****Official 2016-17 NHL Regular Season Thread****

[OnTheWarpath15]

The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath this year. This thread is for the 9 hockey fans here to talk about it!

Thoughts on the upcoming season?

[OnTheWarpath15]

Hanzal to the Wild for literally eleventy-billion picks.

Oh, and the Wild are absolutely STACKED down the middle now.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Hanzal to the Wild for literally eleventy-billion picks.

Oh, and the Wild are absolutely STACKED down the middle now.

I haven't really figured them out... they're better statistically this season and I've seen several 5-3 type scores, but almost every time I've watched them, they look like every other Wild team of the past 15 years. The only exception was against Chicago a few weeks ago, where they looked pretty competent for half a game.

However, like the Chiefs and any other team that does the same thing every single year and somehow expects different results, it's hard to believe anything is different until they do it in the playoffs.

[scho63]

Has anyone here been to a Blackhawk game at the United Center?

I'm considering knocking out the last of my (4) bucket list of watching my favorite sports team in their home town stadium this season.

I would love some recommendations of good to excellent seats and what it's like there. I know they ain't cheap.

Washington Bullets-Wizards: check
Pittsburgh Pirates: check
Kansas City Chiefs: check
Chicago Blackhawks: NEED

[Chiefs4TheWin]

Originally Posted by scho63

Has anyone here been to a Blackhawk game at the United Center?

I'm considering knocking out the last of my (4) bucket list of watching my favorite sports team in their home town stadium this season.

I would love some recommendations of good to excellent seats and what it's like there. I know they ain't cheap.

Washington Bullets-Wizards: check
Pittsburgh Pirates: check
Kansas City Chiefs: check
Chicago Blackhawks: NEED

You see the Pirates at PNC or 3 Rivers?

[C3HIEF3S]

Originally Posted by scho63

Has anyone here been to a Blackhawk game at the United Center?

I'm considering knocking out the last of my (4) bucket list of watching my favorite sports team in their home town stadium this season.

I would love some recommendations of good to excellent seats and what it's like there. I know they ain't cheap.

Washington Bullets-Wizards: check
Pittsburgh Pirates: check
Kansas City Chiefs: check
Chicago Blackhawks: NEED

Grew up going to Blackhawks games. My dad had season tickets from 1992-2006. The United Center is huge, and you're right, tickets aren't cheap. There have been times where we've spent a grand total on 4 tickets in the 300 level.

But if you're asking me (personally) on what the best seats in the house are? 200 level. No better view, while also not being in the nose bleeds. 100 level obviously is great too, but nothing beats the 200 level, IMO. I'd settle for 200 level on an end even. First few rows of the 300 level can get the job done, but the upper-rows of the 300 level are way, way up there. It's a hell of a place to see a game, especially come playoff time. Have fun, and I hope you can snag some tickets!

How about those Hawks lately?

[KCUnited]

Originally Posted by scho63

Has anyone here been to a Blackhawk game at the United Center?

I'm considering knocking out the last of my (4) bucket list of watching my favorite sports team in their home town stadium this season.

I would love some recommendations of good to excellent seats and what it's like there. I know they ain't cheap.

Washington Bullets-Wizards: check
Pittsburgh Pirates: check
Kansas City Chiefs: check
Chicago Blackhawks: NEED

I've been to a handful of Blackhawks games at the UC. I've only sat suite level though, which hover over the 100 level. Honestly though, the top of the 100 level is a great view. Obviously I'm a fan, but the game experience is one of the better ones I've had. The National Anthem is great, it's loud, seeing the Blackhawk banners hanging from one end and the 90's Bulls hanging from the other is pretty impressive.

As far as the UC, there's nothing immediately around it except possible death and rape, but a few minutes away is Randolph St which is a great row of restaurants/bars. Some places, like Haymarket Brewery (highly recommended) run free shuttles to the UC 45 minutes and 15 minutes before games.

[CaliforniaChief]

I've done more thinking about the Kings' acquisition of Bishop and it makes sense IF they're still able to acquire a forward to play with Kopitar (which I've heard is likely).

I suppose if your offense is crap like the Kings' offense is, you acquire a top goalie so that you've always got a rested #1 in net to lower the number of goals you need to win.

I also think they did it in a sense to block Calgary from getting him.

I like the Hanzal move for MN. Who cares about the picks when you have so many prospects as it is?

[scho63]

Originally Posted by Chiefs4TheWin

You see the Pirates at PNC or 3 Rivers?

PNC 3 times. I love that place and really love Pittsburgh.

[scho63]

Originally Posted by C3HIEF3S

Grew up going to Blackhawks games. My dad had season tickets from 1992-2006. The United Center is huge, and you're right, tickets aren't cheap. There have been times where we've spent a grand total on 4 tickets in the 300 level.

But if you're asking me (personally) on what the best seats in the house are? 200 level. No better view, while also not being in the nose bleeds. 100 level obviously is great too, but nothing beats the 200 level, IMO. I'd settle for 200 level on an end even. First few rows of the 300 level can get the job done, but the upper-rows of the 300 level are way, way up there. It's a hell of a place to see a game, especially come playoff time. Have fun, and I hope you can snag some tickets!

How about those Hawks lately?

Originally Posted by KCUnited

I've been to a handful of Blackhawks games at the UC. I've only sat suite level though, which hover over the 100 level. Honestly though, the top of the 100 level is a great view. Obviously I'm a fan, but the game experience is one of the better ones I've had. The National Anthem is great, it's loud, seeing the Blackhawk banners hanging from one end and the 90's Bulls hanging from the other is pretty impressive.

As far as the UC, there's nothing immediately around it except possible death and rape, but a few minutes away is Randolph St which is a great row of restaurants/bars. Some places, like Haymarket Brewery (highly recommended) run free shuttles to the UC 45 minutes and 15 minutes before games.

Looking good!

Thanks for the advice-POS REP sent

[OnTheWarpath15]

Blues have requested a trade call with the league - Shattenkirk to the Capitals, return unknown.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Blues have requested a trade call with the league - Shattenkirk to the Capitals, return unknown.

A few people on twitter think it's for Oshie, one person even saying Oshie and a 5th rounder.... but WTF would the Caps do that?!

Unless I guess they really think they're getting Duchene or Landeskog or someone.

[Bearcat]

Shattenkirk trade has other details but main parts I believe: 1st RD pick in 2017, 2nd RD pick in 2018 and Zach Ranford going to St. Louis

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 28, 2017

[ChiefsCountry]

Getting some draft picks is nice I guess. Washington has to be the big favorite to win the Cup this year.

[OnTheWarpath15]

So the biggest trade piece of the season nets a pick in the very late 20's, a 2nd round pick that Washington doesn't have (traded it for Lars Eller) and a prospect who has a 3rd line ceiling.

Blues gonna Blues.

[Shag]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Hanzal to the Wild for literally eleventy-billion picks.

Oh, and the Wild are absolutely STACKED down the middle now.

Interesting move for the Wild - huge price for a 3rd/4th line C. Going into a weak draft, but still - not sure I like this move for the cost. Regardless, they're clearly all in for this year, which is pretty exciting. If this move fails, Fletcher may be out. Going to be a fun run down the stretch.

Originally Posted by Bearcat

I haven't really figured them out... they're better statistically this season and I've seen several 5-3 type scores, but almost every time I've watched them, they look like every other Wild team of the past 15 years. The only exception was against Chicago a few weeks ago, where they looked pretty competent for half a game.

However, like the Chiefs and any other team that does the same thing every single year and somehow expects different results, it's hard to believe anything is different until they do it in the playoffs.

The Wild are a completely different team this year than any year in their history. They finally have an offensive minded coach that opens things up, and lets the young guys use their speed and create opportunities. They can score with anyone, and are never out of a game - they can put up points in a hurry. Their young talent is awesome.

The D needs to shore up a bit, but having Brodin back should help there. Dubnyk needs to stay on top of his game.

They're a legit contender this year, but you're right on one front - they're the Chiefs of the NHL in the postseason. Wild history + Bodreau history doesn't give a lot of confidence for the playoffs, lol.