23-Man Roster

as of September 30, 2007  www.TheThirdManIn.com

I’m expecting Adam Burish ($575,000) to make the team and Cam Barker to be sent to Rockford.  If that happens the base payroll would stand at $42,019,400.  Keep in mind the payroll number that counts is the cap hit, which includes any contract incentives or rookie bonuses included in the player’s agreement.  As of today, the Cap Hit would approximately stand at 46 million with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane’s rookie bonuses figured in.

Players listed in bold are entering the final year of their contracts.  Those highlighted will be un-restricted free agents following this season.

http://www.thethirdmanin.com/hawkspayroll.html

chrisblock@thethirdmanin.com

Tonight’s Hawks Line-Up as posted on blackhawks.nhl.com

Martin Havlat (groin) and Tuomo Ruutu (knee) continue to sit out.  Coach Denis Savard had been hopeful Havlat would play tonight.  Probably a good idea to give Havlat some additional recovery time.

The game will be shown on ComcastSportsNet.

Yanic Perreault notched a goal along with Magnus Johansson, Dave Bolland, and Adam Burish (the latter three all in the third period to complete the comeback) Saturday night at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

If Adam Burish hadn’t already earned himself a spot on the opening night roster, he likely did Saturday against the Blues.  His game-winning goal with 17 seconds remaining in the third period wasn’t anything spectacular.  Shorthanded, Burish headed immediately to the front of the Blues net while Kevyn Adams prepared a scoring chance with a shot on net of his own.  St. Louis netminder Manny Legace stopped Adams’ shot but was unable to find his rebound which had trickled behind him.  Upon locating the loose puck, an uncovered Burish slammed it home to put the Blackhawks ahead 4-3. 

Burish earned the first star of the game.  Doug Weight and rookie David Perron of the Blues were the second and third stars.

The Blackhawks are now in Minnesota, where they will finish the preseason with a match against the same team they will open the season against Thursday, in the same building they will match on that night, the Minnesota Wild.

Official scoresheet and SuperStats

Game recap AP/Sun-Times

19-year old Perron impressive in Blues' loss STL Post-Dispatch

Khabibulin's goal for Blackhawks; Playoffs Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

No kidding around, Tallon turns to vets Chris Kuc, Tribune

Blackhawks fans focus on the future Daily Herald readers submit their thoughts

Chicago bids goodbye to Blackhawks owner NBC5.com

Brief report as I’ll be out the rest of the day

Yesterday the Blackhawks accomplished something they should have addressed over the summer, they signed a veteran defenseman.  Friday evening, GM Dale Tallon signed free agent defenseman Brent Sopel to a one-year deal.  Sopel had been in Detroit Red Wings camp where he was a non-roster invitee.  In fact, Sopel was in Toronto with the Wings on Friday when his agent informed him and the Red Wings he was in serious talks to sign with the Blackhawks.  According to TSN, Detroit then offered Sopel a contract before the 30-year old defenseman decided to leave the ‘Wings and sign with Chicago.  The one-year deal is believed to be worth $1.5 million.

Team Press Release blackhawks.nhl.com

Sopel made his name with the Vancouver Canucks where he played from 1998 to 2004.  The first post-lockout season he signed with the New York Islanders where he was a minus-9 in 57 games with 2 goals and 25 assists.  He was traded before that season ended along with Mark Parrish to the Los Angeles Kings for Denis Grebeshkov and Jeff Tambellini.  He stayed with the Kings for about a calendar-year before the Kings traded him back to Vancouver in a deal which also saw a few draft picks change hands.

6’1’ and somewhere between 210-215 pounds, Sopel uses his body hastily and has shown to be injury prone.  Able to play the point on the power play, Sopel boasts a big-league shot.

Take a look at what ‘Wings coach Mike Babcock said about Sopel Friday morning, before Sopel left the team:  Detroit Free Press

“We expect him to be way steadier,” Babcock said. “What I mean by that is, we want the offense. We don’t want the risks.
“Offense comes because you take what they give you, not because you make hope plays; you wish it somewhere. That’s not how it works. You just keep on playing. You keep doing the little things and then it ends up working for you. That’s our focus with him.”

Savard's edict; flip the switch or off the roster Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

His intentions are good, but who’s Savard going to sit?  He’s already announced Nikolai Khabibulin as his opening night starter.  For the most part I’d say the defenseman (and not Keith or Seabrook even though reportedly he’s been riding them hard at practice lately) should heed Savard’s declaration.  Coaches who show up their general manager oftentimes don’t stay employed very much after so Robert Lang, Yanic Perreault, Kevyn Adams and Sergei Samsonov are likely immune to this threat.

** One of the newest Blackhawks, Kevyn Adams arranged and paid for a team lunch yesterday after practice at the Edge in Bensenville.  You can read more in Chris Kuc's blog here

** On a completely un-related, irrelevant note, Jason Williams, post-practice Friday was sporting a t-shirt that read: F*ck Rehab, Buy Me A Drink.  I feel a bit closer to him today.

** Neither Martin Havlat (groin strain) or Tuomo Ruutu (knee) skated Friday.  Savard wouldn’t rule out them playing on Sunday.

** Jonathan Toews, Dustin Byfuglien, and Niklas Hjalmarsson participated in conditioning drills before practice.  Savard was not confident Toews would play opening night on Thursday in Minnesota but showed more optimism about the Home Opener a week from tonight~! against Detroit. 

Waiver pick-up Pilar has size, passion says Savard Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Pronounce Pilar (Pee-lahsh) laaahsh, not lash.  He’ll be wearing number 5 this weekend.

Khabibulin looks fit, ready Mike Spellman, Daily Herald

Rockford IceHogs unveiled their new jerseys this week Jerseys and Hockey Love blog

Pensacola Ice Pilots tickets go on sale next Saturday October 6

Joe Sakic about to pass Bobby Hull on all-time goals list. More markers set for passing here.

Flyers' Steve Downie gets 20-game suspension for hit on Ottawa Senators’ Dean McAmmond this past Tuesday.

Old-time Montreal players reflect on train rides to Chicago games Red Fisher, Montreal Gazette, with assist to www.kuklaskorner.com 

Madison Square Garden sues the NHL Yahoo news

Bill Wirtz purchased Bobby Hull 'Hawks memorabilia in silent auction 3 years ago Sneed

Interestingly, Wirtz reportedly bought several items but was outbid for Hull’s Stanley Cup ring, which went for $82,000.  To me, that’s the prize jewel.  If he was spending as much as he did, why not get the Cup ring?  I suppose it’s possible he got into a bidding war for it, and gave up when he figured the other bidder wasn’t going to back down. 

** Blackhawks head down to St. Louis tomorrow for their second-to-last preseason contest versus the Blues at 7:30.  Sunday at 5pm, Denis Savard’s crew will be in Minnesota to face the Wild.  Both games will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet.  The Hawks practice at the Edge in Bensenville, 11am today before heading to St. Louis this evening.

Lapointe sees Toews as captain material Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Havlat day-to-day with groin strain, may play Sunday Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

A R&R day, except for Tallon Chris Kuc blog

Kuc notes the Blackhawks had scheduled Thursday as a day off before camp began and it was not related to the death of Mr. Wirtz.

Hawks carry on without Bill Wirtz Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

** '99 Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick Darcy Robinson dies during Italy-league game last night Toronto Star with assist to Kukla's Korner

** St. Louis defenseman Jay McKee is injured again St. Louis Game Time blog

Race for the Calder Trophey? Terry Frei chooses St. Louis' Johnson ESPN

Predators’ owner son Leipold arrested for drunk driving again Fox Sports

Clearly, Dean McAmmond's been hit in the head too many times TSN.ca

 Downie calls in an apology, but Sens still pissed THN

Steve Downie Kills Bill Wirtz Big Body Presence blog

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Site Business:

My predictions for the final 23-man Blackhawks roster are available with today’s earlier post….

 Getting to 23: Breaking down the roster, which currently stands at 30

Probably our most popular and nearly as controversial posts ever, the ICE CHICKS~! Primer….

 TheThirdManIn previews the NHL's other In-Game Entertainment~!

I’m inviting your thoughts or opinions on the life and death of Bill Wirtz, where the team goes from here or anything else you may want to express and have published here.  Email me at thethirdmanin@sbcglobal.net

Links to the Wirtz posts are here,  here,  here, and  here. 

TheThirdManIn's 2007-08 Season Preview

Subscribe to our RSS feed here or use the button most suited for you on the right side of the page.

I’ll be answering some email questions here on the site this weekend.  Mostly, if not all, Wirtz related but you can ask me anything on the Hawks or NHL in general at chrisblock@thethirdmanin.com.  Most questions have been sent anonymously, which is fine, but names are appreciated.

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Reminder; the NHL regular season gets underway tomorrow at 12noonEST/11am Central in London, England at the enormous O2 Arena.  Los Angeles will play the role as home team, hosting the defending Stanley Cup Champions Anaheim Ducks.  The rematch takes place Sunday at the same time with the roles reversed.  Saturday’s game is live on CBC in Canada and HD Net (It’s great.  I have it, so should you) in the States.  Don’t ask me why the NHL is debuting its’ season on a station only 6% of the country has access to.  Sunday’s game is on everyone’s favorite, Versus.  No coverage of that one in Canada.

31-year-old Gavin Morgan trying to latch on to IceHogs/Hawks organization RRStar

Briefly….

Jeff Hamilton tallied the first score in Carolina’s 3-0 win before 11,993 in Columbus last night.  Eric Staal and Justin Williams assisted on Hamilton’s power-play goal.  Hamilton had 4 shots in just over 17 minutes of action….. Somewhat surprisingly, it appears Aaron Downey is getting a long look in Detroit.  He played again last night.  Chris Chelios skated 20 minutes in the ‘Wings 3-2 over Tampa at the Joe…. Bryan Smolinski assisted on Montreal’s game-winning, power-play goal in last nights 3-2 win over the Bruins at Bell Centre…. Radim Vrbata had an assist for Phoenix and Stephane Robidas had the decisive score in the shootout, giving Dallas the 3-2 victory over the Coyotes Thursday in Dallas.  Vrbata’s shootout attempt was stopped by Marty Turco…..

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Detroit Red Wings Season Previews:

I’m going to add my two cents as it relates to our Detroit friend’s previews either tomorrow or Saturday, but I wanted to post the links finally as we’ve been distracted here obviously.  They’re definitely good reads.  Have a look.

Gloveside.net

Abel2Yzerman - Part one and two

Gorilla Crouch plus 'Wings point projections

Behind the Jersey

George Malik's detailed Wings Preview at Kukla's Korner

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Jack Skille

Photo credit: Jonathan Daniel @ Getty Images/YahooSports

The Blackhawks roster now stands at 30 after the waiver-acquisition of Karel Pilar.  As mentioned yesterday, Pilar is most-likely headed to Rockford, and barring injury, figures to spend most of his time there this season.

The Hawks need to trim the roster down to 23 by next week.  The way we figure it, there are still three spots up for grabs, but they are reserve slots and not as regular members of the 20-man line-up card.  Of course a trade or more waiver movements are possible, but here’s how we see the final roster shaping up.

Here’s how we envision the forward position

1/  Samsonov * Lang * Havlat

2/  Ruutu * Toews * Kane

3/  Sharp * Perreault * Williams

4/  Koci * Adams * Lapointe

Remaining: Dave Bolland, Rene Bourque, Adam Burish, Petri Kontiola, Jack Skille

On defense:

1/  Keith * Seabrook

2/  Vandermeer * Wisniewski

3/  Zyuzin * Johansson

Remaining: Cam Barker, Dustin Byfuglien, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Karel Pilar, Danny Richmond

Goaltenders

1/  Khabibulin

2/  Lalime

I’ve been harsh on James Wisniewski and will continue to be until he shows a better consistency; however it’s clear he’s a favorite of Denis Savard and will have to play his way off the team, back into the AHL, which he hasn’t done to this point…..  Magnus Johansson has exhibited an ability to compete at both ends of the rink and his passing skills are invaluable at this juncture.  To start off, he’ll stick on the third pairing and occupy a point position on one of the power-play units.  You wouldn’t perceive him to be 34 if you didn’t know it.… Andrei Zyuzin hasn’t played poorly nor has his play been remarkable.  Though if you want to pass judgment and cut him for that Denis Savard would be left with three defenseman in next Thursday’s game in Minnesota….. Sorry to say but Cam Barker may be better off starting the season in Rockford.  A lack of confidence would be taking it a bit too far, but he definitely appears to be unsure of himself at times which have led to a myriad of blunders.  He needs to play.  25 minutes a night at a level he should grow to dominate may be the best antibiotic for Barker’s ails…..  I don’t understand it, but the Hawks seem desperate to make Danny Richmond a part of this team.  If Niklas Hjalmarsson and Dustin Byfuglien weren’t out with injuries, he’d be out of the blue line picture entirely.  Hasn’t shown much at either wing (can he drive the zamboni?), but has some value in that he was willing to throw his body around forechecking at forward.  For that I’ll say he makes the team……

There is no issue in net.  Corey Crawford will be the emergency call-up.

At forward:  I can’t see a regular spot for Rene Bourque with Patrick Kane getting more and more comfortable with the NHL pace with each preseason game.  From watching the preseason it appears Denis Savard has a combination of David Koci, Danny Richmond, and Adam Burish penciled as the rotating twelfth forward.  Bourque may stick around for Kane’s 10-game tryout and then be dealt with should, as expected, Kane impress his bosses enough to earn an eleventh in 2007.  Bourque is not a checking winger, he does not fight, provides minimal physical presence, and is only talented enough to provide a stop-gap on the top scoring line.  Has the same ‘assuredness’ issues as Barker but would have to clear waivers before he could be sent to the AHL…..  Denis Savard likes everything about Adam Burish and I could see Burish being rewarded for a having great camp…… Jack Skille hasn’t proven himself to be ready just yet.  He needs more time in Rockford….  There isn’t a spot open right now for Dave Bolland (who’s expected to play in one game this weekend) or Petri Kontiola though the latter should be set as the first call-up in replacing an injured skill player.  Bolland could be used as the fourth center at times this season, but he’s a year away from being a serious contender for member of the standard lineup…..

This leaves Rockford with:

At forward:

1/  Pierre Parenteau * Petri Kontiola * Troy Brouwer

2/  Kris Versteeg * Dave Bolland * Jack Skille

3/  Bryan Bickell * Evan Brophey * Michael Blunden

4/  Colin Fraser * Jacob Dowell * Adam Berti

Adam Hobson,

Defense:

1/  Cam Barker * Dustin Byfuglien

2/  Karel Pilar * Jim Fahey

3/  Jordan Hendry * Prestin Ryan

Steve Maar, J.C. Sawyer, Niklas Hjalmarsson (inj)

Goal:

1/  Corey Crawford

2/  Wade Flaherty

3/  Mike Brodeur

Keep in mind in the AHL, coaches can only dress 17 skaters.  Mike Brodeur will see time with the Ice Pilots of Pensacola as well.

Let’s try to catch up on the news from the past two days.  A few people have asked for my view on the death of Bill Wirtz and where the organization goes from here and I’ll have an article up on the site late tonight.  There’s an extraordinary amount of columns and stories on the web and many of them have been linked here.  Just about every one is worth the read for one reason or another.  No matter what you thought of his business practices as it pertained to the Chicago Blackhawks, Bill Wirtz is an incredibly interesting character whose legend will never be forgotten.

In brief, Bob Pulford is not going anywhere.  I’ve seen and heard it be predicted that Pulford will somehow be fazed out of his position by the sons, Rocky and Peter.  Not a chance.  The Wirtz family is entrenched in loyalty and no one in this organization was more loyal to Bill Wirtz over the last 30 years than Pully.  He is in line for a promotion, at the very least in title alone.  Pulford has a job for life if he so chooses.  Remember, Tommy Ivan was one of the worst general managers in history and he received a paycheck from the Blackhawks until the day he died.

As far as the negativity or celebratory words of Blackhawks’ fans, they are certainly entitled to their opinions.  I just think that as a fan you’ve had however many years to ridicule, scorn, criticize, curse, or mock the man; you had the right and he gave you that opportunity.  Now it’s time to leave the man in peace.  Sports was one aspect of his life, no matter how big it may be in yours or mine, and he established himself as an immensely distinguished businessman moreso than the rogue he’s many times made out to be.  Being a Blackhawks’ fan can be tough and it has been, but as with anything, it’s your choice.

Hawks claim defenseman Karel Pilar off waivers from Atlanta blackhawks.nhl.com

The Rockford IceHog-Hawks/Chicago Wolves rivalry is heating up.  Karel Pilar was optioned to the Chicago Wolves (Thrashers’ AHL affiliate) yesterday and apparently placed on waivers at the same time.  Tallon initiated a change of address form today for Pilar who will be 30 in December.   Pilar hasn’t played in an NHL game since before the lockout and had been competing in his native Czech Republic league before appearing in 10 games (2g, 5a) with the Toronto Marlies last season.  This is a depth move and Pilar should be fitted for an IceHogs jersey soon.

Audio Hawkscast 3.2 - Training camp report/Yanic Perreault interview

** Martin Havlat did not practice Wednesday at the Edge in Bensenville.  He’s nursing a slight groin pull suffered in Tuesday afternoon’s game in South Florida.

** G-Corey Crawford and D-Prestin Ryan were optioned to Rockford (AHL) on Wednesday.  With the roster at 29 players, the Hawks have six more cuts to make by Monday.

2007-08 Season Preview: Chicago Blackhawks ESPN.com

ESPN predicts a third place finish in the Central and 10^th in the West.  They’ll be traveling to Rockford to watch Jack Skille and possibly Cam Barker as well.

Kane, Toews, Skille giving Blackhawk Nation hope Scott Burnside, ESPN.com

Defense should worry Blackhawks Tim Sassone, Daily Herald (Amen!)

Opportunity knocks for 34-yr old rookie Magnus Johansson Chris Kuc, Tribune (Wed)

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Detroit Red Wings Season Previews:

I’m going to add my two cents as it relates to our Detroit friend’s previews either tomorrow or Saturday, but I wanted to post the links finally as we’ve been distracted here obviously.  They’re definitely good reads.  Have a look.

Gloveside.net

Abel2Yzerman - Part one and two

Gorilla Crouch plus 'Wings point projections

Behind the Jersey

George Malik's detailed Wings Preview at Kukla's Korner

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Briere, Ovechkin, Toews among NHL players to watch this season CP

39-year-old Wade Flaherty still has his sights set RRStar.com

  IceHogs' training focuses on defense

James Mirtle’s blog posts video of Steve Downie's hit on Dean McAmmond

Rob Ramage's defense gets its' first victory in Ramage trial  Toronto Star

We’ll have more later….

The Daily Herald is asking for your thoughts on the passing of Bill Wirtz.  They want you to limit those thoughts to 200 words or less and of course they’ll be edited for content as they see fit.

** If you’re interested, drop me your thoughts here: thethirdmanin@sbcglobal.net  I won’t keep you to a word count, and I absolutely won’t edit you as long as those thoughts are coherent.

I won’t publish you’re email address unless you request me to.  I do ask you include at least your first name and last initial and the city in which you reside.

Obituary - William Wadsworth Wirtz,

William Wadsworth Wirtz, age 77, of Winnetka, beloved husband of Alice, nee Pirie, and the late Joan, nee Roney; loving father of W. Rockwell (Marilyn) Wirtz, Gail W. (James) Costello, Karen K. (Robert) Fix, Peter R. Wirtz (Cynthia C. Barker) and Alison M. Wirtz; dear grandfather of Daniel (Anne), Hillary and Kendall Wirtz, Katy and Kevin Costello, William and Keenan Fix; loving brother of Elizabeth Wirtz and the late Cynthia MacArthur and Arthur Michael (Sunny) Wirtz Jr. Visitation Sunday, Sept. 30, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Road, Skokie. Funeral Services 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 East Chestnut Street, at Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. Interment Ivanhoe Cemetery, Ivanhoe, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chicago Blackhawk Charities, 1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612 or Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Foundation, Inc., 805 15th Street NW, Suite 430, Washington, D. C. 20005 would be appreciated. Funeral Info, 847-675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com

you can sign or track the guestbook here.  ‘The Patrick Kane family’ has posted a note.

He did it his way Andrew Herrmann, Sun-Times

Mike North (Score 670am morning host who signed onto his radio program Wednesday morning with the Hawks anthem “Here Come the Hawks”) described the reaction of his listeners as “happy.”  ‘The Score’ is the radio home of the Chicago Blackhawks.

''It's harsh but true. [Mr. Wirtz] wasn't a working-class guy. He priced the working-class guy out. He wouldn't put the [home] games on TV. With all due respect to his family, [callers] hope the team can move on now.''

John Ziegler, former NHL president and Wirtz confidant deemed Bill: “the most brilliant man I ever met.”

James Thompson, former governor of Illinois on Mr. Wirtz: ''He represented important business interests, and that always gets attention in Springfield.  Did he get everything he wanted? No. Did he have good lobbyists? Yes.'' 

** Wirtz Corp. owns the 333 N. Michigan Avenue building which explains why Hawk Quarters has been able to maintain its presence on Michigan Avenue despite minimal revenue and an indignant sales staff.

Home TV policy aids declining Hawks interest Phil Rosenthal, Tribune media reporter

TV policy isn't the only needed change Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Wirtz was hockey's passionate voice Steve Simmons, London Free Press (great quick read)

Caring Owner helped players Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Pulford sure Rocky and Peter Wirtz will "do the right things" Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

Black day for Blackhawks Tim Cronin, Daily Southtown

Funeral services Monday for 'Hawks owner Wirtz Lake County News-Sun

Chris Chelios praises Bill Wirtz  George Malik’s Snapshots

Chelios to the Detroit Free Press: "He did a lot for hockey.  I really liked Mr. Wirtz and his family a lot. My sympathy goes out to his family. My father and his father go back a long way, so there's a lot of history between our families.

The biggest thing was his loyalty, whether to his players or his staff. He always felt it was a great honor to be involved with the Chicago Blackhawks organization and he really believed that. He was a tough guy. He's Chicago through and through."

Chicago Tribune has asked former Blackhawks’ beat writers and others for Wirtz reflections

Wirtz had passion for Boxing Neil Milbert

Kuc reflects fondly on meeting with Bill Wirtz Chris Kuc

Johnson remembers Wirtz passion and protectiveness K.C. Johnson

Steve Dahl: I always liked him

A legend lost A Wirtz remembrance Michael Sneed, Sun-Times

A Chicago icon, through and through Greg Couch, Sun-Times columnist

The once-great Wirtz destroyed his own legacy Mark Lazerus, Gary Post-Tribune

Showing sympathy for grump Kevin Kaduk, Kane Kounty Chronicle

Mark Miller, webmaster for WirtzSucks.com is feels conflicted and is considering changing his domain name. “I’m actually a little shocked because I see a lot of people spewing a lot of bad things about the man.” The owner of WirtzSucks.com said that.  He also said that people are “coming out of the woodwork” inquiring as to when the Wirtz is gone party will be. “I just feel really strange trying to plan a party on the day the man died.”

Wirtz is dead, long live the Blackhawks Don Jacobson, the Beachwood Reporter

Bill Wirtz passing --  end of a legacy Southwest Side Blogger

This blogger says they’re “not one to dance on a grave” be at peace but "Thank God" he's dead

Business to go on under Wirtz family, Sons Rocky, Peter to head Hawks Chicago Tribune

Tribune article states according to Rocky Wirtz, father Bill’s death is not expected to change the firm’s business plan.

"If anything, we'll grow our business more," Rocky Wirtz said. "We're well-capitalized, we're proud of our balance sheet, and that's a good thing when times are tough."

That story also includes the Crain’s Chicago Business estimated number we noted here weeks ago, that Wirtz Corporation pulls in annual sales of $1.3 billion.

Wirtz not easily typecast Bob Verdi, Chicago Tribune

Wirtz had a good side that people never saw

Who will run the team now? Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Hawks just a business to Wirtz Bob Foltman reflects, Tribune

Wirtz's NHL Legacy; Power broker in NHL, played role in 'Miracle on Ice' Neil Milbert, Tribune

Wirtz’s ties to Lake County Bob Susnjara, Daily Herald

Video Dale Tallon on passing of Wirtz blackhawks.nhl.com

Video Martin Lapointe met Wirtz a couple of times, didn't see much of him last year or so

Audio Stan Mikita comments "He was a great owner" "He really cared"

Jerry Reinsdorf issues statement 

Wirtz a major player away from the ice Trevor Jensen, Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune

Gary Bettman statement on the passing of Bill Wirtz

Jeremy Jacobs statement

  “No one did more for hockey on both the professional and amateur levels than he did. He will always be remembered as a dedicated leader in the sport and for the legacy he has left in his community, especially his humanitarian efforts through his foundation.”

** The White Sox memorialized Bill Wirtz with a moment of silence before their game Wednesday at US Cellular field.  The crowd was said to be respectful.

Sadly, Wirtz never did correct the error of his ways Mike Imrem, Daily Herald

William W. Wirtz funeral services have been scheduled for Monday October 1.

William W. Wirtz (October 5, 1929 - September 26, 2007)

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 30 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL.

As noted above, funeral service is set for Monday, October 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., at Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Wirtz will be buried at Ivanhoe Cemetery in Ivanhoe, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chicago Blackhawk Charities, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612, or Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Foundation, Inc., 805 15th St. NW, Suite 430, Washington, DC 20005.

Blackhawks' owner William Wirtz dead at 77 Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune

CLTV video included

Chicagoans Remember Blackhawks Owner Bill Wirtz CBS2Chicago- VIDEO incl.

Blackhawks owner dead at 77 AP/Yahoo news

Wirtz death hits hard at Hawks practice Chris Kuc blog

Kuc:  “The responses from fans on message boards and to blogs (including this one) seem to range from sorrow to joy. I can't imagine anyone feeling the joy in the death of anyone (other than say, Hitler, et al), especially one who merely owned a hockey franchise.”

Shame on celebrators; Wirtz did business his way, like it or not Jay Mariotti, Sun-Times

Excellent Mariotti column here

Those who knew him say Wirtz will be missed Mike Spellman, Daily Herald

Dale Tallon on Wirtz: "He was always there in time of need.  It's a sad day. He was a wonderful human being who was always there for everyone else. He was the ultimate team guy. You wanted to be in a foxhole with him.

In all our times of need - situations in my family life or other former players, the alumni - everyone who's ever needed any help, he's always been there."

Bob Pulford on how losing affected Bill Wirtz:  "Oh, he wanted to win.  He loved the Blackhawks and I don't think anyone wanted to win more than he did."

William Wirtz, Blackhawks owner, dead at 77 Tim Cronin, Daily Southtown

Truth is truth: Wirtz hurt the Hawks Steve Rosenbloom, Chicago Tribune

Nice piece by Rosenbloom, who suggests the Wirtz family sell to Wolves owner Don Levin.

Who will run the Blackhawks now? Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Stan Mikita’s thoughts when asked for his thoughts on the question of Hawks home TV, and whether the policy would change under Rocky and or Peter Wirtz:  "They had a reason for doing it and I think Arthur Wirtz started it.  Billy was probably just going according to what Arthur spoke to him about. The times I used to see Arthur Wirtz, I know Billy adored him as far as a business person."

Wirtz worth goes far beyond sports Mike Downey, Chicago Tribune

Hawks Tallon: It's a sad day Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

What's next for the Blackhawks? Eric Duhatsheck, Globe and Mail

Best of times, worst of times under Wirtz

Here's hoping Rocky Wirtz fights for what's right Barry Rozner, Daily Herald

Hawks look for return to glory days Wes Goldstein, CBS Sportsline

Blackhawks crumbled under Wirtz: Wirtz death is a Blackhawks' blessing Ray Slover, Sporting News

Wirtz's death good thing for Blackhawks Ray Slover, MSNBC version

Sun-Times’ Roman Modrowski comments on his blog about how he never saw Bill Wirtz happier than when he and Don King hosted a Lamon Brewster/Andrew Golota heavyweight title fight at the United Center in 2005.

De Mortuis Bill Wirtz Nil Nisi Bonum the Chicagoist

Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz dies, fans not so sad The Province

Updated version of AP article FoxSports.com

Bill Wirtz makes me feel like an ass DearLordStanley blog

Ding-Dong, the Wirtz is dead The Acid Queen (Carolina Hurricanes blog)

Bill Wirtz 1929-2007 the Mind of Flapjack

Bill Wirtz dead; a fan perspective Sit Down and Shut Up

NHL Icon passes away Skate2Stick.com

KillBillWirtz blog sends its' condolences and a bit of an apology

Intelligent Blackhawks’ fans usually aren’t difficult to come by, but unfortunately the inherently stupid aren’t either.  This is an actual word-for-word post from applicably named ‘insanity66’ on the 300 level message board.

“YAHOOOOOOOO! DIng DOng the Wicked witch is Dead. He will get no respect from me even while dead. If I could I would piss all over his grave just like he pissed all over Hawk fan for years.
Hope you rot in Hell Billy Boy “

Keep in mind this is a registration-invite-only, members-only message board which routinely sees moderators ban members or delete posts simply because they don’t agree with the poster’s opinion.  Since the post still appears on the site 17 hours after its’ original posting, we can only assume the site’s administrator and/or moderator’s thoughts and sentiments align themselves with ‘insanity66’.  As a whole the thread is mostly respectable.

(Update) I received an email notifying me the same poster was banned from the Blackhawks official message board today.  At 11:50cdt Wednesday, insanity66 and its’ posts still reside on 300 level.

Photo credit: ChicagoBusiness.com

Blackhawks owner William Wadsworth Wirtz passed away this morning at Evanston Hospital.  He was 77.  Wirtz had been suffering from a recent bout with cancer.  He is survived by his wife Alice, and children, Rocky, Gail Karey, Peter and Alyson, and seven grandchildren.

Bill Wirtz was born October 5, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan.  Wirtz bio, blackhawks.nhl.com

Chicago Blackhawks statement

It is with deep sorrow that the Chicago Blackhawks announce that team President, Mr. William W. Wirtz, 77, passed away early Wednesday morning at Evanston Hospital after a recent battle with cancer.

Mr. Wirtz is survived by his wife, Alice, five children, Rocky, Gail, Karey, Peter and Alyson, and seven grandchildren.

Along with being the President of the Chicago Blackhawks, Mr. Wirtz was the Chairman of Wirtz Beverage Group, President of Wirtz Corporation and Wirtz Realty, Director of First Security Trust and Savings Bank, and Chairman of the South Miami Bank Corporation. Mr. Wirtz also served as a Director of U.S. Bank Corporation and Alberto Cluver.

A 1950 graduate of Brown University, Mr. Wirtz took his place alongside his father Arthur and brother Michael when the family purchased the Chicago Blackhawks in 1954. In 1966, Mr. Wirtz was named President of the Chicago Blackhawks, a title he maintained for 41 years.

Mr. Wirtz served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Hockey League for 18 years and was responsible for negotiating the merger between the NHL and the World Hockey Association in the late 1970’s as well the expansion of the league. Known as a man of his word, Mr. Wirtz was also a member of the National Hockey League’s Executive Committee.

No one did more for hockey on both the professional and amateur levels than Mr. Wirtz. He served on both the 1980 and 1984 Winter Olympic Committees. The 1980 U.S. Olympic Team captured the Gold Medal at Lake Placid. For his efforts on both the professional and amateur levels, Mr. Wirtz was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976, was the recipient of the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1978 and was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.

Under the guidance of Mr. Wirtz, Chicago Blackhawk Charities was established in 1993. Since that time, Blackhawk Charities has donated over $7.5 million to worthy causes in the Chicagoland area such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Cathedral Shelter, Miseracordia Homes, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association, and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois (AHAI). Mr. Wirtz also donated both the Chicago Stadium and the United Center to host the Blackhawk Cup, the annual High School Boys and Girls State Championship Game, over the past 20 years.

Mr. Wirtz was also the driving force behind building the United Center which opened in 1994. This was not an easy decision for a man who literally grew up in the old Chicago Stadium. As difficult a decision as this was, Mr. Wirtz recognized the necessity for change. Together with Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, he succeeded in constructing the United Center, a state-of-art arena and one of the finest buildings in the country.

Mr. Wirtz was most proud of the fact that the United Center was financed with private funds and without taxpayer dollars. Mr. Wirtz was most proud of developing the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Sports Program at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. This program was near and dear to his heart as it was named after his mother, Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz. Along with continuing to fund this program, Mr. Wirtz was a model humanitarian and many of the good deeds he did for people and organizations throughout the community went unnoticed by design.

Funeral arrangements will be announced as they become available.

William W. Wirtz with wife Alice (right) at a charity function December 8, 2004.

Photo credit: WSHF.org

Dean McAmmond was knocked unconscious and lay motionless on the ice for several minutes as the result of a vicious hit from Flyers’ forward Steve Downie tonight at the Corel Centre in Kanata, Ontario.

The Senators have revealed that McAmmond regained consciousness while being carried off the ice and shortly thereafter, regained use of his extremities.  His preliminary diagnosis is a concussion.  More tests will follow.

McAmmond is stretchered off Corel Centre ice Tuesday 

Photo credit: Jonathan Hayward, AP/CP- Yahoo Sports

Steve Downie received a match penalty and is thus indefinitely suspended following further league review on the matter.

Game story: Ottawa 4 - Philadelphia 2 Yahoo Sports

Senators McAmmond suffers concussion CBC sports  

Senators coach John Paddock thinks he knows what lead to Downie’s hit on McAmmond.

"Everyone knows his reputation.  He did it because [Cristoph] Schubert got him with a clean hit inside the blue-line and [Anton] Volchenkov got him in the first period.  He is trying to make his name or place, whatever. But it was bad, that hit."

McGratton vows revenge against Flyers Steve Downie for hit Ken Warren, CanWest

McAmmond is coming off a concussion suffered at the Elbow of Chris Pronger in last June’s Stanley Cup Finals.

Click here - TheThirdManIn journeys around NHL previewing The Ice Chicks~!

Hawks bullish on Burish Lacy J. Banks, Sun-Times

Savard likes attitude, play of Burish Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

Panthers organization attempts good, but scheduling conflict dampers event

Patrick Sharp on playing today at 11am before what’s expected to be a sparse crowd of schoolchildren and un-employed season ticket holders in Sunrise, Florida:  "It's just going to need more mental focus to get ready for the game in a big, empty building."  Com’on Patrick, how long have you played home games at the United Center?  It won’t be much of an adjustment.

Today’s Hawks Line-Up at Florida Panthers – 11am central time on ComcastSportsNet

as posted on blackhawks.nhl.com

Rob Ramage's blood alcohol level was 'toxic' (in crash which killed legendary Blackhawks defenseman Keith Magnuson) CBC.ca

 Ramage sorry for tragedy, police

 Video at trial shows Ramage in beer store

 Ramage barely reacted to deadly crash, paramedic 

** I wanted to note this from one of the preseason games last week at the United Center.  I can’t imagine exactly what statement this individual was trying to make, but there was a man wearing a vintage Colorado Rockies (NHL) Rob Ramage #5 jersey. 

Ramage was the first overall pick of Colorado in the 1979 amateur draft and played for the Rockies until 1982 before moving on to St. Louis where he became a key nemesis of the Blackhawks until being part of the trade with Calgary that made Brett Hull a member of the Blues.

Everyone makes mistakes and surely Ramage didn’t intend to crash his car on December 15, 2003, killing Keith Magnuson, but Ramage doesn’t deserve to be celebrated by anyone other than family and friends in any manner especially at the United Center.  Ramage is currently standing trial facing five criminal counts and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment stemming from the fatal accident.  Whomever that individual with the Rockies jersey may be, he’s either ignorant or is just plainly an asshole.  In not advocating it, but we surely know it’s feasible to presume he would’ve never made it out of the old Chicago Stadium in the same situation. 

The Owners we love to hate - Bill Wirtz No. 5 Jonah Keri, ESPN

Blackhawks relying on youngsters to lead team SportsTicker/MSNBC

Ice Hogs followers a 'hefty fan base' RRStar.com

** We got a note from reader Julie W. that Tuomo Ruutu was “nowhere to be found” at practice yesterday.  Jonathan Toews and Prestin Ryan hit the ice early for skating drills.  Toews did not participate in the team practice.  Also, Koci was getting ridden by coach Savard for missing passes.

** Speaking of Ruutu, someone I was sitting with at the game Sunday noticed he was wearing his hockey pants from last season, not the newly-designed, form-fitting pants RBK is pushing and the NHL have mandated players wear now.  Fine, warning?

** The Red Wings cut D-Jassen Cullimore today.  He played in the game against Tampa Bay last night.  Goaltender Adam Berkhoel, Carl Corazzini, and Mark Cullen were optioned to Grand Rapids (AHL).

Aaron Downey played in last night’s game and fought Tampa’s Andre Roy.  I didn’t see the opening minutes of the period when it took place.  Cullimore played decently.  He was a minus-1 in 15:31 but the breakdown in coverage for Andre Roy’s goal (assisted by Craig MacDonald) wasn’t entirely his fault.  Still, he-gone.

** Tampa Bay assigned LW-Karl Stewart to Norfolk (AHL) on Saturday

** Atlanta Thrashers sent LW-Milan Bartovic to their AHL affiliate, Chicago Wolves.

Q&A with Jocelyn Thibault sabres.nhl.com

** During a NHL-promoted media conference call this morning, Canucks’ goaltender Roberto Luongo told reporters he would retire, should the league increase the size of the goal nets.  He didn’t say so flippantly, and certainly wasn’t joking.

James Mirtle posted video from last night’s Brawl on Long Island.

New team won't change Admirals’ goals DailyPress

We here at TheThirdManIn.com recognize the magnitude and popularity of the latest craze sweeping NHL arenas, the ICE CREW CHICKS~!

The following is a complete (we think) listing of NHL teams and their tight-bodied, spandex stretching, college-credit earning, over-cosmeticated ladies on blades of steel.

Introducing Anaheim's Power Players. 

Photo credit: ducks.nhl.com

Atlanta has the 'Blue Crew'  I’m thinking of using my United Miles to fly to Georgia and introduce myself to a certain someone in row 3.  FYI, that isn’t Alexis Arquette in the last row.

I don’t know about the Bruins, but I can just imagine where Bill Belichick has the rest of his cameras hidden~!

Sabres fans don’t need ice crew girls when they can get action like this behind the glass.

Calgary Flames’ Ice Crew is “back for a bigger and better fourth season.”  Heather is my kind of girl.  She’s on the Flames ice crew, enjoys intensity of the crowd, and roots for the opposing team.

Carolina’s Mean Mike and the Storm Squad~! are all about diversity.  United flies to North Carolina too you know.

Book the Blackhawks Ice Crew 630-881-3052.  I may know some people who’d have a few ideas.

The Avalanche do not participate in such fun. The Broncos do and have plenty of talent.  Denver Nuggets Dance Team gets it going while member Kimberly Bull eats pickles.

Check back here for pics of Columbus’ Power Patrol and Mountain Dew Ice Crew and Mike Todd’s hairpiece.

Oh my~!  Dallas Stars Planet Tan Ice Girls~! You may owe a $20 cover for clicking this?

**  Planet Tan Ice Girls tanning and having fun with each other at the lake.  Phoenix wants to hang out with you.  No matter how many times Laurie has a blow out, she’ll never break her nose.  Alyssa can’t skate but was somehow still hired.  Meggie has a personality if you’re into that sort of thing.  Click here for an appearance request form.

* Detroit searched the metro area for good-looking women and found two.

I’ve seen pictures of women from Edmonton and I’m not going to post them here.

Florida has Ice Dancers.  Barbie is ready to audition for the next Poison video.  Kelli is ready for the next Ken Hitchcock look-a-like contest.  Arielle, well, nevermind.

While we await images of King’s ice entertainers…meet LA’s Hockey Heidi Androl.

* Minnesota: See Edmonton.

* Montreal got very few applications after requiring that aspirants shave their pits.

Nashville has the Predators Dancers and Girls who Score~!

New Jersey has enough trouble getting fans to come to games.

New York Islanders Ice Girls.  Hostess Dina has a photo gallery. More here. Thank you.

NY Rangers have celebrities.

Ottawa Senators Direct Energy Power Patrol get TheThirdManIn's award for Worst Execution of a good idea.  Someone needs to be fired.  I swear, Jim De Maria must’ve had something to do with this.  They’re gonna give it another try.

Philadelphia Flyers do a better job.  Kelly prefers the Hershey Pie~!  Me too.  I'll vote for her.

Being in Phoenix, the Coyotes couldn’t possibly screw this up.  They introduce a new Dance Team and ice-based Snow Patrol.

Pittsburgh has the Delta Dental Pens Patrol.  Six dudes = six too many.  Steel mills, miners, bad baseball, and Allehgeny County air quality; see what living in Pitts will do to you.

If the Sharks have tight-young women in spandex, I’m unaware of it.  All the talent in Northern California and they choose to deprive us of such goodness?  Oh well.  I wonder if J.R. will be able to stay in peak condition this season?  I’m sure he’ll do fine.  But getting back to subject at hand, I know Brandi Chastain is from San Jose.  Kate Walsh too.  To the best of my knowledge she never lived in San Jose but Manon Rheaume once played for the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks.  But the much younger talent is up the road in San Francisco.  I might not have enough miles?!  The Golden State Warriors don’t let their fans down.  While we're in the Bay area...., Jennifer N. played field hockey at Westmont High in Campbell, CA… there, a tie-in.

St. Louis is compiling the Blues Girls squad.  I’ve a few ideas or places they should be looking.

Tampa has their Lightning Girls (I’ll buy #30 and #42’s sweaters) and they also sport an Energy Team.  “This year’s team has a variety of performers including stilt walkers, jugglers, tumblers, face painters” and dudes.

This is how you sell newspapers.  Toronto Sun's Sunshine Girls.  Today is a good day.

Vancouver has a co-ed Ice Team.  Seriously, why?

The Capitals organization decided against using ‘ice girls’ this season.  Not to be deterred, we introduce the Redskins Cheerleading team.  “In an unprecedented move, the Redskins Cheerleaders drafted three Jessica's this year.” Jessica P. is a public school reading specialist.  I just wanted to type that.   Tequia is a staff assistant from Illinois.   Cece and Sarah are members of the Wizards dance team and I’m o.k. with that.

We here, well actually I’m the only one here right now and that’s a good thing, will be tracking any and all developments from around the league this season.

If you have any updates, tips, or leads…… don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

thethirdmanin@sbcglobal.net          

An announced crowd of 7,717 (divide that number by 2.25 and you’ll have a more realistic number) witnessed the Hawks score three-unanswered second period goals and hold on in the third for a 4-3 win over their I-55 rival St. Louis Blues.

Jason Williams scored twice and Rene Bourque notched the game winner when a lazy wrist shot deflected off St. Louis defender Eric Brewer and past Blues goaltender Manny Legace.  Martin Havlat got the scoring started just 41 seconds into the game when he roofed a wrist shot over Legace’s right shoulder.  Back-up goaltender Jason Bicashihua replaced Legace for the final twenty minutes.

Nikolai Khabibulin struggled, but was good enough to collect the victory in stopping 17 of 20 shots against.

Lee Stempniak answered Havlat’s goal at 1:27 of the first on a wrap-around score.  Eric Brewer briefly gave St. Louis the lead in the second and Jeff Woywitka drew the game within a score with a little less than eight minutes to play in regulation.

Only seven minor penalties were ruled in the contest.  The Hawks went 1 for 5 on the power play.  St. Louis was unable to take advantage of the man-advantage in two attempts.

Williams (1^st), Havlat (2), and Yanic Perreault (3) were named the three stars of the game.

Game highlights are available here

The Hawks next play Tuesday at noon Eastern (11am Chicago time) in Florida. 

Williams looks like right-winger Scott J. Powers, Daily Herald

Familiarity helps Williams reach his goals, scores 2x Sunday vs. Blues Chris Kuc, Tribune

IceHogs begin training camp Sunday at Riverview Ice House M. DeDoncker, Register-Star

** Derek Boogaard did not play against the Hawks Friday after he was struck by a puck during the morning skate.  The result was a gash which required around 20 stitches.

Youth will be served in Chicago Larry Wigge, NHL.com

An NHL.com Blackhawks Season Preview by Evan Grossman

** Big Time Fun at Dave & Busters Monday October 29^th. 

** NY Rangers players have varying opinions about their new RBK Edge sweaters.  Sean Avery says he looks “tiny”.  Darius Kasparaitis is darn “sexy”.  As with many of the pugilists around the league, the ‘tough guys’ are the most skeptical.  You can read the article here.

** I’ve been having issues with the server but hopefully everything will be ironed out today.

Hockey litigation may be entire league's problem John Patterson, Daily Herald

Illegal hits in youth and recreational leagues go before judicial system.

Hawks lineup for tonight’s game against the Blues of St. Louis at the United Center.

as posted on blackhawks.nhl.com

One of those defenseman, and I’m not including Seabrook or Vandermeer, won’t be in the top six once Duncan Keith returns from his groin injury.  Johansson is very close to clinching a spot if he hasn’t already.

Kontiola and Ruutu played on the same line for Finland at the World Championship last Spring.  It should be fun to watch them play with Patrick Kane who appears to be getting comfortable and was one of the best players on the ice during the third period Friday night.

Denis Savard is clearly giving Adam Burish an outstanding opportunity to make a significant enough of an impression in his bid to make the opening night roster.  Burish is a battler and fun to watch, characteristics Savard should appreciate, but I’m still trying to process his comments on Burish from today's Sun-Times. ''It'd be tough for us to release him back to Rockford. He's just a winner. He won't score 20 goals, but we'll win the Stanley Cup if he does.''  Hey, its preseason for everybody.

Tonight’s game is being broadcasted on the Score 670AM in Chicago or you can listen online at http://www.670thescore.com/.

The Hawks play their final exhibition home game tonight against the St. Louis Blues.  The Blues are coming in after a 3-2 win in Atlanta yesterday.

Koci relishes role as Blackhawks' enforcer Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

Blunden, Brouwer don't make the cut Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Hawks taking a longer look at Crawford Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Hawks have slew of young talent, but time is now for Barker to step up

** I’m not sure what happened to yesterday’s update.  I’ve just noticed it has vanished and for some reason I’m not able to edit it.   I’ll attempt to have it fixed later tonight after I return from the Hawks game.

** Here again are the list of the players who were cut yesterday.

Goalies:  Wade Flaherty, Mike Brodeur

Defenseman:  Jim Fahey, Jordan Hendry, Steve Maar, J.C. Sawyer, Ryan Stokes

Forwards:  Adam Berti, Bryan Bickell, Michael Blunden, Evan Brophey, Troy Brouwer, Jacob Dowell, Colin Fraser, Adam Hobson, Bryan McGregor, Pierre Parenteau, Kris Versteeg

Briefly….

Jeremy Roenick scored a power-play goal in San Jose’s 3-1 victory over the Canucks in San Jose Saturday night….. Tyler Arnason got Colorado on the board first in the Avs 3-2 shoot-out loss in Las Vegas….. Chad Kilger had a goal and an assist in Toronto’s 4-3 win at Boston…. Calgary’s Adrian Aucoin was a minus-1 in 30:36 of ice time last night in a 5-4 home loss to Edmonton…. Nashville’s Matt Ellison (who the Hawks traded to Philadelphia to get Patrick Sharp) scored the Preds’ third goal in a 4-1 home win against Carolina.  J.P. Dumont assisted on that goal and one other on the night….. Aaron Downey and Mark Cullen played together on Detroit’s fourth line yesterday in Detroit’s 5-2 win at Pittsburgh.  Neither played more than six minutes and Downey had one less shift due to a hooking minor……

Tonight’s Hawks Line-Ups

Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild as posted on blackhawks.nhl.com

Minnesota Wild have their preview here

Wild line-up

67-Benoit Pouliot * 37-Wes Walz * 96-Pierre-Marc Bouchard (the LochNess Monster)

19-Stephane Veilleux * 9-Mikko Koivu *21-Mark Parrish

24-Derek Boogaard/or 23-Petr Kalus * 18-Dominic Moore * 45-Aaron Voros

47-Adrian Foster * 20-Serge Payer * 10-Marian Gaborik

On defense:

55-Nick Schultz * 33-Petteri Nummelin

4-Shawn Belle * 41-Martin Skoula

36-John Scott * 8-Brent Burns

32-Nikas Backstom is likely to start in net according the wild.nhl.com

No Keith Carney, Pavol Demitra, Kim Johnsson, Kurtis Foster, Brian Rolston or Branko Radivojevic

** The Blackhawks will be offering the radio broadcast on their website tonight.  Radio coverage on the Score 670AM begins with Sunday’s 6pm game.

So much for my estimations, only one goal scored and it wasn’t on the home team’s behalf.  The Hawks did throw their bodies around quite a bit (26 hits) but were distinctly unimpressive otherwise.  Corey Crawford was solid and covered for all but one of his teammate’s turnovers.  Blackhawks didn’t register their first shot on goal until the 18:45 mark of the first period and were out-shot 8-2 in the first.  Patrick Sharp was the Hawks' best skater and Dustin Byfuglien and Andrei Zyuzin in particular struggled mightily.  Kevyn Adams was dominant in the face-off circle, Troy Brouwer is still a step slow, and we've seen all we need to see of Jordan Hendry.

Minnesota Wild visits the UC tonight for the third preseason home game in as many evenings.  St. Louis will be the opponent on Sunday night when the Hawks wrap up the home portion of the exhibition schedule.

Keith nursing groin, Stokes has plastic surgery, Toews dodges trouble Chris Kuc, Tribune

Craig Anderson haunts old team Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Toews planning to not miss opener Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Power Play has plenty of options

Tonight’s Hawks Line-Up as posted on blackhawks.nhl.com

I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot of goals scored tonight.  I’d be shocked if Mike Brodeur doesn’t get into this game.

Big night tonight for Troy Brouwer, Jack Skille and Michael Blunden, who you’d have to figure are competing for the same roster spot.

Craig Anderson will start in net for the Panthers.  Former Chicago Wolves center Stephen Weiss is in the lineup for Florida, along with Richard Zednik and Rositslav Olesz.

** Remember, the Hawks are at the UC again tonight, hosting Florida at 7:30.

Kane says first NHL game good experience Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

Savard has faith in Kane; Jackets get better of Hawks Tim Cronin, Daily Southtown

Bad break (already) for Hawks Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Savard already sick of penalty problems

Ouch! Toews out Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Boll evil in Hawks' eyes but good in Hitchcock's Aaron Portzline, Columbus Dispatch

Hitchcock, Jackets want less exhibition, more practice

**Jiri Novotny is in America and practing, Frederick Modin’s back is feeling better.

Jason Strudwick brings cohesion to Rangers ....with assist to Kukla's Korner

LA Kings are headed to Austria for additional exhibition hockey.

As a reminder, in case you’ve missed our earlier notes,

Drew @ End of the Bench has filed his Blue Jackets 2007-08 Season Preview.

and …..

Sarah @ Neutral Zone Trap uploaded her 'Jackets Season Preview  Check them out~!

Subscribe to our RSS feed here or use one of the buttons on the right side of this page. 

Craig Anderson raises his profile in Florida Sun-Sentinel

Admirals Domish says Lightning org. camp more intense then Hawks Virginian Pilot

Rob Ramage bought six-pack just hours before crash that killed Keith Magnuson  CP

Ramage smelled of alcohol Toronto Star

Calgary is Aucoin's happy-landing zone The Province

Aucoin isn’t saying anything negative so far about his Chicago experience other than he’s obviously disappointed, but he’s very happy to be in Calgary.

Pressure is on Nagy, Handzus LA Times

That didn’t take long:  Jonathan Toews was injured last night when he took a shot off his hand in the second period.  It’s been reported he will miss 2-3 weeks.  Opening night in Minnesota is two weeks from today.

There isn’t much to be said about last night’s game at the United Center.  With most players seeing just their first action of the preseason, it’s difficult to ascertain too much from the contest.

Noticeably unnoticeable was the Blackhawks supposed new emphasis of puck possession.  Again, it’s early, but their traditional dump-and-chase technique was in full-force.

Some things never change:  Columbus overcame a one-goal third period deficit and scored two unanswered goals to win the game 4-3.

Patrick Kane was barely discernible but not totally out of place.  After Toews left the game with the injury, Kane was centered by Yanic Perreault.  The two had probably never been paired together and it showed.  Perreault scored off a nice cross-crease feed from Sergei Samsonov on the power play 2:56 into the second period.  Perreault’s second goal came when a Duncan Keith shot from the blue line redirected off of number 94’s body and past Columbus goaltender Pascal Lecleaire.  At this point the Hawks took a 3-2 lead they would surrender three and a half minutes later.

Columbus’s 2007 first round draft pick (7^th overall) Jakub Voracek looked very good with an assist on the Jackets’ first period goal and was credited with four shots on goal.

Manny Malhotra scored two third period goals, the first short-handed, while Jason Chimera and Curtis Glencross got the other Blue Jackets’ tallies.  Chimera assisted on Malhotra’s game-tying and game-winning goals.  Chimera was all over the ice all night and deserved to be one of the game’s three stars (Perreault, Malhotra, Lang).  He took on Brent Seabrook in a second period fight and then Jim Fahey late in the third.  Chimera won both fights decisively.

Brief notes on a few Hawks players…..

Cam Barker did not put two-consecutive impressive performances together.  He looked like the same Cam Barker we saw most of last season.  It may benefit him to start the season and log a ton of minutes with the Ice Hogs.  Barker didn’t look comfortable at all last night.… Magnus Johansson was impressive.  He’s got a nice shot and very intelligent with the puck in the offensive zone.  Johansson did cause some nervous tension when he nearly coughed up the puck when he cut in front of Nikolai Khabibulin while trying to elude a Columbus defender….. Martin Havlat didn’t look good and he and linemates Robert Lang and Sergei Samsonov were all a minus-2 on the evening.  Havlat is still being used as a defenseman on the power play…. Ryan Stokes received a nasty facial cut from a skate during a scrum in the third period and bled all over the ice.  Stokes had just crunched Columbus’s Jared Boll with a huge hit and was sliced as he fell to the ice after the impact.  Stokes left an enormous pool of blood just inside the blue line, penalty box side, and then a trail all the way to the Hawks’ bench….. Jack Skille, the other first round draft pick making his unofficial pro-debut, was decent in 11:51 of ice time.  Aside from Toews, only Pierre Parenteau, Adam Hobson (who didn’t look like he belonged here), and Danny Richmond had less playing time.  Richmond was active and surprisingly effective at the left wing in his first few shifts, throwing his body around and creating chances with his aggressive forechecking work, but didn’t play much after the first period…. Robert Lang scored after he positioned himself to the right side of Lecleaire and fired a Perreault-led pass into the net.  Aside from that early-first period power-play goal, Lang appeared slow and uninterested….

Tonight’s Line-Up as posted on blackhawks.nhl.com

Obviously the most intriguing aspect of tonight’s game will be the first glimpse of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews working together in real-live action.  All eyes will be on the rookies tonight.  I expect Jack Skille to be all over the ice, looking to impress his coach, general manager, and the Blackhawks’ fans.

Also tonight we’ll get a preview of what’s expected at this point to be Denis Savard’s top line; Robert Lang centering for Martin Havlat and the Russian-curmudgeon also-known-as Sergei Samsonov.  If they’re on the same page we should see a lot of movement in the offensive zone, cycling, with an emphasis on puck possession from these three.

Even though they’ve been impressive in camp, Kris Versteeg and Pierre Parenteau will have a difficult time making the club if Rene Bourque continues to play as he did last night in Columbus.  There are only so many roster spots, and there isn’t one for Colin Fraser.  Worthy of your attention is Adam Hobson, who does have some potential as a two-way forward but is at least a year away.

It’ll be interesting to see how Cam Barker and Magnus Johansson work as a unit.  From all indications, Barker played very well last night and it’d be nice to see him put two solid efforts up back-to-back, something he had trouble doing last season.  Barker’s goal last night was scored from the right boards, his off wing, where he’s shown to have an active shot and be much stronger on the puck.  You may remember the Versus game last January when he was schooled at the offensive blue-line on the left side by Jason Chimera in overtime leading to a 5-4 Jackets victory before approximately 4,000 fans at the UC.  Johansson is being given every opportunity to make this team and he and Barker would be a nice power play tandem should they reach expectations.  Ryan Stokes and Jim Fahey have about as much of chance of making this team as I do.

Danny Richmond lining-up at left wing is this preseason’s example of managerial-masturbation.  If Richmond makes this team out of camp as a winger, it’ll be damning in terms of this teams depth at the forward position.  Of course it would be a nice story (Chicago-kid makes good) for the fans and his family to see Richmond make the home-town team, but Rockford isn’t very far from Chicago and the tickets are much cheaper.  Richmond fought last night and he’ll likely do the same tonight.

Depending on how much rubber he faces through two periods, I expect we’ll see Nikolai Khabibulin for sixty minutes tonight.

As a reminder, in case you’ve missed our earlier notes,

Drew @ End of the Bench has filed his Blue Jackets 2007-08 Season Preview.

and …..

Sarah @ Neutral Zone Trap uploaded her 'Jackets Season Preview on Monday evening.

Give them a read before heading off the UC tonight. 

Columbus visits the UC tonight at 7:30.  Plenty of good seats still available.

Patrick Kane will make his debut.  Martin Havlat and Jack Skille will also suit up.

Believe the hype: Toews and Kane special Tim Sassone column, Daily Herald

Savard ready if teams come after Kane Sassone

Toews gives Blackhawks hints of what's to come Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

More notes from Columbus

Toews lifts Hawks Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Many potential rivalries await new IceHogs Mike DeDoncker, Register-Star

Rockford announced Training Camp schedule

Catching up on Blackhawks-related birthdays…..

September 15 – Jerry “King Kong” Korab is 59; Gerry Pinder is also 59.

September 16 – Rick Lanz turned 46, Matt Underhill, 28

September 17 – Valeri Zelepukin is 39; Grant Mulvey is now 51.

September 18 – Lasse Kukkonen turned 26

September 19 – Russian-born prospect Sergei Makarov turns 20 today.

Aaron Downey battling long odds, stigma of post-concussion syndrome MLive.com

Speaking of Aaron Downey, Derek Boogard was ejected from last night's game Snapshots

NHL to fix unbalanced schedule David Shoalts, Globe & Mail

42,000 tickets sold in 30 minutes for Winter Classic, but to ?? James Christie

Vote! Which Canadian team jersey is your favorite?

Be a friend of the Phoenix Coyotes on MySpace James Mirtle reports

Briefly,

Chris Chelios had a goal and an assist last night in Detroit’s 6-1 win at Minnesota…. Mark Cullen assisted on Garret Stafford’s power play goal in the second to give the Red Wings a 4-1 lead…. In Dallas, Stephane Robidas scored Dallas’ second goal and assisted on another, while another former Blackhawks’ d-man Nolan Baumgartner, assited on the Stars’ first goal in a 6-5 win over the visiting St. Louis Blues.  Paul Kariya had four assists in the game.  Former UND captain and Hawks’ prospect Chris Porter dressed for the Blues, playing just over nine minutes, credited with a shot on goal, blocked shot, and two hits.  Porter is wearing number 67 in camp….. Bryan Smolinski scored his first of the preseason but his Montreal Canadiens still lost to the visiting Penguins 5-2 at Bell Centre.  Sidney Crosby did not play….. Bryan McCabe scored on the power play in Toronto’s 3-2 loss at Rexall Place in Edmonton….. Matt Keith has already been optioned to Portland (AHL) by Anaheim…  Anders Eriksson had an assist in Calgary’s 3-2 loss to Florida Tuesday…. Kyle Calder had another big game for the Kings last night, scoring a goal while adding two assists in LA’s 6-5 win over San Jose.  Calder was named the game’s first star.  Jeremy Roenick struggled in 17 minutes with his new team at a minus-1, with 3 giveaways and two missed shots…..

J.R. tries out his new #27 Sharks sweater Tuesday at Staples Center

Photo Credit: Noah Graham Getty Images/Yahoo Sports

Ex-Hawks and their new numbers:

Atlanta: Todd White (#12), Milan Bartovic (#26)

Boston: Shawn Thornton (#45)

Buffalo: Jocelyn Thibault (#41)

Calgary: Anders Eriksson (#8), Adrian Aucoin (#33)

Carolina: Jeff Hamilton (#51)

Dallas: Nolan Baumgartner (#25)

Detroit: Mark Cullen (#29), Adam Berkhoel (#33), Carl Corazzini (#49) (Cullimore and Downey aren’t under contract and haven’t officially been assigned numbers as of yet)

Florida: Brett McLean (#53), Craig Anderson is still (#31)

Los Angeles: Kyle Calder (#19), Jon Klemm (#25), Michal Handzus (#26)

Montreal: Bryan Smolinski (#20)

Nashville: Matt Ellison (#36)

Philadelphia: Lasse Kukkonen (#28) still fresh

Phoenix: Radim Vrbata (#17)

San Jose: Jeremy Roenick (#27), Curtis Brown (#37) again not exactly new

Saint Louis: Chris Porter (#67)

Tampa Bay: Craig MacDonald (#27), Karl Stewart (#61)

Toronto: Bryan Muir (#2) yes that Bryan Muir, Mark Bell (#9 – Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy honored number), Tony Salmelainen (#20 though the TML site lists him as 8)

Washington: Jason Morgan (#24), Michael Nylander (#92)

If I’m missing any, let me know at chrisblock@thethirdmanin.com.  I’ll more than likely need to update these in a few weeks anyway as we’ll be periodically checking in on all of the former Blackhawks and their doings during the course of the season.

Blackhawks send 5 players back to Juniors Offical Blackhawks press release

F- Akim Aliu and his ‘fro are going to the London Knights (OHL).

F- Richard Greenhop has been sent back to the Windsor Spitfires (OHL).

D- Ben Shutron is headed to the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL).

LW- Maxime Tanguay, younger brother of Alex, is off to Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL.

G- Josh Unice will be tending net for the Kitchener Rangers (OHL).

Central Division Preview

Courtesy of the Central Division bloggers

Eleven bloggers who cover each team in the Central Division have gotten together to present our readers and NHL fans in general with a preview of the division.  The preview kicks off today with an overview of how the preview will work.  So today we are presenting you with an overview of each blog that will participate in the prospectus and the dates you can expect to read our coverage on each team in the Central Division.

Here is the schedule along with a little background on each ‘blogger’….

Monday September 10 – Chicago Blackhawks

Chris Block (that’s me) @ TheThirdManIn.com  {thethirdmanin.com}

I’ve only been churning out my site since March 17 of this year, but I’ve been following the Blackhawks, fortunately or unfortunately, as far back as my memories go.  Either I or my family has had season tickets or attended games regularly since the late 70’s and I’ve been attending games on a regular basis since 1983.  Attending Blackhawks’ games over such a long period of time will make any person perpetually goaded and manically cynical and I’d expect those characteristics to be abundantly visible here on TheThirdManIn.com.   http://www.thethirdmanin.com/0708seasonpreview.html

Monday September 17 – Columbus Blue Jackets

Bethany @ Bethany's Hockey Rants  {bethanym85.blogspot.com}

Bethany will preview the Jackets as second year coach Ken Hitchcock will attempt to lead Columbus to their first playoff berth in team history. Bethany will also provide a preview for the St. Louis Blues. Her hockey rants has been up and running since January 2007.

Drew @ End of the Bench  {endofbench.wordpress.com}

Drew is part of the triumvirate of Blue Jacket bloggers who will preview Columbus. He's covered the Blue Jackets as well as the larger sports scene at End of the Bench since February 2006.   http://endofbench.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/blue-jackets-2007-08-season-preview/

Sarah @ Nuetral Zone Trap  {nuetralzonetrap.wordpress.com}

Sarah's coverage of the Blue Jackets, soccer, and...library book sales has been up and running since February 2007.  http://neutralzonetrap.wordpress.com/2007/09/17/cbj-2007-08-season-preview/

Monday September 24 – Detroit Red Wings (my personal choice to be much better than the Hawks – that’s your Third Man In A++ #1 lock of the season)

Bill @ Abel to Yzerman  {kuklaskorner.com/index.php/a2y}

Bill has provided his unique sarcastic takes Mike Babcock's squad over at the emperor's website since November 2006.

Christy @ Behind the Jersey  {behindthejersey.com}

A Red Wings intern and #1 Steve Yzerman fan, Christy has covered the Red Wings since November 2003.

John & Steve @ Gloveside  {gloveside.net}

The crazy band of northern Michigan bloggers provide coverage on - and write haikus about - Detroit's hockey team. They will also provide coverage of the Red Wings' training camp in Traverse City.

Dave @ Gorilla Crouch  {gorillacrouch.com}

Dave provides coverage of the Red Wings as well as the general Detroit Sports scene. He's been blogging since September 2006.

George @ Kuklas Korner  {kuklaskorner.com}

George, who blogs for MLIVE.com, also provides hockey coverage and commentary for Kuklas Korner.

Matt @ On The Wings  {onthewingsblog.com}

Canonical blogger Matt Saler has covered the Red Wings over at On the Wings since March 2003.

Monday October 1 – Nashville Predators

Dirk @ On the Forecheck  {forechecker.blogspot.com}

Dirk provides in-depth statistical analysis as well as wall to wall coverage the Predators. He's been blogging since July 2005.

Monday October 8 – St. Louis Blues

Bethany (pulling double-duty) @ Bethany's Hockey Rants  {bethanym85.blogspot.com}

Bethany takes a break from her Hockey Ranting just long enough to preview a Blues team no one else wanted to cover.

So be sure to check out each preview to get the latest information, statistics, and completely biased (or in some cases unbiased) opinions on each team in the Central Division. One team will be featured on each of the following Mondays.

So again, here’s the Central Division Preview schedule:

Sept 10 – Chicago
Sept 17 – Columbus

Sept 24 – Detroit

Oct. 1 – Nashville

Oct. 8 – St. Louis

A big thanks goes to Dave from Gorilla Crouch for putting this together and for the help with the blogger bios.  Hope everyone enjoys the previews and (depending on who you root for) at least the start of the 2007-08 season.

The Hawks open the preseason in Columbus tomorrow night.  They’ll then return to Chicago for four home-ice exhibition games in five nights (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun).

Wed Sept. 19 – vs. Columbus – 7:30

Thu. Sept. 20 – vs. Florida – 7:30

Fri. Sept. 21 – vs. Minnesota – 7:30

Sun. Sept. 23 – vs. St. Louis – 6pm

Niklas Hjalmarsson will miss 4-6 weeks with wrist/forearm injuries Blackhawks press release

Photos from Hawks/RBK Edge jersey presser blackhawks.nhl.com

Sunday scrimmage notes

Healthy Havlat gets veteran help Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

Paired up, Vandermeer, Wisniewski ready to go

Sharp just more power to roster

Chris Kuc's ChicagoSports.com blog

Skille makes sure he gets noticed Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

If GM Tallon's crystal ball is correct, Kane, Toews next 'cornerstones'

Notes from Saturday's scrimmages

Veteran Perreault hopes to save face

Hawks want Ruutu to focus on scoring Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Toews downplays rookie-of-year talk

Hawks' Havlat sees a better supporting cast

Hawks won't have much time to grasp Savard's changes 

J.R.'s back and ready to roll THN/AP

Aucoin feels comfortable in Calgary Jean Lefebvre, Calgary Herald

Vokoun, Craig Anderson stop 27 shots, shutout Calgary in Keenan's home debut CP

Vrbata ties game, wins it for Coyotes in shoot-out FoxSports.com

Thibault knows his role John Vogl, Buffalo News

Keenan's way will test, push Flames Larry Wigge, NHL.com

** Reminder: All 41 Blackhawks home dates go on sale Saturday morning at Ticketmaster.

** If you’re looking to get a jump on the general public, there is a presale which begins today (9/14) at 10am.  You’ll need the password: RedRising – I’ll assume you’re inquiring about the home opener vs. Detroit.  Limit 8, Red Wings fans.

TheThirdManIn's 2007-08 Blackhawks Season Preview has been updated with a look at the goaltenders and rookies.

** The Hawks officially unveil their RBK Edge jerseys today during a 3pm press conference on the patio at Smith & Wollensky’s Restaurant (318 N. State Street or on State at the Chicago River just north of Wacker Drive).  Martin Havlat, Brent Seabrook, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane will be on hand to do the modeling.

Blackhawks' Kane has room for growth Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Patrick Kane is rooming with Kevyn Adams.  They already have a friendship as Adams makes his summer home in the Buffalo area where Kane is from.  Kane played in Adams charity golf outing this summer.  Jonathan Toews and Martin Lapointe are roommates.

How many rookies can make an impact? Tim Sassone, Daily Herald

Sassone reports Denis Savard has indicated he may not name a team Captain at all this season.  Also interesting to note, Savard says only Seabrook, Duncan Keith, and Jim Vandermeer have spots locked up on defense.  That leaves Andrei Zyuzin, Cam Barker, Magnus Johansson, James Wisniewski, Danny Richmond, Niklas Hjalmarsson, and Dustin Byfuglien to fight it out for the final four defenseman spots.

Chemistry class starts on first day of camp Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune

Hawks hope to put playoff drought on ice

Hawks looking for right mix Tim Cronin, Daily Southtown

Savard puts camp priority on puck possession  

Healthy Havlat optimistic Len Ziehm, Sun-Times

Sergei Samsonov on Montreal: “What happened, happened, I just want to turn the page and start a new beginning.  It didn’t work out.  That was unfortunate because I was looking forward to being part of the Montreal Canadiens.”

Robert Lang on Detroit:  “What’s in the past is in the past.  I don’t really care about that.  …. it was time for a change.  ….the possibilities (in Chicago) are pretty much endless.”

Tribune writer Chris Kuc now has a Blackhawks blog at ChicagoSports.com

** The Blackhawks announced Thursday on their website that the players who don’t dress for the home exhibition games will be stationed on the 100-level concourse, greeting fans as they enter the United Center.  This is the same practice the organization employed last preseason.  If it’s exactly the same as a year ago, players stand just beyond the turnstiles and hand out line-up cards for that night’s game.

Abel2Yzerman has the You Tube video of Chris Chelios saying he’d never play for Detroit back in the late 90’s on Mike North’s (Score SportsRadio talk show host) TV show.  Bethany's Hockey Rants has it as well.  Much to the delight of some bitter, jealous Blackhawks’ fans, this is still getting some attention on the internet in 2007.

** EA Sports NHL 08 hit stores yesterday.  There’s an alternate cover which has Eric Staal chugging a beer straight from a pitcher while his brother Jordan slips a handful of $10’s under a single mother of two’s g-string.

Tank Abbott vs. Bob Probert WcW Nitro footage of Probert coming to the aid of Bruce MacArthur, nephew of Hawks owner Bill Wirtz

** Last night’s exhibition final: Kyle Calder scored twice in LA’s 5-4 win over Anaheim.  An announced crowd of 16,973 in Anaheim witnessed the first preseason game of this campaign.

Former Chicago Wolves scorer & current Maple Leafs property, Simon Gamache vying for NHL job THN

** And you thought the Blackhawks were a terrible organization (we’ll they are, but..) the Buffalo Sabres have suspended veteran defenseman Teppo Numminen for having a bad heart. (James Mirtle blog)

The Goaltenders…….

Nikolai Khabibulin – (60gp, 2.86gaa, .902sv%, 25-26-5, 1so)

Recorded the 8^th 20+ win-season of his career in 2006-07.  2007-08 is the season Nikolai Khabibulin can earn the bulk of the fat $27M contract he signed after the work stoppage.  While held back by nagging injuries and inconsistent play, it would be unfair to blame Khabibulin for the Hawks poor showings the past two seasons.  The group dressing in front of him this season is by far the best in three seasons and most offensively wealthy.  Still, the collection of blueliners before him is suspect ‘till proven better and he’ll need to be on top of his game to keep his team in or ahead this season.  In the 2006-07 Home finale against Detroit, Khabibulin faced a career high 58 shots and stopped a career high 56 in the Hawks 3-2 shoot-out victory.  Without the Khabibulin of old, the “Bulin-Wall” per say, the Hawks are doomed.

Patrick Lalime – (12gp, 3.07gaa, .896sv%, 4-6-1, 1so)

While a rookie with Pittsburgh in the 1996-97 season, he set the NHL record for longest unbeaten streak by a rookie goaltender in going 14-0-2 over a 16-game stretch.  In 41 NHL playoff games (all with Ottawa 2000-04), Lalime holds a 1.77 GAA and a 21-20 record with 5 shutouts.  A herniated disk suffered in training camp delayed Lalime’s Blackhawk debut until February 7, 2007 at Vancouver.  In that game he stopped 34 shots and recorded his only shut-out of the season in a 3-0 Hawks victory.  Surrendered 11 goals against and was pulled in 2 starts against Detroit last season.  Eight of those goals were scored at even strength.  A lover of the popular meal replacement; lightly-buttered popcorn, Lalime hopes to spend a lot less time inhaling Orville Redenbacher’s finest in the press box this season.

The Rookies……

Michael Blunden (RW) – [6’3”-210, Dec. 15, 1986, Toronto, ON] [Norfolk(AHL) 17gp, 4g, 5a, 9pts, 15pim]  Blunden was the Blackhawks 2^nd round draft choice (43^rd overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.  In nine games with the Hawks last fall Blunden showed he was more than willing to throw his body around, however he exhibited terrible aim.  Coming off a shoulder surgery in December its unknown how much the Hawks are expecting from him.  Seems destined to be a mucker-and-grinder.  He hasn’t shown much of an ability to handle the puck nor does he possess a great shot.  Decent up-and-down speed and works hard at getting through to the net.  If he makes the team it’ll be as the fourth line right winger. 

Dave Bolland ( C ) – [6’0”-175, June 5. 1986, Toronto, ON] [Norfolk(AHL) 65gp, 17g, 32a, 49pts, 53pim]  The Hawks made Bolland their 2^nd round pick in the 2004 Entry Draft.  Amassed 367 points in 320 games during his career with the London Knights of the OHL.  Bolland’s projected as a high-tempo, high-energy two-way forward with a finisher’s touch.  A good skater but with still some room for improvement, Bolland’s main obstacle in getting to the United Center remains adding muscle to his skinny frame.  Not afraid to get his nose dirty, in fact he relishes in the Land of Aggression so much he has a tendency to get chippy.  Probably no better than a third-line center at the NHL level.