Archive for September, 2011

  First off, the video from Brendan Shanahan explaining his suspension of Brendan Smith for his hit on Ben Smith (got all that?) has been posted on NHL.com. Nothing unexpected from Shany, although I do appreciate that he specifically mentioned that Ben Smith’s head position did not move significantly. Also very obvious from the video is that Ben’s head is up. It’s a bit ludicrous of many Detroit fan to claim this was a result of him skating with his head down (there’s a reason everyone hates them).   Interested in playing roller hockey with other Blackhawks fans? Some of the members over at SecondCityHockey.com formed [...]

    Although I believe the hit was ultimately the result of bad decision-making by a rookie (a stick check and/or riding Ben Smith towards the boards would’ve been the correct play there), the suspension was completely deserved and necessary. If the players aren’t going to stop this kind of crap on there own, the league needs to enforce severe and consistent penalties for the offenders. Doing away with the instigator penalty might help too, but unfortunately that’ll never happen. I guarantee a 170lb rookie would think twice before going for a highlight reel hit if he knew swift justice [...]

  With all he has accomplished it is hard to believe Jonathan Toews has only been in the league for four seasons. THN’s Adam Proteau caught up with the 23-year-old Winnipeg native to discuss evolving as a player, internal pressure and much more. Continue reading full article with video at The Hockey News >>

    Earlier this week, the IceHogs travelled to Detroit to play the Red Wings to a 3-3 tie, and last night the Wings returned the favor, sending their Grand Rapids affiliate against the Hawks NHL roster. These games always present an interesting contrast of styles: on one side, veterans honing their game in preparation for opening night; on the other, eager kids angling to make an impression and maybe land a spot with the Big Club.

    Just a quick couple of blurbs here before tonight’s game… On Monday, I wrote that I was opposed to the idea of Kane at center for a number of reasons. After taking a couple of days to let the idea sink in, I’m no longer opposed to it, I just don’t think it’ll work. Fact: Hossa needs a playmaking center who can get him the puck. Fact: Kane and Hossa can’t both play RW on a line with Toews, and neither of them is flipping to the left side. Fact: Sharp isn’t a playmaking center. Fact: Bolland is [...]