Posts Tagged Chicago Blackhawks

Morning Hits: Roy and Radulov, Stoll, Jets injuries, Bobrosky’s contract, Fleury and other goaltending scenarios

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 24th, 2013

  • Dan Rosen: If the Senators win Game 5 tonight, Game 6 will go on Sunday at 7:30 pm, moving the Kings-Sharks to 10 pm. If the Penguins win, the Kings-Sharks will be at 8 pm.
  • Josh Cooper: Cooper points out that Patrick Roy and Alexander Radulov had a good rapport when Radulov was in Quebec. The Predators have been unable to trade Radulov for the last year.
  • Jon Rosen: Kings Jarret Stoll rode the stationary bike on Wednesday. He was at the area yesterday but not skating.
  • Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Evander Kane won’t need surgery for his wrist problem and lower leg/foot nerve damage. Tobias Enstrom’s bad back only needs rest. Mark Stuart’s sports hernia doesn’t require surgery. Zach Bogosian missed the final three games of the season with a concussion.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky contract talks have stalled.

    “We’ve talked. We’ve exchanged ideas,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said this week. “But we haven’t made any progress, really. It’s been pretty quiet for a while now.”

    The RFA will be looking for a nice raise from this $1.7 million he made last year. The Blue Jackets will send him a qualifying offer, but he’ll reject it. Bobrovsky could get an offer sheet, with the Blue Jackets having seven days to match.

    “That’s something we can’t control,” Kekalainen said. “It’s obvious what we’re going to do if it goes that far. We have great ownership; committed ownership. We would match any offer there might be, but I’m optimistic we won’t get to that point.”

  • Aaron Portzline: Portzline wonders if the Bobrovsky talks drag into July, would the Flyers try to sign him to an offer sheet.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance wonders if Marc-Andre Fleury’s days in Pittsburgh could be numbered. GM Ray Shero could trade Fleury and his $5 million salary cap hit through 2014-15, and go with Tomas Vokoun and a young, cheaper goalie. It’s a move that may upset the balance in a close Penguins dressing room.

    “Guys will bleed for him. I wouldn’t hold your breath to think Pittsburgh is going to do something rash,” one NHL source said. “Marc-Andre Fleury has one thing in his corner — that’s called the Stanley Cup. Once accomplished, you know he can get it done.”

    The Blackhawks may have to consider putting Ray Emery to see if he can spark the Hawks. GM Stan Bowman may look at his goaltending situation in the summer if they lose to the Red Wings. Emery will be a UFA this summer. The Hawks are just over $2 million under the cap for next year with 21 players signed. Other UFA goalies this year: Mike Smith, Niklas Backstrom, Nikolai Khabibulin and Evgeni Nabokov. Emery could be a great fit with the Islanders or Coyotes if they don’t re-sign Smith, possibly the Sabres if they trade Ryan Miller or the Wild if they don’t keep Backstrom.

  • Katie Strang: The Cap Advantage Recapture Rule could really hurt the Rangers, as well as many other veterans. If Brad Richards were to retire in 2017, it would cost the Rangers $5.66 million in 2017, $8.5 million in 2018 and $17 million in 2019.

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Morning Hits: Stalberg, Ribeiro, Hendricks, Clarkson, Elias, Nabokov, Streit, Boyes, Cervenka and the Blues

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 16th, 2013

  • Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks made winger Viktor Stalberg a scratch last night and coach Joel Quenneville wouldn’t give details as to the reason. A source said that Stalberg was at odds with the coaches about his roll in round one. He only received 58 seconds total of power play time in the first three games of round one, despite averaging 2:11 per game during the regular season. He only recorded two power play assists all season.

    “I had a conversation with him,” Quenneville said. “He knows how it stands, what the situation is. We’ll leave it at that.”

    Quenneville on if Stalberg could work his way back into the lineup.

    “Absolutely,” he said. “Things change in our business quickly, whether it’s health or decisions based on play. We’ll visit as things go along.”

  • Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times: Capitals UFA second line center, Mike Ribeiro (33), is looking for a four or five year deal.

    “I don’t see myself getting worse,” Ribeiro said. “It can only get better. I can be out there. I can work out more. There’s a lot of room there to improve and, you know, that’s why I don’t think I should have less than four or five years.”

    Capitals Matt Hendricks is also looking for a long term deal.

  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has held talks with UFA David Clarkson, but nothing with regards to Patrik Elias. No financial discussions have taken place with Clarkson though.

    “We’ll continue to work on it. We’ve certainly started the process, but until (contracts) are complete there is nothing done,” Lamoriello said [yesterday].

  • Zach Braziller of the NY Post: Islanders UFAs Evgeni Nabokov, Mark Streit and Brad Boyes all hope to return next season. Nabokov’s agent spoke with GM Garth Snow about four weeks ago, but nothing since then.

    “I think Garth will make his decision,” Nabokov said. “I told him I would like to stay, but we were fighting for the playoffs and nothing was going on. Now we have to see.”

  • Wes Gilbertson: Flames center Roman Cervenka signed a three year contract to return to the KHL. Dmitry Chesnokov: SKA acquired Cervenka’s rights from HC Lev for two players, then signed him.
  • John Shannon: The NHL has announced that there will be two games at Yankee Stadium next Jan. 26th and 29th. The Devils will play the Rangers on the 26th and Islanders will play the Rangers on the 29th, with the Rangers being the away team for both games.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk maxed out their player bonuses again this season. Pietrangelo reached his A-Level bonuses for assists, ice time, blocked shots, and points.

    The are several categories a D-man can earn team bonuses including goals (10), assists (25), points (40), ice time (among top 4 on team), +/- (top 3 on team among D-men), blocked shots (among top 2 D-men on team), points per game (0.49 points per game). Obviously these numbers are pro-rated this season to reflect the 48 game season.

    Strickland thinks the last thing the GM Doug Armstrong needs to do is to overreact to negative things surrounding the Blues. They need to find the right balance of offense and defense. Many of their players were drafted high due to their offensive ability, and they need to utilize their instincts and playmaking ability more often. Being too conservative against the Kings may have been one of their downfalls.

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Playoff hits: Game 1′s, Spezza, Bozak, Holzer, Gunnarson, Blackhawk lines and Vokoun

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on May 13th, 2013

  • Senators and Penguins – Tuesday May 14th 7:30 pm ET.

    Sharks and Kings – Tuesday May 14th 10:00 pm ET.

    Blackhawks and Red Wings – Wednesday May 15th 8:00 pm ET.

  • Bruce Garrioch: Senators GM Bryan Murray said that they will talk to Jason Spezza after a couple practices. Ian Mendes: Spezza skated with the extras today. Bruce Garrioch: Spezza didn’t make the trip to Pittsburgh, but hasn’t been ruled out for Game 2.
  • Jonas Siegel: Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle wouldn’t update Tyler Bozak’s status. Darren Dreger: Bozak didn’t make the trip with the Leafs to Boston.
  • David Alter: Leafs call up Korbinian Holzer. Could be for precautionary reasons as Carl Gunnarson has been battling hip issues.
  • Scott Powers: Blackhawks lines: Saad-Toews-Hossa, Kane-Bolland-Sharp, Bickell-Shaw-Smith, Frolik-Kruger-Carcillo.
  • Dejan Kovacevic: Penguins Tomas Vokoun hasn’t been told if he’ll be starting or not.

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Playoff hits: Sens-Pens series, Bruins flight canceled, Bolland, Ference and Spezza

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on May 13th, 2013

  • Bruce Garrioch: The league should decide soon when the Senators-Penguins series starts, lots of logistics for both teams.
  • Matt Pepin of the Boston Globe: The Bruins flight was canceled last night due to mechanical issues with their charter. The Bruins will leave this morning. The Maple Leafs flew out last night. GM Peter Chiarelli released a statement last night:

    “Late during tonight’s game we were made aware that there was a malfunction with our airplane. As a result we are staying in Toronto on Sunday night and the team will travel to Boston on Monday morning.”

  • Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune: Dave Bolland was back practicing in his center spot on the third line over the weekend, and coach Joel Quenneville confirmed that Bolland will be returning to the lineup to start round two.
  • TSN: Senators Jason Spezza practiced with teammates yesterday for the first time since having back surgery on February 1st.

    “It’s been a long process and a long season for me,” Spezza said. “It felt good to join the team again and get some reps in. It may not seem like it and I may not play this year, but for me it’s a small victory.”

    It’s not known if Spezza will travel with the team to Pittsburgh. Coach Paul MacLean doesn’t think he’s ready.

    “He’s a long ways away,” said MacLean after practice.

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Morning Hits: Burish, Bolland, Emery, Rinne, Danis and the Canucks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 10th, 2013

  • Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Sharks winger Adam Burish will miss the second round with an upper-body injury. Burish was slashed on the hand by Alex Edler in Game 4.
  • Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks Dave Bolland is hopeful for round two.

    “I’m still day-by-day,” Bolland said. “It’s getting better. I just want to make sure it’s strong. I’m hopefully playing for that Round 2. I’ll keep on working at it and making sure it gets better.”

    Ray Emery is also close to returning.

  • Josh Cooper: Predators GM David Poile said it would be a “steep price” to trade for their fourth overall pick in the draft.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Pekka Rinne underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left hip, recovery time is expected to be four months.
  • David Staples: Goalie Yann Danis has been solid for the Oilers AHL team, but is not the ideal NHL backup. Staples would rather see the Oilers trade or sign a goalie who could challenge Devan Dubnyk.
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks GM Mike Gillis talked to the media and how the Canucks may need to get bigger and grittier.

    “From my perspective … it’s been a terrible season for us,” Gillis said. “We’re going to have to reinvent ourselves and do things differently in order to be successful. The macro look at this team is that changes have to be made.”

    With the cap going down and some big contracts on the books, they’ll need to clear out some salary. Roberto Luongo will likely be traded and there is the amnesty buyout option for Keith Ballard ($4.2 million) and David Booth ($4.25 million).

    “We don’t have the luxury of having picked first overall in the last 10 years,” Gillis said. “We have to use the players we have, the core group that we have, and we have to build around them. There will come a point where that core group is going to be dismantled or will no longer play, but it’s not today.

    “When I took this job, we decided on a style of play that resulted in great success. And clearly, the landscape has changed and we have to address those changes. We don’t have a choice. It’s not something I necessarily agree with. But that’s what we face, and that’s what you have to do.

    “We have to make the changes and adjustments necessary to compete for a Stanley Cup. It’s my intention to do it and recognize what’s going on and make sure we have a team that’s better equipped.”

    “Changes have to be made, but I’m not going to commit today to what those changes will be,” Gillis said. “It’s difficult when things end so quickly and they end so negatively for all of us. It’s pretty emotional to go through.”

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Injury Notes: Eller, Crosby, DeKeyser, Franzen, Schneider, Emery, Bolland, Kostka, Kessel and Franson

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on May 3rd, 2013

  • Ton Marinaro: The Canadiens confirmed that Lars Eller suffered a concussion, lost consciousness, and has facial and dental fractures. He will remain in the hospital for observation.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune: Penguins Sidney Crosby took regular shifts with Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis yesterday at practice. He also worked with the top power play unit.
  • Ansar Khan: Red Wings Danny DeKeyser broke his hand last night and will be out for the remainder of the playoffs.
  • Ansar Khan: Red Wings Johan Franzen said he had to pass a concussion test, which he did, before overtime started last night. He was ready to return when Gustav Nyquist scored.
  • Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: Cancucks Cory Schneider didn’t take part in the teams full team practice yesterday, meaning that Roberto Luongo will get the start in Game 2. It appears that Schneider may have suffered a setback. His injury is still not known. Pap wonders if it’s a groin injury. Before yesterday he had skated in four consecutive days and practiced the previous three.

    “You can interpret what you want at this time,” Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault stated cryptically. “Cory is day-to-day.”

  • Brian Hunter of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery briefly worked out yesterday, but he won’t be available for Game 2. Dave Bollanddidn’t skate yesterday won’t be available either.

    “We’re going to rule them out,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said after practice. “Bollie didn’t skate but he’s getting real close to getting on the ice. (Emery) felt good, too. It was good progress.”

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Kostka will miss the remainder of the series with a broken finger. Jake Gardiner or Ryan O’Bryne will replace Kostka. Phil Kessel had a maintenance day for a suspected left wrist injury. Defenseman Cody Franson was limping around with a bruised foot.

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Morning Hits: Hawks-Pens at Soldier Field, Ribeiro not thinking contract, Jets, Avalanche and Bergeron talks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 2nd, 2013

  • Hockey Central: The Blackhawks will host the Penguins at Soldier Field on March 1st.
  • Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times: Capitals UFA Mike Ribeiro said he’s not worried about his next contract. He could earn his next contact with a good playoffs. He’s looking for a long-term deal and has already rejected a Capitals offer of three-years, $14 million.

    “I think playoff or not playoff, I’m probably going to have a good deal so I’m really worried about my deal right now,” Ribeiro said. “It’s going to signed at some point. So the focus since the beginning was to get to the playoffs and now that we’re here it’s about how far can we go as a team. But I’m not worried; I’m going to sign and it’s just going to happen when the time is right.”

  • Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets coach Claude Noel has one year left on his contract and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff had this to say:

    “Claude Noel is the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets. He’s under contract. I know you’re going to ask me about an extension. There’s processes that have to go through, there’s different things you discuss, you talk about, you meet as a group, as a staff.”

    The Jets have nine RFAs who are  “very much priorities” according to Cheveldayoff. No formal contract discussions have taken place with RFAs: Zach Bogosian, Bryan Little, Blake Wheeler, Alex Burmistrov, Eric Tangradi, Anthony Peluso, Zach Redmond, Paul Postma and Arturs Kulda.

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: If the Avalanche didn’t win the lottery and get the first overall pick, there were rumors that they would look to trade up. Avs GM Greg Sherman is still with the team, but it may come down to what role Joe Sakic wants to take. If Sakic decides to take over, VP of Player Development Craig Billington could have a bigger role. If Sakic declines for family or other reasons, does Sherman remain? The Avalanche asked for Derek Stepan when they were in talks with the Rangers about Ryan O’Reilly. Sounding like the Bruins and Patrice Bergeron have already talked contract extension. He has one year left on his deal and can’t sign a deal until after July 5th.

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Injury Notes: Neal, Staal, Pominville, Backstrom, Emery, Bolland, Gaborik, Kane and Stuart

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on May 2nd, 2013

  • Katie Strang: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal didn’t rule himself out for Game 1, but it’s unlikely that he plays.
  • Mark Lazerus: Niklas Backstrom is day-to-day. Blackhawks Ray Emery and Dave Bolland are unlikely for Game 2.
  •  Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets Marian Gaborik will be recovering for three to four weeks after he has abdominal surgery, forcing him to miss the World Championships. Gaborik’s agent said it’s too repair an area where he had hernia surgery in 2001.
  • Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets forward Evander Kane had been bothered by a sore wrist and foot. He’ll see a specialist for his wrist, then determine if surgery is required. Defenseman Mark Stuart had an abdominal injury for most of the season.

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Morning Rumor Hits: Clarkson, Possible Oilers targets and an Offer sheet for Pietrangelo?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 30th, 2013

  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils David Clarkson isn’t sure what to expect when it comes to unrestricted free agency.

    “I’m going to have my meeting with Lou and see what happens, I haven’t really even touched on it,” Clarkson said. “I’m sure I’ll have a meeting with my agent (Pat Morris) this week when I get back to Toronto and go through everything. But to be honest with you, I haven’t even sat down with (Morris) once this year. He’s somebody that let me play as well and just wanted to wait until this was over with.

    “Unfortunately, it’s earlier than we expected. But I’m sure when I get home in the next week we’ll have some meetings and figure things out a little more.”

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It’s unlikely that the Wild will be able to re-sign Cal Clutterbuck because of salary cap reasons. Matheson thinks the Oilers should go after him. Matheson also thinks the Oilers will go after Nathan Horton, and possibly Blackhawks Bryan Bickell or Viktor Stalberg.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: New Oilers GM Craig MacTavish has said changes will be coming, but it’s unlikely to involve Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz. That could change if Shea Weber comes available.

    “I’ve always been of the belief that everything has a price, everything’s for sale. Is it likely, given the high regard we have for these players, given the punitive price we paid to get them? Highly, highly unlikely they would be part of any trade discussion, largely because we value them more highly than anybody else,” said MacTavish.

    Sam Gagner could be a trade chip this summer. There have been some talks with Gagner regarding a contract extension. The Oilers could take a run at Sabres Drew Stafford. Free agents Viktor Stalberg or David Clarkson could get a look at from the Oilers.

  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren knows he has to makeover their defense, add more size up front and add more speed. Panaccio wonders if the Flyers should put an offer sheet in on Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo.

    “My job is to make this team the best it can be,” Holmgren said of offering an RFA sheet or any other move. “So I will look at any and every way to do that.”

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Injury and Roster Notes: Blackhawks, Wild, Blues, Red Wings and Senators

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 30th, 2013

  • Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks Dave Bolland and Ray Emery will miss Game 1 of their series with the Wild. Both are out with lower-body injuries.

    “We’re going to rule them out for (Tuesday),” Quenneville said. “We’ll say day-to-day. We’re hopeful they’re going to be on the ice real soon. We expect them on the ice real soon.”

    Henrik Karlsson will back up Corey Crawford. Michael Handzus will center Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp.

  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild Jason Pominville, who had been out with a head injury, practiced yesterday on a line with Kyle Brodziak and Pierre-Marc Bouchard. Coach Mike Yeo wouldn’t say for sure that he’ll be available for Game 1 against the Blackhawks.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues T.J. Oshie feels he’s ready to go, but coach Ken Hitchoch isn’t giving him the green light just yet.

    “We’ll get an evaluation to see how ‘Osh’ feels (after practice) and how he looked and then we’ll evaluate it (Tuesday),” Hitchcock said.

    Adam Cracknell may come out of the lineup if Oshie is back. Vladimir Tarasenko  could also be the odd man out. Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues.

  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: It’s unlikely that Jason Spezza will get back into the Senators lineup, unless they go deep into the playoffs.

    “I suspect we would probably have to go a little distance (in the playoffs) for that to happen,” Murray said Monday.

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Roster and Goalie Notes: Hejduk, Karlsson, Sharp, Schneider, Bertuzzi, Bolland, Staal’s … Lines and Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 24th, 2013

  • Mike Chambers: Avalanche winger Milan Hejduk will be in the lineup on Saturday against the Wild. It could be his last NHL game.
  • Bob McKenzie: If Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson is able to get back into the lineup against the Capitals, it would be 10 weeks since the day he had surgery to repair his 70% severed Achilles tendon.
  • Mark Lazerus: Blackhawks Patrick Sharp will be in the lineup tonight.
  • Vancouver Canucks: Cory Schneider is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, Joe Cannata is re-called.
  • Craig Custance: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said that Todd Bertuzzi won’t be in the lineup tonight.
  • Mark Lazerus: Blackhawks Dave Bolland (groin issue) didn’t practice with the team today.
  • Chip Alexander: The Hurricanes recall Jared Staal, who will be on a line with brother Jordan.
  • Tony Ambrogio: Maple Leafs lines: JVR-Bozak-Kessel, Kulemin-Kadri-Lupul, Komarov-Grabovski-McClement, MacArthur-Colborne-Frattin, Orr-Hamilton-McLaren. Defensive pairings - Gunnarsson-Phaneuf, Fraser-Franson, Liles-O’Byrne
  • Erik Erlendsson: Lightning lines: St Louis-Stamkos-Purcell: Killorn-Lecavalier-Panik; Labrie-Thompson-Crombeen; Pouliot-Pyatt-Tyrell.
  • Ian Mendes: Senators lines: Conacher-Turris-Michalek. Greening-Smith-Alfredsson. Silfverberg-Zibanejad-Condra. Latendresse-Pageau-Neil.
  • Paul Hendrick: Ben Bishop will start in net for the Lighting against James Reimer and the Maple Leafs.
  • Chris Kuc: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks.

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Injury Notes: Timonen, Bertuzzi, Miller, Orpik and Sharp

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 24th, 2013

  • Adam Kimelman: Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen is out for the rest of the season with a compression fracture in his right foot. Frank Seravalli: Recovery is expected to be four to five weeks.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said that winger Todd Bertuzzi is almost ready to get back into the lineup. He’s been out since Feb. 7th. They will “decide after the morning skate” today. If he doesn’t go tonight, their next game is tomorrow. The Red Wings are down to 12 healthy forwards as Drew Miller broke his hand on the weekend.
  • Pittsburgh Penguins: Defenseman Brooks Orpik left last night’s game with a lower-body injury.

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