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Hawk Thoughts and More NHL Small Time |
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The Hawks have won 2 in a row, although that isn’t a great achievement, it may be very pertinent for next year. The more they win the higher the draft pick for this summer. That’s the downside of winning games when they don’t matter for anything but pride. Not to say that pride doesn’t matter, there are still too many here that don’t play with a consistent work ethic. So winning games now hurts a bit concerning the draft, but also is important for the psyche of the young players here now. I would hope that the Hawks pick in the top 3, as that could also be of value for a trade.
Some Hawks packed it in early the other night against Detroit. Leading the parade of slackers was Aucoin, or at least it seemed that way to Savard. He played Aucoin very little in the 2nd half of that game vs. the Wings. I was just starting to think that Aucoin's game was coming together. He did play better against the Senators and then again last night. So maybe he can finish the year on an up note. That would be excellent, either to build his confidence for next season, or to make him more attractive to other teams this summer.
The Senators seemed like a team waiting for something bad to happen on Sunday afternoon. They got what they deserved as the Hawks beat them in a shoot out. Another player who has not lived up to expectations potted a couple of goals. Vrbata found himself in very unusual territory on Sunday afternoon; he was in front of the net. He also got what he deserved and picked up 2 goals, on a rebound and on a deflection. Ruutu did not play Sunday, as he would have been in front of the net most likely, not Vrbata. I was hoping that the message that has been sent many times had finally clicked in, Radim get to the net…. Well unfortunately it was back to business as usual last night, 3 perimeter shots and 0 points. What’s that expression, you can’t change the spots on a leopard. By the way he is signed through next season.
Patrick Sharp found himself near the net a few times last night, and good things happened for him too. Sharp scored a couple of goals against L.A., and has played with a consistent effort all year. I just wish the Hawks would keep him at wing, maybe next year. He really isn’t very good at faceoffs, and he seems to be able to add more offense when he is not at center. He is under contract for next season also.
James W. had a bad injury occur last night as he tore his ACL. Hopefully he will be able to get it right by training camp. He has played great, and I think he can be even better next year if healthy.
Some thoughts on next year:
Williams has a lot more skill then many of our forwards now. Is he a top 6 forward? I am not sure. Is he someone worth having on the roster? I think for sure; he has a very good shot from the point, and is still a young player. He might be able to get his numbers up next year if in the right situation. That situation now doesn’t appear to be trying to check the other teams top line. It still remains to be seen if he is a better center than winger, time will tell.
Alexeev has the size and tools to be a player. Obviously many have been fooled into thinking just that. He was drafted 8th overall, while Dudley was with the Lightning in 2000. He appears to me to be a wasted roster spot, so long. Granted the Hawks need a tough guy who can score 15 goals or so and knows how to fight. That wasn’t Stewart, but if Alexeev had his heart he would probably be an All-Star. Once again can’t change the spots on a leopard.
If I were a GM I would abide always by these 2 rules.
1. Never over commit to a player who has had only 1 good season.
2. Never think that you can improve a player who has under achieved his whole career, and has been given every opportunity to succeed.
Bolland was called up cuz Williams has a broken toe, but he did not dress. Williams played 20 minutes despite his injury, and I am sure that will go a long way in the dressing room. I am looking forward to seeing Bolland, who is coming off his best month at Norfolk. He has battled through a few tough injuries, and maybe we will see some good play from him this year. He will be 1 of a handful given a good chance to make next year’s roster.
This is an old point but I can’t let it go. On Sunday Ottawa had a possible goal reviewed, and this one went in the Hawks favor. The game was televised back to Senator fans, and I was watching their feed. When they showed the replay at 2 different angles, I just shook my head. I wasn’t shocked that the view from the camera angles of the play was poor. It just shows once again how small time the NHL really is at times. The overhead view, which would have been the best camera shot to determine if the puck crossed the line, was almost worthless. The camera seemed like it was at least 100 feet away, so there was no way the on ice call of no goal could have been over turned. The Hawks got the benefit of the doubt, as there was no goal called on the review. I watched the replay over many times and I couldn’t see well enough to say if it was in or not, the camera was just too far away.
I heard someone from the NHL comment recently about the cameras used for the video review process. He said the NHL wanted to upgrade the equipment in each arena but it would cost something like 3 million dollars. Well I know many who would love to get their hands on that contract, as that seems to be an excessive amount. Regardless, it needs to be done before the playoffs. Once again every team should have the same amount of cameras and in the same position. Anything less is an accident waiting to happen, and a possible huge embarrassment for the NHL.
Just 1 last thought, the Kings open next season with a game against the Ducks in London England. What do you think that road show is going to cost the NHL? Certainly the teams going there can’t be expected to foot that bill. The travel cost along with lodging and everything else involved has to be big number. As a matter of fact it might be around the same amount that new video equipment would actually cost.
Let me see… cameras for video review or meaningless road show?
I know you can’t change the spots on a leopard.
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