Please discuss.

From Chris Kuc at the morning UC skate:
The units on the power play during the morning skate are: defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook and forwards Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Andrew Shaw. Another unit has defenseman Nick Leddy and forwards Patrick Sharp, Viktor Stalberg, Dave Bolland and Patrick Kane.

Well, the Tampon has already struck.
Much to the the chagrin of just about everyone on this board, Duncan Keith is still getting 1st unit PP time. Does the guy have pics of Tampon in a compromising situation along with his pics of Q????

And that 2nd unit -- let's see -- we're either going to get Bolland on the point (he of the 5 minute windup) or Sharpie (who is not effective at the point but needs to be on the 1/2 wall for his patented one-timers).

I guess Tampon figures that with Bolland's long wind-up that at least he's got a guy w/speed on the other side to chase down opposing players on the break in Leddy.

I also figure that with Keith on that 1st unit, the 2nd unit should see plenty of PP time because Keith firing into shinpads will ensure that unit doesn't score.

I guess just like Blowman, the apple (Tampon) doesn't fall far from the tree.

Thanks Snapper. My basic point is this, Bowman's words and (in)actions are painting him into a corner where he's going to have to overpay to meaningfully improve the team. If he ever does anything to meaningfully improve the team.

And to be fair, I think getting a box of tape for Jack Skille was addition by subtraction. Oduya was a nice pickup for this team's defensive system. But he has sold off/allowed to leave a lot of talented NHL players and ALL STARS and does not have a lot to show for it. At all.

What's left from the Byfuglien/Sopel deal? Morin, and picks that turned into Kevin Hayes and Justin Holl.

What's left from the Versteeg deal? Stalberg and Paradis. Meh, okay . . . maybe

What's left from the Ladd trade? A draft pick.

What did he get for Niemi? Nothing.

For Campbell? Olesz.

The pick that turned into Danault could end up being slight edge Chicago for Brouwer. Might. And might not.

Sure, he created lot of cap space. What has been done with that cap space— he gave a sweetheart deal to Sharp. A huge raise to Frolik. But what about acquiring talent?

I will concede the cap management point on Bowman. I think they have hit on some, some, draft picks. but NHL talent acquisition (both player and prospect) has been an unmitigated disaster under Bowman.

So what we have seen to this point is an Assistant GM/cap specialist, supported by some very good amateur scouting, not a GM. Yet.
- John Jaeckel

Very well put JJ. THe key IMO is the McDouche factor. He was brought in to market and pitch this franchise back to the city, in this regard he certainly suceeded. Now, he needs to go back to the Cubs and market patience. The hawks have no need for him anymore. He knows nothing about the sport and nothing about building a championship squad. Rocky in this sense needs to put his foot down and stop smiling around the office. It's time things get settled in this circus front office.

I am not a Stan fan, however, I would like to see him be given the reigns fully and allow him to make decisions without anyone having the ability to chime in with their two cents. Up to now, he has failed, however, landing a second line center and/or a solid keeper could write his wrongs from the past.

Please discuss.

From Chris Kuc at the morning UC skate:
The units on the power play during the morning skate are: defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook and forwards Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Andrew Shaw. Another unit has defenseman Nick Leddy and forwards Patrick Sharp, Viktor Stalberg, Dave Bolland and Patrick Kane.

Well, the Tampon has already struck.
Much to the the chagrin of just about everyone on this board, Duncan Keith is still getting 1st unit PP time. Does the guy have pics of Tampon in a compromising situation along with his pics of Q????

And that 2nd unit -- let's see -- we're either going to get Bolland on the point (he of the 5 minute windup) or Sharpie (who is not effective at the point but needs to be on the 1/2 wall for his patented one-timers).

I guess Tampon figures that with Bolland's long wind-up that at least he's got a guy w/speed on the other side to chase down opposing players on the break in Leddy.

I also figure that with Keith on that 1st unit, the 2nd unit should see plenty of PP time because Keith firing into shinpads will ensure that unit doesn't score.

I guess just like Blowman, the apple (Tampon) doesn't fall far from the tree.
- savvyone-1

I skated at an organized skate with Kompon and was able to pick his brain a bit. First off, great guy. Had no problem talking to me and shedding light on this situation. He told me, "The biggest issues for this team's PP this year was two things, zone entry and puck retreval." He is absolutely correct. Keith is a sleek skating D-man, the issue is he holds the puck til he gets to center ice which causes two things to happen. 1. It forces the forwards to stop moving bc they dont want to go offsides, and 2. If he dumps it, their is no speed to win the race for control bc guys are standing still. Dont be suprised if we see more puck movement getting into the zone.

Please discuss.

From Chris Kuc at the morning UC skate:
The units on the power play during the morning skate are: defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook and forwards Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Andrew Shaw. Another unit has defenseman Nick Leddy and forwards Patrick Sharp, Viktor Stalberg, Dave Bolland and Patrick Kane.

Well, the Tampon has already struck.
Much to the the chagrin of just about everyone on this board, Duncan Keith is still getting 1st unit PP time. Does the guy have pics of Tampon in a compromising situation along with his pics of Q????

And that 2nd unit -- let's see -- we're either going to get Bolland on the point (he of the 5 minute windup) or Sharpie (who is not effective at the point but needs to be on the 1/2 wall for his patented one-timers).

I guess Tampon figures that with Bolland's long wind-up that at least he's got a guy w/speed on the other side to chase down opposing players on the break in Leddy.

I also figure that with Keith on that 1st unit, the 2nd unit should see plenty of PP time because Keith firing into shinpads will ensure that unit doesn't score.

I guess just like Blowman, the apple (Tampon) doesn't fall far from the tree.
- savvyone-1

Sounds like a perimeter PP = FAIL.

Hawks need a big body on the PP (Bollig) to screen opposing goalies and create traffic in front. Shaw might work as a pest, but not as a big body.

There was an awesome interview where Kenny Williams described "winning trades" and how it is impossible to move players or acquire assets if you are known as having a *win only* mentality.

Can't find it of course but he also went on to say that sometimes over payment is necessary in terms of assets if you feel like you are a piece away or two from something special.

Granted that doesn't always work out. But when need be, the Sox have been able to add pieces they perceived as needing consistently (right or wrong it has happened) even if it hasn't always worked out it is tough to argue with that statement regardless of what you think of the guy.
- fattybeef

>Kenny sold his "prospects" at the height of their hype as good or better than any MLB GM
>Very few turned out to be solid MLBers once acquired by the other team -- Gio G. and Hudson (bad shoulder now?) are the only two that come to mind
>To your point, Kenny was also very good at identifying needs of his trading partners and using that as leverage to get what he wanted -- though like all GMs he's made some real stinker moves, too

"The biggest issues for this team's PP this year was two things, zone entry and puck retrieval (fixed)." He is absolutely correct. Keith is a sleek skating D-man, the issue is he holds the puck til he gets to center ice which causes two things to happen. 1. It forces the forwards to stop moving bc they dont want to go offsides, and 2. If he dumps it, their is no speed to win the race for control bc guys are standing still. Dont be suprised if we see more puck movement getting into the zone.
- nickmo2699

.

So from a philosophical point of view, Jamie figured out what pretty much all of us have known all along: the drop pass coming out of our zone or at center ice is bullcrap and doesn't work.

Well that's genius. The result of that we've discussed as well. The larger issue is how/whether he can get Keith to stop that crap when he's been doing it for years. And how does he fix Keith's inability to play the point properly on the PP? The simple fact that he's still got Keith out there on the #1 unit is the biggest red flag to me that he does not know what he's doing. 2nd red flag is Bolland on the point on the 2nd unit. We've ridden that horse before as well and it doesn't work. Bolland at the point will cause more -'s for that unit than PP goals scored.

I skated at an organized skate with Kompon and was able to pick his brain a bit. First off, great guy. Had no problem talking to me and shedding light on this situation. He told me, "The biggest issues for this team's PP this year was two things, zone entry and puck retreval." He is absolutely correct. Keith is a sleek skating D-man, the issue is he holds the puck til he gets to center ice which causes two things to happen. 1. It forces the forwards to stop moving bc they dont want to go offsides, and 2. If he dumps it, their is no speed to win the race for control bc guys are standing still. Dont be suprised if we see more puck movement getting into the zone.
- nickmo2699

The other factors are important but nearly as much as Keith's shot % and the amount of PP time he gets.

Also there isn't a big body or a player who has emerged as a screen setter.

Simple math....If the point shots don't hit the net the opportunity to score goes way down.

@AlCimaglia

.

So from a philosophical point of view, Jamie figured out what pretty much all of us have known all along: the drop pass coming out of our zone or at center ice is bullcrap and doesn't work.

Well that's genius. The result of that we've discussed as well. The larger issue is how/whether he can get Keith to stop that crap when he's been doing it for years. And how does he fix Keith's inability to play the point properly on the PP? The simple fact that he's still got Keith out there on the #1 unit is the biggest red flag to me that he does not know what he's doing. 2nd red flag is Bolland on the point on the 2nd unit. We've ridden that horse before as well and it doesn't work. Bolland at the point will cause more -'s for that unit than PP goals scored.
- savvyone-1

Kampon deserves a shot to prove himself...sounds like a sharp guy. It's never been rocket science. Dump the puck in...use your numerical advantage to retrieve the puck. Move it around, try to get a good look....get traffic in front...shoot...pound the crease for rebounds. What's so hard about that ?

The other factors are important but nearly as much as Keith's shot % and the amount of PP time he gets.

Also there isn't a big body or a player who has emerged as a screen setter.

Simple math....If the point shots don't hit the net the opportunity to score goes way down.

@AlCimaglia
- Al

Bollig is not the ideal choice, but he did tip a few in playing that role at the Rock this year. Certainly has the size and no one is going to muscle him out of the crease. But they have no one like that on those two units except maybe Shaw. Even Montador was decent in that role last year at times.

Kampon deserves a shot to prove himself...sounds like a sharp guy. It's never been rocket science. Dump the puck in...use your numerical advantage to retrieve the puck. Move it around, try to get a good look....get traffic in front...shoot...pound the crease for rebounds. What's so hard about that ?
- philco28

I agree. I don't really care what LA fans thought of him. it's a different team, different situation. Give the guy a chance.

Bollig is not the ideal choice, but he did tip a few in playing that role at the Rock this year. Certainly has the size and no one is going to muscle him out of the crease. But they have no one like that on those two units except maybe Shaw. Even Montador was decent in that role last year at times.
- John Jaeckel

Hayes is tailor made for this role.

Hayes is tailor made for this role.
- philco28

I say we make him the 13th forward for that role alone. The rest of his game has stunk this year it seems like. Which is part could be the fact the he's been pushed into a uncomfortable role at Centre.

I say we make him the 13th forward for that role alone. The rest of his game has stunk this year it seems like. Which is part could be the fact the he's been pushed into a uncomfortable role at Centre.
- TyCamScore

I'm down with that. In limited internet viewings...i've been disappointed with Jimmy's progress this year, but he's really picked his net presence in the last 2 weeks. He might be peaking at the right time for the role we desperately need someone to fill.

Bollig is not the ideal choice, but he did tip a few in playing that role at the Rock this year. Certainly has the size and no one is going to muscle him out of the crease. But they have no one like that on those two units except maybe Shaw. Even Montador was decent in that role last year at times.
- John Jaeckel

I think the plan is to use Shaw....

Then probably Stalberg, which should be interesting to watch.

But at this point Q. will get desperate quickly.

Bollig could be next in line.

Hayes is tailor made for this role.
- philco28

True, if he had the talent and vision. Right now all he has is the size.

True, if he had the talent and vision. Right now all he has is the size.
- DarthKane

Yep...he's no Holmstrom that's for sure...but his potential for this role is intriguing. He'd have to have to want to impose himself down low and take a beating.
Is he willing ? Hope Q uses him so him we can find out.

Hayes is tailor made for this role.
- philco28

Cuz of his size? In that case, John Scott would have been perfect. Hayes has a bit to go before he can be successful at the NHL level (skating and protecting the puck are below average...which I don't want on the PP one bit).

A lot more than size makes a player successful in front of the net. Hell, Holmstrom is only 6' and he was one of the best ever setting up office in front of the net.

Cuz of his size? In that case, John Scott would have been perfect. Hayes has a bit to go before he can be successful at the NHL level (skating and protecting the puck are below average...which I don't want on the PP one bit).

A lot more than size makes a player successful in front of the net. Hell, Holmstrom is only 6' and he was one of the best ever setting up office in front of the net.
- HawkFan27

Jimmy Hayes is a thousand times more coordinated than John Scott...that alone gives him a chance to succeed.

Say what you want about Kenny Williams. He's one of the better GMs in baseball year in, year out.

See my post above. I just don't think Stanley's fit into the GM's shoes yet. Pro player acquisition is the hurdle he has failed to clear. And, let's face it, it is the aspect of the job he was least trained or prepared for. If McDonough is cutting him off at the knees and not allowing him to get his feet under him, that's a shame. And Rocky should recognize it and relieve McDonough of his responsibilities immediately.

Will blog on it at some point soon.
- John Jaeckel

What Kenny Williams did well was make the major league team competitive year after year. He did that by completely decimating the farm system. The White Sox for years are one of the lowest ranked farm systems in baseball, because Kenny traded away anything that was considered even a marginal prospect. There really was no prospect that was "untouchable" in Kenny's eyes, and that strategy worked very well for him. Inevitably, it led to what you had the past few years, and that is an aging team filled with free agents (boons and busts) and no young talent to bolster the roster.

A good organization needs balance between helping the big club and maintaining a stable of prospects. This is true for any sport with a minor league/development system like baseball and hockey. Football and Basketball do not have well defined minor leagues, so you are using draft picks who will play immediately to bolster the existing roster.

I don't advocate emptying the farm system to get a few players for the big club, but Stanley needs to use SOME of the prospects as bait, while maintaining a solid core of others.

Yep...he's no Holmstrom that's for sure...but his potential for this role is intriguing. He'd have to have to want to impose himself down low and take a beating.
Is he willing ? Hope Q uses him so him we can find out.
- philco28

Maybe Hayes gets a call-up later in the season to try this, but I don't think he deserves a spot on the current roster. Maybe if Frolik and Bickell get dealt Hayes can play on the 4th line and be the screen on the PP. Once he's healthy I'd rather try Smith in that role, he deserves a chance more than Hayes.

Hayes is tailor made for this role.
- philco28

Weak. On. His. Skates.

Maybe Hayes gets a call-up later in the season to try this, but I don't think he deserves a spot on the current roster. Maybe if Frolik and Bickell get dealt Hayes can play on the 4th line and be the screen on the PP. Once he's healthy I'd rather try Smith in that role, he deserves a chance more than Hayes.
- DarthKane

Hayes appears a longshot to make the team. Smith would be good for this role since he's got good hand-eye and he's not fearful down low, but to me, he is a defensive liability.

Weak. On. His. Skates.
- John Jaeckel

Disagree JJ. Hayes moves well for a kid his size. Think he'd melt though if roughed up a bit as a post up, screen specialist on the pp.

What Kenny Williams did well was make the major league team competitive year after year. He did that by completely decimating the farm system. The White Sox for years are one of the lowest ranked farm systems in baseball, because Kenny traded away anything that was considered even a marginal prospect. There really was no prospect that was "untouchable" in Kenny's eyes, and that strategy worked very well for him. Inevitably, it led to what you had the past few years, and that is an aging team filled with free agents (boons and busts) and no young talent to bolster the roster.

A good organization needs balance between helping the big club and maintaining a stable of prospects. This is true for any sport with a minor league/development system like baseball and hockey. Football and Basketball do not have well defined minor leagues, so you are using draft picks who will play immediately to bolster the existing roster.

I don't advocate emptying the farm system to get a few players for the big club, but Stanley needs to use SOME of the prospects as bait, while maintaining a solid core of others.
- TheTrob

There is a contradiction in what you write.

Results are all that matters. A good organization wins, or at least contends year after year at the major league level—not because of a stable of prospects. All I know is 2012 Sox team contended for a division last year when they weren't supposed to be .500. And the Sox have developed a few guys: Sale and Viciedo come to mind quickly.

If Bowman had inherited a .500 team 9and not a Stanley Cup team with a generational level of overall talent, could he have built it? Would it be any better than it was when he took over?

Disagree JJ. Hayes moves well for a kid his size. Think he'd melt though if roughed up a bit as a post up, screen specialist on the pp.
- philco28

He moves OK for his size. He ends up on his butt in every corner scrum. Why? High center of gravity, weak on his skates. Take a look at him and Bollig standing side by side in street clothes.

Hayes: 17 points in 37 games. In the AHL.