Re: 2009 Chicago Blackhawks

[UMFan83]

Niemi's a fine backup, but I think it's pretty clear he doesn't have it to be the #1 guy. I guess you can say Huet would be a solid backup as well. How about we try to acquire a goaltender that is capable of being a number one guy in the net each and every single night before the deadline? I like hearing these rumors about multiple goalies but I'm at the point right now where I really believe we have to make a move before the deadline if we want to be in a legitimate position to win the Cup this season.

 

Niemi is a beast at shootouts, though. That's certainly encouraging.

 

I have a feeling that the Blackhawks know this and are doing everything possible to bring in a goaltender before the deadline. Remember, while the plan is to contend for years, its pretty obvious that this is likely the strongest opportunity to win a cup, with salary cap concerns coming into play after this year. So I'd be willing to bet the Bowman is doing everything possible to make sure that he has the strongest team possible going into the playoffs.

[Soul]

Was at the game last night. After the first period I thought it would be a relaxing, easy blowout trip to the UC on a Saturday night.

 

It turned out to be a little more exciting than it should have been, but it made for a hell of a fun outing.

 

Anyone know if Hossa will still go to the olympics? After last night I'd rather he take some time off...

[Flames24Rulz]

Was at the game last night. After the first period I thought it would be a relaxing, easy blowout trip to the UC on a Saturday night.

 

It turned out to be a little more exciting than it should have been, but it made for a hell of a fun outing.

 

Anyone know if Hossa will still go to the olympics? After last night I'd rather he take some time off...

 

He's only day-to-day. Q said it would be a long-shot for him to play today but I don't think there's any doubt that he's going to be in Vancouver in a couple of days.

[kujay]

Even before that bad stretch, we are just 4 points back of SJ with two games in hand. Tied in wins.

 

As for Niemi, I actually turned the game off for awhile when it went to 3-1 to watch the KU game, so I missed all the second period goals. But he came up big a few times and played well in the SO, as usual. I don't think he did anything to hurt himself as compared to Huet. Oh, and we've won three straight with him in goal and the offense still not totally clicking.

 

This article again suggests the Hawks will roll with Niemi/Huet in the playoffs.

 

http://espn.go.com/nhl/blog/_/name/lebrun_pierre/id/4912608/stevie-y-ready-hawks-goalie-drama

[kujay]

Hawks look pretty listless so far. I suppose that's to be expected a little.

 

And I'm shocked, but Niemi is in goal again. Is Q trying to send Bowman a message? Because unless Huet is hurt, and there have been no reports at all to that effect, starting Niemi back-to-back like this is making quite a statement. I think he's just trying to see what Niemi is made of.

[kujay]

Defensemen are really letting Niemi down. Campbell is so useless.

[UMFan83]

Damn, I know we just played last night but come on guys. I guess I'll have to wait until after the Olympics to see a convincing win from the Hawks.

[kujay]

Kane is so good, but Keith made that play by shaking off Nash in the neutral zone and setting up the play.

[kujay]

Wow, what a pass from Dowell to Bickell! Go figure. Way to fight back.

 

EDIT: Hendry got the second assist. Three points from guys who never play.

[kujay]

Jake Dowell?! WTF is going on today? :)

 

I like it though.

[UMFan83]

Jake Dowell?! WTF is going on today? :)

 

I like it though.

 

I wonder if he can play goalie?

[kujay]

Jake Dowell?! WTF is going on today? :)

 

I like it though.

 

I wonder if he can play goalie?

 

We've hardly needed a goalie today.

 

Toews is awesome. Great effort led to that goal. The passes have been better than the goals today.

 

Lastly, these Skyline Chili commercials are making that stuff look gross. Curses on WGN games not being on Center Ice.

[17 Seconds]

As for Niemi, I actually turned the game off for awhile when it went to 3-1 to watch the KU game, so I missed all the second period goals. But he came up big a few times and played well in the SO, as usual. I don't think he did anything to hurt himself as compared to Huet.

 

the 3rd goal was horribly soft. the 4th one was arguably soft. the first one was really soft too.

 

he was good in the ot and shootout, but that was about it

[UMFan83]

wtf...I was watching a movie with my GF following the score of the game and see that it's 3-2 Hawks. Then I change the TV to WGN and see its now 4-2. Then before I settle into the game I take the dogs out really quickly and come back and it's 4-3.

[UMFan83]

Jake Dowell?! WTF is going on today? :)

 

I like it though.

 

I wonder if he can play goalie?

 

We've hardly needed a goalie today.

 

Toews is awesome. Great effort led to that goal. The passes have been better than the goals today.

 

Lastly, these Skyline Chili commercials are making that stuff look gross. Curses on WGN games not being on Center Ice.

 

The sad thing is, Skyline Chili is anything but gross. I recognize it's not for everyone, but I personally am in love with the stuff.

[17 Seconds]

i didnt see it, was it bad? 7 goals in 5 periods for niemi so far this weekend.

[kujay]

wtf...I was watching a movie with my GF following the score of the game and see that it's 3-2 Hawks. Then I change the TV to WGN and see its now 4-2. Then before I settle into the game I take the dogs out really quickly and come back and it's 4-3.

 

Yep, it's that kind of game. C-bus can't skate with us, but Niemi can't control a rebound.

[UMFan83]

Damn I just saw a replay of the 3rd Columbus goal and I was not impressed with Niemi's effort there.

[kujay]

Damn I just saw a replay of the 3rd Columbus goal and I was not impressed with Niemi's effort there.

 

Right before the shot came in from the point you could see Niemi craning his neck to try to see the shot. There were two guys in front of him and really in his kitchen. So, perhaps I could cut him some slack for not controlling the rebound.

 

From there, he had no chance on the put-back.

[17 Seconds]

but still, he's failing in every single chance he gets to be the main guy

[UMFan83]

If the Blackhawks can get 2 points after this 3rd period, we'll hit the Olympic break just 2 points behind San Jose for the top seed in the West, with 1 game in hand. That's a nice little comeback...I think we were 6 points down with a game in hand just a week or two ago.

 

We'll also be just 3 points behind Washington with a game in hand for top record in the league. Please get 2 points here, rest up and get ready to take over the league after the break.

[UMFan83]

Also, despite all the crap we've gone through with our goaltending lately. If we hold Columbus scoreless in the third, we'll be just 1 goal behind NJ for least number of goals allowed in the NHL (we have the same number of games played)

[UMFan83]

Great save by Niemi there phew.

[UMFan83]

Wow Duncan Keith got owned on that last play

[kujay]

Huselius just walked somebody. Didn't catch who it was. But Niemi had the angle covered.