Not bad.

Raanta hangs in there, and

I was told second hand that a certain candidate for the Buffalo job said yesterday to a friend the next year's cap will actually be 72 mil (that Gary was trying to be conservative with his number) but that the Canadien NHL broadcasting deal will push the Cap to maybe as high as 120 million, but at least 100 million for the 2015-2016 season.

Not sure I understand what Bollig to step up means…

Shaw gets a shot befor ethe last couple games in the midsection.

the player the line is playing lights out, and clearly met all expectations.

The guy is turning out to be a real hockey player!

While many were longing for the blood or Rousell as some sort of retribution, not sure if anyone noticed or mentioned prior, but the Hawks were clearly set on going out and thoroughly embarrasing the Stars last night.

I believe they were intent on winning 10 - 0 to send that message.

And when opportunties presented themselves, rub Roussel face in it and see if he would go.

Did Shaw have concussion type issue, or was it more a bad hand from punching helmet?

That reminded me of an old school Edmonton Oilers coming to town to embarrass you in front of your wife and kids beat down.

Isnt that why he is on the team? I mean i know he does a little more than JUST fighting, but thats what got him a spot on the team and i think he needs to get back to that. Otherwise hes just a random bigger guy on the 4th line with a hard shot that cant score from close range haha. I still like him but its annoying to see him not lighting guys up either with his fists or with major body checks.
- BlazinMike

If all Bollig is going to do is fight most of the time he won't be in Chicago very long. This team has no spot on the roster for somebody who really can't take a regular shift.

His job is to play a physical game and use the body on opposing defenceman. If a real need to fight occurs, he can be expected to do that but that doesn't include pre-planned bouts that are of no value to his team.

Today's On The Blackhawks...

Hawks steamroll Stars 6-2.
Was the choice really between Versteeg or trading for another goalie? Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1cozymS

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Excellent article Al, thanks.

I am still stoked about the Versteeg deal. There's just no way Stan could or should have passed up on that deal. Acquiring a solid veteran forward, with a ring, who can consistently score 40-50 points and play any position on the top 3 lines (albeit he's ideally a 3rd line winger) and play on both special teams units for 2 prospects who'll never crack the lineup? On top of that the Panthers retain half of Steegers cap hit for the rest if the contract. I love this deal.

Florida gets something good too. Dale gets 2 young guns who can immediately help. Hayes and Olsen may not have been good enough for the Blackhawks this season but they have something to offer and should help the Panthers.

Given our goaltending situation I'm still glad Stan made this trade. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm happy with Stan giving Raanta and Simpson a chance, why waste the assets to acquire a 3rd string goalie who he may have to waive later in the season. Raanta is doing just fine and I want to see more of him.

Kris Stewart beat the crap put of that punk Rousell also. It's on youtube.

While many were longing for the blood or Rousell as some sort of retribution, not sure if anyone noticed or mentioned prior, but the Hawks were clearly set on going out and thoroughly embarrasing the Stars last night.

I believe they were intent on winning 10 - 0 to send that message.

And when opportunties presented themselves, rub Roussel face in it and see if he would go.

Did Shaw have concussion type issue, or was it more a bad hand from punching helmet?

That reminded me of an old school Edmonton Oilers coming to town to embarrass you in front of your wife and kids beat down.
- TrueGrit

1. Shaw had a ribcage issue.

2. Don't know if you remember but Edmonton could and would engage physically and would dish out as much as they got. Semeko wasn't there to win the Art Ross. Yes they would try to embarrrass you on the scoreboard but they also had players for protection.

1. Shaw had a ribcage issue.

2. Don't know if you remember but Edmonton could and would engage physically and would dish out as much as they got. Semeko wasn't there to win the Art Ross. Yes they would try to embarrrass you on the scoreboard but they also had players for protection.
- paulr

I do, but by and large they controlled the puck for most of the game. I was referring more to the "breaking of wills" that would occur, that is teams all but giving up. Dallas had some of that last night. You know the "please make it stop" look on their faces.

Your point is taken.

If all Bollig is going to do is fight most of the time he won't be in Chicago very long. This team has no spot on the roster for somebody who really can't take a regular shift.

His job is to play a physical game and use the body on opposing defenceman. If a real need to fight occurs, he can be expected to do that but that doesn't include pre-planned bouts that are of no value to his team.
- RickJ

Yeah i know hes gotta be able to take a regular shift. I understand that, but when he first came up with the team he fought...every game. THATS what got him a spot on the roster, was the willingness in my opinion. Glad to see he can do more, but he doesnt score goals aside from an occasional one here and there and he doesnt make as many big hits as id like to see from a 4th line big guy who is supposed to be physical

Excellent article Al, thanks.

I am still stoked about the Versteeg deal. There's just no way Stan could or should have passed up on that deal. Acquiring a solid veteran forward, with a ring, who can consistently score 40-50 points and play any position on the top 3 lines (albeit he's ideally a 3rd line winger) and play on both special teams units for 2 prospects who'll never crack the lineup? On top of that the Panthers retain half of Steegers cap hit for the rest if the contract. I love this deal.

Florida gets something good too. Dale gets 2 young guns who can immediately help. Hayes and Olsen may not have been good enough for the Blackhawks this season but they have something to offer and should help the Panthers.

Given our goaltending situation I'm still glad Stan made this trade. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm happy with Stan giving Raanta and Simpson a chance, why waste the assets to acquire a 3rd string goalie who he may have to waive later in the season. Raanta is doing just fine and I want to see more of him.
- DarthKane

Thanks and ...

Really not much reason to get into a fight being up by 3/4 goals.

What we don't know and matters a great deal is players normally don't fight when hurt...

By hurt...Bollig's hands could be like raw hamburger meat for all we know...Shaw is coming off an injury...He passed on a fight last night too.

Dallas will encourage Roussel to be a Cooke like player.

Fans will have little else to look forward to there in another month.

By March you will be able to count the bodies in the seats by hand...Looks like a money pit in Big D to me...

Hawks steamroll Stars 6-2.
Was the choice really between Versteeg or trading for another goalie? Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1cozymS

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

It would be nice to see Saad have a little nasty in his game. He's big enough.

It would be nice to see Saad have a little nasty in his game. He's big enough.
- rnewman291

As long as not shy, which he isn't but he will get meaner in time.

Hawks steamroll Stars 6-2.
Was the choice really between Versteeg or trading for another goalie? Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1cozymS

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Kris Stewart beat the crap put of that punk Rousell also. It's on youtube.
- rnewman291

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B6aLo4YYOQ

National broadcast tonight with Pierre?

National broadcast tonight with Pierre?


- prd797

Emery in net for the Flyers...

1. Shaw had a ribcage issue.

2. Don't know if you remember but Edmonton could and would engage physically and would dish out as much as they got. Semeko wasn't there to win the Art Ross. Yes they would try to embarrrass you on the scoreboard but they also had players for protection.
- paulr

Shaw took a nasty hit in the corner - delivered by Dallas's Dillon in the previous Dallas game. It was late in the game. He landed super hard and had a tough time getting up.

so.....

Saad 8yrs/36m sound about right for everyone?

so.....

Saad 8yrs/36m sound about right for everyone?
- ChicagoDave

How about a 2 year deal to bridge him over to the big one? The Hawks have the leverage for this deal, why not use that leverage in their favour? Nothing wrong with making a young guy earn his big payday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B6aLo4YYOQ
- Glenman12

I watched a bunch of Roussells fights after watching this one. He doesnt lose very often. Stewart handled him in this one but a lot of other ones i saw were either draws or wins in his favor

Saad only needs four more points to tie his total for last season. Also, he's shooting at just over 17%. Very happy to have been proved wrong about what he has become on this team.

He picks his spots a bit Paul. He definitely isn't like Kaleta though. FWIW, Sharp is actually a better fighter than both Seabs and Shaw.
- Elbows15

No, he's NOT

National broadcast tonight with Pierre?


- prd797

I think so...

Hawks steamroll Stars 6-2.
Was the choice really between Versteeg or trading for another goalie? Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1cozymS

No, he's NOT

- philco28

I think i agree with Phil on this one to a certain extent. Sharp is a decent fighter but i dont know if theres any evidence to support that hes BETTER than Shaw and/or Seabrook. I wouldnt say any of them are GREAT fighters, but i definitely wouldnt put Sharp ahead of those two. Just my opinion

I think i agree with Phil on this one to a certain extent. Sharp is a decent fighter but i dont know if theres any evidence to support that hes BETTER than Shaw and/or Seabrook. I wouldnt say any of them are GREAT fighters, but i definitely wouldnt put Sharp ahead of those two. Just my opinion
- BlazinMike

Sharp's grown a nice mean streak the last few years and i think he's bought himself some extra space because of it. He's an o.k. fighter, but Shaw and Seabs are better, especially Shaw, who fought a lot in junior.

Seabs got destroyed by that goof back in March

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXc6MNCXgyg

National broadcast tonight with Pierre?


- prd797

Yes on NBCS at 7:00 Chicago time..

so.....

Saad 8yrs/36m sound about right for everyone?
- ChicagoDave

I'd do that deal in a heartbeat, but I don't think Saad would. It's a similar deal to Cody Hodgson's at 6 years $4.25 million per. I think the startign point on a long term deal like this would be $5 million per season. Again, 6-8 years at $5 million for Saad would be worth it. But I think Stan will want a 2-3 year bridge contract to cap management purposes.