Blackhawks: Andrew Shaw
Blackhawks share Cup day memories
October, 1, 2013
Oct 1
2:15
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesPatrick Kane took the Cup to play ball hockey with friends this summer.Before they do that, a number of the Blackhawks shared their favorite memories from their day with the Stanley Cup this past summer.
Bryan Bickell
"For me, my passion in the offseason is fishing. So a friend of mine has his own TV show; it's called 'Facts of Fishing,' and his name is David Mercer. It's a big TV show in Canada. I had the opportunity to bring the Cup on the show and fish with the Cup, which was special because I know all the guys around the room would say if I wasn't playing hockey I'd be fishing. There were two parts. The first day we caught fish, but there weren't any with size. We had a Part 2 the next day, and we got big ones."
Brandon Bollig
"I think being from St. Louis and taking it back there and having the Blues being a big rival with the Blackhawks, people were on the fence as to whether to come out. I got a lot of tweets from people that they weren't going to come see it until the Blues won. Then again, you get a lot people saying that's awesome, and they're going to support someone from their hometown and come. I had a lot of people with Blues jerseys and shirts at my public event. It was cool. It was all in good fun. I understand. I'd probably do the same if I was in their position."
Corey Crawford
"I think just spending it with my family. It was special to me because I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them. They pretty much gave up their lives not only for me, but for me and my brother both so we could play hockey and do that. My parents, they pretty much paid the way for me. Not just me, but my brother and sister have been really supportive throughout my career. It was pretty special."
Blackhawks' season primer: 10 to know
October, 1, 2013
Oct 1
10:05
AM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Rob Grabowski/USA TODAY SportsJoel Quenneville and the Blackhawks will try to become the first team to win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles since the Red Wings (1996-97 and 1997-98).1. The Blackhawks won't discuss a Stanley Cup repeat, but they have constantly emphasized getting off to a positive start to the season. The previous time the Blackhawks tried to defend the Cup, their season was derailed by some early woes. They aren't likely to match last season's 24-game points streak to begin the season, but they would like to do better than the 9-9-2 record they had after 20 games in the 2010-11 season. The Blackhawks do have the advantage this time around of returning nearly everyone from last season's team.
2. The Blackhawks found magic in a top line of Bryan Bickell-Jonathan Toews-Patrick Kane in the playoffs last season, and Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville will be rolling that out again to start this season. The major change that occurred since the trio last played in a real game together is that Bickell is now making about $3.4 million more than he was last season. With that money comes higher expectations, and Bickell understands that. The line only played together once in the preseason, but it looked dangerous.
3. The other Blackhawks' lines likely will be Patrick Sharp-Michal Handzus-Marian Hossa; Brandon Saad-Andrew Shaw-Jimmy Hayes; and Brandon Bollig-Marcus Kruger-Joakim Nordstrom. Ben Smith likely will rotate in on the third and fourth lines.
Just some quick notes on the lines: Sharp stood out in the preseason. Playing on the third line should take some pressure off Saad. Hayes was impressive offensively with his size and quickness at times. Bollig had a solid preseason, but he needs to be more than an enforcer to keep his spot.
4. The defensive pairings likely will be Duncan Keith-Brent Seabrook; Johnny Oduya-Niklas Hjalmarsson; and Nick Leddy-Michal Rozsival. Michael Kostka and Sheldon Brookbank likely will rotate with Rozsival throughout the season. Having an eighth defenseman will allow Quenneville to sit players when they need some time off or are consistently struggling.
5. You can always hold a special place in your heart for Dave Bolland, Michael Frolik and Viktor Stalberg because they helped win last season's Stanley Cup, but they were role players and replaceable. Hayes, Nordstrom and Smith should have no trouble filling in those spots. Nordstrom is expected to replace Frolik on the penalty kill.
6. The Blackhawks didn't really answer the second-line center issue in the preseason. The plan to use Saad barely got off the ground. Brandon Pirri was the second option, but an injury set him back, and he never got a chance to show off his game. That brought Quenneville to his backup option, Handzus. Handzus was recovering from his offseason surgeries during training camp and was held out of all six preseason games. It will be interesting to see how his body holds up over 82 games, especially in such a vital role. As a side note, the Blackhawks' power play didn't look any better in the preseason, either.
7. Hossa also didn't play in any preseason games, and there has to be some concern about his health. Hossa looked great while at Notre Dame to start training camp, but he apparently aggravated his back injury sometime in that first week and has been dealing with some issues again. Hossa missed a Stanley Cup finals game due a back problem and wasn't the same player in the last three games of the season. If he's affected again by it early, it might be in the Blackhawks' best interests to sit him for an extended period to get him healthy. As of now, he said he's fine and will play in the season opener.
8. The NHL has re-aligned its conferences and is back to two divisions per conference. That means the Blackhawks are now joined in the Central Division by the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets. The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets are now in the Eastern Conference. The new playoff format will include the top three teams from each division receiving spots and then two wild cards. The first two rounds will be within the division, but with the possibility of the final wild-card team having to cross over divisions to play.
9. Nikolai Khabibulin is back with the Blackhawks and has looked reliable enough in the preseason. If Khabibulin's age (40) catches up to him, the Blackhawks will probably turn to Antti Raanta to be Corey Crawford's backup. Raanta, who is from Finland, is getting accustomed to the smaller North American rink in AHL Rockford to start the season. Either way, Crawford will see a bulk of the workload.
10. Oddsmakers have made the Blackhawks the favorites to win the 2014 Stanley Cup. Most have them at 5-1 or 6-1. They're followed by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Blues, Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks. The Penguins were favored by most to win the Cup last season.
Notebook: Leddy shoots first and scores
September, 28, 2013
Sep 28
11:57
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy’s thought process begins with passing.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has been working to change it to shooting first.
On Saturday, Leddy listened to Quenneville ... and it paid off with two goals in the Blackhawks’ 4-3 overtime win over the Washington Capitals in the Blackhawks’ final preseason game.
“I think just growing up and playing that way your whole life,” Leddy said of his tendency to pass. “I think that’s the way my mind kind of goes. That’s the first instinct. I have to get over that. That will be nice.
“I think there are opportunities in the past where I’ve passed up on shots. Now I’m trying to get the shooter’s mentality and try to shoot the more.”
Leddy’s first goal was set up when Patrick Sharp skated around two defenders on the right side, Leddy skated up into the slot and Sharp found him. Leddy beat Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby with a shot into the top right corner of the net in the first period.
On the second goal, Sharp again delivered the pass and Leddy fired a shot from near the blue line that found its way into the bottom right corner in the second period.
Quenneville was hopeful Leddy would remember Saturday’s results going forward.
“You got a night like tonight where they start going in and maybe tells you more, ‘Let’s think shot, shot, shot,’” Quenneville said.
Capitals again: The Blackhawks and Capitals will meet again on Tuesday in the season opener, but with different lineups.
The Capitals were without Alex Ovechkin on Saturday, and the Blackhawks also sat a number of their key players, including Marian Hossa, Brent Seabrook and Corey Crawford.
“They had some guys out of their lineup and so did we,” Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw said. “I think it’s going to be a different game come Tuesday.”
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has been working to change it to shooting first.
On Saturday, Leddy listened to Quenneville ... and it paid off with two goals in the Blackhawks’ 4-3 overtime win over the Washington Capitals in the Blackhawks’ final preseason game.
“I think just growing up and playing that way your whole life,” Leddy said of his tendency to pass. “I think that’s the way my mind kind of goes. That’s the first instinct. I have to get over that. That will be nice.
“I think there are opportunities in the past where I’ve passed up on shots. Now I’m trying to get the shooter’s mentality and try to shoot the more.”
Leddy’s first goal was set up when Patrick Sharp skated around two defenders on the right side, Leddy skated up into the slot and Sharp found him. Leddy beat Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby with a shot into the top right corner of the net in the first period.
On the second goal, Sharp again delivered the pass and Leddy fired a shot from near the blue line that found its way into the bottom right corner in the second period.
Quenneville was hopeful Leddy would remember Saturday’s results going forward.
“You got a night like tonight where they start going in and maybe tells you more, ‘Let’s think shot, shot, shot,’” Quenneville said.
Capitals again: The Blackhawks and Capitals will meet again on Tuesday in the season opener, but with different lineups.
The Capitals were without Alex Ovechkin on Saturday, and the Blackhawks also sat a number of their key players, including Marian Hossa, Brent Seabrook and Corey Crawford.
“They had some guys out of their lineup and so did we,” Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw said. “I think it’s going to be a different game come Tuesday.”
Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 4, Caps 3 (OT)
September, 28, 2013
Sep 28
9:48
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO – Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks’ 4-3 overtime win over the Washington Capitals in a preseason game at the United Center on Saturday.
How it happened: Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw scored the game winner in overtime when he knocked in a puck in front of the net. Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy scored twice, and Jimmy Hayes added a goal. Both of Leddy’s goals were set up by forward Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks held the Capitals to 15 shots on goal. Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin made 12 saves. The Blackhawks had 35 shots on goal. Mikhail Grabovski, Joel Ward and Marcus Johansson scored for the Capitals.
What it means: The Blackhawks closed out the preseason with a 4-0-2 record. The Blackhawks will make three more cuts in the next few days. Defenseman Ryan Stanton and forward Jeremy Morin did not play on Saturday and are expected to be two of the cuts. The Blackhawks held out goaltender Corey Crawford and forward Marian Hossa for precautionary reasons. Both are expected to play in the season opener.
Player of the game: Leddy led the Blackhawks with three points. He had two goals and an assist.
What’s next: The Blackhawks and Capitals don’t have to wait long to play again. They will face each other again in the season opener at the United Center on Tuesday. The Blackhawks will raise their Stanley Cup banner prior to the game.
How it happened: Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw scored the game winner in overtime when he knocked in a puck in front of the net. Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy scored twice, and Jimmy Hayes added a goal. Both of Leddy’s goals were set up by forward Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks held the Capitals to 15 shots on goal. Blackhawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin made 12 saves. The Blackhawks had 35 shots on goal. Mikhail Grabovski, Joel Ward and Marcus Johansson scored for the Capitals.
What it means: The Blackhawks closed out the preseason with a 4-0-2 record. The Blackhawks will make three more cuts in the next few days. Defenseman Ryan Stanton and forward Jeremy Morin did not play on Saturday and are expected to be two of the cuts. The Blackhawks held out goaltender Corey Crawford and forward Marian Hossa for precautionary reasons. Both are expected to play in the season opener.
Player of the game: Leddy led the Blackhawks with three points. He had two goals and an assist.
What’s next: The Blackhawks and Capitals don’t have to wait long to play again. They will face each other again in the season opener at the United Center on Tuesday. The Blackhawks will raise their Stanley Cup banner prior to the game.
Hossa still out; expected back Thursday
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
1:18
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa is expected to return to the ice Thursday after sitting out practice Wednesday because of an upper-body injury, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said.
Hossa has not played in any of the Blackhawks’ five preseason games. Quenneville said on Sept. 19 that Hossa had aggravated an injury and would miss the team’s last four preseason games. Hossa could still play in the team’s final preseason game Saturday. The Blackhawks’ season opener is on Oct. 1.
“He’s likely to get on the ice [Thursday],” Quenneville said after practice at Johnny’s IceHouse West on Wednesday. “He’s feeling better every day, so we like the progress. He’s excited about getting on the ice.”
Blackhawks forwards Andrew Shaw and Michal Handzus participated in Wednesday's practice. Neither has played in the preseason.
Hossa suffered a back injury during the Stanley Cup finals last season. He said one of the discs in his back was shooting into his nerves and he couldn't feel his right foot. He was scratched from Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals and returned for the remainder of the series, but he wasn’t as effective in the final three games. Hossa said surgery was a possibility after the season, but he was able to avoid it.
Hossa said on Sept. 12 that his back was feeling better. He played in three days of scrimmages at Notre Dame but hasn’t played since Sept. 15.
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said last week he wasn’t concerned that Hossa’s injury would be a lingering problem.
“I think injuries are part of the game,” Bowman said. “Marian’s been a very durable player over the years. Things come up now and then, but I’m not worried long term for that.”
Hossa has dealt with a variety of injuries since joining the Blackhawks in 2009. He had lower-body injuries in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, suffered a severe head injury during the 2012 playoffs and missed time with upper- and lower-body injuries last season.
Hossa had 17 goals and 14 assists in 40 regular-season games and seven goals and nine assists in 22 playoff games last season.
Hossa has not played in any of the Blackhawks’ five preseason games. Quenneville said on Sept. 19 that Hossa had aggravated an injury and would miss the team’s last four preseason games. Hossa could still play in the team’s final preseason game Saturday. The Blackhawks’ season opener is on Oct. 1.
“He’s likely to get on the ice [Thursday],” Quenneville said after practice at Johnny’s IceHouse West on Wednesday. “He’s feeling better every day, so we like the progress. He’s excited about getting on the ice.”
Blackhawks forwards Andrew Shaw and Michal Handzus participated in Wednesday's practice. Neither has played in the preseason.
Hossa suffered a back injury during the Stanley Cup finals last season. He said one of the discs in his back was shooting into his nerves and he couldn't feel his right foot. He was scratched from Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals and returned for the remainder of the series, but he wasn’t as effective in the final three games. Hossa said surgery was a possibility after the season, but he was able to avoid it.
Hossa said on Sept. 12 that his back was feeling better. He played in three days of scrimmages at Notre Dame but hasn’t played since Sept. 15.
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said last week he wasn’t concerned that Hossa’s injury would be a lingering problem.
“I think injuries are part of the game,” Bowman said. “Marian’s been a very durable player over the years. Things come up now and then, but I’m not worried long term for that.”
Hossa has dealt with a variety of injuries since joining the Blackhawks in 2009. He had lower-body injuries in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, suffered a severe head injury during the 2012 playoffs and missed time with upper- and lower-body injuries last season.
Hossa had 17 goals and 14 assists in 40 regular-season games and seven goals and nine assists in 22 playoff games last season.
Blackhawks training camp observations
September, 15, 2013
Sep 15
2:33
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Here are some observations from the four days of the Chicago Blackhawks training camp at Notre Dame:
Top storylines countdown: 20-11
September, 10, 2013
Sep 10
4:06
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Kirk Irwin/Getty ImagesHow will Brandon Saad handle playing his first 82-game NHL season?20. Getting Leddy back to form
Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy had a postseason to forget with a minus-8 rating in 23 games and was limited to a career-low 2:37 of ice time in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville's lack of confidence in Leddy isn't expected to carry over into this season, but it would help both sides for Leddy to have a strong start to the season. He is still just 22, but he's now entering his fourth NHL season and will be expected to be more consistent. He signed a two-year, $5.4 million deal in the offseason.
19. Keeping Shaw on the right side of the line
Andrew Shaw thrived last season in the role of agitator and third-line center for the Blackhawks. On the third line, he was reliable enough defensively, was able to set up his wingers and could chip in the occasional goal. He has also been known to mix it up with opposing players and get under their skin. His post-whistle activities have at times worked against the Blackhawks and led to unnecessary penalties. Michal Handzus had a talk with Shaw during the playoffs about utilizing that additional energy, but also being smart about it. Shaw did a better job of doing that as the playoffs progressed. It will be important again for Shaw to find the right side of that line this season.
Top storylines countdown: 30-21
September, 9, 2013
Sep 9
1:55
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
AP Photo/Nam Y. HuhMichal Rozsival posted one of the best plus/minus ratings for the Blackhawks last season.30. Brookbank, Rozsival splitting time
Good things happened for the Blackhawks last season when defenseman Michal Rozsival was on the ice. He had a plus-18 rating, third on the team, in the regular season and a plus-9 rating, tied for fifth, in the playoffs. During the regular season, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville split ice time between Rozsival and Sheldon Brookbank. Quenneville did that partly because Rozsival was dealing with an injury early in the season, but he also wanted to keep both players fresh. Quenneville eventually opted to use Rozsival throughout the playoffs, but expect Rozsival and Brookbank to be involved in another rotation this season. The Blackhawks hope Brookbank will bounce back from a subpar 2013 season and play as he did in his final season with the Anaheim Ducks, when he had 14 points and a plus-11 rating in 80 games.
29. The third line -- Shaw and who else?
Andrew Shaw is likely to center the third line for another season. It’s just not certain who will be beside him. Shaw, Bryan Bickell and Viktor Stalberg gave the Blackhawks a consistent third line last season. Bickell is now likely to move into a top-6 forward role after receiving a sizeable pay increase in the offseason, and Stalberg signed with the Nashville Predators. If Brandon Saad doesn’t work out as the second-line center, he could be a perfect fit on the third line. Saad would give the line some scoring punch and ease the pressure off him as he plays in his first 82-game NHL season. Jimmy Hayes is another possibility. He got called up from Rockford last season and had four points in 10 games with the Blackhawks. Jeremy Morin, who led the IceHogs with 30 goals last season, Brandon Pirri, who led the IceHogs in points, and Ben Smith could be in the mix as well.
28. Oduya’s continued consistency
Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman hasn’t traded for many players over the last few seasons, but the few players he has acquired have worked out for the Blackhawks. Defenseman Johnny Oduya was dealt for in the 2011-12 season and quickly proved to be a valuable asset. Oduya continued to be a consistent defenseman last season and had a plus-12 regular-season rating and a plus-12 playoff rating. He and Niklas Hjalmarsson have given the Blackhawks a strong second defensive pairing. The Blackhawks will hope for more of the same this season. Not that Oduya is solely responsible, but the Blackhawks are 49-9-9 in the regular season since Oduya was traded for in 2012.
27. The other Swedish defenseman
There were rumors just a season ago that the Blackhawks could deal Niklas Hjalmarsson to free up money. A lot has changed since then. Hjalmarsson helped the Blackhawks to another Stanley Cup last season with a plus-15 regular-season rating and a plus-10 playoff rating, and Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman recently showed how important Hjalmarsson is to the franchise’s future. Bowman made sure Hjalmarsson would continue to be a part of the Blackhawks’ core for many years to come as Hjalmarsson signed a five-year extension which will keep him in Chicago through the 2018-19 season.
26. Bickell-Toews-Kane line
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville toyed with the team’s lines during the playoffs last season until he found something that worked. One of the lines he found to be most the productive was Bryan Bickell, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The line had success in the Western Conference finals and Stanley Cup finals. It’ll be interesting to see whether Quenneville tries that line again to start the season. Bickell was a regular on the third line last season, but is expected to a be a top-6 forward this season after his new contract. Quenneville often split up Kane and Toews last season to balance the lines. Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa are also expected to be on the first two lines, along with a new second-line center.
25. Need some luck
The Blackhawks possess plenty of skill. No doubt. But to win a Stanley Cup, you also have to possess some luck. In Rob Vollman’s "Hockey Abstract," he breaks down that luck can be accounted for by a team’s shooting and save percentages, special teams index, injuries, post-regulation record and record in one-goal games. After taking into account all those factors, Vollman determined the Blackhawks were the third luckiest team last season behind the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. He also calculated what the standings would have been last season if there had been 82 games and luck wasn’t a factor, and his luck-neutral standings were the Ottawa Senators would have finished with 104 points, the Detroit Red Wings with 103 points and the Blackhawks with 99 points. Finally, he predicted this season’s standings based on last season’s results, the removal of luck and major roster changes, and he has the Senators and New Jersey Devils finishing with 105 points, and the Blackhawks in 11th place overall with 93 points.
24. A new, but old, backup
The Blackhawks were the league’s best regular-season team last season largely because of the play of two goaltenders. Corey Crawford carried the goaltending load in the playoffs, but Ray Emery was just as important in the regular season, posting a 17-1-0 record, a 1.94 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. Emery is gone now, and the Blackhawks’ backup responsibilities fall upon Nikolai Khabibulin, who is back with the Blackhawks for a second time. Khabibulin is 40 years old, but the Blackhawks are convinced he can still be a solid backup. He has been that at times the past few seasons, but he’s also had some inconsistencies due to injuries. If Antti Raanta progresses as the Blackhawks hope, he could fill in for Khabibulin if his play declines in the second half of the season.
23. Hitting the road twice
The Blackhawks will face two lengthy road trips this season. They will play seven consecutive road games from Nov. 19-Nov. 30 with games at Colorado, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Dallas and Phoenix. They’ll also play seven consecutive road games beginning on Jan. 28 and ending on Feb. 27 with the Olympics in between those dates. Prior to the Olympics, the Blackhawks will play at Calgary, Vancouver, San Jose, Los Angeles, Anaheim and Phoenix. After the Olympics, the Blackhawks open on the road against the New York Rangers. The Blackhawks were 18-4-2 on the road last season and went 4-0-2 on their longest road trip of the season.
22. That power-play issue
No, a team doesn’t need an effective power play to win the Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks proved that again last season. But, yes, it wouldn’t hurt to have one. The Blackhawks’ power play struggled to find consistency for the second consecutive season last year. They ranked 19th with a 16.7 power-play percentage in the regular season. The Blackhawks undoubtedly have talented offensive players, but that hasn’t translated to power-play success. Blackhawks assistant coach Jamie Kompon said at the convention, “Eventually, there comes a time when players try to do too much as opposed to keeping it simple. When you simplify things, that's usually the way the pucks go into the net.” That will be the goal this season.
21. Replacing Frolik
Michael Frolik made himself a valuable piece to the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup run last season with his play on the penalty kill. Frolik and Marcus Kruger were considered unsung heroes, but everyone knew about their penalty kill contributions by the end of the season. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville recently said Ben Smith could be the guy to replace Frolik. Smith hasn’t stuck in the NHL yet, but he has played in some big games – like Game 3 of the Stanley Cup last season – and seems mature enough to understand the importance of that role.
Top storylines countdown: 40-31
September, 6, 2013
Sep 6
2:36
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Victor Decolongon/Getty ImagesLocking up Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to new extensions will be a priority for the Blackhawks.40. Kane and Toews extensions
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews aren't unrestricted free agents until after the 2014-15 season and can't negotiate contract extensions until after the 2013-14 season, but still expect this to be a storyline throughout this season. Those deals are Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman's priorities, and he's been planning for them for a long time. Everything Bowman has done -- the extensions he gave Bryan Bickell, Corey Crawford and Niklas Hjalmarsson, signing restricted free agents, etc. -- has been with Kane's and Toews' contracts in mind. The salary cap is expected to be raised in the future, which will help the Blackhawks. Kane and Toews have implied they'd like to remain in Chicago and may be willing to give the Blackhawks a hometown deal. To put both among the top-15 paid players in the NHL, the Blackhawks would have to give them around $7.5 million each.
39. The No. 3 shootout shooter
The Blackhawks were slightly above .500 in shootouts last season with a 6-5 record. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville turned to Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in every shootout last season, and the pair scored 11 of the team's 16 shootout goals. But Quenneville couldn't consistently decide on a No. 3 shooter and used a number of different players there. Marian Hossa, Michal Rozsival, Brandon Saad, Andrew Shaw and Patrick Sharp were among the players to get multiple shootout attempts last season. Of the group, Hossa was the only player to score more than one goal. He had two goals in three attempts. It will be interesting to see whether Quenneville sticks with Hossa as the No. 3 shooter this season or goes a different route.
Blackhawks building for the long term
September, 4, 2013
Sep 4
12:05
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
The Chicago Blackhawks have their team and they’re making a run at becoming a dynasty with it.
After having to dissolve a large portion of the 2010 Stanley Cup team due to salary cap restraints, Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is doing his best to keep nearly everyone together for years to come after their latest Cup win.
The Blackhawks will now have at least 14 players, including seven forwards, six defensemen and one goaltender, from last season’s Stanley Cup roster together over the next two seasons, and that number will likely grow with Andrew Shaw and Ben Smith among the group of upcoming restricted free agents.
After having to dissolve a large portion of the 2010 Stanley Cup team due to salary cap restraints, Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is doing his best to keep nearly everyone together for years to come after their latest Cup win.
The Blackhawks will now have at least 14 players, including seven forwards, six defensemen and one goaltender, from last season’s Stanley Cup roster together over the next two seasons, and that number will likely grow with Andrew Shaw and Ben Smith among the group of upcoming restricted free agents.
Hawks' Shaw sells stitches for charity
August, 26, 2013
Aug 26
5:01
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
The stitches Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw required after taking a puck to the face in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals this past season raised $6,500 for The V Foundation for cancer research in an online auction.
Read the entire story.
Read the entire story.
Shaw to auction stitches for cancer research
August, 6, 2013
Aug 6
2:33
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesAndrew Shaw needed stitches after a Shawn Thornton shot him in the face in Game 6.Read the entire story.
Changes at center could be in Hawks' future
August, 1, 2013
Aug 1
11:14
AM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Bill Smith/NHLI/Getty ImagesThe Blackhawks are hoping Brandon Saad will emerge as the answer as a second-line center.Don't worry, the core will likely stay intact. There isn't expected to be much turnover in the team's wingers and defensemen. Wings Bryan Bickell, Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp and defensemen Duncan Keith, Nick Leddy, Johnny Oduya, Michal Rozsival and Brent Seabrook are all signed through at least the 2014-2015 season.
Where change may occur, though, is at center. Aside from Jonathan Toews, there's plenty of uncertainty over which players will fill the team's centermen roles in the future.
Some center changes will arrive next season. Most notably, the second-line center is up for grabs again.
Brandon Pirri, Andrew Shaw, Marcus Kruger and Michal Handzus, all of whom have played center in the past, were thought to be the logical choices for the spot. But Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville did away with that assumption when he recently said Saad, who has mostly played left wing in his career, will be given first crack at the second-line center opening.
Saad to get chance at second-line center
July, 27, 2013
Jul 27
2:58
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty ImagesBrandon Saad established trust with the coaching staff during a strong rookie season.In Saad’s second season, he’ll get the chance to be the second-line center the Blackhawks have been desperately searching for in recent seasons.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said Saturday he planned to give Saad a chance to win the spot when training camp begins in September.
“[Saad] is probably the guy we’re thinking maybe grab that spot, would be an option,” Quenneville said while talking to the media during the Blackhawks convention. “It’s something we talked about as a staff late in the year. It’s something going into the season we could be exploring.
“We had him out there on our own end with [Jonathan Toews] and [Marian Hossa]; a lot of times we’d just leave him out there knowing if we lose a faceoff or Johnny gets tossed he can go in there for the draw. That was in place almost all year, so you’re comfortable with that scenario.”
Quenneville wasn’t afraid to throw the 20-year-old Saad into the fire as a rookie last season. After Daniel Carcillo suffered an injury in the season opener, Quenneville place Saad on the top line beside Toews and Hossa. Saad flourished there and was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy after producing 10 goals and 17 assists in the regular season.
Quenneville didn’t think Saad would have any trouble stepping into another large role as the second-line center next season.
“I think down low in our end [it’s] something we can explore,” Quenneville said. “I think offensively you know he’s going to be fine in the middle because he’s got the puck, knows what to do with it. Defensively, I think we can get him up to speed. I thought [Andrew Shaw] got up to speed in a relatively short amount of time. It’s something we’re likely going to try.”
Quenneville tried an assortment of players there during 2013. Dave Bolland was given first crack, but he couldn’t hold onto the job because of injuries and inconsistencies. Marcus Kruger and Andrew Shaw also saw time there in the regular season. Michal Handzus possessed the spot for most of the playoffs.
If Saad doesn’t win the job, Quenneville said Shaw, Kruger, Handzus, Brandon Pirri and Drew LeBlanc could also be options.
“At the end of the day, I mean I don’t really care who’s going to grab it, but it’s a nice spot for somebody,” Quenneville said.
Early look at Blackhawks' 2013-14 lines
July, 17, 2013
Jul 17
12:53
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
After trading away Daniel Carcillo on Tuesday, Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is likely done adding or deleting any significant pieces to next year’s team.
It’s still early and Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville can be unpredictable, but here’s a look at the potential lines for next season’s team.
This line produced magic in the playoffs. Quenneville has preferred to keep Kane and Toews on separates lines for the most part in recent seasons, but Quenneville can’t ignore the success the trio had together last season. Kane and Toews are coming off two of their most all-around seasons. They may cancel out each other in the Hart Trophy voting, but they can be expected to be in the discussion if they continue to play as they did last season. Bickell spent the regular season on the third line, but he earned a promotion by becoming one of the go-to guys in the playoffs. Bickell’s 17 playoff points were only second to Kane’s 19 points. There’s still uncertainty whether Bickell can be that same type of player consistently throughout an 82-game regular season, but Bickell received a large raise to do just that.
It’s still early and Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville can be unpredictable, but here’s a look at the potential lines for next season’s team.
FIRST LINE
Left wing Bryan Bickell, Center Jonathan Toews, Right wing Patrick KaneThis line produced magic in the playoffs. Quenneville has preferred to keep Kane and Toews on separates lines for the most part in recent seasons, but Quenneville can’t ignore the success the trio had together last season. Kane and Toews are coming off two of their most all-around seasons. They may cancel out each other in the Hart Trophy voting, but they can be expected to be in the discussion if they continue to play as they did last season. Bickell spent the regular season on the third line, but he earned a promotion by becoming one of the go-to guys in the playoffs. Bickell’s 17 playoff points were only second to Kane’s 19 points. There’s still uncertainty whether Bickell can be that same type of player consistently throughout an 82-game regular season, but Bickell received a large raise to do just that.

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How about 2 goals for Frolik tonight? He scored all of 3 goals for the Hawks in 45 games last year. The change of scenery may do him well.
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Hawks move on after banner ceremony http://t.co/j6Pvn7J35P
about 9 hours ago
- ESPNChiHawks ESPN Chicago

- ESPNChiHawks ESPN Chicago
Blackhawks' penalty kill emerges in the end http://t.co/He4xKegNew
about 9 hours ago
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Hawks' penalty kill emerges in the end http://t.co/LsMihhVRvb
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TEAM LEADERS
| POINTS | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Brandon Saad
|
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| Goals | B. Saad | 1 | ||||||||||
| Assists | B. Saad | 2 | ||||||||||
| +/- | N. Hjalma... | 4 | ||||||||||
| GAA | C. Crawford | 4.00 | ||||||||||



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