I have to wonder about that move. We have only seen a little of Rundblad, but he hasn't looked like an upgrade over Kostka so far.
- NewToHockey

Rundblad is signed to a cap friendly deal next season at $785K and he has more upside than Kostka. I still believe that Rundblad will replace Brookbank as the 7D next season. If he has a good year maybe he becomes the 6D when Rozy's deal is up. I'm not expecting Rundblad to be the next Seabrook, but he could be a decent 3rd pairing defenseman.

With the way the cap sits, I would have to agree. It might be a different situation if Stan didn't have to make a roster move to allow TT to join the team. He could easily play in Rockford. Their regular season ends after the Hawks this year.

Also, Saad played in the playoffs in 2012 (granted on a less talented team) after spending his season in juniors. It would not be unprecedented for Stan and Q to roll out a high end rookie straight from juniors to the playoffs if the team struggles or needs a kick start.
- NewToHockey

Kruger played as well, so did Smith.

I agree with all of this. I also don't think Miller is a god or anything in net. He's playoff numbers are nothing to right home about and he was on a couple very good Buffalo teams that he couldn't get over the hump.
- rollpards19

Miller is more consistent than Halak and less prone to injury so the Blues grabbed the very best available at the deadline so they won't have to watch Brian Elliott in the playoffs. But I 'd rather face Miller in a playoff series than Quick or Rask or even Mike Smith.

Miller is more consistent than Halak and less prone to injury so the Blues grabbed the very best available at the deadline so they won't have to watch Brian Elliott in the playoffs. But I 'd rather face Miller in a playoff series than Quick or Rask or even Mike Smith.
- RickJ

If the Hawks can't catch the Blues I'd hope for PHX to get them. Smith can steal a series as we all know and the Yotes PP is good enough to be a factor in any series.

Kruger played as well, so did Smith.
- rollpards19

They both came up at the tail end of the regular season and kept spots into the playoffs. Saad went straight from his junior season ending into the lineup against Phoenix in the first round in 2012. Although Kruger did bypass Rockford IIRC. I think he came straight to the Hawks after the SEL season ended. Still, that year there was both a spot and cap space.

Some times a team puts so much focus into winning the President's Cup, they experience a bit of a let down in the 1st round. Not saying it will happen, but it could.
- Elbows15

Let's hope

If the Hawks can't catch the Blues I'd hope for PHX to get them. Smith can steal a series as we all know and the Yotes PP is good enough to be a factor in any series.
- rollpards19

Question. If Phoenix and Dallas (just as an example) make the two wildcard spots and the Blues are the #1 seed in the West, would the Blues automatically play the Stars since they're from their division or would they play Phoenix if Phoenix was the second wild card?

If the Hawks can't catch the Blues I'd hope for PHX to get them. Smith can steal a series as we all know and the Yotes PP is good enough to be a factor in any series.
- rollpards19

I was thinking the same thing. Hope for phoenix. They will most likely lose but have a much better chance than Vancouver, the Jets, or minny. Dallas might be interesting, though

Question. If Phoenix and Dallas (just as an example) make the two wildcard spots and the Blues are the #1 seed in the West, would the Blues automatically play the Wild since they're from their division or would they play Phoenix if Phoenix was the second wild card?
- NewToHockey

They'd play Phoenix. The 1 plays 8 and the other division winner gets the other wild card

Edit: The flaw is the team that comes in second could face the 5 seed. For example, Toronto is currently 5th in the East and would play Pitt, 2nd in the East, if the playoffs started today.

If the Hawks can't catch the Blues I'd hope for PHX to get them. Smith can steal a series as we all know and the Yotes PP is good enough to be a factor in any series.
- rollpards19

The Coyotes haven't been very sharp defensively this year, unlike what Tippett gets from most of his teams. The Blues might have a tougher time with Phoenix and the Yotes have some nasty forwards who will lay the lumber on.

Question. If Phoenix and Dallas (just as an example) make the two wildcard spots and the Blues are the #1 seed in the West, would the Blues automatically play the Stars since they're from their division or would they play Phoenix if Phoenix was the second wild card?
- NewToHockey

If the blues are #1 in the west I think they play the wildcard team with the least points. Like being #8 and playing #1. The #2 team plays whichever wildcard team has more points.

There is always that hope that when we play STL that someone finally wipes that dung eating grin off Jackman's face...

They both came up at the tail end of the regular season and kept spots into the playoffs. Saad went straight from his junior season ending into the lineup against Phoenix in the first round in 2012. Although Kruger did bypass Rockford IIRC. I think he came straight to the Hawks after the SEL season ended. Still, that year there was both a spot and cap space.
- NewToHockey

Smith didn't get any regular season time, as far as I can tell. But the cap does make it a different scenario

Anyone see the end of the Jets and Blues game? Our old pal Buff took on a pair of wienerheads, Jackman and Polak. Reeves came flying in and Lapierre chirped and hid behind a linesman. I hope that team is bounced again in the first round

Fun stat, the Blackhawks have been trailing after 2 periods 20 times, and have won or forced OT in half of them, with the best point percentage in the league in that scenario. Have to love the never say die attitude this team has.

Edit: And Montreal hasn't lost once leading after 2 periods

Anyone see the end of the Jets and Blues game? Our old pal Buff took on a pair of wienerheads, Jackman and Polak. Reeves came flying in and Lapierre chirped and hid behind a linesman. I hope that team is bounced again in the first round
- reeder16

Typiical Jackman: wanted no part of Buff but goes after the big goon Wheeler. Wheeler has some size but I doubt he has been in more than 5 fights. Probably same as Jackman, unless it is someone who doesn't fight or is much smaller

There is always that hope that when we play STL that someone finally wipes that dung eating grin off Jackman's face...
- Sundevil

I doubt it ever happens. He is always hiding behind the refs. He is great at looking tough and pushing people in scrums with refs right there. Half that team deserves a good beating.

The Coyotes haven't been very sharp defensively this year, unlike what Tippett gets from most of his teams. The Blues might have a tougher time with Phoenix and the Yotes have some nasty forwards who will lay the lumber on.
- RickJ

True, but PHX is only a year removed from a trip to the WCF, they have a good team and a goalie with a very high ceiling

Typiical Jackman: wanted no part of Buff but goes after the big goon Wheeler. Wheeler has some size but I doubt he has been in more than 5 fights. Probably same as Jackman, unless it is someone who doesn't fight or is much smaller
- tomcat24

And always gets a few shots in when someone's back is turned.
His face, I don't know.......................I just want to bust it with my fist

And always gets a few shots in when someone's back is turned.
His face, I don't know.......................I just want to bust it with my fist
- reeder16

The cheapshot at Toews in the last game after the breakaway in OT pretty much sums up that clown. But he's just following the guy that wears the C there

Miller is more consistent than Halak and less prone to injury so the Blues grabbed the very best available at the deadline so they won't have to watch Brian Elliott in the playoffs. But I 'd rather face Miller in a playoff series than Quick or Rask or even Mike Smith.
- RickJ

Just maybe Miller will be on a mission to show he is still one of the very best. His best chance to win a Cup ever, is plenty of motivation as well.

Watching a little of the Kings and Yotes. During the 2nd int they ran a story about some kids playing sled hockey in the LA area (sledge in Can). Showed them in the ice. Looks incredibly difficult. Pretty inspiring stuff. One young man was talking to his friend, The friend was telling him how he plays basketball and he replies: well, I play hockey! Nice story

And always gets a few shots in when someone's back is turned.
His face, I don't know.......................I just want to bust it with my fist
- reeder16

As fans we are frustrated and we wish we could step in and be that player who smacks Jackman or Backes. So when you have a Shaw or Bolland - even Versteeg sometimes - who will agitate - we can revel in that. The only solace when the other team has those sort of players, is that they have one less skill guy, or one less skater playing up to his skill level. I know Philco really likes Ross, and McNeill is tough. Danault battles. Hartman another Bolland type. So,we will have our share of grit in the years ahead on bottom lines for sure. Just hope we have enough big boys like Bickel, playing , uh, like big mean bangers along the boards.

The cheapshot at Toews in the last game after the breakaway in OT pretty much sums up that clown. But he's just following the guy that wears the C there
- rollpards19

Can't match the talent and have to equalise it by intimidation.

As fans we are frustrated and we wish we could step in and be that player who smacks Jackman or Backes. So when you have a Shaw or Bolland - even Versteeg sometimes - who will agitate - we can revel in that. The only solace when the other team has those sort of players, is that they have one less skill guy, or one less skater playing up to his skill level. I know Philco really likes Ross, and McNeill is tough. Danault battles. Hartman another Bolland type. So,we will have our share of grit in the years ahead on bottom lines for sure. Just hope we have enough big boys like Bickel, playing , uh, like big mean bangers along the boards.
- jhawk59

Gonna miss Bolland when it matters, that's for sure. Loved the way he tortured the Sedins out here. Shaw is really the only one on this team that comes close to Bolly in that respect