Cynosure

You must be pretty young. They were pretty good and exciting in the early-to-mid-90's. I'm 21 but didn't start watching hockey until I started playing at about 8.

I couldn't put it any better than NewUserName did and Derek Jeter was a very good call for a comparison. And hey... I think Beach vs Aliu would be an awesome fight.

Anyone who watches Daytona... what's the quick scouting report on Muldowney? He has good numbers so far...

In my opinion as a (former) hockey player/fan... I think Kyle Beach is going to be a huge asset. He is 6'3" 210 lbs in his last weigh in and is going to be NHL ready by the end of this year or the start of next. Beach possesses an acute anger management disorder which he is medicated for, but does not take his medication on game days. Thus obviously leading me to believe he is going to be the Hawks future enforcer for Pat Kane and Jonathan Toews. I really like the draft pick and think a big wing player could prove most prudent for the future of the Hawks (especially with Kane and Toews). --- As far as Akim Aliu, he was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 entry draft. He is making a strong case for a spot on the 08-09' roster but some believe he might not be ready... For those of you not familiar... Aliu is a 6'3" 215 LB Nigerian Forward who has nothing to lose but his pride (and he doesn't lose that very often based on his fight record in OHL). I hate to over-emphasize the enforcer position because it is not generally proven to make a team win... however with 2 potential phenoms in the system, I believe it is very smart to have enforcers such as Beach and Aliu. What I like about Aliu is that he is not just a punk fighter... he has an awesome stick that can score goals as well, AND he is not afraid to pop a rebound right back into the net... a very solid addition to the team whether he makes the team at the beginning of the season or later on... this guy is gonna be huge. Aliu is NHL ready as far as his position is concerned it just depends on whether the Blackhawks front office staff gives him the job... Akim Aliu DEMOLISHES Anthony Nigro: Here he completely destroys Tyler McNeely during a practice: Akim Aliu vs. Matt Kennedy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JuO9w9JKOI&feature=related

Let me add, I know even most hockey fans would not be interested in Huet's top 10 saves... but I really hope you guys watch them... In my opinion he is a top 5 goalie in the league, athlete wise... I will not put him above Fleury, Osgood, or Lundqvist.... but just watch the pure athleticism of his saves especially the double and triple saves. This is a year to get excited.

Do you guys realize how glorious it would be to have Cuban as Cubs owner? The payroll would skyrocket and we'd have a hands on owner...

I would also like to add... if anyone has any questions about hockey or the Blackhawks please feel free to ask here or message me... I do really want to start a Blackhawks movement here because I know there are so many hockey skeptics.

Don't get my hopes up like that!

I think Wood will be re-signed because of his loyalty to the Cubs. Exactly... plus would is no where near K Rod... Wood will probably get 4-5 Mil only. Wood is making 4.2 million this year. That's after he only pitched 2 months last year because of arm injuries, and was pretty effective but not great when he returned. This year, all his numbers have gotten better. In addition to that, he's now a "closer" with 24 saves already which inflates his value. His only injury was not arm related, but was a blister. There's absolutely no way that he signs for so little. He'll easily get double that per year over a potential multi-year deal if not more. That's with incentives though, right?

Poor Carpenter. Not poor Cubs fans!

Fukudome is gonna be fine... he has a new country, league to learn, and child... don't worry he's going to come around.

STUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU GRIMSON!!!!! Best display of a hockey psycho I've ever seen... make sure to watch the end...

Awesome :)

I think Wood will be re-signed because of his loyalty to the Cubs. Exactly... plus would is no where near K Rod... Wood will probably get 4-5 Mil only.

This i finally the year that Chicago will finally be able to endear hockey for the first time in a long time. I dedicate this thread to those of you who say "hockey sucks" or "hockey is boring to watch"... Let me give you reasons to watch the Hawks this season, and I sincerely hope you do try to catch some games. The Blackhawks are going to be much different this year then they have been since I've been alive... very exciting to watch. We have the young phenoms that are Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane (both are 19): Insane Jonathan Toews goal from last year: Picked up Brian Campbell who is an offensive defenseman who is good for a spin-o-rama goal every so often: Brian Campbell causes R.J. Umberger to seizure on the ice after a massive hit: Brian Campbell levels Alexander Ovechkin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbYknhY9dA0&feature=related Brian Campbell spin-o-rama goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8gbZyylCck We signed former Montreal goalie, Cristobal Huet to replace Khabibulen as starting goalie... causing the Blackhawks to have the best 1-2 punch of goalies in the league!: Cristobal Huet's top 10 saves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr4Dhnf2Rzc Don't forget the familiar face of Martin Havlat (if he's healthy): Probably one of my favorite goals of all-time: ------------------------- The Blackhawks are going to be contenders this year and it would be awesome to see Chicago be able to enjoy hockey once again for the first time in a long time. All of the games are going to be on WGN/CSN this year and I am going to make it a point to watch them all... hope you guys catch some too... would like to see what other Hawks fans we have on NSBB! Give it a chance!

Pie 0-3, 2K Hoffpauir 0-3

Yea Sosa shouldn't be on there I hate to say it...

Hoff 0-2 Pie 0-2, K

I wanna see more of the Finn shooter if it's who I think it is :-D

Just missed a 2 run shot in his first at-bat a couple minutes ago to straight away center. Has crushed everything the past few days.

Pie Ks but Torres advances to 2nd on a Stolen Base. So I guess he kinda did his job... The Hoff is up. Hoff batting .451 with RISP and 1.505 OPS. WOW... Flies out DEEP to center field almost at the wall I think.

K Rod is going to get over 12 mil. We could keep Wood for much less then that and then also get a home discount.

Iowa: Torres LF Pie CF Hoffpauir 1B McGehee 3B Kroeger RF Scales 2B Hill C Figueroa SS Burns P Round Rock: Maysonet 2B Towles C House 1B Sadler RF Gorneault LF Manzella SS Johnson 3B Ramirez CF Chiavacci P

Iowa game starts in 30 mins... hopefully Pie and Hoffpauir stay hot... I really want to see Hoff called up ASAP.

Well how many more games do we have with Houston? Doesn't really hurt their team much since they're long out of the race. This can only help us.