I asked about this earlier today because it just seems odd that he needs to be so protected physically. He's younger than Zues and the same age as Hossa. He's only a couple years older that Sharp. I saw upthread that he's got a bad knee, which seems to answer the question. I assume this bad knee has been present for his whole time here, because it has been the rule for him to miss a lot of games for maintenance.
- mohel

Given the inability of Roszival to play every game, I find the decision about Stanton even more puzzling. What did the coaches/front office see from Kostka in camp that made them think letting go of a young, cheap D man on the verge was a good idea? What I saw from Stanton last night would have been fine for an 8th defender playing every 3 or 4 games while he gets used to the NHL.

You think I would wear anything nice to meet you goofs.
- Elbows15

We know Eli will be getting a second use out of that Tinky Winky costume he bought.

Given the inability of Roszival to play every game, I find the decision about Stanton even more puzzling. What did the coaches/front office see from Kostka in camp that made them think letting go of a young, cheap D man on the verge was a good idea? What I saw from Stanton last night would have been fine for an 8th defender playing every 3 or 4 games while he gets used to the NHL.
- NewToHockey

That is a good question, NTH. To be fair to them, though, Kostka's first couple of games to start the season had some on this board suggesting his presence would allow for a trade of one of the top 5 d-men. That said, he hasn't looked useful at all since returning from the injury.

I asked about this earlier today because it just seems odd that he needs to be so protected physically. He's younger than Zues and the same age as Hossa. He's only a couple years older that Sharp. I saw upthread that he's got a bad knee, which seems to answer the question. I assume this bad knee has been present for his whole time here, because it has been the rule for him to miss a lot of games for maintenance.
- mohel

I'm not going to pretend to know exactly what the story is but....

The way the he is being handled tells you how important Rozsival is...Last playoffs shows the same.

Some might not know...Rozsival was a top 2 or 3 defenseman on almost every team at one time and was signed to a large contract as a free agent.

He is not a bottom pairing dman looking to cling on...When he is right he can bring a strong game and was one of the big reasons the Hawks won last summer.

Blackhawks explode, 4 goals in 2nd period & top Canucks 5-2. Bickell out but 3rd line vg. On The Blackhawks-Fox Chgo:http://bit.ly/1eiPyeH

We know Eli will be getting a second use out of that Tinky Winky costume he bought.
- NewToHockey

I haven't bought it yet. Tinky Winky is still in Detroit.

We know Eli will be getting a second use out of that Tinky Winky costume he bought.
- NewToHockey

If Eli is going to wear the Tinky Winky, we might decide to give him the wrong location for the festivities...

I'm not going to pretend to know exactly what the story is but....

The way the he is being handled tells you how important Rozsival is...Last playoffs shows the same.

Some might not know...Rozsival was a top 2 or 3 defenseman on almost every team at one time and was signed to a large contract as a free agent.

He is not a bottom pairing dman looking to cling on...When he is right he can bring a strong game and was one of the big reasons the Hawks won last summer.

Blackhawks explode, 4 goals in 2nd period & top Canucks 5-2. Bickell out but 3rd line vg. On The Blackhawks-Fox Chgo:http://bit.ly/1eiPyeH
- Al

I agree on all points, Al. I remember him in Arizona all too well...

That is a good question, NTH. To be fair to them, though, Kostka's first couple of games to start the season had some on this board suggesting his presence would allow for a trade of one of the top 5 d-men. That said, he hasn't looked useful at all since returning from the injury.
- mohel

Like I wrote the other day...That appears to be a big mistake in judgement...I would have bet Kostka would have cleared waivers and on top of it and he is signed to a 2 way contract.

Blackhawks explode, 4 goals in 2nd period & top Canucks 5-2. Bickell out but 3rd line vg. On The Blackhawks-Fox Chgo:http://bit.ly/1eiPyeH

If Eli is going to wear the Tinky Winky, we might decide to give him the wrong location for the festivities...
- mohel

Eli, no problem, man. Just meet us at the bar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlGclIZV5JQ

Like I wrote the other day...That appears to be a big mistake in judgement...I would have bet Kostka would have cleared waivers and on top of it and he is signed to a 2 way contract.

Blackhawks explode, 4 goals in 2nd period & top Canucks 5-2. Bickell out but 3rd line vg. On The Blackhawks-Fox Chgo:http://bit.ly/1eiPyeH
- Al

I just looked at salaries. Kostka only makes 75K more than Stanton. So, money wasn't the issue.

Like I wrote the other day...That appears to be a big mistake in judgement...I would have bet Kostka would have cleared waivers and on top of it and he is signed to a 2 way contract.

Blackhawks explode, 4 goals in 2nd period & top Canucks 5-2. Bickell out but 3rd line vg. On The Blackhawks-Fox Chgo:http://bit.ly/1eiPyeH
- Al

The best evidence to support this statement is the he was a UFA, and the Hawks were able to sign him for $625K despite him knowing that there would be little playing time on this team. In other words, any team could have signed him for very little and he didn't seem to have a lot of options in terms of money or playing time.

I just looked at salaries. Kostka only makes 75K more than Stanton. So, money wasn't the issue.
- NewToHockey

....and he would only $325k in the AHL

Blackhawks explode, 4 goals in 2nd period & top Canucks 5-2. Bickell out but 3rd line vg. On The Blackhawks-Fox Chgo:http://bit.ly/1eiPyeH

Eli, no problem, man. Just meet us at the bar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlGclIZV5JQ
- NewToHockey

Is that your favorite hangout?

If Eli is going to wear the Tinky Winky, we might decide to give him the wrong location for the festivities...
- mohel

If I'm going to wear a Tinky Winky costume, Riley Sheahan better be in attendance.

If I'm going to wear a Tinky Winky costume, Riley Sheahan better be in attendance.
- EKolb13

Phew, we're safe!

If I'm going to wear a Tinky Winky costume, Riley Sheahan better be in attendance.
- EKolb13

Maybe we'll get a box for when the Wings are in town next year and all go that way. Might be possible in the preseason, assuming they play preseason against each other again.

It's not really a (frank) you if you have to ask if it's okay. Just saying.
- EKolb13

Just giving him an illusion.

Maybe we'll get a box for when the Wings are in town next year and all go that way. Might be possible in the preseason, assuming they play preseason against each other again.
- NewToHockey

I'm up for that.

I'm up for that.
- EKolb13

Better make sure it has chicken fingers for Mohel. They like those.

Better make sure it has chicken fingers for Mohel. They like those.
- Elbows15

Better make sure it has chicken fingers for Mohel. They like those.
- Elbows15

Icehole.

Frolik was incredible during the reg season on the PK....but I do get the essence of your point.....Smith gets better every game.
- UnnamedSource

Nowhere near as good as Toews and Hossa

Icehole.
- mohel

Why yes, yes I am.

Elbows where is my beer?

Nowhere near as good as Toews and Hossa
- rollpards19

um...did I say that?