08-09' Blackhawks (46-24-12) 104 PTS - 4th Seed In The West!

[jersey cubs fan]

I like Lang a lot and he's going to do another team a lot of good. Getting the draft pick is a huge plus because it's not like the Hawks are going to win the Cup THIS YEAR.

 

Khabi won't be on the team next year and I think we might have some extra cap room to sign a better center? I haven't looked at the payroll much.

 

I'm pretty sure they were $1.5M over and Lang was set to make $4M. So that doesn't leave a lot of room. That's why I say the most likely scenario is a trade involving Khabi.

 

$2.5m is a fair amount of space, but I think he was referring to next year, when they will clear Khabi and Havlat as well. I don't think there are any better centers currently available to sign.

[kujay]

I like Lang a lot and he's going to do another team a lot of good. Getting the draft pick is a huge plus because it's not like the Hawks are going to win the Cup THIS YEAR.

 

Khabi won't be on the team next year and I think we might have some extra cap room to sign a better center? I haven't looked at the payroll much.

 

I'm pretty sure they were $1.5M over and Lang was set to make $4M. So that doesn't leave a lot of room. That's why I say the most likely scenario is a trade involving Khabi.

 

$2.5m is a fair amount of space, but I think he was referring to next year, when they will clear Khabi and Havlat as well. I don't think there are any better centers currently available to sign.

 

True. I think this year they just need to focus on making the playoffs. That would be sufficient improvement to keep the excitement building.

[jersey cubs fan]

True. I think this year they just need to focus on making the playoffs. That would be sufficient improvement to keep the excitement building.

 

I'm not so sure. Just making the playoffs may not cut it. They made the playoffs earlier this decade and it didn't do anything for the longterm health of the organization. They can't just sneak in as some 7th seed and get shellacked. People are going to be watching this year, and if they aren't good, people will be disappointed.

[kujay]

True. I think this year they just need to focus on making the playoffs. That would be sufficient improvement to keep the excitement building.

 

I'm not so sure. Just making the playoffs may not cut it. They made the playoffs earlier this decade and it didn't do anything for the longterm health of the organization. They can't just sneak in as some 7th seed and get shellacked. People are going to be watching this year, and if they aren't good, people will be disappointed.

 

Well, they didn't have the young talent in 2001-02 that they have now. And, obviously, the organization was still stuck in its backward ways. What I mean is that just making the playoffs and getting the young guys some playoff experience may be viewed as enough of a step forward to keep the fans excited.

 

But you're right, there will be a lot more people watching...

 

I can't wait for the season to get going and for the first game on CI with Pat behind the mic.

[jersey cubs fan]

True. I think this year they just need to focus on making the playoffs. That would be sufficient improvement to keep the excitement building.

 

I'm not so sure. Just making the playoffs may not cut it. They made the playoffs earlier this decade and it didn't do anything for the longterm health of the organization. They can't just sneak in as some 7th seed and get shellacked. People are going to be watching this year, and if they aren't good, people will be disappointed.

 

Well, they didn't have the young talent in 2001-02 that they have now. And, obviously, the organization was still stuck in its backward ways. What I mean is that just making the playoffs and getting the young guys some playoff experience may be viewed as enough of a step forward to keep the fans excited.

 

But you're right, there will be a lot more people watching...

 

I can't wait for the season to get going and for the first game on CI with Pat behind the mic.

 

Yes, it's definitely different from back then, but the goals should still be higher. If this team's focus is just on getting to the playoffs, I'm not sure that will be enough to show they are heading in the right direction. Look at last year, 40-34-8, with 239 GS and 235 GA. That wasn't much different than the 7 seed Calgary, which went 42-30-10, with 229/227. If that's good enough to make the playoffs, and that's what the Blackhawks do, I'm not sure I'd say they truly took a step forward. Obviously it would be better than missing the playoffs, but this team probably needs to be a bit more like last year's Dallas team if they truly want to keep the momentum going.

[Cynosure]

By the way, do any of you have NHL 2k9 on Xbox Live?

[NewUserName]

I like Lang a lot and he's going to do another team a lot of good. Getting the draft pick is a huge plus because it's not like the Hawks are going to win the Cup THIS YEAR.

 

Khabi won't be on the team next year and I think we might have some extra cap room to sign a better center? I haven't looked at the payroll much.

 

I am not trying to start a fight, I just wanted to know what you like about Lang? As a Wings fan I cant think of too many players who have played for the Wings over the last 20 years that I disliked more. Its not just the fact that he is lazy on defense. On offense he tries to hard to make spectacular plays and loses the puck. Plus he gets knocked off the puck very easily for a guy his size. About the only thing that I ever really like about him is that he is strong of the PP. All that being said I only seen him about 15 times last year playing for the Hawks. Maybe his game was different in Chicago.

[jersey cubs fan]

I like Lang a lot and he's going to do another team a lot of good. Getting the draft pick is a huge plus because it's not like the Hawks are going to win the Cup THIS YEAR.

 

Khabi won't be on the team next year and I think we might have some extra cap room to sign a better center? I haven't looked at the payroll much.

 

I am not trying to start a fight, I just wanted to know what you like about Lang? As a Wings fan I cant think of too many players who have played for the Wings over the last 20 years that I disliked more. Its not just the fact that he is lazy on defense. On offense he tries to hard to make spectacular plays and loses the puck. Plus he gets knocked off the puck very easily for a guy his size. About the only thing that I ever really like about him is that he is strong of the PP. All that being said I only seen him about 15 times last year playing for the Hawks. Maybe his game was different in Chicago.

 

Hawks fans haven't had many guys capable of actually scoring. I didn't see many games. I've heard very little about him being lazy, and considering the source is Rozner, I don't put much stock in it.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

I have little faith in this team to make the playoffs with one legit center, and even he is inexperienced.

 

Center for the Hawks is like QB for the Bears, it seems, it's our achilles every season.

[NewUserName]

I like Lang a lot and he's going to do another team a lot of good. Getting the draft pick is a huge plus because it's not like the Hawks are going to win the Cup THIS YEAR.

 

Khabi won't be on the team next year and I think we might have some extra cap room to sign a better center? I haven't looked at the payroll much.

 

I am not trying to start a fight, I just wanted to know what you like about Lang? As a Wings fan I cant think of too many players who have played for the Wings over the last 20 years that I disliked more. Its not just the fact that he is lazy on defense. On offense he tries to hard to make spectacular plays and loses the puck. Plus he gets knocked off the puck very easily for a guy his size. About the only thing that I ever really like about him is that he is strong of the PP. All that being said I only seen him about 15 times last year playing for the Hawks. Maybe his game was different in Chicago.

 

Hawks fans haven't had many guys capable of actually scoring. I didn't see many games. I've heard very little about him being lazy, and considering the source is Rozner, I don't put much stock in it.

 

Maybe lazy isnt the right word. I would say that I always thought that Lang was more committed to his game than he was the teams game. On the Wings who are committed to puck control and defensive responsibility, someone like Lang(not very defensive responsible and trying to make great plays) did not fit in very well.

[kujay]

Maybe lazy isnt the right word. I would say that I always thought that Lang was more committed to his game than he was the teams game. On the Wings who are committed to puck control and defensive responsibility, someone like Lang(not very defensive responsible and trying to make great plays) did not fit in very well.

 

So the question is, was Lang's scoring worth his shoddy two-way play and attitude?

 

Without another option in the middle, my answer is yes. But I'm willing to give Dale some time and see what he can do.

[jersey cubs fan]

Maybe lazy isnt the right word. I would say that I always thought that Lang was more committed to his game than he was the teams game. On the Wings who are committed to puck control and defensive responsibility, someone like Lang(not very defensive responsible and trying to make great plays) did not fit in very well.

 

So the question is, was Lang's scoring worth his shoddy two-way play and attitude?

 

Without another option in the middle, my answer is yes. But I'm willing to give Dale some time and see what he can do.

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=235527

 

Q. Was it a smart decision to trade Robert Lang?

 

A. More than a few NHL general managers can't figure out how Tallon was able to move the $4 million contract of a guy who turns 38 in a few months.

 

Lang had some good moments in 2007-08, just not enough of them. More times than not he was not a factor, particularly on offense, and coach Denis Savard had big problems with the veteran center's defensive play. The Hawks shouldn't miss Lang.

[Cynosure]

Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets 9/23 7:30pm

 

I wonder if this will be on WGN as a pre-season game?

[kujay]

Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets 9/23 7:30pm

 

I wonder if this will be on WGN as a pre-season game?

 

According to the Hawks' website no preseason games will be televised:

 

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule

 

EDIT: Two games on WGN radio.

 

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=382144

[Cynosure]

They had their first scrimmages yesterday and in the first shift, Kane called a nice play and fed Campbell a nice pass who fired a wrister into the net (against Khabi). After the practice Kane said he loves working with Campbell.

 

Also, Barker is on the same shift as Campbell which the Tribune says will aid in his development. Barker gained some weight and is now 225 and only 22 years old.

 

This could be a special season, folks... lets see what we get at the deadline... center PLEASE.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

They had their first scrimmages yesterday and in the first shift, Kane called a nice play and fed Campbell a nice pass who fired a wrister into the net (against Khabi). After the practice Kane said he loves working with Campbell.

 

Also, Barker is on the same shift as Campbell which the Tribune says will aid in his development. Barker gained some weight and is now 225 and only 22 years old.

 

This could be a special season, folks... lets see what we get at the deadline... center PLEASE.

 

Thanks for the update!

[jaydee]

haha i cant believe people are upset that lang is gone. guy was totally useless after the first 30 games. as usual, he doesnt have the motivation to play a whole season (or play d...). good riddance.

[jaydee]

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/icing/2008/09/countdown-to-ca.html

 

Here's the latest from Kuc's blog.

 

I understand trading Lang for financial reasons. But if (when) Havlat goes down I fear the team could be offensively challenged again. Which is why it makes no sense to have nearly a quarter of your cap used up by effing goaltenders.

 

But Tallon is still going to shop Khabi and ship him off when the first contender's goalie gets hurt, right?

 

 

 

Agreed. *sigh* Another season where we feel like we have a promising young team but we're short at center. I'm feeling less confident we make the playoffs now.

 

 

Unless Kontiola really sucks, there is nothing wrong with the depth at center. Bolland is fine as a #3 center. Kontiola, judging by everything he has done in his hockey career, should do well. Especially consider the talent he will be playing with on the 2nd line.

[DiamondMind]

One thing that hesitates me from following hockey is that -I dont know anyone-. I could give you the starting 8 and full rotation for every team in baseball, but I can't name two people on the blackhawks.

[Cynosure]

One thing that hesitates me from following hockey is that -I dont know anyone-. I could give you the starting 8 and full rotation for every team in baseball, but I can't name two people on the blackhawks.

 

Trust me, it's going to be worth it this year. The Blackhawks have an amazing team... anyone I've gotten to give it a chance and watch at least 3 games start to know the players and rules and realize hockey is an awesome sport.

 

The Blackhawks color/play by play team this year is going to be awesome as well, they're going to realize their audience might not be hockey die hards and will explain everything as such.

[DiamondMind]

One thing that hesitates me from following hockey is that -I dont know anyone-. I could give you the starting 8 and full rotation for every team in baseball, but I can't name two people on the blackhawks.

 

Trust me, it's going to be worth it this year. The Blackhawks have an amazing team... anyone I've gotten to give it a chance and watch at least 3 games start to know the players and rules and realize hockey is an awesome sport.

 

The Blackhawks color/play by play team this year is going to be awesome as well, they're going to realize their audience might not be hockey die hards and will explain everything as such.

 

I've been to quite a few Peoria Rivermen games in my years, so trust me, I do understand and enjoy hockey. I just think it will be hard for me to form the 'personal' attachment to players I'm not familiar with. But yea, I fully plan on giving it a chance this year. So I'm at least one conformer for your cause this year! :)

 

edit - the part about the announcers understanding their context gives me hope...they're going to probably have to dumb down their commentary at least a little for this year.

[Drew Doughty]

One thing that hesitates me from following hockey is that -I dont know anyone-. I could give you the starting 8 and full rotation for every team in baseball, but I can't name two people on the blackhawks.

 

Trust me, it's going to be worth it this year. The Blackhawks have an amazing team... anyone I've gotten to give it a chance and watch at least 3 games start to know the players and rules and realize hockey is an awesome sport.

 

The Blackhawks color/play by play team this year is going to be awesome as well, they're going to realize their audience might not be hockey die hards and will explain everything as such.

 

I've been to quite a few Peoria Rivermen games in my years, so trust me, I do understand and enjoy hockey. I just think it will be hard for me to form the 'personal' attachment to players I'm not familiar with. But yea, I fully plan on giving it a chance this year. So I'm at least one conformer for your cause this year! :)

 

edit - the part about the announcers understanding their context gives me hope...they're going to probably have to dumb down their commentary at least a little for this year.

 

play fantasy hockey or pick up a hockey video game and get to know the players. its the best way to get into a sport imo.

[RedFlash]

One thing that hesitates me from following hockey is that -I dont know anyone-. I could give you the starting 8 and full rotation for every team in baseball, but I can't name two people on the blackhawks.

 

Get to know two names: Jonathon Toews (likely ROY had he not been injuried) and Patrick "Candy" Kane. These two young men---who can't drink legally, mind you---are going to absoltuely dominate the NHL for a long time. Get to know these two franchise faces now, and the rest of the team will fall into place. Overchkin and Crosby get all of the glory of the NHL (like their predecessors Lemieux and Gretzky) but Toews and Kane are going to be this generations Stevie Y (Yzerman) and Mark Messier, in that they will be superstars in this game, but vastly underrated by people outside of their respective teams. Trust me, if you following the Hawks like the Cubs, you will love watching Kane and Toews play.

[Cynosure]

One thing that hesitates me from following hockey is that -I dont know anyone-. I could give you the starting 8 and full rotation for every team in baseball, but I can't name two people on the blackhawks.

 

Get to know two names: Jonathon Toews (likely ROY had he not been injuried) and Patrick "Candy" Kane. These two young men---who can't drink legally, mind you---are going to absoltuely dominate the NHL for a long time. Get to know these two franchise faces now, and the rest of the team will fall into place. Overchkin and Crosby get all of the glory of the NHL (like their predecessors Lemieux and Gretzky) but Toews and Kane are going to be this generations Stevie Y (Yzerman) and Mark Messier, in that they will be superstars in this game, but vastly underrated by people outside of their respective teams. Trust me, if you following the Hawks like the Cubs, you will love watching Kane and Toews play.

 

Amen...

 

Here is Mr. Rookie Toews at age 19 (just turned 19 when this video was taken) absolutely AMAZING:

 

Here is Mr. Rookie Kane at age 19 as well... SICK shootout goal:

[DiamondMind]

I just replayed that Kane shootout goal about five times. Holy crap.