How do you measure a leader? By words, deeds, or both?

After the Chicago Blackhawks' lack of effort last night against Phoenix, Hawks' Captain Jonathan Toews said, "We've got to find ways to push ourselves and motivate ourselves for these games. I don't know what we're thinking about right now, but definitely our focus isn't there." Would it be there tonight?

Toews not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. He assisted on Patrick Sharp's opening goal in the first period, before potting one of his own, also in the first, leading the Hawks to a 2-1  win over the Blues tonight in Scottrade Center in Dogpatch St. Louis.

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What's worse than bad hockey? Maybe boring hockey. This team is officially ready for the Olympic break. Too bad they've got four more games until they get to it.<< MORE >>

No excuse for this one. The Hawks returned home from their 8 game road trip and promptly took a dump on home ice against the St. Louis Blues.<< MORE >>

As you know, we at HOCKEENIGHT have taken great pride in never advertising anything other than charitable causes, like Brian Campbell's poker tournament. Until now.

Our new friends at Pucking Hilarious have put together some pretty damn funny shirt designs. And, seeing as how none of you cheap bastards have bought a goddamn thing from our store, I can only assume that you've been saving your precious nickels and dimes for something like this to come along. Either that, or you've all been dropping your money on the bar at Laschet's Inn.

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This week, we welcome star of comments and Shoutbox Mark Giangreco Roman Wrestler to our PUCKCAST.

We discuss Kevin Millar as well as any number of available goalies the Hawks will undoubtedly trade for.

Enjoy.

        

At this point, almost a week has passed since the hue and cry ensued over the pictures of Chicago Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane, Kris VERSTEEG! and John Madden were photographed partying in the back of a limousine.

Kurtenblog ran with the photos, and the pictures triggered a metric assload of handwringing and hysteria. On the bright side, it gave us a few days off from all the asinine ruminations involving how Cristobal Huet somehow sucks, so at least we had that magical time.

So back to the whole limo thing. There were basically two schools of thought that emerged from the whole thing:

School one was "These players are spoiled immature assholes who aren't acting in a responsible manner"

School two was "These players shouldn't be criticized for what they do off the ice."

What's missing in all this is a very important point.

Partying in a limo is awesome.

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Well, it's over. The Hawks 8 game road trip that started in the east, then swung through western Canada, down to San Jose mercifully ended with one last game in North Carolina tonight. Through the first two periods, it certainly looked like the Hawks were poised to make a good road trip a great one.<< MORE >>

This is one for the ages, from December 7, 1963.

We offer it tonight in honor of our last two PUCKCAST guests, Dave Morris and Julian from Pension Plan Puppets. It's for Dave - who is even older than Fork. It's for Julian, who loves the Leafs. Hell, we might as well throw it out to Down Goes Brown, even though he's currently incarcerated for mopary.

It starts with two legendary tough guys, Reg Fleming of the Hawks and Bob Baun of the Leafs. From there, all hell breaks loose.

It's a long clip, so grab a drink & snack. But damn, it's fun.

        

That was a good game. << MORE >>

Tonight's tilt in Edmonton against the Oilers marked the Chicago Blackhawks' last sojourn into the Great White North for the regular season. We here at HOCKEENIGHT thought there was no better way to bid a fond farewell to the provinces than to turn recapping duties, once again, over to our Canadian outsource correspondent, Dave Morris.

Take it away, Dave! ... << MORE >>