Shots From The Slot – The Hossa Effect & Impending Contract Extensions

PIB’s co-conspirator Chris Ralph scans Hawks hockey cyberspace for all the latest and greatest articles.

Not exactly an earth shattering revelation, but contract announcements to be announced tomorrow. As Second City Hockey summed it up, “You knew they weren’t going to get to it until they were at home. That sly fox, McDonough, doesn’t miss a thing. Anyway, calm down, Daydream Nation and Flash will be here awhile.” (Chicago Tribune)

Tuesday’s Three Stars in victory over Columbus: Huet, Hossa, Versteeg All Shine in Victory (PIB’s Jim Neveau)

Two key elements of the Blackhawks’ future will get their shot to make Team Canada’s WJC entry at Canada’s National Junior selection camp later this month in Regina, Saskatchewan. Hawks talented blueliners Dylan Olsen and Shawn Lalonde both have a great shot to crack the lineup.(Chicago Tribune)

PIB Presents: Viewer’s Guide To December – Part 1. An excellent breakdown of the month to come for the Blackhawks. (PIB’s Jim Neveau)

Hawks win one for Quinneville: “When Joel Quenneville thinks back to his 500th career win as a head coach, he probably won’t have much trouble recalling the Blackhawks’ 4-3 win that brought him to the milestone. Down twice in regulation, the Hawks managed to tie the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-3 after regulation, and it took an eleven-round shootout for Chicago to earn the victory. “ (Blackhawks.com)

Seabrook admits to nerves in shootout. “Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason’s reaction said it all. Mason slammed his stick against the boards several times after defenseman Brent Seabrook ended the longest shootout in team history hoisting a backhander over Mason’s right pads in the Hawks 4-3 win. In doing so, Seabrook helped Joel Quenneville notch his 500th career win. It was his first ever shootout attempt.” (ESPN – Jesse Rogers)

Six Things the Circus Trip Taught Us About The Blackhawks – number 6 is my personal fav – The Hawks are damn good! (The Hockey Writers)

If you missed, check out PIB’s article on “The Hossa Effect”: Questions Abound As Hossa Prepares To Join The Hawks. This article was featured on Yahoo Sports via Puck Daddy. (PIB’s Jim Neveau)

Dumping it in: “Mirtle churned out his list of top defensive forwards at the quarter pole of the season.  On the list from the Blackhawks were Kris Versteeg, who ranked second, John Madden, and Colin Fraser.” Plus: “And speaking of Patrick Kane, Puck Prospectus attempts to quantify “How Good is Patrick Kane?” “ (Fifth Feather)

Prospect Marcus Kruger named to Team Sweden’s WJC entry (Blackhawks.com)

Blackhawk players’ Olympic dream preview – who going and who’ll be resting up. (Second City Hockey)

Stan Bowman’s Christmas wish-list possibilities. (Hockee Night)

*I’ll end this edition of Shots From The Slot with a call to arms in support PIB and your favourite Blackhawks blogs – NHL Arena is having a “blog off” for Blackhawks blogs! (Vote PIB!)

Tags: Brent Seabrook, chicacgo blackhawks, Duncan Keith, dylan olsen, Jonathon Toews, Patrick Kane