Blackhawks @ Sharks, 9:30 pm CST

If Thursday’s beating in LA was significant for a reason other than the loss of two January points in a tight Western Conference, it’s that it ratchets up the importance of tonight’s game in San Jose.  And, for the Blackhawks, that’s a bad thing.  The Sharks have the NHL’s best record at 36-6-5, four scorers with at least 40 points, including two players, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, averaging more than a point per game with over 50 points, and seven players with at least 12 goals.  Their back-up goalie is 9-1-1 with a save percentage just under .930; GM Doug Wilson added former Tampa Bay defenseman and current Norris Trophy candidate Dan Boyle when the Sharks lost the offseason Brian Campbell Derby; and he’s even added old-timer Claude Lemieux for the stretch run.  Yes, these aren’t your Grandfather’s Sharks.  They have size, plenty of skill, and most importantly, they beat the Blackhawks with regularity, having beaten their Western Conference foes the last thirteen times the teams have met.  Don’t believe us?  Check out the ghosts of San Jose past with the Fifth Feather recaps of this season’s two Chicago-San Jose match-ups: first, the 6-5 loss at the United Center in mid-November and, next, the 3-2 overtime loss in San Jose on Thanksgiving Eve.  In each game, the ‘Hawks kept it close until the end – in each game, they lead in the third – but were badly outclassed when it counted.

Meanwhile, the ‘Hawks are struggling terribly, failing to score more than two goals in five of their last six games.  Offensive stars Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Jonathon Toews are all struggling, and Kris Versteeg is injured.  Even Cristobal Huet had a sub-par game in Los Angeles.  And, after Coach Joel Quennville changed lines for Wednesday and Thursday games in Anaheim and LA, the ‘Hawk forwards have, for the most part, failed to respond.  On Thursday, the ‘Hawks’ fourth line – Burish, Eager and Fraser for most of the evening – was the best line, forcing their will on the King defenders deep in the LA zone.  The unit even added a tally on Wednesday in Anaheim.  But, the other three groups – primarily, the top two lines – continued to struggle, playing rather uninspired offensive hockey.  Only in the third did the ‘Hawks truely change things up, doing exactly what struggling offensive teams must do: simplify.  They turned up the desperation and the want-to, got pucks to the net, and crashed the crease – albeit, without Patrick Kane for most of the third.  To have a chance this evening, they’ll have to do the same.  The Sharks will likely score at least three; to grab a point or two in San Jose, the ‘Hawks must do what they’ve been able to do only once since January 14th against Buffalo: score more than twice.

Finally, if all else fails, at least the ‘Hawks can say farewill to January after tonight’s tilt.  The ‘Hawks are 6-6-1 during the month after going 10-1-1 in December.  Perhaps February will be kinder.

Kings 5, Blackhawks 2

A Fifth Feather first: a running journal involving Bob and John.  Sit back, relax and strap it down.

WGN coverage this evening: That means we have no pre-game show, but we should have a picture all the way through.  You’ve gotta give something to get something.

1st

20:00 Plenty of good seats still available.  Is there a west coast SARS breakout I’m unaware of, or is the Alexander Frolov-Southern California honeymoon over?  The place is tame for a WNBA crowd.

18:50 It looks like the ‘Hawks will keep their lines in tact from last night, and they get a couple nice shifts from the top two groups right off the bat.  Not a bad way to start.  Huet’s in net, and Versteeg is scratched again.

18:00 James Wisniewski, Cam Barker and Dustin Byfuglien on the ice together yields exactly what we expected: an LA scoring chance.  The three have a bet going for who can look the most confused.

15:00 Kings’ Rookie of the Year candidate Drew Doughty skates like Cam Barker with a groin injury.  Nothing to report…

12:00 LA goalie Jon Quick has a sweet mask.  Beautiful.  (Hey, whatever keeps me awake.)

11:45 Martin Havlat is standing naked in front of the Kings’ net, but he doesn’t realize it.  He rushes a shot, and Quick comes up big.

11:00 The ‘Hawks get the first power play of the night.

9:00 After some mild ‘Hawk pressure and two Kings 2-on-1s, the power play comes to an end.  It’s followed by heavy Kings pressure and a lot of ‘Hawk confusion.

8:00 Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty on the backend should work out quite nicely for the Kings for quite some time.  Will anyone in LA notice?

6:00 James Wisniewski shoots a puck into the crowd, and the ‘Hawks will be down two men.  It also seems he hit someone in the crowd.  What’re the odds of that?

5:00 The Kings score the first of the night as the first ‘Hawk penalty ends.  It’s Dustin Brown’s eighth, but credit Encino Man, Michael Handzus, for the screen.

3:00 Jarett Stoll gives the Kings a two-goal lead, and my bedtime is now quickly approaching.  This one has all the makings of “Jonathon Quick’s Coming Out Party.”

2nd

Alright, I’m going to be keeping this puppy warm while Bobby gets a rub and a tug before the third.  He’ll need it after that period.  First things first, let’s tackle the important stuff, text message question of the night: What is your favorite hockey movie? Slap Shot, Miracle, Youngblood, or Mystery, Alaska.  The only thing those four movies have in common is hockey.  Miracle has arguably the best game scenes of cinema history because they used hockey players who were also actors.  Ya know, as opposed to slapping some skates on Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe and hoping for the best.   Slap Shot should be on everyone’s top 5 comedy list.  And I’m still not convinced Mystery, Alaska ever happened.  So basically it comes down to Slap Shot or Miracle.  I’ll go with the one that still stands the test of time.  It’s debatable whether Kurt Russell’s portrayal of Coach Herb will age worse than Goldie Hawn. 

20:00 Alright, after a 15 minute intermission that included a little bit of ‘Stand by Me’ and we’re back to the action.  No need to worry Fifth Feather readers, my fortune cookie from the other day said it’s my lucky year, so this period will definitely be better than Bob’s run.  Steve’s keys to the 2nd period: Stay out of the box, Bury the Chances.  In other news, green light means go, red light means stop.  In the TMI department, my Matt Walker hives are out in full force tonight.  Break out the calamine lotion!

19:17 Toews, Kane, Sharp start the period and get a shot on net.  Kane had 7 minutes of ice time in the first.  I think his ankle might be healed.

18:48 Andrew Ladd fans on a shot in the slot.  Bobby just put another pin in his Ladd voodoo doll. 

18:41 Ex-Hawk Kyle Calder uses his face to stop along the boards.  Ouchy.  I think the refs were just using his teeth to plow the ice.

 18:11 Hey, it’s Foley’s first mistake!  He called Byfuglien Brouwer.  In his defense, they skate similarly and take turns doing nothing on the ice.  At least someone is on their game in this back-to-back set.

16:01 Nice little flurry of activity.  Sharp has about 3 stuff attempts denied then the Kings come down on the other end and have a couple chances just go wide.  I’m getting sick.

15:37 Power Play time!  Jack Johnson goes off for hooking.  More importantly, Matt Walker is guaranteed to be off the ice for the next two minutes.

14:34 Martin Havlat and Brian Campbell both fan on an empty net.  Patrick O’Sullivan comes down on the other end and buries it far side.  That’s not good.  Quick question, who’s going to mail it in more obviously tonight, the ‘Hawks or Bobby’s 3rd period diary?

10:57 Good to see the text results come out the correct way.  This is also the first time anyone has spent more than five seconds discussing a text poll.

10:22 Speaking of texts, I just got a text from a buddy: ”In watching 12 min of game the past two nights ive seen 4 opposing goals, 2 shorthanded.  Im taking 4 games off and sacrificing a goat.”  I’d say that’s probably a good idea.  This is coming from the same guy who has been at all 4 of the ’Hawk home regulation losses(He’s not a season ticket holder either).  I’m just saying.

 8:17 Havlat’s line has about three chances to bury one.  Can’t get anything past Kelly Hrudey.  Maybe Sassone should pin this loss on Havlat just for old times sake.

6:58 Can the ‘Hawks please cash in one of the numerous juicy rebounds Patrick Roy is leaving out there tonight?  Kthxbai

5:12 Memo to Kings’ fans in the front row:  Yes it’s sweet you have front row seats but it doesn’t mean you have to bang on it every three seconds.  Kings take their timeout, Coach Q scowls.  No truth to the rumor Kings’ Coach Andy Murray is up for the part of Inspector Clousseau in the next ‘Pink Panther’ movie.

3:25 So the ‘Hawks can’t beat the elite teams, they can’t beat the bottom of the barrel teams.  Does this mean they get up too much for the Detroits and San Joses and are hungover for St. Louis and Los Angeles?  Seriously, you can’t get that insight anywhere else. 

1:19 L.A. just tried the alley-oop play.  I think Gordon Bombay drew that one up for them during their time-out. 

0:00 So much for being good luck.  The world would be a better place without Randy Newman or L.A.  Oh well, time for Bob to mail in the third and for me to get my ‘Lost’ on.  Talk to you guys soon.

3rd

15:00 The ‘Hawks are back in it on a Dave Bolland goal.  Is this the same team that crawled through the first thirty minutes tonight?

: 30 Later: Nevermind.  The Kings score again.

8:00 Too little, too late.  Sharp buries one.  Remember him?  Patrick Sharp?

This one’s over.  Give a lot of credit to Ben Eager – other than his first period penalty – and, of all people, Adam Burish, who both seemed to create life for this ‘Hawk team.  The ‘Hawks offensive struggles may be due to lack of effort and poor puck pursuit.

I’m late for bed.

Blackhawks 3, Ducks 2

Nikolai Khabibulin said something very naughty to Corey Perry in Russian and backed it up.  About 14 minutes into the first period with the score 1-1, there was a skirmish in front of the net and Corey Perry, the proud owner of seven goalie interference penalties this year, got mixed up in a war of words with Khabibulin.  No doubt Khabibulin knew of Perry’s peskiness in front of the net and let it be known to him, it wasn’t going to be flying tonight.  Khabibulin chased Perry behind and around the net to give him a piece of his mind and was still jawing at him as he skated to the Anaheim bench.  I’d say Khabibulin got the final word. 

With the help of Habby’s stellar goaltending and a very timely goal, the ‘Hawks started off another ’biggest road trip of the season’ (for real this time) with a tough 3-2 win.  The first turning point of the game came three minutes into the second when Corey Perry was alone on Khabibulin.  Habby beat him to the far post, Sharp picked up the rebound, led a 3-on-1 the other way, gave it across to Duncan Keith who dropped the puck to Toews.  Toews didn’t miss.  The ten seconds of play completely knocked the wind out of Anaheim.  They looked like they had conceded the two points and weren’t going to get off the mat. 

Then the ‘Hawks decided to give Travis Moen an inch of daylight.  Everyone knows you can’t do that.  And by inch, I mean three quarters of the ice.  The ‘Hawks got caught on the power play with four guys below the hash marks with less than a minute and a half in the period.  Moen got a nifty pass from Drew Miller and was off to the races.  He made it rain when he beat Khabibulin clean, low to the glove side.  Predictably, this gave Anaheim a breath of fresh air going into the locker room for the third period.

Anaheim dominated stretches of the third by controlling the puck.  A lot of the time, though, it looked like they were searching for the perfect play instead of just getting the puck to the net and crashing their big bodies on top of the ‘Hawks.  Khabibulin stood strong at the end including a save on a re-direction that almost gave Edzo and Pat Foley a stroke.  I couldn’t tell for sure if the shot was going to wide, but it still showed excellent reflexes on Habby’s part.  This was a playoff win to a T.  Big hits, big saves, wild swings of momentum.  In the end, the team usually left standing is the one with the better goaltender.  On this night, it was the ‘Hawks. 

The ‘Hawks win makes me feel a lot better than when I was watching the game.  A couple of things really got me red-faced.  First of all, in the winter time, Comcast Sportsnet has either the Bulls or ‘Hawks on about every other night or so.  You’d think they would make it a point to provide their viewers with an actual liveshot of the game in HIGH DEFINITION at all times.  If you’re going to talk about watching games in HD, you’ll probably want to make sure your audience is actually getting the game in HD.  I’d understand if the audio feed doesn’t work or some kind of minor malfunction but for them to have technical difficulties before the game even starts is unacceptable.  If this were a one time thing, I wouldn’t care so much, but this seems to happen at least once every couple weeks.  This is Chicago, the number three market in the entire country, sorry, shouldn’t happen.  The HD was finally fixed for the last 5 minutes of the game.  Thank goodness we still got to see Chuck Boden in high def though.

I get it, Pat Foley is an icon and I love that he’s back, but please for the love of all things holy, will somebody please buy him a media guide.  When was the last time you saw Adam Burish on the power play?  And when did Troy Brouwer turn into a menacing black man?  These are mistakes you’ll hear on a nightly basis.  Is he that old already he can’t tell the difference between guys?  He was only gone for like three years.  Do announcers age in dog years?  Seriously though, at this point, if he calls Colin Fraser Murray Craven tomorrow night, I wouldn’t even bat an eye.  That’s not a good sign.

Did I mention I was glad the ‘Hawks won tonight?

Q Ball-ectomy

Coach Joel Quennville will apparently juggle the lines this evening to start the ‘Hawks’ eight-game road trip, according to the Daily Herald’s Tim Sassone.  He intends to play Patrick Sharp and Andrew Ladd with Jonathon Toews, Patrick Kane and Martin Havlat with Dave Bolland, and Troy Brouwer and Dustin Byfuglien with either Craig Adams or recent call-up Pascal Pelletier at center.  This gives Sharp the opportunity for significant time at the wing.  The fourth line will remain the same, and Byfuglien will continue to man the point on the top power play unit with Cam Barker while the $7 million man quarterbacks the second unit.

With the team struggling offensively - and, in particular, the big scorers producing little – the change is a long time coming.  But, don’t fret: Q isn’t panicking.  He’s just looking for that proverbial spark, and playing the best players with each other is typically the way to do it.

The big question becomes the third line: the speedy, ever dangerous combination of Brouwer, Byfuglien and Adams or Pelletier.  How well they can play is anyone’s guess, but perhaps putting Brouwer and Buff in their rightful places – the third scoring line – is just the kick in the pants the two need, though Buff will need more than extra motivation to start catching passes.  As Q has felt comfortable enough with Kris Versteeg to play him at center for short stretches in games when the lines get juggled, I’d imagine he’ll take the reigns between Buff and Brouwer when he returns.

And, that leads to another interesting question: when will Versteeg return?  As his finger injury will keep him out of a game a week after he suffered it, my guess is the finger is broken.  (Though I’m not a doctor, I play one on the Fifth Feather.)  I don’t expect him back in the line-up for another ten days or so, but let’s all cross our fingers, no pun intended.

Oh, and get used to Henrik Zetterberg in a ‘Wings jersey.  He’ll be a ‘Wing for the next twelve years – until he’s 40 – at an average of $6 million per.

Finally, keep scrolling down for our mid-term Dale Tallon report card.  Go for it.

Keeping a Tallon

With the All-Star Game in the rear view mirror and the true midway point of the Blackhawks season just four games past, the Fifth Feather will keep up the tradition started in the first few weeks of our website: Grading Dale Tallon.  In case you hadn’t known us then, Bobby took a long, hard look in late November at Dale Tallon’s acquistions of the ‘08-09 Chicago Blackhawks and even some former friends and enemies in ‘Do the Chickens Have Large Tallons?’  This will be Dale’s Mid-Term report card.  Half of the season is gone and we have a better idea about some of the early question marks like Cristobal Huet.  Unfortunately for Dale, the grades for Curtis Brown, Adrian Aucoin, and Matthew Barnaby won’t ever change.  They are Scarlet F’s burned on his GM’ing soul.  Without further ado, I present to you Dale Tallon’s Mid-Term Grades.   

Important Note: This Report Card absolutely does not attempt to rank the players, but assigns a grade to Dale Tallons’ handling and/or acquisition of that player.  For example, Patrick Sharp is not the best player on the Blackhawks – at least not according to this list – and Andrew Ladd is not the worst.  Also, though Bobby didn’t grade Tallon for draft picks made in 2004, I will be for the mere fact that he was the assistant GM and undoubtedly had a big say in every pick.

Patrick Sharp (Quarter Grade: A++, Mid-Term: A+): Acquiring Patrick Sharp for Matt Ellison will go down as one of Dale Tallon’s best moves.  Even locking him up to the four year extension last year still looks like a solid move.  Despite a recent slump, Sharp is leading the team in goals with 21.  This is the gift that keeps on giving.  The only reason Sharp loses the plus is because he’s playing out of position due to other moves by Dale. 

Jonathon Toews (QG: A+, Mid-Term: A+): Critics will point to the ‘Hawks brass putting too much pressure by turning Mr. Serious into Captain Serious at the age of 20, but in the long haul, this will be the right move.  This grade is still subject to change when Tallon and Toews meet at the negotiation table.  With a new contract due next off-season, Tallon has to play his cards right to make sure Toews isn’t leaving town anytime soon.

Duncan Keith (QG: A+, Mid-Term: A+): Just like Toews, Keith will be looking for a new contract come next summer.  After the ’Hawks stumbled into the All-Star Break, everyone finally realized how important Keith is to the defensive corps.  If Tallon could sign him to a fair but reasonably cheap contract, call it another steal and throw another plus on this.

Patrick Kane (QG: A, Mid-Term: A+): How’s James Van Riemsdyk doing these days?  That was the second pick of the 2007 Draft and a guy a lot of people were trying to steer Tallon into drafting.  Luckily, he went with his gut (and brain) and selected Kane.  Until Kane hurt his ankle in Detroit in late December, he was taking the league by storm.  When Alexander Ovechkin lists you as his favorite player, you’re pretty good.  Another contract for Tallon to extend next summer, Kane is looking like a max contract player, so that makes the Keith and Toews negotiations all the more important. 

Kris Versteeg (QG: A, Mid-Term: A+): Maybe Tallon got a little lucky on this one, but Versteeg has all the makings of a top-6 forward.  After nabbing him from the Bruins for Brandon Bochenski, Versteeg is looking to become the second Blackhawk to win the Calder in consectutive years.  Versteeg is a restricted free agent this summer and could be due for a hefty raise.  It will be imperative for Tallon to resist if his asking price is too high.  Versteeg is replaceable; Kane, Toews, and Keith are not.  If Sharp for Ellison was his best trade, then this would be his third best, and that brings us to his second best…..

Martin Havlat (QG: A-, Mid-Term: A):  The first two years of Havlat’s contract are the only thing keeping this from being Dale’s 5th A+ of the mid-terms.  Even though he sent Mark Bell packing at the perfect time, Havlat was the highest paid underachiever on a team full of them.  This year, though, the Metrosexual Czech has been everything promised and more since Q moved him to the third line.   

Dave Bolland (QG: Excused, Mid-Term: A): The second round pick of 2004, Bolland has the potential to fill the Blackhawks role of third line center for the next few years to come.  He is also the second best center on the team and has benefitted greatly since being paired up with Havlat and Ladd.  With a couple more years left on his rookie contract, it will be important for Tallon not to fall in love with his own draft picks when it comes to re-signing them.

Andrew Ladd (QG: C-, Mid-Term: A): Something tells me Bobby let his mancrush for Tuomo Ruutu get in the way of grading Ladd.  Though Ladd and Ruutu have essentially the same amount of points and play a similar style of game, Ladd is much more cap friendly and still has time left on his contract.  Not to mention, since being paired up with Havlat and Bolland, Ladd has looked like the player drafted fourth overall and at only 23 years old, his future is very bright.

Adam Burish(QG: Excused, Mid-Term: B+):  Any time you can get anything of value from a 9th round pick, regardless of who drafted him and regardless if he’s a human punching bag, you did something right.

Matt Walker(QG: B, Mid-Term: B+): Very similar to Aaron Johnson in that they both came in with low expectations, Walker has been a find for the ‘Hawks.  He’s looked solid on the penalty kill and can play a dependable defense, as long as the puck isn’t on his stick for too long.  Call it a low risk, sastisfied reward for Tallon.

Colin Fraser (QG: B-, Mid-Term: B+): A training camp surprise, Fraser has been everything the ‘Hawks and Tallon could have expected.  Coming over in the Alex Zhamnov trade, he may be all the ‘Hawks have to show for it after Bryan Bickell flames out.  Even then, that’s still better what Philadelphia got in that trade.  Fraser is a solid 4th line center who could develop into a 3rd someday.  He did have 17 goals in the “A” last season.

Brent Seabrook (QG: B, Mid-Term: B): Not much to say or grade about Seabs at this point. His partnership with Keith is very fruitful and his contract is relatively fair. The big question will be what happens in a few years when he’s up for a new contract. If Seabrook wants Keith or Campbell money, he won’t be wearing the Indian head for much longer.

Nik Khabibulin (QG: Incomplete, Mid-Term: B): The best case scenario for the Blackhawks goalie situation is playing out perfectly thus far. This team will only go as far as their goalies take them. Khabibulin has the ability to take them a long ways. Tallon didn’t envision the ‘Hawks getting to the playoffs only once in Khabibulin’s Hawk tenure, but if he gets hot at the right time, it will almost make his first three disappointing years worth it.

Cristobal Huet (QG: Incomplete, Mid-Term: B):  Huet is a solid NHL goaltender.  Is that worth 4 years at 5 and a half million per?  I’m not sure.  His first year has been a success, but unfortunately, there are three more of them after this one with a hefty price tag on each.  If Huet keeps putting up these numbers throughout his stay in Chicago, then this grade will go even higher. 

Brian Campbell (QG: Incomplete, Mid-Term: B-):  Brian Campbell has been everything promised.  He helps the power play.  He plays shady defense.  He carries the offensive play.  None of this should come as a surprise to any ‘Hawk follower.  Tallon did a nice job bringing him over.  He also did a not so nice job of overpaying him.  Campbell’s contract has the ability to cripple the ‘Hawks cap for years to come.  Years 5 through 7 on his contract may not be pretty.

James Wisniewski (QG: B, Mid-Term: B-): Wiz has been fairly unpredictable since returning from his injury.  Some nights, he’s been the best defenseman on the ice and others, he’s looked like it’s his first game in the league.  Another restricted free agent in the summer, Tallon will have a big decision to make on Wiz, especially considering Cam Barker’s contract situation.

Troy Brouwer (QG: C, Mid-Term: C+): His success takes away from some of the stench of Tallon’s second round busts.  A 7th Round pick in ‘04, Brouwer has been a top-6 forward, a fourth line winger, and a healthy scratch this year.  The jury is still out on whether he’ll have prolonged NHL success, but he certainly looks the part of a gritty winger capable of scoring 20 to 25 goals.  

Aaron Johnson (QG: B+, Mid-Term: C): Before Mike Grier knocked Johnson silly the day before Thanksgiving, he was one of Dale’s best off-season pick-ups.  Now, not so much.  Johnson has looked erratic and has played like the journeyman defenseman he was prior to the first quarter of this season.  Though his contract is doing minimal damage to the cap, Johnson’s presence on this roster is stealing development time from Ham Sandwich.

Craig Adams (QG: D+, Mid-Term: C): When Adam Burish went down for a month and a half, it was Craig Adams who took his spot seamlessly.  Not that he really had to do much, but Adams brought a veteran leadership and did exactly what he was supposed to do.  He even brought a little bit of offense.  Tallon nabbing him for a fifth round draft pick was worth it.

Cam Barker (QG: C+, Mid-Term: C): Until Barker learns how to play a dependable defense at the highest level, Tallon’s grade will continue to suffer.  Barker was always known for his big shot and his ability to help out the power play but his inability to play even-strength will be his undoing.  Luckily for Tallon, there wasn’t much other than Ovechkin and Malkin in the first 10 picks of the ‘04 Draft, or this could be his worst mistake of all.

Dustin Byfuglien (QG: B+, Mid-Term: C-): Always remember this saying kids: Just because Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe gives out bad contracts to power forwards doesn’t mean you have to do the same.  While Byfuglien’s contract is similar to Edmonton’s Dustin Penner, Tallon would have been prudent to set a limit on Big Buff, see what kind of offers he would get from other teams, and then decide if they should match said offers.  Byfuglien’s contract has the potential to screw up the ‘Hawks cap situation for the next couple years.  If the Islanders call up offering Mike Comrie or Doug Weight for Byfuglien in a few weeks, let’s just say Dale should listen to what they have to say.

Ben Eager (QG: B, Mid-Term: C-): Though Eager has shown occasional flashes of why he is a former first round pick, he’s also shown flashes of why he’s been traded twice in his short career.  Tallon getting anything for Jim Vandermeer was impressive, but I don’t expect Eager to be a Blackhawk next season.

Brent Sopel (QG: C-, Mid-Term; F): When Tallon found Sopel on the scrap heap for a million bucks last year, he scored a coo.  Sopel was the calm, veteran influence on a raw defensive unit last year.  When Tallon decided to lock him up for the next three years and give him a 100% raise, that was a move upon which jobs are lost.  After getting off to a slow start, Sopel was diagnosed with something and put on the Long Term Injured Reserve.  He hasn’t been seen or heard from in quite some time.  He also may be floating somewhere in the Chicago River.

Pascal Pelletier (QG: N/A, Mid-Term: Incomplete): Although it was impressive to get anything of value from Honorary ‘Steve Maltais All-Star’ Martin St. Pierre, the recent call up’s grade is incomplete.

Jack Skille (QG: Incomplete, Mid-Term: Incomplete)

1st Quarter Grade: B+, Mid-Term Grade: A

Pick Me a Winner

With the unofficial second half of the NHL season just around the proverbial bend, it’s only right the Fifth Feather goes on record with conference and Stanley Cup winners.  With parody in the NHL running wild like an arctic wolf, it’s a particularly difficult year to forecast, but lucky for you, the Fifth Feather isn’t afraid of being out on limbs.  Without further ado, stand back and let the predictions fly:

John’s Picks

After a certain age, I lost all of my ability to make anything resembling a solid prediction. When I was little, I could pick winners like a miniature Hank Greenberg.  Anybody else pick the Broncos over the Packers in Super Bowl XXXII or the North Stars to take the Campbell Conference in ‘91?  Yeah, didn’t think so.  Sadly, I can’t come anywhere close to predictions like that anymore.  With all being said, Bob is currently pointing a gun at my head to pick Conference Champions and Stanley Cup Champions, so here goes nothing.

Campbell Conference: There’s basically two teams who stand above the rest with a third mega-sleeper lurking.  Detroit and San Jose are the BigFoots (or is it BigFeet?) of the conference.  Dallas is a major lurker trailing the 8th seed by four points but with at least a game at hand over any team close.  I can’t bring myself to pick Dallas just because there’s something about Mike Modano’s face that makes me break out in hives, and Sergei Zubov is old enough to spin yarns about the way Stalin used to run things in the USSR. It just seems like this is San Jose’s year.  They have the total package.  Detroit was fortunate to win the Cup last year with a two-headed monster of Hasek and Osgood.  Conklin and Osgood aren’t nearly as competent, and San Jose is just too strong for them to overtake in a 7 game set.

Prince of Wales Conference: It’s wide open in the Wild, Wild East.  Any number of teams can emerge the champ among this group but after doing a little bit of research and taking into consideration some All-Star karma, I’m going with the Les Canadien.  They have 10 guys who will be unrestricted free agents this summer and another 4 that will be restricted. How do you say “motivated by money” in French?  Goalie Carey Price will also introduce himself to the novice hockey fan by becoming ‘That Goalie’.  You know what I’m talking about, the goalie who becomes the Human Torch and goes through the playoffs with a goals against average of something like 1.03.  Here’s another prediction you won’t see anywhere else for another few months: After the Canadiens lose in the Finals to San Jose, they will finally acquire Vincent Lecavalier due to the approximately $27 million coming off the payroll.  Unfortunately, the expectations will be ridiculously high, and the team won’t be nearly as strong with Lecavalier’s contract eating up nearly half of next year’s cap space.

My Cup Winner: the San Jose Sharks.

Bob’s Picks

Eastern Conference: It seems fairly easy to me to break down the Eastern Conference to three contenders.  Pittsburgh will expend its gas just making the playoffs; the Rangers can’t win via shootout in the playoffs; and Montreal and Washington will run into goaltending issues come springtime.  That leaves Philadelphia, New Jersey and Boston as my top three conference contenders.  Then, I apply my super secret formula for playoff success: gritty, speedy forwards, a top-flight goaltender and a top-ten defenseman.  Though they’ll be a tough, tough out come April, that eliminates the Devils, who should be able to supply capable forwards and goaltending (assuming Martin Brodeur is still alive), but haven’t boasted a true top defenseman since Scott Stevens left for the Hall of Fame.  (But, darn, that stable of forwards is hard to ignore.  And, you thought the ‘Hawks had decent depth?)  And, though I like the Flyers, they’re missing the goalie.  I’ll take the Bruins to win the East.  They have a gritty group of forwards, and a goalie in Tim Thomas and a top defenseman in Zdeno Chara who are ready to take the hockey world by storm.

Western Conference: This one hurts; please don’t hate me.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I was riding the Dallas Stars wave back in September.  I have something of a man crush on Stephane Robidas and his perpetually broken face, and it’s hard to imagine a better captain and playoff leader than Brendan Morrow.  Throw in Sean Avery, who had a heck of a playoff last season, and unless something goes horribly awry, that’s a conference finalist.  Well, something did go horribly wrong – two things, actually.  Brendan Morrow decided he needed a new knee, and Sean Avery did – well, what I should have probably expected him to do from the beginning.  Exit, stage left, Dallas Stars.  That leaves us with five contenders in the West: Detroit, Chicago, San Jose, Vancouver and Anaheim.  (Why not Calgary, who may have the best player in the NHL, arguably two top defensemen in Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr, as well as a playoff tested goalie?  Because Todd Bertuzzi and Adrian Aucoin would have to win the Cup; that’s why.)  Again, we apply my super secret playoff formula, and boom-shaka-laka: Vancouver leaves, because they don’t have a top-flight defenseman, though a large contingent of Swedes typically bodes well come NHL playoff time.  (Insert poorly constructed international joke here.)  Anaheim goes away, because they’ve only scored 15 more goals than the Nashville Predators; it killed them last year, and it will do them in this time around, too.  That leaves Detroit, San Jose and Chicago, but you can scrap the formula for the Sharks and the ‘Hawks.  On paper they should cut through most of the conference like a buzz saw, but San Jose will need more than a 43 year-old cheap shot artist to deal with the pressure come April.  Four straight second round losses, a reworked defensive corps, a new head coach and a Presidents Trophy is a recipe for disaster where I come from.  And, the ‘Hawks are just too damn young, but, boy it will be a shame; they have all three pieces of the formula.  So, though I just threw up in my mouth a little bit, I’ll take the ‘Wings in the West – even though it flies in the face of my formula.  Their forwards, who welcomed Marian Hossa after dominating the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Finals last season, may be the best in the NHL, and their top-four defensemen include Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski.  After that, the goaltending will take care of itself – just like it did last year.  If Chris “I’m Total Crap Everywhere But Detroit” Osgood was good enough to win in May of ‘08, he should bring enough to do it in May of ‘09.

And, in the battle of outdated goalie masks, Chris Osgood’s ‘Wings beat Tim Thomas’ Bruins in seven … or, with any luck, not.

Your Picks

So, who’s winning the Cup this year, folks?

All Star “Games”: Fun With Video

Blackhawks Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews scored and Brian Campbell added an assist in the Western Conference loss to the Eastern Conference on Sunday evening in Montreal.  Alex Kovalev stole the show and the MVP award with two goals and a shootout tally.

 

One quick thought: As an avid collector of hockey jerseys, I’ve always been incredibly interested in All Star jerseys.  From the old red and blue to the more recent black and orange versions, they were always, in my opinion, among the most beautiful of NHL jerseys – and that’s really saying something.  But, during the ’90s, something happened.  Gone were the gorgeous and simple black and orange designs, and out came more generic versions with seemingly no relationship to the NHL shield.  It’s truly unfortunate.  But, last night’s Montreal design takes the cake: Aside from being ugly, the pants are the same color as the upper portion of the socks, which made the stars look more like ballerinas than hockey players.  Eh, I guess I’ll live.  Though the NHL All Star jerseys have completely devolved, there is a bright side: I don’t feel the uncontrollable urge to purchase one.

 

Fun With Video

 

For those of you who missed it over the weekend, Lethbridge’s Kyle Beach, the Blackhawks 2008 1st round pick, incited a riot against WHL foe Medicine Hat when he taunted the Tigers before putting the puck into the open Medicine Hat net at the end of a Lethbridge win.  No one took kindly to it.

 

 

My favorite part: the Lethbridge announcers – one calls Medicine Hat’s behavior “garbage” and “crap” – apparently don’t understand why Beach’s antics may have angered the opposition.

 

While we’re roaming around in the video vault, this may be a good time to show other priceless, pertinent video.  First, Beach’s empty net episode reminded PuckDaddy of Patrick Stephan’s famous empty net gaffe, and, boy is it incredible.  It has to be some the most infamous twenty-seven seconds in all of sports history.

 

 

Next, the Beach Brawl – I think we should all get used to this phrase – inspired the Feather to post a couple of our favorite fights – just to make sure we’re all on the same page.  If the Beach Brawl was the “bad,” this one is the “ugly.”

 

 

Finally, this one is the “good” – aside from being one of my favorite videos of all time.  It’s a great example of how fighting really works in the NHL.

 

 

Blackhawks Continue Slide

After taking only three of a possible eight points leading up to the All Star break, the ‘Hawks continued their death spiral on Saturday evening in Montreal.  Blackhawks Brian Campbell, Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews failed to win the fastest skater, breakaway challenge and shooting accuracy competitions, respectively, and each failed to score in the new shootout competition.  During the Skills Competition break, Blackhawk Dave Bolland and his sophomore counterparts took one on the chin against a team of rookies.

“It’s tough,” said Blackhawk captain, Jonathon Toews.  “After letting St. Louis trounce us on Wednesday and then watching Soupy (Campbell) and Kaner (Kane) fail in their events tonight, it just feels like the whole NHL’s against us.  I just knew I would lose in my event, but I guess this is what happens when NHL teams meet adversity.”

The first event of the evening was the fastest skater competition, which was changed back to the old format for this season’s Skills Competition.  Last season in Atlanta, the competition consisted of a straight-ahead sprint when past competitions involved skating a full revolution around the ice, including behind the nets.  Proving, once again, that hockey doesn’t belong in Atlanta, event organizers chose to go back to the proper speed competition.  This didn’t bode well for Campbell, who won last year’s straight-ahead event, but didn’t finish near the lead this time around.

“Things just aren’t going well right now,” said Campbell.  “I know everyone in Chicago was hoping we could bring an end to the losing streak, but we couldn’t do it tonight.  Then, when I found out the fastest skater competition went back to the old around-the-ice format, I knew everything would go against us tonight.  We’re just not getting the bounces, and we need to work harder.  The worst part?  My ‘One Goal’ is shot; I guess I’m not the fastest defenseman in the league,” said Campbell.  “I can only hope now that Kaner inspires future ‘Hawk players or that (Adam) Burish sticks up for his teammates and earns every penalty minute.  I’ll give Toezer the benefit of the doubt, and say he ‘(topped) that one’ in Detroit.”

Patrick Kane didn’t fair any better in the breakaway competition, where Alexander Ovechkin won the popularity contest – er, competition settled by fan voting.  Ovechkin’s winning shot involved putting on a goofy hat and sunglasses, skating into the offensive zone with both a right-handed and a left-handed stick, and ditching his own stick to take a shot with the left-handed stick.  (Brilliant!)  He put it in on the rebound – a no-no in shootout competitions.  Though lesser stars Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos put on impressive shows, the fans showed their voting stupidity might once again, and awarded the trophy to Ovechkin.  Patrick Kane finished fifth out of six. 

“I don’t know what I have to do.  We’re just struggling right now – and I’m much more hurt than I’ve let on.  I can barely stand, to be honest.  And, tonight the winner didn’t even do anything to win; the guy flat-out wasted 45 seconds, so he could put on a hat and sunglasses and take a normal shot, which didn’t even go in.  I guess these are the breaks when you’re struggling in this league,” said Kane.

Jonathon Toews was the final ‘Hawk to crash and burn in the competition when it took him eight shots to hit the four targets.  “That Malkin can shoot,” Toews Said.  “I can’t.  I’m struggling.  I’m not sure I belong in this league right now, much less as the Captain of an Original Six franchise or an All Star.  Maybe I should get into the AHL accuracy shooting competition just to get my confidence back.”

In other events, Zdeno Chara broke Al “Where’d My Hair Go?” Iafrate’s all-time record, shooting an unprecedented 105.4 mph.  Iafrate’s record stood for sixteen straight years, and Chara’s shot likely puts an end to the annual Iafrate All Star highlight reel, which included video of his early ’90s mullet: business in the front; party in the back; chimpanzee’s ass on top.  The last event of the evening, the new shootout competition, pitted skaters against goalies in a battle to see which skater could net the most shootout attempts.  Though it cost the Blackhawks zero points in the standings, each ‘Hawk missed his first opportunity to prolong his evening.  Colorado’s Milan Hejduk took the cake (OK, it was Shane Doan of the Coyotes, but who cares?), though the story may have been the collaboration between Boston Bruins Marc Savard and goalie Tim Thomas.  Savard shot against his own goalie in the second-to-last round of the competition – another competition no-no.  Following Savard’s goal, he and Thomas high-fived each other.  Rather than disqualifying, fining and suspending both competitors, Gary Bettman allowed the competition to continue, and Hejduk saved the hockey world by winning it.

This loss extends the ‘Hawk losing streak to two, and rumors are beginning to swirl about Joel Quennville’s job security.  Quennville had this to say following the performance: “It’s hard to coach these guys when I’m not even at the rink,” he said from his home in Colorado.  “But, it was embarrassing, to be sure.  I told Toews to make sure the toe of his blade pointed towards the target on the follow through; I told Campbell to skate faster; and I told Kaner not to embarrass himself.  I’m losing these kids … and our penalty kill is terrible.”

Where the ‘Hawks will go from here is anyone’s guess, but the All Star break, which was supposed to bring stability to the hockey world in Chicago, has not helped.  “The slide continues,” said Dave Bolland.  “Things just don’t feel right out there.  During the always important 3-on-3 rookies versus sophomores game, I didn’t win one face-off.  Yeah, I know there were no face-offs in the game, but I didn’t win any.

“I don’t know.  We’ll climb back into this thing.”

Steeling a Friday Night

The Fifth Feather has one eye on the future – and, more importantly, absolutely nothing to do on Friday nights – so one-half of the site attended the Chicago Steel game last night to check out John Moore, Chicago’s defenseman who’s ranked eighth among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting for the 2009 Draft.  Though I’d like to go see him again, I came away impressed with three other players: Chicago defenseman Max Nicastro, Moore’s defensive partner, and Cedar Rapids forwards Kyle Flanagan and Mike Seidel.

Moore, the Steel captain, seemed really raw.  On his first shift alone, he dumped two pucks up the boards in his own zone, one of which went the length of the ice for icing.  He also missed the mark on other passes, and didn’t seem to get much time on special teams.  All in all, I’d like to see him again.  Perhaps I can do so when he’s playing at Colorado College next season.

His partner, Max Nicastro, was impressive, though.  Nicastro, who will play at Boston University next season, is 6′2″ and moves the puck exceedingly well.  Nicastro got time on all special teams, and seemed to move the puck at will at times.

Cedar Rapids Rough Riders’ forwards stole the show, though.  Kyle Flanagan and Mike Seidel powered Cedar Rapids to a 5-4 victory over their USHL counterparts.  Flanagan had a goal and two assists, while Seidel added two assists of his own.  Flanagan, who stands only 5′9″, is about as smooth as they come and will attend St. Lawrence University next season.  Seidel, on the other hand, is only 5′10″ and will attend University of Minnesota-Duluth next season.  Both were slick and made for an entertaining watch.

Cedar Rapids took the match 5-4, though the Steel made it interesting in the third.  For those of you who haven’t attended a USHL game, I would recommend it.  The Steel’s home rink, The Edge in Bensenville, is also the Blackhawks’ training facility, and provides for an intimate watching experience.  Being that close to players of that talent is a unique treat – especially when it’s for only $7.

Burying Rozner

It’s been a frequent topic in this space, and it recently caught the attention of CT at Hockeenight: the Blackhawks’ salary cap situation.  In response to recent pieces by Tim Sassone and Barry Rozner (which were also critiqued in this space), Hockeenight had this to say:

I’m throwing my lot in with the guys over at Fifth Feather.  Barring an unbelievable trade offer, the Hawks should hold on to Havlat and Khabibulin.  Ride them as far as they can take you in the playoffs, and wish them well in 2009-2010.

Then, a day later, Barry Rozner, apparently a devout reader of our friends at Hockeenight, penned this gem for the Daily Herald:

You look at the way the rest of the NHL season is shaping up and it’s pretty obvious that Detroit is going to go out and get a goaltender.  So, again, if you’re the Blackhawks, you have to decide what you’re going to do about Nikolai Khabibulin.  If you understand you’re not going to win the Stanley Cup, and you’re not going to re-sign him, why not trade with the Red Wings and steal a handful of good, young players?

As Mr. Rozner never mentions the two most important words in the NHL – “salary” and “cap” – it’s clear he’s out of his element.  

So, CT, welcome.  It’s good to have you.  But, while Tim Sassone ponders Dale Tallon’s next move and Barry Rozner – in his increasingly Jay Marriotti-esque infinite wisdom – prods the ‘Hawk General Manager “to get something for Khabibulin and Havlat before the deadline,” I have a message for them both: Tallon will have no choice.  Aside from the fact no contender has any significant current cap space to take on such comparatively massive contracts, one has to wonder about the future salary cap ramifications of any such deal.  But, let me warn you: they ain’t pretty.

Let’s consider a Martin Havlat deal, for example.  If the ‘Hawks were to decide, ‘Hey, this guy who’s been our best player for the past month – let’s get rid of him,’ the package in return might be something resembling the Atlanta-Pittsburgh Marian Hossa deal from last March – a pick, a prospect and a player – including, presumably, young players who can join this young Blackhawks nucleus for years to come, right?  Other than the assumption that, given the current salary cap climate, teams will be willing to part with such players, there’s just one other small problem left: fitting this supposed stable of young, skilled, comparatively highly paid players into the future cap will be no easier than managing the ‘08-’09 cap.  (Remember: high picks and good prospects often have high cap numbers.)  And, if you don’t believe me, take it from The Hockey News’ Ryan Dixon, who likely doesn’t make his living critiquing the McCaskeys:

With Brian Campbell already raking in about $7.1 million per season, how much money are the Hawks going to have left under what’s sure to be a falling cap in 2010-11 when they have to fork out huge dough for their top two forwards (Toews and Kane)? Those three players plus Cristobal Huet will essentially eat up half of Chicago’s cap space. That puts a lot of pressure on management to provide the supporting cast at a reasonable cost.

So, here’s the harsh truth, Mr. Rozner: the ‘Hawks cannot trade Havlat or Khabibulin; the cap hit would just be too much.  Consider this: The current cap is something like $57 million, including bonus cushions and such, and the ‘Hawks are just about at that figure for salary.  As the cap will likely come down for the ‘10-’11 season, let’s put it at $55 million for the sake of argument.  With Toews and Kane owed new paper and Campbell and Huet signed to long-term deals, this will likely put the ‘Hawks at about $26 million in that season – for just four players.  Toss in Keith, who’s also owed new paper for the ‘10-’11 season, and the ‘Hawks are at $31 or $32 million already, if not more.  That leaves something around $23 million to pay about 17 other players, including the $12 million owed Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Brent Seabrook and Patrick Sharp, which only leaves less than $1 million average for the rest of the group – if the cap is as high as $55 million, which may also be a dreamy figure.  Finally, add Kyle Beach’s cap hit, and the ‘Hawks are closer to salary cap “code red” than an acquisition of more players owed significant money for ‘10-’11.

So, while I appreciate Mr. Rozner’s effort, one thing is clear: the cap space Havlat and Khabibulin represent is just too valuable – too necessary – to give away, and taking on future salary will just be plain prohibitive.  Trading an aging veteran for youthful talent may be a winning plan in Major League Baseball, but it’s a loser in the NHL’s salary cap era.  It just won’t work.

Take a look around, Mr. Rozner.  With luck, you’re already looking at your 2010-2011 Chicago Blackhawks.  Let’s just not make this more difficult than it needs to be.  Stick to baseball and football.

Uh oh … I think I hear the Chicago Bears’ front office quarreling!  Go, Barry, go!