This is scary. Is this another sign of the apocalypse?
- EKolb13

Perhaps, all I know is that I have spent way too much time here today and need to get back to Woik!

Remember.....the sequel is usually not as good as the first movie.......and in this case the first movie wasn't very good.
- UnnamedSource

US kind of has a point here. The first movie started out okay, and sort of unraveled about halfway through.

Paul, really....YOU KNOW that the point was that the core of any team is top 2 lines and top 4 D. From a practical sense. And all those guys came back this year, and most in 2010 too bTW, and that there are always new pieces that come in, some rookies, some through trade etc... But it was not me but guys from those teams that echoed my point, about the importance of a little new blood. If I had time I would find them.

So now that we are in 2014 after 2013 cup we debate 2010?

It is utterly amazing to me lengths some will go to filibuster a point rather than just acknowledge a legitimate opinion contrary to one they believe in.
- TrueGrit

My idea of a 'core' are a limited number of players in this case Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Keith and Seabrook. If the Hawks had had the same 'rules' as the dynasties of which you allude maybe they are able to package some players they lost to refresh the core? But they didn't they have to work with what they have, or do you see this differently?

Perhaps, all I know is that I have spent way too much time here today and need to get back to Woik!
- TrueGrit

As much as you post, I find it hard to believe that you do have a job.

US kind of has a point here. The first movie started out okay, and sort of unraveled about halfway through.
- EKolb13

Right about the time the Zombie Slovakian monster came into the movie....

I agree. However, the problem it seems is that no forward sits because the Hawks have chosen to carry 8 defensemen and the "13th forward in case of emergency" seems to be Brookbank.

Either Q needs to be rotating Brookbank in at forward, or their needs to be a 13th forward here. Given, I wouldn't expect Bowman to jettison defensive depth - it just doesn't seem to be his thing. But what has Kostka done for this team? At this point, I wouldn't be afraid to put Kostka on waivers to send him to Rockford. If the Hawks lose him, so what? With watching Dahlbeck over the past season and a half in Rockford, I would think that Dahlbeck could possibly be on this team now as a 7th defenseman and not hurt this team.

At this point I'd assign Kostka to Rockford and call up one of Morin or Nordstrom.
- EKolb13

The Hawks already have three 13th forwards in the lineup - Bollig, Zus and now Bickell.

One of my favourites! So you already know some good things about Duesseldorf The north-american players who play for our team here seem to like "Alt" as well...
- MDGHawk

I spend 10 days in May once every 4 years in Dusseldorf.

Have had to hold onto the tree next to the tables on the street at Schumacher in the Alstadt to keep upright more than once.

Love that place, those small beer glasses make you think you aren't drinking too much. Like the old Happy Days episode:

Howard - "Richie, how many tiny glasses did you drink?"

Richie - "ohhh sheventy tree"

I did think of that and had the same thought...But Paul, you were the next option for Slovakia...
- TrueGrit

So the impact of your 10 Olympic players on the Hawks only matters when it serves to bolster your argument?????? Otherwise it is to be ignored?

BTW I believe the Red Wings, with the coach you point to as a shining example for Q, also has 10 Olympians. Care to explain why they are fluttering around looking for a playoff spot?

Look while others fairly and unfairly mock me, I don't care about how fair anything is. I played a sport and was paid believe it or not. It is more about philosophy then anything else.

Believe it or not, I know that Q and team has more info than I do. I accept the fact he makes the decisions. What is funny and ironic is that many mock my views as fantasy, while at the same time interpretting the reasons behind all of Q's decisions. So be it.

Q has 10 Olympians, 3 others were clear bubble guys and one other went to an olympic camp. To ask a guy to find a way to work 2 or maybe 3 players into a scheme is not a deal breaker.

Another ironic thing you said, and it is not a shot at you directly, but everyone's default argument to me is that you can't afford to lose points as a cup contending team. Many of those same people then lecture me and others on how the cup is not won in the regular season or November.

This goes to my whole philosophy. In the big picture, it is does not matter what I or you think Q thinks about a player. It is about the fact that these are your players. These are your guys that you may need. If in the end they trade for another as EK suggests, then fine, but now as we watch stale hockey for the better part of a month and see a content roster...and more importantly see other teams rounding into form (Ducks, Blues, Sharks etc...) the Hawks clearly have their work cut out for them. All of those teams have had more injury issues as well and have played through them. Penguins the same, as usual. And in case nobody realizes, all of those teams are playing to win the Stanley Cup too.

Save all the cliches and Pirri and others, it is not about that and you all know that. Save all the I am trying to be smarter than Q stuff....its not that either, it is about remembering what got you here, what allowed this team to grow to be the type of team they are. It is not sitting on their laurels. It is not about some emotional touchy feely thing. Unamed harps on that greatly. Very funny too, I kind of left that open...so fine. But he knows that is not what I am talking about. It is the fact that many of you have seemed to gotten comfortable with your team. That is fine. But do we not see the evolution of excuse making for the team and false sense of comfort with the way we lose games etc.. You all are smarter than that. It is the bigger picture of this team stagnating at a time when many other teams have pushed forward. I would rather have Unamed at 3 o 4C and on PK than Zus.
- TrueGrit

Every team always brings their best against the Cup Champs. So for the Hawks to have the record they have is better compared to the quality of competition the Ducks, Blues, etc face every night.

Let them have their day while it counts little and let the Hawks rest up. This year is unlike every year of the rebirth prior in this - we *KNOW* we have the horses to win. They're in a slump, Craw needs to get his mojo back, and now is not the time to worry or make dumb deals like TT for a 3rd line winger or even to step on the gas.

You play guys like Pirri, Morin and co. and let the core guys get rested however they can through February. Then you put the league on notice.

Bruce Boudreau has come and said he feels bad about running up the score against the Canucks.

These are professionals. They shouldn't have to sorry for doing their job well.

My idea of a 'core' are a limited number of players in this case Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Keith and Seabrook. If the Hawks had had the same 'rules' as the dynasties of which you allude maybe they are able to package some players they lost to refresh the core? But they didn't they have to work with what they have, or do you see this differently?
- paulr

I see your point, but as I think Phil said, every year there is at least a 2 to 3 player roll over. And to see your point further and those of others, Al points out that those new guys do not always have to be rookies either.

I am just commenting from the reality of the hand we are dealt and currently working from. I always marvel at the Penguins, they lost their top 4 defensenman for a period of time and also were without Neal, Malkin, lost Dupuis...and just keep rolling along. it is not like all the guys they are bringing up are off the charts either....

I spend 10 days in May once every 4 years in Dusseldorf.

Have had to hold onto the tree next to the tables on the street at Schumacher in the Alstadt to keep upright more than once.

Love that place, those small beer glasses make you think you aren't drinking too much. Like the old Happy Days episode:

Howard - "Richie, how many tiny glasses did you drink?"

Richie - "ohhh sheventy tree"
- vabeachbear

Remember it well....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6QSY25cRjU

Every team always brings their best against the Cup Champs. So for the Hawks to have the record they have is better compared to the quality of competition the Ducks, Blues, etc face every night.

Let them have their day while it counts little and let the Hawks rest up. This year is unlike every year of the rebirth prior in this - we *KNOW* we have the horses to win. They're in a slump, Craw needs to get his mojo back, and now is not the time to worry or make dumb deals like TT for a 3rd line winger or even to step on the gas.

You play guys like Pirri, Morin and co. and let the core guys get rested however they can through February. Then you put the league on notice.
- busmaster

Very well said. No panic needed.

Bruce Boudreau has come and said he feels bad about running up the score against the Canucks.

These are professionals. They shouldn't have to sorry for doing their job well.
- faustus1500

I think the Ducks did their best not to run up the score. They have a 7 minute 5 on 3. Sure , they score a couple times but they spent most of that time just playing keep away.

Every team always brings their best against the Cup Champs. So for the Hawks to have the record they have is better compared to the quality of competition the Ducks, Blues, etc face every night.

Let them have their day while it counts little and let the Hawks rest up. This year is unlike every year of the rebirth prior in this - we *KNOW* we have the horses to win. They're in a slump, Craw needs to get his mojo back, and now is not the time to worry or make dumb deals like TT for a 3rd line winger or even to step on the gas.

You play guys like Pirri, Morin and co. and let the core guys get rested however they can through February. Then you put the league on notice.
- busmaster

Point 1 first paragraph. While I know it is somewhat true that people want to beat the Hawks. However, in this day and age, every single point is huge. The assumption in this remark is that teams mentally raise and lower their energy based upon opponent. While totally ignoring the fact that every team and coach wants to and needs to win every game. It is intellectually dishonest to think the 2 points against the hawks are worth more than 2 points against everyone else.

Respectfully, thank you for making my broader, flick the switch assumption. That is this rest and cruise control thing is good and healthy. I am not saying they should be perfect all year at all. Slumps will happen. But this save it for the playoffs is a great recipe for first round upset.

The blues and ducks play a far more consistent game than the Hawks have so far. Does not mean anything later, but to me, it gives teams the intangible advantage when faced with adversity. They have that consistency to refer to. The hawks...this year...not as much. Hawks had it and used it vs Detroit last year.

Just saw that the Ducks went 7 for 8 on the PP last night. Not a good sign goin up against our pathetic PK. Im scared.

Remember it well....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6QSY25cRjU
- philco28

Ha 72, I almost remembered it well

Ha 72, I almost remembered it well
- vabeachbear

all good...you set it up well.....HAPPY DAYS one of my FAVORITE SHOWS EVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVER

Ladd wasn't even playing in the top six on this team and we're talking about trading Bickell, a prized prospect and a 1st for him


- CBHawks88

Would rather have Ladd over Bickell all day long . TT looks good ,but we have enough finesse players already . 1st round pick will be very late , plus , don't we have a boat load of prospects at Rockford and in Jr. ? Make the Trade

Point 1 first paragraph. While I know it is somewhat true that people want to beat the Hawks. However, in this day and age, every single point is huge. The assumption in this remark is that teams mentally raise and lower their energy based upon opponent. While totally ignoring the fact that every team and coach wants to and needs to win every game. It is intellectually dishonest to think the 2 points against the hawks are worth more than 2 points against everyone else.

Respectfully, thank you for making my broader, flick the switch assumption. That is this rest and cruise control thing is good and healthy. I am not saying they should be perfect all year at all. Slumps will happen. But this save it for the playoffs is a great recipe for first round upset.

The blues and ducks play a far more consistent game than the Hawks have so far. Does not mean anything later, but to me, it gives teams the intangible advantage when faced with adversity. They have that consistency to refer to. The hawks...this year...not as much. Hawks had it and used it vs Detroit last year.
- TrueGrit

I'm not going to knock the Ducks or the Blues because both are very good and probably better than the Hawks at this point.

But did you ever notice how many home games the Ducks play against teams on the second night of a back to back playing in less than 24 hours after a tough game against the Kings?

Or St. Louis - they seem to get 2 nights off after every game they play and then go up against a team on the 2nd game of a back to back.

Things even out over time but they haven't as yet.

Point 1 first paragraph. While I know it is somewhat true that people want to beat the Hawks. However, in this day and age, every single point is huge. The assumption in this remark is that teams mentally raise and lower their energy based upon opponent. While totally ignoring the fact that every team and coach wants to and needs to win every game. It is intellectually dishonest to think the 2 points against the hawks are worth more than 2 points against everyone else.

Respectfully, thank you for making my broader, flick the switch assumption. That is this rest and cruise control thing is good and healthy. I am not saying they should be perfect all year at all. Slumps will happen. But this save it for the playoffs is a great recipe for first round upset.

The blues and ducks play a far more consistent game than the Hawks have so far. Does not mean anything later, but to me, it gives teams the intangible advantage when faced with adversity. They have that consistency to refer to. The hawks...this year...not as much. Hawks had it and used it vs Detroit last year.
- TrueGrit

This is all spot on, cuz i think as fans we cant get overly biased in making excuses that basically all involve us having some other gear that we'll no doubt be able to reach when the time comes. There is a very real possibility that this years Ducks team, and Blues team for that matter, might truly be better than us. Yes its possible we do turn it on and become the leagues best team again, but like u said a 1st round exit is also just as possible if we're playing a step down the whole regular season. I think its good to keep this in mind now, so that if something unfortunate does happen come playoff time and we bow out, i wont be as devastated. Ducks and Blues have been the better teams so far, and from this point forward id say its a 50/50 chance that it either stays that way or we have our surge.

So the impact of your 10 Olympic players on the Hawks only matters when it serves to bolster your argument?????? Otherwise it is to be ignored?

BTW I believe the Red Wings, with the coach you point to as a shining example for Q, also has 10 Olympians. Care to explain why they are fluttering around looking for a playoff spot?
- paulr

Golden.....

"We're putting the band back together"
- Anaarkey

Yeah, this. Especially after Versteeg, this is playing like one of those Bruce Willis/Helen Mirren movies where the old spies get together for one more round of feel-good gunfire against international criminal cartels...

... I have no idea about TT since I never see non NHL hockey, but Bickell + major draft picks/prospects sounds like too much to me too. Ladd would most definitely help this team though.

Bruce Boudreau has come and said he feels bad about running up the score against the Canucks.

These are professionals. They shouldn't have to sorry for doing their job well.
- faustus1500

Hard not to run up the score with a 7 minute two-man advantage.

Would rather have Ladd over Bickell all day long . TT looks good ,but we have enough finesse players already . 1st round pick will be very late , plus , don't we have a boat load of prospects at Rockford and in Jr. ? Make the Trade
- falcon44

I kind of think you make that trade, too. The Hawks have won 2 Stanley Cups with only one Patrick Kane, so I am not sure why holding on to a valuable trade chip like TT is necessary as Stan thinks he's signing Kane back for sure. They won last year too, because a player like Bickell stood out when it counted. Now, at 4yrs, 4mm each, and his play has been uninspired, I would take a guy like Ladd back to replace him. In my opinion, you have 3-5 years to replace both Hoss and Sharp. So, pipelining a guy like TT isn't as important today as getting production out of this years payroll.

But, I'm good with not doing it too, as it is exciting to think about what TT could bring in time.