Raanta has looked fine and it doesn't hurt that the team in front of him is playing at a stellar clip. No question this was a great move by Bowman to snag him last year.

Still wondering though why Stan paid so much for CC for the next several years. The Bowman model has always been not to overpay for the goalie. No question CC played fantastically in the playoffs last season, should have won the hardware and is the Hawks #1. But one would think Craw could have been had for say 4- 4.5 mil per for the deal.

Also wondering what happens with Khabby. There's no reason to go back to him after what Raanta has done so far. The kid deserves to stay with the club.
- DK002

That might have been true a year or two ago. But just look to new york and what they gave Lundqvist. 8 mil for a top goalie in the league makes 6 mil for an above average tender with cup winning experience sound pretty reasonable especially in a few years with the rising cap and those new TV deals. I think this was more of a weather the present to have stability and affordable goaltending in the future.

McDavid scores...2-1 Canada

McDavid scores...2-1 Canada
- captainserious

Yep.

Canada back on the PP....Hartman just nailed Griffin Reinhart....Reinhart is a pretty big dude...probably around 6'5 and over 200lbs....but Hartman didn't mind or back down

Doesn't mean he will be a great player, but he does play with heart! and that is always a big plus

3-1 Canada PP goal

McDavid scores...2-1 Canada
- captainserious

Matteau is really dumb to take that tripping penalty earlier....


Now 3-1.

O my. 3-1 Canada.

3-2 or is it?

3-2 or is it?
- Beaver-Warrior

It is not.

US has been one-and-done seemingly this whole period. Very little sustained pressure.

Edit: Nice 3-on-2. 3-2.

Raanta has improved a great deal from a month ago but he can benefit from some concentrated training...especially on shootouts.

My guess is he will start some games in Rockford at some point. Crawford hasn't been rushed and I think he plays this weekend.

Today's article..

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50

Happy New Year!
- Al

I smell that soft pretzel more than ever Al. I don't think Raanta sees Rockford.

Happy New Year.

US has been one-and-done seemingly this whole period. Very little sustained pressure.

Edit: Nice 3-on-2. 3-2.
- prd797

3-2 is the final.

Raanta has improved a great deal from a month ago but he can benefit from some concentrated training...especially on shootouts.

My guess is he will start some games in Rockford at some point. Crawford hasn't been rushed and I think he plays this weekend.

Today's article..

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50

Happy New Year!
- Al

Agreed. As you said before, he'll probably get sent down during the Olympics in order to get some playing time in. That totally makes sense. Also, I wouldn't mind if Raanta were to be sent down once Crawford is back in order to get more playing time.

3-2 is the final.
- DarthKane

Canada's PP really helped 'em out. Same with yesterday against Slovakia.

Fins lose to the Swiss.


Also didn't see until now, but Phaneuf getting a 7 yr, 49 million deal from Toronto.

Agreed. As you said before, he'll probably get sent down during the Olympics in order to get some playing time in. That totally makes sense. Also, I wouldn't mind if Raanta were to be sent down once Crawford is back in order to get more playing time.
- EKolb13

Which will put Q and the Hawks back at square one, ZERO faith in the #2 goalie.

I usually agree with most of what JJ writes...however...I don't recall Niemi carrying that team on his back in the playoffs....for a rookie he was spectacular....However other than the SJ series, he wasn't carrying anyone on his back...but hey that's just my opinion...you know what they say about opinions right?
- captainserious

He was the major difference in the Sharks series....I heard that from people with both clubs.

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50

I smell that soft pretzel more than ever Al. I don't think Raanta sees Rockford.

Happy New Year.
- rtang415

I could double the bet and take advantage of you because Raanta will be in Rockford over the Olympic break for sure.

Also remember my out with Khabby is if he stays on LTIR or retires.

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50

Which will put Q and the Hawks back at square one, ZERO faith in the #2 goalie.
- Beaver-Warrior

I can't disagree with this point.

However, wouldn't make some sense to see what LaBarbera could do given a couple of starts? Given, he's not the ideal back-up everyone is looking for, but if he could handle the job of starting a game or two every couple of weeks, wouldn't it make more sense for Raanta to play in Rockford to get as many minutes under his belt instead?

I wonder if the hawks can afford to keep raanta after this year. Isnt he on a one year deal? Given the cap increase i can see a goalie starved team overpaying him.
- golfbard

Raanta will be an RFA....He could get an offer sheet if he plays as well in another 15 games or so...But the Hawks control his future.

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50

I can't disagree with this point.

However, wouldn't make some sense to see what LaBarbera could do given a couple of starts? Given, he's not the ideal back-up everyone is looking for, but if he could handle the job of starting a game or two every couple of weeks, wouldn't it make more sense for Raanta to play in Rockford to get as many minutes under his belt instead?
- EKolb13

All Q needs to do is manage things until the trade deadline.

Crawford if healthy will play a lot....

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50

All Q needs to do is manage things until the trade deadline.

Crawford if healthy will play a lot....

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50
- Al

...which means whoever the back-up is will not see a lot of playing time.

I'd rather see Labarbera riding the pine as opposed to Raanta, provided LaBarbera could handle the back up role.

...which means whoever the back-up is will not see a lot of playing time.

I'd rather see Labarbera riding the pine as opposed to Raanta, provided LaBarbera could handle the back up role.
- EKolb13

agree...

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50

All Q needs to do is manage things until the trade deadline.

Crawford if healthy will play a lot....

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50
- Al

Very true about CC playing a lot once he's back to being 100% or close to it. As Eli pointed out CC will need a couple games off before the playoffs. How about sending down the Eel and then bringing him for those handful of games and let LaBarbera ride the pine for the rest?

Very true about CC playing a lot once he's back to being 100% or close to it. As Eli pointed out CC will need a couple games off before the playoffs. How about sending down the Eel and then bringing him for those handful of games and let LaBarbera ride the pine for the rest?
- Beaver-Warrior

Crawdaddy!!

Said it when they won the first time, will say it again.

When this team is rolling the guy between the pipes is inconsequential and they can win with anyone who is mostly competent

Canada's PP really helped 'em out. Same with yesterday against Slovakia.

Fins lose to the Swiss.


Also didn't see until now, but Phaneuf getting a 7 yr, 49 million deal from Toronto.
- prd797

Looks like we can take them off the suicide watch until the medal round.