Definitely Smitty.

That guy has risen to the occasion before, and will probably do it again.
- EKolb13

I'm going to go with Eric Nesterenko, although I haven't seen him play the last few games. Does anyone know if he's injured?

I will just add to JJ's list...

Saad, Shaw and Versteeg need to be better than they have been over the last few months....Rozsival as well.

The Hawks won't go far without a 3rd line and those two need to contribute....That is true even if Shaw stays on the 2nd line.
- Al

Shaw hasn't played poorly, he just needs to watch the bone-head penalties.

Trotz out in Nashville.

http://www.tennessean.com...oach/7696215/?sf24994954=
- MartiniMan

Funny how quick things can change...

Trotz had the players and couldn't win, I can see this move.

Poile has to have one foot an a banana peel.

I will just add to JJ's list...

Saad, Shaw and Versteeg need to be better than they have been over the last few months....Rozsival as well.

The Hawks won't go far without a 3rd line and those two need to contribute....That is true even if Shaw stays on the 2nd line.
- Al

This.

Shaw hasn't played poorly, he just needs to watch the bone-head penalties.
- DarthKane

I have to agree there, I think he's been playing pretty well as of late.

Shaw hasn't played poorly, he just needs to watch the bone-head penalties.
- DarthKane

That's big part of poor play for him....He is about the only one that can set a good screen besides Toews. They need him to be a big contributor.

That's big part of poor play for him....He is about the only one that can set a good screen besides Toews. They need him to be a big contributor.
- Al

I love the way Shaw plays in front of the net, he's fearless. With a guy like Shaw we have to take the good with the bad. There will be times he takes bad penalties, he just needs to make sure the game isn't on the line.

Who keeps writing off Hossa? Let me at 'em... Let me at 'em!! Nobody writes off Hossa and gets away with it. He'll average 3 points a game and next year the doctors will find out he has developed Benjamin Button Syndrome and is actually getting younger. in 2021 he will declare for the 2022 draft! Go Big Hoss!
- Baaaaaaannerman!

He will likely have his choice where here wants to go: possibly Toronto, Vancouver, Washington, etc. He's at the top of the list of available coaches now.
- MartiniMan

Trotz in Washington? That would be hilarious!

Trotz and Ovie would be butting heads in no time...

(frank) the Blues



They aint poop until they learn how to rock
- BlazinMike

Chuck Berry lives in St. Loo. He might be from there too. That proves St. Loo's claim to Rock-n-Roll.

in this series when goals should be at premium and the Blues aren't a quick skating team....I'm OK with him playing. If this was Colorado I'd say it's a huge mistake.

I also think I'd go:

Bickell-Toews_Kane
Sharp-Handzus-Hossa
Saad-Shaw-Versteeg
Bolig-Kruger-Smith

I think you have to put Bickell up with Toews and Kane for protection. You can't have Toews with Hossa, Sharp. Guys will take liberties and somebody has to help out the captain.
- SteveRain[/quote

Agree with this except for shaw and hanzus change places and maybe regin plays 3c and Bollig sits

Agree with this except for shaw and hanzus change places and maybe regin plays 3c and Bollig sits
- molly2522

I think Bollig might be one of the ones who does sit, or splits time with other players during the playoffs.

However, I would think Bollig will see a lot of time in the St. Loo series. You could see Bollig sit some games versus Colorado if it comes to it.

2nd day in a row where iv been reading that theres some imaginary source out there thats passed on word that Toews injury is more serious than we all think it is and that he might not play, may require surgery. Some Blues fan brought it up yesterday. Where is this all coming from? Is it legit?

As for the Hawks/Blues, I like the Hawks in 6. The Blues will play better then they've been playing lately but I look for the Hawks speed and skill to wear them down. Also I said this a few months ago when people were making their olympics predictions......don't bet against Jonathan Toews.

2nd day in a row where iv been reading that theres some imaginary source out there thats passed on word that Toews injury is more serious than we all think it is and that he might not play, may require surgery. Some Blues fan brought it up yesterday. Where is this all coming from? Is it legit?
- SimpleJack

Who knows? If it was serious, and Toews couldn't play in the playoffs, I think something would have leaked out by now.

I think Toews will play. However, will he be a 100% healthy? Also, I wouldn't be surprised if a Toews surgery was announced after the playoffs.

I think you replace Hossa with Toews. We know Hossa will show up, but we dont know what condition Toews is in and if shows up what can he contribute.

Funny how quick things can change...

Trotz had the players and couldn't win, I can see this move.

Poile has to have one foot an a banana peel.
- Al

I respectfully disagree. Trotz wasn't given a lot during his time there. He maximized a true small market team to the best of his ability. Very good in game manager and gave the 2010 Hawks all they could handle, and if it wasn't for Martin Erat god only knows what happens.

Poile is an idiot. Gave way too much $$ to Stalberg, and reading the behind scenes selection of Team USA just proves what an ego this guy. Good for the rest of the Central division, and bad for Nashville fans.

I think Bollig might be one of the ones who does sit, or splits time with other players during the playoffs.

However, I would think Bollig will see a lot of time in the St. Loo series. You could see Bollig sit some games versus Colorado if it comes to it.
- EKolb13

Agree with you about the avs series but he could and should be on a short leash since for once we have a replacement in morin that can play physical

Chuck Berry lives in St. Loo. He might be from there too. That proves St. Loo's claim to Rock-n-Roll.
- EKolb13

I guess in this situation "learn to rock" could be a metaphore for, "learn to win the cup"...the Blues aint poop, unless they learn to win the cup.

And even then, (frank) em' haha

I think Bollig might be one of the ones who does sit, or splits time with other players during the playoffs.

However, I would think Bollig will see a lot of time in the St. Loo series. You could see Bollig sit some games versus Colorado if it comes to it.
- EKolb13

I don't see it, as much as the Commited Indian would probably throw a party if he did. Bolig was on arguably their best shut down line with Kruger and Smith. In a series that will be extremely physical, we want to sit one of the few guys who will throw his weight around? For whom? Regin? Morin?

If Bolig isn't taking dumb penalties and serving his purpose...I don't see it. if anyone who should sit it should be Handzus. Smith can go into a center role and that opens up a spot on a wing.

2nd day in a row where iv been reading that theres some imaginary source out there thats passed on word that Toews injury is more serious than we all think it is and that he might not play, may require surgery. Some Blues fan brought it up yesterday. Where is this all coming from? Is it legit?
- SimpleJack

Heard an interview with Q this morning on the AM radio saying that Toews was 100%. I know he could be fudging a little but that's what he said and said it like he meant it.

I'm picking the hawks to win the cup
I think this years team is more talented than last years team

I don't see it, as much as the Commited Indian would probably throw a party if he did. Bolig was on arguably their best shut down line with Kruger and Smith. In a series that will be extremely physical, we want to sit one of the few guys who will throw his weight around? For whom? Regin? Morin?

If Bolig isn't taking dumb penalties and serving his purpose...I don't see it. if anyone who should sit it should be Handzus. Smith can go into a center role and that opens up a spot on a wing.
- SteveRain

To me the success of the fourth line is a result of Kreugers improved play first and foremost

Heard an interview with Q this morning on the AM radio saying that Toews was 100%. I know he could be fudging a little but that's what he said and said it like he meant it.
- Lido_Shuffle

Yeah...i was gonna say, all iv been hearing/reading is exactly that. That he'll be 100%, that he's fine. Nothing serious. Thats why i was wondering where the negative report was coming from....

Even if he's not 100% he can still be a difference maker, as we saw in the finals last year.

I'm picking the hawks to win the cup
I think this years team is more talented than last years team
- molly2522