John Jaeckel: More Hawks-Wings Analysis

First, twice in one week

I can't remember if I posted it here or somewhere else but getting Smith reps while they have time is not a bad idea if he is the next guy in line and injuries happen. Stalberg moves up and Smith probably sits somewhere on 3 or 4. I am surprised Smith didn't get a look before Carcillo the last series.

Shaw has turned into a nice player. Him on the 3rd and Kruger on the PK have really made Bolland expendable.

Saad was grabbing the wood awfully hard. Not too unexpected and hopefully after the initial shock and the few days off here he is able to regroup.

The line up Wednesday should be pretty interesting. Either way, based on speed alone, it is tough to keep Stalberg and Saad out of the line up against this Detroit team. And Q usually doesn't change after a win or two so maybe he will blow everyone's mind.

JJ, who will be moving up to the first line with toews and hossa if saad is out ? and I assume bolland will center the 3rd line ? and keep zues as 2nd line c ?

JJ, who will be moving up to the first line with toews and hossa if saad is out ? and I assume bolland will center the 3rd line ? and keep zues as 2nd line c ?
- Hawkeyes

I read somewhere that Bolland was skating on the 2nd line yesterday with 88 and 10.

I think they'd be foolish to break up the 29-65-25 third line at this point. They were the best line on the ice for much of Wild series.

JJ, who will be moving up to the first line with toews and hossa if saad is out ? and I assume bolland will center the 3rd line ? and keep zues as 2nd line c ?
- Hawkeyes

Dunno yet, stay tuned and don't be surprised if Saad starts there but then things change

Nice write up JJ, thanks.

Great read as always JJ...I think we'll see a much more physical Detroit team this series...but at the same time has anyone forgotten the Havlat hit a couple of years ago? The Wings will do what it takes to win...Hawks have to be ready.

Shaw's hit on Stoner was huge and that type of play must continue...take the body and wear them down. Particularly Detroit's dmen.

As far as the penalties the Hawks sad PP should continue to be a concern. If the Wings are going to take those penalties the Hawks have to dial it in and make them pay for it. Sure the Hawks scored on a 5 on 3 the other night and there was the Hossa goal at the tail end of a PP earlier in the series but they've got to start taking advantage.

Not really shocked about the demotions whether temporary or not...Q's sending a message. Plus Bolland is going to play which means someone has to sit. I'm all for Ben Smith getting in there as well we've seen how the kid plays (the Nucks series) and has an edge to his game.

Can't wait for Wednesday night.

John Jaeckel: More Hawks-Wings Analysis
- John Jaeckel

just a follow up on a poster's comments yesterday regarding that NHL 36 segment on the Hawks... I did watch the clip with McD in it. He does state 'he's been watching some youtube stuff' on one of their guys 'they' want to sign a contract with this draft pick that is gonna be 19 next year. Doesn't specifically state who. It is a bit disturbing that our marketing genius would be so involved in hockey operations but hopefully it is consistent with 'they' making the decisions... as in our player personnel dept!

JJ - Great insight. Regarding Q, I remember you saying last offseason that Q was going to hold players more accountable this year. I feel as if Stalberg getting scratched (assuming it happens) and even Saad serving as an extra forward in practice temporarily at least sends that message of accountability to not just these players but the whole team that he's really not afraid to bench anyone if you don't play the way he says they have to play, no matter how talented or fast you are.

Dunno yet, stay tuned and don't be surprised if Saad starts there but then things change
- John Jaeckel

Change is Q's middle name and the middle name of most successful people.

Nice write up JJ. I really like Ben Smith as a player and it is clear he can play a little hockey when he is healthy, but it is still a fairly suprising move if he is inserted into a top 9 role when there are no injuries and he played little to no minutes with the Hawks this season.

If that still happens, it means one of two things to me: (1) Q is supremely confident in Smith; or (2) someone is seriously in Q's dog house.

Flexibility is Q's middle name and the middle name of most successful people.
- Beaver-Warrior

Fixed.

In separate news, Derek Boogaard's estate just filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NHL and Bettman in Cook County yesterday. His estate is represented by probably the preeminent plaintiff's firm in the city, so this could be a very interesting case to follow.

Great write up and insight today.

Count me among those who were surprised with the level of physicality the Hawks brought in the last series. Bickell and Shaw were consistently delivering big hits but I also saw Stalberg and Sharp play a bit more physical and Saad deliver a few hits.

I think if you get that effort again from Bickell and Shaw and some physicality from the less than usual suspects while not taking stupid penalties, the Hawks will be that much tougher to beat. Just got my game 4 tix for up here at the Joe.

Go Hawks!

I wonder is Saad is hurt. He was invisible for the most part against the Wild and was not finishing checks. But Stalberg? He wasn't great but has been a big part of this teams' success and I would hate to see him sit.

Can't wait for this series to start.

Think Saad is learning a valuable lesson. In the regular season, Saad could use his legs to his advantage. The playoffs, to use Rosenbloom's favorite term, it's "Hit or Die". And he simply has to be more physical. Saad has to give out more hits, especially on the fore check. Bickell has been outstanding at this the past two playoffs. Saad chases the puck. Time to take the body.

I know Stalberg had a costly turnover in game 5 but I find Q's impending benching ( Q gave the standard "We'll see" on the Score and in interviews, meaning it's going to happen...) a little bit overboard. But if one game in the press box means a revved up and pised off Rattlehead then maybe it's all for the better. Thank goodness for depth...

That Red Wing Blue Line is just meat. If the Hawks come out hungry , they can take a dominant position early. That would be awesome.

Great write up JJ.

It looks like an old fashion chess game is upon us with 2 great coaches. You think Q will go back to more line matching or continue to roll 4 lines, a strategy that has made them successful all year?

Ty Cam
http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ty_cam/51542/

Dunno yet, stay tuned and don't be surprised if Saad starts there but then things change
- John Jaeckel

If they are going to dress Smith, I'd honestly prefer they move Sharp to center, and roll with the following:

20-19-88
28-10-81
29-65-25
16-26-67

I know this is unlikely, and the 4th line lacks snarl, but I think this presents a very balanced lineup. Have three guys there who can win draws, and for a little more sandpaper, can always move Kruger to the pivot and play Carcillo/Bollig.

I know Sharp's preference for the wing, but he did play the pivot with Hossa during the cup run, and the two had very good chemistry. I also know a lot of folks would be iffy on breaking up Toews a Hoss at this point - but they didn't look great in the Wild series, and we all know the history of 88 and 19 playing together. Could possibly give Saad a boost there too.


Just random thoughts...

If they are going to dress Smith, I'd honestly prefer they move Sharp to center, and roll with the following:

20-19-88
28-10-81
29-65-25
16-26-67

I know this is unlikely, and the 4th line lacks snarl, but I think this presents a very balanced lineup. Have three guys there who can win draws, and for a little more sandpaper, can always move Kruger to the pivot and play Carcillo/Bollig.

I know Sharp's preference for the wing, but he did play the pivot with Hossa during the cup run, and the two had very good chemistry. I also know a lot of folks would be iffy on breaking up Toews a Hoss at this point - but they didn't look great in the Wild series, and we all know the history of 88 and 19 playing together. Could possibly give Saad a boost there too.


Just random thoughts...
- FredoXV

You forgot Bolland.

You forgot Bolland.
- yahoodi

Honestly, don't know where I'd slot him in that scenario - he hasn't been particularly good all year. Blasphemy, I know.

If they are going to dress Smith, I'd honestly prefer they move Sharp to center, and roll with the following:

20-19-88
28-10-81
29-65-25
16-26-67

I know this is unlikely, and the 4th line lacks snarl, but I think this presents a very balanced lineup. Have three guys there who can win draws, and for a little more sandpaper, can always move Kruger to the pivot and play Carcillo/Bollig.

I know Sharp's preference for the wing, but he did play the pivot with Hossa during the cup run, and the two had very good chemistry. I also know a lot of folks would be iffy on breaking up Toews a Hoss at this point - but they didn't look great in the Wild series, and we all know the history of 88 and 19 playing together. Could possibly give Saad a boost there too.


Just random thoughts...
- FredoXV

What about Bolland?

I know Stalberg played well but for the 3rd consecutive first round his output has been minimal. The other 2 members of the 3rd line have played well and got some points, so why hasn't Viktor? I think Q sending Stalberg a message is a good thing, but I wouldn't sit him during a game just yet. He's on a short leash and of this continues then I'd expect to see Stalberg in the press box. There are some things that Stalberg does well without scoring, but he does need to get more than he has. The only regular player he's out scoring is Seabrook and that's not good.

I read somewhere that Bolland was skating on the 2nd line yesterday with 88 and 10.

I think they'd be foolish to break up the 29-65-25 third line at this point. They were the best line on the ice for much of Wild series.
- FredoXV

Zues was off with a maintenance day, so don't read that much into the lines. Q has stated he had no issue with Zues on that 2nd line. I am guessing Bolland is on the 3rd line. For as much as we are pumping the tires of the 3rd line Q is playing with it by dumping Stalberg. We may need to stop assuming that he won't break up the 3rd line.

Zues was off with a maintenance day, so don't read that much into the lines. Q has stated he had no issue with Zues on that 2nd line. I am guessing Bolland is on the 3rd line. For as much as we are pumping the tires of the 3rd line Q is playing with it by dumping Stalberg. We may need to stop assuming that he won't break up the 3rd line.
- droe411

I think you are looking at a third line of Bolland centering Shaw and Bickell. And I really don't have a problem with that line, although it is a bigger threat to score with Stalberg over Bolland. Under no circumstance would I slot Bolland between Kane and Sharp.

I think you are looking at a third line of Bolland centering Shaw and Bickell. And I really don't have a problem with that line, although it is a bigger threat to score with Stalberg over Bolland. Under no circumstance would I slot Bolland between Kane and Sharp.
- QStache

Although I don't get the benching of Stalberg. Wouldn't 4th line duty be more in line. He can play still being dangerous, but limit his ice time if Q doesn't trust him....... I think Stalberg made fun of Mrs. Q