Uber weak call from the angle i saw and Stastny wasn't going to get to the puck carrier (Hammer) with a jet pack on his back. #WEAK CALL
- philco28

Not to mention anyone with a pair of eyes can see it is 2 guys battling for the puck. Oduya won. Stastny initiated contact as much as Oduya, Too many games around the whole league where the refs decide outcomes of games. Its terrible. League wide. Be consistent FFS.

That this team is going absolutely nowhere as is. If they don't make a move tomorrow this team won't make it past Colorado.
- Primetime2330

Awww! We're in second place now and the ducks even have more points, I am gonna find a new sport to follow because we can't win, don't know how to win, and won't win......boo-hoo

Yeah because that was playoff hockey tonight.

We have a enough whiners, no need to become the newest one...

I've been reading this for well over a year, finally decided to join today? Why does that even matter? And explain to me why you are so confident in this team going foward instead I'd just making snide remarks to your pals?
- Primetime2330

They're the best score adjusted fenwick team in the league by a favorable margin. No one has the puck more than the Hawks. Possession means winning teams. They have both the experience and talent that is clearly necessary for winning a Cup. They have one of the smartest coaches in the league. Despite a bad stretch of 10 games from their best player in the middle of the season, a current bad stretch of games by their leading scorer, and the absolute falling of the map of Bickell and Handzus, they still pretty much control their own destiny for winning their division. They have a 4th line that can match up with anybody, and the best top line in hockey, and guess what, they can even change that. Now I'd like the list of reasons why the Hawks can't win.

Not to mention anyone with a pair of eyes can see it is 2 guys battling for the puck. Oduya won. Stastny initiated contact as much as Oduya, Too many games around the whole league where the refs decide outcomes of games. Its terrible. League wide. Be consistent FFS.
- Elbows15

EXACTLY

Now I'd like the list of reasons why the Hawks can't win.
- rollpards19

because it is my first day here, and I said so!

becasue it is my first day here, and I said so!
- wiz1901

So who's year is it?
- rollpards19

That's the million dollar question...heck if I know.

I'm just down on the Hawks at the moment...have been since January.

But we all know that NHL playoffs are often a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

I just don't see a very balanced club in the Hawks, and can't imagine this group winning 4 consecutive series.

RE: Pappin
eah, I liked him too. The MPH line.
- HawkintheD

Yeah I like Pappin when he was the RW on the Stemkowski line with Pulford on the LW....

They're the best score adjusted fenwick team in the league by a favorable margin. No one has the puck more than the Hawks. Possession means winning teams. They have both the experience and talent that is clearly necessary for winning a Cup. They have one of the smartest coaches in the league. Despite a bad stretch of 10 games from their best player in the middle of the season, a current bad stretch of games by their leading scorer, and the absolute falling of the map of Bickell and Handzus, they still pretty much control their own destiny for winning their division. They have a 4th line that can match up with anybody, and the best top line in hockey, and guess what, they can even change that. Now I'd like the list of reasons why the Hawks can't win.
- rollpards19

In absolutely no way do the Hawks control their own destiny for winning the division. That ship has sailed. Yes the 1st and 4th line are playing great, but just about everyone else is struggling. Zus, Regin, shaw, Bickell, and versteeg are all MIA and that does absolutely no service for Kane. Yeah Q is fantastic but there is only so much you can do for a clearly exhausted team. They're playing uninspired hockey at the worst possible time and seem content on coasting into the playoffs as 3rd in their division and play the Avalanche who matchup as good as anyone with the Hawks. Not to mention the special teams are also starting to stall. Good enough for you?

That's the million dollar question...heck if I know.

I'm just down on the Hawks at the moment...have been since January.

But we all know that NHL playoffs are often a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

I just don't see a very balanced club in the Hawks, and can't imagine this group winning 4 consecutive series.
- ArlingtonRob

to Churchill. See, I can't imagine a team beating this Hawks team 4 times in 7 games without the poppycock that is 4v4 OT or the shootout. I guess I'll phrase a little differently, what series matchup are you betting the Hawks lose.

That's the million dollar question...heck if I know.

I'm just down on the Hawks at the moment...have been since January.

But we all know that NHL playoffs are often a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

I just don't see a very balanced club in the Hawks, and can't imagine this group winning 4 consecutive series.
- ArlingtonRob

Let's be honest Rob. You have been down on them all year.

That being said, I understand you, more than you would know, as a long time fan. And I enjoy your post and will give you poop about them. Just wanted to understand that.

They're the best score adjusted fenwick team in the league by a favorable margin. No one has the puck more than the Hawks. Possession means winning teams. They have both the experience and talent that is clearly necessary for winning a Cup. They have one of the smartest coaches in the league. Despite a bad stretch of 10 games from their best player in the middle of the season, a current bad stretch of games by their leading scorer, and the absolute falling of the map of Bickell and Handzus, they still pretty much control their own destiny for winning their division. They have a 4th line that can match up with anybody, and the best top line in hockey, and guess what, they can even change that. Now I'd like the list of reasons why the Hawks can't win.
- rollpards19

On this point alone they flushed it down the Bemis starting in October.

2-6-3 against the Avs, Wild and Blues...and I don't anticipate 4 wins in the remaining contests against these clubs.

To win the division you must beat the division...the Hawks haven't remotely met that standard.

I know you feel that the Hawks will "turn it on" in the post season, and "no one can take the Hawks in a series"...

...I don't share your optimism.

In absolutely no way do the Hawks control their own destiny for winning the division. That ship has sailed. Yes the 1st and 4th line are playing great, but just about everyone else is struggling. Zus, Regin, shaw, Bickell, and versteeg are all MIA and that does absolutely no service for Kane. Yeah Q is fantastic but there is only so much you can do for a clearly exhausted team. They're playing uninspired hockey at the worst possible time and seem content on coasting into the playoffs as 3rd in their division and play the Avalanche who matchup as good as anyone with the Hawks. Not to mention the special teams are also starting to stall. Good enough for you?
- Primetime2330

Of course they can still win the division, they play both the Blues and Avalanche twice and once respectively, they can obviously beat both of those teams and then they'd be ahead of both, thus controlling their own destiny. Clearly exhausted? They just out-skated the Avs, a fast team, all night. That's conjecture at best. Saying their content with getting third place is ridiculous, if you think the leadership group in that locker room doesn't want to win every night you're deluding yourself. If Varlamov has a 97% SV percentage over a 7 game series, the Hawks will lose, but you really want to bet on that? The PK has been fantastic recently, the PP hasn't, don't get how that's stalling, its what they did all least year. So no, that wasn't good enough

Let's be honest Rob. You have been down on them all year.

That being said, I understand you, more than you would know, as a long time fan. And I enjoy your post and will give you poop about them. Just wanted to understand that.
- Elbows15

I'll say it again...my optimism entering this season was over the top.

Too high really I suppose.

...and it's been frustrating. I thought, and hoped, that by January they'd work out the kinks for the second half...

...but it's been the opposite really. *

*Except for the PK, which has largely been "fixed".

On this point alone they flushed it down the Bemis starting in October.

2-6-3 against the Avs, Wild and Blues...and I don't anticipate 4 wins in the remaining contests against these clubs.

To win the division you must beat the division...the Hawks haven't remotely met that standard.

I know you feel that the Hawks will "turn it on" in the post season, and "no one can take the Hawks in a series"...

...I don't share your optimism.
- ArlingtonRob

Do you think the Blackhawks would have lost to the Ducks last year in the playoffs? I don't think no one can take them, I just don't see how you could watch this team play every night, look at the numbers, then look at the stellar playoff success of the Blues and Avs and conclude that the Hawks can't get out of their own division. The only reason to even bring up the Wild is if you think the Hawks are winning the division. They literally control their own destiny, I'm not guaranteeing they'll do it, but they play the Blues twice more and I don't know why the Blues are this "super motivated team" them and the Hawks have the exact same record outside of their head to head games.

Of course they can still win the division, they play both the Blues and Avalanche twice and once respectively, they can obviously beat both of those teams and then they'd be ahead of both, thus controlling their own destiny. Clearly exhausted? They just out-skated the Avs, a fast team, all night. That's conjecture at best. Saying their content with getting third place is ridiculous, if you think the leadership group in that locker room doesn't want to win every night you're deluding yourself. If Varlamov has a 97% SV percentage over a 7 game series, the Hawks will lose, but you really want to bet on that? The PK has been fantastic recently, the PP hasn't, don't get how that's stalling, its what they did all least year. So no, that wasn't good enough
- rollpards19

Whatever you say, clearly nothing is going to sway your opinion. I might love this team, but at least I can tell that this season isn't going to end up anywhere near the a finals.

to Churchill. See, I can't imagine a team beating this Hawks team 4 times in 7 games without the poppycock that is 4v4 OT or the shootout. I guess I'll phrase a little differently, what series matchup are you betting the Hawks lose.
- rollpards19

First of all...I'm not a gambler.

If you want to go toe to toe with stats you'll likely out dual me...and I admit to being wayyy to emotional, especially in the moment...

...for example during a rough stretch like the Hawks since January.

Perhaps the Hawks team play will improve in the last several weeks of the season...I just don't expect it, and I just find it unlikely that this club will take 4 of 7 from anyone. Despite the roster remaining largely intact I have a feeling of deja vu that it's 2011 all over again.

I also hope they prove me wrong.

I'm pissed because I care...

Whatever you say, clearly nothing is going to sway your opinion. I might love this team, but at least I can tell that this season isn't going to end up anywhere near the a finals.
- Primetime2330

Who's better than the Hawks? Explain the matchups that those coaches will get that will lead them to beating the Hawks. Explain how Semyon Varlamov will put up the best goaltending performance in a decade over a 7 game series. Explain how, outside of head to head matchups, the Blues and Hawks have the same record, but I guess shootouts are now the barometer for playoff success. Feel free to provide some counterpoints.

In absolutely no way do the Hawks control their own destiny for winning the division. That ship has sailed. Yes the 1st and 4th line are playing great, but just about everyone else is struggling. Zus, Regin, shaw, Bickell, and versteeg are all MIA and that does absolutely no service for Kane. Yeah Q is fantastic but there is only so much you can do for a clearly exhausted team. They're playing uninspired hockey at the worst possible time and seem content on coasting into the playoffs as 3rd in their division and play the Avalanche who matchup as good as anyone with the Hawks. Not to mention the special teams are also starting to stall. Good enough for you?
- Primetime2330

Gotta admit...I agree with this completely. Not happy about that fact, but that's how I see it as well.

First of all...I'm not a gambler.

If you want to go toe to toe with stats you'll likely out dual me...and I admit to being wayyy to emotional, especially in the moment...

...for example during a rough stretch like the Hawks since January.

Perhaps the Hawks team play will improve in the last several weeks of the season...I just don't expect it, and I just find it unlikely that this club will take 4 of 7 from anyone. Despite the roster remaining largely intact I have a feeling of deja vu that it's 2011 all over again.

I also hope they prove me wrong.

I'm pissed because I care...
- ArlingtonRob

In the 2011 playoffs an objectively poor Hawks team took the best team in the West to 7 and a Patrick Sharp elevated shop away from winning, doesn't that tell you when this team is healthy they're incredibly difficult team to beat? And I know you care Rob, its not personal I just want people to be happy.

Who's better than the Hawks? Explain the matchups that those coaches will get that will lead them to beating the Hawks. Explain how Semyon Varlamov will put up the best goaltending performance in a decade over a 7 game series. Explain how, outside of head to head matchups, the Blues and Hawks have the same record, but I guess shootouts are now the barometer for playoff success. Feel free to provide some counterpoints.
- rollpards19

I place no additional value on extra-time wins, but if I recall the reason the Blues were able to win in the SO is because the Hawks blew third period leads...

...and the Hawks blew a third period lead against the Wild as well.

Not good if a club wants to win a division and considers itself the favorite.

In the 2011 playoffs an objectively poor Hawks team took the best team in the West to 7 and a Patrick Sharp elevated shop away from winning, doesn't that tell you when this team is healthy they're incredibly difficult team to beat? And I know you care Rob, its not personal I just want people to be happy.
- rollpards19

There are no good comparisons between this club, and 2011...

...it's just the bad vibes I have with this club and the 2011 group.

Can't shake it Roll...this years club just doesn't strike me as a winner, at least not the ULTIMATE winner.

Who's better than the Hawks? Explain the matchups that those coaches will get that will lead them to beating the Hawks. Explain how Semyon Varlamov will put up the best goaltending performance in a decade over a 7 game series. Explain how, outside of head to head matchups, the Blues and Hawks have the same record, but I guess shootouts are now the barometer for playoff success. Feel free to provide some counterpoints.
- rollpards19

It's time to come join the cool kids on the new thread

I just spent the last little bit of time trying to dig in on David Rundblad, because quite frankly he was off my radar since he returned to Sweden, and didn't even notice he was in the AHL and NHL.

I first found this hockey news link which I knew was incorrect about his skating...I would love to know who wrote it:
http://forecaster.thehock...ws/hockey/player.php?7651

then there is an very recent Phoenix based article with player quotes about him:
http://www.fiveforhowling...hile-awaiting-opportunity

and when he made the squad in October:
http://www.azcentral.com/...ally-finds-his-place.html

I won't mention the most lame Hockeyfutures regurgitation which just seems to be a collage of all things everybody said about him before the draft and no clear eyeball update and evaluation.
But I will repeat my actual mock draft entry where I thought he should be drafted before Leddy:

12. Minnesota Wild - David Rundblad, RH defense, 6 foot two, 188 lbs.
The good-sized Swedish d-man is a beautiful skater, adept at making "coast-to-coast" plays on the ice. He has a strong power-play presence, with soft hands, and a booming shot. When he takes off like an unbridled stallion into the attacking zone, he dangles as well as a forward, has puck control to work in tight, and passes well from both sides of the stick. Much of last year's scouting on him was filled with reports of him wandering around the defensive zone, chasing puck carriers, not reading well, and playing the puck and not the man. He has shown considerable improvement understanding his positioning and actions in his zone. It is still his weak point, but he's playing in the Swedish elite every game, and it is helping to further develop a defenseman's mindset, strength, and toolbox. He is first and foremost a puck-moving blue liner, but given time to develop a more efficient defensive side to his game, should become a well-rounded two-way defenseman. (Note: If this pick wasn't this low I could see the new management there trading it to re-acquire the missing two and three picks they traded away. They traded their third pick this year to leapfrog up one spot to beat the NJ Devils to defenseman Tyler Cuma and used the 2nd rounder this year to get Zidlicky. Too bad Dale Tallon will NEVER trade a second to move up to here, because it is a perfect spot to get an impact guy. The Blackhawks need ONE more impact guy.)

and Tab Bamford is clueless to anything about him but will make sure he writes something...