Who Are We Playing? Mix-And-Match Blues Host Blackhawks
Feb 21st
The St. Louis Blues will have a much different look about them when they take the ice this afternoon for a Presidents’ Day tilt with the Blackhawks. Despite the trades involving marquee players on the east coast garnering all the media attention, the Blues have easily been one of the most active teams in the last week.
Absent from the Blues are former 1st-round draft selection defenseman Erik Johnson and forward Jay Clement (shipped to Colorado) and the Blues’ CAPTAIN Eric Brewer (traded to Tampa Bay). Added to the lineup are forward Chris Stewart and young defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk from the Avalanche. 2010 3rd-round pick defenseman Brock Beukeboom was also acquired from the Lightning, but is not NHL-ready.
The Birthday Edition of the Phil Esposito (2/21/11)
Feb 21st
Photo: http://bleacherreport.com
There were eleven former feather heads that took the ice Friday night and they were all skaters. Also they were able to net two goals and add two assists.
On Saturday sixteen former ‘Hawks took the ice. There were two goalies who both recorded impressive shut outs. One was in his debut after being traded the day before. There were two points recorded which were both goals coming from Former Stanley Cup Champion Hawks, Ladd and Byfuglien.
Sunday, “Hockey Day in America”, there were nine former Blackhawks to take the ice. They tallied four points which were all goals. Rene Bourque had a game to remember in the Heritage Classic. Really carried the flames to victory. Every game was competitive and exciting on “Hockey Day in America” and I was just happy to see the ‘Hawks pull one out.
Sunday was former Blackhawk, Phil Esposito’s 69th birthday. Esposito’s 18 year career started here in Chicago midway into the 1964 season. In 1965 he started the season centering future Hall of Famer Bobby Hull.
In 1967 he was traded to the Boston Bruins where he flourished. He led the league in points five times during the years 1969, 71, 72, 73, 74 when he recorded 126, 152, 133, 130, and 145 respectively. He also scored a career high, 76 goals in the 1970-71 season. He is considered one of the best players to ever play the game. Obviously I could go on about Esposito, but I will just continue with this weekend’s game action. So lastly, Happy Birthday Phil, we would have loved to have you in Chicago for your entire career, but we now have this post in your honor.
Click the jump for updates from this weekend’s games
Unpleasant Outcomes: Blackhawks Host Blue Jackets
Feb 18th
NOTE: Don’t forget to check out Bartl’s Q&A with Columbus Dispatch beat writer Aaron Portzline
The Columbus Blue Jackets arrive in Chicago on a hot streak (5-1-1 since we thumped them on Feb. 1) and looking for a little payback. Last time out we made their goaltenders look like ice dance partners as we let loose a little beat-down in a 7 – 4 win. Rest assured, the Blue Jackets have not forgotten that.
Blue Jacket Bashing: BlackhawkUp and Fire That Cannon Exchange Blows
Feb 18th
Far be it from a Blackhawks’ fan to back down from a fight. So when Mary O’Malley, lead writer at the Fansided Network’s Fire That Cannon blog came knocking, I wasn’t about to let her walk away.
After all, she’s not just a Columbus Blue Jackets fan, she’s a GIRL!
So we shot a few e-mails back and forth, and here’s the result.
The Daily Phil Esposito (2/18/11)
Feb 18th
Photo: http://bleacherreport.com/gallery/Detroit+Red+Wings+v+Atlanta+Thrashers
Fourteen former featherheads took the ice last night with the two goalies coming up with big wins. Did Khabi have a hangover after his first win in two months the other night or did he step up? The twelve skaters netted two goals and had four assists. Two former Hawks went to the Hospital last night after getting nailed in the face by a puck and another is the Captain of his team and scored his team leading and career highest 20th goal. Lastly the lone Red Wing “spitting noise” (ask Tim would say) had a huge game as well against the Lightning.
Click the jump for updates from the 2/17/11 games












