A hockey player would have took the field in the next half inning

They confirmed this morning - multiple facial fractures, dental work and stitches. Looked like a hockey injury they way the blood was flowing.
- stljam

That sucks for so many reasons , he was probably getting traded this winter. Now teams will have to wait and see how he is effected by this injury

That sucks for so many reasons , he was probably getting traded this winter. Now teams will have to wait and see how he is effected by this injury
- mrpaulish

Likely takes away the battle for MVP between himself and Kershaw too.

Thought I'd post this snippet from the Blackhawks website and the interview with Patrick Kane. This guy is a true pro! I think quite a bit of Marian Hossa has rubbed off on him -- how many guys this talented really work this hard at their craft??? Hossa leads by example and my belief is he was a significant influencer on Kane. These guys are showing the young guys what they need to do to be successful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You mention the eighth season. Does it feel like eight seasons on your body?

"No, it feels like it's my third or fourth. It's crazy. But they always say it goes by fast and I'm realizing that now. I still feel really good. I feel like I'm in the best shape I have been. I probably worked the hardest I have this summer as far as working out. It's probably the most I've skated any summer, for sure. I think it's beneficial for me to skate a lot, be on the ice, improve on certain things. I have always felt I'm a better player when I skate more. I just got into it this summer, kept skating. I have always enjoyed the game, love to play, so it's fun for me to go out there and skate and play, like you saw in these certain leagues. It's fun to get out there and work on your craft."

Thought I'd post this snippet from the Blackhawks website and the interview with Patrick Kane. This guy is a true pro! I think quite a bit of Marian Hossa has rubbed off on him -- how many guys this talented really work this hard at their craft??? Hossa leads by example and my belief is he was a significant influencer on Kane. These guys are showing the young guys what they need to do to be successful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You mention the eighth season. Does it feel like eight seasons on your body?

"No, it feels like it's my third or fourth. It's crazy. But they always say it goes by fast and I'm realizing that now. I still feel really good. I feel like I'm in the best shape I have been. I probably worked the hardest I have this summer as far as working out. It's probably the most I've skated any summer, for sure. I think it's beneficial for me to skate a lot, be on the ice, improve on certain things. I have always felt I'm a better player when I skate more. I just got into it this summer, kept skating. I have always enjoyed the game, love to play, so it's fun for me to go out there and skate and play, like you saw in these certain leagues. It's fun to get out there and work on your craft."
- savvyone-1

I hope the organ-I-zation hires Hossa as a life coach (or something to that effect) after his playing days are over. First Kane, then Saad. That is why I thought the deal to get rid of Pirri was to pre-mature. A season playing with guys like Hossa and Toews will get you experieinces you never get in the AHL. How to exist an a professional is just as important as how to play like a professional. Most times those skills are learned from example.

I hope the organ-I-zation hires Hossa as a life coach (or something to that effect) after his playing days are over. First Kane, then Saad. That is why I thought the deal to get rid of Pirri was to pre-mature. A season playing with guys like Hossa and Toews will get you experieinces you never get in the AHL. How to exist an a professional is just as important as how to play like a professional. Most times those skills are learned from example.
- powerenforcer

+100!!!
How true.

Big Hoss continues to amaze. He is a pro's pro and it's pretty clear he leads by quiet example. The fact that he's been around, has had success and works so hard is the kind of stuff that invaluable when those young guys see what it takes.

I am expecting a great season out of Kane and hope he stays healthy. Part of staying healthy is preparing properly -- getting your body ready for the rigors of a season is clearly top priority. I think it's not a surprise a guy like Kane, who clearly has worked hard in recent off-seasons, reaps the benefits of that preparation. Helping him stay off IR.

Would love to see Hoss stick around when his playing days are over.

+100!!!
How true.

Big Hoss continues to amaze. He is a pro's pro and it's pretty clear he leads by quiet example. The fact that he's been around, has had success and works so hard is the kind of stuff that invaluable when those young guys see what it takes.

I am expecting a great season out of Kane and hope he stays healthy. Part of staying healthy is preparing properly -- getting your body ready for the rigors of a season is clearly top priority. I think it's not a surprise a guy like Kane, who clearly has worked hard in recent off-seasons, reaps the benefits of that preparation. Helping him stay off IR.

Would love to see Hoss stick around when his playing days are over.
- savvyone-1

I'd love to see Hossa stick around as much as the next Blackhawks fan, but my guess is that he would return to Slovakia. I would see him running their national team.

Just an interesting factoid:

Most of the non-rostered fill forwards that make up the Blackhawks Rookie tournament team that are from the OHL have never been afraid of dropping them. And even Ryerson University’s Jamie Wise had a few.

I just remember the past few of these tourney’s where the Leaf rookies seem to be getting away with running roughshot on the Hawk teams with refs swallowing whistles.

I am not sure if the hawks are auditioning “role players” for the tourney or long term but just thought I would pass that on, to get you all overly excited so you could report how this guy and that guy who the hawks drafted in an early round showed you he/they was/were the future indictees into the NHL Hall of Fame and the management may have filled with some bodies that can protect them.

It is certainly NOT within the rules for a pitcher to "intentionally hurl baseballs at other players" - recently less than ever.

Umpires will call any suspected intentional hit, inside pitch, or purpose pitch, warning both benches, and expelling the next pitcher who even comes close to hitting a batter. They've pretty much taken away the inside pitch - even, considering how players crowd the plate today, the pitch over the inside part of the plate - it's impossible to move batters off the plate without getting the pitcher kicked out.

You want to see intentional HBP, you have to go back to Drysdale and Gibson.
- StLBravesFan

Its not within the rules but the punishment for it is so insignificant that it doesn't stop anyone from doing it. So they get thrown out of that one game? Big deal. And i think there's a difference between a pitcher hitting a batter who's crowding the plate and doesnt get out of the way in time, ...and that next retaliatory pitch that just plunks some guy in the back. THAT is what him talking about. If you're upset about one of your guys getting pitched too far inside and getting hit and you really feel you need to do something about it then throw some fists(since thats what these situations often end up escalating to anyways), dont just whip the ball at the other guy. I just think its a wussy AND dangerous way of retaliation.

Easy now buddy. Everyone playing baseball understands the risks of playing. From what I saw, and I may be wrong, there was nothing that precipitated the pitch. That is no event whereby the pitcher was trying to send a message.

Part of the blame goes to Stanton himself. You are never to open up to an inside pitch like that, but to turn in so your back takes the brunt and your head is down. That pitch was only 88 MPH.

Pitchers in baseball have not thrown inside for decades, because of that hitters plant themselves and get great looks/swings. We have seen more pitchers seriously injured over the last few years from line drives than hitters from HBP.

I understand your emotion from the trauma of the pitch, but lets not get crazy.
- TrueGrit

No i get all of that. I dont think Stanton was intentionally hit. But im saying the retaliation for him getting hit is where the issue lies. They just go out there and plunk someone back like its common practice, and it shouldnt be. And clearly u cant compare pitchers getting hit in freak accidents to something that is being done intentionally.

Its not within the rules but the punishment for it is so insignificant that it doesn't stop anyone from doing it. So they get thrown out of that one game? Big deal. And i think there's a difference between a pitcher hitting a batter who's crowding the plate and doesnt get out of the way in time, ...and that next retaliatory pitch that just plunks some guy in the back. THAT is what him talking about. If you're upset about one of your guys getting pitched to far inside and getting hit and you really feel you need to do something about it then throw some fists(since that what these situations end up escalating to anyways), dont just whip the ball at the other guy. I just think its a wussy AND dangerous way of retaliation.
- SimpleJack

But so many hockey fans think it's OK to go after the opposing team's star if someone hits your star.

That's baseball's danger, and it's always been (just like fighting in the NHL): hit my star with a pitch and your star is going down next time up.

These situations DON'T end up escalating to bench-clearing brawls - happens a couple of times a year per team, not anything approaching every game, or approaching how many fights there are in the NHL. By tossing pitchers at the first sign of retaliation (even to the point of pitchers being afraid to throw legitimate inside pitches), the league has put a limit on the escalations.

No i get all of that. I dont think Stanton was intentionally hit. But im saying the retaliation for him getting hit is where the issue lies. They just go out there and plunk someone back like its common practice, and it shouldnt be. And clearly u cant compare pitchers getting hit in freak accidents to something that is being done intentionally.
- SimpleJack

Typical bench clearing brawl: pitcher hits batter, batter takes exception, starts for the mound, catcher gets between the pitcher and the batter (or tackles the batter), benches clear, everyone is holding on to someone saying "hold me back", no punches are thrown.

Just an interesting factoid:

Most of the non-rostered fill forwards that make up the Blackhawks Rookie tournament team that are from the OHL have never been afraid of dropping them. And even Ryerson University’s Jamie Wise had a few.

I just remember the past few of these tourney’s where the Leaf rookies seem to be getting away with running roughshot on the Hawk teams with refs swallowing whistles.

I am not sure if the hawks are auditioning “role players” for the tourney or long term but just thought I would pass that on, to get you all overly excited so you could report how this guy and that guy who the hawks drafted in an early round showed you he/they was/were the future indictees into the NHL Hall of Fame and the management may have filled with some bodies that can protect them.
- wiz1901

I had tickets for the prospect tournament held in Oshawa a few years ago and some big dude on Toronto's roster Jamie Devane decided to try to intimidate this kid named Andrew Shaw. Shaw dropped them and while he didn't win the fight I noticed Devane picked other targets for the rest of the night.

I had tickets for the prospect tournament held in Oshawa a few years ago and some big dude on Toronto's roster Jamie Devane decided to try to intimidate this kid named Andrew Shaw. Shaw dropped them and while he didn't win the fight I noticed Devane picked other targets for the rest of the night.
- paulr

I am especially curious to see Hartman play this weekend.He seems to have bulked up and judging by his Rockford play late last season could be a wild card,another role player perhaps?

OT - Giancarlo Stanton got nailed tonight. You can see the blood pouring onto the ground out of his face. They say it is only a laceration. I'll be surprised if there aren't any broken bones in his face.
- stljam

Oh my, this baseball game can be freaking dangerous

I am especially curious to see Hartman play this weekend.He seems to have bulked up and judging by his Rockford play late last season could be a wild card,another role player perhaps?
- eagle50

He could be Shaw 2.0, could you imagine having 2 Shaws on the same line.

He could be Shaw 2.0, could you imagine having 2 Shaws on the same line.
- DarthKane

I don't know if that happens this season? I would think that it's a safe bet Hartman starts the season in Rockford. Depending on how he does to start the season would determine if he gets a look in Chicago sometime this season.

Honestly, it is kind of hard to judge where he's at right now. From the 9 game sample I saw, he started off slow and seemed to come together a little more in the final three games of the season. There was some improvement over that short sample size of games, but it's kind of hard (at least for me) to judge whether or not he's actually a contender for a roster spot to start the season, or a chance to get a look mid-season.

In short, I guess I'm reserving having much of an opinion until I see more of him.

In addition, if you're just looking at the stats he put up in those 9 games (3g, 4a) that might skew the actual opinion on where Hartman really is development wise. Hartman collected 4 of those 7 points (3g, 1a) in the last two games of last season. One game was a tough 2 goal loss to Chicago, and the other was a blowout of a Charlotte team that really didn't show up to play.

I am especially curious to see Hartman play this weekend.He seems to have bulked up and judging by his Rockford play late last season could be a wild card,another role player perhaps?
- eagle50

Rest assured, Hartman will be an nhler b/c he has so many different attributes he can continue to develop,
And remember I an the furthest from rah rah guy on picks until I see there stuff there.
He has upside to slide around the lines and can police (at his present size & weight) or irritate, but also has solid instincts and good hands and feet.

I rarely push the full positive line on kids but he is a fine prospect who was a surprise to have dropped to the hawks.
He is fearless but smart hockey player who isn't ready but is ready to answer the call if brought up.

I don't know if that happens this season? I would think that it's a safe bet Hartman starts the season in Rockford. Depending on how he does to start the season would determine if he gets a look in Chicago sometime this season.

Honestly, it is kind of hard to judge where he's at right now. From the 9 game sample I saw, he started off slow and seemed to come together a little more in the final three games of the season. There was some improvement over that short sample size of games, but it's kind of hard (at least for me) to judge whether or not he's actually a contender for a roster spot to start the season, or a chance to get a look mid-season.

In short, I guess I'm reserving having much of an opinion until I see more of him.

In addition, if you're just looking at the stats he put up in those 9 games (3g, 4a) that might skew the actual opinion on where Hartman really is development wise. Hartman collected 4 of those 7 points (3g, 1a) in the last two games of last season. One game was a tough 2 goal loss to Chicago, and the other was a blowout of a Charlotte team that really didn't show up to play.
- EKolb13

I wasn't thinking that would happen this season, just eventually. I would think McNeill would get a callup over Hartman.

I wasn't thinking that would happen this season, just eventually. I would think McNeill would get a callup over Hartman.
- DarthKane

McNeill is in a heavier class and really tougher than the pro adjustment period has shown. He is very smart on the ice too. He is bigger man who needs the boots to improve but sure he too slides all around lineup eventually but I think there another guy there who gets first call up to play the man...

I don't know if that happens this season? I would think that it's a safe bet Hartman starts the season in Rockford. Depending on how he does to start the season would determine if he gets a look in Chicago sometime this season.

Honestly, it is kind of hard to judge where he's at right now. From the 9 game sample I saw, he started off slow and seemed to come together a little more in the final three games of the season. There was some improvement over that short sample size of games, but it's kind of hard (at least for me) to judge whether or not he's actually a contender for a roster spot to start the season, or a chance to get a look mid-season.

In short, I guess I'm reserving having much of an opinion until I see more of him.

In addition, if you're just looking at the stats he put up in those 9 games (3g, 4a) that might skew the actual opinion on where Hartman really is development wise. Hartman collected 4 of those 7 points (3g, 1a) in the last two games of last season. One game was a tough 2 goal loss to Chicago, and the other was a blowout of a Charlotte team that really didn't show up to play.
- EKolb13

Eli, curious how Shaw/Saad looked at Rockford? Did they immediately stand out to you or did it take some time to find his game? They were both there only half a season so I assume they stood out.

Do you usually immediately notice the NHL bound players or is it more like McNeil - down at first then up after they settle in?

McNeill is in a heavier class and really tougher than the pro adjustment period has shown. He is very smart on the ice too. He is bigger man who needs the boots to improve but sure he too slides all around lineup eventually but I think there another guy there who gets first call up to play the man...
- wiz1901

Niedereitter signed in Minny. 3 years 2.66m per.

What a steal he turned out to be. Fletcher pulling him in and drafting Haula in the 7th.... Nice!

Niedereitter signed in Minny. 3 years 2.66m per.

What a steal he turned out to be. Fletcher pulling him in and drafting Haula in the 7th.... Nice!
- tredbrta

Nino for a 3rd was a very good trade, I'm surprised New York gave up on hime so soon. Wait a minute, this is Garth Snow we're talking about, I'm not surprised at all.

Rest assured, Hartman will be an nhler b/c he has so many different attributes he can continue to develop,
And remember I an the furthest from rah rah guy on picks until I see there stuff there.
He has upside to slide around the lines and can police (at his present size & weight) or irritate, but also has solid instincts and good hands and feet.

I rarely push the full positive line on kids but he is a fine prospect who was a surprise to have dropped to the hawks.
He is fearless but smart hockey player who isn't ready but is ready to answer the call if brought up.
- wiz1901

Agree w/ you Wiz. I see a lot of good things in Hartman at this early stage. His game looks very adaptable to the NHL. His development should be a good watch.

Rest assured, Hartman will be an nhler b/c he has so many different attributes he can continue to develop,
And remember I an the furthest from rah rah guy on picks until I see there stuff there.
He has upside to slide around the lines and can police (at his present size & weight) or irritate, but also has solid instincts and good hands and feet.

I rarely push the full positive line on kids but he is a fine prospect who was a surprise to have dropped to the hawks.
He is fearless but smart hockey player who isn't ready but is ready to answer the call if brought up.
- wiz1901

Do you recall why Hartman dropped to 30th?

Hey team,

I'm heading to London, ON tomorrow to check out the Rookie Tournament. Anyone specifically (outside of the usual suspects) you want me to keep an eye on?

I will have a blog later next week about it.


Also, here is some Friday reading to get you to the weekend. This is a Coach Q focused article and how good he really is:

http://bit.ly/WUrLwc