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.
- DarthKane

Playoffs is all about creating legit scoring chances. Some will go in and some won't. Stalberg was very instrumental in this department vs Wild. I would say as much as anyone out there not numbered 88. Don't get the logic of Q sometimes. 3rd line was our best line. Last time I checked.. He's on it.

Harding, McQuaid and Crosby are Masterton finalists.

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
- droe411

Depends on what you envision your 4th line doing. I could see a role for Stalberg there, but if you are using your 4th line as your shut down line and your 1st through 3rd lines as scoring lines, it doesn't make as much sense to me.

I know his record overwhelmingly indicates that I'm crazy for thinking this, but....I don't trust Q.

I think the message the Hawks may be sending by sitting StaHlberg is that they are resigned to not re-signing him. Unfairly demoting him at the start of the 2nd round is hardly going to motivate him to accept less money to stay on the team. It's almost as if they want to give him incentive to leave.

I think JJ's analysis of Detroit is on the money. Obviously his dim assessment of the PP is, too. But, if the Hawks are seen as planning a more physical game, StaHlberg can add to that (when he wants to), as well. And, as others have said, StaHlberg is part of the 3rd line, their best throughout the first round. I think that Q is making a terrible mistake if he is truly demoting StaHlberg. I don't think I'll ever understand his reasoning with personnel decisions and breaking up lines that are performing well.

In any case, I can't see the Hawks losing to Detroit, unless they manage to beat themselves. Hawks in 6 has to be a fairly universal pick.

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

Like any very good NHL coach would, Q wants to be able to matchup properly down the middle of the ice. Babcock can throw out Datsyuk, Zetterburg, Franzen, Nyquist, Andersson at center or combinations involving more than one of them together. Not exactly Swiss cheese. Q has more to worry about than playing head games with Stalberg.

Harding, McQuaid and Crosby are Masterton finalists.
- prd797

Wow have the Hawks been nominated for one award? Kind of liking this lack of respect. Hell who needs this individual regular season hardware. We know what prize trumps all of those accolades.

Depends on what you envision your 4th line doing. I could see a role for Stalberg there, but if you are using your 4th line as your shut down line and your 1st through 3rd lines as scoring lines, it doesn't make as much sense to me.
- QStache

I can see that. I just think that if Q is making a statement, it could be just as effective. 4th line under 10 minutes in the 1st game, shape up or get out.

Like any very good NHL coach would, Q wants to be able to matchup properly down the middle of the ice. Babcock can throw out Datsyuk, Zetterburg, Franzen, Nyquist, Andersson at center or combinations involving more than one of them together. Not exactly Swiss cheese. Q has more to worry about than playing head games with Stalberg.
- RickJ

I don't know about everyone here, but I want Toews and Bolland shutting down these guys.

Wow have the Hawks been nominated for one award? Kind of liking this lack of respect. Hell who needs this individual regular season hardware. We know what prize trumps all of those accolades.
- golfbard

Well the Harding story is a bit more interesting than Hossa.

I know his record overwhelmingly indicates that I'm crazy for thinking this, but....I don't trust Q.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ditto...What has impressed me most about the team this year is that Q rolled his guys out and did not obsess with line matchups etc. As I have said for a few years, I never understood the philosophy of reacting to what others do, when you are more talented.

If Q is simply lighting a fire under some guys, or maybe guys are hurt and he is doing a little subterfuge...than that is fine. But if he is all nervous about matching wits with Babcock and does not have faith in his boys on the ice...then we may be in trouble.

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.
- DarthKane

Yes, I did mistakenly forget about Bolland. But, I guess one could call it a Freudian slip of sorts, as personally, I don't think he's a much better option than what I have slated - provided Handzuz remembers how to win a faceoff. If not, I'd have no problem moving Shaw to the 4th and Slot Bolland in at the 3C.


I don't think your argument about Stalberg's production holds much water. He's been instrumental in a lot of chances and prolonged puck possession in the offensive zone. He's had a propensity in the past for some bad turnovers - but I don't think it warrants press box time in favor a someone who has spent the whole season in Rockford.

I still think that if he sits, it's either because he's hurt, or some internal squabble that we're not privy to.

Wow have the Hawks been nominated for one award? Kind of liking this lack of respect. Hell who needs this individual regular season hardware. We know what prize trumps all of those accolades.
- golfbard

Progress is being made here. Not all three are from the E.C.

Progress is being made here. Not all three are from the E.C.
- Beaver-Warrior

Not sure if the criteria about coming back from a "last-season" injury/issue, but if that's not the qualifier, how in the world is Karlsson not a nominee?

Not sure if the criteria about coming back from a "last-season" injury/issue, but if that's not the qualifier, how in the world is Karlsson not a nominee?
- FredoXV

Heck if I know. I agree 100% about Karlsson.

Heck if I know. I agree 100% about Karlsson.
- Beaver-Warrior

Because if Crosby can be nominated for an award, than by Saad he'll be nominated!

I hope Saad and Stalberg both play and I think they will

They have had lots of time to think during the rest

See Saad starting on the first with Stalberg Shaw and Bickel on the third.
Smith will play as the situation fits.

Hoping whatever injury Seabrook was enduring that it is heeled.

Game 1 is a big game

Wow have the Hawks been nominated for one award? Kind of liking this lack of respect. Hell who needs this individual regular season hardware. We know what prize trumps all of those accolades.
- golfbard

We also know what prize isn't voted on or awarded.

OMFG. Y'all read Ian over on the 'Nucks blog

Donde Esta Tessier ?

I hope Saad and Stalberg both play and I think they will

They have had lots of time to think during the rest

See Saad starting on the first with Stalberg Shaw and Bickel on the third.
Smith will play as the situation fits.

Hoping whatever injury Seabrook was enduring that it is heeled.

Game 1 is a big game
- PEIHawkFan

I expect both Saad and Stalberg to play. Q's been messing around with the lines in practice, it sends a message to Stalberg and keeps the Wings on their toes. I don't think we'll see a huge change to the line-up, Bolland in and Carcillo out. Bolland could be the 2C or 3C, but we'll have to wait until tomorrow to know for sure.

Well the Harding story is a bit more interesting than Hossa.
- droe411

agreed

Does anyone else think the Penguins are in big trouble against the Senators ?

OMFG. Y'all read Ian over on the 'Nucks blog

Donde Esta Tessier ?
- mrpaulish

Some good stuff in this one. Hartnell or Simmonds for Edler?

I would give the Canucks a pack of used condoms and half a dozen Krispy Kremes for Edler.

Even that is an overpayment.

Some good stuff in this one. Hartnell or Simmonds for Edler?

I would give the Canucks a pack of used condoms and half a dozen Krispy Kremes for Edler.

Even that is an overpayment.
- teh_HAWKZ

Lol , Jeff Skinner for Edler ? Hahahahaahhahahhaha. I used to love cocaine too

OMFG. Y'all read Ian over on the 'Nucks blog

Donde Esta Tessier ?
- mrpaulish

If Gillis called and asked for any of those players mentioned in Ian's blog, he'd hear about a minute of laughter on the other line followed by a *click*.

Another big money, big term contract the Canucks want to get rid of? Fat chance of pulling that off.