This really stands out about his game, but younger players always tend to have that. You look at everyone from Ovie to Shaw and when they're younger, they play with more energy and are always buzzing around. It's tough to play a whole career like that though because it's very inefficient in terms of energy.

The best players of all time never looked like they were trying because they had the uncanny ability to know when to push it. They could turn it on and off (think Lidstrom, Lemieux, Yzerman, Sakic).

I think that comes with experience and maturity and is one of the differences between good and great.

Hossa and Kane are good examples as well. He's not out there skating at top speed and maximum effort all the time.
- andru2797

You have to learn to pick your spots but the issue for Ovie and maybe a Shaw, Saad and even Morin is the physicality..

Roenick and others the same as OV...All the hitting all of the time takes its toll more than anything else.

Hawks clinch playoff spot, now aim for Presidents' Trophy- Will Hawks follow '95 Wings to Cup Finals? -FOX Chicago: http://bit.ly/Y8e9Ih

Flyers signed Steve Mason to a $1.5 million deal for next season.

Going off topic here but maybe Stan and co should try getting another goalie named Antti from Finland to the system. Antti Raanta who plays for Porin Ässät in Finnish Elite League is playing lights out this year. He was already voted for the best player of regular season this year and has continued playing very well in playoffs. Today had a shutout (4th so in playoffs) with 32 saves and lead Ässät to the finals.

http://www.eliteprospects...m/player.php?player=17016

If anyone has Stan´s number or email, feel free to send him this message

And - he was AHL player of the week last week.
- StLBravesFan

And - he was AHL player of the week last week.
- StLBravesFan

And- Beach won it this year as well......let's bring him up.

Flyers signed Steve Mason to a $1.5 million deal for next season.
- prd797

Fair deal for a back-up. Mason gets a chance to prove himself and turnaround his career. Although Philly is a tough place for goalies.

Fair deal for a back-up. Mason gets a chance to prove himself and turnaround his career. Although Philly is a tough place for goalies.
- DarthKane

Thats like saying the bermuda triangle is a tough place for ships

Nice look at Jesus JJ.

For what it's worth, the guy he reminds me of most is James Neal.

Neal's blend of strength, skating and shooting is what he should strive to emulate. I doubt Saad will ever equal Hossa in the defensive awareness department (and really, few ever would), but he has the tools to be a 30 goal-60 point power forward, who could reach higher playing with top players.

Not the kind of player who makes his linemates better, but the kind who produces more with better linemates.
- andru2797

DING DING DING DING

Still think he's more of a pure speed guy than a power guy (even though he sort of looks the part). But excellent points.

This really stands out about his game, but younger players always tend to have that. You look at everyone from Ovie to Shaw and when they're younger, they play with more energy and are always buzzing around. It's tough to play a whole career like that though because it's very inefficient in terms of energy.

The best players of all time never looked like they were trying because they had the uncanny ability to know when to push it. They could turn it on and off (think Lidstrom, Lemieux, Yzerman, Sakic).

I think that comes with experience and maturity and is one of the differences between good and great.

Hossa and Kane are good examples as well. He's not out there skating at top speed and maximum effort all the time.
- andru2797

Hossa and Datsyuk, even Gretzky

Going off topic here but maybe Stan and co should try getting another goalie named Antti from Finland to the system. Antti Raanta who plays for Porin Ässät in Finnish Elite League is playing lights out this year. He was already voted for the best player of regular season this year and has continued playing very well in playoffs. Today had a shutout (4th so in playoffs) with 32 saves and lead Ässät to the finals.

http://www.eliteprospects...m/player.php?player=17016

If anyone has Stan´s number or email, feel free to send him this message
- MjulQvist

I've been aware of this guy since 2010-11, admittedly not dialed in to the going-ons of the Finnish league though. Very solid numbers too based on your link and what I saw when on hockeydb. Certainly could be another sleeper to become a quality NHL netminder of the ilk of our former Niemi or the stud the Hawks faced yesterday in Pekka Rinne.

I've also been meaning to get over to Finland to catch TT in action. Obviously not doable this season, but if he stays here in Europe for next season I intend to visit.

Hossa and Datsyuk, even Gretzky
- John Jaeckel

When I watch him, his skates rarely come off the ice. His intuition and hockey sense allow him to glide over the ice impacting plays. An incredible player to watch. I feel like you see Hoss go full speed more on the back check. My favorite thing about him is when he makes a mistake, he ALWAYS goes and takes the puck back, its so cool

Looks like Sharp will be ready to go against Minnesota on Tuesday (per various sources on Twitter).

Hossa and Datsyuk, even Gretzky
- John Jaeckel

You mean Gretzky Gretzky, or Ott Gretzky?

John Jaeckel: The Saad Truth
- John Jaeckel

Honestly, I am so tired of bloggers predicting future results and great things for players based on potential. I blame Cloutier's inane wishful thinking that he has been spewing like hot garbage for the last 3 years or so. Please refrain from stooping to that level.

Olesz -now named AHL player of the week. Break down the doors and pull away the barriers. Here he comes!

Looks like Sharp will be ready to go against Minnesota on Tuesday (per various sources on Twitter).
- DarthKane

Good. Last thing Sharp needs is to be too rusty to aptly contribute when the playoffs roll around. I'd really like to see him in that 2C slot.

Hope they continue to keep Bolland out, and that Sharp and Hoss get back in the action by putting some points on the board.

Good. Last thing Sharp needs is to be too rusty to aptly contribute when the playoffs roll around. I'd really like to see him in that 2C slot.

Hope they continue to keep Bolland out, and that Sharp and Hoss get back in the action by putting some points on the board.
- prd797

I doubt Sharp will start at the 2C role, maybe after playing a few games. We'll know more during tomorrow's morning skate. Until then I'll have some fun:

Saad - Toews - Kane
Sharp - Kruger - Hossa
Bickell - Shaw - Stalberg
Carcillo - Handzus - Frolik

Good. Last thing Sharp needs is to be too rusty to aptly contribute when the playoffs roll around. I'd really like to see him in that 2C slot.

Hope they continue to keep Bolland out, and that Sharp and Hoss get back in the action by putting some points on the board.
- prd797

Earlier reports had Sharp practicing at 2C, but I haven't heard that lately (could be because there's been little time for practice lately?). If he does switch, who do you like at 2LW?

I doubt Sharp will start at the 2C role, maybe after playing a few games. We'll know more during tomorrow's morning skate. Until then I'll have some fun:

Saad - Toews - Kane
Sharp - Kruger - Hossa
Bickell - Shaw - Stalberg
Carcillo - Handzus - Frolik
- DarthKane

That's a nice looking lineup - where does Bolland fit when he's back?

That's a nice looking lineup - where does Bolland fit when he's back?
- mohel

On the 3rd line and Kruger and Shaw go back to the wing.

Handzus centers 4th line...

Hawks clinch playoff spot, now aim for Presidents' Trophy- Will Hawks follow '95 Wings to Cup Finals? -FOX Chicago: http://bit.ly/Y8e9Ih

I made a bet that Saad wouldn't score more than 25 points with my buddy or else I have to post an "I Love Saad" status every day for a week on Facebook.

I am going to lose
- teh_HAWKZ

Look at it this way "you may have lost but You win, now let`s take it ALL the way and win one more

Olesz -now named AHL player of the week. Break down the doors and pull away the barriers. Here he comes!
- 67hawks

Oh God...

He reminds me of a young Brandon Saad.
- Ogilthorpe2

Is that last nights 2nd star`s brother ANDREW Saad?

And- Beach won it this year as well......let's bring him up.
- UnnamedSource

What's wrong with you? They're all top notch blue chippers.

That's a nice looking lineup - where does Bolland fit when he's back?
- mohel

Very good question, and it depends on how Kruger plays as the 2C. I think Carcillo would be the odd man out and Bolland goes to either 2C or 3C depending on Kruger's performance.