EvilJester99

Per Dailyherald: http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=141008 Blackhawks’ Ruutu has ankle surgery Daily Herald staff report Posted Monday, January 09, 2006 After losing their 10th straight game, the Chicago Blackhawks delivered more bad news on Monday: winger Tuomo Ruutu has undergone ankle surgery to repair a partially severed tendon in his right ankle. The injury occurred during the second period of Sunday’s 5-1 loss to the Nashville Predators, and team officials said Ruutu would be out indefinitely. The surgery likely means Ruutu won’t be able to skate for the Finnish team in next month’s Olympic Games at Turin, Italy. Ruutu, who was sidelined much of the season by back problems, played in only 11 of the Hawks’ 41 games to date and accounted for just 2 goals and 2 assists. He was injured Sunday when he got tangled up behind the Nashville net with a Predators player and he crumbled to the ice after trying to skate back into the play. The Blackhawks, who play at Washington on Tuesday, are suffering their worst losing streak since the 1950-51 team lost its final 12 games of that season to set the franchise record for consecutive losses. Looking ahead: On Tuesday, Blackhawks beat writer Tim Sassone dissects the first half of the club’s disappointing season.

With as sad as the rest of our sports franchises are in this town during the winter....its no wonder why people go nuts waiting for spring training...

I'm not a racist... I just hate everyone...equal opportunity hater here.

I got this off Wirtzsucks.com Mid-Term Grades Fan Commentary, by Mr. Miller Image yourself as a teacher and it's time to hand out mid-term grades for the Chicago Blackhawks' organization. The latest power rankings have the team dead last in the NHL. After 40 games, their record is a paltry 13-23-4 for 30 points. The biggest step for improvement has been a trade for Vrbata. What grades go on the report card that will eventually have to be sent home to be signed by the parents (a.k.a. the fans)? Management As long as Bill Wirtz and Bob Pulford are around, this is a no-brainer. All hockey decisions start and end with them. For now, look no further than a rookie general manager and a rookie head coach (again). Words really can't describe the damage these 2 have done, yet countless articles have been written about them over the years. They are, and always will be, failures. Grade: F General Manager Dale Tallon's trying. However, in the world of professional hockey, that doesn't quite get it done. Sure his hands are tied in regards to running the show. Sure his options are limited based on the history of the organization and the way it's moving towards the future. Nevertheless, he has built a team of blue-collar, tough-nosed, "Blackhawk" type players. Sadly, the "new" NHL doesn't cater itself to that style of play and the bottom line reflects that. A good pick-up in Spacek and the benefit of the doubt being a rookie GM is about all that saves him from a failing grade. Grade: D+ Coaching Alot of people are already calling for Trent Yawney's head. And to a certain degree, those people have legitimate arguments. This team lacks discipline, has trouble playing a full 60 minutes of hockey, has players who take shifts off, and has special teams ranked near the bottom of the league. That's the fault of the coaching staff in which Yawney is in charge. However, he's been given mediocre talent and players who don't fit in today's NHL. That's not his fault. Nevertheless.... Grade: D Players Listing individual grades for 23+ players, along with their good and bad points, isn't going to happen here. Afterall, on a team with a 13-23-4 record, there aren't alot of "A" grades to be passed out. But let's just say that based on expectations, guys like Lapointe, Barnaby, Cullimore, Khabibulin, Down, Brown, and Aucoin aren't anywhere close to making this semester's honor roll. At least players like Calder, Bell, Ruttu, Keith, and Spacek have been playing well enough to help mess up the grading curve for everyone else. But still, the bottom line is the bottom line and team-wise, they're just not very good. Grade: D+ While it's a hopeful thought to think that there is plenty of time to bring these grades up and finish the season on a high note - just stop. There's not. Unless there's a hidden cheat sheet with all the answers, expect this team to continue on their path to proudly emulate the Chicago Public School system. At least the fans have a longer summer vacation to look forward to. Overall mid-term grade: D-

I see Al Mogilny just got dumped by the Devils.... maybe the Hawks should look at getting him and see if he can't help this lackluster offense...

Like Troy Murray was saying tonight is the Youngsters are playing fairly well but the thing that is really killing this team is the Veterans they brought in need to show some consistency and play like they are suppose to be....Esp. Aucion, Cullimore and Habby.

I also like what I see fromg Seabrook and Keith...also Babchuk looks to be fairly solid if he keeps his head in the game and he also has a damn nice shot from the blue line....Vrbata also seems to bring some good speed and decent hands...

Happy New Year all!!

from today's MSN Game Trax -- News: Don't be surprised if the Devils make a play for Chicago defenseman Adrian Aucoin after the NHL roster freeze ends today. Impact: The Blackhawks have not denied he is available and New Jersey needs immediate help for their sickly power play. Stay tuned.

Hell even getting back Ruutu and maybe even the biggest puss around Daze wouldn't save this team. They are way too undisciplined. The "Bulin Wall" has been an obvious let down...given his defense in front of him hasn't been great and also playing on the penelty kill more times than at even strength hurts too....

Merry Xmas all!!

Prayers to the Dungy family...terrible news.

I was thinking of another NL team that could use some pitching...I am not sure as to what they may have to offer in return is the Giants....weren't the Sox tied to rumors about Pedro Feliz at one point last season??

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't Eric Byrnes get non tendered?? If so I think Kenny should look at him to play CF....that guy is balls out all the time..

I can't seem to get past this part of it...."Amputee vet running" I know I know I am going to hell...

I am changing mine to Ava...

I really thought he would turn out to be something good... too bad he took that ball in the chest..he never seemed to recover from that. Best of luck Josh!!

Personally I would rather Kenny trades the Count for the biggest reason of his age...although the guy is strong as a bull and seems to have endless stamina, you just never know with the older guys.

Out of all the trades...I would rather have Tejada...the guy is a superstud and would put up killer #'s at the Cell. I wanted the Sox to get him when he was still with the A's...hopefully Kenny can git r done.

IIRC didn't Tracey have a pretty decent ST last year...I know I was pretty impressed by him...I also agree he will be good out of the pen.

Since it is being discussed here... which do you prefer the XM or Sirius?? I am looking at buying one and am not sure which to go with....

They need to get Grissom on the case... he solves everything....

QUOTE(maggsmaggs @ Dec 14, 2005 -> 07:36 PM) If we get Blalock, we will need to have someone in Center field, telling him what pitches are coming Seems we just found a new gig for Timo....

Most excellent news Steff....the boy is a tough fighter!!

Happy BDay!!