Happy Thanksgiving to everybody......even Unnamed Source.

Fun game last night. Saw it from the TSN feed. Was kind of hoping that since they're losing hockey, they'd let the F-bombs fly and tell all the stories you couldn't say and tell the fans what they really think of the players.......Needless to say that didn't happen.Pirri didn't have a good game and I can see where it warranted a benching. It wasn't just that play where he broke his stick. But I thought he acclimated well with Steeger and Shaw on the third line and his Corsi's have been stellar all year. Snufalufagus (Handzus) was huffing and puffing keeping up with Kane so that won't be an option for too long. Pirri will continue to get chances simply because there aren't that many centers as opposed to where there are plenty of wings to J-Mo's spot. Here's hoping he rebounds starting Friday.

Raanta was ok. the puck seemed to pop out of the glove a little more than I'd like. And I can see why ideally you'd like this kid to spend a whole year with the Pigs. But he did all you ask of a backup goalie. So here's hoping Q gets him into another game fairly soon. That Florida game on the 8th looks good...

Onwards.
- yahoodi

It seems like TSN were a bunch of arrogant pr$cks when negotiating an extension to their current deal with the tiny, perfect Commish and got their lunch handed to them as a result.

Good article by Dave Shoalts in the Globe and Mail today about it. I'm not technically proficient enough to post it here - maybe somebody else can.

Good article by Dave Shoalts in the Globe and Mail today about it. I'm not technically proficient enough to post it here - maybe somebody else can.
- RickJ

http://www.theglobeandmai...with-nhl/article15647965/

Happy 🍗 day John and all of Hawk Nation! be safe and eat lots.....

It seems like TSN were a bunch of arrogant pr$cks when negotiating an extension to their current deal with the tiny, perfect Commish and got their lunch handed to them as a result.

Good article by Dave Shoalts in the Globe and Mail today about it. I'm not technically proficient enough to post it here - maybe somebody else can.
- RickJ

Sorry, Tug beat me to it

http://www.theglobeandmai...with-nhl/article15647965/

Sorry, Tug beat me to it

http://www.theglobeandmai...with-nhl/article15647965/
- philco28

Sometimes sorry just doesn't cut it, Phil... LOL.

I would say happy Thanksgiving, but don't you guys have a gratitude day in October?

It seems like TSN were a bunch of arrogant pr$cks when negotiating an extension to their current deal with the tiny, perfect Commish and got their lunch handed to them as a result.

Good article by Dave Shoalts in the Globe and Mail today about it. I'm not technically proficient enough to post it here - maybe somebody else can.
- RickJ

Be interesting to see how fast Sportsnet poaches all the on air talent. MacLean and Kypreos will be replaced by Dreger and Mckenzie as soon as contracts/buyouts can happen.

Be interesting to see how fast Sportsnet poaches all the on air talent. MacLean and Kypreos will be replaced by Dreger and Mckenzie as soon as contracts/buyouts can happen.
- paulr

Maclean and Kypreos should be transferred to the KHL immediately as far as I'm concerned.

The guy I really like is Jeff O'Neill (Odog) - he tells it like it is as a former player. And he just loves hammering your man Dion Phaneuf.

Sometimes sorry just doesn't cut it, Phil... LOL.

I would say happy Thanksgiving, but don't you guys have a gratitude day in October?
- Tugboat

....we had ours a few weeks back

Maclean and Kypreos should be transferred to the KHL immediately as far as I'm concerned.

The guy I really like is Jeff O'Neill (Odog) - he tells it like it is as a former player. And he just loves hammering your man Dion Phaneuf.
- RickJ

My Man?? The Princess is a man?? I hear ODog every night on the way home, and he's OK but he is kinda dumb.

From Friedman's newest 30 Thoughts:

Michal Handzus is back in Chicago's lineup. But it's pretty clear the Blackhawks are going to rest him as much as possible to save his best for the playoffs. In the meantime, they're testing more youth in big roles. Brandon Saad and Andrew Shaw were major contributors to the 2013 championship team and it appears Brandon Pirri will be given that chance this time. Pirri spent the summer in Chicago working out with Brandon Bollig. After three AHL seasons (174 points in 212 games), Pirri said the organization told him to be confident in himself because he would get a shot. He looks pretty good.

From Friedman's newest 30 Thoughts:

Michal Handzus is back in Chicago's lineup. But it's pretty clear the Blackhawks are going to rest him as much as possible to save his best for the playoffs. In the meantime, they're testing more youth in big roles. Brandon Saad and Andrew Shaw were major contributors to the 2013 championship team and it appears Brandon Pirri will be given that chance this time. Pirri spent the summer in Chicago working out with Brandon Bollig. After three AHL seasons (174 points in 212 games), Pirri said the organization told him to be confident in himself because he would get a shot. He looks pretty good.
- prd797

Best case scenario, Handzus plays 4th line minutes during the regular season with maybe some PK time. Pirri also needs time to develop and grow into the 2C role.

Raanta looked solid and composed for a rookie. I like the way he moves in the net. He's got some quick reflexes and definitely kept the Hawks in the game early on. A+ first outing for Antti 2.0 which is really nice to see considering how bad of a move signing Khabi has been thus far.

Sharp was buzzing around the net again. Lots of missed opportunities for him last night, although the effort was there. He must have had two open net opportunities besides the goal he scored. Must have felt some serious relief when he finally did cash that one in. Sick play by Hossa who looked fantastic throughout the whole game. Amazing what he brings to the lineup as one player.

Kane looked unreal last night. Even before he scored that first goal he had just dazzled again with his hands and stickhandling, putting on a clinic as he has done so many times this season. What is his ceiling as a player? Has he reached it? What an exciting player to watch and he seems to still be improving. Scary.

We are spoiled as Hawks fans. With all the premium talent this team has in their top 6 like Toews, Hossa, Sharp and Kane it is easy to overlook the developing studs like Saad, Kruger and Shaw, who continue to improve and grow into their roles as well. Saad has those moments where he looks like a truly special player especially when you take his age into consideration.

Love watching this team, even though we are one of the more bipolar fanbases we all need to calm the hell down sometimes. This team is incredible.
- Ballam

Obviously agree with everything. Just want to say this as well:

As fans having experienced two recent Cups, we have high expectations. But consider if you are our opponent. Think of a detailed report or JJ preview. The Blackhawks lineup is deep, it is very impressive, and there is help down the road with some good drafts. Moreover, we just won two Cups with the main body of the team still intact. A player like Hossa is a beast. Our captain has lived and survived adversity last playoffs. Our goaltender has stepped up after his playoffs against Phoenix was poor a couple years ago. Keith is playing like the best dman around. My, my we have a lot to be thankful for ..........thankful for our very very good team and Cup chance again as we sit down for turkey.

Best case scenario, Handzus plays 4th line minutes during the regular season with maybe some PK time. Pirri also needs time to develop and grow into the 2C role.
- DarthKane

Zeus, I would think 4th line minutes with recurring nights off until the playoffs... I think Pirri is going to be alright, though an emergence on par with Saad last year isn't necessarily likely. Between Hoss and Bickell, and any other possible injuries in the future, it now seems like acquiring Steeger was more of a necessity than a pleasant surprise, though I doubt Morin thinks so.

It seems like TSN were a bunch of arrogant pr$cks when negotiating an extension to their current deal with the tiny, perfect Commish and got their lunch handed to them as a result.

Good article by Dave Shoalts in the Globe and Mail today about it. I'm not technically proficient enough to post it here - maybe somebody else can.
- RickJ

It seems that underneath it all big market teams had something go their way after a tough summer.

Cap should keep going up and I heard one estimate saying it should be at least $100 mill in 5 years....Without pulling out my abacus that number doesn't seem out of reach.

Kane leads rally as Hawks beat Flames 3-2.
On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/17Zd3ZE - Happy Thanksgiving!

Also concerning Pirri "benching"....He had shifts after taking a bad penalty and the miscue that led to a goal...

He hasn't been playing much in the last 1/2 of the the 3rd period anyway.

Kane leads rally as Hawks beat Flames 3-2.
On The Blackhawks: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/17Zd3ZE - Happy Thanksgiving!

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Good game last night you guys!

Too bad we can't hold a lead haha.

The west is such a tough conference, it's unbelievable.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, its nice that we are able to celebrate together
If anyone can get in contact with my fav player B52, tell him next time stay away from the Super Heavyweights like McGratton and others and stay with the regular heavyweights that he can handle
- Maggie

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. I was thinking of Maggie after reading your post - he was famous for showing up and often coming up on the short end of the fight. His teammates loved him for it, and I'm sure Bollig's teammates loved him going last night. His body might not agree, however...

What was that message? Play perfect? No mistakes? What's the Mantra?

Or does Mantra = the boards collective deferral to something nobody can see or understand?

I don't doubt what you say in your last sentence, it is almost comical half the time trying to justify or understand what causes this phenomona. Obviously Q prefers other guys, his call, but Pirri on at least 2 occasions made nice defensive plays back checking and blocking centering pass and clearing the puck.

Happy Thanksgiving all.
- TrueGrit

Not sure what the message was, but my guess is that Pirri knows. My favorite teachers in my life (in school and out of school) were those that demanded a lot from me. For me, this is a good thing. But I understand you see it differently.

Happy Thanksgiving to you. Really enjoy the banter you create here - and often agree with it (wtf is wrong with me?).

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Go Hawks and in the civil war, Go Beavs!

Raanta looked better in his debut than I remember Crawford looking. Comfortable, tracking the puck, not losing his crease. His "header" of the deflected shot was pretty good. Very encouraging after the disaster of Khabiblowin.


- Kentxo

Win or lose the story of the game for me was Raanta. I was, and still am, concerned the money spent on Versteeg would inhibit, if not end, the Hawks' chances of acquiring a competent backup for Crawford. The Wall looks to be done and riding Crawford too hard could lead to injury or burnout, either one killing Hawk playoff chances.

I agree the kid (25 yrs old) looked good, most importantly to me he moved well and handled the NHL speed. He was in balance, square with a nice quiet body. No over-playing, stabbing, stumbling, scrambling, cheating. Things an overmatched goalie will do.

Raanta doesn't need to be spectacular, only competent/solid to allow Crawford the rest he needs to stay healthy and sharp. .....The kid passed the first test.

Hats off to Q for finding the right spot for Raanta's debut.

From Friedman's newest 30 Thoughts:

Michal Handzus is back in Chicago's lineup. But it's pretty clear the Blackhawks are going to rest him as much as possible to save his best for the playoffs. In the meantime, they're testing more youth in big roles. Brandon Saad and Andrew Shaw were major contributors to the 2013 championship team and it appears Brandon Pirri will be given that chance this time. Pirri spent the summer in Chicago working out with Brandon Bollig. After three AHL seasons (174 points in 212 games), Pirri said the organization told him to be confident in himself because he would get a shot. He looks pretty good.
- prd797

Q seems to have this down to a science. He's getting Hossa, Handzus and Rozival their rest and going by the Hawk record is picking his spots perfectly.

Add that guys like Smith and Morin are getting minutes because of this, Pirri is getting 2nd line minutes and the addition of Versteeg allows for interchanging the top 6 Q is seemingly playing his roster like a fiddle.

If one were to look at the Hawks' depth just look at how effective the 4th line of Bollig, Kruger and Smith have been. ..... Q is just rolling 4 lines until he needs to shorten the bench when they're trailing late.

The depth is allowing older guys rest, the rest they get is allowing bottom 6/inexperienced guys minutes.

Win or lose the story of the game for me was Raanta. I was, and still am, concerned the money spent on Versteeg would inhibit, if not end, the Hawks' chances of acquiring a competent backup for Crawford. The Wall looks to be done and riding Crawford too hard could lead to injury or burnout, either one killing Hawk playoff chances.

I agree the kid (25 yrs old) looked good, most importantly to me he moved well and handled the NHL speed. He was in balance, square with a nice quiet body. No over-playing, stabbing, stumbling, scrambling, cheating. Things an overmatched goalie will do.

Raanta doesn't need to be spectacular, only competent/solid to allow Crawford the rest he needs to stay healthy and sharp. .....The kid passed the first test.

Hats off to Q for finding the right spot for Raanta's debut.
- Mr Ricochet

Beauty post Mr. R

Q seems to have this down to a science. He's getting Hossa, Handzus and Rozival their rest and going by the Hawk record is picking his spots perfectly.

Add that guys like Smith and Morin are getting minutes because of this, Pirri is getting 2nd line minutes and the addition of Versteeg allows for interchanging the top 6 Q is seemingly playing his roster like a fiddle.

If one were to look at the Hawks' depth just look at how effective the 4th line of Bollig, Kruger and Smith have been. ..... Q is just rolling 4 lines until he needs to shorten the bench when they're trailing late.

The depth is allowing older guys rest, the rest they get is allowing bottom 6/inexperienced guys minutes.
- Mr Ricochet

Great post! He also gives his 4th line some important minutes at crucial times too. ie: The 4th line scoring the cup winning goal! The Q haters seem to not see the forest for the trees.

Win or lose the story of the game for me was Raanta. I was, and still am, concerned the money spent on Versteeg would inhibit, if not end, the Hawks' chances of acquiring a competent backup for Crawford. The Wall looks to be done and riding Crawford too hard could lead to injury or burnout, either one killing Hawk playoff chances.

I agree the kid (25 yrs old) looked good, most importantly to me he moved well and handled the NHL speed. He was in balance, square with a nice quiet body. No over-playing, stabbing, stumbling, scrambling, cheating. Things an overmatched goalie will do.

Raanta doesn't need to be spectacular, only competent/solid to allow Crawford the rest he needs to stay healthy and sharp. .....The kid passed the first test.

Hats off to Q for finding the right spot for Raanta's debut.
- Mr Ricochet

I'm not so worried about that. Next season Raanta will take Khabby's money or maybe even a bit less. Besides, if it came down to it Stan can deal Versteeg's contract. I don't think he'd have a hard time trading him with a $2.2 mil cap hit.

I'm not so worried about that. Next season Raanta will take Khabby's money or maybe even a bit less. Besides, if it came down to it Stan can deal Versteeg's contract. I don't think he'd have a hard time trading him with a $2.2 mil cap hit.
- DarthKane

Haven't thought much about next year as far as a backup is concerned but you know what I missed that Raanta is getting a good look this year, assuming he holds on to the #2 spot, and of course that will help evaluate how StanBowPops&McD proceed next year.

And as far as Versteeg goes, at least concerning this year, I do think he's matured. His turnovers, same as the one by Pirri last night on a back pass, annahilated my blood pressure in his last stint here. He's really limited those and if that keeps up and he skates anywhere near like he did last night Q will have a valuable option in Chris who can play like a top 6 but skates 3rd line and can play PP and PK.

Again, for me it all hinges on Raanta to be competent to allow Crawford to sit for 10-15 or so games going forward. The rest will seemingly fall into place due to depth and plenty of options for Q.