have been even strength I think.

2) As always, Nuck numbers are padded with so many games against weak, weak teams. Can't wait to see you on the bubble next year against real divisional foes with developed talent.

Do you have a breakdown of Garrison's points? Who did he score them against? That would be a tell. I do like what he brings. Just hope he stays away from that cheap stuff Bieksa, Erhoff, Kesler et al play. Your team needs a remake in the next few years. Maybe when they finally dump Gillis?
- tredbrta

Not a valid argument... Our numbers against the top in the west have been good.

Game tonite is on CSN / CSN + - AFTER Bulls and Cubs - could miss most /all of the 1st period.

Will we get the NHL Network feed?

According to most Canucks fan's Keith's hit was one of the worst cheap shots in the history of sport. But Hossa was totally faking it when Hansen hit him and it was all actually Hossa's fault.

Both hits were bad, each player got suspended and it's time to move on.
- DarthKane

you really can't compare the 2.... one was a blatant retaliation cheap shot. The other... if it wasn't Hossa was not even a suspension.

Are you joking? Ask any NHL player - body checks are intended to hurt and inflict pain on the opponent. Not necessarily injure but if that's the by-product of a hard clean hit, all the better.

And if you watched the LA/Dallas game last night you"ll know what I'm referring to.
- RickJ

By hurt I meant injure. Poor wording on my part. Most players don't get hurt on normal hits, as they have been taking them their entire lives. I pretty much meant Kevin Bieksa isn't going into this game thinking, "I'm going to knock Jonathan Toews out for the year". I think most good NHL players hit to separate the man from the puck, as they know having the puck is the only way to score goals, thus win the game

Tradable and expendable - yes. The future #2 center in Chicago - no. Just when Pirri leaves could rest on the outcome of various scenarios involving multiple players.

But first of all realize that although improvement in skating and in other areas of his game, Pirri does not fit in nearly as preferred for a team blessed with a lot of team speed. And Pirri is not good enough in face offs.

Where does Stalberg and Bolland land next season? Is either Shaw or Kreuger going to develop into a #3 center next season.

You have Danault, McNeil, Nordstrom on the horizon. Each skates better. Danault and Nordstrom are better than Pirri on face offs. McNeill an all terrain, Danault could be an energy forward, and Nordstrom is a defensively solid good skater with descent skill. That is their calling card most likely as role players and on a #3 or #4 line in their freshman NHL days. When is that day....maybe late next year or later. And perhaps they aren't going to be putting points up soon, but later they have the projection to contribute offensively.

Pirri on the other hand is too one dimensional. Offense only. He has to be really good to hold the #2 center job. Another candidate for that job could be Leblanc. So yeah, Wiz, with one yr left on his contract Pirri does have a friendly cap hit if his salary is needed on the NHL roster. He can produce points if he plays with top six linemattes....so could Morin but both are a tad slow and I prefer skating speed whenever possible.

So when is Pirri traded? Who knows....not even Bowman knows yet how the roster shakes out after the playoffs and through training camp next fall.

Sure Bowman would like to get some 2013 picks back. Teams would probably rather give their 2014 picks, however, as everyone knows the quality and quantity of quality picks in 2013 is more desirable. It is just ironic that a player can win the AHL scoring title and yet he is not a good fit as could be for a center ice job in Chicago.

You can only hold on to prospects for as long as you can manage their salary and development on the ice. While we would like to think a prospect pushes a roster player for a job when the prospect is ready to replace someone at the NHL level, the team's economic situation may force Bowman's hand

So yes Pirri is tradable...but when/ for what? Time will tell.
- jhawk59

Couple of thoughts. Both Kruger and Shaw are capable of playing #3 center today, not much need for development there. Second, AHL points are meaningless in terms of NHL production, look at the top scorers every year, not one good NHL player among them. There is no proof he can produce points in the top 6. Dave Bolland was a superior offensive player compared to Pirri and he's struggling right now.

you really can't compare the 2.... one was a blatant retaliation cheap shot. The other... if it wasn't Hossa was not even a suspension.
- SMP8719

Why are you here? You aren't convincing anyone here to join your side on any of your homer arguments, be it the Vezina voting or this one. Why bother?

you really can't compare the 2.... one was a blatant retaliation cheap shot. The other... if it wasn't Hossa was not even a suspension.
- SMP8719

They were both bad plays, I wasn't saying which one was worse just that both were bad. I was trying to point out that Canucks fans see the Keith hit as wrong (which it was) but when one of their plays did something wrong (which he did) it was just an embellishment by the "victim" and the Canucks were unfairly punished.

Why are you here? You aren't convincing anyone here to join your side on any of your homer arguments, be it the Vezina voting or this one. Why bother?
- MartiniMan

Just making sure you know facts instead of homerism....

you really can't compare the 2.... one was a blatant retaliation cheap shot. The other... if it wasn't Hossa was not even a suspension.
- SMP8719

C'mon guys - ancient history - move on.

Who cares, he's still not "arguably the best goaltender in the league", that's the point.
- Ogilthorpe2

i wouldn't go that far..... I was just saying that he is easily top 10....

C'mon guys - ancient history - move on.
- StLBravesFan

I agree...thank you.

i wouldn't go that far..... I was just saying that he is easily top 10....
- SMP8719

Sh!t - EVERYONE'S Top 10.

i wouldn't go that far..... I was just saying that he is easily top 10....
- SMP8719

Great, now go convince your friends...

Goalie psyche? Schneider has arguably been the best goalie in the league this year.
- hertzman

I agree...thank you.
- DarthKane

Unfortunately, history has a way of repeating itself.