Seabrook, Hossa at practice
Posted by TimS on Wed, 10/28/2009 - 11:33
Brent Seabrook returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering concussion-like symptoms last week.
Jonathan Toews was not at practice, meaning he will miss his third straight game Thursday at Nashville with his concussion-like symptoms.
Marian Hossa practiced with his teammates for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in July. While his teammates wore red and black jerseys, Hossa was in white making him off limits for contact.
The Hawks still hope Hossa can join the lineup perhaps a bit ahead of schedule in mid-November.
Posted this in Sassone's column, and thought I would throw it out here while I wait for the game to start tonight.
Wasn't Kopecky supposed to be physical?
If he's planning on keeping his job by being a scoring threat I hope he doesn't plan on buying a home in Chicago.
We need some bangers, and have a bunch of little skaters and some supposed big bangers that play like little skaters.
If the Preds would have been physical last night they would have beat us by another 2 goals.
That being said, Huey played really well. He was probably our best player. The guy has some chops and some heart - he is really pretty good when his confidence is up.
Not sure what your opinions are, but I personally hate Patrick Sharp's role on the powerplay. Being used at the point limits his ability to get quality shots on goal, and lets face it, his accuracy is not the best. I would much rather see him play down low where he can score some of those garbage goals or at least be in the position to blast a one-timer. That loss hurts considering Nashville is terrible.
*Side note, it was nice to see Big Buff pull an Ed Belfour at the end of the game. He is playing with the emotion that was lacking last regular season.
*Tonight is going to be a very tough game. The Hawks didn't have much at all last night, and that was on a few nights rest. Hopefully they will play above their competition instead of matching it.
I agree that Q is reaching when he puts Sharp at the point.....you can add Bolland to that thought too. Sharp in particular has proven to be a deadly scorer when he shoots quick near the net and is on one of his hot streaks. Its early in the season so Q probably figures it is the best time to try some different things. But the PP needs to start scoring a few goals so perhaps experimentation should be put on hold until Toews and Hossa start playing.
Goals in general have been much harder to come by this year but it should be no surprise since the team's top two scorers from last year aren't on the ice. Things will probably change if they ever get Toews and Hossa out there healthy but for now it is a grind and they'll probably keep making opposing goaltenders look great until their missing scorers are in the lineup.
Tim Sassone says the Hawks are looking to move Hendry to forward rather than bring up Jake Dowell. If that's true, hope our fast little forwards are prepared to take a physical beating from the Preds tonight -- especially after our last win against them.
Why the Hawks brass don't recognize the need for a player that will consistently play with a physical edge on a team full of little fast guys - several with major concussion issues - is beyond me.
Maybe we need concussions for Kane, Sharp and Versteeg until the little light goes on in Hawks management's heads. If Dollar Bill was still alive I would suspect that the Hawks get a group discount for concussion treatment.
I just don't get it.
Has anyone heard how Eager is doing? Makes me a little nervous that he has been out so long and no one is talking.
Dowell did a nice job adding some physical presence recently, buy Eags gives us that little bit of nasty that we need on this team.
Hurry back Eags!
He just seems to have fallen off the radar, no ones talking, makes me nervous too. I have asked around but everyone seems equally ignorant.
Haven't we seen enough of Ebbett...already?
I would like to see him for a few more games. Like the wheels on the forecheck.
I felt the same way about Kopecky in the beginning. He seemed to be un-noticeable, did not stand out at all. I guess I expected a lot more than what he delivered the first 5 games. It seems he's picked up his play and finally stood out the last 3-4 games. Let's hope he and Ebbett continue to make us take notice.
I think he just really needs a bit more nose for the net, but he has made some nice plays with the puck. He seems to have good wheels and a little grit on the forecheck (for his size).
Sweet.
His hit didn't look as bad as Toews'. He was hit in the face with a skate boot if I'm not mistaken. Seabrook is probably at full strength and ready to go for tomorrow.
Not too worried if Seabrook misses the next two. Let's us see more Ebbett and Dowell.
I'd like to see more of his jackhammer left. Sure caught Hnidy's attention.
I've got tickets for that game when the Hawks visit San Jose. If I can see Hossa on a line with Towes and Kane at a live game, that will make my year. Oh yeah, it would also be nice to see Seabrook put Heatley through the boards.
Can't wait. He is a complete hockey player and perfect for this team.
His schedule to return has always been padded, so it's no surprise. I'm sure that if the team had been struggling to start the year, we would have seen Hossa returning to the lineup in full right now. Seabrook returning would be a good boost for the club. Sopel was better in the last game, but it would crazy to think this team doesn't miss #7.
What's the hurry? Just like with Toews and Seabs, I hope they don't rush him back and then regret it later. I want them all healthy come March and April, if that means we don't win the Presidents Trophy en route to the finals then so be it. The Hawks have such good depth that they should just use it for now, suck it up, gut out some wins, and make sure these key guys are right for when it really matters.