Biggest worry for me right now is Seabs. Seems like every time you turn around, he's getting blown up. He finally laid out Clutterbuck (me thinks) in the 3rd, but hoping he wakes up on the full time for the next round.

Positive note, the boys haven't been dominating (except maybe gm 2), and this hasn't been much of a series. Here's to peaking at the right time........
- 1mbecker

He hasn't seemed to be the same player since he suffered that concussion. Keith hasn't been the same since he won the Norris. Thank God Leddy has improved and Hammer has turned into a solid 1st-pairing caliber Dman. I still have faith in Seabrook, but methinks Keith is highly overrated.

The key goal of the game was Sharp's second. That goal aboslutely deflated the Wild and the home crowd. Minnesota's players lost a lot of steam too considering they knew they were already fighting an uphill battle with their 3rd string goalie, and then he gave up a weak goal like that to Sharp. I still think you will see Backstrom in net for Game 5. Minnesota has to be willing to try anything now to win this series. Just a hunch, but I think he will play.

I still think Bickell can be re-signed for a reasonable deal. Even with a stellar playoffs I don't see Bickell asking for $3 million or anything like that. Bickell has stated he wants to stay in Chicago, and I expect he'll back up those words. I would think around $1.5 million (per) for around 3 years is fair. Bickell is evolving into an excellent 3rd line winger, but he hasn't showed the ability to be much more (yet).
- DarthKane

I think $3mil is where the asking will start, especially if they win the cup. Remember way back in the summer of '10 when one Adam Burish got $2mil/yr? That, and they're already at $55mil for next year and need to sign at least 4-5 players, assuming 2 or 3 get the call from Rock Vegas.

Up and comers like the Islanders or Colorado that could use a little thump w/some scoring touch, and cap space, would probably take a flier for $3.5 or $4mil.

Everyone says they want to stay until it's time to sign. He's a UFA, and if he keeps up this audition in the playoffs, he's a goner.

Between the Sharks and Wings, I would pick Detroit as the next opponent. Hopefully Bolland is back. The absence of the shutdown center has been noticeable IMO. Lots of little things that Kruger cannot do. Would like to see Shaw adopt some of that "under the skin" affect on the Wild and future opponents.

I think $3mil is where the asking will start, especially if they win the cup. Remember way back in the summer of '10 when one Adam Burish got $2mil/yr?

Up and comers like the Islanders or Colorado that could use a little thump w/some scoring touch, and cap space, would probably take a flier for $3.5 or $4mil.

Everyone says they want to stay until it's time to sign. He's a UFA, and if he keeps up this audition in the playoffs, he's a goner.
- 1mbecker

With the cap going down I don't see anyone paying Bickell $3 million. Stalberg may get that because of his offesive possibilities, but not Bicks.

I think $3mil is where the asking will start, especially if they win the cup. Remember way back in the summer of '10 when one Adam Burish got $2mil/yr?

Up and comers like the Islanders or Colorado that could use a little thump w/some scoring touch, and cap space, would probably take a flier for $3.5 or $4mil.

Everyone says they want to stay until it's time to sign. He's a UFA, and if he keeps up this audition in the playoffs, he's a goner.
- 1mbecker

I think this is true of 2/3 of our 3rd line. Stalberg has engaged, been flying around, and both him and Bicks have been part of our best line this series. If people think other teams aren't watching they are dreaming. If the 3rd line continues this level of play through the playoffs and if the Hawks especially win the cup, both Stals and Bicks may hop the first thing smoking out of town on July 1st

I think this is true of 2/3 of our 3rd line. Stalberg has engaged, been flying around, and both him and Bicks have been part of our best line this series. If people think other teams aren't watching they are dreaming. If the 3rd line continues this level of play through the playoffs and if the Hawks especially win the cup, both Stals and Bicks may hop the first thing smoking out of town on July 1st
- ikeane

You guys must think the cap is going UP $6MM and not DOWN $6MM.

Plus a possible "glut" on the market from compliance buy-outs.

barry rozner (columnist @BarryRozner) calling in to talk with Dan McNeil and Matt Spiegel on the Score today. Conversation begins around 24:50 mark...

http://chicago.cbslocal.c...91&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI

Rozner going off about Canucks players...

"Dirty and stupid is no way to go through life."

"They're gutless, they're incredibly stupid."

"There's no character on that team."

"There's no heart on that team... they're incredibly dirty."

I think $3mil is where the asking will start, especially if they win the cup. Remember way back in the summer of '10 when one Adam Burish got $2mil/yr?

Up and comers like the Islanders or Colorado that could use a little thump w/some scoring touch, and cap space, would probably take a flier for $3.5 or $4mil.

Everyone says they want to stay until it's time to sign. He's a UFA, and if he keeps up this audition in the playoffs, he's a goner.
- 1mbecker

Burish signed a 2 yr contract with the Stars in 2010 for $2.3 million; little over a mil per year. He just signed a 4 yr $7.4 mil contract with the Sharks.

He and Bickel are totally different players and situations.

barry rozner (columnist @BarryRozner) calling in to talk with Dan McNeil and Matt Spiegel on the Score today. Conversation begins around 24:50 mark...

http://chicago.cbslocal.c...91&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI

Rozner going off about Canucks players...

"Dirty and stupid is no way to go through life."

"They're gutless, they're incredibly stupid."

"There's no character on that team."

"There's no heart on that team... they're incredibly dirty."
- Sconnie

Curious why he cares so much about whats happening in nuckland to go off like that...not that I disagree...

Burish signed a 2 yr contract with the Stars in 2010 for $2.3 million; little over a mil per year. He just signed a 4 yr $7.4 mil contract with the Sharks.

He and Bickell are totally different players and situations.
- bogiedoc

Agreed. Burish is a career agitator, Bickell is...well he's a big guy with some offensive upside.

You guys must think the cap is going UP $6MM and not DOWN $6MM.

Plus a possible "glut" on the market from compliance buy-outs.
- StLBravesFan

I hope you're right as far as Stahlberg is concerned. I put losing Bickell in the category of losing Brouwer, meaning, I don't give a rat's sphincter if he goes. You can get big guys who don't finish checks and score 40 points a season off the rack (assuming you really WANT them, that is). Neither guy is particularly consistent, but Stahlberg has potential as a scorer.

With the cap going down I don't see anyone paying Bickell $3 million. Stalberg may get that because of his offesive possibilities, but not Bicks.
- DarthKane

Bickell could get more than Stahls. I mean, Stahlberg is what he is going to be, he's already 27 and probably at his ceiling now. They both had the same point total this year. Bickell has a wicked wrister, and most nights, Stahls couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with that shot. Bickell can at least play some semblence of defense.

I really don't expect either one to be here next year.

You guys must think the cap is going UP $6MM and not DOWN $6MM.

Plus a possible "glut" on the market from compliance buy-outs.
- StLBravesFan

I do expect a number of compliance buyouts...phylly, nucks, hawks, pens etc

barry rozner (columnist @BarryRozner) calling in to talk with Dan McNeil and Matt Spiegel on the Score today. Conversation begins around 24:50 mark...

http://chicago.cbslocal.c...91&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI

Rozner going off about Canucks players...

"Dirty and stupid is no way to go through life."

"They're gutless, they're incredibly stupid."

"There's no character on that team."

"There's no heart on that team... they're incredibly dirty."
- Sconnie

Rozner is nothing if not consistent with his hatred of the Canucks

Just read Esplen's blog - total lack of class.
- StLBravesFan

I like irony. And I enjoyed this being imbedded into Esplen's blog right before his sign off: "Find great deals on Vancouver Canucks Playoff Tickets at FanXchange.com"

Teehee.

I think this is true of 2/3 of our 3rd line. Stalberg has engaged, been flying around, and both him and Bicks have been part of our best line this series. If people think other teams aren't watching they are dreaming. If the 3rd line continues this level of play through the playoffs and if the Hawks especially win the cup, both Stals and Bicks may hop the first thing smoking out of town on July 1st
- ikeane

With Olesz and Montador bought out, I think there will be enough cap space to re-sign Leddy, Bickell, and Kruger with Stalberg on his way out. I think Stan needs to get Leddy signed ASAP, he could be a target for an offer sheet. As much as I like the guy Frolik could easily be dealt this summer to create a bit more cap space if needed (but I hope he stays).

barry rozner (columnist @BarryRozner) calling in to talk with Dan McNeil and Matt Spiegel on the Score today. Conversation begins around 24:50 mark...

http://chicago.cbslocal.c...91&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI

Rozner going off about Canucks players...

"Dirty and stupid is no way to go through life."

"They're gutless, they're incredibly stupid."

"There's no character on that team."

"There's no heart on that team... they're incredibly dirty."
- Sconnie

Man, if all that isn't true. Good riddance to a dirty team.

Burish signed a 2 yr contract with the Stars in 2010 for $2.3 million; little over a mil per year. He just signed a 4 yr $7.4 mil contract with the Sharks.

He and Bickel are totally different players and situations.
- bogiedoc

My bad on the contract. But Bickell is much better all around. And the Sharks needed someone with a sack on the team. Burish is just an overpaid Carcillo.

My bad on the contract. But Bickell is much better all around. And the Sharks needed someone with a sack on the team.
- 1mbecker

I really hope Bickell stays, I'm already expecting Stalberg to leave and Bicks I want to stick around. On a team that's not very physical we need as much grit as possible too. Bicks led the team in hits during the regular season and he's tied for 2nd in the playoffs (while being 2nd in goals).

barry rozner (columnist @BarryRozner) calling in to talk with Dan McNeil and Matt Spiegel on the Score today. Conversation begins around 24:50 mark...

http://chicago.cbslocal.c...91&tag=pages&dcid=CBS.CHI

Rozner going off about Canucks players...

"Dirty and stupid is no way to go through life."

"They're gutless, they're incredibly stupid."

"There's no character on that team."

"There's no heart on that team... they're incredibly dirty."
- Sconnie

Everyone knows this about that team except for their fans

Curious why he cares so much about whats happening in nuckland to go off like that...not that I disagree...
- bogiedoc

he explained that he watches a lot of canucks hockey, as a hockey fan in general, and just takes great pleasure in watching them lose. i can't disagree, they are highly unlikeable cast of characters.

I thought the defense was excellent last night, and crawford was good in a relatively easy outing, but is anyone else worried about how much they're struggling to create quality scoring chances right now? If Harding doesn't go down, who knows what happens in that game. The second and third goals were about as soft as it gets.

Do they just struggle against the wild, or is this a sign of things to come?

I like irony. And I enjoyed this being imbedded into Esplen's blog right before his sign off: "Find great deals on Vancouver Canucks Playoff Tickets at FanXchange.com"

Teehee.
- QStache

i reposted his prediction... all it said was "CANUCKS IN 5" and mods deleted it. complete BS... if you want to throw such ridiculous predictions around, you should be able to handle what comes your way when the chickens come to roost. It's not like it was offensive... just a reminder of the their arrogance.

I really hope Bickell stays, I'm already expecting Stalberg to leave and Bicks I want to stick around. On a team that's not very physical we need as much grit as possible too. Bicks led the team in hits during the regular season and he's tied for 2nd in the playoffs (while being 2nd in goals).
- DarthKane

If someone can teach him not to shoot the puck the moment he gets into the offensive zone; I'd be happy!