Did people know LeBlanc's name is pronounced without the c? Just sharing
- rollpards19

I figured as much. There was a Peter LeBlanc who had played in Rockford the last few seasons.

Will not be able to see the game live as I will be cheering on the wolves with my two daughters. Hoping the hogs get into the playoffs. Any word on whose in net?

Will not be able to see the game live as I will be cheering on the wolves with my two daughters. Hoping the hogs get I to the playoffs. Any word on whose in net?
- sgt1480

The Wolves winning helps Rockford tonight. I never thought I'd be pulling for the Wolves to win, but I will be tonight.

He cant play , he was picked up after the trade deadline.

I hope to see LeBlanc get some time in a game before the season ends. I really don't care if Hutton sees a game or not.
- EKolb13

He cant play , he was picked up after the trade deadline.
- Dojodan

Leblanc can play in regular season games. He is not eligible to play in the playoffs.

I think Ogi said it best, Brookbank is a great #7 but a poor #6. With that being said, in the playoffs Brookbank will be on the 4th pairing and he'll play every game. Will be interesting to see who his line mate will be.
- Assman22

4 sets of D? in every game?
have you ever played or watched a hockey game before?
i"m giving you the benefit of doubt and guess you enjoyed 4/20 too much and your logical thinking is skewed

I wonder when the last team two team mates who don't play on the same line finished in the top 10 in scoring

Today's article....


Blackhawks Roll to 7 in a Row + Is 6 outdoor games too much?
:http://myfoxchicago.com : http://bit.ly/11a79MX
- Al

Great article as always Al. I'm sure the league is trying to capitalize on the ratings we've seen this spring...but I'm also thinking they're trying to make up some of the coin they lost this season with the lockout. Wasn't last season when they instituted the game in or around Thanksgiving to try to spark interest in the sport sooner in the season? I believe the game was in Boston last year against the Wings...?

No question with the games right before the Superbowl they're try to capitalize on the lull there before the big game and try to grab some additional fans. But 6 is too many. But if you're going to get that sponsorship money for each game I can't see why they wouldn't do it. The other thing I like about the Classic is the HBO 24/7 lead up to the game...

But the other thing they should do is stop putting the darn game of the week on at 1130am in the morning (Peter Puck doesn't even want to get up that early for a game) ...so they can rush to golf.

Nathan Horton wont return after getting injured in a fight with Iginla.

Love that grit!
- AceRatbang

guessing you needed a sarcasm font?
So one guy gets injured and the need for grit is proven to be irrelevant?
news flash....players can be hurt on any play - not just fighting. Nor does every fight or "grit" play end in injury. Strange, Iginla dropped the gloves too - nothing happened to him. Is Iginla a meathead for dropping the gloves? Is everyone in Pitt wishing he would just play nice?

you want 20 kaner like players, go watch the Oilers - let me know how their future is looking.

The world is a dangerous place and hockey is a tough sport - teams need to have a balance of speed, skill, and smash-mouth type players. Injuries happen - fact of the game. Sid was injured going to the front of the net - should all players avoid the front of the net?

Just because you have a keyboard and internet access does't mean you have to post every thought here. That's what facebook is for.

guessing you needed a sarcasm font?
So one guy gets injured and the need for grit is proven to be irrelevant?
news flash....players can be hurt on any play - not just fighting. Nor does every fight or "grit" play end in injury. Strange, Iginla dropped the gloves too - nothing happened to him. Is Iginla a meathead for dropping the gloves? Is everyone in Pitt wishing he would just play nice?

you want 20 kaner like players, go watch the Oilers - let me know how their future is looking.

The world is a dangerous place and hockey is a tough sport - teams need to have a balance of speed, skill, and smash-mouth type players. Injuries happen - fact of the game. Sid was injured going to the front of the net - should all players avoid the front of the net?

Just because you have a keyboard and internet access does't mean you have to post every thought here. That's what facebook is for.
- dpard

The Hawks PP is crap!
- EKolb13

Indeed.

Something about the UC that brings out better efforts from teams that are struggling coming in. That smelled and looked like a "exhibition" gme cuz it was...had no impact in the standings or playoffs. The Hawks were lazy and sloppy and times. And Rinne has been run into the ice by Trotz playing him every gme...he looked completely flat.

And so another team with problems comes in with only 3 goals scored in their last 3 gmes but...but hey they like the UC as they have won 6 of their last 7 here (incl the 3 in the playoff last year). Not sure if Smith plays; he missed the last 2 gmes.


Anyway looks to be another close one...wouldn't be surprised to see Phx get the 2 points based on the recent history and their success at the UC. However the Hwks have lit up Mr. "stick smashing" Smith...would luv to see that trend continue.
- bogiedoc

Like I basically said today...

In the next week all the Hawks have to fear are injuries and being disinterested.

As far as Nashville....If Rinne isn't hurt next year he will probably play 70 games or more.

He is their best player and at $7 mill per they will squeeze every drop out of him...

Unless Nashville Mgt pulls a rabbit or two out of their hat this summer....They could be in for a prolonged down period.

Blackhawks Roll to 7 in a Row + Is 6 outdoor games too much?
:http://myfoxchicago.com : http://bit.ly/11a79MX

Great article as always Al. I'm sure the league is trying to capitalize on the ratings we've seen this spring...but I'm also thinking they're trying to make up some of the coin they lost this season with the lockout. Wasn't last season when they instituted the game in or around Thanksgiving to try to spark interest in the sport sooner in the season? I believe the game was in Boston last year against the Wings...?

No question with the games right before the Superbowl they're try to capitalize on the lull there before the big game and try to grab some additional fans. But 6 is too many. But if you're going to get that sponsorship money for each game I can't see why they wouldn't do it. The other thing I like about the Classic is the HBO 24/7 lead up to the game...

But the other thing they should do is stop putting the darn game of the week on at 1130am in the morning (Peter Puck doesn't even want to get up that early for a game) ...so they can rush to golf.
- DK002

Agree but I won't fault the NHL but I would have increased to three only...

Like I wrote NHL Final games have smaller TV rating than the NBA Draft Show....

So the NHL has some catching up to do....

Blackhawks Roll to 7 in a Row + Is 6 outdoor games too much?
:http://myfoxchicago.com : http://bit.ly/11a79MX

Last years team wasn't as good as this years team. Like, its not even close.

Also, the playoffs featured an unhealthy Toews, a dead Hossa, a suspended Shaw and a goalie having a career year in the other net.

Last year's team was a complete mess in many ways.
- AceRatbang

But they were a "101 point team" in the regular season that just "underachieved in the playoffs," according to the GM.

But they were a "101 point team" in the regular season that just "underachieved in the playoffs," according to the GM.
- John Jaeckel

Last year's 101 point team is racking up points at a 137 point pace for an 82 game season. Last year - most goals against among West playoff team. This year - fewest. Different year, different team. Guaranteed to win a Cup, or even a series? Nope. Better team than last year? Yep, as you've written yourself recently.

Last year's 101 point team is racking up points at a 137 point pace for an 82 game season. Last year - most goals against among West playoff team. This year - fewest. Different year, different team. Guaranteed to win a Cup, or even a series? Nope. Better team than last year? Yep, as you've written yourself recently.


- mohel

No one is guaranteed to win a series, but I think we all would be shocked if they didn't get out of the first round this year. They match up well against every team (barring like StL falling into that spot)

No one is guaranteed to win a series, but I think we all would be shocked if they didn't get out of the first round this year. They match up well against every team (barring like StL falling into that spot)
- rollpards19

I would be shocked if they lost in the first round. I think it would be a much larger upset than last year; and a lot of fur would fly in the Hawks organization.

If you guys recall on J.J.'s last blog I mentioned that my Grandson was the Honarary Captain for last nights game. Also mentioned he would talk to the players regarding power play.2 goals,I guess they listened

If you guys recall on J.J.'s last blog I mentioned that my Grandson was the Honarary Captain for last nights game. Also mentioned he would talk to the players regarding power play.2 goals,I guess they listened
- Puck13

Excellent work by the young man!

If you guys recall on J.J.'s last blog I mentioned that my Grandson was the Honarary Captain for last nights game. Also mentioned he would talk to the players regarding power play.2 goals,I guess they listened
- Puck13

Is his name Barry Smith?

And is Q OK with this?

Is his name Barry Smith?

And is Q OK with this?
- StLBravesFan

The pundits are reporting: Crawford tonite.

The pundits are reporting: Crawford tonite.
- StLBravesFan

Sassone and Kuc are reporting it, too.

The pundits are reporting: Crawford tonite.
- StLBravesFan

Like to see him score a W over the Dogs.

Like to see him score a W over the Dogs.
- philco28

Like to see him play well, keep his cage, not give up anything soft.

Like to see the defense protect him so he can do that.