Well played.
- EKolb13

It's true though. This is a darn good team. If they want to be Patrick Kane fancy 4 on 1, they won't win. They play circle jerk in their own zone, they won't win. If they are determined to do the tough things that help win games they can win. As much as people say these other physical teams can run the Hawks out of the building, it can only happen if the Hawks allow it to. Look back at the series against Van. a few years ago. The first three games looked like the Hawks were going to get swept and buried. They came back and tied the series at 3 each because they finally decided not to take it anymore. If the Hawks play their game they will be in good shape.

Where's Shaw?
- EKolb13

Oops...Shaw in for Carcillo. Nice depth, huh?

Good comment about Kane: a couple of times he tried to go one-on-Minnesota when he had passes available.
- StLBravesFan

In fairness to Kane - a couple were specifically talyored carries to change pairng and forwards and the idea was to get the puck in and not superman it.

The commenst about if Kane had a better centre or better linemates...I always think his success isn't tied to someone else making the openings, just being smart enough to get to the open spaces, make the right play and actually finish.

Stalberg had the puck all game long.

And did nothing with it.

Oops...Shaw in for Carcillo. Nice depth, huh?
- Kentxo

Indeed.

Yeah shaw needs to be in there. Guess that means Carcillo out. I still think he would help this team in the playoffs but I can't see him playing ahead of the other 12. Also, I like Zeus between stalberg and Bickell which would have Bolland with shaw and frolik. That would be a great line, too. Just keep rolling out all 4 lines

This.
- EKolb13

I would worry that Hanzdus begins to wear down if he regularly plays more than 4th line minutes.

I would worry that Hanzdus begins to wear down if he regularly plays more than 4th line minutes.
- Ogilthorpe2

I can see that concern, and if it does present itself as that, then throw Bolland in there.

Stalberg had the puck all game long.

And did nothing with it.
- AceRatbang

games like last night cement why he'll be the odd man out after this year. love the speed and the way he's improved his overall game, however, he just...doesnt...finish.

at the same time you see the other option (in regards to where the money could go) in Leddy making more and more things happen AND looking stronger on D.

no question how to use that money now.

You can add the Kings to that short list too.
- EKolb13

Kings scare me, too. Last night was a freak thing. They have been playing like champs the last month. Ideally, kings play the blues at the 4 and 5 matchup. Sharks play anaheim and we play either detroit or minny

Stalberg had the puck all game long.

And did nothing with it.
- AceRatbang

Yep....nothing like keeping the puck in the offensive zone all night......that means nothing.

Stalberg had the puck all game long.

And did nothing with it.
- AceRatbang

If Stalberg had the puck all game long, then the Wild never had the puck...(in my best Martha Stewart) it's a good thing.

I would worry that Hanzdus begins to wear down if he regularly plays more than 4th line minutes.
- Ogilthorpe2

I'd agree with you there, but it's obvious Bolland is on his death bed this year. It's a combination of back/foot, and honestly....if he didn't get a shot earlier, they better have given him one now and get him as close to 100% possible for the playoff run. I dont' care about these last 9 games, but what Bowman can't do, is rely on Bolland to center that 2nd line. You do that and Sharp and Kane will suffer.

Handzus has plenty left. He rarely played with the sharks, and being a role guy, he looks very comfortable and still flashes some skill.

As far as new topic brewing, who sits?,

I think you see Handus, because of the faceoff circle, until maybe he shows wear, but the guy is in top shape, but he may get a vacation night too.

I bet you will see everybody from Shaw, Stalberg, Frolik, Kruger, Carcillo, Bollig and Mayers as possible guys who if dinged or slowed up, are given games off.

I just think a fresh and active Shaw & Kruger, a hungry and smart Carcillo will be where the first game decision comes...with Bollig, Mayers and the Black Aces in waiting.

I really also wouldn't be surprised in the early game sif they rolled five defenders and sat Brookbank to send a clear message about decisions.

Stalberg's speed is difficult to bench, but he also has to bring better puck handling and the same intense defense we saw snippest of.

Frolik has got to be considered a solid piece by virtue of all he does in spite of not finishing consistently. I just put him here thinking maybe he struggles and they try another direction now that handus can also kill the penalities.

Clearly we have seen a team ememrge absed on all the parts bringing it, and that must continue but let's face it, these short series are where Toews and Kane have to be at the top of their games, because that really tilts the ice.

The dee, and Hossa and Sharp and the rest have done all year what they had to, and trying to pick at mistakes positions, or speciifc plays weakness doesn't speak clearly to the success the group has had.

Think no injuries...I know I am.

It's true though. This is a darn good team. If they want to be Patrick Kane fancy 4 on 1, they won't win. They play circle jerk in their own zone, they won't win. If they are determined to do the tough things that help win games they can win. As much as people say these other physical teams can run the Hawks out of the building, it can only happen if the Hawks allow it to. Look back at the series against Van. a few years ago. The first three games looked like the Hawks were going to get swept and buried. They came back and tied the series at 3 each because they finally decided not to take it anymore. If the Hawks play their game they will be in good shape.
- droe411

...and John Scott played

btw...if anyone is on twitter, follow @RealJohnScott. Hilarious!!!!

Are you guys concerned about the Ducks, Kings & Blues?

They have been good rivals THIS year. Is everyone comfortable or looking over the shoulders to see if they are coming up. They are starting to fix some holes and goaltending/team defence has been coming to form.

I think those teams are more equal than people will give credit.
- VANTEL

Changed it for you. Then it's a YES.

As far as new topic brewing, who sits?,

I think you see Handus, because of the faceoff circle, until maybe he shows wear, but the guy is in top shape, but he may get a vacation night too.

I bet you will see everybody from Shaw, Stalberg, Frolik, Carcillo, Bollig and Mayers as possible guys who if dinged or slowed up, are given games off.

I just think a fresh and active Shaw, a hungry and smart Carcillo will be where the first game decision comes...with Bollig, Mayers and the Black Aces in waiting.

I really also wouldn't be surprised in the early game sif they rolled five defenders and sat Brookbank to send a clear message about decisions.

Stalberg's speed is difficult to bench, but he also has to bring better puck handling and the same intense defense we saw snippets of.
(I am not trying to go negative on Viktor, but you know, a lot of other hawsk worked hard, took hits and mucked it to rpovide him with those outlet passes to eat up time and get space...)

Frolik has got to be considered a solid piece by virtue of all he does in spite of not finishing consistently. I just put him here thinking maybe he struggles and they try another direction now that handus can also kill the penalities.

Clearly we have seen a team ememrge absed on all the parts bringing it, and that must continue but let's face it, these short series are where Toews and Kane have to be at the top of their games, because that really tilts the ice.

The dee, and Hossa and Sharp and the rest have done all year what they had to, and trying to pick at mistakes positions, or speciifc plays weakness doesn't speak clearly to the success the group has had.

Think no injuries...I know I am.
- wiz1901

Only team that concerns me is the Hawks. They decide to commit to a team D game they can go as far as they want.
- droe411

Ditto!

Only team that concerns me is the Hawks. They decide to commit to a team D game they can go as far as they want.
- droe411

THIS...and nice read JJ


Yes, indeed...the Hawks were rock solid last night in all aspects. Hammer did throw a pizza into the middle.. inside our blue line... that raised my ire, but it was a comprehensive commitment to team defense that was very pleasing to the eye.

Yep....nothing like keeping the puck in the offensive zone all night......that means nothing.
- UnnamedSource

Don't forget the lots of shots that didnt hit the net.

Stalberg had the puck all game long.

And did nothing with it.
- AceRatbang

Exactly and only 2 shots....

That's a reason why he isn't a top six player. He can't create enough space even though he is fast to get into position to score....And when he does not enough happens. Fun to watch but not productive enough yet...

Today's article.......

Emery posts another shutout in efficient win over the Wild - No Goalie Controversy...YET: FOX 32 Chicago: http://bit.ly/Zhi5Xv

Are you guys concerned about the Canucks?

We have been each others biggest rivals over the last few years. Is everyone comfortable or looking over the shoulders to see if we are coming up. We are starting to fix some holes and our goaltending has been coming to form.

I think our two teams are more equal than people will give credit to.
- VANTEL

The Canucks have ot fix the PP, and specifically the missing point shot that Garrison hasn't been able to seamlessly fill.

The Canucks now will finally have the personel that trading Cody Hodgson would have filled, but they seem to be two good forwards short up front.

I have always liked Roy, but in context to what he salary is, I thought he needed to be a better player all around. There is no denying he loves the game and will go hard.

and ...the other part is...you gotta have the goalie play big in the post season dance.

And Vantel, for your sake, I want to know I have trouble with how it seems all of Canada hates the Canucks outside the area...it is as if the are the New York Yankess of hockey to part of Canada that is Boston and everywhere NOT New York.

THIS...and nice read JJ


Yes, indeed...the Hawks were rock solid last night in all aspects. Hammer did throw a pizza into the middle.. inside our blue line... that raised my ire, but it was a comprehensive commitment to team defense that was very pleasing to the eye.
- philco28

This is going to happen from time to time. The big thing is the guys look to have a trust with Emery in the net, bad thing is I think Q will go with Crow. Something about Emery that puts the Hawks at ease out there, they play better on D when he is playing. It's been that way for the last 2 years. Same thing happened with Huet and Neimi, Hawks just looked like they trusted Niemi and were scared to make a mistake with Huet.

...and John Scott played

btw...if anyone is on twitter, follow @RealJohnScott. Hilarious!!!!
- eburgio

Following him know....thanks!

Every time I see him I chuckle and think "Stan Milkita the early years-lite version.

This guy can get criticized for his ability-level, size, and whatever weaknesss bloggers can find fault in.
No one can take away his level of commitment, his tenacity, his mouth, and his head for the game.
It's guys like this that take everything I blab on about that the top 75 of this year's prospects and basically render the words null...because it is his basic love & joy to be out there that pour out his veins and you cannot miss feeling it.
- wiz1901

Wiz...you PHUCKING NAILED IT.