The Hawks biggest fear should be their own anemic PP.
- Ogilthorpe2

they are the best even strength club, best takeaway rate, the PP should be the cherry on the sundae, similar to the Bruins...

So lets get this debate going....

Line 1: saad, toews, Hossa. I don't see how anyone argues that.
Line 2: carcillo, Sharp, Kane. I pray to GOD that it's not Bolland up here, and I could stomach a Frolik in Carcillo's spot
Line 3: bickell, Handzus, Stalberg....The key to the Hawks is when this line is contributing and right now it's contributing.
Line 4: Frolik, Bolland, Bolig. Honestly, I know it's hard to scratch Kruger, but as long as Carcillo is NOT taking stupid penatlies and looking out of place on line 2, and Bolig is being physical on line 4...I don't see a need to play Kruger. You make up for his PK with Handzus, who is extremely more valuable in the faceoff department...and honestly your only glaring faceoff hole would be BOlland on line 4....
- SteveRain

The only way a healthy Bolland should even be considered at 2C at this point is if he plays with Sharp and Hossa, with Sharp taking the draws.

20-19-88
10-36-81

That's what I've wanted to see all year, but it's probably too late now, and I think Bolland is a 3/4 from here on out.

Fixed.

The Hawks biggest fear should be their own anemic PP.
- Ogilthorpe2

That's a sore spot which has not bitten them as much because the great PK has helped a lot.

Said the same today...

Today's article.......

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

If he's healthy, I'd go with Bolland centering the third line, Bolland has decent speed, very good hands and scoring potential and can shutdown top players on the other teams. Handzus is a faceoff guy with limited skating ability, limited scoring potential and can't keep up with top centers on other teams.
- paulr

I know guys are getting carried away with Zues, he should be on that 4th line. Also thrown in on draws as the guy taking them or as the 2nd center in case of Toews getting thrown out. Bolland is an elite 3rd line center, he should be ready to go after they give him some time off. You guys shouldn't get carried away with the Bolland dislike to throw him on the 4th line, or press box. Zues may do a decent job subbing in right now in that 3rd line, but you don't want to see him there for a long playoff run.

Ross has a really good left hand. I loved that they acknowledge each other after the fight is over too.
That is a marvelous video.

A Dearborn Heights native, Ross signed with the Spirit as a free agent in August of 2009 and worked his way up to become a 2012 draft choice of the Blackhawks and team captain in his final OHL season.
(My daughters old roommate in our second floor Chicago home was the actress Judy (Evans) "Greer" she is from Dearborn too....just name droppin')

Ross finished his career with the Spirit as the No. 8 point producer in team history with 82 goals and 88 assists for 170 points in 217 games.

He was named the Most Underrated Player in the 2011-12 OHL Western Conference Coaches Poll.

This season he scored 44 goals and had 46 assists, becoming just the third Spirit player to reach 90 points in a season.

Ross is a good passer and shooter and he captains his team.

I think there is a whole lot more he has got to do, the littel things that Shaw excels in, to put him on the radar as a near-ready add.

But it is ll about being well-stocked with guys like this so when you need Cap sapce or make moves they do start to be close to ready to get their space wet.

Oh, and I guess now the people so hypnotized by the Negotiation list should be worried....it is at 50 players again. (boooha-ha!!!! in a scarybthreathening tone.)

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=47390
- wiz1901

Awesome post Wiz


how do you rate Ross' skating ? Does he have a lot of work to do or a little

So lets get this debate going....

Line 1: saad, toews, Hossa. I don't see how anyone argues that.
Line 2: carcillo, Sharp, Kane. I pray to GOD that it's not Bolland up here, and I could stomach a Frolik in Carcillo's spot
Line 3: bickell, Handzus, Stalberg....The key to the Hawks is when this line is contributing and right now it's contributing.
Line 4: Frolik, Bolland, Bolig. Honestly, I know it's hard to scratch Kruger, but as long as Carcillo is NOT taking stupid penatlies and looking out of place on line 2, and Bolig is being physical on line 4...I don't see a need to play Kruger. You make up for his PK with Handzus, who is extremely more valuable in the faceoff department...and honestly your only glaring faceoff hole would be BOlland on line 4....
- SteveRain

Shaw and Krugman will not sit.

they are the best even strength club, best takeaway rate, the PP should be the cherry on the sundae, similar to the Bruins...
- wiz1901

Except ... with an anemic powerplay other teams may not have any concerns taking liberties with the Hawks stars or try to goad the Hawks into post whistle shennanigans.

The good news is the Hawks penalty kill has improved after a few weeks of being exploited.

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

Please!

Chicago is hands down a far superior team. Vancouver has been winning lately yes, but they haven't exactly had a difficult schedule either. Last 10 games, played Colorado twice, Phoenix twice, Edmonton twice, Columbus, Calgary, San Jose and LA. One of the more cupcake schedules in the last 2 weeks.

Visors are mandatory in junior and pretty sure in the A as well.
- philco28

do they get penalized for leaving them on during fights or taking them off

I know guys are getting carried away with Zues, he should be on that 4th line. Also thrown in on draws as the guy taking them or as the 2nd center in case of Toews getting thrown out. Bolland is an elite 3rd line center, he should be ready to go after they give him some time off. You guys shouldn't get carried away with the Bolland dislike to throw him on the 4th line, or press box. Zues may do a decent job subbing in right now in that 3rd line, but you don't want to see him there for a long playoff run.
- droe411

Agreed. Zeus fills a role we've been pining for...a 4th liner with size who can win draws. He has a little skill as well but not enough to make him your 3rd line center over a mostly healthy Bolland in the playoffs. Bolland will earn some of his contract in the Cup run this year, as he usually does in the playoffs.
20-19-81
10-16-88
29-36-25
65-26-67
Done. Carcillo gets a look here and there but I like this lineup. 4th line has skill and grit, Kruger creates space for 10 and 88, and the third line likely thrives in puck possession and forchecking.

Yeah, I know....Shaw and Kruger won't sit, but dressing both of them, is a very dangerous task. Especially considering the matchup and giving away size.

I also know, that Bolland wont' drop below the 3rd line, but I would be 100% against that. As long as Handzus is showing he can log the minutes.
- SteveRain

In going along with your thought here, I'm of the opinion that the typical numerical hierarchy may not apply for this team. If Q is going to roll 4 lines fairly equally, the traditional line roles don't really apply. People shouldn't get worked up with Bolland playing on the "fourth line" or being the fourth center, especially if Q uses Bolland's line as his stopper line. Say Q leaves Handzus between Vik and Bick because he likes what they have rolling and puts Bolland between Fro and Kruger/Shaw/Bollig, does it really matter if Bolland is called the third or fourth line center?

Use Bolland's line for "zero shifts" against the other team's top line like Q has for the past playoff runs. If it makes people feel better, call that line the third line and call the 29/26/25 line the fourth line...in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter what the numerology is on the depth chart, just how Q uses them.

Kruger is a battler, but Frolik is very versatile. Arguably their most versatile player. Can be plugged in on top 6, is a matchup nightmare on the 4th line, great PK player, and has been VERY clutch in the postseason the past 2 years. Guy goes to the nasty spots and gets some big goals.

I like kruger, but if it comes down to 1 spot to play and it's between Frolik and Kruger I'd play Frolik.

What is interesting....is again...this team is NOT missing a beat without Bolland. Handzus has breathed new life in that 3rd line, and Shaw and Frolik are dangerous on line 4.

The only problem I see is, is that I would play Bolig in the playoffs on line 4 and tell him to hit EVERYONE or he sits. No stupid penalties, no fights unless completely necessary. Carcillo has showed the ability to play with Kane in the past, and I think he has to get serious consideration to play with Kane and Sharp.
- SteveRain

Hey Bollig played against PHX last year and was not bad. That's just it. Fighting has ZERO value in the playoffs. But hitting sure as well does. And the Hawks don't have, umm, a lot of guys who finish hard checks. The current lineup is fine against Detroit (for example) in round 1, but you might want to work in the mashers (such as you have) in subsequent rounds.

Hey Bollig played against PHX last year and was not bad. That's just it. Fighting has ZERO value in the playoffs. But hitting sure as well does. And the Hawks don't have, umm, a lot of guys who finish hard checks. The current lineup is fine against Detroit (for example) in round 1, but you might want to work in the mashers (such as you have) in subsequent rounds.
- John Jaeckel

I agree they need one of Bollig or Carcillo. I just think the guy should be Carcillo. He can slide up and down, he can play with our top 6, or in our bottom 6. He just needs to stay at that line, keep away from crossing it.

I agree they need one of Bollig or Carcillo. I just think the guy should be Carcillo. He can slide up and down, he can play with our top 6, or in our bottom 6. He just needs to stay at that line, keep away from crossing it.
- droe411

He didn't cross it last night when I'm sure he was itching to when Rupp roughed him up.

Awesome post Wiz


how do you rate Ross' skating ? Does he have a lot of work to do or a little
- philco28

He is s good skater, with power.
But suddenly the levels of pay, quickness of decisions and play sudden can take juniors and turned them into flat-foots. I think that gets sorted out now that he is a pro, and he gains more understanding of where his coaches might think speed is most important...

With every player they have drfate din this era, I have always taken the opinion that let's be patient and see if what I saw there (junior, Euroleagues) can translate to what this is.
Even with Kane. I saw London, but feared neutralization (and even annihilation) with the way the NHL tempo can run right by you.
Even guys counted on to be new up & comers sometimes fall prey...like for instance the Suter replacement Roamn Josi...not syaing he has offensive gifts and will emerge overall but I am starting to think against quick clubs like the Hawks he falls apart.

So you won't catch me saying TT, or any Hawk draft is the next slice, I gotta see after the challenges are met IN the NHL.

When on the road the Hawks ae better able to put "fancy" away...They play a simple game, more efficient.

Today's article.......

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

Also, on the road I've noticed that Q doesn't seem to get as matchy-matchy as he can be with home games. Sometimes his match-up craziness gets a little too cute but (thankfully) he doesn't have that luxury on the road and IMO, it makes a difference.

I need to know why my Shaw satellite has shown all the Hawk games but not a one from the Comcast feed.

Is it a rival corporation and so they defer to these Fox affiliates?

I don't even no where to find a real contact person who can answer it.

(and the world has so many real problems and here I am...)

Hey Bollig played against PHX last year and was not bad. That's just it. Fighting has ZERO value in the playoffs. But hitting sure as well does. And the Hawks don't have, umm, a lot of guys who finish hard checks. The current lineup is fine against Detroit (for example) in round 1, but you might want to work in the mashers (such as you have) in subsequent rounds.
- John Jaeckel

Bollig isn't much of a hitter at all.

Hey Bollig played against PHX last year and was not bad. That's just it. Fighting has ZERO value in the playoffs. But hitting sure as well does. And the Hawks don't have, umm, a lot of guys who finish hard checks. The current lineup is fine against Detroit (for example) in round 1, but you might want to work in the mashers (such as you have) in subsequent rounds.
- John Jaeckel

Deciding which player needs to sit out due an an excess amount of talented (in various ways) players. It's a nice problem for Q to have.

I think Bollig and Carcillo will be the odd men out. Unless we need a more physical contribution during the playoffs then one of them could be in. At that point Q would have to sit whomever isn't playing well (Stalberg?)

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
- Al

Then why does everyone think he'll be too expensive for the Hawks to re-sign? Other teams see the same player.

Then why does everyone think he'll be too expensive for the Hawks to re-sign? Other teams see the same player.
- StLBravesFan

Because there are always teams willing to overpay. Always.

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.
- wiz1901

Amazing what happens when moved away from Soup.

Except ... with an anemic powerplay other teams may not have any concerns taking liberties with the Hawks stars or try to goad the Hawks into post whistle shennanigans.

The good news is the Hawks penalty kill has improved after a few weeks of being exploited.
- paulr

Is that true? That's been said here several times - but playing a man short is always a tremendous disadvantage, no matter how bad the power play - if nothing else, it hurts your offensive play, but the bad PP team still has a much better chance of scoring with a man advantage.

He didn't cross it last night when I'm sure he was itching to when Rupp roughed him up.
- paulr

Yeah, when I see all the potential lineups from posters Carcillo often seems odd man out; I hope Q can find a way to keep him in but I'm not sure at who's expense. Nice problem to have. I'll also take Car Bomb over Bollig.

With regards to Vancouver being a possible playoff opponent.
I'm of the opinion that EVERY team should be a concern in the playoffs. The game changes so much once the playoffs start. A team that squeaks in can get a Mike Smith style performance and break a lot of hearts. A team with a solid D & netminder can suddenly look like the '12 Penguins.
Over a 7 game series the better team will usually win, though it isn't a given.