West Madison Warriors: A Blackhawks Franchise

[the_spoil]

I'm starting a new Blackhawks franchise. Periods are 5 minutes in length. Pro setting with some minor tweaking of the sliders. Injuries set at 2. I'll update standings, team stat leaders, and overall stat leaders approximately every 10 games at the bottom of this first post throughout the season.

General Manager
Dale Tallon

Staff
Brian Sutter - Head Coach
Denis Savard - Assistant Coach
Vladislav Tretiak - Goaltending Consultant
Mike Gapski - Head Trainer

Hawks Goalies
Jocelyn Thibault--8-5-3-0/5SO/21GA/5.13GAA/.936SV%
Steve Passmore--1-2-0-0/0SO/7GA/9.38GAA/.870SV%
Michael Leighton--1-0-0-0/0SO/1GA/4.00GAA/.933SV%

Team goal leaders
Igor Korolev (7)
Tyler Arnasson (7)
Eric Daze (6)
Mark Bell (6)
Kyle Calder (3)

Team assist leaders
Bryan Berard (7)
Mikael Renberg (7)
Igor Korolev (7)
Steve McCarthy (5)
Andreas Dackell (5)

NHL goal leaders
Joe Sakic - COL (18 )
Jere Lehtinen - DAL (16)
Bill Guering - DAL (14)
Pavel Bure - NYR (14)
Owen Nolan - TOR (13)

NHL assist leaders
Alex Tanguay - COL (19)
Ron Francis - TOR (16)
Jeremy Roenick - PHI (15)
Sergei Zubov - DAL (14)
Joe Thornton - BOS (14)

Western Conference
Vancouver--19GP/12-7-0-0/24PTS/51GF/45GA
Chicago--20GP/10-7-3-0/23PTS/38GF/32GA
Dallas--18GP/9-4-4-1/23PTS/65GF/57GA
Colorado--18GP/9-5-4-0/22PTS/59GF/45GA
St. Louis--16GP/10-5-1-0/21PTS/50GF/34GA
Detroit--18GP/9-9-0-0/18PTS/49GF/44GA
Edmonton--18GP/7-8-0-3/17PTS/49GF/53GA
Minnesota--18GP/8-10-0-0/16PTS/48GF/49GA

Eastern Conference
Philadelphia--17GP/13-4-0-0/26PTS/62GF/40GA
Boston--17GP/11-4-2-0/24PTS/61GF/39GA
Atlanta--19GP/9-5-3-2/23PTS/48GF/46GA
New York Rangers--18GP/12-5-1-0/25PTS/62GF/44GA
Buffalo--18GP/11-5-2-0/24PTS/51GF/35GA
New Jersey--16GP/10-4-2-0/22PTS/51GF/45GA
New York Islanders--16GP/8-2-1-5/22PTS/40GF/34GA
Tampa Bay--14GP/9-2-2-1/21PTS/45GF/31GA

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - September 25, 2004)
Hawks busy on waiver wire today

Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon announced the acquisition of several new additions to the roster. The Hawks signed a pair of Swedish right wingers, Andreas Dackell and Mikael Renberg, from the free agent pool.

"We haven't yet settled on our starting lineup, but Andreas and Mikael will compete for Fleury's slot since he is suspended," said Coach Brian Sutter at the teams afternoon press conference.

The black and red also inked a deal with 27 year old left winger Lubos Bartecko. In 256 career games the left-handed Slovak has tallied 111 points (46G, 65A). Also acquired today were 23 year old Swede Jimmie Olvestad (RW), 25 year old Czech Robert Dome (C), and a pair of veteran defensemen, Jyrki Lumme and Fredrik Olaussoun, both 37.

Asst. Coach Denis Savard seemed positive about the signings noting, "We've got a young team. I'm hopeful the acquisition of Olausson and Lumme will help bolster our blue line and give us the kind of verteran experience we need."

[the_spoil]

Projected Blackhawks starting lineup for the 2004-05 campaign

Captains
Eric Daze
Mark Bell
Kyle Calder
Bryan Berard

Offensive Lines
Eric Daze (LW) - Igor Korolev (C) - Andreas Dackell (RW)
Mark Bell (LW) - Tyler Arnasson (C) - Mikael Renberg (RW)
Kyle Calder (LW) - Brett McLean (C) - Jimmie Olvestad (RW)
Janni Burke (LW) - Tuomo Ruutu (C) - Pavel Rosa (RW)

Defensive Pairs
Fredrik Olausson (LD) - Bryan Berard (RD)
Jyrki Lumme (LD) - Steve McCarthy (RD)
Jason Strudwick (LD) - Deron Quint (RD)

Goaltenders
Jocelyn Thibault
Steve Passmore

In the system
Theoren Fleury (Susp.)
Lubos Bartecko (LW - Healthy scratch)
Igor Radulov (LW - Norfolk Admirals [AHL])
Shawn Thornton (LW - Norfolk Admirals [AHL])
Ryan VandenBussche (RW - Norfolk Admirals [AHL])
Scott Nichol (C - Healthy scratch)
Robert Dome (C - Norfolk Admirals [AHL])
Steve Poapst (D - Healthy scratch)
Jim Vandermeer (D - Norfolk Admirals [AHL])
Stephan Robidas (D - Norfolk Admirals [AHL])
Michael Leighton (G - Norfolk Admirals [AHL])
Craig Andersson (G - Indianapolis Ice [CHL])


The Blackhawks open the 2004-05 season when the Minnesota Wild head into town on Wednesday, October 8th, 2004.

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 9th, 2004)
Wes Walz, Wild spoil Blackhawks season opener

The scoring started early last night as Jason Strudwick screened goalie Steve Passmore on a Wes Walz slapshot high to the glove side and just inside the right post 1:11 into the game.

"I was screened a bit on the slapper, but it's not Jason's fault. It was a shot I should've had," Passmore commented.

Late in the first period Hawks defenseman Strudwick made amens for his earlier flub when he went down on one knee to block a shot from the blue line. The loose puck was then picked up by new signee Andreas Dackell, who looked solid in his first game for the red and black, who sprung Igor Korolev on a breakaway with a beautiful pass through the neutral zone. The pass was dead on Korolev's tape allowing him to break in all alone and beat Wild goaltender Dwayne Roloson low to the stick side with just 11.8 seconds remaining in the period.

After a hard fought first period to even the score at 1-1 it looked as though the Blackhawks might have captured the momentum going into the second. A revved up Hawks crowd was stunned just 58 seconds into the middle frame when Willie Mitchell feathered a long pass to Wes Walz giving him a partial breakaway. Walz fired a slapper from the high slot area that floated by Passmore high to the glove side for his second goal of the game.

At this point the Hawks began to lose their composure. At 1:39 of the second Kyle Calder took an ill-advised tripping penalty in the offensive zone. Hawk captain Eric Daze was then whistled for cross-checking at 3:03, giving the Wild a 36 second 5-on-3. Chicago settled themselves after this and really clamped down on the PK only allowing 5 total PP shots in the game.

Neither team could sustain much pressure and the second period ended 2-1.

Chicago's second line came out for their first shift in the third with something to prove. Once they had the puck deep in the Wild zone they kept it there until Mikael Renberg dropped it back to D-man Steve McCarthy. McCarthy snapped a quick wrister from the blue line which deflected off the Wild's Andrei Zyuzin and landed right on Tyler Arnasson's stick who tapped it in behind an out of position Roloson at 1:37.

Unforunately for the thrilled home fans, their teams resilience just would not pay off last night. With a mere 31 seconds to go the Wild's Marion Gaborik slid it from the half boards to Andrew Brunette whose low one-timer deflected off the leg of Deron Quint and over Passmore's left shoulder.

Final: MIN 3 - CHI 2
W: Dwayne Roloson 17/19
L: Steve Passmore 27/30

1st Star: Wes Walz (2G, 0A)
2nd Star: Andrew Brunette (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Igor Korolev (1G, 0A)

"I'm not upset about that third goal, just disappointed," said Passmore. "I was in good position, Deron was in position, and we had good coverage on Gaborik. He just made a brilliant pass to the slot. Sometimes the puck bounces your way and sometimes it doesn't. That's hockey."

Coach Sutter, "You hate to lose a hard fought game like that, but I'm pleased with the teams effort."

Vladislav Tretiak, "Steve and I will be focusing on drills to improve his glove hand over the next few weeks. He's a hard worker and knows where his game needs improvement. He'll be fine."

Next game: Friday, October 10th, 2004 @ Colorado
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[Philly_Fan01]

Looks like a good franchise.Your posts are very clear and well thought out.
I'll be readin. 8)

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 11th, 2004)
Posts help Avs steal 1 point in OT game

Scoring opened early again in the second game of the season. Colorado's Milan Hejduk tallied an easy one-timer with assist from Alex Tanguay and Adam Foote.

As if following a script of the season opener the Hawks scored to pull even with 0:55 remaining in the first when Mark Bell setup Tyler Arnasson on a cross-crease one-timer to the stick side.

Just shy of two minutes into the second Hawk right winger Mikael Renberg took the puck deep and hit the post on a wraparound attempt. With a fresh line on the ice and the Avs hemmed into their own zone Chicago sustained pressure for an entire shift leading to a Steve Konowalchuk hooking call. Chicago took a 2-1 lead when David Aebischer misplayed Tyler Arnasson's dump-in allowing Mark Bell an easy tap in goal on the powerplay.

Igor Korolev cleanly won a defensive zone faceoff to Eric Daze who streaked down the wing from his own end and fired a blazing slapshot from above the left cirle which hit the shortside post with 3:13 left in the game. The deflection off the post allowed the Avs to counterattack who then tied the game when Foote fed Joe Sakic who dropped it off for Milan Hejduk. Hejduk deked Blackhawks defenseman Fredrik Olausson and snuck a game-tying wrister past Thibault.

An Ossi Vaananen tripping call with 0:13 remaining in the game gave Chicago a chance to win the game in overtime, but the powerplay went for naught.

Final: CHI 2 - COL 2
T: Jocelyn Thibault 18/20
T: David Aebischer 34/36

1st Star: Mark Bell (1G, 1A)
2nd Star: Milan Hejduk (2G, 0A)
3rd Star: Tyler Arnasson (1G, 0A)

Next game: Sunday, October 12th, 2004 vs. L.A.
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 13th, 2004)
Hawks team D shuts down, shutsout Kings

Early goals seem to be par for the course for the Blackhawks so far this year. Tonight, however, the boys in black and red were on the right side of the goal. Less than ten seconds into game L.A. goaltender Roman Cechmanek came out of the net to retrieve the puck on a dump-in. His pass bounced off Mattias Norstrom's skate and into the crease in front of a wide open goal. Hawks center Igor Korolev was there for the punch in.

The Hawks tallied their second of the game when third line center Brett McLean came out from behind the net and passed back to Steve McCarthy on the blue line. McCarthy stepped by a rushing Kings player and snapped a wrister through heavy traffic. Kyle Calder managed to dig out the rebound, pull the puck to his forehand side, and lift it into the gaping net. Hawks lead 2-0.

Los Angeles reacted to the goal immediately. On the ensuing face off Adam Deadmarsh squared off with Hawks defenseman Jason Strudwick. They traded blows until Deadmarsh fell to the ice. Coach Sutter was not happy with Strudwick's decision to drop the gloves.

The Blackhawks held L.A. to only 3 shots in the first stanza.

Neither team could put one on the board in the second. Chicago played terrific team defense all game long again holding L.A. to only 3 shots. This was quickly becoming a night the Kings, Mattias Norstrom in particular, would love to forget. Halfway through the second period Norstrom and Chicago's Korolev collided on a knee-to-knee hit knocking Mattias out of the game. The Kings trainer said he would probably be out a while, but declined to give an estimate until further examination.

0:14 into the third Fredrik Olausson tripped L.A.'s Jason King and was sent to the box for two minutes. It didn't seem to matter, though, as the Hawks shutdown the powerplay hardly letting the Kings through the neutral zone. The Kings best scoring chance of the game came on the powerplay when Zigmund Palffy got a breakaway. Jocelyn Thibault was terrific on the breakaway, and the scant few other times he had to be, stoning Palffy and holding on for a faceoff.

With 0:28 to go Deron Quint went d-to-d with Jason Strudwick who fed rookie Janni Burke. Burke easily backhanded the puck into the empty net putting the Hawks up 3-0 and sealing the victory. The goal was the first career point for the Ukrainian left winger.

Jocelyn Thibault posted his first shutout of the season.

Final: L.A. 0 - CHI 3
W: Jocelyn Thibault 11/11
L: Roman Cechmanek 20/22

1st Star: Jocelyn Thibault (11 shots faced, 0 goals allowed)
2nd Star: Igor Korolev (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Kyle Calder (1G, 0A)

Coach Sutter, "Joce played great tonight. He made the key saves when we had defensive breakdowns. I was especially impressed with the save he made on Palffy's breakaway. The PK unit owes him a dinner for that one."

Jocelyn Thibault, "I felt pretty good tonight. This shutout was a team effort. I can't believe how well we played D all game long. It makes for an easy night when you only face 11 shots. The guys in front of me were doing a great job blocking shots, staying in the passing lanes, and forcing shots to come from the outside."

Asst. Coach Denis Savard, "I'm more than pleased with this win. It was great to jump out to an early lead like that. Being up 2-0 so fast really let us settle in and play our game and not have to press. I'm starting to see the chemistry develop a bit, especially on the 2nd and 3rd lines."

Next game: Thursday, October 16th, 2004 @ CBJ
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 17th, 2004)
Daze's first of season enough for W

Eric Daze notched his first of the season after Columbus' David Vyborny took a hooking minor midway through the first. Igor Korolev, who was 56% on faceoffs on the night, and Bryan Berard assisted on the goal.

Chicago's defense clamped down once again as goaltender Jocelyn Thibault turned aside all 21 shots he faced, posting his second shutout of the season. Thibault and the Hawks withstood a three minute flurry of action in their end at the start of the third period to the dismay of a packed Nationwide Arena.

Hawks left winger Mark Bell put in his second goal of the year on an empty net. Tyler Arnasson and Jyrki Lumme picked up assists on the goal.

The win gives the Hawks a 2-1-1-0 record (5 points) and sole possession of first place in their division. They lead hated division rival Detroit by one point.

Final: CHI 2 - CBJ 0
W: Jocelyn Thibault 21/21
L: Marc Denis 25/26

1st Star: Jocelyn Thibault (21 shots faced, 0 goals allowed)
2nd Star: Eric Daze (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Igor Korolev (1A, 56% faceoff wins)

Next game: Saturday, October 18th, 2004 @ ATL
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 19th, 2004)
Hawks, Thrashers battle to draw in Atlanta

The division leading Chicago Blackhawks took their number one ranked defense into Atlanta Saturday only to run into a hot Byron Dafoe.

To call the first period a "brutally fast-paced goalie duel" would be an understatement. Though both squads generated quality scoring chances neither could net one.

The second period continued on a furious pace with Dafoe and Thibault robbing skaters one after another. With just over a minute to go in the second Shawn Mceachern's shot hit the Chicago crossbar. It was the closest either team had come to scoring to that point. Atlanta seemed to grab the momentum and were rewarded for their hard work when a Dany Heatley pass from behind the goal line was re-directed into the top left corner by a wide open Patrik Stefan.

Chicago's persistence finally paid off in the third. Defenseman Steve McCarthy fed Eric Daze who scored on the breakaway to tie the game at 1-1.

The outstanding goaltending on both ends of the ice continued in the extra period and neither team was able to pull out a victory.

Final: CHI 1 - ATL 1
T: Jocelyn Thibault 35/36
T: Byron Dafoe 32/33

1st Star: Patrik Stefan (1G, 0A)
2nd Star: Eric Daze (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Byron Dafoe (33 shots faced, 1 goal allowed)

Next game: Sunday, October 19th, 2004 vs. NAS
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 20th, 2004)
Daze, Thibault bail out Hawks in another nail-biter

Hawks fans were treated to another furiously paced game last night as the Blackhawks hosted division foe Nashville. Predators goalie Tomas Vokoun stood on his head early keeping the Hawks off the board through two periods.

Nashville managed to break the 0-0 deadlock with 0:52 remaining in the second when Rem Murray fed Johansson for a cross-crease one-timer.

Things were not looking good for the Hawks when Tyler Arnasson was rung up on a cross checking call halfway through the third. There were a lot of empty seats by this time, but the red and black faithful erupted when Jocelyn Thibault's long pass to Hawks leading goal scorer Eric Daze caught the Predators on a bad line change allowing the winger to launch a rocket from the left circle that went five hole on Vokoun. The tally tied the game at 1-1. It was the first short handed goal for the Hawks so far in this young season.

A Martin Erat hooking penalty with 1:15 to go gave Chicago a chance to win the game in regulation, but Vokoun shook off the earlier goal and stopped the Hawk power play.

Neither goalie would relinquish a goal in the extra frame and the Blackhawks were forced to settle with 1 point.

The Blackhawks head to the west coast for a four game road trip later this week. The first west coast road swing of the season has been pivotal for Chicago in seasons past and it will be interesting to see how they perform.

Coach Brian Sutter announced lineup changes following the game. Mikael Renberg and Andreas Dackell will be swapping spots for at least the next few games.

"We're winning games, but we need to get them going offensively," Coach Sutter commented when questioned about the move.

Final: NAS 1 - CHI 1
T: Tomas Vokoun 25/26
T: Jocelyn Thibault 19/20

1st Star: Eric Daze (Short-handed GTG)
2nd Star: Rem Murray (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Tomas Vokoun (26 shots faced, 1 goal allowed)

Next game: Thursday, October 23rd, 2004 @ SJ
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 24th, 2004)
Lineup changes pay dividends as Hawks invade Shark Tank

Coach Sutter's line up moves paid off early in San Jose last night with the Hawks getting on the board 3:16 into the first. Mikael Renberg intercepted an errant pass and did wonderfully to hold it in the zone. He then fed Eric Daze who headed into the offensive zone full stride and uncovered. Daze deked outside before cutting back to the slot and launching a quick wrister to the stick side behind Nabokov bringing his goal scoring streak to four consecutive games. The Hawks really quieted the home crowd when they notched their second goal of the game seven seconds later. Deron Quint controlled the puck after Tyler Arnasson's face off win. Quint dumped the puck in for Andreas Dackell who brought it out from behind the net to feed Arnasson on a cross-crease one-timer.

Jocelyn Thibault held up his part of the bargain by stoning Patrick Marleau on a breakaway with just 1:04 left in the period. The Hawks relented another glorious scoring opportunity to center Mike Ricci who launched an absolute rocket from just inside the blue line only to be robbed by Thibault's glove with 0:07 to go in the first.

The Hawks poor defensive play continued in the second forcing Thibault to make another great breakaway save. This time denying the Sharks Todd Harvey with his left pad on a shorthanded attempt.

Thanks to Thibault's great play the Blackhawks managed to take their 2-0 lead into the third period when a Marco Sturm hooking penalty allowed them to put the game away. Hawks center Igor Korolev found the back of the net on the ensuing power play when his shot deflected off Brad Stuart's leg and over Nabokov's right pad. Andreas Dackell and Bryan Berard tallied helpers on the goal.

Final: CHI 3 - SJ 0
W: Jocelyn Thibault 23/23
L: Evgeni Nabokov 16/19

1st Star: Jocelyn Thibault (19 shots faced, 0 goals allowed)
2nd Star: Eric Daze (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Andreas Dackell (0G, 2A)

Next game: Saturday, October 25th, 2004 @ LA
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 26th, 2004)
Arnasson lifts Hawks over Kings

The Kings struck first last night in their bid for revenge when Zigmund Palffy wristed the puck to the top right corner past a screened Jocelyn Thibault. Los Angeles gave the Hawks a chance to draw even less than half a minute later when Jozef Stumpel was tagged for a hooking minor. Igor Korolev's bid to notch powerplay goals in back to back games was denied by the post with 1:03 to go.

Chicago finally got on the board midway through the second when Arnasson easily beat goaltender Roman Cechmanek on an odd man rush. Hawk defenseman Bryan Berard nearly gave his team the lead just moments later when his point shot clanged off the right post. The Blackhawks were able to grab the rebound and hold it in the zone eventually drawing a charging penalty from Joe Corvo.

Hawks center Tyler Arnasson put in his second of the game just 0:29 into the final period from Renberg and Bell. Mikael Renberg picked up the rebound from Mark Bell's shot and found an open Arnasson who roofed it over Cechmanek's stacked pads. The goal came on the power play and gave the Hawks a 2-1 lead. Blackhawks center Igor Korolev gave his team a two goal margin six seconds after Arnasson's tally when his one-timer blew by the L.A. netminder. Mikael Renberg and Eric Daze picked up assists on the goal and that was all the scoring the game would see.

Final: CHI 3 - LA 1
W: Jocelyn Thibault 9/10
L: Roman Cechmanek 26/29

1st Star: Tyler Arnasson (2G, 0A)
2nd Star: Mikael Renberg (0G, 2A)
3rd Star: Igor Korolev (1G, 0A)

Asst. Coach Denis Savard, "We've been successful on the road trip so far because our guys are starting to show the killer instinct you need to compete in the NHL. I just hope we can keep it up."

Next game: Sunday, October 26th, 2004 @ ANA
Starting goalie: Steve Passmore

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 26th, 2004)
Point streak continues as Hawks roll over Ducks

A poor clearing attempt in the middle of the first let Anaheim grab a 1-0 lead last nite. Steve Rucchin picked up an assist when he fed Dan Bylsma whose wrist shot deflected off the right post and in. A disgusted Brian Sutter sent his fourth line out on the ice who rewarded him eleven seconds later when center Tuomo Ruutu put in his first of the year on a cross-crease one-timer from Pavel Rosa. Deron Quint also assisted on the goal.

The score would remain 1-1 until 3:48 into the middle period when the Blackhawks took the lead. With the final seconds ticking down on their power play chance Eric Daze scored a one-timer to extend his point streak to six games with assist from Igor Korolev and Bryan Berard.

Daze, Korolev, and Berard hooked up again early in the third to put the Hawks up 3-1. Giguere was unable to control the rebound on a lazy Bryan Berard wrister from the blue line. Korolev's stick found the puck only to be denied by Giguere, but he was unable to make the third save on Daze who shoveled the garbage into the net on his backhand.

With 0:07 ticks left in the game Jimmie Olvestad tallied his first of the season for the Hawks. Bryan Berard picked up his third assist of the night on the empty net goal. Steve Passmore also added an assist.

Final: CHI 4 - ANA 1
W: Steve Passmore 9/10
L: Jean-Sebastian Giguere 31/34

1st Star: Eric Daze (2G, 0A)
2nd Star: Bryan Berard (0G, 3A)
3rd Star: Igor Korolev (0G, 2A)

Next game: Tuesday, October 28th, 2004 @ PHO
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[slickdtc]

Good format/layout you got here my man, keep it up! :)

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 29th, 2004)
Thibault posts 3rd SO as Hawks feel right at home out west

Quality goaltending, the crossbar, and right post helped to give the Chicago Blackhawks their sixth win of the season last night in Phoenix.

The only goal of the night came a minute and a half into the third when Tyler Arnasson beat Coyotoes goaltender Brian Boucher on a one-timer. The goal was Arnasson's sixth of the season tying him with Eric Daze for the team lead. Right winger Andreas Dackell and veteran blue-liner Fredrik Olausson assisted on the game winning tally.

INJURY NOTICE: Tuomo Ruutu suffered a groin injury in Phoenix.

Head Trainer Mike Gapski, "It's not serious, but there's no point in risking further injury this early in the season. I expect him to be back on the ice in one to two weeks at most."

Coach Brian Sutter, "Scott Nichol is going to step into Tuomo's spot for now, but we may be recalling Robert Dome from Norfolk to give us more options."

The Blackhawks return to the United Center Thursday, October 30th, to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. The first 5,000 fans will receive a signed team photograph.

Final: CHI 1 - PHO 0
W: Jocelyn Thibault 18/18
L: Brian Boucher 24/25

1st Star: Jocelyn Thibault (18 shots faced, 0 goals allowed)
2nd Star: Tyler Arnasson (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Brian Boucher (25 shots faced, 1 goal allowed)

Next game: Thursday, October 30th, 2004 vs. PIT
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - October 31st, 2004)
Rookie netminder frustrates Hawks

The Blackhawks came out flat last night allowing Pittsburgh's Kelly Buchberger to score just 0:20 into the game on a one-timer from Mario Lemieux and **** Tarnstrom.

The Hawks were forced to kill a 5-on-3 power play late in the second and into the third. The PK unit prevented the Penguins from scoring with the two man advantage but they managed to take a 2-0 lead after the first penalty expired. Steve McKenna was credited with the goal with assists from Alex Morozov and Kris Beech.

Chicago cut the lead in half 3:17 into the third when center Igor Korolev banged in a one-timer on a pass from Mikael Renberg. Eric Daze also received an assist on the tally, but it was too little too late.

Pittsburgh's **** Tarnstrom sealed a 3-1 victory for his team by adding an empty net goal with 0:44 remaining.

Final: PIT 3 - CHI 1
W: Marc-Andre Fleury 20/21
L: Jocelyn Thibault 16/18

1st Star: **** Tarnstrom (1G, 1A)
2nd Star: Marc-Andre Fleury (21 shots faced, 1 goal allowed)
3rd Star: Steve McKenna (1G, 0A)

Next game: Saturday, November 1st, 2004 @ STL
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 2nd, 2004)
Last second heroics give Hawks blues in St. Louis

The red and black came out with loads of energy in St. Louis last nite grabbing a 1-0 lead just over half a minute in. Pavel Rosa scored his first of the year when he tapped in the rebound off center Scott Nichol's shot. Jani Burke was also credited with an assist.

Neither team could put one on the board in the second period.

0:10 into the final period Dallas Drake one-timed a Pavol Demitra pass in behind Thibault to knot the game at 1-1. It looked as though the game was headed for OT, a familiar place for the Blackhawks so far in this young season, until Pavol Demitra gave the packed Savvis Center something to cheer about when he scored the game winning goal with assist from Dallas Drake and Chris Pronger.

Final: CHI 1 - STL 2
W: Chris Osgood 16/17
L: Jocelyn Thibault 27/29

1st Star: Pavol Demitra (1G, 1A)
2nd Star: Dallas Drake (1G, 1A)
3rd Star: Pavel Rosa (1G, 0A)

Next game: Sunday, November 2nd, 2004 vs. ANA
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 3rd, 2004)
Daze injures leg as Thibault posts 5th SO

The scoring didn't open up until midway through the second at the United Center last night. Just 0:07 after Deron Quint's roughing minor expired Brett McLean gave the Hawks the lead when he notched his first goal of the season on a one-timer from right winger Jimmie Olvestad.

The Hawks would tally their second of the game with 0:38 left in the second. Kyle Calder blazed a one-timer high to the stick side past a screened Giguere. Jimme Olvestad picked up his second assist of the night on the goal with Steve McCarthy also getting credit for a helper.

The Hawks clamped down defensively helping goaltender Jocelyn Thibault pick up his fifth shutout of the year

The air was taken out of an elated UC when left winger Eric Daze suffered a leg injury in the third. Head Trainer Mike Gapski announced after the game that Daze has a broken leg. He is expected to be sidelined 2-4 months.

Twenty-one year old Igor Radulov has been recalled from the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL, but the Hawks are looking into other options as well.

GM Dale Tallon, "We know Eric is going to be out until at least the beginning of January. It's still early in the season so we're going to see how we get by without him, but we're already looking into the free agent market as well as some possible trades."

In an early press release this morning Coach Brian Sutter announced his decision to give the captain's C to defenseman Bryan Berard in Daze's absence.

Final: ANA 0 - CHI 2
W: Jocelyn Thibault 35/35
L: Jean-Sebastien Giguere 23/25

1st Star: Jocelyn Thibault (35 shots faced, 0 goals allowed)
2nd Star: Brett McLean (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Jimmie Olvestad (0G, 2A)

Next game: Friday, November 7th, 2004 @ NAS
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 8th, 2004)
Hawks narrowly avoid SO in ugly game

Scoring opened early in a penalty filled contest last night in Nashville's ***lord Entertainment Center. The Predators Martin Erat scored the first of his two goals when David Legwand fed him a pass from behind the net 0:33 into the first.

Nashville gave the Blackhawks a chance to pull even when Vladimir Orszagh was called for a hooking penalty and Kimmo Timonen was rung up on a tripping call. The penalties gave the Hawks almost a full two minute 5-on-3 power play but the Predators Tomas Vokoun stood strong between the pipes robbing the Hawks countless times.

Chicago entered the second down 1-0. Chicago's Mark Bell and Mikael Renberg, and Nashville's Martin Erat and Andreas Johansson were all sent to the sin bin within less than one minute of each other. Neither team was able to score in the second.

Right winger Mikael Renberg was called for charging 0:05 into the final period. Nashville took advantage of the power play when they went up 2-0 on Martin Erat's goal. Nashville followed up 0:39 later when Andreas Johansson increased the lead to 3-0.

Nashville's Scott Walker took a hooking penalty 1:46 into the third, but Chicago was unable to capitalize on the power play. With 1:02 to go in the game Igor Radulov was tabbed with a tripping call, but Brett McLean spoiled Vokoun's shutout bid when he snuck a wrister past the netminder with 0:27 remaining.

Final: CHI 1 - NAS 3
W: Tomas Vokoun 28/29
L: Jocelyn Thibault 16/19

1st Star: Martin Erat (2G, 0A)
2nd Star: David Legwand (0G, 2A)
3rd Star: Andreas Johansson (1G, 0A)

Next game: Sunday, November 9th, 2004 vs. COL
Starting goalie: Steve Passmore

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 10th, 2004)
Avs stars bury red and black at UC, Hawks make big lineup changes

Right winger Mikael Renberg gave Chicago a 1-0 lead early in the second period last night on Chicago's lone power play chance of the game. Igor Korolev and Mark Bell assisted on the Hawks only goal of the match.

Peter Forsberg tied the game up on an unassisted wrister high to the Passmore's glove slide. The Avalanche took a 2-1 later in the second and never looked back when Joe Sakic scored with assist from Milan Hejduk and Alex Tanguay on a 3-on-1 rush.

Sakic would net his second of the night, again assisted by Hejduk, on the empty net. To add insult to injury Chicago gave up a fourth goal just 0:12 after Sakic's empty net tally when Dan Hinote banged in a cross-crease one-timer from Steve Konowalchuk.

Left winger Igor Radulov who was recently recalled from Norfolk is a healthy scratch for tonight's game in Detroit. Lubos Bartecko will take his place. This will be Bartecko's first game for the red and black.

Backup goaltender Steve Passmore, who has not performed well in any of his starts so far this season, has been sent down to Norfolk of the AHL. Michael Leighton has been recalled to back up starter Jocelyn Thibault.

Tuomo Ruutu returns to the lineup tonight after a short stint on the injured reserve. Center Robert Dome has also been recalled from Norfolk. Dome will be a healthy scratch as the Hawks battle Detroit tonight while Scott Nichol will join Passmore on the trip to Norfolk.

Right winger Andreas Dackell, one of the Hawks leading assist men this season, will have to sit out two to four weeks due to an upper arm laceration, according to Hawks trainer Mike Gapski. General Manager Dale Tallon acted immediately signing free agent Marty McInnis to a 2 year deal.


Final: COL 4 - CHI 1
W: Tommy Salo 27/28
L: Steve Passmore 21/24

1st Star: Joe Sakic (2G, 0A)
2nd Star: Milan Hejduk (0G, 2A)
3rd Star: Peter Forsberg (1G, 0A)

Next game: Monday, November 10th, 2004 @ DET
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 11th, 2004)
Korolev leads Hawks to win in Hockeytown

Igor Korolev stepped up big last night as the Hawks invaded Joe Louis Arena. Korolev put Chicago in front 1-0 midway through the opening period when he scored a beautiful wraparound goal on goaltender Dominik Hasek. Mark Bell was credited with a helper on the goal.

A Jason Strudwick roughing call at 3:18 of the second afforded Detroit an opportunity to tie the game. Veteran sniper Brett Hull took advantage, netting a cross-crease one-timer on the power play chance with assist from Brendan Shanahan and defenseman Chris Chelios.

Korolev struck again 0:14 into the third scoring the eventual game-winner when he one-timed a Mikael Renberg pass behind Hasek. Defenseman Deron Quint was also credited with an assist on the goal.

Final: CHI 2 - DET 1
W: Jocelyn Thibault 17/18
L: Dominik Hasek 32/34

1st Star: Igor Korolev (2G, 0A)
2nd Star: Mark Bell (0G, 1A)
3rd Star: Brett Hull (1G, 0A)

Next game: Wednesday, November 12th, 2004 vs. CGY
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 13th, 2004)
Turek hands Hawks first SO of season

The Hawks were outshot 35 to 17 in last nights loss to the Calgary Flames. Goaltender Jocelyn Thibault kept his team in the game with another stellar performance turning aside 33 of the 34 shots he faced, but it just wasn't enough.

NHL superstar Jarome Iginla blazed a slapper from the blue line halfway through the third period that found the back of the net. Craig Conroy and Rhett Warrener assisted on the goal.

The Flames Marcus Nilson would add an empty net goal from Shean Donovan to make the final score 2-0 in favor of the Flames.

Michael Leighton will get his first start of the season in goal as the Red Wings come into town looking to avenge Monday nights loss in Detroit.

Final: CGY 2 - CHI 0
W: Roman Turek 17/17
L: Jocelyn Thibault 33/34

1st Star: Jarome Iginla (1G, 0A)
2nd Star: Roman Turek (17 shots faced, 0 goals allowed)
3rd Star: Jocelyn Thibault (33 shots faced, 1 goal allowed)

Next game: Friday, November 14th, 2004 vs. DET
Starting goalie: Michael Leighton

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 15th, 2004)
Hawks fly over Red Wings 3-1

In recent history the rival Detroit Red Wings seem to bring out the best in the Blackhawks and last night was no exception. Tyler Arnasson tallied an unassisted goal 2:25 into the first when he picked off Nick Lidstrom's clearing attempt and put it in the back of the net. Chicago would strike again just over a minute later when Mikael Renberg scorched a one-timer into the goal off a Mark Bell pass.

Chicago took a 3-0 lead 1:11 into the second when Mark Bell scored one second after the Hawks' lone power play chance of the night expired. Tyler Arnasson picked up his second point of the night assisting on the Bell goal. Marty McInnis also received a helper on the score, his first point in a Blackhawks uniform.

The Hawks would relinquish a power play goal early in third after defenseman Steve Poapst was called for tripping in the neutral zone. Future hall of famer Brendan Shahan banged in a cross-crease one-timer on a Brett Hull Pass. Lidstrom also assisted on the Wings only goal of the night.

Coach Sutter, "I'm very pleased with the way Mike [Leighton] played. Our guys really helped him out with strong defensive play tonight, but he did face some tough shots and stood strong on all of them."

Asst. Coach Savard, "If we can get some solid play from our backup goaltenders I have no doubt this team will be a contender come playoff time. And that's what we got tonight. Leighton was on top of his game from the second the puck dropped."

Michael Leighton, "I knew we were going to play a great game tonight. I felt very relaxed in the dressing room before we hit the ice and my teammates didn't let me down. I was seeing the puck really well and our defenseman kept the front of the net clear all night. I'm just glad we got the W."

Final: DET 1 - CHI 3
W: Michael Leighton 14/15
L: Dominik Hasek 26/29

1st Star: Tyler Arnasson (1G, 1A)
2nd Star: Mark Bell (1G, 1A)
3rd Star: Mikael Renberg (1G, 0A)

Next game: Sunday, November 16th, 2004 vs. NYR
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 17th, 2004)
Lindros picks up hat trick in big win

The Blackhawks took an uncharacteristically high number of penalties last night at the UC allowing the Rangers to come away with a big 4-1 win. After Arnasson was sent to the box for tripping Eric Lindros scored on an amazing wrist shot just under the crossbar on Thibault's glove side.

Lindros extended the lead to 2-0 just over 0:30 into the second period when he scored on another wrist shot from the right circle. The normally even-tempered Hawks were rung up with two charging goals at 0:41 and 1:16 of the second, giving New York a 5-on-3 advantage. Eric Lindros scored his third of the game on the power play chance when he one-timed a Jan Hlavac pass past the Chicago netminder. Darius Kasparaitis also assisted on the goal. Mark Messier would put the Rangers in front 4-0 3:41 into the middle period on a glove side one-timer with assist from Chad Wiseman.

The Hawks lone score came late in the third when Mark Bell beat Mike Dunham on a breakaway. The goal was unassisted.

Coach Sutter, "What are you going to do? Sometimes a player just has an on night and when that player has the skills of Eric Lindros and you're helping them out by taking penalty after penalty.....needless to say, it was a frustrating game to watch. Joce had no chance on three of their four goals. They definitely played the better game, by far. We're going to have a long practice tomorrow."

Final: NYR 4 - CHI 1
W: Mike Dunham 27/28
L: Jocelyn Thibault 26/30

1st Star: Eric Lindros (3G, 0A)
2nd Star: Jaromir Jagr (0G, 2A)
3rd Star: Tom Poti (0G, 2A)

Next game: Tuesday, November 18th, 2004 @ EDM
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[the_spoil]

Chicago Tribune (Sports section - November 19th, 2004)
Hawks squeak past Oilers in OT thriller

It was Mark Bell's turn to step up as the Hawks took on the Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton last night. Bell tallied just 0:06 into the game with assist from Bryan Berard and Igor Korolev. Edmonton was unable to capitalize on a Marty McInnis roughing minor and the opening period ended with the Hawks up 1-0.

Bell's second goal of the game came on a one-timer from Mikael Renberg 1:56 into the middle stanza. Igor Korolev notched his second assist of the game on the goal. The Oilers answered the goal quickly bringing the score to 2-1 when Radek Dvorak one-timed a pass from Ryan Smyth behind Jocelyn Thibault. Two minutes later Georges Laraque floated a wrister past a screened Thibault to even the score at 2 goals each.

One second after the opening faceoff of the third Mark Bell and Georges Laraque squared off against each other. Both were handed five minute penalties, but not before Laraque put a hurt on the Hawks overmatched left winger. The fight seemed to energize Edmonton who took a 3-2 lead when Shawn Horcoff scored a one-timer. Ales Hemsky and Steve Staios assisted on the goal. Pavel Rosa would tie the game at 3-3 on a one-timer from Lubos Bartecko. The Blackhawks were forced to kill off a Jani Burke cross checking penalty to put the game into overtime.

Kyle Calder tallied an unassisted game winner in the extra period to give the Hawks a hard fought win.

Head Trainer Mike Gapski, "Marty McInnis will not be making the trip with the team to Vancouver as he suffered a groin injury in Edmonton. He could be ready to lace up the skates again in as little as one week, but may miss up to two weeks."

Final (OT): CHI 4 - EDM 3
W: Jocelyn Thibault 27/30
L: Jussi Markkanen 18/22

1st Star: Mark Bell (2G, 0A)
2nd Star: Georges Laraque (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: Igor Korolev (0G, 2A)

Next game: Thursday, November 20th, 2004 @ VAN
Starting goalie: Jocelyn Thibault

[Fizzley]

Wow, this is a really great post. Keep it up! I know I'd never have enough patience to write a story about every game, let alone write out the stats.