Seriously OT, but YOWZA, the Waste Management Phoenix Open just came on CBS and they opened with a bit on the 16th hole there...
16,000 people at just that hole.
They were lined up by the thousands at the gate at 6 am.
There are stands set up literally surrounding the hole.
That hole has to be one of the most unique holes in golf, strictly based on the fan situation.


(I'd bet a lot of money they're not referred to as "patrons" there like they do at Augusta!)
- 35Tony0

The 16thhole is a par 3, a couple of hundred yards long with grandstands all the way around the perimeter. Truly unique. Fans are rowdy but the players enjoy the atmosphere.

Montreal assigned Kotkaniemi to the AHL. That will be the Hawks and Dach next season.

Hey Fox, not sure if this would be your take or not, but from what I've read, sounds like Nordgren could be included too.
- HawkintheD

Nordgren has middle 6 potential as a pure goal scorer (perhaps DeBrincat Lite). His injuries over the past two seasons since being drafted have derailed his development but the skill is there. He also has some experience playing against men in Finland's pro league so that's a plus.

One of his Helsinki teammates is center Anton Lundell who is projected as a top 10 draft pick this June. Guessing that the Hawks scouts are getting lots of intel on Lundell as they keep tabs on Nordgren. Lundell could very well be on the Hawks short list.

Nordgren looks like a happy-go-lucky kid who loves his soft serve ice cream that Foley and Olczyk are always yammering about on broadcasts.

Nordgren has middle 6 potential as a pure goal scorer (perhaps DeBrincat Lite). His injuries over the past two seasons since being drafted have derailed his development but the skill is there. He also has some experience playing against men in Finland's pro league so that's a plus.

One of his Helsinki teammates is center Anton Lundell who is projected as a top 10 draft pick this June. Guessing that the Hawks scouts are getting lots of intel on Lundell as they keep tabs on Nordgren. Lundell could very well be on the Hawks short list.
- AEL_Fox

IMO the month of February will determine whether the Hawks are a playoff caliber team or will be in the running for a lottery pick. Just wish it would be one way or another. Either make the playoffs or be in the running for a top 10 pick, none of the bubble 11-15 spot.

IMO the month of February will determine whether the Hawks are a playoff caliber team or will be in the running for a lottery pick. Just wish it would be one way or another. Either make the playoffs or be in the running for a top 10 pick, none of the bubble 11-15 spot.
- boilermaker100

It worked out last year as we ended up with the third pick. Bettman will take care of us.

Montreal assigned Kotkaniemi to the AHL. That will be the Hawks and Dach next season.
- DarthKane

Blackhawks playing soon??????

Here’s a thought. Go the ‘The Athletic’. Read the rankings, and how they were determined. Then, and only then, can you make an educated comment.

I guess it’s not just the USA where people give opinions on things they haven’t read, seen or heard.
- scottak

I don't know about you but I don't pay to read garbage.

This one is free and much more accurate
https://thehockeywriters....nhl-farm-system-rankings/

Blackhawks playing soon??????
- tvetter

Not yet.

IMO the month of February will determine whether the Hawks are a playoff caliber team or will be in the running for a lottery pick. Just wish it would be one way or another. Either make the playoffs or be in the running for a top 10 pick, none of the bubble 11-15 spot.
- boilermaker100

I doubt it will take the whole month...

- EnzoD

I know, totally annoying right? Kind of like that guy pissing and moaning about Toews and his contract for 2+ years...oh wait...

Saad!

Not yet.
- Elbows15

I know, but after 10 days, I'm having withdrawals! So happy to see them on the ice again!

Yeah, let's trade Saad to overpay Lard Ass.

Nylander looks fantastic!

Other than losing his net on that breakaway, Crawford looks dialed in tonight.

Nylander looks fantastic!
- rpeters01

Wrong talking points!! But he is looking good.

I know, totally annoying right? Kind of like that guy pissing and moaning about Toews and his contract for 2+ years...oh wait...

Saad!
- HawkintheD

Pissing and moaning about everything then right on the bandwagon again when things go well.

Nylander looks fantastic!
- rpeters01

A decent shift for him - and then a blind pass going backwards intercepted by a Yote.

Like - not a hockey pass

Pissing and moaning about everything then right on the bandwagon again when things go well.
- paulr

Yeah but he's got tattoos.

Yeah, let's trade Saad to overpay Lard Ass.
- Elbows15

Elbow’s, I’m probably the only guy on this board that agrees with you on this subject. Although we are playing some better hockey lately, this team is not a cup contender, therefore we do not need a $7M goalie. Lehner is having a really good year, but I’m not a fan, not sure what it is, there’s just something there.

Elbow’s, I’m probably the only guy on this board that agrees with you on this subject. Although we are playing some better hockey lately, this team is not a cup contender, therefore we do not need a $7M goalie. Lehner is having a really good year, but I’m not a fan, not sure what it is, there’s just something there.
- Angotti

7M is being conservative. I rather someone else regret his contract.

Smith playing over Highmore? Can't be hoping to boost Smith's trade value. Playing him isn't going to do that.

Excellent defensive play by Boqvist.

4K with the second most ice time for the D in period 1. Must be showcasing him.