The Classic set-up
Snapshots —
... importance to Scotty Bowman, and a slate of notes regarding the imminent tilt. Blackhawks president John McDonough, who was hired away from the Chicago Cubs last winter, openly admits that he both lobbied Gary Bettman to bring outdoor hockey to Chicago if (and, ultimately, when) the league's plans for a Yankee Stadium game fell through, and he happily notes that his connections to the Cubs greased the wheels for what he hopes is a fan recruitment opportunity of massive proportions: December 26, Globe and Mail : "For us, it's like going back to a college reunion in some ways," ...
Empty Netter Assists - Western Conference - 12-28-08
Empty Netters —
... an assist in regulation from Jonathan Cheechoo and Mike Grier.
-The Blue Jackets recalled forward Craig MacDonald from Syracuse of the AHL.
-Today's stodgy old journalist upset he'll have to work New Years Days because of that darn Winter Classic is Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune.
-It's not supposed to um... rain at the Winter Classic.
-Last season's Winter Classic gave Blackhawks president John McDonough the inspiration to host this season's game.
-Check out the rink at Wrigley Field: ...
Monday Afternoon Required Reading
Sean Leahy's Going Five Hole —
... ) Workers are painting ivy on the outfield walls at Wrigley. Sweetness. ( Globe & Mail ) Shea Weber takes it upon himself to vault up the Norris Trophy standings. ( ...
Can the Stars build on this?
Battle of California —
... Obviously, though, even such promising signs of life must be seen through reality-colored glasses. The Stars are still the third worst team in the Western Conference points wise and they're about to face a murderous stretch as the world gets drunk and as the ivy paint goes up at Wrigley Field. ...
