So… there wasn’t a Second Balcony Breakdown last week. We explain why at the beginning of the podcast, but to sum it up: technology hated us. But now we’re back and better(?) than ever! Topics include:
The Anaheim Ducks-Detroit Red Wings game — mostly because Teemu Selanne got a game misconduct(!?)
The Chicago Blackhawks games against the Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks
Feeling sorry for Patrick Kane
Michael Frolik on the top line tonight, and why the Blackhawks can’t have nice things
Brenden Morrow going to the Pittsburgh Penguins, which is an excuse to laugh at the Dallas Stars
What the Blackhawks could give up to get Jarome Iginla
Other goings-on around the NHL
The Line Cocktail this week, which is completely accurate
This week’s question: Do you have any questions for us? If so, what are they? Please send us something, or else I will be forced to make up questions. No one wants this.
Make sure you’re following us on Twitter! Casey is @Raedances, and I’m, of course,@RunsOnDuncan.
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Patrick Kane has gone H.A.M. And, this season, that doesn’t stand for “hot ass mess.” (Photo: Mel Boysen/flickr)
Nick Leddy, Viktor Stalberg, and Bryan Bickell all had three-point nights.
Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews scored two goals a piece.
Brandon Bollig, uh, skated for 9:51 — a new NHL record for him.
But I know what everyone is talking about, and it’s none of those things.
They’re talking about the Patrick Kane spin-o-rama goal that made Denis Savard beam with pride after the game like Kane was his only begotten son (which, honestly, he kind of is).
Well, here it is. This will be on the highlight reel when the Chicago Blackhawks raise #88 to the rafters in twenty years.
According to Elliotte Friedman from Hockey Night in Canada, the four conference plan is back with a couple of changes. After the jump is the video detailing the plan.
Corey Crawford will be in net for the Blackhawks. (@ChrisKuc) Kari Lehtonen will backstop the Stars. (@StarsInsideEdge) Please pretend to be surprised by either of these announcements.
When will we see the inside of the United Center like this again? (Photo: Brian Koprowski/flickr)
The NHL announced today that the league has cancelled all regular season games through November 1. This includes two Blackhawks games.
Saturday, October 27 vs. San Jose Sharks
Tuesday, October 30 vs. Phoenix Coyotes
If you have already bought tickets to either of these games, keep an eye on your email for further information on how to get your money back.
You know, up until last week, this would have been met with a gnashing of teeth and capslock rage. Now, though? I’ve reached a sort of zen about it. I’ve been focusing on other things (and other leagues) to get me through the lockout. So, fine. Cancel games, NHL. That’s cool. I haven’t died without you yet, and I doubt I will any time soon.
Now, for no real reason, here’s a picture of Jonathan Toews on a CTA train.
Seabrook and Sharp were awesome tonight. (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)
Two shots. 102 seconds.
That’s all it took for the Blackhawks to beat the Dallas Stars tonight. And I like it.
You know, there are some teams that I enjoy the Blackhawks beating more than others. Whenever the Blackhawks beat a team like the Kings, for example, it’s nice to get those two points. But there’s something just more satisfying to the soul when the Blackhawks come out on top of teams like the Stars. Maybe it’s because the Blackhawks didn’t let the Stars’ physical game get to them. Or maybe it’s because I just really hate Steve Ott. Either way, tonight’s game makes me smile.
Anyway, until video of the goals inevitably end up on YouTube, I shall leave you with this video of Carter Hutton, tonight’s designated bench door-opener, along with Ryan Stanton, talking smack about other Rockford IceHogs.
Since Ray Emery is feeling under the weather, the Blackhawks recalledCarter Hutton from the Rockford IceHogs this morning to serve as Crawford’s backup. (icehogs.com)
Jonathan Toews will miss his 12th consecutive game with concussion-like symptoms. According to Chris Nichols, he’s heeding Sidney Crosby’s cautionary tale. (Sportsnet.ca)
Niklas Hjalmarsson and Patrick Sharpwill be in the lineup after sitting out yesterday’s practice. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Marian Hossais proving his value with Toews out of the lineup. (Hockey’s Future)
Four Blackhawks are among the top 50 NHLersas voted on by NHL players. (The Hockey News) Here’s where they landed:
Jonathan Toews: #5
Patrick Kane: #32
Marian Hossa: #38
Duncan Keith: #44
Bored? Have about five minutes to spare? Submit your photo to the Blackhawks Fan Mosaic.
Tomorrow at 10am, Blackhawks regular-season tickets will go on sale via Ticketmaster, and, trust me — it will be a mad scramble. But what games will give you the most bang out of your 45 bucks (at least)? I’ve decided to help you out with the ten game tickets you should try to get your hands on tomorrow, given here in chronological order.
(You may find that this list is Eastern Conference-heavy — but this is because this will be the only chance to see these teams in the United Center this year. If you want to complain, blame Bettman.)
