Justin Lowe: Hawks vs. Pens: Teaser The Chicago Blackhawks take on the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight.

Season Matchup:

Chicago ✔
Pittsburgh

11-7-3 = 25 points
3rd in Metropolitan
Last game: WON vs. Sens (3-1) on Nov 16th
GF: 58 / GA: 73
PP% = 23.8% (3rd in NHL)
PK% = 78.3% (22nd in NHL)
Sniper(s): Kessel & Sheary – 8 goals
Producer: Kessel – 24 points
Tough Guys: Reaves– 66 PIMs & 62 hits

First.....
Thanks Justin for everything you have done so far. Go Hawks Go

Sounds like these guys took nights off, that feature is
no longer a luxury.

“We were a little bit behind the 8-ball, where these games mean a little bit more at this point in our season,” Patrick Kane said. “Could be a good thing, too. Now it’s almost like every game is so important, you’re playing to win every game. It’s almost like you’re playing playoff hockey right away. It’s good to kind of get into that mode and really play like we’re trying to win the games, because we know how important these points are right now.”

https://chicago.suntimes....rgency-in-regular-season/

Justin Lowe: Hawks vs. Pens: Teaser
The Chicago Blackhawks take on the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight.

Season Matchup:

Chicago ✔
Pittsburgh

11-7-3 = 25 points
3rd in Metropolitan
Last game: WON vs. Sens (3-1) on Nov 16th
GF: 58 / GA: 73
PP% = 23.8% (3rd in NHL)
PK% = 78.3% (22nd in NHL)
Sniper(s): Kessel & Sheary – 8 goals
Producer: Kessel – 24 points
Tough Guys: Reaves– 66 PIMs & 62 hits
- Justin Lowe

Will definitely be a good measuring stick on where the team is right now, I thought the NYR game could of gone either way

A nice convincing win against a solid opponent would go a long way.

Let's see how 19 and 7 perform, I'll be watching for sure

I wish Q would put D-Cat up with Toews and Saad for a full game and see how that line does. I think dropping Panik back to the 3rd line isn't a bad thing either.

I have a secret and you can't know. I am so grateful to be a professional hockey player, enjoying a kids game and paid handsomely to keep playing as an adult. It is extremely gratifying to have all these awards and not just one, but three Cups and to represent the country , getting the gold medal....It's all so wow...I can say how much it means to play here for great fans and how thankful to have had a great run

BUT now I know you all are asking like the so called $64,000 question. To season ticket holders it is a $5700 or $12,000 expenditure and to all the loyal fans I know you want to know more about my new style how I play.

Our opponents each night want to know what's up with Toews, they want to continue to mug him and whack away fairly often with immunity. The league and his own players have left captain Toews to fend for himself because, well he plays tough and so he has to out tough everyone to maintain the status quo

It is managing the status quo, Jonathon, that you are good at publicly and not too much your new style. You are entitled to that big contract. You deserve it. Fans are entitled too as they are your support. So what gives?

OBVIOUSLY Toews has physical limitation due to the abuse from playing hockey. Could be damaged body or real big concern about a concussion if was to increase odds to get another concussion by the way he had always performed.

Maybe Toews and Seabrook were dinged up worse than we knew at the conclusion of last season. No doubt that they worked for the big contract and want to collect now this one more year before their career may be in jeopardy

The Blackhawks have an investment in these two on the ice for the good of the team as well as their fans. The management end of it all knows that both players are still serviceable. I am sure players and coaches have an understanding not to reveal what they know or have a ģood idea about the health of these two.

It is against odds that both will overcome their injuries, in totality to overcome them! May they improve their performance this season should anything about their health improve. Ask a doctor, ask him about what you perceive to be the health issues . But do not expect players or management to squeel.

How good are we with secrets. Well on one hand, we miss playoffs with their less than adequate, their less than needed performance on ice.

This secret business is not for me. I would ask them directly, but I am not in a position to do so. Who will ask, Justin and are those asking going to become persona non gratis? Inquiring minds/fans are left out in the cold

Toews gave a lengthy interview to a French language publication in Canada.

http://ici.radio-canada.c...toews-blackhawks-chicago/

Here's the roughly translated content:

I owe a lot of gratitude to ma mom, Andrée Gilbert.

I owe her my mother tongue, French, of course, but also so much more. She passed on her values. She taught me to work hard and reach my goals.

For her, it’s always been important that we give our best, and that we maximize out talents. This concept is still at the heart of my life even today.

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I’m as stubborn as her.

When she has an idea in her head, she doesn’t let up until she reaches her goal. She’s a hard worker with a will of iron.

She’s been a bit my personal assistant since the beginning of my career. She manages, with my agent Pat Brisson, the numerous offers I get. She spends a lot of time on the phone, so that I don’t have to. She also takes care of planning my finances since she worked for a long time at the Caisse populaire Saint-Boniface in Winnipeg [French bank].

I’m so lucky to be able to rely on such support. Sometimes, we gotta put aside her role of assistant to get back to out mother-son relationship.

She’s a huge part of my life.

It’s of course my mom who taught me French. She was born in Beauce, Québec, and she’s always wanted my brother David and I to learn and master French. We always talk together in French.

My francophone roots are an integral part of my identity. When I was younger, I went to a French school in Winnipeg, and it wasn’t always easy to speak French as a minority.

For example, all my hockey friends were anglophones.

I remember, in high school, when I went to study at Shattuck St Mary’s, Minnesota, I was reading a lot of books in French that had nothing to do with homework or class. Simply because I thought it was important.

I am proud to speak French and of being French Manitoban. We don’t always realise when we’re young, but it enriches your life to speak two languages and to share that culture.

It’s not easy to not lose my French when living in Chicago because everything is in English. I don’t speak French every day and, sometimes, I have a hard time finding the right words. But I’ve always worked to keep my language.

I hope one day to share this cultural wealth with my future kids. I know it’ll be a challenge. French schools are rare in Chicago. It takes daily efforts on top of school. But for me, it’s really important.

I can’t deny it: I entirely deserve my Captain Serious nickname. It’s a huge part of my personality. I am a fundamentally serious person. I always have my work, my goals, my objectives in mind.

I’ll always be this way. It’s a part of me that’s impossible to remove. I’ll always be very serious in my training for the upcoming hockey season and for each hockey game. Everything I do off-ice, I do it for hockey.

I am passionate about health, training, and nutrition. I have fun reading and learning about those subjects. I always look for ways to better prepare myself.

I’ve evolved since coming up in the NHL, 10 years ago. I can take myself less seriously.

Whether it’s in social events or meeting fans, I succeed in being more relaxed and at showing a more easygoing side of my personality. I can laugh and joke.

Growing older, we realise it’s not always worth it to be serious. It’s essential to know how to have fun, and to experience fully the lighter moments in hockey or elsewhere. I’m starting to cultivate this sweeter side of my personality.

Also, humour is really useful in my role as the Blackhawks captain.

Throughout the years, I’ve been lucky to be at the right place at the right time and to be part of extraordinary teams, whether it’s the Blackhawks or at the Vancouver and Sochi Olympics.

Through my conquest of 3 Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals, I was able to rub shoulders with extraordinary players. I’ll never be grateful enough to have been able to live through and be a part of such great games.

The 2010, 2013, and 2015 Blackhawks were three teams really different from each other. They had, however, something in common: even in the harder times, we succeeded in staying calm and confident.

On the bench and in the locker room, we knew that a star player or a support player would eventually score the important goal that would lead to a win. We were really hard to beat because we never stopped working.

I think I’ve had a supporting role through those conquests of the Cup and the Olympics. Of course, I’ve always wanted to have an offensive role and be the one to score the important goals. I’ve even scored during both Olympics finals. Each time, it was a feeling beyond words.

There is nothing better than to see your hard work become a championship win.

I’ve received a lot of credit for our 3 Cups because I was a young captain. I’ve been complimented often. I’ve been told I was the best captain and an excellent leader. I don’t know if that’s really the case.

I’ve been captain for nine years, and I know I have a long way to go still. There’s always something new that I have to learn or get better at. For me, that’s what makes my work fun.

For me, a leader is first and foremost someone who knows and recognizes that he has a lot to learn.

I’ve of course grown a lot over the last 10 years. I think I’m a better captain now for the simple reason that I know myself better.

The better we know ourselves, the better we can help others.

When you’re 18, there’s immense pressure when you play for Canada. I’ve been lucky to win gold twice at the World Juniors. The semi-final in 2007, in Sweden, actually served as a springing board to my career in the NHL.

It’s in the game against Team USA that I made a name for myself. During the shootout, after the overtime, I was sent three times against the American goalie, and I scored every single time, including the winning goal.

I got so much confidence from that day. I was, at that moment, convinced that I could have a professional career. A few months later, I was playing my first game with the Blackhawks at the age of 19.

When I came up in the NHL, I looked at the 30yo players and thought they were really old. I’ll be 30 this Spring and I’m surprised at how fast time went by.

My 30s don’t scare me at all. I feel great and I still have challenges that are exciting for me.

I often joke that I’d like to play as long as Jaromir Jagr, who is still playing at 45. I know that that’s probably gonna be impossible, but I go at it one day at a time. It’s not always easy, but I do everything I can to play as long as possible.

It goes by so quickly. You have to enjoy it to the max.

I think I live well with the celebrity and wealth that hockey gives us. Like most players, I keep a simple lifestyle.

Of course, I’ve sometimes downplayed the love and admiration that fans have for us. Sometimes, you get used to seeing so many people wearing your jersey and it becomes banal. There were times where success got to my head. I thought myself too grand and great.

The benefit of hockey, is that there’s always humble guys in the locker room who puts you back in your place if your ego gets too big.

It’s important to sometimes stop, slow down to simply appreciate the life we have.

Some people say that the Blackhawks’ good years are behind us already, but I don’t really agree. We have so much experience, we know how much heart it takes to win the Stanley Cup.

Those doubts motivate us. Few people understand how winning a Stanley Cup makes us want to win another. Surviving the playoffs asks big sacrifices, but the victory is always worth it.

I’m still hungry for it. I still want to get to the final and get to play in those games and feel those highs.

I don’t know what I’ll do after my career as a hockey player. I have a hard time imagining myself excelling at something else. We’ll see.

I do know something though: I love being in nature. I spend summer in the woods near a lake. I fish with my brother and father. I love being in a forest. I also love golf.

I like being part of Chicago’s craziness, but I also need to slow down to find my mental and spiritual balance. It does me good to be in nature and to put away my phone and computer for a few weeks.

It’s an essential need for me. And at the end of summer, I’m really motivated to get back to the fast pace of my life in Chicago.

I need both extremes to be happy. I call it balance. ///

That Toews Interview above say's it all .We are so F__king lucky to have this guy on our side .He is was and always will be a great Captain . And to those that think we should move him Ever Fu_k U !!!

That Toews Interview above say's it all .We are so F__king lucky to have this guy on our side .He is was and always will be a great Captain . And to those that think we should move him Ever Fu_k U !!!


Nobody doubts his desire to play. Yes the guy has been a huge factor in the re-birth of this franchise and the 3 Cups. But he has done something in how he trains and that has affected his ability out there. He looks too thin to me. He no longer has that core strength to anchor out there and win pucks. The guy could cycle, win the puck drive to the net and score. Now he is getting tossed off the puck like nothing. He is touting this new health/diet thing and he just does not look the same.

Yes he is a leader, but he needs to go back to a training style that will put the strength/power back on his frame. Everyone in here agrees. He is not and has not been the same since 2015. Whether its the training/diet change, wear and tear from being beat on or something else. He made a comment in the off season that he was going to change his training to make him faster. NO!! We dont need that. 19 was never known for speed. He made his mark as a tough as nails down low player that could hunt the puck. Win it. Cycle and then score. Again whatever he did he looks too thin and no longer has the strength that made him a force down low.

That Toews Interview above say's it all .We are so F__king lucky to have this guy on our side .He is was and always will be a great Captain . And to those that think we should move him Ever Fu_k U !!!


Nobody doubts his desire to play. Yes the guy has been a huge factor in the re-birth of this franchise and the 3 Cups. But he has done something in how he trains and that has affected his ability out there. He looks too thin to me. He no longer has that core strength to anchor out there and win pucks. The guy could cycle, win the puck drive to the net and score. Now he is getting tossed off the puck like nothing. He is touting this new health/diet thing and he just does not look the same.

Yes he is a leader, but he needs to go back to a training style that will put the strength/power back on his frame. Everyone in here agrees. He is not and has not been the same since 2015. Whether its the training/diet change, wear and tear from being beat on or something else. He made a comment in the off season that he was going to change his training to make him faster. NO!! We dont need that. 19 was never known for speed. He made his mark as a tough as nails down low player that could hunt the puck. Win it. Cycle and then score. Again whatever he did he looks too thin and no longer has the strength that made him a force down low.
- z1990z

That's what made him the best, puck retrieval, strength on the puck, cycle it, get it
to Hossa, Saad, yes in his prime I believe he was the best player in the NHL.

Even though he isn't what he once was, I still want him on our team.

Will be interesting to see what match-ups Sullivan will look to get. Toews vs Crosby?

Enzo, it will be Sid on Toews. Sid takes on the shut down role without Bonino in the lineup. Sheahan might get some time against Toews or Kane, but Sid will be the one with the tough minutes out there.

That Toews Interview above say's it all .We are so F__king lucky to have this guy on our side .He is was and always will be a great Captain . And to those that think we should move him Ever Fu_k U !!!


Nobody doubts his desire to play. Yes the guy has been a huge factor in the re-birth of this franchise and the 3 Cups. But he has done something in how he trains and that has affected his ability out there. He looks too thin to me. He no longer has that core strength to anchor out there and win pucks. The guy could cycle, win the puck drive to the net and score. Now he is getting tossed off the puck like nothing. He is touting this new health/diet thing and he just does not look the same.

Yes he is a leader, but he needs to go back to a training style that will put the strength/power back on his frame. Everyone in here agrees. He is not and has not been the same since 2015. Whether its the training/diet change, wear and tear from being beat on or something else. He made a comment in the off season that he was going to change his training to make him faster. NO!! We dont need that. 19 was never known for speed. He made his mark as a tough as nails down low player that could hunt the puck. Win it. Cycle and then score. Again whatever he did he looks too thin and no longer has the strength that made him a force down low.
- z1990z

It's kind of funny....for all of the years that people argued over who's the better player...Sid or Toews, in all actuality they both play a very similar game. Sid was traditionally grinding more in the O zone and Toews in the D, but still very similar.

And, yeah, that type of play takes a toll on your body. You do need an extremely strong core and lower body. Both guys sacrifice slight speed for edge quickness and strength. As they get older they'd be better served to maintain that strength and edge control over worrying about top end speed.

I know it's "just" a regular season game, but we all know the boys from Pittsburgh have long enough memories to remember Game 1 of this season.
Hear's hoping the 'Hawks hang tough!

Sounds like these guys took nights off, that feature is
no longer a luxury.
- gazza53

All I can say is WOW.

Thank you Kaner for admitting to the
HO HUM hockey I've expressed as a STH over the past 2 years. You no longer can just show up and play 20 minute games and win. The come from behind wins from 2 or 3 goals are now improbable at best, and more like impossible.

You guys will now have to play sound defensive intense style hockey every game or you'll get blown out by younger, faster, hungrier teams.

We will ALL see how that works for you.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. And yes Toews without a doubt is a stand-up(super-duper) guy!
So I guess you have to decide if you want Blackhawk hockey to be "winning" hockey going forward. Or are you happy with the three cups" and perfectly content with a player who currently isn't earning even half his salary?
And by all accounts Seabrook is a great guy too! So which is it? Winning hockey(again)? Or blind loyalty to players that may have earned their salary at one point, But currently are not even close to earning them now?

I know it's "just" a regular season game, but we all know the boys from Pittsburgh have long enough memories to remember Game 1 of this season.
Hear's hoping the 'Hawks hang tough!
- 35Tony0

Coming off a nice 6-3 win against the Rangers. Tonights game would be a great spring board to gain some positive traction. No doubt the Pens remember the 10-1 beating and will be fired up. Just keep it simple. Clean look?! Let it fly and attack the net. And support, support, support. 5 up. 5 back! Lets go boyz!!!!

The fourth period says I'm shopping Murphy

Terrific, here we go again

Daley 2.0

The fourth period says I'm shopping Murphy

Terrific, here we go again

Daley 2.0
- Stan_Bowman

Thats plain friggin dumb and Q is at it again. Let the kid settle in. He is big stay at home D who has some edge. The way they are handling Kempny, he will not re-sign and why would he? Back on the Q yo-yo again. Trade Murphy and then lose Kemny over the summer and any sense of future depth is gone. Again!!

Thats plain friggin dumb and Q is at it again. Let the kid settle in. He is big stay at home D who has some edge. The way they are handling Kempny, he will not re-sign and why would he? Back on the Q yo-yo again. Trade Murphy and then lose Kemny over the summer and any sense of future depth is gone. Again!!
- z1990z

EHHHH I'm not sure I'd agree. Murphy is big and young, but he is also one of the few trade-able assets Bowman has to work with to acquire forward or more experienced defense depth.

EHHHH I'm not sure I'd agree. Murphy is big and young, but he is also one of the few trade-able assets Bowman has to work with to acquire forward or more experienced defense depth.
- EnzoD

Stan wanted a young & cost controlled defenseman, that’s why he traded Hjalmarsson for Murphy. Now 19 games later he wants to trade Murphy just as he’s showing signs of starting to fit in with the Hawks? Trading Murphy now just doesn’t make sense. Sure, it could happen but I don’t think it’s realistic. I don’t think this team needs another forward at the cost of a defenseman either, unless that d-man is Oesterle.

Stan wanted a young & cost controlled defenseman, that’s why he traded Hjalmarsson for Murphy. Now 19 games later he wants to trade Murphy just as he’s showing signs of starting to fit in with the Hawks? Trading Murphy now just doesn’t make sense. Sure, it could happen but I don’t think it’s realistic. I don’t think this team needs another forward at the cost of a defenseman either, unless that d-man is Oesterle.
- DarthKane

Make it a package deal. Franson and Ostiwhatever for a pack of chewing gum.

Murphy has played in 274 NHL games (probably only because he was a first round pick). That's already more than a career for some guys. At this point, most likely what you see is what you get. It was a bad trade.

I hope we score 11 this time!

I hope the Hawks come out swinging and don't let up. Most of the team has had a ho-hum start and has better hockey to play.

Need a road win. Defense first.

Go Hocks!!!