NHL season 2007-2008

[Terp]

Flyers only have to survive three more games. I really thought they wouldn't be in it this late in the season.

[kujay]

How 'bout the Hawks staying alive...still have to win out and need a little help, but I love where this franchise is going...

[TruffleShuffle]

i used to like the pens announcers just for the entertainment factor, but their homerism is painful to listen to. scott hartnell is trying to dig the puck free from a pens' defenseman who grabbed the puck and pulled it under him, and they're up in arms about him "spearing" the defenseman. earlier he had taken a shot at crosby and got a justified penalty, but they had almost nothing to say when hartnell went in for a clean check on gonchar, and gonchar put his stick up in hartnell's face and cut the bridge of his nose. i guess one can expect pandering to idiots when you're talking to the pittsburgh market, but it's kinda depressing.

[Post Count Padder]

Devils win!

[Vanilla Ice]

Canes win their biggest game of the season yet. They should make it, but anything with this little margin of error.

[Derwood]

weren't the Penguins .500 at one point? and wasn't Crosby out for a bunch of games? that team went nuts

[Drew Doughty]

i used to like the pens announcers just for the entertainment factor, but their homerism is painful to listen to. scott hartnell is trying to dig the puck free from a pens' defenseman who grabbed the puck and pulled it under him, and they're up in arms about him "spearing" the defenseman. earlier he had taken a shot at crosby and got a justified penalty, but they had almost nothing to say when hartnell went in for a clean check on gonchar, and gonchar put his stick up in hartnell's face and cut the bridge of his nose. i guess one can expect pandering to idiots when you're talking to the pittsburgh market, but it's kinda depressing.

 

i've never liked their announcers...their PBP guy is easily one of the bottom 5 in the league.

[Flames24Rulz]

If the Blues win tomorrow...

[ZFan38]

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/team/app/?servic...rticleid=358783

 

Chicago Blackhawks Press Release Apr 1, 2008, 3:00 PM EDT

 

For the first time in history, the Chicago Blackhawks will televise their entire 82-game regular season schedule and playoff games on both cable and free television.

 

In conjunction with their current agreement with Comcast SportsNet, the Blackhawks today announced a 3-year agreement with WGN Television that, along with the National Hockey League's network partners, VERSUS and NBC, will air all Blackhawks games – both home and away – for the next three seasons.

 

"Our fans want to be able to follow our team on a consistent basis from opening night through the playoffs," said Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell"Rocky" Wirtz. "That's why we are taking this step forward. Bringing Chicago Blackhawks hockey to our fans on both cable and free television will help us to continue the momentum and enthusiasm we have established this year. The combination of Comcast SportsNet and WGN-TV will give the Blackhawks two vehicles to expose both our young players and our seasoned veterans."

 

The agreement, negotiated by Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonough, is yet another step by the organization to generate more enthusiasm about the team's rich tradition and a promising future.

 

After assuming the role of chairman last fall, Mr. Wirtz moved swiftly to place a series of home games on television. He also appointed Mr. McDonough as the team's new president.

Under McDonough, the team brought back Blackhawk legends Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito to serve as ambassadors. Also, the team will hold its inaugural fan convention this summer.

 

"I am extremely happy for our fans on this proud day in Blackhawks history," said Blackhawks President John McDonough. "We are very fortunate to have great partners in Comcast SportsNet and WGN-TV as they help in our efforts to aggressively market this franchise."

 

WGN Television has committed to televising up to 20 games per season in HD. Comcast SportsNet will televise the remaining games in HD, less those chosen by the national television networks.

 

WGN Television had been the home of the Blackhawks during the 1960's and early 1970's. In fact, the last time the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, WGN-TV televised the clinching game back on April 16, 1961.

 

"WGN-TV and the Chicago Blackhawks both have a long, proud tradition as important parts of the Chicago professional sports landscape," said Tom Ehlmann, Vice President & General Manager of WGN Television. "We are excited to be reunited as partners once again with the Blackhawks, and thrilled to be able to televise these games to the loyal fans of this great franchise."

 

"I'm very proud of the years of comprehensive coverage our network has provided Chicago Blackhawks fans," said James J. Corno, President of Comcast SportsNet Chicago. "Today's announcement speaks volumes about the direction that Rocky and John are taking this team. This is truly a historic day in Chicago sports television history and we couldn't be happier about our expanded number of games, along with WGN joining us as the other local TV home for Blackhawks hockey."

 

The history of Blackhawks hockey on local regional sports television dates back to 1984 when Blackhawks games were televised on SportsVision. SportsVision later became SportsChannel which became Fox SportsNet and is currently Comcast SportsNet.

[AI]

i used to like the pens announcers just for the entertainment factor, but their homerism is painful to listen to. scott hartnell is trying to dig the puck free from a pens' defenseman who grabbed the puck and pulled it under him, and they're up in arms about him "spearing" the defenseman. earlier he had taken a shot at crosby and got a justified penalty, but they had almost nothing to say when hartnell went in for a clean check on gonchar, and gonchar put his stick up in hartnell's face and cut the bridge of his nose. i guess one can expect pandering to idiots when you're talking to the pittsburgh market, but it's kinda depressing.

Nice Pittsburgh blast there at the end. I don't know what their TV announcers are like because I don't live there anymore, but the radio PBP guy, Mike Lange, is widely regarded as one of the best in the business.

 

I can understand your bitterness towards Pittsburgh seeing as how we swept you last season and worked you last night. I really hope we draw the Flyers in the first round.

[TruffleShuffle]

i used to like the pens announcers just for the entertainment factor, but their homerism is painful to listen to. scott hartnell is trying to dig the puck free from a pens' defenseman who grabbed the puck and pulled it under him, and they're up in arms about him "spearing" the defenseman. earlier he had taken a shot at crosby and got a justified penalty, but they had almost nothing to say when hartnell went in for a clean check on gonchar, and gonchar put his stick up in hartnell's face and cut the bridge of his nose. i guess one can expect pandering to idiots when you're talking to the pittsburgh market, but it's kinda depressing.

Nice Pittsburgh blast there at the end. I don't know what their TV announcers are like because I don't live there anymore, but the radio PBP guy, Mike Lange, is widely regarded as one of the best in the business.

 

I can understand your bitterness towards Pittsburgh seeing as how we swept you last season and worked you last night. I really hope we draw the Flyers in the first round.

 

i really don't care about the pens. their fans are the ones who hate the flyers; the pens fall a distant third on our hate chart. aside from cindy crosby - who, the other 29 teams in the league realize, is very good at starting battles and letting other people finish them for him - i don't really hate anyone on that team either. as for last season, you helped us be bad enough to get the #2 pick in the draft and open the organization's eyes that they were sorely lacking in speed and offensive talent. so thanks for sweeping us last year; it really did us a favor.

 

there have been studies done saying that certain markets like "homer" announcers and certain markets like more unbiased announcing, and pittsburgh definitely falls under the cities that prefers homers. i thought mike lange knew what he was talking about, but when you're bitching about "spearing" when he's clearing try to dig the puck loose from between a player and the boards, i don't know what to say. a guy who has called the game for that long should know the difference.

 

i don't know why you'd want to play the flyers in the first round. we're as talented (albeit poorly coached) as any team in the east, and we've had good success this year against the pens. the craps are a much easier first round draw.

[bukie]

Blackhawk fans everywhere are huge Blues and Oilers fans tonight....which seems wrong.

 

But, wins by both and the Blackhawks only have to beat Nashville at home and win at Detroit to make the playoffs.

[wolf stansson]

Blackhawk fans everywhere are huge Blues and Oilers fans tonight....which seems wrong.

 

But, wins by both and the Blackhawks only have to beat Nashville at home and win at Detroit to make the playoffs.

We're too busy chasing Stamkos, sorry.

[jersey cubs fan]

It would be so cool to get a chance to face Detroit, and maybe upset them in the first round.

[Drew Doughty]

man i was positive that the sens would make the playoffs...if they lose tonight (currently down 1-0) and washington beats the lightning as they should (and they've totally outplayed and outworked the lightning so far, ramo is just having a monster start), the caps control their own destiny. even so, the caps have 2 periods left vs. the lightning (who are god awful) and a game against the panthers (who have nothing to play for besides pride), while the sens get the leafs (fierce rival) and the bruins (still looking to lock up a playoff spot). going to be a very entertaining finish. i really would like nothing more than to see boston, carolina, philly, and washington in with ottawa on the outside.

 

as i type this, dany heatley ties the game at 1 vs. the Leafs.

[manbearcub]

1-0 preds on a cheap goal that looked to be both with the glove and above the crossbar.

 

Heres a link to a live feed of the game.

 

http://bitcast-d.bitgravity.com/justintv/static/widgets/jtv_live.r6286.swf?channel=jtv_sports

[TruffleShuffle]

man i was positive that the sens would make the playoffs...if they lose tonight (currently down 1-0) and washington beats the lightning as they should (and they've totally outplayed and outworked the lightning so far, ramo is just having a monster start), the caps control their own destiny. even so, the caps have 2 periods left vs. the lightning (who are god awful) and a game against the panthers (who have nothing to play for besides pride), while the sens get the leafs (fierce rival) and the bruins (still looking to lock up a playoff spot). going to be a very entertaining finish. i really would like nothing more than to see boston, carolina, philly, and washington in with ottawa on the outside.

 

as i type this, dany heatley ties the game at 1 vs. the Leafs.

 

i still think ottawa may be the most talented team on paper. i really cannot believe what has happened to them. especially since alfredsson is regarded as a great leader. there has to be something going on behind the scenes there.

[Drew Doughty]

man i was positive that the sens would make the playoffs...if they lose tonight (currently down 1-0) and washington beats the lightning as they should (and they've totally outplayed and outworked the lightning so far, ramo is just having a monster start), the caps control their own destiny. even so, the caps have 2 periods left vs. the lightning (who are god awful) and a game against the panthers (who have nothing to play for besides pride), while the sens get the leafs (fierce rival) and the bruins (still looking to lock up a playoff spot). going to be a very entertaining finish. i really would like nothing more than to see boston, carolina, philly, and washington in with ottawa on the outside.

 

as i type this, dany heatley ties the game at 1 vs. the Leafs.

 

i still think ottawa may be the most talented team on paper. i really cannot believe what has happened to them. especially since alfredsson is regarded as a great leader. there has to be something going on behind the scenes there.

 

i think it's the defense and goaltending. they have an exceptionally overrated defense aside from Phillips/Volchenkov and the goaltending has been spotty all year long.

[ZFan38]

And St. Louis blows another lead.

[TruffleShuffle]

man i was positive that the sens would make the playoffs...if they lose tonight (currently down 1-0) and washington beats the lightning as they should (and they've totally outplayed and outworked the lightning so far, ramo is just having a monster start), the caps control their own destiny. even so, the caps have 2 periods left vs. the lightning (who are god awful) and a game against the panthers (who have nothing to play for besides pride), while the sens get the leafs (fierce rival) and the bruins (still looking to lock up a playoff spot). going to be a very entertaining finish. i really would like nothing more than to see boston, carolina, philly, and washington in with ottawa on the outside.

 

as i type this, dany heatley ties the game at 1 vs. the Leafs.

 

i still think ottawa may be the most talented team on paper. i really cannot believe what has happened to them. especially since alfredsson is regarded as a great leader. there has to be something going on behind the scenes there.

 

i think it's the defense and goaltending. they have an exceptionally overrated defense aside from Phillips/Volchenkov and the goaltending has been spotty all year long.

 

not a fan of wade redden?

[rickrolled]

I hate the Blues.

 

but, it was a great season for the Hawks, best attendance in a long time and a lot of fans have come back, they made more strides this year than ever in terms of relationship with the fans, putting all the games on TV next year is just awesome, and the young talent is only going to get better. Make a couple good moves in the off-season and this team is a definite playoff contender next year.

[AI]

i used to like the pens announcers just for the entertainment factor, but their homerism is painful to listen to. scott hartnell is trying to dig the puck free from a pens' defenseman who grabbed the puck and pulled it under him, and they're up in arms about him "spearing" the defenseman. earlier he had taken a shot at crosby and got a justified penalty, but they had almost nothing to say when hartnell went in for a clean check on gonchar, and gonchar put his stick up in hartnell's face and cut the bridge of his nose. i guess one can expect pandering to idiots when you're talking to the pittsburgh market, but it's kinda depressing.

Nice Pittsburgh blast there at the end. I don't know what their TV announcers are like because I don't live there anymore, but the radio PBP guy, Mike Lange, is widely regarded as one of the best in the business.

 

I can understand your bitterness towards Pittsburgh seeing as how we swept you last season and worked you last night. I really hope we draw the Flyers in the first round.

 

i really don't care about the pens. their fans are the ones who hate the flyers; the pens fall a distant third on our hate chart. aside from cindy crosby - who, the other 29 teams in the league realize, is very good at starting battles and letting other people finish them for him - i don't really hate anyone on that team either. as for last season, you helped us be bad enough to get the #2 pick in the draft and open the organization's eyes that they were sorely lacking in speed and offensive talent. so thanks for sweeping us last year; it really did us a favor.

 

there have been studies done saying that certain markets like "homer" announcers and certain markets like more unbiased announcing, and pittsburgh definitely falls under the cities that prefers homers. i thought mike lange knew what he was talking about, but when you're bitching about "spearing" when he's clearing try to dig the puck loose from between a player and the boards, i don't know what to say. a guy who has called the game for that long should know the difference.

 

i don't know why you'd want to play the flyers in the first round. we're as talented (albeit poorly coached) as any team in the east, and we've had good success this year against the pens. the craps are a much easier first round draw.

Pens fans have a long memory and I think we've hated the Flyers since the Broad Street Bullies were destroying us back in the day. You know hockey well, so I'll take your word for it on the Mike Lange thing. I can admit to being a homer and since I grew up on Mike Lange, I can't bring myself to say a disparaging word about him. I still listen to him on NHL radio when I have time, but its harder to critique when you can't see what's actually happened.

I agree the Flyers are probably a tougher draw, but the Pens have won the last three, including a 7-1 laugher last month at Mellon Arena. The only blowout for the Flyers was an 8-2 pasting back in December with Dany Sabourin in goal. Sabourin won't be able to see the ice without binoculars come playoff time.

[TruffleShuffle]

my mistake on the announcing. it was paul steigerwald and bob errey who are currently the tv announcers, and they are terrible. i don't hear pens' radio broadcasts often, but mike lange is probably still good. he was good when i watched a few pens' games on tv, certainly one-sided toward the pens, but he knows the game and brings life to what was, for several years, a pretty lifeless franchise.

 

here are some opinions on steigerwald and errey; most were taken from the hockey's future boards. even most pittsburgh people don't like them. it's really too bad that FSN Pittsburgh fired lange and replaced him with two ignorant boobs. apparently it was a "business decision," but i don't know how it's good business to fire a very popular, highly-respected commentator after 30 years of service to that team and that city.

[jersey cubs fan]

I hate the Blues.

 

but, it was a great season for the Hawks, best attendance in a long time and a lot of fans have come back, they made more strides this year than ever in terms of relationship with the fans, putting all the games on TV next year is just awesome, and the young talent is only going to get better. Make a couple good moves in the off-season and this team is a definite playoff contender next year.

 

Almost everything broke their way this year, and now the organization is positioned to capitalize on all the attention. However, it's up to them to actually make that happened. They can't go out and sign another couple second tier (or worse) players and expect to carry over the same level of enthusiasm. Battling for a playoff spot will not be acceptable next year. They are going to have to be right in thick of things, locking up a spot relatively quickly and being a real threat to advance a round or two.

[TruffleShuffle]

it still blows my mind that the hawks have not been on tv. that is something i just take for granted.