$3 Baby Let Your T.V. Bleed $3 The Committed Indian The REal Fan’s Program secondcityhockey.com March 11th, 2009 [email protected] STAAL THE...WARRIORS kick (say that three times fast) of 14-3. If now he’s playing with two. Cole only has six does that, then they deserve the points in his three games since the move, so 4th seed. But I’m not investing any money in clearly that’s not working out. He and Ruutu that possibility. Maybe people from what used provide Staal with even more space, and he to be Bear Stearns will. didn’t need that much to begin with. Staal What Is a Crossfire Hurricane, fires more rubber at people than an NBA Anyway? player (wait, NBA players don’t use condoms!), as he’s second in the league in shots behind To tonight, and the visit of the Ovechkin. He’s averaging close to seven shots Hartf...sorry, . There may per game this month. You’ll notice him to- not be a worse team to face right now. The night. Yep, that’s pretty much how we feel Canes have won four in a row, and by a com- Making this three solid-lines is about Sunday. Worst effort of the year? Cer- bined score of 18-6. After their 3-0 shutout that Sergei Samsonov (Savard’s best friend tainly in the team photo. Sometimes, we’ve of the Rangers on Monday, they have vaulted in the world) has been moved down with been drinking a little too much Kool-Aid and into sixth in the drunken clusterfuck that is Brind’Amour (our All-Ugly Team ) finding positives in losses. Not Sunday. It the Eastern Conference playoff race. since Cole’s arrival. Brind’Amour has re- was just a total waste of time from start to Goalie comes into to- sponded with four points in four games. The finish. night’s soiree smoking. He’s stopped 110 of threats are many. We’re not blaming the schedule for the 116 shots he’s seen during this four- Pistol Shots Ring Out In The Bar- the loss; the Hawks were just terrible. But re- game streak, for a gaudy .950 save %. Expect ally, who thought it was a good idea to play a him to get the start tonight. room Night game less than 24 hours after the one the day The Canes are filled with speedy Though they have been more de- before ended, especially you’re opponent has forwards, which is why former coach Peter fensively responsible, the Canes are hardly been waiting since Wednesday? Is filling the Laviolette let them off a leash and why watch- Minnesota or Columbus. They still want to arena with annoying kids from Deerfield really ing them under him at times resembled a gov- get up and down the ice, which of course suits that important? We’re sure that they were ernment being toppled. Eventually, though, the Hawks quite well. They’re also not all all well-impressed by the dogshit effort the they were going to have to play some defense, that big, and even with Cole, the Hawks have Hawks put forth, too. and they certainly didn’t under Laviolette. So seen far more physical teams. After Sunday, However, the panicking we’ve heard in came Paul Maurice, and they have been bet- the Hawks had better come out like someone from corners of the Hawks Universe is a little ter in their own end ever since. shit in their cereal (God knows they shit in silly. Some have been hearing the pitter-pat- But the Canes can still roll three all of ours against Colorado). Should be an ter of little Canucks’ feet in the background talented lines at you, and the top line has entertaining one, assuming the Hawks bother (only because they’ve set up microphones so become pretty scary with the addition of Erik to show up this time. that everyone can hear them), and are worried Cole. Eric Staal had been playing with one -The Heartbreakers that the Hawks will lose home-ice in the first bowling ball, old friend Tuomo Ruutu, and round. Let’s do something we’re not used to around here, and apply logic. It’ll feel weird at first, but like a lot of things, it might feel good after that, like handcuffs or cutting yourself. Here we go: After their loss in LA Monday night, the Canucks sit five points behind having played an extra game. Let’s say the Hawks really hop the Mediocrity Train, and finish the year 9-9-0 (which is extremely unlikely). That would mean Vancouver would have to go 11- 6-1 just to tie us. Not totally out of the realm of possibility, but a .640 winning percentage for that long of a stretch -- after already be- ing ridiculously hot -- seems to be asking a lot. They would also have the same amount of wins, and if the Hawks beat the Canucks here on the 29th, the Hawks take the head- to-head. Yes, the Hawks haven’t played well recently, but does anyone really think they’ll finish 9-9? With Pahlsson, Sharp, and Khabby due to return in a week or 10 days? A finish of 10-6-2 -- completely reasonable given the schedule -- would require a Canucks’ closing Tuomo returns home after work

FROM THE EDITOR

unfettered anything they want. Maybe we should all do a better job As we mentioned on the front page, I have been taken of ignoring the most silly. I know I should. aback by some of the things I’m hearing from my fellow Hawks -I do owe Hawks fans an apology. It seems our words on the blog, fans. For a second, I thought Old Man Wirtz had been exhumed and here at The Indian, carry some weight. Because no matter from the grave and was currently looking for brains to eat, or at whom we call out, or compliment, it seems they immediately do the least distill into gin (what do you think brain gin would taste like? opposite. Last Sunday, we spent considerable time talking up Tyler Let’s call Mr. Lecter). Let me see if I get this right, because these Arnason’s ability to be fat and suck. He had three assists. A couple are some of the things I’ve heard: Tallon’s a weeks back, we called the our most moron for not trading Havlat; this team will miss likely first-round opponent. They’re currently the playoffs; Quenneville should be fired; Niemi out of the playoffs. A couple months ago we will never be an NHL goalie; Patrick Kane said we thought Rick Nash was overrated. He’s violated everyone’s sister; Brian Campbell eats been leaving a trail of dead in his wake recently. babies; and Matt Walker is a Nazi sympathizer. Our blog called Mats Sundin an anchor, he lights I think I got them all, but let me know if I left us up in Vancouver. We made the same mistake anything out. with Steve Stamkos, who netted a hat trick. We People, we’re better than this. Panick- said the Preds couldn’t score with a bag of roof- ing, commenting on the falling sky, and contem- ies in a sorority house, and they put four past us plating suicide a the slightest dip in play is Cubs Sam Fels in one period. fan shit. Declaring every player sucks outright is What I’m saying here is basically, I, and we, a Bears fan move. We’re Hawks fans, we see the don’t know anything more than you do. Maybe whole picture. Try and remember that. I shouldn’t ruin any image people might have of I understand that some of the stuff you see on message us as hockey experts, but frankly, I’m not sure there is such thing. I boards is the most desperate of the desperate (not all). Though know more than most, but now I’m afraid to say so, fearing any op- there’s some very lively and knowledgeable banter going on there, ponent I call out or team I say is poor will light us up. We’ll tread it is also the perfect forum for the lonely, jaded, and stupid to spout lightly from now on. NHL STANDINGS *late game not included

Eastern Conference Western Conference

W L OTL PTS GF GA HOME AWAY W L OTL PTS GF GA HOME AWAY 1 Boston 43 16 9 95 226 157 22-6-5 21-10-4 1 San Jose 43 12 10 96 215 163 26-3-4 17-9-6 2 New Jersey 43 20 3 89 205 164 23-10-1 20-10-2 2 Birthsauce 44 15 8 96 247 199 25-5-3 19-10-5 3 Washington 41 21 6 88 221 200 25-9-2 16-12-4 3 Calgary 39 22 6 84 217 201 22-8-4 17-14-2 4 Philadelphia 36 19 10 82 212 188 20-9-4 16-10-6 4 HAWKS 36 19 9 81 212 167 17-6-6 19-13-3 5 Montreal 36 24 7 79 202 200 21-6-4 15-18-3 5 Vancouver 34 23 8 76 195 181 18-11-4 16-12-4 6 Pittsburgh 36 26 6 78 210 204 18-12-2 18-14-4 6 Columbus 34 27 6 74 185 186 21-10-2 13-17-4 7 Florida 34 24 9 77 190 189 18-9-5 16-15-4 7 Edmonton 32 27 7 71 187 203 15-12-4 17-15-3 8 Carolina 36 27 5 77 192 192 19-13-1 17-14-4 8 Nashville 33 29 5 71 171 185 21-11-3 12-18-2 9 NY Rangers 34 25 8 76 167 183 20-10-4 14-15-4 9 Minnesota 32 28 6 70 171 162 18-11-6 14-17-0 10 Buffalo 33 27 7 73 197 188 19-12-2 14-15-5 10 Dallas 31 28 8 70 193 207 17-13-4 14-15-4 11 Toronto 27 28 13 67 200 239 12-12-9 15-16-4 11 St. Louis 30 28 8 68 185 196 17-12-5 13-16-3 12 Ottawa 26 29 10 62 167 188 16-12-6 10-17-4 12 Anaheim 31 30 6 68 186 197 15-15-3 16-15-3 13 Atlanta 26 35 6 58 201 227 13-18-2 13-17-4 13 Los Angeles 29 28 9 67 176 193 16-13-8 13-15-1 14 Tampa Bay 21 32 13 55 171 220 11-14-9 10-18-4 14 Phoenix 28 33 6 62 166 205 17-13-2 11-20-4 15 NY Islanders 22 37 8 52 168 218 16-14-5 6-23-3 15 Colorado 29 37 1 59 178 211 17-16-0 12-21-1

TOP 10 LIST PUCK DROP Eric Staal, Cherry- Picker, Carolina: Or so Top 10 Things We Miss About The goes an argument about 10. Brass Bonanza, of course Staal. Two-Line Pass.com 9. Going to Hartford always reminded you that things could be posted on Monday how worse Staal tends to pad his stats 8. Andrew Cassels was nails on NHL ‘94 for Genesis with big games against bad teams. Staal has 38 points 7. So was Mikail Samuelsson, and no one could explain why in 35 games against teams 6. Hockey in a mall not currently in the play- 5. We didn’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for a Whalers jersey, offs, and 20 points in 32 games against teams because it wasn’t “vintage” or “kitch” that are more than upright. Staal also tends to 4. The look on Shanahan’s face when he got traded there for bunch his goals, he has two hat-tricks and one four- game, acounting for a third of his 32 Pronger on the season. He’s also maddeningly streaky, 3. Being the only useful thing in the entire state of Connecticut suffering through eight and seven-game goal- 2. Joel Quenneville’s manly, manly mustache on the ice less streaks that were only separated by one 1. Zarley Zalapski. Zarley Zarley Zarley on his Harley Harley Harley!! game, where he had a hat trick. Staal is a very good player, but as they out, $6 million good? Not so sure... Blackhawks 36-19-9

Figures, we dubb Laddy, “Nails” and he sort of hits the skids. Tonight will mark the most games he’s ever played in

a season. Hit a wall, perhaps? Tonight obviously brings a good time to compare to Ruutu --whom he was traded for.

Bolland his PP time. Pretty please? With sugar on top? give Ruti has the gaudier offensive #’s, but Ladd is clearly playing the better all-around game. When was Versteeg’s last PP goal? The Winter Classic. Please # Pos Player Ht WT AGE GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW S S% Salary (Cap Hit) 88 R Patrick Kane 5' 10" 187 20 62 21 37 58 1 38 11 0 3 196 10.7 $3,725,000 24 R The Perfect Beard 6' 2" 217 27 64 21 36 57 17 24 5 0 4 197 10.7 $6,000,000 19 C Captain Marvel 6' 2" 209 20 64 28 29 57 11 43 11 0 6 161 17.4 $2,800,000 32 L VerStud 5' 10" 180 22 61 17 28 45 15 51 4 4 2 100 17 $491,667 51 D Brian Campbell 6' 0" 188 29 64 7 37 44 3 18 4 0 1 88 8 $7,142,875 36 C Dave Bolland 6' 0" 188 22 64 15 24 39 19 38 1 2 4 90 16.7 $845,833 16 L 6' 2" 198 23 64 11 27 38 22 24 0 0 1 153 7.2 $1,550,000 10 L The Sharp-Shooter 6' 1" 197 27 54 23 15 38 2 39 8 0 4 163 14.1 $3,900,000 2 D Duncan Keith 6' 1" 194 25 60 8 25 33 28 38 2 1 1 124 6.5 $1,475,000 25 D Cam Barker 6' 3" 213 22 51 4 28 32 -6 49 4 0 1 67 6 $2,768,587 33 R Dustin Byfuglien 6' 3" 247 23 59 11 12 23 -1 71 3 0 3 155 7.1 $3,000,000 22 R Troy Brouwer 6' 2" 213 23 55 9 14 23 11 46 3 1 0 105 8.6 $675,000 7 D Brent Seabrook 6' 3" 220 23 64 5 11 16 18 47 2 1 0 102 4.9 $3,500,000 46 C Colin Fraser 6' 1" 188 23 64 5 10 15 4 51 0 0 0 49 10.2 $500,000 26 C Samuel Pahlsson 6' 0" 204 31 52 5 10 15 -16 32 1 0 1 74 6.8 $301,000 55 L Ben Eager 6' 2" 220 24 60 10 4 14 4 130 0 0 0 64 15.6 $568,000 8 D Matt Walker 6' 3" 214 28 52 1 12 13 13 64 0 0 0 70 1.4 $600,000 37 R Adam Burish 6' 1" 189 26 48 5 3 8 5 71 0 0 2 70 7.1 $712,500 23 D Aaron Johnson 6' 1" 211 25 29 3 5 8 18 24 0 0 1 20 15 $600,000 5 D Brent Sopel 6' 1" 211 32 23 1 1 2 -4 8 0 0 1 15 6.7 $2,333,333 27 L Pascal Pelletier 5' 11" 185 25 3 0 0 0 -4 0 0 0 0 3 0 $145,000 4 D Niklas Hjalmarsson 6' 2" 200 21 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 $643,000 Totals/Averages 6’ 1” 203.1 24.4 210 368 14.9/g 60 9 33.1/g 10.13% $44,607,000 *injured Pahlsson says he could be back in a week, and Sharp starts skating this week. Clock’s ticking, motherfucker. # Goalie HT WT AGE GPI Min GAA W L OT SO SA GA Sv% G A PIM Salary 39 Nikolai Khabibulin 6' 1" 209 36 29 1673 2.37 17 5 5 1 870 66 0.924 0 2 6 $6,750,000 38 Cristobal Huet 6' 1" 205 33 36 2045 2.44 18 13 3 3 951 83 0.913 0 0 2 $5,625,000 31 Antti Niemi 6’ 2” 204 25 3 141 3.40 1 1 1 0 59 8 .864 0 0 0 $488,000 Totals/Averages 6'1" 207 31.3 3719 2.53 36 19 8 4 29.5/g 155 0.916 0 2 8 $12,375,000

TOTAL CAP NUMBER: $57,283,000 CAP SPACE: $274,000* Probable Lines Probable Pairings *space also affected by buyouts and injured players Left Wing Center Right Wing 2 Keith 7 Seabrook Injury List 22 Brouwer 19 Toews 88 Kane 51 Campbell 8 Walker Brent Sopel- Out (Talent) 16 Ladd 36 Bolland 32 Versteeg 23 Johnson 25 Barker Patrick Sharp- Out (Knee) Samuel Pahlsson-Out (Kissing wrong girl) 33 Byfuglien 56 Breant 27 Pelletier Nikolai Khabibulin-Questionable (groin?) 37 Burish 46 Fraser 55 Eager Martin Havlat- Questionable (groin?)

16 years ago, David Stern sent me to ruin the NHL. I have done every- thing I can think of to drive the core I am so close to completing the task fan away, strip hockey of all that’s Stern charged me with.... great about it, and eliminate any at- tention by the mainstream media... Hartford Whalers 36-27-5

Ugly, no? Brind’Amour has had to battle through two knee injuries this year, which might help explain this woeful number, especially for a guy with a rep of being such a solid two-way player. # Pos Player Ht WT AGE GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW S S% Salary (Cap Hit) 13 L Ray Whitney 5' 10" 180 36 68 21 37 58 -8 26 6 0 1 185 11.4 $3,550,000 12 C Eric Staal 6' 4" 205 24 68 32 26 58 4 46 11 1 8 313 10.2 $4,500,000 15 C Tuomo Ruutu 6' 0" 200 26 65 20 25 45 -1 63 5 0 3 150 13.3 $2,250,000 14 R Sergei Samsonov 5' 8" 188 30 67 14 27 41 -9 26 3 0 3 135 10.4 $2,533,000 8 C Matt Cullen 6' 1" 200 32 63 20 18 38 10 20 3 2 2 126 15.9 $2,875,000 17 C Rod Brind'Amour 6' 1" 205 38 66 10 25 35 -28 28 5 0 1 110 9.1 $3,600,000 26 L Erik Cole 6' 2" 205 30 66 17 16 33 0 63 5 0 1 149 11.4 $860,000 77 D Joe Corvo 6' 0" 204 31 68 13 17 30 1 16 8 0 6 178 7.3 $2,625,000 25 D Joni Pitkanen 6' 3" 200 25 58 6 22 28 4 48 2 0 2 123 4.9 $4,000,000 59 C Chad LaRose 5' 10" 181 26 67 14 11 25 3 25 0 2 2 133 10.5 $875,000 4 D Dennis Seidenberg 6' 1" 210 27 56 4 19 23 -15 29 2 0 0 105 3.8 $1,200,000 33 D 6' 5" 212 24 58 9 13 22 9 14 4 0 1 89 10.1 $1,000,000 36 L Jussi Jokinen 5' 11" 190 25 57 7 14 21 -5 18 2 0 1 78 9 $633,000 24 R Scott Walker 5' 10" 196 35 36 4 10 14 -4 35 1 0 0 65 6.2 $2,500,000 44 R Patrick Eaves 5' 11" 190 24 61 5 7 12 9 27 1 1 1 94 5.3 $1,400,000 18 L Ryan Bayda 5' 11" 185 28 64 5 7 12 2 26 0 0 0 61 8.2 $475,000 6 D Tim Gleason 6' 0" 217 26 56 0 11 11 3 58 0 0 0 47 0 $2,750,000 7 D Niclas Wallin 6' 3" 220 34 50 1 8 9 -1 36 0 0 1 47 2.1 $1,725,000 16 C 6' 3" 183 20 50 1 5 6 -1 16 0 0 0 57 1.8 $1,225,000 5 D Frantisek Kaberle 6' 0" 190 35 28 0 6 6 -5 8 0 0 0 24 0 $2,200,000 63 C Dwight Helminen 5' 10" 191 25 12 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 13 7.7 $146,000 20 C Michael Ryan 6' 1" 188 28 16 0 2 2 -1 2 0 0 0 23 0 $181,000 38 D Tim Conboy 6' 2" 210 26 15 0 1 1 2 26 0 0 0 6 0 $170,000

Sammy’s averaging a point-per-game since being moved to Brind’Amour’s Sammy’s averaging a when you put him with talent. line. Strange things happen Totals/Averages 6’ 0” 197.6 28.4 189 331 10/g 53 6 32.5/g 8.11% $43,273,000 Will we regret this one? Babchuk only got 22 games here in Chicago, and only a season and a half in the “A”. After playing in Russia last year, Babchuk seems to have a light turned on. # Goalie HT WT AGE GPI Min GAA W L OT SO SA GA Sv% G A PIM Salary 30 Cam Ward 6' 1" 200 25 55 3167 2.50 30 21 3 5 1500 132 0.912 0 0 4 $2,667,000 49 Michael Leighton 6' 3" 186 27 17 940 2.94 6 6 2 0 460 46 0.900 0 0 4 $600,000 Totals/Averages 6' 2" 193 26 4107 2.78 36 27 5 5 29/g 178 0.909 0 0 8 $3,267,000 TOTAL CAP NUMBER: $51,255,000 ** injured CAP SPACE: $5,445,000 Probable Lines Probable Pairings *space also affected by buyouts and injured players Left Wing Center Right Wing 77 Corvo 6 Gleason Injury List 15 Ruutu 12 Staal 27 Cole 33 Babchuck 25 Pitkanen 13 Whitney 8 Cullen 59 LaRose 4 Seidenberg 7 Wallin 14 Samsonov 17 Brind’Amour 44 Eaves 63 Helminen 20 Ryan 38 Conboy

...IS THIS THE YEAR? It’s time to play...

YOU MAKE THE CALL! Tonight, you decide... Which Girl Did Sami Pahlsson Kiss That Gave Him Mono?

Was it... A. B. C. D. His wife? An Orange An Anaheim Steve Mason? County punk rock Surfer? girl?

The goalie was felled Wouldn’t that mean Careful Sami, there Gabba Gabba Hey! by mono earlier this Mrs. Pahlsson has are sharks in those But now you’re se- season, wouldn’t this been slinking around waves! dated, Sami! lead to all sorts of on the Swede? Bad questions? news, Sami! The Fight Card HAWKS vs. CANES Fight Stats provided by Hockeyfights.com

GAME FIGHT TIME Bloody Black Bruised Just Analysis Nose Eye Ego Dancing No fight history, so take the time to contemplate vio- lence’s place in American Society.

What To Watch For: Not much. The Hurricanes hardly live up to their name, as they’re third-bottom in the league when it comes to studies of The Sweet Science. No one on the current roster has more than 4 dust-ups this season. Tim Gleason and Tim Conboy (some call them...Tim?) are your most likely, but we wouldn’t count on it. Hardly hurricane-like, wouldn’t you say? More like spring shower (ZING!)! Power Play Kill Team Opp PPG PP% Team OPP PPG PP% Team TS PPGA PK% Team TS PPGA PK% DET 293 79 27 CGY 295 55 18.6 MIN 235 29 87.7 CHI 270 50 81.5 SJS 287 70 24.4 VAN 283 52 18.4 NYR 266 34 87.2 OTT 274 53 80.7 WSH 282 68 24.1 MTL 302 54 17.9 CGY 301 46 84.7 PIT 273 54 80.2 BOS 263 59 22.4 TBL 278 48 17.3 NSH 290 45 84.5 ANA 322 64 80.1 BUF 296 66 22.3 CAR 315 53 16.8 BUF 275 45 83.6 CAR 251 50 80.1 PHI 257 56 21.8 NYI 263 44 16.7 SJS 253 42 83.4 DAL 266 54 79.7 CHI 280 60 21.4 EDM 291 48 16.5 FLA 266 45 83.1 WSH 330 67 79.7 ANA 251 53 21.1 COL 266 43 16.2 PHI 322 55 82.9 COL 259 53 79.5 STL 280 59 21.1 DAL 298 48 16.1 MTL 308 53 82.8 TBL 322 68 78.9 LAK 302 62 20.5 PIT 294 47 16 NYI 291 51 82.5 VAN 293 62 78.8 MIN 263 53 20.2 FLA 255 40 15.7 LAK 281 50 82.2 PHX 241 54 77.6 NJD 244 48 19.7 NYR 277 40 14.4 STL 295 53 82 DET 270 61 77.4 ATL 273 53 19.4 PHX 280 40 14.3 CBJ 275 50 81.8 EDM 277 65 76.5 TOR 274 53 19.3 NSH 264 37 14 BOS 247 45 81.8 TOR 258 61 76.4 OTT 268 51 19 CBJ 277 36 13 NJD 260 48 81.5 ATL 286 69 75.9 Spotlight Bobby

Ruuti

Since the departure of Jeremy Roenick, Hawks fans have yearned (whatever that might mean) for a forward who could undress a defenseman with a slick move, or just as easily put him into the beer stand behind the 100 Level seats with a huge hit. We thought we might have it upon the drafting of Tuomo Ruutu. Dale Tallon (and Ruutu’s agent) couldn’t wait to tell us how #15 was the best player outside the NHL (we remember hearing the same thing about a couple of years before. Guess we lost that one), al- though what that meant to each side was obviously different, as it took seven games into Ruti’s first season to even get him signed. Ruuti did manage to bang in 23 goals in his rookie year -- back in the Dead-Puck Era, when that meant something. But then came the injuries. Man, were there lots of them. A knee here, an ankle there, another knee. Then the hassle of another contract negotiation. But most of all came the lackluster results. Tuomo became a lightning rod for fans, but probably only because of what he promised. You’d be hard- pressed to find a Hawks fan who didn’t think Ruuti gave it his all every shift. The only problem was his “all” was in every direction, and rarely toward the net. He couldn’t find the balance between a crasher and a power-forward. Savard eventually lost confidence in him, down to the third line he went, and then Ruuti’s confidence was gone...and it was evident it was time for him to go. Tuomo seems to have found his niche in Carolina, though playing on a line with Eric Staal helps. Ruutu only got a brief look at a center like that here, when he was Toews’s first left-winger. Ruuti still plays a game any fan could love, and we hope he flourishes in Raleigh. It wasn’t for a lack of effort that he didn’t here. The Committed Indian is printed by Royal Omega Graphics- Elk Grove, IL 847-952-8000 [email protected] KNOW THY ENEMY

Tonight, Bubba from Canes Country (canescountry.com) tells us what we want to might have the money to re-sign both Ruutu and Cole, (both of whom are tradi- know about Carolina: tionally tough negotiators). If not, they will probably only be able to re-sign one of them. At this point, I think it’s a 50/50 chance he will stay here. You guys have missed the playoffs both years after winning the Cup. What What will the reacquisition of Erik Cole provide you with that you didn’t went wrong? Was it catching lightning in a bottle? Or is there more to it? have before? I wish I knew the answer to that question. The first year after the Cup win, I think Cole brings a physical game the Canes need. He also brings speed, which will the team just ran out of gas. There were several injuries, one after another. There help, (and has already helped) Eric Staal’s game. It’s remarkable the difference was also a bit of complacency within the team. Several players, Brind’Amour, the addition of Cole has made to this team, just in three games. Staal’s game Wesley, Hedican, had long careers and finally reached the pinnacle of what they has exploded. They were able to move Sergei Samsonov to the third line, (with had been playing for all those long years. It only seems natural that there would Brind’Amour), and that has helped Brind’Amour’s game. (two goals in two be an emotional drop off, after achieving their dreams. games after 29 game drought). The first line of Ruutu/Staal/Cole has turned out The next season, there were more injuries, but inconsistency plagued to be very dangerous. The intangible is that Cole was a known commodity in the the team. From the goaltending out, fans didn’t know what to expect from night dressing room. He had many close friends here and the team has rallied around to night. They barely missed the playoffs both years, but of course close doesn’t his return. count. You guys are in the playoff mess at the bottom of the picture in the East. As far as catching lightning in a bottle, the Hurricanes almost won the Will you guys find your way in? Why will you or won’t you? President’s Cup that year. (I believe they missed it by one or two points) They If you would have asked me that question a week ago, I would have were at or near the top of their conference all season long. I honestly feel that answered no. Personally, I felt that the Canes did not have the consistency to get they had the best team in the league that season. But deadline acquisitions Mark into the playoffs. They lost most of the big games they played, including impor- Recchi and Doug Weight returned to their previous teams. The Canes could not tant contests at home. Teams could wear them out, physically, and take advantage re-sign Matt Cullen, , and Martin Gerber. The rest is history. of them. The Canes fired Laviolette midway through the year and replaced him with But now, they certainly look like a playoff team with a convincing Maurice. Has that made a huge difference? What did Maurice change, and four-game winning streak. The addition of Cole gives them more beef up front as why did it need changing? well as a bit more scoring and three balanced lines. They have their confidence I can’t help but think that there was some kind of internal strife going on that back and all important momentum. And their goaltender, Cam Ward is playing led to Laviolette’s dismissal. is usually as patient as a saint, or well. always had been with Paul Maurice during his first tenure. It’s been 11 years since the Hurricanes came into existence, and robbed the The biggest difference Maurice has made has been with the penalty world of the iconic Whalers. What is the hockey market in Raleigh like? killing. The Canes have gone from near the bottom in the league to near the top, You’re also not allowed to mention the smokin’ cheerleaders who seem to just within the past couple of months. They are much more aggressive now and find their way onto the screen after every goal... they have several shorthanded goals recently. Under Laviolette, they were the It’s tough to describe the market here. It’s obviously not quite like a only team in the NHL who had yet to score a shortie. The team is also trying to northern market in that hockey can be like a religion, but the fans the team does be more responsible defensively, and it shows. Under Laviolette, sometimes it have are extremely passionate. There are tons of transplants in the area, and seemed that playing defense was not priority. many folk have converted to be Hurricanes fans, but many still hold allegiance to You’re about to go through the Tuomo Ruutu contract negotiation ride for a their previous teams as well. College sports is huge, of course, with the big three second time this summer, something we know well here. What do you think NC State, Duke, and Carolina, closely followed. One thing I have appreciated is of Ruti, and will he stay in Carolina? how fans of those three rivals can all come together and cheer for the Hurricanes. Ruutu is a fan favorite, perhaps one of the most popular players they have right Hockey has grown a lot here over the years. When the Hurricanes now. Fans yell out “RUUUUUU” whenever he has the puck. Taking into con- first arrived, I believe there might have been one or two sheets of ice. Now there sideration that it is a contract year, he has been one of the more consistent players are eight ice rinks in the general area and it’s tough to book time with all of the for the Canes night in and night out. He leads the team in hits, by a long , and leagues going on. More kids are playing than ever before. The “Junior Canes” sometimes is the team’s only physical presence. (which is why they needed Cole, attend an annual tournament in Quebec and most recently won their division but that’s another topic). against teams from all over and the US. One local player was drafted by The biggest question will be how much room will the Canes have in a team in the OHL and there are a couple of others playing college hockey. We their budget this summer? They are already committed to over 40 million next are waiting for our first local NHL draft pick, and hopefully it will be coming year, with several other players to sign. If they make the playoffs this year, they soon.

Hawks-Canes: the Last 4

Mar. 12th, 2008: Canes 3, Hawks 0 Dec. 13th, 2005: Hawks 3, Canes 5 Carolina scores three times in four minutes in the Hawks manage to jump out to a 2-0 lead, until Canes first period, and that’s about that. Hawks don’t figure out that these are indeed the 2005 Hawks, and muster much of an effort to get back in game at all. score five unanswered goals. Craig Adams has three points against his future-former-employer.

Mar. 17th, 2004: Canes 3, Hawks 2 Oct. 15th, 1988: Hawks 1, Whalers 7 Erik Cole scores with four minutes left for the Memorable only as the first time the editor saw the winner. Once again, Craig Adams scores against Hawks on the road, and what an introduction it was. future-former-employer, as does Tuomo Ruutu. Same night Kirk Gibson hit the homer off of Dennis Oh right, he’s still on Carolina. Well, wait until his Eckersley. For some reason, more people remember agent gets to work. that. Hockey Sabermetrics CHICAGO Every game, we provide you with the Behind The Net numbers. These are at even strength, 5-on-5. Key: QUALCOMP- A measure of the quality of competition each player faces on the ice. Calculated by averaging +/-/60 for opponents on the ice against player. QUALTEAM- A measure of the quality of teammates each player plays with. Calcu- lated by averaging +/-/60 for teammates on ice with player. TOI/60- Time on ice, per 60 minutes, that player spends on ice at full-strength. GFON/60, GAON/60- Goals for and against team per 60 min. player is on ice +/-ON/60- Team’s Plus/minus, per 60 minutes, while player is on ice. +/-OFF/60- Plus/minus of team while player is off ice, per 60 minutes. RATING- +/-ON/60 subtracted by +/-OFF/60. NAME QUALCOMP QUALTEAM TOI/60 GFON/60 GAON/60 +-ON/60 GFOFF/60 GAOFF/60 +-OFF/60 RATING N. Hjalmarsson 0.11 -0.03 9.74 0 0 0 1.16 5.24 -4.08 4.08 Aaron Johnson -0.04 -0.14 11.74 3.88 1.23 2.64 2.15 2.02 0.13 2.52 Andrew Ladd 0.1 0.1 12.83 3.56 2.15 1.41 2.4 2.13 0.26 1.15 Adam Burish -0.1 -0.01 7.21 2.66 1.42 1.24 2.74 2.27 0.47 0.77 Matt Walker -0.04 -0.09 13.85 2.97 1.87 1.1 2.47 2.1 0.37 0.74 Dave Bolland 0.11 0.19 12.55 3.34 2.28 1.06 2.49 2.09 0.41 0.66 Duncan Keith 0.08 0.03 18.49 3.02 2.03 0.99 2.75 2.34 0.41 0.57 Martin Havlat 0.06 0.13 13.44 3.4 2.55 0.85 2.44 1.97 0.48 0.37 Troy Brouwer 0.01 -0.17 11.52 2.51 1.64 0.87 2.76 2.21 0.55 0.32 Colin Fraser -0.12 -0.09 7.84 2.43 1.7 0.73 2.79 2.23 0.56 0.17 Ben Eager -0.12 -0.06 8.16 2.49 1.74 0.75 2.84 2.15 0.68 0.07 Kris Versteeg 0.02 -0.2 12.21 2.78 2.21 0.57 2.75 2.2 0.54 0.03 -0.57 -0.3 10.12 0 0 0 3.01 3.01 0 0 0.02 -0.11 13.18 2.89 2.38 0.51 2.66 2.04 0.62 -0.11 Brent Seabrook 0.09 0.2 16.62 2.46 2.01 0.46 2.88 2.22 0.66 -0.2 Patrick Kane 0.03 -0.13 13.92 2.61 2.33 0.28 2.61 2.11 0.5 -0.21 Brian Campbell -0.03 -0.02 17.43 2.9 2.62 0.27 2.62 1.84 0.78 -0.51 Dustin Byfuglien -0.02 -0.02 11.96 1.99 1.82 0.17 3.09 2.34 0.75 -0.58 Cam Barker -0.04 -0.09 13.35 2.25 2.79 -0.54 2.85 1.81 1.04 -1.58 Pascal Pelletier 0.02 -0.07 9.04 0 8.85 -8.85 1.18 3.53 -2.35 -6.49

Corsi Rating Penalties Drawn Face-offs Shots attempted for a team vs. how many are Player Face-Offs Taken FO% attempted against while a given player is on vs. Taken the ice, per 60 min. Jonathan Toews 997 53.8 NAME CORSI NAME PDRAW/60 PTAKE/60 Samuel Pahlsson 1016 53.5 Jonathan Toews 16 Pascal Pelletier 2.2 0 Colin Fraser 662 47.7 Martin Havlat 15.1 Kris Versteeg 1.5 0.7 Patrick Sharp 556 46.0 Brian Campbell 14.1 Adam Burish 1.4 1.1 Dave Bolland 930 44.4 Andrew Ladd 14 Ben Eager 1.4 2.6 Krs Versteeg 222 43.7 Troy Brouwer 13.8 Patrick Kane 1.4 1.1 Total Rank: 28th 47. Patrick Kane 12.4 Dave Bolland 1.3 0.7 Power Play Ratings Penalty Kill Ratings Kris Versteeg 11.8 Colin Fraser 1.3 0.5 This is a measure of a team’s This measures how many goals a goals-for per 60 minutes of player team gives up per 60 minutes the Andrew Ladd 1.2 0.7 Brent Seabrook 11.7 being on the ice on the power play. player is on the ice on the PK. Troy Brouwer 1.2 0.9 Adam Burish 11.2 Player GFON/60 Player GA/60 Martin Havlat 1.1 0.6 Dustin Byfuglien 11.2 Cam Barker 10.89 Adam Burish 4.09 Jonathan Toews 1.1 0.7 Pascal Pelletier 11.1 Patrick Sharp 8.61 Andrew Ladd 4.17 Dustin Byfuglien 1.1 1.3 Duncan Keith 11 Patrick Kane 8.24 Brent Seabrook 4.86 Brian Campbell 0.5 0.4 Dave Bolland 10.6 Troy Brouwer 8.22 Duncan Keith 5.13 Aaron Johnson 0.4 1.9 Cam Barker 9.9 Jonathan Toews 8.03 Aaron Johnson 5.4 Matt Walker 0.3 0.7 Matt Walker 9.3 Brian Campbell 7.39 Colin Fraser 6.44 Duncan Keith 0.2 0.8 Aaron Johnson 8.1 Dustin Byfuglien 7.1 Matt Walker 6.8 Brent Seabrook 0.2 0.9 Ben Eager 7.2 Duncan Keith 6.49 Kris Versteeg 7.11 N. Hjalmarsson 0 0 Colin Fraser 4.1 Martin Havlat 6.36 Dave Bolland 7.45 Tim Brent 0 5.9 Tim Brent -11.9 Brent Seabrook 6.13 Cam Barker 8.42 Cam Barker 0 0.6 N. Hjalmarsson -14.4 Kris Versteeg 5.9 Hockey Sabermetrics CAROLINA Every game, we provide you with the Behind The Net numbers. These are at even strength, 5-on-5. Key: QUALCOMP- A measure of the quality of competition each player faces on the ice. Calculated by averaging +/-/60 for opponents on the ice against player. QUALTEAM- A measure of the quality of teammates each player plays with. Calcu- lated by averaging +/-/60 for teammates on ice with player. TOI/60- Time on ice, per 60 minutes, that player spends on ice at full-strength. GFON/60, GAON/60- Goals for and against team per 60 min. player is on ice +/-ON/60- Team’s Plus/minus, per 60 minutes, while player is on ice. +/-OFF/60- Plus/minus of team while player is off ice, per 60 minutes. RATING- +/-ON/60 subtracted by +/-OFF/60. NAME QUALCOMP QUALTEAM TOI/60 GFON/60 GAON/60 +-ON/60 GFOFF/60 GAOFF/60 +-OFF/60 RATING Anton Babchuk -0.03 -0.06 13.16 2.77 2.04 0.73 1.97 2.75 -0.78 1.51 Matt Cullen 0.01 -0.05 12.64 2.57 2.02 0.54 2.11 2.56 -0.45 1 Patrick Eaves -0.03 -0.2 9.41 1.73 1.08 0.65 2.53 2.76 -0.23 0.87 Ryan Bayda -0.04 0 8.52 1.82 1.7 0.11 2.27 2.77 -0.5 0.61 Eric Staal 0.08 -0.11 14.44 3.02 2.96 0.06 1.93 2.31 -0.38 0.44 Joni Pitkanen 0.02 -0.09 18.08 2.49 2.55 -0.06 1.99 2.46 -0.47 0.41 Tuomo Ruutu 0.08 -0.11 13.88 2.95 3.02 -0.07 1.97 2.27 -0.3 0.23 Chad LaRose -0.01 -0.06 12.8 2.38 2.52 -0.14 2.22 2.56 -0.34 0.19 Niclas Wallin 0 -0.11 13.96 2.02 2.19 -0.18 2.5 2.82 -0.31 0.14 Tim Gleason 0.07 -0.11 17.06 2.39 2.45 -0.06 2.41 2.37 0.04 -0.1 Brandon Sutter -0.07 0.08 6.63 1.51 2.07 -0.57 2.11 2.56 -0.45 -0.12 Erik Cole 0.01 0.1 12.86 2.52 2.44 0.07 2.61 2.41 0.21 -0.13 Dwight Helminen -0.07 -0.03 9.02 2.22 2.22 0 2.77 2.63 0.14 -0.14 Jussi Jokinen -0.03 -0.17 11.22 2.24 2.72 -0.49 2.36 2.53 -0.16 -0.32 Ray Whitney 0.04 -0.12 13.78 2.44 2.9 -0.46 2.21 2.35 -0.14 -0.32 Tim Conboy -0.3 -0.16 4.8 2.68 1.79 0.89 3.22 2 1.22 -0.33 Joe Corvo 0.04 -0.13 16.99 2.35 2.84 -0.48 2.23 2.33 -0.1 -0.39 Sergei Samsonov 0.07 -0.03 13.64 2.23 2.84 -0.61 2.32 2.4 -0.09 -0.52 D. Seidenberg 0.03 -0.05 16.97 1.8 2.57 -0.77 2.62 2.43 0.19 -0.96 Michael Ryan -0.12 -0.04 8.34 1.35 1.8 -0.45 3.15 2.44 0.71 -1.16 R. Brind'Amour 0 -0.08 13.81 1.56 3.26 -1.7 2.57 2.22 0.35 -2.05

Corsi Rating Penalties Drawn Face-offs This measures how many shots are attempted Player Face-Offs Taken FO% for a team vs. how many are attempted vs. Taken against while a given player is on the ice, Pretty self-explanatory. A measure of penalties drawn Rod Brind’Amour 1250 61.0 per 60 min. vs. taken, per 60 min. Jussi Jokinen 572 53.1 NAME CORSI NAME PDRAW/60 PTAKE/60 Matt Cullen 800 51.8 Michael Ryan 15.7 Erik Cole 2.5 0.9 Eric Staal 1278 45.2 Eric Staal 15.2 Tuomo Ruutu 1.9 1.6 Total: Rank: 9th 51.2 Joni Pitkanen 12.9 Eric Staal 1.7 0.7 Anton Babchuk 11.3 Brandon Sutter 1.7 0.6 Power Play Ratings Penalty Kill Ratings This is a measure of a team’s goals Tuomo Ruutu 7.6 Patrick Eaves 1.3 1 This measures how many goals for per 60 minutes of player being a team gives up per 60 minutes Ray Whitney 7.2 Michael Ryan 1.3 0.4 on the ice on the power play. the player is on the ice on the Sergei Samsonov 6.7 Tim Gleason 1.1 0.7 PK. Player GFON/60 Player GAON/60 Tim Conboy 6.3 Ryan Bayda 1 0.8 R. Brind'Amour 7.73 Joe Corvo 4.57 Niclas Wallin 5.2 Matt Cullen 0.9 0.6 D. Seidenberg 7.49 D. Seidenberg 5.6 Joe Corvo 4.4 Chad LaRose 0.9 0.5 Ray Whitney 6.64 Anton Babchuk 5.64 Chad LaRose 4 Ray Whitney 0.9 0.7 Joe Corvo 6.15 Matt Cullen 6.4 Dwight Helminen 2.8 Tim Conboy 0.9 1.8 Sergei Samsonov 6.15 Jussi Jokinen 6.66 Patrick Eaves 2.6 Sergei Samsonov 0.9 0.8 Joni Pitkanen 5.71 Niclas Wallin 7.09 Matt Cullen 2.2 R. Brind'Amour 0.9 0.4 Erik Cole 5.32 Tim Gleason 7.3 R. Brind'Amour 2 Anton Babchuk 0.7 0.4 Eric Staal 5.2 Patrick Eaves 7.73 Erik Cole 0.7 D. Seidenberg 0.7 0.6 Tuomo Ruutu 5.03 R. Brind'Amour 7.94 Ryan Bayda -0.8 Joni Pitkanen 0.5 1.1 Anton Babchuk 2.77 Joni Pitkanen 9.63 D. Seidenberg -1.2 Niclas Wallin 0.5 1.3 Jussi Jokinen -1.3 Jussi Jokinen 0.5 0.7 Referee Stats For The Hawks

Referees 1st NHL Hawks Games Hawks PP’s Hawks Pens/Game Hawks PP/Game Hawks PK/ W L OTL Game PK’s Game 2 Fraser, Kerry 1980 3 14 17 10.3 4.7 5.7 3 0 0 3 Leggo, Mike 1997 4 12 18 7.4 3 4.5 3 0 1 4 McCauley, Wes 2003 5 11 14 5.0 2.2 2.8 2 2 0 5 Rooney, Chris 2000 1 4 1 5.0 4.0 1.0 1 0 0 6 Marouelli, Dan 1984 3 14 11 8.3 4.7 3.7 1 2 0 7 McCreary, Bill 1984 4 17 15 8.0 4.3 3.8 2 3 0 8 Jackson, Dave 1990 6 28 24 8.7 4.7 4.0 4 1 1 10 Devorski, Paul 1989 3 12 16 9.3 4 5.3 1 2 0 11 Sutherland, Kelly 2000 2 11 14 12.5 5.5 7 0 2 0 12 Koharski, Don 1981 4 19 20 9.8 4.8 5.0 3 0 1 13 O’Halloran, Dan 1995 4 22 17 9.8 5.5 4.3 2 1 1 14 LaRue, Dennis 1991 5 22 22 8.8 4.4 4.4 3 0 1 15 Auger, Stephane 2000 4 17 13 7.5 4.3 3.3 3 0 1 16 Shick, Rob 1986 1 2 2 4.0 2.0 2.0 0 0 1 18 Kimmerly, Greg 1996 5 26 25 10.2 5.2 5.0 3 2 0 20 Peel, Tim 1999 3 15 16 10.3 3.3 5.3 2 1 0 21 VanMassenhoven, Don 1993 3 10 5 5.0 3.3 1.7 2 0 1 23 Watson, Brad 1996 2 7 4 5.5 3.5 2.0 1 0 1 25 Joannette, Marc 1999 2 13 5 9.0 6.5 2.5 1 0 1 26 Martell, Rob 1996 1 3 1 4.0 3.0 1.0 1 0 0 27 Furlatt, Eric 2001 6 27 26 8.8 4.5 4.3 2 3 1 28 Lee, Chris 2001 2 11 10 10.5 5.5 5 1 1 0 29 Walsh, Ian 2000 1 1 3 4.0 1.0 3.0 0 1 0 30 Hasenfratz, Mike 2000 3 22 13 11.7 7.3 4.3 0 1 2 32 Kowal, Tom 2000 4 13 10 5.8 3.3 2.5 4 0 0 33 Pollock, Kevin 2000 3 10 12 7.3 3.3 4.0 1 1 1 34 Meier, Brad 1999 4 14 20 8.5 3.5 5.0 3 1 0 35 Warren, Dean 1999 ------36 Morton, Dean 2000 2 16 10 13.0 8.0 5.0 0 1 1 38 St Laurent, Francois 2006 2 14 15 14.5 7.0 7.5 1 0 1 39 Dwyer, Gord 2003 3 16 15 10.3 5.3 5.0 2 0 1 40 Kozari, Steve 2006 4 26 20 11.5 6.5 5.0 2 2 0 42 O’Rourke, Dan 1999 2 11 13 12.0 5.5 6.5 1 0 1 43 Pochmara, Brian 2006 3 12 14 8.6 4 4.6 2 1 0 45 St. Pierre, Justin 2003 6 29 26 9.2 4.8 4.3 3 1 2

NHL LEADERS Goals Points GAA SV%

Player Team G Player Team P Player Team GAA Player Team SV% 1 A. Ovechkin WAS 47 1 Evgeni Malkin PIT 95 1 Tim Thomas BOS 2.06 1 Tim Thomas BOS .932 2 Zach Parise NJ 39 2 A. Ovechkin WAS 85 2 Steve Mason CBJ 2.19 2 T. Vokoun FLA .926 3 Jeff Carter PHI 38 3 S. Crosby PIT 84 3 Pekka Rinne NSH 2.27 3 N. Khabibulin CHI .924 4 I. Kovalchuk ATL 36 4 Zach Parise NJ 79 4 Jonas Hiller ANA 2.35 4 Craig Anderson FLA .923 5 M. Cammalleri SJ 34 5 DET 79 5 N. Backstrom MIN 2.36 5 Pekka Rinne NSH .923 17 J. Toews CHI 28 37 Patrick Kane CHI 58 6 N. Khabibulin CHI 2.37 Block Party The Pit “We’ve got a great team here, you could almost have a dynasty, but you two are gonna tics and he was the perfect compliment behind Mikita as the team’s second center for screw it up.” better part of a decade. Chicago wouldn’t miss the playoffs again for 28 years. An admittedly drunk to Blackhawks’ coach Billy Reay and general Upon completion of the 1969-70 season, Martin was awarded the Bill Mas- manager Tommy Ivan at the 1967 post-season wrap party after the Hawks had lost to terson Trophy for dedication to the game of hockey. He called the honor “the most Toronto in the semi-finals (at the time the opening round) four games to important trophy I’ll ever receive.” The line of Martin, between wingers Dennis Hull two. and Jim Pappin was arguably the NHL’s best second-line that year and Martin finished Whether fair or not, you cannot tell the story of Hubert “Pit” Martin with- third on the team in scoring with thirty goals and thirty-three assists. out mentioning one of hockey’s most-lopsided trades. On May 15, 1967 Blackhawks’ The trio was soon given the “MPH” moniker and Dennis Hull reached general manager Tommy Ivan traded Phil Esposito, right winger , and forty goals for the second time the next season. The threesome would remain together forward to Boston in exchange for Martin, minor-league goaltender largely until Pappin was traded to California for Joey Johnston after the 1974-75 Jack Norris and defenseman Gilles Marotte. season. Ken Hodge was one of the bigger players of his day, and at six-foot-two, During his career Martin served as president of the player’s association two hundred and ten pounds was looked at by the Blackhawks as the team’s enforcer. and was a pioneer in advocating players wearing helmets. Martin campaigned for a In Boston, he skated regularly with Phil Esposito on the Bruins’ top mandatory helmet rule during the 70’s. He and Mikita were two of line and quickly became a superstar and clutch playoff performer. In only a few Blackhawks at the time who did wear helmets. Chicago, Hodge was a marginal player. Over nine seasons in Boston, Injuries plagued the latter half of Martin’s Blackhawks’ career. he scored 289 goals and averaged a point-a-game. He underwent an emergency appendectomy during the 1974-75 sea- Fred Stanfield was supposed to be a throw-in from the son that cost him ten games. The next season he led the Blackhawks Blackhawks’ side. Instead, he quickly transformed into an all-around in scoring for the only time in his career. utility player in Boston and helped lead the Bruins to Stanley Cup vic- His 1976-77 season was beset by injuries, and though he played tories in 1970 and 1972 as part of the team’s second line with Johnny through most of those, his production dropped sharply on a pitiful Bucyk and Johnny McKenzie. Stanfield scored at least twenty goals in Hawks team that was led in scoring by Ivan Boldirev. The follow- all six seasons he was a Bruin. ing season Martin played in only seven games before being traded to Just as Phil Esposito predicted, Tommy Ivan did “screw it Vancouver for future considerations, who later turned out to be Tony up”, and in bombastic fashion. Even though Martin was a very good Esposito’s future successor Murray Bannerman. Blackhawk, most observers feel the Blackhawks never recovered from Chris Block After two seasons in Vancouver, Hubert “Pit” Martin hung up that deal. his skates and pursued his passion for flying, becoming a licensed Ivan though wasn’t the only one who wanted Esposito pilot. He retired to Windsor, where he managed several busi- gone. In fact, it was also Arthur and Bill Wirtz, who assumed the role of president in nesses including bar, restaurant, and a swimming pool service. 1966 after James Norris passed away, who didn’t like Esposito’s style of play (big guy On Sunday November 30, 2008, Martin was snowmobiling with a friend but not physical), nor his attitude, and pushed Ivan to move the future Hall of Famer on the icy waters of Lake Kanasuta, traveling to his home on an island on the lake near out of town. Rouyn-Noranda, in the northwestern part of Quebec. Marotte was a decent blue liner and remained a Blackhawk through the Martin was trailing his companion when a patch of ice caved and swal- 1969-70 season. Norris played just ten games in an Indianhead sweater before becom- lowed Martin and his vehicle. A passerby assisted the companion in attempting to ing a mainstay in the WHA in the mid-seventies. save Martin but they were unable to locate him. A rescue helicopter airlifted and So, for Ivan, the Wirtz’s, and Blackhawks’ fans, all they were left with was transported the friend to a nearby hospital but found no sight of Martin either. Martin Martin. What they didn’t know was they had just traded one cocky know-it-all center was officially presumed dead the next day. He was nine days shy of his 65th birthday. for another. After two days of recovery efforts, Martin’s body was found in the lake in the after- Jacques Hubert Martin was born on December 9, 1943 in the town of noon on December 2nd. Noranda, Quebec. Years later he was nicknamed “Pit” after a quirky French language Martin was a four-time All-Star (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974) and still ranks comic book character some say he resembled. 10th all-time in goals scored (243) by a Blackhawk, 8th in assists (384) and 7th in After the 1968-69 season, one where the Hawks failed to qualify for the points (627). playoffs, Martin, in an interview with , blasted his teammates and If not for the dubious distinction of essentially being the man traded for the organization saying only three players “wear their uniforms with any desire to Phil Esposito and igniting a brief Bruins’ dynasty, and also being stuck behind some win.” He also criticized the team itself and unofficial team captain for pretty good players (Hull, Mikita) in Chicago, Martin just might have been one of the perceived “special privileges” awarded to stars like Mikita and Bobby Hull. most-beloved Blackhawks of the seventies. At the start of the following season’s training camp, Mikita approached Pit Martin played every game just as he lived his life; with passion, assur- Martin in jest and quickly coined theAd name“Perfect Proof Pit” which was Mikita’s way of ance and gusto. Tonight was to be his night, along with linemates Dennis Hull and both addressing the issue and putting(00:06, Martin 03/06/09) in his place at the same time. Those Jim Pappin to revel in the appreciation of an organization and town that never truly did Ad Number: 422759 ‘specialStart Date: privileges’ 03/09/2009 however disappeared and the entire controversy was muted. afford him that acceptance. He deserved it. He still does. Separation:Mikita GrayScale was a character on and off the ice. Martin was quiet, unassuming yet confident and unwavering when he did speak. His play reflected those characteris- [email protected]

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info in part provided by hockeyreference.com YEAR DRAFT TRADE FREE AGENT 2008-2009 Samuel Pahlsson (COL 7th round 1996) and Brian Campbell (BUF 6th Logan Stephenson (PHX 2nd round 2004) from round 1997 ANA for James Wisniewski (CHI 5th round Cristobal Huet (LA 7th round 2002) and Petri Kontiola (CHI 7th round 2004) 2001) Pascal Pelletier (BOS Undrafted FA 2006) from Matt Walker (STL 3rd round BOS for Martin St. Pierre (CHI Undrafted FA 1998) 2005) Aaron Johnson (CLB 3rd round Tim Brent (ANA 3rd round 2004) from PIT for 2001) (CAR 2nd round 2003) Antti Niemi (Undrafted FA) 2007-2008 Patrick Kane (1st round) Ben Eager (PHO 1st round 2002) from PHI for Brent Sopel (VAN 6th round Jim Vandermeer (FA PHI 2000) 1995) Craig Adams (HAR 9th round 1996) from CAR for future considerations. Andrew Ladd (CAR 1st round 2004) from CAR for Tuomo Ruutu (CHI 1st round 2001) 2006-2007 Jonathan Toews (1st round) Martin Havlat (OTT 1st round 1999) from OTT and (BOS 1st round 1990) for Tom Preissing (FA SJ 2003), Josh Hennessy (SJ 2nd round 2003) and Michael Barinka (CHI 2nd round 2003) Kris Versteeg (BOS 5th round 2004) from BOS for Brandon Bochenski (OTT 7th round 2001) 2005-2006 Jack Skille (1st round) Patrick Sharp (PHI 3rd round 2001) from PHI Nikolai Khabibulin (WIN 9th Niklas Hjalmarsson (4th round) for Matt Ellison (CHI 4th round 2002) and CHI round 1992) 3rd round pick 2006 2004-2005 Cam Barker (1st round) Dave Bolland (2nd round) Troy Brouwer (7th round) 2003-2004 Brent Seabrook (1st round) Colin Fraser (PHI 3rd round 2003), Jim Van- Dustin Byfuglien (8th round) dermeer (PHI FA 2000) and 2004 2nd round pick from PHI for Alex Zhamnov and 2004 4th round pick (WIN 4th round 1990) 2002-2003 Duncan Keith (2nd round) Adam Burish (9th round)

COACHES GM HISTORY Head Coach-Joel Quenneville Dale Tallon (2005-Present) Assistant Coach-John Torchetti Bob Pulford (Too Fucking Long) Assistant Coach-Mike Haviland Mike Smith (2001-2004) Assistant Coach- Marc Bergevin Bob Murray (1999-2000) Goaltending Coach-Stephane Waite The Making of The Carolina Hurricanes

info in part provided by hockeyreference.com YEAR DRAFT TRADE FREE AGENT 2008-2009 Erik Cole (CAR 3rd round 1998) 2009 5th round pick from EDM for Dwight Helm- Patrick O’Sullivan (MIN 2nd round 2003-acquired for Justin Wil- inen (EDM 6th round liams) and 2009 2nd round pick 2002) Jussi Jokinen (DAL 6th round 2001) from TB for Wade Brookbank Michael Ryan (DAL (OTT Undrafted FA 2001), Josef Mellchar, and 20009 4th round pick 2nd round 1999) Joni Pitkanen (PHI 1st round 2002) from EDM for Erik Cole 2007-2008 Brandon Sutter (1st Matt Cullen (ANA 2nd round 1996) from NYR for Andrew Hutchin- Sergei Samsonov round) son (NSH 2nd round 1999), Joe Barnes, and 2008 3rd round pick (BOS 1st round Patrick Eaves (OTT 1st round 2003) and Joe Corvo (LA 4th round 1997)-off waivers 1997) from OTT for Cory Stillman (CAL 1st round 1992) and (NJ 2nd round 1999) Tuomo Ruutu (CHI 1st round 2001) from CHI for Andrew Ladd (CAR 1st round 2004) Michael Leighton (CHI 6th round 1999) from MON for 2007 7th round pick 2006-2007 Scott Walker (VAN 5th round 1993) from NSH for Josef Vasicek Tim Conboy (SJ 7th (CAR 4th round 1998) round 2002) Tim Gleason (OTT 1st round 2001) and Eric Belanger (LA 4th round 1996) from LA for (ANA 1st round 1994) and Jack Johnson (CAR 1st round 2005) Danny Seidenberg (PHI 6th round 2001) from PHX for Kevyn Ad- ams (BOS 1st round 1993) 2005-2006 Anton Babchuk (CHI 1st round 2002) and 2007 4th round pick from Ray Whitney (SJ 2nd CHI for Danny Richmond (CAR 2nd round 2003) and 2006 4th round round 1991) pick 2003-2004 Eric Staal (1st Chad LaRose (Un- round) drafted FA) Frantisek Kaberle (LA 3rd round 1999) 2002-2003 Cam Ward (1st round) 2001-2002 2000-2001 Niclas Wallin (4th round) 2000-2001 Ryan Bayda (3rd round) 1999-2000 Rod Brind’Amour (STL 1st round 1988), Jean-Marc Pelletier (PHI 2nd round 1997), and 2000 2nd round pick from PHI for Keith Primeau (DET 1st round 1990) and 2000 5th round pick COACHES Head Coach: Paul Maurice GM HISTORY Asst. Coach: 1995-Present: Jim Rutherford Asst. Coach: Kevin McCarthy Asst. Coach: Tom Rowe Goaltending Coach: Tom Barrasso The Hawks Record When...

Playing at home...... 17-6-6 Allowing a short-handed goal...... 2-2-1 Getting obliterated on face-offs...... 13-10-4 Playing on road...... 19-13-3 Taking 30 or more shots...... 27-13-7 Are even close on face-offs..... 23-9-5 Scoring first...... 25-5-3 Taking less than 30 shots..... 9-6-2 Eddie O tells crew to “stop it right here!”.... 31-16-9 Opponent scores first...... 11-14-6 Allowing 30 shots or more...... 16-7-5 Eddie O tells us D have the forwards and forwards have the D Shoot the puck bimbo scores...... 5-1-1 Allowing 30 shots or less...... 20-12-4 during 4-on-4...... 31-15-9 Shoot the puck bimbo doesn’t score...... 12-4-5 100 Level doesn’t cheer for anthem. 17-5-6 Pat Foley screws up a name...... 34-16-9 Shoot the puck bimbo blows editors of Commited Indian..... 0-0-0 1st of a back-to-back...... 4-5-3 Ice Crew wear skirts...... 7-1-3 ANYONE blows editors of Committed Indian ...... 0-1-0 2nd of a back-to-back..... 7-5-0 Ice Crew wear pants...... 3-1-0 Playing on a Monday...... 2-2-1 Opponent played night before.... 8-3-1 Ice Crew wear shorts.... 7-4-3 Playing on a Tuesday...... 6-2-0 Taking more than 5 penalties..... 16-14-4 Member of Ice Crew hilariously falls on her shapely ass.... 0-1-0 Playing on a Wednesday...... 7-1-2 Taking 5 or less penalties.... 20-5-5 Leading after 2 periods...... 29-2-3 Playing on a Thursday...... 2-3-0 Seabrook gets a flat-footed penalty.... 8-4-4 Losing after 2 periods...... 2-12-3 Playing on a Friday...... 4-3-3 Burish takes a penalty...... 7-5-2 Tied after 2 periods...... 5-5-3 Playing on a Saturday...... 7-5-3 Keith takes a penalty...... 11-3-2 In overtime...... 4-4 Playing on a Sunday...... 8-3-0 Sharp takes a penalty...... 10-2-2 In shootout...... 2-5 Savard changes lines during game... 1-2-1 Toews takes a penalty..... 8-4-2 Cam Barker plays...... 29-15-6 Coach Q keeps lines as they are..... 35-17-8 Havlat takes a penalty.... 6-3-1 Cam Barker is in Rockford due to GM incompetence..... 5-2-3 Are out-muscled by opponent.... 10-15-4 Sopel takes a penalty...... 3-2-1 Lacking a #2 center...... 36-19-9 Outshoot opponent...... 25-10-4 Sopel looks 6 steps slow...... 7-5-5 In 1-goal games..... 8-6-9 Are outshot by opponent.... 11-9-5 51 Phantom blows a coverage...... 25-16-8 In 2-goal games...... 12-6-0 Havlat shies from contact...... 16-6-6 Toews is trying too hard...... 3-7-2 In 3-goal games...... 7-4-0 Patrick Kane scores...... 11-5-2 At least 1 fight in 300 Level... 3-2-4 In 4+ goal games...... 8-3-0 Jonathan Toews scores...... 12-3-5 No fights in 300 Level..... 14-4-2 Scoring 3+ goals..... 34-5-5 Martin Havlat scores...... 13-4-1 Playing Eastern Conference..... 7-3-3 Scoring less than 3 goals...... 2-14-4 Patrick Sharp scores...... 15-3-2 Playing Western Conference..... 29-16-6 PA plays Ministry...... 0-0-0 Dustin Byfuglien scores...... 7-1-1 Playing Central Division...... 4-6-5 PA plays Modern Cock-Rock..... 17-6-6 Dustin Byfuglien turns down a hit...... 29-15-7 Playing Northwest Division.... 12-6-0 PA plays Stranglehold...... 5-2-3 Andrew Ladd scores...... 10-0-1 Playing Pacific Division 13-4-1 PA plays P.J. Harvey...... 0-0-0 Dave Bolland scores...... 11-1-2 Playing Atlantic Division 1-1-2 Fraser fights...... 7-3-1 Adam Burish scores...... 3-2-0, and totally ruins that joke Playing NASCAR Division 3-1-0 Burish fights...... 5-2-0 51 Phantom scores...... 3-2-1 Playing Northeast Division 3-1-1 Seabrook fights..... 0-0-0 Duncan Keith scores...... 5-3-0 Playing in October.... 4-3-3 Barker fights...... 0-0-2 Brent Seabrook scores...... 4-0-1 Playing in November.... 6-3-3 Buff fights...... 1-1-2 VerStud scores.... 10-5-1 Playing in December...... 10-1-1 Sharp fights...... 1-0-0 Troy Brouwer scores.... 7-0-0 Playing in January..... 7-6-1 Eager fights...... 10-2-1 Scoring a Power Play goal...... 26-7-8 Playing in February..... 7-4-1 On Comcast...... 27-10-6 Not scoring a Power Play goal... 10-11-1 Playing in March...... 2-2-0 On WGN...... 9-6-3 Allowing a Power Play goal...... 14-14-9 Playing in April...... 0-0-0 On Vs...... 0-2-0 Not Allowing a Power Play goal...... 22-5-0 UC plays really stupid goal song..... 17-3-6 On NBC.... 0-1-0 Scoring a short-handed goal...... 6-2-0 Huet’s five-hole open like Lindsay Lohan’s..... 3-10-3 Judd Sirott hates Adam Creighton 36-19-9

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