Too bad about Shaw, but I feared that it was going to happen sooner or later. IMO it would be foolish for him to come back and put his health at further risk.

Anyway it opens up a spot for Walmark once he gets his legs back. Maybe Entwistle will get a shot eventually too.
- boilermaker100

I wonder if we'll see Johnson tonight, he definitely earned it the way he played his last game

I hope that, if doctors tell him to walk away, he listens to them. The mentality you correctly write of has been safely instilled in the next generation of Hawks.

The complicating factor is the CBA. If the independent LTIR docs say he's healthy enough to play, he can't go on LTIR. They would then have about $2.9M against the cap after burying him in the minors (without making him play).

I wish him the best; he gave/gives it his all.
- mohel

Not sure what the contractual implications, but *when* (and I hope it's a when) he recovers from this one, maybe he can hang around the team to coach the kids on net front play and tenacity. My heart breaks for him and his family. He's talked about how badly his mental health was affected (uncontrolled rage) with the first major concussion.

Not sure what the contractual implications, but *when* (and I hope it's a when) he recovers from this one, maybe he can hang around the team to coach the kids on net front play and tenacity. My heart breaks for him and his family. He's talked about how badly his mental health was affected (uncontrolled rage) with the first major concussion.
- pdx2ord

It's up to him, he can act like he has a concussion until his contract is up.

Really doubted when he started the season that he would make it that far before his next concussion. Hopefully he does the right thing and hangs it up.
- TheTrob

He has $5M reasons to not hang it up. They'll need to work the system if he doesn't retire.

There's also The Science. We've heard a lot about The Science lately; what does it say about the long term health effects of repeated concussions when they are properly treated? Does the current protocol (makes it sound scientific) currently in place alleviate the danger? If yes, why can't he play when The Science says it is safe to do so? If no, is the protocol just a fraud to make it seem we are taking seriously?

The league alleges that they care about player safety. They will tell you that's why they make guys sit when they are afraid they might have a virus that is nowhere near as dangerous to players as the game itself. They tell you they care about player safety, but then do next to nothing about dirty hits.

I wonder if we'll see Johnson tonight, he definitely earned it the way he played his last game
- BetweenTheDots

All indications thus far are that they going with 11F/7D.

Hope Shaw will be ok but maybe it's time for him to think about his long term health. I would like to see Wallmark, when he is ready to play, slot in on the third line and replace Soderberg. Soderberg has not hurt the team, but Wallmark is faster, better penalty killer. and show playmaking ability, that has gotten him some powerplay time too. Only 25, so he could be classified as "young veteran"

All indications thus far are that they going with 11F/7D.
- Chunk

Yea i just read that. Same d pairings Looks like Highmore is in for Shaw

https://twitter.com/CRoum.../1359927859163394058?s=01

I agree with JC, these plays need to be penalized

At least I'm not seeing the guys who miss a check go in to helicopter mode with elbows out

https://twitter.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1359927859163394058?s=01

I agree with JC, these plays need to be penalized

At least I'm not seeing the guys who miss a check go in to helicopter mode with elbows out
- BetweenTheDots

That's a tough one to call. In hindsight it's easy, at game speed it didn't look horrible, and Shaw never missed a shift.

Absolutely nothing, I misread/misinterpreted what was being said. Vlassic however, while being tall, is not overly physical like a Zadorov, not that he can't improve that part of his game. Like most kids, he needs to add lbs and muscle.
- TheTrob

Vlasic has always protected his USNDTeammates...

Right D, left D, or switch hitter?

Maybe he gets in tonight?
- mohel

switch

I saw the elbow and the concussion is no surprise. One of my favorite players, but it's time.
- 6628

Yeah, good luck to Shawnee in his next ventures, and the thing Pius he was REALLY good on the power play this season.

All indications thus far are that they going with 11F/7D.
- Chunk

When I was watching all the games when this season began, there were a striking number of teams who started the year 11 forwards and & dee...

All indications thus far are that they going with 11F/7D.
- Chunk

JC said he wants to split Murphy's minutes between 2 defenseman, because Murphy plays "heavy minutes"

Thats probably why Bowey is playing again, bigger body.

https://twitter.com/CRoumeliotis/status/1359927859163394058?s=01

I agree with JC, these plays need to be penalized

At least I'm not seeing the guys who miss a check go in to helicopter mode with elbows out
- BetweenTheDots

Shaw's immediate reaction upon contact is telling.
I pray for him.
His value and contribution have ALWAYS been worth it. You have a guy on your team doing what he does every shift, it's contagious. Pure and simple, he's a winner. And always will be to my eyes.

Shaw's immediate reaction upon contact is telling.
I pray for him.
His value and contribution have ALWAYS been worth it. You have a guy on your team doing what he does every shift, it's contagious. Pure and simple, he's a winner. And always will be to my eyes.
- 35Tony0

Yup. he straightened up pretty quick. Sad to see.

In my alternate reality all that Disney Nasa show, I wonder if we were to go back and have Kevin Hayes like the Hawks organization enough to have signed with them instead of being a greedy lil shAt, how that would have impact the future from that point on.
Where is Barry Allen to frame the time line.

What decisions in terms of personnel would have changed?

would they have pursued Strome, traded Nick Schmaltz elsewhere?

Would they have after winning the third lottery lot, chosen a different position?

Changes to NHL COVID precautions

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
NHL sent out enhanced COVID measures today, including: asking players remain at home as much as possible except for practices/games; recommending household members limit discretionary activities outside the home.

Use of KN95 masks; rapid testing on game days; mandating all meetings be held virtually; glass removed from penalty box.

There's also detailed section on re-configuring dressing room seating to best protect anyone who hasn't had the virus.

=====

My only reaction is "you're just now recommending practices they've been telling the general public to follow for months and realizing that a 24 delay in test results wasn't going to help stop the spread?"


Is that just so you (Bettman) can say "we did everything we could" when the inevitable lawsuits are filed if and when, God forbid, a player loses his career or, worse, health or life?

In my alternate reality all that Disney Nasa show, I wonder if we were to go back and have Kevin Hayes like the Hawks organization enough to have signed with them instead of being a greedy lil shAt, how that would have impact the future from that point on.
Where is Barry Allen to frame the time line.

What decisions in terms of personnel would have changed?

would they have pursued Strome, traded Nick Schmaltz elsewhere?

Would they have after winning the third lottery lot, chosen a different position?
- wiz1901

In alternate realities uncle Dale wouldn’t have messed up the contract offers and the 2010 sell off wouldn’t have been necessary keeping that team intact. Then Toews, Kane, Seab’s and Keith would have been signed to more manageable cap hits without NMC’s allowing the Hawk’s to surround the team with more depth. TT and Danault would still be with the team as would Panarin who, of course, would sign a contract in Chicago’s favour. I’m guessing the Blackhawks would have 6 or 7 cups by now.

Changes to NHL COVID precautions

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
NHL sent out enhanced COVID measures today, including: asking players remain at home as much as possible except for practices/games; recommending household members limit discretionary activities outside the home.

Use of KN95 masks; rapid testing on game days; mandating all meetings be held virtually; glass removed from penalty box.

There's also detailed section on re-configuring dressing room seating to best protect anyone who hasn't had the virus.

=====

My only reaction is "you're just now recommending practices they've been telling the general public to follow for months and realizing that a 24 delay in test results wasn't going to help stop the spread?"


Is that just so you (Bettman) can say "we did everything we could" when the inevitable lawsuits are filed if and when, God forbid, a player loses his career or, worse, health or life?
- pdx2ord

Teams seem to also be spreading out their players in terms of locker rooms. IIRC, the Leafs have their players spread out between 4 spaces.

Changes to NHL COVID precautions

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
NHL sent out enhanced COVID measures today, including: asking players remain at home as much as possible except for practices/games; recommending household members limit discretionary activities outside the home.

Use of KN95 masks; rapid testing on game days; mandating all meetings be held virtually; glass removed from penalty box.

There's also detailed section on re-configuring dressing room seating to best protect anyone who hasn't had the virus.

=====

My only reaction is "you're just now recommending practices they've been telling the general public to follow for months and realizing that a 24 delay in test results wasn't going to help stop the spread?"


Is that just so you (Bettman) can say "we did everything we could" when the inevitable lawsuits are filed if and when, God forbid, a player loses his career or, worse, health or life?
- pdx2ord

From Covid? That's fear porn.

The other day, in a game I was watching, the announcers talked about raising money for a young player paralyzed. Not sure, but I believe from playing the game. Young people get life-altering catastrophic injuries playing this game. Quite a few NHL players died young because they played (ask Carcillo). There is real risk playing hockey. Players assume the risk and play anyway. And we pay to watch them. Meanwhile, the risk to the player's life or ability to play from Covid is minuscule. I read an article in which a model predicted 3-9 players would die if they played the college football season. Actual results? Zero. And nobody's career ended. Fear porn.

It seems a tad hypocritical to be okay with a game that is very hard on many who choose to play it, while saying you want to protect them from a virus much less dangerous than the game itself.

In alternate realities uncle Dale wouldn’t have messed up the contract offers and the 2010 sell off wouldn’t have been necessary keeping that team intact. Then Toews, Kane, Seab’s and Keith would have been signed to more manageable cap hits without NMC’s allowing the Hawk’s to surround the team with more depth. TT and Danault would still be with the team as would Panarin who, of course, would sign a contract in Chicago’s favour. I’m guessing the Blackhawks would have 6 or 7 cups by now.
- paulr

And I would have a.....never mind.....

Edit - didn't mean to yell that.

I see 6-4 to close out February.

I see 6-4 to close out February.
- scottak

Good guys, I assume?

I have 4-3 Jackets.

From Covid? That's fear porn.

The other day, in a game I was watching, the announcers talked about raising money for a young player paralyzed. Not sure, but I believe from playing the game. Young people get life-altering catastrophic injuries playing this game. Quite a few NHL players died young because they played (ask Carcillo). There is real risk playing hockey. Players assume the risk and play anyway. And we pay to watch them. Meanwhile, the risk to the player's life or ability to play from Covid is minuscule. I read an article in which a model predicted 3-9 players would die if they played the college football season. Actual results? Zero. And nobody's career ended. Fear porn.

It seems a tad hypocritical to be okay with a game that is very hard on many who choose to play it, while saying you want to protect them from a virus much less dangerous than the game itself.
- mohel

It’s very unlikely that the COVID-19 virus would be transmitted while playing the game, while at practice, or in the weight room.

Based on their age & health, it’s very unlikely a player would die from the COVID-19 virus.

The goal is to stop the spread into vulnerable populations. For example, Patrick Kane goes out to a restaurant where he contacts the virus and becomes a carrier. Kane’s Mom & Dad come to visit and see the baby. Patrick brings the virus back and infects his parents, who are in a vulnerable population. Patrick is most likely not at risk of death or long term problems. His parents are.

Everything you say in your post is correct. It does leave out an important part of the total picture.