Hawks Hockey Hoiden

Update: The NHL suspended Wisniewski for 8 games without pay. Yes! I hope this means that instead of adversely affecting all players when dirty hits happen, the NHL sees that they need only punish the offenders, and even more harshly repeat offenders like Wisniewski (and Ovechkin). Thank you NHL for getting it right!

When the Blackhawks traded James ‘Wiz’ Wisniewski last season, I was the first to balk about that.  How could the Blackhawks trade a valued and tough d-man like that?  Since then, the Hawks have been struggling with their ‘D’ no question about it.  But watching as Wiz and Brent Seabrook exchanged pleasantries before the first intermission in tonight’s Hawks/Ducks game and then watching Wisniewski gun for Brent Seabrook in the 2nd period and purposely leave his skates and take Seabs out by the head?!  Oh, them’s fightin’ words Wiz!  And are you kidding me with that “charging” call?  What?  No automatic ejection?  Not even boarding?

At least Duncan Keith rushed in to box Wisniewski’s ears after that dirty hit.  Similarly, Nick Boynton more than proved his worth in having a go at Wisniewski in the last minute of the game.  If only Boynton had gotten some good shots under Wiz’s visor!

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Just had to say, like Pat Foley did, what a wonderful job Eddie Olczyk did at the Olympics.  He was the perfect choice for commentating the Olympic games.  In fact, the only combo better than Eddie-O and Doc is Eddie-O and Pat Foley.  And you know it’s really saying something that Eddie can make even Mike Milbury palatable!

Oh, and since I’m in the middle of watching tonight’s Blackhawks game against the Oilers, I just have to ask, because I’m thinking of it, did Dustin Byfuglien get a nose job?  I swear his nose is smaller and even shorter!  Anybody else notice that?  Also, I think the fact that Jonathan Toews must be exhausted is throwing off the equilibrium of the team.  Give this kid a break and let him sit out a few games before he collapses would ya?!

Along those lines, do you think when Niklas Hjalmarsson goes to take a shower in the morning he sees a whole bunch of purple circles on his chest?  Brings new meaning to “taking one for the team”!  And do you think when Marian Hossa looks in the mirror he thinks he looks like Ziggy too?

Sorry folks to have been gone so long.  Your hoiden has been sick and so will be in and out.  But rest assured.  I’m still watching hockey like a Hawk. ;-)

Speaking of sick, what has happened to our boy Jonathan Toews?  Post-Olympics and post-gold medal, he looks gaunt, pallid, and sickly.  Are you ok Tazer??? Hopefully I speak for all Hawks fans when I say we’d rather have Jonny well than playing hockey, so please get well soon!  Keep eating those Charlie Trotter’s steaks you love so much, and get some iron or something. (And forget Sid the Kid, Toews is not only the MVP of the Canadian team, but of all the hockey players in the Olympics.  He was just that good.  How dare Team Canada start him on the 4th line!)

And, if I’m going to play the part of the scolding mother (though, no, I am not old enough to be anyone’s mother!)  then I must also scold Niklas Hjalmarsson and inquire as to why he’s not wearing his visor??  Naughty Jelly!

Oh, and we’re back to the beginning of the season where we’re having goal-tender issues again, which lends credence to my stance that we have no reliable, consistent goal-tenders in net!…sigh…

Ok.  That is all.  Back to convalescing.