Exactly. The hits doesn't always directly cause the turnovers, but the cumulative effect of getting beat on, you get tired or sick of being hit/anticipate the hit coming, thus mistakes.

I'm not one of those saying the sky is falling, but its an obvious area of need, so hopefully they'll be able to address it sooner than later.
- howiehandles

They don't need a total overhaul by any stretch. One or two tweaks is all it would take.

Get a big, physical, fast, face off winning, playmaking, penalty killing, 2nd line center and call it a day. Should be easy right?

I was told that the Team is trying to help Seabs as it might have gone "too far over the summer".
- Hawkswin

Interesting. You sure you're not mixing him up with a certain star forward? Just kidding. But . . . well, there's that story too.

Could be.

Drinking and playing hockey go hand in hand. As a society, we really don't understand alcoholism, and as a disease, it is woefully underdiagnosed. And it is a disease. Some are born with it, like type 1 diabetes. Some develop it. Like type 2 diabetes. And there is no "cure" for it, like diabetes.

Not making excuses for anyone, including #7 (if there's anything to that). But from what I know and see, it's all over hockey and the Hawks.

They don't need a total overhaul by any stretch. One or two tweaks is all it would take.

Get a big, physical, reasonably fast, face off winning, penalty killing forward and call it a day. Should be easy right?
- Ogilthorpe2

Fixed. And yes, it's doable.

Generally I'm in agreement with you, simple facts borne out over decades of the NHL game. The thing with the Ducks is that they can play both types of games - the skill game and the physical one too. To me, they are much superior to the Kings and would beat them in a playoff series as well, handily.

Scotty Bowman has been public about the fact the Hawks need to burn teams with their PP because if they don't the tougher clubs will continue the pounding without fear of consequences. He knows the team needs some physicality added, just can't say too much.

However, there is time to make some adjustments or roster additions if they need a certain type of player(s). The cost is expensive but when a team is close you have to spend to get what is needed.
- RickJ

DING DING DING DING

Triple post this.

Interesting. You sure you're not mixing him up with a certain star forward? Just kidding. But . . . well, there's that story too.

Could be.

Drinking and playing hockey go hand in hand. As a society, we really don't understand alcoholism, and as a disease, it is woefully underdiagnosed. And it is a disease. Some are born with it, like type 1 diabetes. Some develop it. Like type 2 diabetes. And there is no "cure" for it, like diabetes.

Not making excuses for anyone, including #7 (if there's anything to that). But from what I know and see, it's all over hockey and the Hawks.
- John Jaeckel

And what is crazy is it is 50% better than it was 20 years ago. That is guys are way better about diet, rest and drinking compared to then. Scary thought.

I'd rather not wait and see. I think the wise move would be to add some physicality now and render the point moot.
- John Jaeckel

OK - but how much - realistically - are they going to add?

You hear all of the rumors, but it does seem like SB won't do anything major that would cost too much - that's not his MO.

I would say (as I have said before) a 4th-line, FO / PK / physical guy who will give them 10 minutes (but important minutes) per game - will help, but won't dramatically change the nature of the team.

Everyone may want more - but what would that cost? Won't get it for AHL and prospects.

I'm not drinking the Kool Aid, but I'm also not holding on to the ledge by my finger nails: I would like to see some more physical play, too, without losing much of the skill.

Don't think it's going to happen without a major restructuring of the team.

AND this team CAN go deep the way it is.

CAN, I said, not WILL.

Since the Avs are pretty much done do you think there's any chance they may be willing to deal McGinn? He has another year left on his deal but it's a reasonable cap hit $1.75 million and he's an RFA afterwards. I know Colorado wouldn't be super stoked to trade him, but he's the type of player we could certainly use. Maybe I'm just dreaming here...

Disagree. Even if those TO's weren't actually caused by "hits," the Hawks were tired and they were pulling up short to avoid contact all night. Saad just got outworked on his.

The forecheck had them flustered. If you don't agree, maybe you were actually watching a Vancouver game. Dunno.

Also, the Hawks "held" the lead because Crawford stood on his head—they were generally outplayed except for about 15 minutes. The puck was in their end for most of the night.
- John Jaeckel

Totally agree with you JJ, skill and physicality totally trumps just skill come playoff time. The Hawks need to try and upgrade the second line centre and add a couple of more physical players. I also believe that if they could pry Kipper from Calgary = great move.

OK - but how much - realistically - are they going to add?

You hear all of the rumors, but it does seem like SB won't do anything major that would cost too much - that's not his MO.

I would say (as I have said before) a 4th-line, FO / PK / physical guy who will give them 10 minutes (but important minutes) per game - will help, but won't dramatically change the nature of the team.

Everyone may want more - but what would that cost? Won't get it for AHL and prospects.

I'm not drinking the Kool Aid, but I'm also not holding on to the ledge by my finger nails: I would like to see some more physical play, too, without losing much of the skill.

Don't think it's going to happen without a major restructuring of the team.
- StLBravesFan

I think Bowman would very much like to come away with more physical upgrades at two of C, W and possibly D. Based on what I'm hearing.

The psychological effect is huge. I give the Hawks credit for fighting through it in the middle of the game, but the Ducks kpet at it and dialed it back up at the end.
- John Jaeckel

i want them to add some physical players, no doubt. i think adding an Ott type + a faceoff specialist puts them over the top HOWEVER...

i think in looking at last night's game, you have to weather the fact that they were missing two top 6 players (vs. one for the ducks) and then started a "top 6" guy in ones place who played 3 minutes. that fact, in particular makes me wonder - how "tired" were they because of the hitting by the ducks vs. how "tired" they were due to being overplayed by Coach Q?

whomever made the point (i think it was Ogi) that they may not have wanted to send a player from Rockford all the way to LA for one game may have been right. at least, i hope they're right. at this point, you have to rid this team of Carcillo and Mayers and replace them with useful players who can fill the roles that this team needs.

I FIXED BOUDREAU, LOL.

Agreed on Q. The Carcillo thing was not good. If I give Saad a pass for that pathetic clearing attempt on the game winner, it's because he was obviously tired. The double shifting affected all of them. Kane's conditioning has really improved regardless.
- John Jaeckel

Regardless of Kane's conditioning, playing 25 minutes a night at forward if you are not used to it can lead to mental mistakes and for someone Kane's size - injury. I'm not sure what Q is thinking.

Kane has obviously matured and become more responsible on both ends of the puck. That being said I don't expect or want him to try and win the Selke trophy. I want spin - o - rama's and offensive creativity.

I'm not sure why Carcillo sits and Bolland - who has been non-existent this season -is out there.

We need 2 big bodies - one of them a center who wins faceoffs. David Steckel was brought into Anaheim just for this reason.

And what is crazy is it is 50% better than it was 20 years ago. That is guys are way better about diet, rest and drinking compared to then. Scary thought.
- TrueGrit

Dunno, I know lots of dudes who are in great—or pretty damn good— shape who still drink alcoholically. Hang out at a Crossfit gym or a forward post in the Middle East.

My experience was, everyone drinks that way until age 22. By age 30, those still drinking that way are probably drunks.

i want them to add some physical players, no doubt. i think adding an Ott type + a faceoff specialist puts them over the top HOWEVER...

i think in looking at last night's game, you have to weather the fact that they were missing two top 6 players (vs. one for the ducks) and then started a "top 6" guy in ones place who played 3 minutes. that fact, in particular makes me wonder - how "tired" were they because of the hitting by the ducks vs. how "tired" they were due to being overplayed by Coach Q?

whomever made the point (i think it was Ogi) that they may not have wanted to send a player from Rockford all the way to LA for one game may have been right. at least, i hope they're right. at this point, you have to rid this team of Carcillo and Mayers and replace them with useful players who can fill the roles that this team needs.
- dr_boloney

Valid question, especially in the third period. Not in the first. They got checked out of the building and easily could have been down 3-0 instead od tied 1-1.

Experienced, big and fast-Ducks are tough....It takes more than individual efforts to beat them.

Today's article.....Blackhawks give one away late but can learn from loss to Anaheim - FOX Chicago: http://bit.ly/ZWzogb

I was told that the Team is trying to help Seabs as it might have gone "too far over the summer".
- Hawkswin

My future brother in law DID play beer pong with Seabs in Kelowna at some random curling event this summer. He said he was pretty good... maybe a little toooo good. ha.

Also, didn't he just get married in the summer or last summer? maybe marriage is driving him to drinks... I kid, I kid.

By all accounts I think Seabs is a pretty serious dude and is a vocal leader in the room... I would be surprised if he slipped down that path. But like JJ mentioned, it is a disease and can be uncontrollable.

this is great.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I40HfH1UiXo

Sabres for sale?

WANTED: 2 Big Wingers
Good skating ability a must
Able to play bottom 6 duty but have enough skill if needed on the top 6
Physicality is vital
Able to make life uncomfortable for the opposition
Make the opposition hurry their plays or make plays they don't want to make
Energize the team with some solid hits
Must be able to retrieve loose pucks along the boards
Some net front duty required
Dropping gloves may be required on occasion
Able to ply trade for minimum wage
No commitment for next year

GOONS NEED NOT APPLY
- paulr

Add a depth D-man too to that list; another Nick Boynton type would do fine here.

And what is crazy is it is 50% better than it was 20 years ago. That is guys are way better about diet, rest and drinking compared to then. Scary thought.
- TrueGrit

I play summer hockey with some ex NHLers and all of them are heavy drinkers. However they say the guys now don't drink anywhere near what they used to. Back in the 70s, 80's and even 90's alcohol was available after games in the dressing rooms of most teams, players drank on team flights and the whole culture revolved around alcohol, (drugs in some cases) and partying.

According to these guys that culture has changed quite a bit.

In order to have guys finish checks, you have to have guys willing to finish checks. So if you have to replace those unwilling to finish checks with guys who are willing to finish checks...may as well have them be bigger too. As long as they can keep up speed wise that is.
- Ogilthorpe2

So who is available that is willing to finish checks, is bigger than the current Hawks they would replace, AND can keep up speed wise with the Hawks system? Who will they replace and what will you pay to get them? And they should probably fit within the Hawks cap situation, too.

Valid question, especially in the third period. Not in the first. They got checked out of the building and easily could have been down 3-0 instead od tied 1-1.
- John Jaeckel

true.

the first was a terrible period - really reminded me of the first period vs. vancouver in the 2011 first round series. however, they really came back in the 2nd and at a certain point in the 3rd they were just dominating out there. in that case, it was similar to a lot of times they've faced the Blues or Sharks this year, where it seems like the opposing team really throws everything they can at them, and the Hawks take a while to "figure out" how to deal with it. in most cases, they do "figure it out" and counter punch with domination for the 2nd & 3rd. seemed like we were on that way until the Ryan goal where guys looked tiiiiiired.

again - totally want a physical forward and a legit faceoff guy (make him physical too, while we're at it) but I'm not ready to discount how tired they were in the third from being overworked.

this is great.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I40HfH1UiXo

Sabres for sale?
- TyCamScore

That was pretty good.

Let's take them up on the buy one underachiever .... get one free

With regard to Seabrook, and despite what one of the more thought of posters on this site will and has said, Seabrook is not a world class skater. Leddy has the finest power skating technique the Hawks have ever had. But Seabrook is, at least so far, is the better "player". Being rushed has always been his weakness due to his stride. He has improved over the last few years but he has no margin for error, especially with the game as fast as it is now. But nobody goes horseshyt overnight. I think the guy who drifted him the other night rang his bell again and maybe he's not admitting it. He ate at least a couple clean shots, especially the first one. And don't forget the compressed schedule and him not being a small guy. Me thinks he's tired or concussed or both. If the guy had a problem with the suds I think it would have been evident before now.

What exactly happened on the Ducks go ahead goal? I was stuck at airport and nothing was mentioned on twitter (other than they score). NHL game center said "neutral zone giveaway". Enlighten me, please

You don't see the relationship between the two?

Here's my mantra today: go back and watch the Phoenix series. Or Game 1 vs. Vancouver in 2011. Repeat as necessary.

That is all.
- John Jaeckel

Think some guys have trouble grasping the "wear-and-tear" aspect; in both the context of a game (what happened in period 3 last night) and what I fear may happen if SB doesn't make changes (in the playoffs this year again like last year).

It's hard to understand the cumulative affect of hits from the 1st and 2nd period as we go into the 3rd period. Clearly the 'Hawks ran out of gas at about the 50-minute mark. Some of that was due to 10/81 not in the lineup and some was the 88 double-shifting due to 13 on the bench.

I also have to wonder if Seabs is hiding something after he got clobbered a few games ago. Something is not right about him.

Also, what's the deal with dressing 13 and then him getting 2-3 shifts all night?

Double Post RickJ they call him

Carcillo goes from healthy scratch to dressing but not playing. It's not so much concern as it is just strange. Why dress him and not play him? Why not call up Smith or Morin?

I'm betting maybe they didn't want to ship a Hog all the way out to the Left Coast for one game. Maybe they'll make a roster move now that they're home.
- Ogilthorpe2

Morin suspended one game; so have to wait until after Ice Hog game on Friday before calling him up.