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Boxing 2011-12
Iced: Game 1 Boxing with 'Hawks and 'Yotes
Apr 13th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
When teams finish off the regular season hot and head into the playoffs on a role, you can throw the records and the seeds out the window. Sometimes, things inexplicably just seem to go right for said team.
Phoenix played roughly 59 and a half minutes without their leading scorer, survived a possibly deflating tying goal late in the third and beat the Blackhawks in Game 1 3-2 in overtime on Thursday night in the desert.
Radim Vrbata played all of 30 seconds before leaving with an injury, but Martin Hazal's redirect past Corey Crawford ended up being the difference – along with some help from Mike Smith.
A series of icing calls in OT didn't help either, the last coming from Marcus Kruger, who subsequently lost the ensuing draw to Hanzal before he scored the winner.
It ruined the comeback of Jonathan Toews, who wasted little time showing how much the 'Hawks missed him. He scored the game's first goal and later assisted on Brent Seabrook's tally with less than 15 seconds left in regulation.
So, what went wrong? A lot of things…
♦ The Coyotes' first goal had such incredible amounts of horrendous shit happening that I can barely bring myself to discuss it. Niklas Hjalmarsson hasn't exactly been Mr. Dependable in the last, well, most of the season, but that might have been the worst shift of his life. In a span of about 45 seconds, Hjammer made an errant pass for an in-zone turnover, whiffed on a clearing attempt, sent a blind ring around the boards, poked away a badly needed freeze from Crawford, before finally allowing Taylor Pyatt to slip behind him to knock in a goal that was all – and I mean ALL – Hjammer's fault.
What a fucking deflating stretch that was for the 'Hawks. And no, I won't ignore the fact the Coyotes got away with a blatant too many men non-penalty that could've been called by Stevie Wonder. However, there was too much farting from Hjammer going on that it trumps those two seconds of blindness from the refs. I saw many people blaming the officiating after the game, but that's just a poor excuse from sore losers. The 'Hawks lost that game on their own, and it all started with Hjammer's terrible play on this goal.
♦ If that weren't enough, the Blackhawks got caught badly in a change, leading to known cocksucker Raffi Torres skating into the zone unabated before finding Antoine Vermette for the go-ahead goal. Hjammer is an actual human being and is not invisible, but he still parked himself in Crawford's line of sight, allowing Vermette to blast it home.
♦ Quick give me a good reason why Sean O'Donnell played ahead of Dylan Olsen. Now, take your reasoning of, "Maybe Q doesn't want to play so many rookies in the playoffs," and shove it directly into your asscrack. Hurry and try and find another one. I dare you.
O'Donnell not only provided a lovely screen on the OT goal, but he was so far away from the net on an even-strength point shot that I have to wonder if he's ever played hockey before in his life. Nick Leddy was left to deal with Hanzal in front of the crease, and that proved to be no good for anyone as Hazal got his stick on the shot and put it in.
As Nakis pointed out on Facebook, it's time to send O'Donnell to the glue factory. Go ahead and play the "He has playoff experience!" card, too, if you wish. That's bullshit as well. Put his old ass in the press box and call it a day. Damnit.
♦ Brandon Bollig over Jimmy Hayes in the playoffs, when teams barely drop the gloves? Yep, makes sense – for all six minutes of Bollig's ice time. Thanks.
♦ Part of me loved the energy Andrew Shaw brought to the game. The logical part of me was screaming at him to calm the fuck down (oxymoron?). Shaw was at it before the puck even dropped and continued running his mouth throughout the game. He luckily got away with a blatant trip with about three minutes left that could've killed the Blackhawks' chance to tie the game.
♦ Speaking of, when Seabrook scored that goal, not once did I think the 'Hawks were going to lose this game. What's got two thumbs and was very, very wrong? This guy.
♦ Once again dividing myself in two, I'm conflicted on what Vrbata's injury may do in the grand scheme of things for this series. On one hand, if it's serious and he can't play, it seems to be a great advantage for the 'Hawks with the opposition's leading score shelved. On the other hand, the Coyotes just beat the Blackhawks by taking advantage of mistakes and getting solid goaltending from Smith. Vrbata may not have made much difference. Let's wait for the diagnosis, I guess.
Game 2 in the desert on Saturday night. Most of the CtA crew will be out and about watching the 'Hawks hopefully tie things up, and we'll let you know where we're headed if anyone wants to watch me freak out over absolutely everything that happens while drinking heavily.
Here's Boxing…
See Ya Later?: Boxing with 'Hawks and Blues
Mar 30th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Watching this game, I kept imagining what it would be like for the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues to meet in this year's playoffs.
It'll likely be extremely nerve-wracking, but no one can deny how hard-fought of a series it would be.
For the second straight meeting, a 3-1 deficit was erased before a shootout decided the outcome, and the 'Hawks once again came out on top 4-3.
Before getting into the good stuff, I'll make it known that allowing a goal within a minute after scoring is goddamn annoying, and for it to happen twice makes me want to punt my cat. And blowing a two-goal lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third period makes me want to punt my girlfriend's cat. Neither are acceptable – even with Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith out of the lineup. If you can get a two-goal lead in the third period with both of them out, then you should be able to hold it with both of them out. End of story.
With that said, no real harm done, as the 'Hawks came away with two points, and giving St. Louis the extra one doesn't matter one bit given the 'Hawks have no chance to catch them anyway.
The Blackhawks did their part with a chance to clinch a playoff spot, but San Jose shit the bed once again and got shut out in Phoenix, delaying the inevitable for another couple of days. While the No. 6 seed may not make you feel all tingly inside, whoever comes out of the Pacific Division clusterfuck won't exactly scare me. If the 'Hawks pull the "upset" and St. Louis gets by whatever Pacific remnants are left in the eighth spot, us fans will be driving to road playoff games in the second round.
A couple notes before Boxing…
♦ Only 20 shots on goal for the Blues tonight, marking the 10th straight game the Blackhawks have allowed less than 30 reach the net. The 'Hawks are 20-8-2 when allowing 25 shots or less.
♦ With that said, Corey Crawford can't allow three to get past him and stop only 17, especially given the first one was pretty soft. He made up for it in the shootout though, which makes it forgivable.
♦ The 'Hawks are 10-2-2 since beating Toronto on Feb. 29, and that's with the power play going an are-you-absolutely-fucking-kidding-me 5 for 43 (11.6 percent). Can you image if the Blackhawks were simply goddamn serviceable with the extra man? Christ. Two more missed chances tonight, making the 'Hawks 0 for 15 over their last four games.
Boxing for ya…
He Beat Me, Straight Up: Boxing with Blackhawks and Devils
Mar 28th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Martin Brodeur isn't using his goalie stick as a cane quite yet.
The 39-year-old did it all Tuesday night, making 37 saves and four more in the shootout as the Blackhawks fell 2-1 in New Jersey. Brodeur gets most of the credit for this one, and it's well-deserved.
Save for the first 10 minutes when Corey Crawford withstood a barrage from the Devils, the 'Hawks were the better team for roughly 55 minutes. It took a big screen from Bryan Bickell and a point shot from Brent Seabrook to finally get one past Brodeur in the third period to tie the game.
The Blackhawks blew two key power play chances that could've ended up swinging the game in their favor, but the Devils got an extra one past Crawford in the shootout and the 'Hawks ended up taking only one point.
The 5-on-3 for roughly 1:20 in the second period created a couple chances that Brodeur snuffed out, then another missed chance game at the end of regulation which yielded nothing. To the Blackhawks' credit, they were able to kill off a 4-on-3 to start overtime when Marian Hossa went into the box with under a minute in regulation.
One quick thing before Boxing…
If Ray Emery was healthy enough to play tonight, would Coach Q have started him over Crawford? Emery didn't exactly set the world on fire when he came on in relief of Crawford in the 6-1 loss to Nashville on Sunday, but Q has been known to ride the man who relieved the other for at least a couple starts. Nonetheless, Crawford likely earned himself a start no matter how Emery feels for Thursday's home tilt against league-leading St. Louis.
Crawford was one of the big reasons why the 'Hawks came away with even a point tonight given the performance of Brodeur at the other end. Hopefully that carries over to Thursday.
Boxing coming up…
Extra Special: Overtime Boxing with Blackhawks and Canucks
Mar 22nd
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Supposedly this game was so infuriating for Vancouver fans, their most-followed blog, Nucks Misconduct, couldn't even bother to recap it, skipping right to previewing the Dallas game.
To credit one Canuck, Roberto Luongo played a hell of a game. Corey Crawford did him one better, though, and the Blackhawks ended the season series with a 2-1 overtime win Wednesday night at the United Center.
The 'Hawks kept coming at Luongo, and he turned away some great chances. Crawford, after letting in a softy on the game's first shift, ended up standing tall in the third period and OT to help the 'Hawks escape with their fifth consecutive victory.
That's as far as I'll go to compliment those jagoffs, though. It still boggles my mind how any human being with any sort of sense can actually cheer for people like Kevin Bieksa and Alex Burrows. At least the Sedin twins are decent hockey players when they're not falling all over themselves when they hit an ice shaving or an opponent blows wind through their pansy goatees.
Bieksa and Burrows are likely the two biggest pieces of squirrel feces on this entire planet, and they proved it again tonight. Canucks fans – and the Canucks themselves – can bitch all they want about Duncan Keith's hit, but Daniel Sedin's earlier hit was just as dirty and uncalled for. If Keith would've went down like a ton of bricks, it would've been and looked just as badly.
However, that said, Keith's hit was dirty. He brought the elbow up and knocked him in the jaw. If he plays Sunday, call me surprised. Since he's not a repeat offender, one game should about do it.
Also on the who-might-not-play front, Marcus Kruger didn't play after leaving in the second period. Kane went 3 for 18 on draws Wednesday, so that part doesn't make it sit well that Kruger may not be out there against a Predators team can bury teams if they win the majority at the dot.
Onto happier things, Johnny Oduya fired the puck on net after a Dave Bolland setup, and Andrew Shaw gave it a little nudge after doing his job – going hard to the net – for the game-winner. Hell of a game, but I wouldn't mind being saved a heart attack by not seeing the Canucks in the postseason.
Don't look now, but the Blackhawks are only three points back of the No. 2 seed, currently held by Vancouver, with nine games to go.
Boxing for ya…
For Starters, a W: Boxing with 'Hawks and Capitals
Mar 19th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
It's not some sort of state secret. Every coach in the NHL will tell you getting the first goal can change the complexion of game. If a team is lucky enough to get the first two, then you can pretty much focus on burying the opposition.
For the third straight game – all wins, by the way – the Blackhawks scored first, and for the second consecutive contest they got the first two goals before their opponent had a shot on net. No more fucking around, they seem to be saying.
The 'Hawks scored early and finished late, beating Washington 5-2 on Sunday at the United Center. For a team most were writing off without a healthy Jonathan Toews, the 'Hawks are 7-1-1 since the Leap Day win over Toronto and are within four points of Detroit and Nashville for the No. 4 seed and home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs with nine games to go.
If Washington wants to get back on track, it can start Monday by knocking off the slumping Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena and doing the 'Hawks a favor.
Stuff before Boxing…
♦ Remember when most figured Coach Q had given the crease to Ray Emery for the duration of the season? Nakis and I never were convinced of that, and Q is being as predictable as ever and riding the hot hand. Corey Crawford wasn't tested much Sunday, but his 16 saves were enough to improve him to 7-2-0 with a 2.12 goals-against average since Feb. 16. He struggled in a three-game stretch in losses to Dallas, Los Angeles, and getting yanked in the win over Toronto, but he's back to playing above average, which is really what most of us are asking for to continue.
With nine games to go, no one has any idea if Q will commit to either one of them. It seems to be working right now, though.
♦ So, Michael Frolik still plays for the Blackhawks. Interesting.
♦ Patrick Kane really has been stepping up lately, and it's coming just at the right time. With the news that Toews suffered a setback in his recovery from a concussion, Kaner has helped make that a little easier news to take given how well he and the 'Hawks have been playing. There's never a good time to have the Captain out, but this nice little stretch is making it more tolerable.
♦ With Toews out, the 'Hawks went 36 for 55 at the dot Sunday. That's neat.
♦ Viktor Stalberg winning that race to the puck, getting himself under control then charging the net with a move in mind and patience to execute it was a thing of beauty. For someone who seemed so far off the handle when it came to keeping himself and his blazing speed tamed to be able to fit it into an actual game, he's seems to be starting to get it more and more each game. Oh, and he gets to light up Columbus again soon.
♦ Alex Ovechkin reminded us that despite him having another "down" year, he's still one of the best in the game with his move on Duncan Keith. Ovechkin's goal gives him at least 30 in every season since he entered the league in 2005. Yeah, that's good.
Here's Boxing…Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
Breathing Room: Boxing with 'Hawks and Blues
Mar 14th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
While it's very true few – if any – of us expected the Blackhawks to be in this position after being atop the NHL standings not so long ago, putting some distance between them and the rest of the crowding teams at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff picture is a welcome relief.
The 'Hawks pulled out a 4-3 shootout win over St. Louis at the United Center on Tuesday night, moving five points ahead of seventh-place Phoenix and six up on a few trying to claim the eighth spot.
With 11 games to play, it seems like a comfortable distance, and the Blackhawks are coming close to being locked into the No. 6 seed and a date with the Pacific Division winner in the first round – possibly red-hot Dallas, which the 'Hawks get to see Friday.
This much time without Jonathan Toews makes that seem like a decent consolation prize to avoid the likes of Nashville and Detroit in round one.
Most everything else will come in Boxing, but here's a couple things I noticed…
♦ Johnny Oduya may not get the credit, but his keep-in is what led to Viktor Stalberg's goal in the second period. For a guy who was being cursed out before even donning the Indian head, he's been playing pretty damn well.
♦ What is Coach Q to do on Friday after Ray Emery allowed three goals on six shots in his sixth straight start, then Corey Crawford came on to play well in relief and earn the win? Does Q simply take Emery's performance as another bad night against the Blues (he's 3-1-1 with a 15 goals-against in his current stretch, though eight have come against St. Louis)? Or does Q take Crawford's performance as him regaining his confidence and hoping he can ride that against Dallas?
The problem with the latter move is that it may in turn get Emery thinking too much. Then if Crawford goes in the poop tank, can Emery step right in again? It's a decision Q has to make, and it will tell whether or not the crease is indeed Emery's, or if Crawford still has a chance of being the No. 1 heading into the playoffs.
♦ Brandon Bollig bothers me. While I believe Ryan Reaves indeed is living remnants of some bacterial growth found on an unrefrigerated seven-year-old block of cheese, his hit on Jamal Mayers was nothing deserving of Bollig immediately dropping the gloves and getting an instigator. He gave St. Louis a chance to completely put the game away. Tell me what's so great about this guy that people enjoy him, but despised John Scott.
OK, I'm tired. Boxing…
Point Taken: Boxing with 'Hawks and Kings
Mar 12th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
So you're telling me that Jonathan Quick guy is pretty good, eh?
Quick beat the Blackhawks for the third time in four meetings this season – including two shutouts and a 0.99 goals-against average in those matchups – and helped the Kings to a 3-2 shootout win at the United Center.
"Experts" seem to tell us that goaltending is the difference between Stanley Cup contenders and pretenders around this time of the season, and if it holds true L.A. is going to be tough to beat with Quick between the pipes.
He stole the show from Ray Emery, who was making his fifth straight start and had another solid outing. If it weren't the Blackhawks' ineptitude in the shootout, he would've come away with a victory. He stopped the first five shooters before Mike Richards finally broke through, while Quick was perfect on the other end – not to mention stoning Viktor Stalberg on a penalty-shot attempt in the third period.
The main problem was Duncan Keith, who should immediately take the film, CD, floppy disk or whatever it is this game has been recorded on and bury it along with Jimmy Hoffa. Both Kings goals were the result of his turnovers, including one that lead to a 4-on-1 break for L.A. with the game merely 1 1/2 minutes old.
Patrick Kane had a solid night, and Marcus Kruger again was rewarded for playing hard in front of the net. Other than that, the Blackhawks will take the point and move on to Tuesday, when St. Louis comes into the United Center for another showdown.
Here's Boxing…
Bizarro World: Boxing with Blackhawks and Blues
Mar 7th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Our power play wasn't good. We couldn't settle the puck down, we couldn't make a pass and they were forechecking us hard. We didn't deserve to win. It just wasn't good enough. – Marian Hossa
So, that's the world we live in now, eh? The St. Louis Blues are the front-runners for the President's Trophy down the stretch of the season. Not since Joel Quenneville manned the bench in 1999-2000 have the Blues been this good in the regular season.
With that said, Tuesday night's 5-1 loss was another recipe for disaster: Shitty power play, shitty penalty kill, outplayed in net and out-muscled throughout. This crap is looking all too familiar.
Hopefully Jonathan Toews will be back Friday and he can kick everyone in the ass a bit, but this game just didn't seem to be anything more than "blah." The Blues are flat out the better team, and it pains me to say it.
I don't have the energy for more. There simply isn't much to analyze that hasn't been said already. The Blackhawks have trouble entering the zone on the power play and leaving their own zone, well, always. The play in net is spotty at best. Special teams all around is pretty much a Disney on Ice. I'm not going to beat you down with it.
I'll get into a bit more here in the summary of Boxing, but I left the actual box score for you to take a look at and decide for yourself what you'd like to analyze. Go ahead and throw in your own thoughts in the comments…
Winning By Default: Boxing with Blackhawks and Maple Leafs
Mar 1st
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
I guess that's what you get when pitting a struggling team against another whose name isn't even grammatically correct.
Luckily for the Blackhawks, they got their suck out of the way in the first period before Toronto melted down and allowed the 'Hawks to come away with a 5-4 win at the United Center on Wednesday night.
I'll save you the goal-by-goal rundown and give a couple of quick thoughts:
♦ Johnny Oduya ended up even after going a minus-3 in the first period, including a goal that came on his first shift wearing the Indian head. However, Brent Seabrook didn't do him any favors on the first two goals with misplays that led to Leafs goals.
I traded emails with Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press regarding Oduya, and I'll post his thoughts this afternoon, so check back later.
♦ Patrick Kane was solid all night and gave the 'Hawks a spark with his play at center. His goal came on some clean up around the net after a Sami Lepisto shot. More of this please. Like, you know, always.
♦ Nice to see Andrew Shaw get on the board in his first game back, fighting off a check before circling to the near post and potting one. Also, his goaltender interference call followed by a roughing penalty was complete and total horseshit. Shaw's rush to the net was aggressive and forced Jonas Gustavsson to move out of the crease, causing a collision with Shaw that was the result of aggressive play by both players. After that dog shit call, the refs gave Shaw a roughing call despite simply defending himself against Luke Schenn, who came from about 20 feet away from the play to blatantly attact Shaw behind the net.
♦ After the 'Hawks tied it, Patrick Sharp committed a hockey sin by taking a horrible hooking penalty in the offensive zone before Chelsea Dagger finished playing after Shaw's goal. Roughly 28 seconds later, the Leafs regained the lead.
♦ The importance of Marcus Kruger's goal at the end of the first period may be overlooked the way the 'Hawks were able to charge ahead through the rest of the game. His tally cut the lead to 3-2 and shifted momentum. Without the goal, the Leafs head into the second period with a two-goal lead and pretty much in control.
♦ That goal may have been especially important for the team's psyche given Coach Q replaced Corey Crawford with Ray Emery to start the second period. Crawford allowed three goals on 10 shots, while Emery came in to make 24 saves over the last 40 minutes. You've got to think Emery is going to be the starter moving forward, and there's no telling what's going through Crawford's head right now after being pulled in two straight.
With 17 games remaining now is the time to commit to the goaltender not hurting you the most, as sad as that sounds. It seems Emery is the one at this point. Someone needs to take the reigns heading into the postseason, and Razor is the closest thing the 'Hawks have to a playoff goalie. Not to say he's the answer given his struggles this season, but no team heads into the stretch run and into the playoffs using a pair of goaltenders – unless you're St. Louis with Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. Emery has to be the one Q commits to now, in my opinion. We'll see what happens, though.
All right, here's Boxing….
Strapping it Down: Boxing with 'Hawks and Stars
Feb 24th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
"When they got that first one, we need to stay the course and for whatever reason we seemed to get away from our game. We didn't manage the puck well in the third, and as a result we lose the game." – Jamal Mayers
This one is tough to be angry about. It's just damn annoying.
Not only do we have to listen to reports and read official statements about the possibly concussed Jonathan Toews getting into a car accident in the morning, we're treated to a game in which the 'Hawks looked… blah.
The Blackhawks' 3-1 loss to Dallas on Thursday at the United Center looked pretty good for about 50 minutes, with the 'Hawks controlling much of the game and seemingly dictating the pace – not that it was all that exciting to begin with.
Corey Crawford was playing well and making the necessary saves on the few lapses in front of him, and he seemed on his way to helping record the team's first shutout.
Then a string of unfortunate bounces and a relaxed style of play did the 'Hawks in, as three deflected goals got past Crow to send them to their first loss in regulation when leading after two periods this season.
Going to get straight to a couple things here…
♦ Seven times the Blackhawks have put five or less shots on goal in the third period, with Thursday being the only time they lost. Basically, Coach Q and the gang decided the one-goal lead was enough and took down the firing squad to play a prevent-type D.
I don't care what team you're playing in this league, a one-goal lead with 20 minutes to play is not safe, and to think and/or play otherwise is just not smart. Add that onto the fact something named Richard Bachman was playing his ass off for the Stars all night, he's still a backup goaltender. Attack him, disrupt him – like how they did on Marian Hossa's goal and what they did against Detroit the other night – and get a goal or two to put it away.
Instead, the 'Hawks took their foot off the pedal and it cost them in a four-point game.
♦ Dallas, meanwhile, did exactly what the Blackhawks were doing the past few games to get back on track – put people in front of the net and get dirty goals. Steve Ott and Michael Ryder scored on deflections, then Brent Seabrook's skate got an assist on Loui Eriksson's tip-in. Crawford had no chance on any of them. Sure, there were some minor blimps on the 'Hawks end that kept the puck in their own zone, but the results are more telling than what led up to them. Dallas was attacking, the Blackhawks were tightening up. Game over.
♦ John Scott played 2:22 and had five shifts. Dallas came into the game ranked 21st in the NHL in fighting majors, making Scott's presence damn near worthless – again.
♦ Bryan Bickell was probably the most noticeable forward for the 'Hawks tonight. Pretty solid game all around.
♦ Power play: 0 for 31 over the last 12 games.
♦ Interesting trend: There were nine games on the NHL schedule Thursday, with seven road teams picking up wins.
♦ With the accident this morning and all the concussion rumors, it will be interesting to see if Toews makes the trip out west to face the Los Angeles Kings – with the newly acquired Jeff Carter – and Anaheim.
Here's your Boxing…
Back in the Swing of Things: Boxing with Blackhawks and Red Wings
Feb 22nd
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
No Jonathan Toews. No Pavel Datsyuk. Still, the same ol' gritty rivalry.
The Blackhawks and Red Wings gave us another entertaining battle on both ends of the ice, and Corey Crawford beat Jimmy Howard in a fantastic goaltending dual as the 'Hawks held on for a 2-1 victory Tuesday night at the United Center.
Jimmy Hayes was rewarded with a goal after working in front of the net, then assisted on Marcus Kruger's tally with some nice board work and a charge to the back of the net, as Kruger tipped in an Andrew Brunette shot that bounced off Howard.
You know the basics, so let's get to some other stuff…
♦ It obviously wasn't ideal to have Toews out of the lineup with the always-vague upper-body injury, though there weren't many points in the contest I was screaming for Toews to be there. The final minute sticks out, when The Captain would've been on the ice for in-zone draws as the Wings had the extra skater, and Dave Bolland lost two to give Detroit a couple more shots at Crawford as the clock ticked away. Other than that, the 'Hawks keep the Red Wings at bay and Henrik Zetterberg damn near invisible.
♦ Patrick Kane was solid tonight, and it was only for a spectacular Howard save on Patrick Sharp that Kaner didn't register a point. Kane took the puck on the far side and circled toward the center of the ice while the 'Hawks were on the power play. He skated the puck to the near side and went right at Justin Abdelkader, who had lost his stick. Kane was able to move in and create a passing lane to get the puck to Sharp camping in front of the net. Howard went post-to-post and stuck out his left pad, snuffing out the chance. Nonetheless, a smart, heads-up play by Kaner. He was all over the place and seemed to step up his game with Toews out.
♦ Speaking of the power play: 0 for 30 over the last 11 games, with the last PP goal coming when Bolland beat Pekka Rinne in a 3-1 home loss to Nashville on Jan. 24 – the last game before the All-Star break.
♦ Crawford's play wasn't stellar, but his saves were not exactly routine. I saw far less rebounds than in the previous games during his current stretch of four straight games with one GA. Him staying in the blue paint more often than not has seemed to pay off, and his run has quelled the talk of trading for a goaltender – for now.
♦ When a goaltender is on like Howard was tonight, garbage goals are necessary to grind out a win like this. The 'Hawks got them with the help of some aggressive play in front of Howard, taking advantage of a couple loose pucks and pounding them home. This seems to have been lacking recently.
♦ Going 28 for 54 at the dot without Toews is definitely a victory on that end. With that being said, here's to hoping Toews doesn't have to sit out Thursday against Dallas.
Here's Boxing…
More Ammo for the Meatballs: Boxing with Blackhawks and Oilers
Feb 3rd
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
First, I'll go ahead and preface everything with that I more than agree the Blackhawks need to add depth on defense. Moreover, I believe the 'Hawks need to simply focus more in their own zone, which goes for everyone wearing the Indian head. I don't think any of this can be disputed one bit.
But against my own good judgement, I took to Twitter after the game and saw more trading of Patrick Kane. More trading for Tim Thomas. People talking about trading the entire team, with the only untouchable being Jonathan Toews. People ready to fire Joel Quenneville.
I don't know why I continue to be surprised by this. One game – granted, an extremely bad one that pissed me off royally – and all of the sudden the Blackhawks' proverbial ship is sinking with 30 games to play while being six points back of the Western Conference-leading Detroit Red Wings. To break it into simpler terms for those who have been following hockey since 2009, that would translate to three games.
If the Cubs or White Sox were three games out of first with 30 to play, would you be calling to trade the entire damn team? Didn't think so.
There are plenty of things I didn't like about The Disaster at Rexall Place – Part Duex, but sometimes assholes like Sam Gagner have 8-point nights when a team plays like dog shit on both ends of the ice. Luckily, the Blackhawks don't lose 20 points for the lopsided 8-4 loss. This isn't Final Jeopardy, and the 'Hawks didn't bet it all and get the question wrong. It simply adds another number under the 'L' column, just like the last four.
Am I sugarcoating this defeat? A little. The Blackhawks' six-game road losing streak is their longest since their franchise-record 19-game skid in 2003-04.
But there are so many meatballs out there forcing me to do it. I don't want to be the calming voice. I'd much rather rant logically and swear up and down while throwing things at my cat, but as I wrote on Twitter, the Blackhawks have possibly the most bi-polar fan base in all of sports. If the 'Hawks win their next two games, some of these same people clamoring for wholesale changes will be talking Stanley Cup again. I refuse to pour petrol on that fire.
With all that said, I'm angry about the loss, as I'll show in Boxing…
Punched Out: Boxing, Once Again, with Blackhawks and Predators
Jan 25th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
There may not be a team in the league looking more forward to the All-Star break than the Blackhawks.
Playing without Jonathan Toews and of course Patrick Sharp, the 'Hawks looked fell short on the defensive end a dropped the final game before the break, 3-1 to the Predators.
Despite the offense lacking, I didn't feel the offense necessarily was the issue. Nick Leddy and Niklas Hjalmarsson are becoming painful to watch. Absolutely and completely painful. It actually hurts from getting so damn angry at their problems – and they're many.
No more crap about Leddy being young and learning and being thrust into a position to learn on the job. He's playing for a Stanley Cup contender, and that label for the 'Hawks comes in spite of him, not because of him. The second goal was a direct result of his inability to play defense with enough muscle nor brains. The blind ring around the boards didn't work simply because he thrre it into a forechecker's legs, leading to a nice kick pass for Mike Fisher's goal.
Hjalmarsson gets plenty of blame as well, as Fisher had all day to prepare himself for that pass. At this point, I'd like to see Sami Lepisto get a night with one of these two in the press box. Something needs to be done.
(UPDATE: It's since been confirmed it was Sean O'Donnell on the ice with Leddy, and not Hammer. My eyes weren't working right from the opposite end of the stadium, which is my bad. However, it doesn't change my stance that one of these guys needs a seat up high for at least a game.)
♦ Corey Crawford is giving up far too many rebounds, but this game could've gotten out of hand tonight if it weren't for him. Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith allowed a breakaway chance, as did Hjalmarsson's flat feet. Crawford stopped them both, then made some saves in the third that could've doomed the 'Hawks had they gotten past him. No real praise, but no real thoughts of this being his fault by any means.
♦ Dave Bolland won 17 of 20 faceoffs tonight. Dave. Bolland. Won. 17. Of. 20. Faceoffs. I slowed it down for you to make you read it slower. Between that and his goal, I think he embraced taking Toews' spot on the top line.
♦ Marian Hossa is an under-appreciated part of this team. He never gets enough credit, in my book. The reason he's not talked about much is because he doesn't do much wrong. I guess it gets hard to constantly praise someone.
♦ Patrick Kane stopping to twirl mid-breakaway is a prime example of him thinking too much about his slump. No, I really don't have any idea what's running through his head. It could be hookers or pretty pink bows. However, it's hard not to speculate when a true, killer goal scorer refuses to simply take his space and go hard to the net to try and beat the goaltender like he's always capable of doing.
♦ Andrew Shaw has officially become Q's new Kris Versteeg. Shaw led all 'Hawks forwards in ice time tonight, and while he's playing hard, I don't necessarily believe he deserved all that time. Q is trying to ride the hot hand, but Shaw hasn't exactly done anything stellar over the past few games to have me going nuts over him. As I've said before, everyone needs to stay grounded on this guy – including Q.
♦ Michael Frolik was a healthy scratch in favor of Bryan Bickell. And no one cared or noticed one way or the other. The drop off of these guys is epic.
Here's Boxing…
Captain, is it Serious?: Boxing with Blackhawks and Predators
Jan 22nd
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
The amount of pain resulting from Saturday's 5-2 loss in Nashville is to be determined.
Jonathan Toews played less than 10 minutes before leaving, and the 'Hawks played careless defense and got sub-par goaltending from Corey Crawford, helping extend their road losing streak to four games.
There's little question the "upper-body" injury that kept Toews from finishing is the same that sent him to the bench against Florida. The slash to the hand/wrist area is the likeliest of anything anyone can think it to be. How it got aggravated, though, is anyone's guess.
I know this may be tough to hear without a diagnosis and it coming after a humiliating defeat to a division rival, but as long as Toews' injury isn't a clean break, it came at the best possible time. If it's necessary, Toews can sit Tuesday and then relax for a week after skipping the All-Star game next Saturday, and we can see where we're at then. If this happened in the middle of a three-games-in-four-nights stretch, then I may be a bit more concerned.
That doesn't mean I'm not now, especially since the vagueness of the NHL injury front keeps us from knowing much. However, though briefly, I'm remaining optimistic.
♦ Allowing a 100-foot goal became Crawford's biggest of his many blemishes this season – and maybe his career. We can talk about funny bounces all we want, but that floater has to be stopped. The momentum completely shifted after the 'Hawks controlled most of the game to that point. He'd later go down like he took a shotgun to the chest on a move by Kostitsyn, leading to the hook in favor of Ray Emery, who was promptly greeted with a breakaway he stopped.
♦ Nick Leddy and Niklas Hjalmarsson - I'm begging them to prove their worth soon. Leddy's offensive talent doesn't help with what the Blackhawks need. They have plenty of scoring. What the 'Hawks need is defensive reliability, which he's not giving at the moment. The failed clear led to Hammer staring at Legwand, as Wilson slid right behind him for an easy goal. That's not on Crow, that's the defense. And Duncan Keith didn't do Crow any favors by coming up way too high on the kill, leaving Smith two clear cracks at putting it into the net.
♦ Marian Hossa played an outstanding game at both ends, and potted the only Blackhawks' goals while making the red-hot Pekka Rinne look pretty damn bad.
Here's Boxing…
First Thing's First: Boxing with Blackhawks and Sharks
Jan 16th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
That's your top line, ladies and gentlemen.
The Blackhawks came away with five of six points in their three-games-in-four-nights stretch, dominating San Jose 4-3 – save for a few moments.
Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Viktor Stalberg combined for two goals and three assists in the victory, coming up with big goals – and two more near-goals – to help improve the 'Hawks to 3-0-2 in their last five games.
♦ It's tough to ignore the play of Stalberg, despite the fact half of his 14 goals have come against Columbus. Nonetheless, when you're hot, you're hot. His goal was nothing short of perfection on all accounts, charging hard toward the net after recognizing the open space. With his speed and first step, these goals can continue happening, especially playing on a line with two of the league's best passers.
♦ Kaner is in a big scoring slump, and if it wasn't obvious enough, Antti Niemi absolutely robbed the living hell out of him in the first period. Toews and Kane executed a perfect 2-on-1, and Niemi seemed down and out. As we're all privy to when Niemi was wearing the Indian head, he suck out the glove across the open net and snagged a sure-goal out of the air. Kane couldn't believe it, and Toews had to go console him. It's a shame, but it seems as if he's getting closer to ending that slump.
♦ Toews' goal was the work of the entire line. Stalberg hustled to bother Niemi, and the puck shot out to Kane on the left board. Without a hesitation, he fired it to the front with Toews waiting, and all three got on the score sheet. I'll mention this again later, but Toews described the goal during the intermission interview and referred to Niemi as "their goaltender." Fuck the friendship when it comes to getting a win, eh?
♦ Another goal from Andrew Shaw, who may get a statue outside the UC soon if it were up to a good chunk of the fan base. I like the guy. I think he brings plenty of things to the table and it's hard to ignore his scoring numbers. He went 6 for 6 at the dot tonight and has an awesome Napoleon complex.
However, quoting the Gin Blossoms, Shaw may want to start singing: "If you don't expect too much from me, you might not be let down." Thinking this guy is the second coming of Denis Savard will only make for a long fall from the top of the What-You-Talkin'-About Willis Tower. If this keeps up, awesome. Build his statue. But when he starts to screw up – and he will – remember to be objective toward your newly found hero.
♦ I'd like to thank the 'Hawks for taking my mind off what I witness first-hand at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday. That first period was complete shit show. Following that with five solid periods helps.
Onto Boxing…
Hats Off: Boxing with Blackhawks and BJs
Jan 11th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
I got home very late tonight, so this will be short before I get to Boxing.
♦ Viktor Stalberg – Good for you, kid.
♦ Jared Boll/Referees – You're assholes
♦ Marian Hossa – Badass
♦ Corey Crawford – Just gave up another rebound.
That's it. I'm tired. Here's Boxing…
When Does it Get Better?: Boxing with Blackhawks and Red Wings
Jan 9th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
It's not going to get any easier for us. — Jonathan Toews
Somewhere in the depths of hell, a Red Wings fan just hit a slick patch of ice.
Halfway through the season, the St. Louis Blues are tied for first place in the Central Division, while the Blackhawks are mired in a four-game losing streak.
Not exactly what anyone expected, especially since the 'Hawks scored the first goal in three of those loses. Adding shit luck on top of another loss when the 'Hawks were in position win, Patrick Sharp has an always vague upper-body injury, suffered during or shortly after his goal put the 'Hawks up 2-0.
Some quick things before Boxing does the rest…
♦ As Toews said, nothing is going to get easier any time soon. After Columbus and Minnesota this week, here's how it looks, in order:
at Detroit, vs San Jose, vs Buffalo, vs Florida, at Nashville, vs Nashville, at Vancouver.
Oh, and jaunt to Vancouver is the beginning of a nine-game road trip from Jan. 31-Feb. 18.
♦ There's evidence of panic among the feather-headed faithful. While most of it is unwarranted and illogical, it's hard not to blame the overreactions as this losing streak continues. It's now a matter if Stan Bowman feels the same panic, sees the issues and makes a move quicker than we thought he would as the 'Hawks seemed to be rolling just a couple weeks ago.
What's the right move? Make a deal and bring more uncertainty to a locker room already on edge? Or do you ride out the skid and figure it out in a couple week? There might not be a "right time" anymore. And if Sharp is going to miss games, Stan may get edgy himself and spring some people. Time will tell.
♦ Speaking of Sharp, the injury seems to be a bit of a mystery. Before I weigh in, let's see what the diagnosis is Monday and react from there.
♦ We can bitch about the officiating through our sleep tonight, but the fact remains the Blackhawks didn't take advantage when they got the calls, and the Red Wings did just that. The 'Hawks converted their first power play attempt, then shit themselves on the next five. And if that wasn't enough, Jimmy Hayes couldn't convert a penalty shot that would've put the 'Hawks up 3-1 and made Detroit's climb more uphill.
I won't deny the non-calls on Tomas Holmstrom for tripping Brent Seabrook and the bench for two many men didn't hurt the Blackhawks' chances, but there were plenty more opportunities, and that's where you should direct your anger – especially since the 'Hawks power play this season largely has resembled an orgy breaking out at the National Federation of the Blind.
♦ Not even Dennis Rodman would know what to do with all the rebounds Corey Crawford is giving up right now. He made some big plays tonight and likely will be back in net Tuesday, but I think it's safe to say the jury is still out on how much he can be trusted down the stretch.
♦ Of the Blackhawks' 17 total losses, Marian Hossa has gone scoreless in 14 of them.
♦ Patrick Kane: 2 goals, 4 assists, minus-4 since Dec. 11 (13 games).
The Young and the Defenseless: Boxing with Blackhawks and Flyers
Jan 6th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Not many teams win games when allowing 46 shots on goal. In fact, teams giving up at least that many shots have gone 4-8 this season.
The Blackhawks allowed 21 shots in Philadelphia's three-goal second period alone, then were done in by Patrick Kane's late high-sticking penalty as JVR netted the game-winner with 33 seconds left in regulation to beat the 'Hawks 5-4 on Thursday night.
The 46 shots on goal were the most the Blackhawks have given up since allowing 51 to Columbus on Nov. 1, 2008.
The third-period rally was a hell of a lot of fun though, wasn't it? Brent Seabrook scored just as the 'Hawks came back to full strength, then Kaner potted one 25 seconds later to tie it up.
For all the bullshit that went on in the second period, the Blackhawks were on the verge of earning at least a point against a top team on the road without playing their best hockey – and with a couple regulars missing. While I know I'm trying to find a silver lining – despite knowing the 'Hawks need to play a full 60 and could use some blue-line help – I'd rather look at it this way rather than posting on Twitter how the Blackhawks need to trade Kane for taking that penalty. And yes, there were many tweets like that after the game.
Speaking of the regulars being out, Jimmy Hayes and Andrew Shaw played some solid hockey. Again, I'm not going to pay for hookers for them quite yet, but the early results are nice so far.
Hayes played on the most solid line of the night with Jamal Mayers and Michael Frolik, scoring on a great hustle play after taking a beautiful pass from Mayers.
Shaw's NHL debut was nothing if not exciting. Great chance on his first shift, dropped the gloves early, got bloodied to all hell and had his sweater torn, then came back with a ton of stitches to score his first goal. Gotta give it to the kid for a solid night. No fear.
Boxing is a bit more wordy tonight, so I'm going to go to bed and let that take over….
CarBombed: Boxing with 'Hawks and Oilers
Jan 3rd
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
It's a team we should beat. Giving up two on the 5-minute penalty kill changed the momentum of the game. But we still shouldn't (have) lost to a team like that.
— Patrick Kane
It's hard to pin a loss on one player, but Monday's 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers is the closest I can come.
Dan Carcillo not only set himself up for a suspension with his crushing and unnecessary hit on Tom Gilbert, he may have seriously injured his knee in the process.
The ensuing 5-minute major penalty led to two Edmonton goals that ended up being the difference, as the Blackhawks fell once again to the Oilers only two three days after a big home win over rival Detroit.
For one, I'm going to go into full honesty mode here and say that I told the vast majority of people to calm down when the 'Hawks signed Carcillo. I then continued to defend that signing when he showed some slick offensive skills we never thought we'd see. I don't necessarily believe I was wrong, either.
Then Monday happened.
At least his suspension/potential injury will give another prospect a chance to play some minutes.
Quick thoughts ….
♦ It didn't help Niklas Hjalmarsson got clipped with a high stick prior to Taylor Hall's goal – the second on Carcillo's major. It sucked, but it happens.
♦ After all the Carcillo shit and the two goals allowed, the Blackhawks still had a chance to win this thing. Then, they went 0 for 5 on the power play, including a four-minute double-minor on a high stick to Jonathan Toews, who was an absolute beast and didn't miss a shift after getting fixed up.
Ryan Jones got called for a goaltender interference penalty, and the 'Hawks looked like dog shit on that power play, too. The Blackhawks played with a man advantage for six of the final 8:46, and they came away with absolutely nothing.
Before ALL the blame lands on Carcillo, let's realize the 'Hawks had chances to win this game despite that. The awful PP unit and a weak goal from the well-known Ben Eager ended up doing the Blackhawks in.
♦ Speaking of that weak goal, Corey Crawford could've played better. Thinking about it a little bit more, Crow will probably be back in net Thursday in Philadelphia before Ray Emery gets the nod Friday at home against Colorado. Sunday against Detroit will likely depend on how each plays in these games. We'll see.
♦ For the second straight game, Patrick Kane left the center of the ice open as he trailed the play, allowing the opposition an easy goal. Tonight's came from Andy Sutton. With Carcillo out, it may be best to get Kaner back to the wing and bring up Brandon Pirri, unless Marcus Kruger is ready to play. Either way, I think Q needs to get Kane away from the center spot. He's clearly not playing the same as he did when he started the season there.
I'll do the rest of my talking in Boxing…Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
Sign of What's to Come?: Boxing with Blackhawks and Red Wings
Dec 31st
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
After watching such a well-played game between two world-class teams like the one that went on at the United Center on Friday night, I'm all out of jokes for the hated Red Wings.
I have to show some respect, however much I can muster begrudgingly.
The season isn't even halfway completed yet, but I can't help but think of the torture – yet unbelievable excitement – a Western Conference final matchup between the Blackhawks and Red Wings would bring.
The first 40 minutes were some of the best hockey I watched in a long time when factoring in the play of both teams. Fittingly, it took a third-period tie-breaking goal and some big defensive stops at the end, and it was the Blackhawks who came out on top 3-2.
Detroit may be the oldest team in the league, but it is still filled with tons of talent. The Red Wings are going to need to get better on the road (now 9-11-0) if they're to make serious noise come mid-April, but any team likely would struggle a bit during a stretch playing 11 of 14 away from home.
Before we get to the final Boxing of 2011, here are some thoughts…
♦ OK, so I am going to rag a bit on an old fogy. Nicklas Lidstrom still is a good defender, even at his ripe old age. He was in perfect position to save a Marian Hossa goal while Jimmy Howard was down and out. However, he is not a GREAT defenseman anymore. Lidstrom's Norris Trophy last season was no more than a parting gift for years of service in the league, then the fucker decided to come back. He's been overrated for roughly four years, and it's starting to piss me off.
Thankfully, Jonathan Toews exposed him like Mel Gibson at a Hanukkah party. Toews skated right past him to the center off the ice to accept a feed that led to a breakaway, and Lidstrom could do nothing but hook him, forcing a penalty shot. Toews proceeded to abuse Howard through the five-hole – shocking huh? – to tie the game.
At the end of the first period, Toews played the puck beautifully off the boards, lifted Lidstrom's stick, corralled the puck and skated in. Again, Lidstrom hooked Toews to slow him down, because that's all he could do after being left in the dust yet again.
♦ Patrick Kane at center wasn't so bad, though he was late on the backcheck, allowing former Michigan State hero (sorry) Justin Abdelkader to come right up the gut and score past a diving Corey Crawford.
♦ Marian Hossa – my God. Could've easily had a trick tonight. His goal showed every aspect of his game we've all come to love. He was in the right spot to get the puck just below the red line, strong enough to fight through stick checks and talented enough to fire the puck past Howard on his around-the-world play.
Hossa's career high is 100 points with Atlanta in 2006-07, when he scored 43 goals and added 57 assists. He's currently at 41 points (17G, 24A), and if this fucking beast stays healthy, he may set a new high this season.
♦ Crawford was… meh. Nothing too good, nothing too bad. Even if those couple that hit the post got by him, there wasn't much he could do anyway. Bertuzzi's goal went in off the felon's ass. He'll be in net on Monday, in my opinion.
♦ I agree Jimmy Hayes looked good and played physically. However, his interference penalty was just dumb, and I'll be damned if I'm going to take less than nine minutes of playing and start talking about staying power. Nice debut, now show me more.
And here's your last Boxing of 2011. Happy New Year to everyone, and thank you so much for stopping by to read our rants…
Quick Says 'Not So Fast': Boxing with Blackhawks and Kings
Dec 29th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Here's an example of solid goaltending stealing a game for a less-talented team.
Jonathan Quick made 38 saves – some in spectacular fashion – to lead the Los Angeles Kings to a 2-0 win over the Blackhawks at the United Center on Wednesday night.
In no way do I believe the 'Hawks played all that well, but Quick made some unbelievable saves to snuff out some solid chances. He kicked away separate chances from Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at the last possible second, and he stopped Patrick Sharp on a couple shots in one sequence, among others. No doubt the 'Hawks could've played much better – especially on the power play – but Quick is largely responsible for this loss.
I'll get to the goals and Coach Q bitching about the refs in Boxing, but here's a couple quick thoughts:
♦ Toews went nuts about Mike Richards being awarded a penalty shot in the second period, but I'd like to see you make a different call if you were wearing the orange armband. If a player is skating in on a clear breakaway with an opposing player without a stick trailing him by two full strides, then the opposing player reaches out and shoves him from behind and the puck handler goes down, a penalty shot will be awarded 999,999 times out of a million. You'd call it, I'd call it, we'd all call it – right or wrong – and don't tell me you wouldn't. It's basically an anticipation call, and I don't have a problem with that unless it's obvious the trailing player did not make illegal contact. In this case, it wasn't obvious.
♦ Wednesday marked only the third time in the Blackhawks' last 105 home games that they were shut out.
♦ It also marked the first regulation loss to the Kings in 12 meetings.
♦ Corey Crawford played a solid game, in my opinion. I think Q needs to give him Friday against Detroit to ride out this three-game week with all of them being at home. Actually, I'd put him down for Monday against Edmonton, too. Then, re-assess the situation for the Jan. 5 game at Philadelphia. A loss shouldn't be what gets either Crow or Ray Emery back to the bench. I have to say I think Q is doing a good job dealing with his goaltenders to this point.
I'm tired, so here's your Boxing…Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
And We're Back: Victorious Boxing with Blackhawks and Blue Jackets
Dec 27th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
We can look at the first period of Monday's 4-1 win over Columbus in a couple of ways.
1) The Blackhawks looked sluggish in the first 20 minutes, working off the holiday feasts and delicious treats while being outshot by the worst team in the league 13-5. There were signs of rust, and the 'Hawks looked like they were going to drop a game on home ice to the lowly Blue Jackets.
2) The Blackhawks' worst was still better than the Blue Jackets' best, as they kept Columbus off the scoreboard with enough of an effort until they got their legs under them in the second period. There was never a reason to panic, because the 'Hawks are not as bad as they looked. It's usually a matter of time that they're going to show their true talent.
I prefer the latter.
A couple of quick thoughts before Boxing…
♦ How about that Viktor Stalberg, eh? A pair of goals to give him seven points over his last four games, and he skated his ass off throughout the contest. After initially bitching about being dropped off the top line, he's flourishing in the bottom six with Dave Bolland and Bryan Bickell. His speed is a nice compliment with the two grinders. Fluke or a sign of things to come? "Let's not start sucking each other's dicks quite yet."
♦ Let's not call this a goaltender "dilemma," because the word makes it seem there's a problem. Far from it, in my book, given the solid play of both Ray Emery and now Corey Crawford over the last two games. They say in the NFL that if you have two quarterbacks, you don't have quarterback. Having two solid goalies in the NHL doesn't relate.
Crow's 37 saves, coupled with a solid effort against Montreal makes it seem as if he's back to what we hoped for when the season began. Who gets the start Wednesday? Just a topic of conversation for people leading up to that game, because as of right now, it really doesn't matter. I'm confident with either of them in net, so let's see what Q decides.
♦ Any chance John Scott's wife had quintuplets so he can get five times the paternity leave?
♦ I don't hear anyone complaining about Marian Hossa's 12-year contract now, do you?
Let's get to the glorious images of Boxing:
Bittersweet: Boxing with 'Hawks and Flames
Dec 19th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Joel Quenneville became the second-fastest coach to reach 600 career victories after the 'Hawks beat Calgary 4-2 on Sunday at the United Center, but it may have come at the expense of losing Brent Seabrook for a period of time.
While Quenneville's accomplishment deserves some recognition – only Scotty Bowman reached 600 quicker – it became a bit easier to come by in the era of no ties. Nevertheless, this team became what it is now with Q behind the bench. Good for him.
Beyond that, the loss of Seabrook means some more shuffling amongst the blue liners, and it comes after a ridiculously dirty hit by Rene Bourque that simply shouldn't have happened. While Seabrook hasn't exactly been playing his best lately, his absence is not something to sneeze at.
Hopefully when we find out more, the news won't be too terribly bad.
I'm very tired, so we're going to get straight to Boxing. One of us will be back in the afternoon with some further thoughts as the 'Hawks continue a stretch of three games in four days on Tuesday.
Your Jock is Over … Somewhere: Boxing with Blackhawks and Wild
Dec 15th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
While I'm not a fan of the whole moving-at-a-snail's-pace-in-what-is-supposed-to-be-an-exciting-shootout tactic, Patrick Kane's move to fake Niklas Backstrom out of his pads to pot the winner was pretty … well, you saw it.
And while I'm also not crazy about a three-point game against a Western Conference foe, the back-and-forth was pretty exciting, and the 'Hawks came away on the positive end with a win over conference-leading Minnesota on the road.
When the Blackhawks scored twice in less than two minutes, even scoring on the power play, I felt like they had this one in control and would keep rolling.
Then I remembered they're the 'Hawks, and making things interesting seems to be their staple.
A couple of things we need to talk about ….
♦ The icing no-call that led to the Wild's first goal was downright horrific to the point of being embarrassing for an NHL linesman. Sometimes, calls can go either way. This one, however, could only go one way, and he flat out missed it. You can bet if the 'Hawks didn't come out with two points, you would've been cursing this non-call over your cup of coffee in the morning.
♦ With that said, John Scott is … you know what, I'm running out of degrading adjectives for this guy. No matter what, if he thought icing would've been called, why in the hell are you going to skate below the goal line when Steve Montador had the puck won by about five strides? Coast, and get ready for the icing draw, if that's what you were thinking.
Since his brain rivals that of a mosquito's, he took his giant ass out of the play, left the front of the net wide open and let the Wild get back into the game. If he coasted in, he would've been able to have a chance to recover and disrupt the play. Instead, he acted indignant and proved he's not the most colorful tool in the shed (I make a funny, he ha).
♦ No idea why Matt Cullen was similarly indignant when Duncan Keith made a fantastic play to put an end to Cullen's breakaway. It was clean, stick-on-stick. Cullen gets an unsportsmanlike, and the 'Hawks take the lead. Fine with me.
♦ With the way Ray Emery is playing, he'll likely start through Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh unless he completely shits the crease against either Anaheim or Calgary. If not, Corey Crawford likely won't play until next Wednesday's home tilt against Montreal. Does anyone have a problem with that? Probably not.
♦ Anyone want to argue with me that Jonathan Toews is the best player in the world at this moment? Tell me who's better. I'm open-minded about this, but it's going to take a strong argument. And remember, I said at this moment.
♦ While I want to say the 'Hawks shit themselves in letting the Wild come back from down two goals, then again after Toews' goal, Minnesota is a good hockey team and they weren't going to fold up against a solid opponent at home. I won't go as far as to guarantee the 'Hawks will be competing with the Wild for the top seed come April, but they've got a good group over there that can keep it going, in my opinion.
♦ Are you honestly kidding me with Kaner's 75 moves on that winner? For the love of all that is holy, the stick-handling and control were beautiful. Even the Boo-Ya Network recognized it as No. 1 for the night.
And now Boxing…
Thanks, Pops: Boxing with 'Hawks and Sharks
Dec 12th
Posted by Bartl in 2011-12 Game Recaps
Daddy likes the sauce.
Patrick Sharp potted his second consecutive overtime winner and first as a father, sealing a 3-2 Blackhawks win over San Jose on Sunday night at the United Center.
While Sharpie's handsome winner and Andrew Brunette's deflection with a little over a minute remaining to tie the game were fantastic, the 'Hawks played like they were wearing slippers for the first 40 minutes. Getting outshot 33-13 through the first two periods is just downright embarrassing, and it caused Q to switch up his lines – and rightly so – to start the third.
Whether it was that which sparked the rally or the Sharks playing not to lose, the Blackhawks were able to improve to 6-1-1 in their last eight games and are taking advantage of a favorable schedule like we all hoped.
Quick thoughts before Boxing…
♦ It's true Jonathan Toews didn't play his best game tonight, and there might be a reason: His 26 minutes, 55 seconds of ice time were a career-high, as Ben Smith sat and watched. Granted, Toews playing this many minutes simply can't happen night after night, but Q called on his Captain to play the necessary minutes to get the 'Hawks back into it. Toews went 14 for 23 on the faceoff dot, including winning the draw leading to Brunette's equalizer. That's why he's the best player in the world at this moment. He doesn't need to show up on the score sheet to affect the outcome of a game.
♦ Speaking of Brunette's goal, the 'Hawks executed the play just as it was drawn up. Brunette darted straight for the blue paint after the puck was dropped. Two quick passes and a one-timer toward the net gave the 'Hawks exactly the type of goal they were looking for to beat Antti Niemi, whose solid performance went for naught.
♦ Joe Thornton and Ryane Clowe are complete ass hats. Thornton should have gotten another minor for shoving Toews around the ice after his high stick, and I'm still in shock Clowe didn't have to start OT in the box after punching everything in a 'Hawks sweater.
♦ Ray Emery is the reason the 'Hawks even had a chance to tie and win that game late. He's 3-0-1 in starting the last four games, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he started Wednesday in Minnesota against the surging Wild. Corey Crawford isn't going to get off the bench soon if Emery keeps this up.
♦ FREE STUFF ALERT! I'm going to be giving away two free tickets in Sec. 326 to Friday's game against Anaheim. No catches, the tickets are a free holiday gift as an appreciation for stopping by and reading us here at our new home since moving here in June. The random drawing will be held Tuesday, and one winner will get both tickets. Contest rules will be posted Tuesday morning on Cheer the Anthem's Facebook page, so if you haven't "liked" it yet, you better do it now. Only those who "like" the page have a shot at winning the tickets. Good luck!
Boxing is all I've got from here…


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No adoptions, no owner surrenders until further notice.
A Jacksboro claims that two of his family members were wrongfully arrested and treated brutally by city and county officers without any justification.
FINCASTLE—A Monday morning fire left a family displaced in a blaze that firefighters suspect started because of faulty electrical wiring.
KNOXVILLE—Never has a final score been so misleading.
LaFollette Middle School's varsity girls celebrated a rare basketball win over Oak Ridge-Jefferson on Monday night.
Copyright © 2014
The LaFollette Press is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Campbell County and LaFollette, TN, and the surrounding area.

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Celebrate Easter with this Easy Cake Recipes for Kids : Easter Egg Cake I made the coolest thing today! I made a cake...inside of an EGG! Like, a real egg, how cool is that? I love finding new and fun things for me and my 4 year old to do, and when I saw the Easter Egg Cake (on Pinterest of course!) I just knew we had to give it a try. Now, let me say, I am NO Martha Stewart, so it's not perfect, but we had a great time making it, and it is super cute. We are going to make some more to … [Read more...]
Eggs Benny: Made By Mr. Madame Deals
My kids love fish but it can't be fishy! I love Eggs Benedict and I love breakfast for dinner. This meal has a funny story you see I bought the Knorr package for the Hollandaise sauce. My husband didn't know so he got out The Joy of Cooking Cookbook and made his own. He used toast and deli ham cut a little thicker. He did an excellent job it sure was yummy and less expensive then buying ingredients for just one dish. We used what we have on hand and made it fancy! Hollandaise sauce 3 … [Read more...]


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Midnight Sun Festival
Pressure Cook: Fish nailed to a board, smoked reindeer: that's the Midnight Sun Festival.
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3-Ingredient Apps for Thanksgiving
Try Food.com's quick and easy apps for a stress free turkey day.
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Plan Your Menu with easy, how-to videos from Bobby, Sunny and more.


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Canacona, India
Patnem Beach, 403702 Canacona, India – Show map
|Room Type
|Double Room with Garden View
|Double Room with Fan - Garden View
|Double Room with Fan - Sea View
|Premium Double or Twin Room with Sea View
|Family Room
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12 verified reviews
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Cuba Patnem Beach Bungalow's staff speaks: English
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Food & Drink
Restaurant, Bar
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Room Service, Shuttle Service (surcharge), Airport Shuttle (surcharge), Tour Desk, Ticket Service, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry
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All children are welcome.
One child under 5 years stays free of charge when using existing beds.
One older child or adult is charged INR 1000 per person per night when using existing beds.
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The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa
Offering a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese delights, Neptune Point Beach Cottages is a beachfront property located on the beautiful Palolem.
Score from 4 reviews Very good
Cola Beach Exclusive Tented ResortLocated on the Cola Beach, Cola Beach Exclusive Tented Resort offers tented accommodation and features a 24-hour front desk to assist guests at all hours. Free WiFi access is available.
Score from 3 reviews Very good
The Tubki Resort is located just a 5-minute walk from Patnem-Palolem Beach and provides simple rooms with private balconies and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Score from 197 reviews Good
Conveniently located within half a mile of local attractions like Palolem Beach and Patnem Beach, Castle House Palolem features an outdoor pool, bar and restaurant.
Score from 102 reviews Good
Nice staff an d right on the beach
The bar next door played music very loudly until 2 in the morning...ghastly
Staff made our stay ! Always helpful nothing was to much trouble.
Dogs, barking at night although this was not anything to do with cuba patnem.
beautiful quiet garden. relaxing place. competent and helpful staff.
no wifi in the rooms. so hot in the afternoon, no breeze because of the location. don't expect a rest for siesta, this heat will send you out of the bungalow.
Being right on the beach. The food was great.. The staff was great Location unbelievable
No music in the day or evening..
Nice beach, excellent and very friendly staff.
Hot water was not always working, however staff would fix it ASAP.
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I recently came across MJM and looked at some items. The selection was pretty large. I mean 1 item I wanted had over 20 to choose from and the...Read More ->
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special order Items
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MJM Its prompt shipping!!Read More ->


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Image courtesy NASA/ESA/ESO
Published October 8, 2010
Monster galaxies with supermassive black hole hearts released fierce blasts that superheated the early universe, new Hubble observations suggest. The scorching conditions also stunted the growth of smaller dwarf galaxies, the new research shows.
Between 11.7 to 11.3 billion years ago, ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by quasars—enormous galaxies with supermassive black holes at their centers—stripped electrons of cosmic helium, according to observations made with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The big bang that created our universe occurred around 13.7 billion years ago.
The electron-stripping process, known as ionization, heated the helium gas from 18,000 to nearly 40,000 degrees Fahrenheit (10,000 to 22,000 degrees Celsius).
(Related: "Immaculate Black Holes Found Near Universe's Conception.")
Warm gas moves faster than cool gas, and the heated helium sped free of the gravitational clutches of so-called dwarf galaxies. Helium, the second most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen, is one of the main ingredients of star formation.
"During this time, dwarf galaxies didn't get fed very well," said study leader Michael Shull of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Cool Quasars Bulked Up Dwarfs
With Hubble's help, Shull and his team detected a specific wavelength of UV light emitted from distant quasars about 11 billion years ago.
Light emitted from farther away, and thus older, quasars lacked this wavelength, because the light was getting absorbed by neutral helium as well as helium with a single ion—or charged particle. Single-ion helium occurs when one electron is lost.
The helium gas became transparent to the UV light only when the helium became double ionized. By determining when this transition took place, scientists can pin down the start date of the helium-ionization era.
After about 500 million years, the ionized helium in the quasars cooled and slowed enough that dwarf galaxies could begin bulking up again. (See black hole pictures.)
"A lot of them held on to their cores, and they had to wait until this period was done before they could start bringing in gas again," Shull said.
Gas Blasts Occurred on Earth
A similar phenomenon happens to the planets of our solar system, Shull added.
Giant gas planets such as Jupiter and Saturn have enough mass to hang on to hydrogen and helium atoms heated by the sun, but lower-mass planets such as Earth have already lost all of their lighter elements.
For example, Earth's atmosphere contains only traces of helium and hydrogen, created by processes such as radioactive decay. But that gas escapes from Earth into space shortly after the gas's formation, Shull said.
The research will appear October 20 in The Astrophysical Journal.
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Delicate but Deadly Jellyfish
Some jellyfish are known to migrate hundreds of feet in pursuit of prey. See some of our favorite jellyfish pictures in honor of Jellyfish Day.
Bugs That Help Solve Crimes
The life cycles of these insects—from flies to maggots to beetles—can help in crime scene investigations. Caution: This video may make you squirm.


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All branches closing at 5 PM on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26
All branches closed for Thanksgiving Day, November 27
Changes for Caroline, 1812
"Caroline Abbott recieves a letter asking her to come and help on Uncle Aaron's new farm. Although she hates to leave her family, Caroline is pleased to see her cousin Lydia and to meet Lydia's pretty cow and sweet baby calf. Determined to help out in any way she can, Caroline keeps watch when a thief starts sneaking around the farm. Then she makes an unexpected discovery and learns that some things are not as simple as they seem."--Back cover
Call Number:J FIC Ern


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Could you find tranquility in the middle of Times Square? That was the aim of the nearly 14,000 people who came out for Mind Over Madness, an all-day, outdoor event that offered free mass yoga classes in New York on June 20, the eve of the summer solstice.
Minister Promises Bill to Protect Religious Minorities
The Year in Indonesian Social Media
Entrepreneurial power
- Basuki's Motorcycle Ban Plan for Jl. Thamrin Is Another Attack on Indonesia's Less Privileged
- Editorial: Jokowi Should End TNI-Police Violence
- Military, Police Tensions Result in Stabbing Death
- Writing Off or Playing Up Jokowi's Cabinet Are Both Futile Stances
- Bank Indonesia Governor Warns of Impact From Rate Increase by US Fed
- Indonesia Drops in Tax Ranking
- Jusuf Kalla: Indonesia to Stop Sending Women Workers Abroad
- Desi Anwar: A Mental Revolution
- Matahari Sets Retail Sights On Balikpapan Middle Class
- Jokowi to Install BKPM and BNP2TKI Chiefs Next Week
- Jokowi Takes Time Off for Son's Graduation
- Damaging Coverage Doesn't Do JIS Justice
- Jokowi Raises Hackles With Choice of Attorney General
- Furor Over 'Nepotistic' Vetting for Pertamina Chief by Minister Rini
- As International Interest in Indonesia Grows, President Joko Widodo Is Closely Watched
- Tinder Fuels Indonesia's Digital Sexual Revolution
- 'Highly Possible' National Exam Will Be Abolished: Anies
- Indonesia Clears Path for Geothermal Energy as Power Needs Rise
- Basuki: TransJakarta Should Run All of the City's Public Transport
- Indonesia Ranks 25th in Talent Competitiveness: IMD
Poll View Archive
Indonesia Highlights
Agriculture Minister Calls for Irrigation Improvements to Meet Food Sufficiency Goals 04:34 pm Nov 21, 2014
PDI-P Secretary Urges President Widodo to Intervene in Police, Military Turf War in Batam 04:33 pm Nov 21, 2014
Batam Shootout Between Indonesian Army, Police Leaves Soldier Dead, Civilian Injured 04:32 pm Nov 21, 2014
Balikpapan Authorities Stem Mud Volcano After Six Days of Flow 04:29 pm Nov 21, 2014
Administrative Reform Minister Chrisnandi Cheers Banyuwangi Penny Pinching 04:28 pm Nov 21, 2014
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Official site for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Address: 543 High Street, Prahran, Victoria 3181
Phone: 03 9521 2516
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
A 'seasonal menu' has become a cliche, but Prahan cafe Spoonful takes this idea very seriously. You get that when the first item on the breakfast menu is 'the best fruit we can find in rosewater syrup'. The menu is full of creatively executed Modern Australian dishes and the cafe's got a bright, breezy dining room to match. Come for a laid-back brunch.
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Chelsea Transfers: 10 Possible January Deals
25m ago - WC: Flying high at the top of the Premier League and set to embark on another foray in the knocko... | Transfers
Aguero & Jovetic fit to face Bayern
1h ago - Goal - The pair missed training on Monday but Manuel Pellegrini confirmed both are available for... | UEFA Champions League
Slutsky targets Roma revenge
2h ago - Goal - The 43-year-old is expecting more from his side following their Stadio Olimpico horror show | UEFA Champions League
Livorno & Communisim
3h ago - At first glance, a trip to Livorno's Stadio Armando Picchi appears to be an ordinary footballing... | Italian Serie A
Contests for 11x2 Members
Now - Details for the October contest! Win a copy of FIFA 15 for PlayStation 3! | Promoted post
Argentina placed in Group B and Brazil go into Group C for Copa América
4h ago - Goal - The Executive Committee of Conmebol has confirmed which groups the two South American heav... | Other Cups
Olivier Giroud: Arsenal don't know how to close out a win
4h ago - It looks like Olivier Giroud has been making some shrewd observations during his spell on the sid... | English Premier League
Week 14 reactions - Galtier: 'We need to score goals'
5h ago - Saint-Etienne coach Christophe Galtier admitted his side need to become more clinical in front of... | French Ligue 1
Bielsa: 'A difficult win'
6h ago - The OM coach Marcelo Bielsa, like his team, suffered during the match, but enjoyed the victory se... | French Ligue 1
'Ramos is no doctor' - Mourinho hits back in Costa & Fabregas feud
7h ago - The Chelsea boss insists both players were assessed by the Spanish team doctor before they withdr... | English Premier League
Mancini: I don't know how long it will take to fix Inter
8h ago - The 49-year-old is pleased with how his side performed in the 1-1 draw against AC Milan but belie... | Italian Serie A
Podolski demands 'fair chance' at Arsenal
9h ago - The Germany international forward is adamant that he is not "a buffoon who sits out his contract... | English Premier League
Hamburg Leave It Late To Win Northern Derby
9h ago - Hamburg - The 101st northern Germany derby belonged to Hamburger SV on Matchday 12 as they rose a... | German Bundesliga
David Moyes: Real Sociedad boss plays second to Messi on debut
10h ago - David Moyes kicked off his Spanish managerial career by guiding Real Sociedad to a 0-0 draw at st... | Spanish Primera Division
Boca Juniors Fans Lay On Incredible Welcome Party For River Plate Before 'Superclasico' Derby
11h ago - Though the game itself eventually ended goalless, the Boca Juniors fans did all they could to roa... | Argentina Primera Division
Milan need Torres to start scoring - Inzaghi
11h ago - The Rossoneri boss is confident the striker can enjoy a watershed moment just as Hernan Crespo di... | Italian Serie A
Marseille come from behind to regain top spot
11h ago - Andre-Pierre Gignac scored again as a late salvo ensured a 3-1 victory over Bordeaux, while Nante... | French Ligue 1
Match Highlights: Ligue 1 (Week14) - Marseille 3-1 Bordeaux (23/11/14)
11h ago - Toure (55') Lemina (60') Gignac (85') Batshuayi (90') | French Ligue 1
Brendan Rodgers to be replaced at Liverpool by Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp?
11h ago - Liverpool are seemingly planning for life after Brendan Rodgers after reportedly lining up Boruss... | English Premier League
Dirk Kuyt is still the flying Dutchman as former Liverpool forward shows off his Kung Fu skills
12h ago - Dutchman could be on his way back to Premier League as Southampton are keen to sign him in Januar... | English Premier League
Physically and mentally weak Liverpool are getting bullied - Carragher
12h ago - Goal - The former Anfield defender gave a damning assessment of his former club's start to the se... | English Premier League
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Now - Join the finest minds in consumer research and change the world one product at a time. Share your unique opinion and get paid for it! Participation... | Promoted post
Messi record disputed by Zarra family
13h ago - Goal - The Barcelona star may have scored more La Liga goals than Telmo Zarra's 251 but needed mo... | Culture
'Keep on making history!' - Suarez & Puyol lead tributes to record-breaking Messi
14h ago - Goal - The Barcelona star finally surpassed Telmo Zarra's tally for goals in La Liga on Saturday... | Spanish Primera Division
Crystal Palace 3-1 Liverpool: Reds slip up again at Selhurst
15h ago - Goal - The visitors took an early lead through Rickie Lambert although goals from Dwight Gayle, J... | English Premier League
Klopp devastated by Reus injury
16h ago - Goal - The Germany international is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines after being for... | German Bundesliga
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EU states urged to cooperate on drones, cyber defense
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – European Union states should work together in four areas of defense technology, including developing drones, the bloc's foreign policy chief said in a report on Tuesday.
In a report commissioned ahead of an EU summit in December, Catherine Ashton said European governments should commit to cooperative projects in drones, a new satellite communications system, cyber defense and plugging a shortfall in air tankers.
EU to fault Turkey over protests but urge new talks
BRUSSELS, Oct 15 (Reuters) – A keenly awaited European Union
report will criticise excessive use of force by Turkish police
in tackling protests this year but urge the EU to breathe new
life into Turkey's faltering bid to join the 28-nation bloc.
The executive European Commission publishes its annual
progress reports on Wednesday assessing how far Ankara and other
countries aspiring to membership have come in bringing their
laws and behaviour into line with EU standards.
EU to cut funding to Bosnia as constitutional row blocks EU path
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union is to halve funding to Bosnia after its leaders failed to reach a deal to amend the constitution, dealing another setback to the country's hopes of EU membership.
Talks between EU enlargement chief Stefan Fuele and Bosnian leaders last week raised hopes they were near an agreement to remove discriminatory provisions from the constitution that have blocked the country's bid to join the EU.
EU struggles to find united response to Lampedusa tragedy
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The death of hundreds of African migrants in a shipwreck off Sicily has led to anguished calls for Europe-wide action to tackle mass migration, but divisions among EU states mean the bloc's response is likely to fall short of expectations.
The European Union, under pressure to show it is responding to the disaster off Lampedusa that killed 297 people, many of them women and children, has promised 30 million euros in emergency cash for Italy and proposed expanding search and rescue patrols across the vast southern Mediterranean.
Insight: Turkey questions its EU future as Brussels looks to Balkans
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Turkey has been trying for years to join the European Union, presenting itself as a growing economic and political power and a bridge to Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
But the next country to join the EU's existing 28 members is more likely to be one of six small Balkan countries, five of which still formed part of Yugoslavia when Turkey made its first membership bid.
Turkey questions its EU future as Brussels looks to Balkans
BRUSSELS, Oct 3 (Reuters) – Turkey has been trying for years
to join the European Union, presenting itself as a growing
economic and political power and a bridge to Asian and Middle
Eastern markets.
But the next country to join the EU's existing 28 members is
more likely to be one of six small Balkan countries, five of
which still formed part of Yugoslavia when Turkey made its first
membership bid.
Government shutdown hurting U.S. army: general
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The U.S. Army's chief of staff said on Wednesday the government shutdown was significantly harming the army's day-to-day operations and he urged a rapid resolution to the funding row.
General Ray Odierno said the shutdown "impacts significantly day-to-day operations", forcing the military to cut training and travel and to focus on essential tasks.
Bosnian deal clears obstacle to EU application
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Bosnian leaders moved to clear the main obstacle to their country applying to join the European Union on Tuesday by agreeing to end a constitutional ban on minorities running for high office.
Bosnia trails its fellow former Yugoslav republics in the quest to become a member of the bloc, for years the main driver of reform and stability in the Balkans by offering the hope of prosperity, investment and freedom of movement.
EU raises security level for Somalia team after Kenya attack
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union has increased security precautions for its military advisers in Somalia after the deadly attack by Somali Islamists on a Kenyan shopping mall, it said on Thursday.
The EU has 120 military experts, split between the Somali capital Mogadishu and Uganda, training and advising Somali security forces battling the al Shabaab group which claimed responsibility for the Nairobi attack.
NATO chief urges Europe to fill drone, aircraft gaps
BRUSSELS, Sept 18 (Reuters) – NATO Secretary-General Anders
Fogh Rasmussen will urge Europe on Thursday to step up its
commitment to defence by buying more surveillance drones,
transport and tanker aircraft and strengthening its fragmented
defence industry.
Senior U.S. officials, and Rasmussen himself, have expressed
growing concern that defence cuts pushed through by
cash-strapped European governments have created a big gulf
between U.S. and European military capabilities and risk
weakening NATO.


text:
Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
1/7 Photos of Fresh Fig and Ginger Chutney from the Auberge
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
20 mins
1 hr
When my two fig trees are in season, I struggle to cope with the amount of fruit they produce..........a rather nice problem I have to admit! We eat figs fresh with nearly every meal; I make jams, conserves and also bottle the fruit in liquor. However, this is one of my favourite ways of using some of my fresh figs, and this chutney is just amazing when served with the cheese board or with cold meats and charcuterie. Ginger has a natural affinity with fresh figs and gives this chutney an extra layer of flavour. This chutney does not keep as long as some other fruit chutneys, but that never seems to be a problem, as we eat most of it quite quickly and I always have numerous requests from family and friends for a pot or two when I make it! This intense chutney really captures the fruit's rich sweetness perfectly and is capable of turning a simple toasted sandwich into something rather special.......it's great with all types of cheese.
350g Jars
Units: US | Metric
Serving Size: 1 (3675 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 1
Every recipe, menu, tip and how-to is right here, at your service.


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Sandbox Platform Bed - BlackItem # HN-SSI884
- Made from composite wood in pure black finish
- Chameleon style as it blends in any decor type
- No box spring required but top surface is unfinished
- Designed to support a weight of 500 lbs.
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The Regency Club
- Click to Talk
View property, WalkScore, and Driving Directions
Fax: (845) 344-1481
The Regency Club located in the coveted and tranquil Orange County, NY, is a new luxury apartment community within commuting distance to New York City.
Floorplans and Pricing
1 Bedroom
|1 Bedroom with den
|1.5 Bathrooms
|$1395 - $1495
|Check Availability
2 Bedrooms
|2 Bedroom
|2 Bathrooms
|$1550 - $1600
|Check Availability
Features and AmenitiesBack to Top
Special Features
- Call for Specials!
- NEW LUXURY Spacious Single Level Floorplans
- Grand Clubhouse & State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
- Heated Pool, Outdoor Playground & Tennis Court
- Washer & Dryer in EVERY Home
- Central Air Conditioning
- Lofty 9 ft. Ceilings Throughout
- Private Balconies in Select Homes
- Full Appliance Kitchen; Custom Designed Cabinetry
- 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance & On-site Staff
- Pre-wired TV/Phone in ALL Bedrooms, Dens & Kitchen
- Energy Saving Features
Community Features
- Club House
- Controlled Access
- Fitness Center
- Freeway Access
- Playground
- Pool
- Surface Lot
- Tennis Court
- View
Apartment Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Broadband Internet Access
- Cable or Satellite
- Carpet
- Dishwasher
- Patio or Balcony
- Tile Floors
- Vaulted Ceiling
- Walk In Closets
- Washer Dryer In Unit
Additional Information
Apartments in Community: 132
Pet Policy
Additional fee required.
- Cats Allowed
Local Schools
- Middletown High School
We believe school data to be accurate, but do not guarantee that. Please be sure to verify where your children will attend school before making your housing decision.
As you search for your perfect apartment, please keep in mind that rental rates (including specials and discounts) and availability are very fluid in the apartment industry. Based on many factors, the rental rates (including specials and discounts) and availability can actually change not just daily, but hourly, if not even more quickly. While our advertisers do take steps to keep their information current, the rental rates or availability you may find here now at ForRent.com may not be the same as when you contact the communities.


text: A two-vehicle crash in Twentynine Palms Wednesday morning injured four people. Twentynine Palms Fire Chief Jim Thompson said a collision between a car and pick-up truck shortly after 10 a.m. blocked the westbound lanes of Highway 62 at El Rey Avenue. Westbound traffic was diverted into the eastbound lanes. Four


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RAPRA is focussing on making residents deposit garbage in the designated bins at the designated time
On Sunday morning, around 100 residents of Raja Annamalai Puram – under the banner of Raja Annamalaipuram Residents' Association (RAPRA) – marched forward holding placards and blaring messages from a loudspeaker about taking ownership of their streets, keeping them litter-free and minimising the use of plastics. And, supporting them were representatives from Chennai Municipal Solid Waste Pvt. Ltd and the Chennai Corporation.
In the immediate future, RAPRA is focussing on making residents deposit garbage in the designated bins at the designated time, said Arun Diwakaran, resident and programme coordinator, RAPRA. "After this, our plan is to speak to secretaries of apartments to understand how they are managing waste disposal and talk to independent house owners about composting," he said.
This model of collective action – commendable although not new to the city – could address core solid-waste problems only if it moves beyond efficient waste collection toward source segregation and local recycling of organic waste, say experts.
Zone 9, to which the area belongs, generates 640-650 tonnes of garbage on an average daily, of which between 40-45 tonnes is garden waste, said K. Mukund, zonal head, CMSW, who also participated. Of the three zones, that CMSW handles, zone 9 generates the maximum garbage. But, this is also because, it has more number of wards, he noted. But, composting at the neighbourhood level, he added, needed both time and space, and both have to be arranged for it to work.
R. Chandrasekaran, patron, RAPRA and resident of RA Puram, said that 90 per cent of the garbage disposal problem can be solved by residents. "We are requesting residents to inform CMSW in advance if they are going to trim branches, so that arrangements can be made for its disposal. Similarly for debris," Dr. Chandrasekaran said.
But, talking about source-segregation may be premature now, noted K.T. Anantharama Sarma, secretary, and resident of 4th main road. "We have made a beginning by bringing the residents together to keep our streets clean. People are interested in source-segregation. If officials give guidance and show involvement it will definitely materialise in time," he said.
Keywords: My Chennai My Right, Clean Chennai, The Hindu's campaign, waste management, citizens' initiative, waste segregation, R.A. Puram residents