|
Disgust and Random Thoughts |
|
|
|
|
|
I wasn’t in attendance last night for the Hawks and Wings game, but I listened to a pathetic effort. If there is one thing, just one chink in the armor of the Wings it is that they don’t play a physical game. That may change with the addition of Bertuzzi, but he wasn’t in attendance last night either. None the less the Hawks showed very little. There was not nearly enough physical play, and for the most part the game seemed like it was taking place in early September. The Hawks provided their fans with another dull, unmotivated home performance to end the month of February.
I am also getting a bit annoyed with those in the media, and those who call into the radio and complain about the unmotivated Hawk fans that go to the games. Give me a freakn break; this isn’t like going to a high school pep rally. Anyone who paid to go to that game last night, looking for a good Hawk performance has to feel like they were robbed. I remember many of nights walking out of the UC and feeling pretty stupid. Many might know the same feeling $240 for 4 tickets, parking, and refreshments all to witness a minor league performance. So for all those that think the fans need to provide a spark, wake up.
Speaking of a spark, some of these players perform like they have a huge trust fund waiting for them. If you are not motivated to play when your contract is up in few months, well…..I don’t get it. I guess in reality I do get it, who ever continues to lay down now should be gone. That isn’t an earth shaker of a statement, but the only thing to look forward to now is next year. Next year better be without a few of these pretenders. Arkhipov, Holmqvist are in the closing months of their contracts, so long. I would also try to find a better place for Salmelainen and Vrbata, it is time to shuffle the deck. Tallon says he is getting things ready for Toews and Skillie, that’s one of the reasons Smolinski is not here. Toews seems to be expected to arrive on the scene; I would not confuse him with Superman. He has all the make-up to be a great 2 way player. He is not going to be a 40 goal scorer, more help will be needed. Skillie is a highly thought of physical winger, but I am not sure he will be here at all. If they both are playing next year keep in mind that you will be watching a 19 and 20 year old. Sidney Crosbey doesn’t come along too often, even though the Penguins have some others who are great too. Tallon also said he is starting his negotiations with Handzus. I wouldn’t say that the Hawks are overwhelming favorites to keep him. I think it is probably about 65% at most that he will be around next October in a Hawk uniform. The Hawks have an advantage only if Zeus wants to play with Havlat. I surely hope he does, otherwise that will be a big hole to fill. Even without Arkhipov and Homer the Hawks save only 1.5 million, so probably some other more creative moves will be needed. The Hawks are about 4 million under the ‘Cap now, if it goes up by 2 million that will help some. Without some of the dead weight here now they should have about 6-8 million to spend. If somehow Tallon can find a way to get about 3 million more onto his balance sheet, the Hawks might be able to get 2 high profile offensive players via free agency. We just watched the lack of interest exhibited by every contender concerning players on the Hawk roster, so a big trade is not likely.
Tallon says it’s all about raising the skill level, speed and youth. Hopefully Savard is on the same page. Denis I think it would be best not to mention that you really like your players any more this year. You have said that a number of times, and the way they played last night it is hard to find anything to like. You have also said that it is very hard to win in this League, and you are correct. If it was hard up until now, just wait and see how hard it will be from now till the end of the year.
This will be a test for Savard also, it is important to end this season with some respect. This will also be a big test for Khabibulin who looked anything but sharp last night. I am withholding any comment on Williams until I see him on the ice. I hope he can relish the opportunity he has been given here.
Not that I feel a need to gloat, but Ruutu wasn’t suspended for the hit at the end of the Sharks game. Once again Colin Campbell had to try to cover up a refs over reaction. I would make this suggestion to the NHL, if a player gets a major penalty and a Game Misconduct he should be suspended for at least 1 game. The ref shouldn’t’ be bailed out from the League Office, if they over react they should feel the brunt of the pressure of having a player miss a game for not a good reason. As it is now sometimes a player may have already missed most of game that the infraction took place in and that is an unnecessary loss for his team. If a Game Misconduct is given, it should bear additional consequences. Right now too many Game Misconducts are given when not deserved, maybe holding the refs fully responsible will change that for the better.
For those who think I am just someone who likes Ruutu, and can’t admit a Hawk gave someone a cheap shot, hold on a second. Look at the highlights on the Hawks website from last night, and look at the Homer hit on Lebda in the 3rd period. That should have been 5 minutes for Charging and a Game Misconduct. He took a few steps and left his feet to throw a shoulder at a player’s head that was already stood up on the boards with his own head down. That my friend was a cheap shot……
Join the Discussion:
»