It's a big limb I'm out on!
- mohel

Hope it breaks.

Murphy is a sad story. It can be frustrating and heartbreaking when somebody in desperate need of assistance continues to refuse. Whether or not it's substance abuse or mental health (the two often go hand-in-hand) Murphy needs help, but if he's unwilling to accept it there's not much that can be done unless be poses imminent danger to himself or others.
- DarthKane

Elvis's bodyguards said it best "how do you save a man from himself"

Much needed help on D should make for a better PO push in a tough division ignoring only Minny. Riding out Seabrooks contract about the only negative i can see. He could be reinvigorated a bit but in goal is where it will be decided. GL & enjoy your weekend all.

Thanks for another good blog from cottage.

BTW - does every Canadian have a cottage? And how much “cottage time” do you North-of-the-border types get? Seems like you’ve been there since free agent signing day. (And I don’t begrudge you a minute of that time).

Playing in Boston on Saturday afternoon, then having to fly to Berlin for a Sunday afternoon (Chicago time) game - how’s that going to work?
- StLBravesFan

Really? It’ll be the Rockford Ice Hogs, wearing Blackhawk sweaters, in Boston. All the regulars will be getting acclimated in Europe.

It's a big limb I'm out on!
- mohel

The saw shouldn’t be between you and the tree trunk....

Hope it breaks.
- Elbows15

Step underneath it.

The saw shouldn’t be between you and the tree trunk....
- StLBravesFan

How else will I crush Elbows like a grape?

Step underneath it.
- mohel

Quick question to the group...what is the best/cheapest way to watch Hawks games if you live in Chicago and don't want to pay Comcast for CSN/NBCSN? Roku or something along those lines?
- Murph76

http://onhockey.tv/index....portbro&channel=900854680

https://www.reddit.com/r/NHLStreams/

There may shape up a challenge between Perlini and Nylander for a roster spot and i am uncertain whom Colliton chooses. There could be a few consecutive games for one as the other sits; there could also be a few consecutive games both are playing. This applies to preseason.

Sikura has shown willingness and ability in several areas and his goal scoring is not going to be an issue - he will get some. Sikura should stick but there needs to be a motivated Perlini/Nylander if either wants an edge as far as why they begin a new season in Chicago and not Rockford.

Competition is the name of the game for sure with all the bottom line guys. Their hard work can help drive their respective line. In turn each line can feed off the momentum

I am not going to write an essay on the pro con or advantage on either Perlini and Nylander. I will just say that if either one shows good attention to his defensive responsibility - or if Perlini is ultra physically involved throwing checks and battling along the boards - this could sway the decision whom sticks at least the first maybe 20 gp.

I am guessing too that a couple big offensive points showing does not mean too much. Colliton knows what skill they have and clicking on a top line pre season is nice but who can say that is their spot once the season starts. No, it is the defensive work and anything else like aggressive checking, good percentage on face offs is what is necessary to exhibit.

I foresee hard working responsible bottom line forwards as part of Colliton's strategy. I dont know if long term both Perlini and Nylander play in each game.

Two or more seasons after this upcoming season would be the earliest we can expect to maybe start seeing the prospects whom didn't make the grade in Chicago.

Perhaps one example who shows up elsrwhere though is the much talked about Jokiharju

I see this prospect landing elsewhere from a productive farm system with the Cubs.

My example involves Schwarber struggling and Happ barely hanging on. You know the big name talent that made the grade. Oh A Russell is here too on 40 man roster but not much longer

Others whom departed have some descent numbers with a sort of bad caveat: It is an all or nothing batting for them. Hit a HR or strike out. Poor batting average.

J Solar is at the top of this group. Hit HR # 32 tonight. His ba has lately platued in .250 range. Vogelbach was hanging in the .250 ba range until roughly a month ago. Now Vogelbach and Schwarber have nearly identical stat's: about .225 ba with about 25 HR.

One can merely guess what Blackhawk prospects toil elsewhere eventually with limited success.

Pretty cool - panel with several players reminiscing about 2010 and what made that team so special, what it was that led to the win:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6e5uAzj7VI&t=76s

So many great anecdotes, like Hoss and his parachute and Q using Versteeg as his whipping boy.

There may shape up a challenge between Perlini and Nylander for a roster spot and i am uncertain whom Colliton chooses. There could be a few consecutive games for one as the other sits; there could also be a few consecutive games both are playing. This applies to preseason.

Sikura has shown willingness and ability in several areas and his goal scoring is not going to be an issue - he will get some. Sikura should stick but there needs to be a motivated Perlini/Nylander if either wants an edge as far as why they begin a new season in Chicago and not Rockford.

Competition is the name of the game for sure with all the bottom line guys. Their hard work can help drive their respective line. In turn each line can feed off the momentum

I am not going to write an essay on the pro con or advantage on either Perlini and Nylander. I will just say that if either one shows good attention to his defensive responsibility - or if Perlini is ultra physically involved throwing checks and battling along the boards - this could sway the decision whom sticks at least the first maybe 20 gp.

I am guessing too that a couple big offensive points showing does not mean too much. Colliton knows what skill they have and clicking on a top line pre season is nice but who can say that is their spot once the season starts. No, it is the defensive work and anything else like aggressive checking, good percentage on face offs is what is necessary to exhibit.

I foresee hard working responsible bottom line forwards as part of Colliton's strategy. I dont know if long term both Perlini and Nylander play in each game.
- jhawk59

I’d go with Sikura then Perlini then Nylander. Who do I think JC will go with - Perlini then Sikura then Nylander.

Pretty cool - panel with several players reminiscing about 2010 and what made that team so special, what it was that led to the win:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6e5uAzj7VI&t=76s

So many great anecdotes, like Hoss and his parachute and Q using Versteeg as his whipping boy.
- pdx2ord

That was fun.

Congrats of course. But his stomach looks about the same as mine. And I'm not the slightest bit in game shape.
- 6628

That's funny!!!...Cuz, my first thought when I saw the pic was....hmmmmm, he has bit of a "gut" going on there....

I’d go with Sikura then Perlini then Nylander. Who do I think JC will go with - Perlini then Sikura then Nylander.
- DarthKane

I am in agreement with your order of those three players.

I bet with JC having been a center, irregardless where Sikura lines up there is much to like about how he contributed last season. The goals will come; he is not a choke artist. In fact if he gets enough TOI i believe that he could ring up 20 or more goals.

Perlini is on the clock and he is going to get an opportunity. He is invisible and mot contributing in other ways beside goals.....then i see demoted and not dressing ....maybe hegets a bus ticket to Rockford. Since he was part of a significant trade, i think he would get a second chance should he not exactly enthrall everyone. But if it was a game of Horse, he won't keep getting chances to play.

With Nylander he has to overwhelm with continued good outings. Good attitude, get some points in Rockford and then he will get at least a look. He is behind the other two as that is just how the cards play. Through past association on the team two of them get opportunity to start while the new kid in town will wait for an opening.
.

New revenue streams should certainly help ease the situation. Hope ownership group can help out with the escrow issues the players are currently enduring. When the day arrives to come to a final greement, it will probably be a battle royale. Agree with an earlier poster who questioned Bettman's ability to be flexible. Will say no more, as this stuff is way above both my head and pay-grade. Your post raises hope. Thanks.
- gabriel

Why do you think the owners should help the players with the escrow situation when the players caused it by continuing to vote for the escalator? It's the players' fault (or more likely, their agents).

Congrats of course. But his stomach looks about the same as mine. And I'm not the slightest bit in game shape.
- 6628

I always use the "its the shirt and the angle of the camera" excuse

Why do you think the owners should help the players with the escrow situation when the players caused it by continuing to vote for the escalator? It's the players' fault (or more likely, their agents).
- tazer_and_diet

Honestly cannot respond effectively to your enquiry. Have spent some time reading about the escrow situation, and deduced from that it is a major stumbling block. Happy you responded the way you did, so hopefully this gets fleshed out over time. More input is needed in order to arrive at a full understanding. Please pass along any further information. Sounds like your perceptions will be valuable.

Why do you think the owners should help the players with the escrow situation when the players caused it by continuing to vote for the escalator? It's the players' fault (or more likely, their agents).
- tazer_and_diet

Pressured by the owners so that there would be enough cap space to sign players without contracts.

That's funny!!!...Cuz, my first thought when I saw the pic was....hmmmmm, he has bit of a "gut" going on there....

- hawk35

I guess Brandon carried the baby.

I guess Brandon carried the baby.
- I Am The Breadman

Is it time to carve up Saad? His toxicity level is on par with Seab’s. I’ll start.

Saad doesn’t care, often floats and is not worth his contract for a 3rd liner!

Is it time to carve up Saad? His toxicity level is on par with Seab’s. I’ll start.

Saad doesn’t care, often floats and is not worth his contract for a 3rd liner!
- HawkintheD

Yeah, carve him like the bloated pumpkin he is. We gave up too much to bring him back. His prime has long since passed. #Saadfatter

Is it time to carve up Saad? His toxicity level is on par with Seab’s. I’ll start.

Saad doesn’t care, often floats and is not worth his contract for a 3rd liner!
- HawkintheD

Yeah but but but Sikura hasn't scored a goal and is given a spot on the team without earning it. He must have nude photos of Blowman!

Yeah but but but Sikura hasn't scored a goal and is given a spot on the team without earning it. He must have nude photos of Blowman!
- paulr

I could've done without that visual this morning