Everyone knows that 95% of the plays should be ruled over then. When a player goes post to post, the puck stops moving toward the goal line. So, they should just explain the truth (they are fixing the game, because that is really what they are doing).
- powerenforcer

Flat earth

You're severely underrating the Predators forwards, i get it that everyone has their own opinion but to say the Preds have a "rag tag" group of forwards is just wrong.
- SimpleJack

O-P-I-N-I-O-N

So, anyone else like me think the TB Lightning are the best team in the league this year/favorites to win the Cup?

They look INCREDIBLE. So much elite young talent, and I'm not even talking about the core that was already in place(Stamkos, Triplets, Hedman/Stralman, Killorn, etc). They've added some outstanding young defenseman, Sergachev in particular stands out. Gourde and Point are some of their new young talents at forward. Point is already an elite 2-way center. Also guys like Pauquette, Brown, and Callahan are all still there to provide the 4th line depth. Kunitz was a solid depth acquisition. Tyler Johnson might be the best 3C in the NHL. Namestnikov is an underrated talent. Vasilevskiy is a Cup worthy starting goalie.

I REALLY like that team, top to bottom its the most talented group in the league IMO. Unless the Penguins can make a really nice move at 3C and further upgrade their blueline(literally JUST NOW saw that they traded for Sheahan, meh....we'll see how that works out).

Nashville isn't far behind either.
- SimpleJack

Tampa's top line looks incredible.

Tampa's top line looks incredible.
- RaleighHawk

Yup, includes what might be 2 of the top 5 forwards in the NHL right now. Definitely 2 of the top 10.

And still the Yotes were the equal, if not better, team...

Yup, includes what might be 2 of the top 5 forwards in the NHL right now. Definitely 2 of the top 10.
- SimpleJack

https://www.usatoday.com/...tinues-improve/771587001/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/lightning/2017/10/17/his-garage-arena-lightning-star-nikita-kucherov-continues-improve/771587001/
- BetweenTheDots

This is what happens when you have hungry players who haven't won a championship

#6 must be in this lineup.
- WJDiedrich

I’m sure he will be soon enough, but who sits?

I’m sure he will be soon enough, but who sits?
- DarthKane

Oyster.

The topic title is on point.

This was simply put a game that they were suppose to win.

I said it before the blues game, the 3 in 4 day with a Road rivalry game, a game vs fast EDM team, and a potential trap game, could see us with only 2 pts in 3 games. We walked away with 3. They are ok. Need to do the same vs Vegas (get points we should get).

LVGK have been better than expected but with MAF out, they need to take advantage and get the win. Just stay the course for now.

... and there you go, Rockford wins again, 5-0!

Goals from Iacopelli, Knott, Hino, Gustafsson & Svedberg.

Once thing can be said for advancing a players on the farm personally, but I think it is so key to create a winning atmosphere from top to bottom of an organization.

If these guys learn to win in the AHL, it's only going to help them when they get to the NHL.
- TyCamScore

Gatekeeper and I have a commitment from Coach Colliton for a Shoutcast appearance in the next week or so. Will post time.

I am thinking we will be seeing some sort of call up in the next week just to shake the forward group up. Particularly one of Hayden or DeBrincat might visit the rock? Not necessarily a function of poor play but just giving a different look to the 3rd/4th lines.

I'm still convinced there is a bit of marketing going on for players that will need to be sent away for that elusive F (Duchene?) or defensive upgrade.

AA and DeBrincat might not be such a good match. Both of those guys play well enough with Sharp, but AA and ADB haven't figured it out yet. They need to.

AA for Shaw.

Hey Chicago fans:
Just bought tickets for Fridays game for myself and 5 others that are in town for a conference.
Any recommendations for things to do around the arena that are a must? Bars/restaurants.
Looking forward to visiting the Madhouse... hoping for a good game too!

NYTimes article about a service many here subscribe to:

https://www.nytimes.com/2...m-well&WT.nav=bottom-well

Gatekeeper and I have a commitment from Coach Colliton for a Shoutcast appearance in the next week or so. Will post time.
- John Jaeckel

Amazing, keep us posted JJ.

He's a very interesting guy and hopefully along with the personal progression of players, the Hawks get a coach that grows and makes it to the big leagues as well!

Hey Chicago fans:
Just bought tickets for Fridays game for myself and 5 others that are in town for a conference.
Any recommendations for things to do around the arena that are a must? Bars/restaurants.
Looking forward to visiting the Madhouse... hoping for a good game too!
- mlindsay

Im a fan of Lagunitas Brewery myself. They have a taproom on site. Beer Flights available and the food is solid too. They also do a free tour. (early tours include tastings too if you have time for that, dont know what your conference will also time wise.)

There are Greek and Italian Districts that arent far that have Lots of great places. Dont know what kind of food your into. There are also lots of Places over on Randolph street like the Haymarket Brewery or the Girl and the Goat.

Hope you have a great time at the game!

Hey Chicago fans:
Just bought tickets for Fridays game for myself and 5 others that are in town for a conference.
Any recommendations for things to do around the arena that are a must? Bars/restaurants.
Looking forward to visiting the Madhouse... hoping for a good game too!
- mlindsay

Definitely do Gibsons or Chicago cut for a good meal. Or a place called Bella Notte for some of the best Italian in the city.

Hey Chicago fans:
Just bought tickets for Fridays game for myself and 5 others that are in town for a conference.
Any recommendations for things to do around the arena that are a must? Bars/restaurants.
Looking forward to visiting the Madhouse... hoping for a good game too!
- mlindsay

If you're staying in the loop. I'd recommend dinner and drinks in the west loop area.

Au Cheval has incredible burgers (but can be impossible to get in), Girl and Goat is spectacular, Green Street Smoked Meats is tremendous, Haymarket brewery is solid bar food and good beer. Basically anything off Randolph between the river and Ogden is a winner.

If you just want drinks, Lone Wolf is a good choice (also off Randolf), great beer list cool vibe. The Twisted Spoke is a killer whiskey bar off Ogden and Grand.

If you want pizza, travel to Piece or Pequods (both north and west of the Loop) you wont be disappointed.

All depends on what you're looking for.

The art institute has probably the second best collection in the world and worth walking around. Going up to Wrigley and seeing that decrepit building is a thing (Yes I am a Sox fan) and there are a bunch of crazy places on Clark street there to drink and make bad life decisions.

Im a fan of Lagunitas Brewery myself. They have a taproom on site. Beer Flights available and the food is solid too. They also do a free tour. (early tours include tastings too if you have time for that, dont know what your conference will also time wise.)

There are Greek and Italian Districts that arent far that have Lots of great places. Dont know what kind of food your into. There are also lots of Places over on Randolph street like the Haymarket Brewery or the Girl and the Goat.

Hope you have a great time at the game!
- gnosox1986

Yea that brewery is nuts in terms of size and pretty close to the Stadium.

Half Acre is a cool place too and now serving food.

Hey Chicago fans:
Just bought tickets for Fridays game for myself and 5 others that are in town for a conference.
Any recommendations for things to do around the arena that are a must? Bars/restaurants.
Looking forward to visiting the Madhouse... hoping for a good game too!
- mlindsay

Local tavern: The Beer Bistro on Madison, just up the street from the United Center.

Deli: Manny's Deli on Jefferson and Roosevelt

Little Italy: Tuscany on Taylor Street (although it's hard to go wrong with any restaurant down there)

Deep-dish Pizza: Pequods on Clybourn

Steak: Chicago Cut on LaSalle and the River

Dessert: Margie's Candies on Milwaukee and Armitage

Diner food: The Palace Grill is just a few blocks away from the stadium.

ETA: I agree with Fatty that Twisted Spoke is pretty cool.

Hey Chicago fans:
Just bought tickets for Fridays game for myself and 5 others that are in town for a conference.
Any recommendations for things to do around the arena that are a must? Bars/restaurants.
Looking forward to visiting the Madhouse... hoping for a good game too!
- mlindsay

One place for pizza not mentioned is Bonci, in the aforementioned West Loop, and is a chain from Rome. Different format, and a fun way to eat pizza.

If you like Montreal style smoked pastrami, they have it at Fumare, which is in the French Market.

I would agree that the West Loop is a great area for restaurants. Chances are you will do well even if you pick randomly. Here is a list of some of them, all price points represented, and Bonci is mentioned within: https://chicago.eater.com...-to-eat-west-loop-chicago

Anything boiling on the Hossa end?

I feel like we were all under the impression that Hossa is going to be moved as part of cap reduction, but I guess that's out the window at this point?

One place for pizza not mentioned is Bonci, in the aforementioned West Loop, and is a chain from Rome. Different format, and a fun way to eat pizza.

If you like Montreal style smoked pastrami, they have it at Fumare, which is in the French Market.

I would agree that the West Loop is a great area for restaurants. Chances are you will do well even if you pick randomly. Here is a list of some of them, all price points represented, and Bonci is mentioned within: https://chicago.eater.com...-to-eat-west-loop-chicago
- 333inthe3rd

Good call on the Montreal-stype pastrami.

The Gage on Michigan Avenue has pretty good poutine. I'm sure there are others around the city, but the Gage has good overall food and bar.

Anything boiling on the Hossa end?

I feel like we were all under the impression that Hossa is going to be moved as part of cap reduction, but I guess that's out the window at this point?
- purepone

During the last home game telecast, they showed the suite where all Hawks management sits and they showed Hossa up there. Great guy to get personnel feedback from, and even game strategy.

Question, though: do the healthy scratches and injured players sit together in a separate box or do they all sit with management? I always thought they were in their own box so they can watch the game with the non-bench coaches to watch, learn, etc.