It’s hockey season in Detroit again. Time to put up with another 82-game grind. In the city's self-ascribed “Hockeytown,” it’s considered par, not impolite, to look past the months of October through March so that the fans can worry about playoff match-ups. The 82-game regular season is something that is tolerated in Detroit, not necessarily enjoyed. It’s a longer opening … [Read more...] about Detroit Red Wings and Coach Mike Babcock: Will There Be a Seven-Year Itch?
Hockey
Too Soon For Columbus Blue Jackets to Push the Panic Button?
Coming off of another disappointing season, their second season of not making the Stanley Cup playoffs after making it for the first time in their history (2008-2009 season), Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager (GM) Scott Howson realized that the recurring themes of patience, building from within, the status quo and sub-mediocrity had worn completely thin with their fan … [Read more...] about Too Soon For Columbus Blue Jackets to Push the Panic Button?
Saturday’s Three Stars: Bruins Top Hawks in Cup Champs Bowl
The last two Stanley Cup champions met at the United Center on Saturday night, but it was Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins who had the last laugh as they beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout. Bryan Bickell and Patrick Kane scored goals for the Hawks, and Tim Thomas made 27 saves and stopped all three Chicago shootout attempts to grab the victory for the defending … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Three Stars: Bruins Top Hawks in Cup Champs Bowl
Philadelphia Flyers Fans Boo Anti-Cancer Video, NHL Stars in It
Booing Santa Claus, throwing batteries, "winning" the 2009 Daily Show New York vs. Philly sports fan "Douche-off" cheering for crippling injuries; this is what lies on the resume of the Philadelphia sports fan. And now this: brutally booing a promo trying to fund research to fight cancer. During Wednesday night's Philadelphia Flyers home game against the Vancouver … [Read more...] about Philadelphia Flyers Fans Boo Anti-Cancer Video, NHL Stars in It
Blackhawks Notes: Salak Recalled, Saad Sent to Saginaw
Despite his assurances on Monday that he is completely healthy, the Chicago Blackhawks took out an extra insurance policy on goaltender Corey Crawford on Wednesday, bringing up keeper Alexander Salak from Rockford. Ray Emery has also been feeling under the weather, so the goalie lineup for the Hawks going into Thursday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets is anyone’s guess at this … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Notes: Salak Recalled, Saad Sent to Saginaw
Blackhawks Notes: Crawford Injured, Stalberg & Smith Progressing?
While the Blackhawks will not take the ice in earnest again until Thursday night against the Winnipeg Jets, there are several news updates that have come out in the past few days. … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Notes: Crawford Injured, Stalberg & Smith Progressing?
Bolland Scores Twice as Blackhawks Take Home Opener: Saturday’s 3 Stars
After a lackluster effort on Friday night in the Lone Star State, the Chicago Blackhawks came out with guns blazing on United Center ice Saturday and rolled over the Dallas Stars 5-2 for their first victory of the season. Dave Bolland scored twice, and Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, and Andrew Brunette also added goals for the victorious Hawks, and Corey … [Read more...] about Bolland Scores Twice as Blackhawks Take Home Opener: Saturday’s 3 Stars
2011 NHL Eastern Conference Predictions/Previews
When it comes to the NHL and its playoffs, your seeding/position doesn’t matter, particularly in the Eastern Conference – it’s all about getting in the Stanley Cup playoffs. With that, here are Ed Cmar's predictions (in ascending order, from 1st to 15th): … [Read more...] about 2011 NHL Eastern Conference Predictions/Previews
Blackhawks Extend GM Stan Bowman 3 Years, I’m Still Not Sold
When Stan Bowman assumed the position of Chicago Blackhawks GM in July 2009, it came at a time when the Hawks brass were looking for any excuse at all to jettison then incumbent Dale Tallon. The first day of free agency contract mailing snafus served as the perfect "reason." Stan's been John McDonough and Rocky Wirtz's "boy" ever since they took over in 2008. Dale Tallon … [Read more...] about Blackhawks Extend GM Stan Bowman 3 Years, I’m Still Not Sold
Chicago Blackhawks Season Preview: Meet the IceHogs
Lost in the shuffle amid all the roster moves that were made today by the Chicago Blackhawks as they prepare for their regular season opener on Friday was the fact that the roster for the Rockford IceHogs, their AHL affiliate, was solidified as well. Several players who were sent down today, including Brandon Pirri, Dylan Olsen, and Marcus Kruger, undoubtedly will be looked at … [Read more...] about Chicago Blackhawks Season Preview: Meet the IceHogs