I just got back from the game too, and that hit was right in front of me. Atkinson beat Jacks on the race and put himself in a terrible position in got clobbered. Seeing the replay, I still don't think it was the right call. Schwartz had a couple of very good shifts I thought. One in particular was right in front of me and he intercepted like 3 passes and just toyed with the Dmen for the entire shift. I was very impressed. Jaro made some huge saves. That pass through the slot where he slid over and made the save with his pad was good, but it didn't sound like the CBJ got a ton of wood on it. That one in the dying seconds was probably even better. It wasn't perfect, but it's 2 points at home, which has been a pretty tough of late.
So far it looks like he isn't being resigned at the end of the year.
One forward from the Top 9 probably has to go due to the budget limitations and need to resign several young players to significantly higher contracts. McDonald is reaching the accelerated portion of the downhill side of his career. He looks to be a LOT less effective than even last year. If it comes to a choice between him and Stewart, I'd keep the latter, and let McDonald try to find a decent deal elsewhere.
He's old. I think it's funny how some thought he would continue his top play for 3+ years.
This could be like 09-10 again where he starts very slow and then goes off. That would be just fine because if that happens, down the stretch and in the playoffs, he will be unstoppable.
Jaroslav Halak makes the difference between a 8th place playoff team and a Stanley Cup contender for the Blues. Chicago is going to be a huge test this Thursday and I expect them to get their first lost of the season against the Blues. (if they don't lose earlier)
McDonald could also ( along with Backes ) have been strongly affected by the long lockout as well with less then a week of training camp, keep that in mind. However, we are 2 weeks away from the 1/2 mark of the season and they can't be using that as a excuse much longer.
