West too competitive to predict this season
When he was coaching the Colorado Avalanche last season, Joel Quenneville predicted 92 points would be needed to make the playoffs in the Western Conference.
The Nashville Predators got the eighth and final spot with 91.
What's it going to take this season? Quenneville isn't sure yet, but the number could be lower if all 15 teams in the conference remain as competitive as they are now.
"For sure it's going to be a battle right to the end," Quenneville said. "So many teams feel they're playoff teams this year, and if you look, if everybody's in the race, all 15 teams, you might not need as many points because there will be so many teams competing for those points as you go along."
The Hawks missed the playoffs by 3 points last season in a race that wasn't decided until the final week.
"I don't think this is going to get sorted out until the very end," Quenneville said. "You'll get a better idea later in the year. I still think you'll have to get 90 points-plus, and then you've got to like your chances."
Crosby vs. Kane: When it comes to the NHL's best young players, Washington's Alexander Semin, who is one himself, apparently prefers Patrick Kane over Sidney Crosby.
"What's so special about Crosby?" Semin said in an interview with Yahoo Sports that has become the talk of the hockey world. "I don't see anything special there. Yes, he does skate well, he has a good head, good pass. But there's nothing else.
"Even if you compare him to Patrick Kane from Chicago. (Kane) is a much more interesting player. The way he moves, his deking abilities, his thinking on the ice and his anticipation of the play is so superb."
Winter Classic drawing: There will be a random drawing for the opportunity for the general public to purchase tickets to the Jan. 1 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
Fans can begin registering for the drawing Wednesday at www.chicagoblackhawks.com on or about 11 a.m. Registration ends at 10:59 a.m., or close to it, on Nov. 28.
It's one entry per person and everyone selected can purchase a limited number of tickets.
In addition, a limited number of tickets will be made available to members of the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois through a separate drawing. AHAI members can register at the same Hawks Web site.
Tip-ins: The Hawks led the NHL in increased attendance from a year ago through October, up 71 percent from this time last season. - Monday represented the Hawks' seventh straight sellout to start the season. -
Comcast SportsNet announced TV ratings for Hawks games in October were up 150 percent from a year ago, registering a 1.0 rating (approximately 35,000 households watching), compared to 0.4 last October. - Rockford goalie Antti Niemi is 4-2 in his first 6 starts with a 1.80 goals-against average and .942 save percentage.