AHL is done for the year ,NHL should take hint .Time to call is a season ..
- oldduffman

NBC, guys.

The network needs programming - especially without the Olympics - and the league wants to keep them happy - and shows the other networks that the NHL would be a good partner.

In additional to maybe recouping some of this seasons lost revenues.

NBC, guys.

The network needs programming - especially without the Olympics - and the league wants to keep them happy - and shows the other networks that the NHL would be a good partner.

In additional to maybe recouping some of this seasons lost revenues.
- StLBravesFan

Again putting money over life's .And putting on a farce of a playoff ,showing a complete lack of integrity . And a desperate attempt to drum up interest by moving the draft up is just sad . Bettman and the owners Greed is obvious ,and sickening .

NBC, guys.

The network needs programming - especially without the Olympics - and the league wants to keep them happy - and shows the other networks that the NHL would be a good partner.

In additional to maybe recouping some of this seasons lost revenues.
- StLBravesFan

From what I understand the problem is not shortage of supplies, but the overall capacity (and time) to conduct the tests. If the NHL, or any other sports league, dedicates their own health personnel to conducting the tests and the teams test negative, I don't see a problem with opening back up for play. I'm sure I'm simplifying this too much, but I like my theory.

I'm sure there are a number of logistical issues to work out, but otherwise, at what point is it "OK" to get back to playing?

Completely unrelated to the topics raised in this blog, but at least it is hockey related:
Any chance Justin Barron is still on the board for our second round pick? He's definitely first round size and talent, but will his blood clot issues make teams pass on him?

Niemi? They won DESPITE him, not because of them. He was better than Leighton in the SCF, but that's not saying much.
- jmatchett383

Which also shows the best goalies in the league that year did not carry their teams to the SCF.

Yup! Kind of forcing them there. Won't want to pay to carry a few extra AHL players and can't survive without them.
- rpeters01

30 man rosters have been discussed. The NHL will play is my guess. The money is for 7 players most likely on ELCs. The cost for carrying extra players won't be prohibited.


I am not sure if it can be done because of contractual obligations but if there is any way the NHL were able to sell rights for only this situation, they could recoup most of the monies they lost. Doubt it could happen but FSN and ESPN both probably would be willing to get involved for some live programming.

NBCSN retains the right of first refusal kind of deal maybe.

30 man rosters have been discussed. The NHL will play is my guess. The money is for 7 players most likely on ELCs. The cost for carrying extra players won't be prohibited.


I am not sure if it can be done because of contractual obligations but if there is any way the NHL were able to sell rights for only this situation, they could recoup most of the monies they lost. Doubt it could happen but FSN and ESPN both probably would be willing to get involved for some live programming.

NBCSN retains the right of first refusal kind of deal maybe.
- Elbows15

I doubt they could, but maybe NBC would allow it, knowing that it will probably boost their ratings next year. Maybe NBC would just air more games nationally, and give some of the extra revenue to the league.

That 2010 team. Every player in the Top 9 for the Hawks played Top 3 minutes at one time in their careers. Maybe not with the Hawks, but elsewhere. Kopecky is the only one who probably only would play that role with the Hawks.

I doubt they could, but maybe NBC would allow it, knowing that it will probably boost their ratings next year. Maybe NBC would just air more games nationally, and give some of the extra revenue to the league.
- tvetter

I agree it most likely won't happen. Unique circumstances call for unique solutions, tho.

Again putting money over life's .And putting on a farce of a playoff ,showing a complete lack of integrity . And a desperate attempt to drum up interest by moving the draft up is just sad . Bettman and the owners Greed is obvious ,and sickening .
- oldduffman

You're making quite a leap here. Before they even think about playing, the NHL and NHLPA both have to agree to whatever condition they establish.

Before labeling the owners greedy bastards, let's remember they shut down the league before the supposed leaders of our countries called for it.

So yeah, the owners want to make some money for their business but show me an owner of anything that doesn't.

My good friends Mark Weinberg and his cousin Stephen Kohn were together eating in a restaurant with a bigger group and mark, says, "I see the Blackhawks have been really good this year, you think they can win the Cup?"

It Wass the first time I said it. yes, they simply play so fast have confidence in each other and yes, things have to fall in place but they are good enough to win it.

The thing that as striking to me in that Cup run was many here have said, was the thick line-up, where watching you might find yourself falling into the idea that the super star player was a major cog, but there was lots of generators.

For years here far after that 2010 Cup, I held back when I read countless posts that found fault in Duncan Keith's play: he wasn't good on the PP, wasn't good as a defender b/c opposing players scored goals while in close and weren't crippled by a hawk defender, etc.

But I always felt from the first series in 2010 on, Duncan Keith made a case to be named the 2010 Conn Symthe for best playoff player that Tazer won.
When we watch the game in its present form now, we are very comfortable with it's intricacies...but probably back then we simply were stuck not yet seeing the parading...we didn't see how much he did well, and how he frustrated n=and dominated, not in the way a big old tiime NHL defensive stalwart did, but in this new quick burst quick stick way, that was being played in front of our eyes but we hadn't dissected visually and mentally yet...does that make sense?

AHL is done for the year ,NHL should take hint .Time to call is a season ..
- oldduffman

I actually think they decided the season is done, except if they feel they have to even the games played by all teams...

but if the darftborde tis decided and you currently have decided the playoff teams are the ones with the top 16 %s why bother that exercise?

I thi k they will go into the playoffs using that central hub in Edmonton where the ice gets use for m ore than one game day, and 7 games get played there until each series is decided and we have winner.

Empty arena, TV viewers, commercials - maybe not the profits expected, but at least they get a finality and they go home, hope the virus doesn't morph and people actually start realizing they ARE infecting each other,and they actually get serious in a response.
Maybe then they get to eventually sell popcorn and soda and merchandise but maybe they star later abriveate the season, and start planning along term strategy that includes more than never shaking hands again.

I am cgonna provide link below of something I think is more worthwhile than reading my draftsite profiles --> actual science.

Read it fully with no judgement - I learned stuff and you can too:

https://www.erinbromage.c...r1U3lMz4h0Dq4CoCp2QgmN51Q

You're making quite a leap here. Before they even think about playing, the NHL and NHLPA both have to agree to whatever condition they establish.

Before labeling the owners greedy bastards, let's remember they shut down the league before the supposed leaders of our countries called for it.

So yeah, the owners want to make some money for their business but show me an owner of anything that doesn't.
- Elbows15

All I am saying is that Bettman and his goon should learn from the minor leagues how a business should be run . Don't tax the nations ability to do testing for your money making farce of a season .
The leaders in most Countries , especially the States were very late on coming to grips with the scale of the Virus .Ya good on the Owners for shutting it down a day or two early ,they still should have realized sooner that their packed arenas were breeding grounds .
There is a time and place for making money ,and this is not it .If they want a season next year ,they better start working on a plan now ,and cut their losses

Completely unrelated to the topics raised in this blog, but at least it is hockey related:
Any chance Justin Barron is still on the board for our second round pick? He's definitely first round size and talent, but will his blood clot issues make teams pass on him?
- tvetter

I hope so .The risk is real ,but the reward is to . I think he will be gone before our 2nd pick . Never Know, I never thought Debrincat would still be there . Fingers crossed

Which also shows the best goalies in the league that year did not carry their teams to the SCF.
- RaleighHawk

Hockey a team game and you will always need a balanced team to succeed .Goalie are a big part of any teams fortunes .So when you get the chance to get a game changer net minder at 9th IMO you jump on it !!

A bit of an overstatement from an understandably bitter Flyer fan. He was solid, for the most part, when they needed him most. I’d say the more accurate statement, is they won with him, but not because of him.

The truth is Philly was eternally lucky to even get as far as they did. They weren’t the best team in the east, not even close.
- Ogilthorpe2

Re watch that last 4 mins of regulation in game 6.

Kane goal never happens if Niemi doesn't stop up.

Again putting money over life's .And putting on a farce of a playoff ,showing a complete lack of integrity . And a desperate attempt to drum up interest by moving the draft up is just sad . Bettman and the owners Greed is obvious ,and sickening .
- oldduffman

Keeping businesses shut is unnecessary at this point. Everyone will most likely be exposed to the virus eventually. The point was to flatten the curve, not keep everyone on lockdown until a cure is found. Walmarts are open, why can't the NHL play games

Tyler Cameron: 10 Thoughts from 2010 Blackhawks Round 1
Now, with no other hockey news, let alone Blackhawks news to talk about, let's revisit the 2010 Blackhawks.

I have just completed the first 6 games of the Hawks run and they have just defeated Nashville in a tough series, 3 games to 2.

I will not be breaking down specific games or goals or plays, but rather players and overall thoughts.

Below are the first 10 things that came to my head immediately after watching these games.
- Tyler Cameron

Brian Campbell did a great job rehabbing and eating exceptionally healthy, and doing everything he could to get back from his broken collarbone. Nashville could have beat us if Campbell doesn't come back, which allowed Buff to move up to forward. That was the difference in the series in my opinion

So i think I've said something along these lines recently, now here's a perfect time to say it again: I think the 2009-2010 Blackhawks when fully healthy had arguably the greatest roster of forwards in NHL history top to bottom, 1-14(Avs and Wings teams during the late 90's/early 2000's were also right up there). On any given night 2 of Burish, Bickell, Kopecky, and Eager had to sit. That's ridiculous depth.

Then when you break it down player by player in their role, the forward lines were honestly just about PERFECT. You can't ask for anything better than the set up we had.

First things first EVERYONE could skate. Everyone. Not one single guy that was noticeably "slow" or holding back his linemates. Despite the overall size of our players(some were very large), the speed was never an issue. We were probably the fastest team in the league. Byfuglien was VERY fast for his size. Toews and Kane had elite speed. So did Sharp and Hossa. Ladd was maybe our slowest skater, but still had above average speed(at that time). Kopecky was lightning quick. Versteeg was one of the fastest players in the entire league. Bolland and Burish both also very fast. Eagar and Brouwer could fly despite being known for their size. ALL of these players were FAST.

Then there's that size i mentioned. LOTS of physicality. Everyone had eachothers backs. At least one dangerous power forward on each line at all times. Clutch hits that changed momentum of our games at times. We used our size and grit to overwhelm the opposition....all while at the same time being faster than anyone else was too. Buff and Eager specifically were game changers with their massive hits.

4 elite-2way centers down the middle. Toews-Sharp-Bolland-Madden. All of them played a complete 200 ft game. All could play the PK.

The top 3 lines were all legit scoring lines(each line was constructed perfectly with a power forward/sniper and a playmaker/speedster. The 4th line could score too, but more importantly excelled at doing the dirty work that all great 4th lines do.

We were loaded with nice mix of youth and experience. The additions of players like Madden and Hossa was HUGE for our locker room.

I think we had the perfect 4 line setup. As good as you could possibly ask for. As deep as any team in NHL history. PERFECT blend of speed/skill, offensive skill/defensive awareness, and youth/experience. It was the perfect storm when it comes to rolling 4 lines.

That 2010 team. Every player in the Top 9 for the Hawks played Top 3 minutes at one time in their careers. Maybe not with the Hawks, but elsewhere. Kopecky is the only one who probably only would play that role with the Hawks.
- Elbows15

Yup, regardless of how the wingers were mixed around, Toews-Sharp-Bolland gave us 3 legit scoring lines at all times. Any one of those lines would be good enough to be AT LEAST a very good 2nd line on any average team. We had like 10 players that could plug in easily to a top 6 role.

Re watch that last 4 mins of regulation in game 6.

Kane goal never happens if Niemi doesn't stop up.
- vabeachbear

Yes but if you exclude the short OT and the late stages of the 3rd period when the Flyers were pressing hard to tie it and eventually did, the Hawks utterly dominated that game for the most part. First 2 periods weren't close(as far as who was carrying the play).

Keeping businesses shut is unnecessary at this point. Everyone will most likely be exposed to the virus eventually. The point was to flatten the curve, not keep everyone on lockdown until a cure is found. Walmarts are open, why can't the NHL play games
- just69sayin

Opening up to soon will just lead to a far more intense 2nd wave .The numbers in the states do not support opening up yet .Fools rush in.

A bit of an overstatement from an understandably bitter Flyer fan. He was solid, for the most part, when they needed him most. I’d say the more accurate statement, is they won with him, but not because of him.

The truth is Philly was eternally lucky to even get as far as they did. They weren’t the best team in the east, not even close.
- Ogilthorpe2

I disagree i think by the time the playoffs got going the Flyers were definitely the best team in the East. Their forwards were INSANELY stacked. They had Pronger terrorizing opponents too. Only weakness was their goaltending. But man....those forwards they had....Giroux as a 3C...Ville Leino was a young STUD(not sure what happened to him...)...guys like JVR on the 3rd line as well. Gagne, Briere, Carter, Richards, Hartnell, etc....That's insane talent.

Bad luck for them that they ran into maybe the one team that could match them(and even surpass them) at the forward position.

Opening up to soon will just lead to a far more intense 2nd wave .The numbers in the states do not support opening up yet .Fools rush in.
- oldduffman

Like i keep saying....its time to start slowly letting the low-risk individuals get back to work/daily life. This includes professional athletes. The very small minority of high-risk individuals can stay in quarantine and wait for their vaccine. The rest of the world(where this won't have any more of an effect than catching the common cold) has to go on. Not all at once, but gradually. Starting now.

Like i keep saying....its time to start slowly letting the low-risk individuals get back to work/daily life. This includes professional athletes. The very small minority of high-risk individuals can stay in quarantine and wait for their vaccine. The rest of the world(where this won't have any more of an effect than catching the common cold) has to go on. Not all at once, but gradually. Starting now.
- SimpleJack

Exactly. Reopening doesn't mean going back to the way we were before COVID, you can limit how many people are in a store, require masks, enforce social distancing, etc. I think they should start sports we fans in attendance. No reason they can't let 5000 people into an arena meant for 20,000.