kipwinger

I'm not really sure that defenseman are more or less likely to have a long career than forwards are. I mean, there are quite a few recent examples of forwards who played well into their 40's as well. I think the determining factor is A) what type of game do you play, and B) what kind of injury history do you have. Lidstrom played a really long time because he was relatively healthy throughout his entire career, and his body didn't wear out as a result of getting pummeled for 20 years. Orr's career was short because he had injury issues. Robyn Regehr retired at 35 because he played such a physically grueling style for a number of years. There's really no recipe. If I had to handicap it I'd say Seabrook will see the end of the contract without losing too much off his game. While he does play a relatively physical game, he's not had too many injuries, and his usage will likely get easier as he ages. His offense will probably suffer as he gets older, but nobody ever relied on him for offense anyway. He'll be a capable, 38 year old, stay at home defender, leader, and all around steady blueline presence who puts up 20-25 points. And none of that will be worth 6 million bucks. But it will be a good contract for the next 4-5 years. Which is all Chicago really wants from him anyway.

Cool. Thanks.

When and where did Zetterberg say this?

Dang, Kindl very nearly had a hat trick last night. There might be something to this idea of his resurrecting his career under Blash. I realize the preseason isn't over, but right now he's out playing Smith for that 6th defense spot. Smith's just not got the same offense as Kindl, even with the powerplay opportunities he's getting.

Is everyone going to go on and on about how Kindl looked really good when he was teamed with Kronwall? Because that was a thing for a while.

Is it safe to say that the Jak is back!?!

Probably has as much to do with not wanting a line of Franzen-Miele-Cleary, as anything else.

That was just off the top of my head. The main point is that a top four defenseman, even a stay at home guy on an expiring contract, always has value to a team wanting to make s push. Look at Jeff Petry a year ago. Anyway, I'm not going to say anything more about Byfuglien. I've beat that horse to death. I think it makes sense for both teams, and it would be easy to do without losing anything we couldn't live with/don't need to lose anyway.

Not necessarily Ericsson. Quincey too. Or any combination of Smith, Kindl, Helm. The important part would be clearing the cap space. Which wouldn't be hard. No matter what package you put together, all of the remaining guys (except maybe Kindl) have value elsewhere. So, hypothetically... Helm, Quellet, 2nd (or 1st if need be) for Byfuglien Quincey to Colorado for 2nd (or 3rd) and mid level prospect.

Is there a highlight video from last night's game anywhere?

Big Buf. It's too perfect. We need a top end defenseman. They need to get something for the big man. Not in the same conference. It's as good as done.

I think he was probably talking about their playing styles. Not their intestinal fortitude. Obviously Brunner was a quitter. I dont' think anyone would accuse Pulkkinen of that.

I agree. He can still be a scorer, even a good scorer, but still use his size and speed more. I agree with the folks that say he's not a "power forward" and shouldn't be expected to play like one. I think he'd be completely misutilizing his talent if he was down in front of the net banging and crashing. But I see no reason why he couldn't play a game like Blake Wheeler, or James Neal (hopefully without the penalties). Neither of them are Andrew Ladd, but they are still noticeable each shift. Another year in GR will do him a lot of good.

I think Hank looked alright. Seemed to be moving well. And Abby played a good game. But Nyquist was still on summer vacation so that line was nonexistent. Zetterberg will be fine.

They're doing 3 on 3 tomorrow night regardless of score. Must not be an every game thing. I don't know the league's rhyme or reason behind it though.

Nyquist is silent tonight.

He scored well in the ahl. He's good around the crease and IMO he's an underrated passer.

Don't get me wrong, Ferraro didn't look bad or anything. He was fine yesterday. I just like Callahan's game tonight.

Callahan has looked really good tonight too. I don't think he looks any worse, and maybe a little better, than Ferraro did yesterday.

Remember all those people saying Pavel gifted Tatar all his goals last season? Are we going to give all the credit to Richards this year?

I don't care about his play in the defensive zone. He rarely plays there. None of our third pair guys do, and very few third pair guys around the league do. I want my third pair puck mover, whoever it is (Smith, Ouellet, Kindl, Jensen) to score points. Facilitate offense. Nobody has a problem letting Dekeyser bail Green out in the D-zone. Why? Because Green scores. So why not let Quincey bail out whoever he plays with? Scoring matters. For a long time everybody forgot about that because Babcock didn't seem to care. But it does matter.

I'm not suggesting they should hand him a roster spot based on tonight's performance or anything. But his strength is supposed to be that he contributes offensively. And tonight he's done that. And hasn't been scored on. I'd say that's a decent night for Jakub.

I mean, Kindl obviously isn't mike Green. But he hasn't been scored on and moved the puck well on two goals. What more do you want out of a third pair defenseman?

I think he's got better upside than sheahan. He's really looked good.

Really impressed by Nosek.