So if you're Stan Bowman, would you bet your career on it? Why not render the point moot and go out and fill a couple of holes? Because I guarantee you the "underperformed in the playoffs" deflection/line will not wash this summer. - John Jaeckel
The Hawks' size problem is basically a 2nd line problem and Seabs problem.
1st line has size and skill; 3rd line has great size on wings and center than plays bigger than his actual size. 4th line is one of the best in the NHL, good size except for Kruger.
It's the second line that is puny. Kane has to have bigger guys with him; and so far Hayes isn't playing to his size.
This is also one of the problems with Seabs. He's not playing to his size and is not physical enough.
In all fairness there is not a team that is a "lock" in either division.
Between Pittsburgh, Montreal and Boston any of those teams can win and Ottawa, NYR or Carolina can definitely pull off an upset.
Same thing in the west, Ducks/Hawks then Kings and STL, VAN and Daytoit are dangerous. Maybe not dominating but can steal a series.
Unless a blockbuster happens there aren't really any scenarios that turn the Hawks into overnight favourites. Kane, Toews and Hossa breaking games open will be the deciding metric either way. - fattybeef
I'll just say this, the rumored deal I heard about with Montreal has a couple of highly valued Hawks going the other way, but what it brings back, IMO, makes the Hawks very, very formidable. A lot of posters here would have an aneurysm, while not appreciating the holes that get filled with the return and the relative expendability of the "star" and "future star" that go the other way.
A team that is worried about the cap or winning Cups 5 years down the line is not focused on winning one today—broad, but generally true.
I will feel much better about this team's playoff fortunes when it is more like the 2010 team—in character and style—than the 2012 team. That is not unachievable between now and 4/3. Bowman knows there are holes, and I give him/the FO/Scotty—whoever is really calling the personnel shots—credit for seeing it.
Remains to be seen if they can pull something off.
So if you're Stan Bowman, would you bet your career on it? Why not render the point moot and go out and fill a couple of holes? Because I guarantee you the "underperformed in the playoffs" deflection/line will not wash this summer. - John Jaeckel
Beyond the fact I never said that I would stand pat with this roster, if the Hawks and Ducks go head to head it seems like it would be in the WCF. Now, while I prefer that the Hawks never lose a WCF appearance is hardly something that will cost anyone jobs.
The Hawks' size problem is basically a 2nd line problem and Seabs problem.
1st line has size and skill; 3rd line has great size on wings and center than plays bigger than his actual size. 4th line is one of the best in the NHL, good size except for Kruger.
It's the second line that is puny. Kane has to have bigger guys with him; and so far Hayes isn't playing to his size.
This is also one of the problems with Seabs. He's not playing to his size and is not physical enough. - KingB
There are two guys the Hawks are after now—one is a 4th line wing, the other a 3rd/4th line C—both are highly valued by their current clubs (both of which however are out of playoff contention).
You add these two guys to this team for say Frolik or Carcillo, a couple of prospects or a late round pick, and this is going to be a tough, tough, balanced team in the playoffs. Because you are adding a penalty killing C who is 50%+ at the dot, tough as nails and a true destroyer 4th line wing who has some passable skill and can skate.
Beyond the fact I never said that I would stand pat with this roster, if the Hawks and Ducks go head to head it seems like it would be in the WCF. Now, while I prefer that the Hawks never lose a WCF appearance is hardly something that will cost anyone jobs. - nathanjf
Mmmmm . . .maybe. Expectations are awfully high . . .
when the y changed my seats from behind the net where they shoot twice to the section closets to the security room with a camera on me...truth.
I am not much of a drinker, but making grouper tacos, carne asada and quacamole tonight...
and since visit Hollywood daughter and hubbys and grandchild, and my wife planned my quick cremation w/o ceremonies after "falling out" from some farmered flame with other family friends, and I have been cut off from other particuticals.... - wiz1901
There are two guys the Hawks are after now—one is a 4th line wing, the other a 3rd/4th line C—both are highly valued by their current clubs (both of which however are out of playoff contention).
You add these two guys to this team for say Frolik or Carcillo, a couple of prospects or a late round pick, and this is going to be a tough, tough, balanced team in the playoffs. Because you are adding a penalty killing C who is 50%+ at the dot, tough as nails and a true destroyer 4th line wing who has some passable skill and can skate. - John Jaeckel
Are we just waiting for Stan to say Yes on this deal or is Stan thebobe in a waiting period right now ?
There are two guys the Hawks are after now—one is a 4th line wing, the other a 3rd/4th line C—both are highly valued by their current clubs (both of which however are out of playoff contention).
You add these two guys to this team for say Frolik or Carcillo, a couple of prospects or a late round pick, and this is going to be a tough, tough, balanced team in the playoffs. Because you are adding a penalty killing C who is 50%+ at the dot, tough as nails and a true destroyer 4th line wing who has some passable skill and can skate. - John Jaeckel
Mmmmm . . .maybe. Expectations are awfully high . . . - John Jaeckel
C'mon - be real. A WCF appearance is an accomplishment for any team (assuming the team isn't, then, subsequently swept).
Now, everything else aside, you've been on me in the past for what you perceive as a pro Bowman stance, while I've maintained that I'm aligned more toward the 'wait and see' approach regarding this FO. If this team isn't improved in a way that makes me believe it has pushed in all of her chips for this post season by the TDL I will definitely see Bowman as more a detriment than positive force for the organization.
If David Clarkson in NJD is being shopped the Hawks need to be in on that and throw whatever prospects picks are necessary to get that done. - acmidd28
This one is a good example... The Devils are deep in the playoff race and Clarkson is one of the better players on their team. Is it really realistic that they will trade him during the season for picks or prospects? How would that help them?
FWIW, I would love to have Clarkson - Crosby, too!
I'll just say this, the rumored deal I heard about with Montreal has a couple of highly valued Hawks going the other way, but what it brings back, IMO, makes the Hawks very, very formidable. A lot of posters here would have an aneurysm, while not appreciating the holes that get filled with the return and the relative expendability of the "star" and "future star" that go the other way. - John Jaeckel
god, that is interesting. we've all been complaining about Stan's lack of courage when it comes to trading. sounds like he might have an opportunity to prove us wrong.
does everybody remember the backlash after Tallon sent Wiz for Sammy Pahlson? a promising young physical D man for a 3rd/4th line center? people were pissed and I'm pretty sure the Hawks ended that season on something like a 13-2 run and went to the WCF when nobody thought they would.
i hope that Stan knows that making a deal that is initially criticized will be praised after we're done celebrating at the parade.
I'll just say this, the rumored deal I heard about with Montreal has a couple of highly valued Hawks going the other way, but what it brings back, IMO, makes the Hawks very, very formidable. A lot of posters here would have an aneurysm, while not appreciating the holes that get filled with the return and the relative expendability of the "star" and "future star" that go the other way.
A team that is worried about the cap or winning Cups 5 years down the line is not focused on winning one today—broad, but generally true.
I will feel much better about this team's playoff fortunes when it is more like the 2010 team—in character and style—than the 2012 team. That is not unachievable between now and 4/3. Bowman knows there are holes, and I give him/the FO/Scotty—whoever is really calling the personnel shots—credit for seeing it.
Remains to be seen if they can pull something off. - John Jaeckel
I'll guess that the "star" is Bolland and the "future star" would be either Saad or more likely Leddy. Honestly have no idea what we'd be getting back, but I would assume a second line center (Eller) and a d-man who could fill the 5th spot vacated by Leddy. Probably some picks and/or prospects also in the mix.
C'mon - be real. A WCF appearance is an accomplishment for any team (assuming the team isn't, then, subsequently swept).
Now, everything else aside, you've been on me in the past for what you perceive as a pro Bowman stance, while I've maintained that I'm aligned more toward the 'wait and see' approach regarding this FO. If this team isn't improved in a way that makes me believe it has pushed in all of her chips for this post season by the TDL I will definitely see Bowman as more a detriment than positive force for the organization. - nathanjf
That's fair. I have to say, whether it's Scotty or Stanley or McIver or Gauthier or all of the above, i am encouraged by the whispers I hear as to what they see as needs and what they have been trying to do to address them.
They are more realistic about the team than a lot of fans.
You also I think are not factoring in the front office "semi civil war" that has simmered since last year—basically between Q and Stanley—though I've been hearing about it since the Spring of 2010.
Whether you believe the narrative about Q almost going to Montreal or not, Bowman's post-season presser comments ALONE point to it. If this team only gets to the WCF, there will be disappointed fans and therefore disappointment in the FO.
John McDonough desperately wants a Cup he can call his own. And if you think McDonough is above throwing Stanley (and/or Q) under the bus, you are probably wrong.
if they don't at LEAST make the WCF, I can pretty much guarantee you Stanley and/or Q will be toast.
That's fair. I have to say, whether it's Scotty or Stanley or McIver or Gauthier or all of the above, i am encouraged by the whispers I hear as to what they see as needs and what they have been trying to do to address them.
They are more realistic about the team than a lot of fans. - John Jaeckel
I would hope so! I can't wait to see what we've got the day after the deadline, and it'll be nice to focus on just the damn hockey games!
That's fair. I have to say, whether it's Scotty or Stanley or McIver or Gauthier or all of the above, i am encouraged by the whispers I hear as to what they see as needs and what they have been trying to do to address them.
They are more realistic about the team than a lot of fans. - John Jaeckel
I'll just say this, the rumored deal I heard about with Montreal has a couple of highly valued Hawks going the other way, but what it brings back, IMO, makes the Hawks very, very formidable. A lot of posters here would have an aneurysm, while not appreciating the holes that get filled with the return and the relative expendability of the "star" and "future star" that go the other way.
A team that is worried about the cap or winning Cups 5 years down the line is not focused on winning one today—broad, but generally true.
I will feel much better about this team's playoff fortunes when it is more like the 2010 team—in character and style—than the 2012 team. That is not unachievable between now and 4/3. Bowman knows there are holes, and I give him/the FO/Scotty—whoever is really calling the personnel shots—credit for seeing it.
Remains to be seen if they can pull something off. - John Jaeckel
True Grit made a point earlier that is being relatively ignored. It isn't as though this is the first physical team the Hawks have faced this year. Why now is one loss such glaring evidence that a paradigm shift need take place?
What would the tone be today had the Hawks held on to win 2-1 or 3-1(EN)? Another good win against another bigger more physical opponent? Held off shaky start to control game late? Seriously.
Two bad plays = loss. Physical play was minimized early in the second. - nathanjf
I dont think the hawks have played in very many physical games this season. Maybe a handful at most.
god, that is interesting. we've all been complaining about Stan's lack of courage when it comes to trading. sounds like he might have an opportunity to prove us wrong.
does everybody remember the backlash after Tallon sent Wiz for Sammy Pahlson? a promising young physical D man for a 3rd/4th line center? people were pissed and I'm pretty sure the Hawks ended that season on something like a 13-2 run and went to the WCF when nobody thought they would.
i hope that Stan knows that making a deal that is initially criticized will be praised after we're done celebrating at the parade. - dr_boloney
Scotty and Gauthier being in Montreal the other night speaks volumes about the possibility at least of a fairly significant deal going down. Scotty isn't going there to scout some kid getting 6 minutes a night. Also, Al will tell you the team with the most scouts most nights at the UC has been . . . Montreal.
There are two guys the Hawks are after now—one is a 4th line wing, the other a 3rd/4th line C—both are highly valued by their current clubs (both of which however are out of playoff contention).
- John Jaeckel
So... teams out of contention? FLA and WASH are the teams I'm thinking and I'm going to say:
4th Line Wing: Parros (FLA)
3rd/4th Line C: Hendricks or Beagle (WASH)
Just being bored on a thursday aft... but all 3 would be nice additions.
Well put jj...you listed teams that the hawks could struggle against in a playoff series. I don't disagree with you...i would only add the blues to that list
So... teams out of contention? FLA and WASH are the teams I'm thinking and I'm going to say:
4th Line Wing: Parros (FLA)
3rd/4th Line C: Hendricks or Beagle (WASH)
Just being bored on a thursday aft... but all 3 would be nice additions. - TyCamScore
Do we need 4th liners? Aren't our 3rd and 4th lines fine in skill and grit? I thought we needed a skilled pf to play top 6 minutes. Can Hendricks do that? I know he can win face offs. But he can't fight like bollig, kill penalties like frolik or play center like Kruger. I like him, but who does he replace?
