Hey! You're alive!
- EKolb13

Indeed. It was touch and go the night they lost being in Mexico and all, but I am still alive. Not being able to get over it for a few days combined with not really needing the "told you so's" and this team blew it has kept me away, but I'm now back and ready to face the fact I was wrong about them getting out of the West. I wish I had been right, but they lost to a great team. Those who did tell me so were right however, and I commend them on seeing that there wasn't quite enough there.

Hartnell gives them a presence with Johansen and the other youngsters......i like this move by the BJ's.......they've done a nice job building that team from the ground up.
- UnnamedSource

Oh ya the Jackets are my 2nd team ( i just graduated Ohio State so I lived in Columbus for 4 years) and it was a great move by Jarmo...im just dumbfounded by Hextall...I mean you trade away your top line LW for a guy who was a scratch several times last year and has the skating ability of a mens league B division player. Umberger is brutal and the Jackets just got a lot better. CBJ is going to be a real tough team to play against...Hartnell, Dubinksy, Jenner, Boll, Mackenzie..they have some real nasty in their lineup and will probably lead the league in hits again next year

http://fansided.com/2014/06/23/ryan-kesler-pushing-trade-blackhawks-penguins/#!2KtgB
- mrpaulish

Thanks Mr. P. I hope its someone else due to my irrational hatred for Kesler, but a deal for him would make us a better team, and we all cheer for the front of the jersey.

I don't think it's a bad move for C-bus at all. If they get to the playoffs, Hartnell will help. My question was how it makes sense for Philly. Do they have any compliance buyouts left? If they were facing cap uncertainty before, they're in the same spot since the salaries are almost the same.
- eburgio

Agree. Umberger's deal is shorter - that seems to be the only benefit. I assume Philly has no CBs left because of this.

Hartnell certainly brings more to the ice currently than Umberger.

Indeed. It was touch and go the night they lost being in Mexico and all, but I am still alive. Not being able to get over it for a few days combined with not really needing the "told you so's" and this team blew it has kept me away, but I'm now back and ready to face the fact I was wrong about them getting out of the West. I wish I had been right, but they lost to a great team. Those who did tell me so were right however, and I commend them on seeing that there wasn't quite enough there.
- rollpards19

Good to see you back.

Some (like me) will also tell you Q and his crack coaching staff also played a significant role in them not getting out of the WCF and capturing the back-to-back.

This, in spite of really not having enough horses -- the horses they did have ran hard and ultimately they couldn't get over the hill. Poor lineup decisions and in-game strategy was their ultimate downfall (IMO of course).

A deal that makes sense for both sides. Who would have thunk it?
- stljam

My point was that so many times when a player asks to leave the team doesn't get close to value, smarttush.

Good to see you back.

Some (like me) will also tell you Q and his crack coaching staff also played a significant role in them not getting out of the WCF and capturing the back-to-back.

This, in spite of really not having enough horses -- the horses they did have ran hard and ultimately they couldn't get over the hill. Poor lineup decisions and in-game strategy was their ultimate downfall (IMO of course).
- savvyone-1

Hey Sav. I felt horrible for Nick having that puck go off him, talk about poopty luck. I think it was likely a combination as to where the blame should be placed. I didn't think Q performed particularly well in the WCF and undoubtedly deserves to share some of the blame. I don't think I'd go as far as reason for the downfall, but I see your point. Coaching combined with, IMO, subpar Sharp, Hossa not buying a goal, and Bickell ultimately being a pretty big non-factor against the Kings. It's sure nice to have the franchise be at a level where the defending champs losing in the conference final is a disappointing, but I'm sure glad they're my favorite team.

Hey Sav. I felt horrible for Nick having that puck go off him, talk about poopty luck. I think it was likely a combination as to where the blame should be placed. I didn't think Q performed particularly well in the WCF and undoubtedly deserves to share some of the blame. I don't think I'd go as far as reason for the downfall, but I see your point. Coaching combined with, IMO, subpar Sharp, Hossa not buying a goal, and Bickell ultimately being a pretty big non-factor against the Kings. It's sure nice to have the franchise be at a level where the defending champs losing in the conference final is a disappointing, but I'm sure glad they're my favorite team.
- rollpards19

Glad you are both back.....Hope the summer is treating you well.

Yep....the OT go was slow motion for me. Happened right in front of me and from my higher vantage point I thought at first it was going over the net.....what a crap way to lose.

At least it's draft week....so we should see some trades.

Glad you are both back.....Hope the summer is treating you well.

Yep....the OT go was slow motion for me. Happened right in front of me and from my higher vantage point I thought at first it was going over the net.....what a crap way to lose.

At least it's draft week....so we should see some trades.
- SteveRain

It Must have been terrible at the UC , morgue like. I was at a house party that was pretty rocking all day lo g and wildly rockong to start the 3rd... just waiting for Kane to win it in overtime..... then it was awful..... just awful

Oh ya the Jackets are my 2nd team ( i just graduated Ohio State so I lived in Columbus for 4 years) and it was a great move by Jarmo...im just dumbfounded by Hextall...I mean you trade away your top line LW for a guy who was a scratch several times last year and has the skating ability of a mens league B division player. Umberger is brutal and the Jackets just got a lot better. CBJ is going to be a real tough team to play against...Hartnell, Dubinksy, Jenner, Boll, Mackenzie..they have some real nasty in their lineup and will probably lead the league in hits again next year
- EnzoD

Yep.....CBJ's are one of my favorites as well......nice young team and love their coach. I've been a Buckeye fan since the days of Keith Bryars and Chris Carter.....is it hard to get tix for the games? Would love to take my son there......

Hey Sav. I felt horrible for Nick having that puck go off him, talk about poopty luck. I think it was likely a combination as to where the blame should be placed. I didn't think Q performed particularly well in the WCF and undoubtedly deserves to share some of the blame. I don't think I'd go as far as reason for the downfall, but I see your point. Coaching combined with, IMO, subpar Sharp, Hossa not buying a goal, and Bickell ultimately being a pretty big non-factor against the Kings. It's sure nice to have the franchise be at a level where the defending champs losing in the conference final is a disappointing, but I'm sure glad they're my favorite team.
- rollpards19

Look what they cat dragged in......glad you're back

Glad you are both back.....Hope the summer is treating you well.

Yep....the OT go was slow motion for me. Happened right in front of me and from my higher vantage point I thought at first it was going over the net.....what a crap way to lose.

At least it's draft week....so we should see some trades.
- SteveRain

Thanks Steve, and hope your's is good as well. Draft week and the beginning of free agency are always fun. Really interested to see what Stan has planned, is there any word on our impending RFA/UFA's? Couldn't have been more out of the loop these past few weeks.

Look what they cat dragged in......glad you're back
- UnnamedSource

Thanks US, its good to be back, past couple days I've had the itch to get in some online fights over 4th liners and 17 year olds, and this is the place to do it

Thanks US, its good to be back, past couple days I've had the itch to get in some online fights over 4th liners and 17 year olds, and this is the place to do it
- rollpards19

Just be respectful about it and behave yourself...

Thanks US, its good to be back, past couple days I've had the itch to get in some online fights over 4th liners and 17 year olds, and this is the place to do it
- rollpards19

........Frans Nielsen RP.......Frans Nielsen

More Toews on Toews from Kuc:

@ChrisKuc: Asked Jonathan Toews if there was any scenario where he wouldn't sign contract extension with #Blackhawks: "Very doubtful."

m.twitter.com/ChrisKuc

It Must have been terrible at the UC , morgue like. I was at a house party that was pretty rocking all day lo g and wildly rockong to start the 3rd... just waiting for Kane to win it in overtime..... then it was awful..... just awful
- mrpaulish

The guy next to me screamed out "NO" like a bad movie scene as the puck fluttered in.....

I said it right afterwards....the things I took away from being there...

1. The anthem was ridiculous. Always is for big games, but that night....it was rocking.
2. After the Hawks got up 2-0, Bolig talking $hit to Jason Williams at the draw as they lined up.....after he scored and pointed at Bolig on the bench I knew we were in deep $hit. Bolig poked the bear....
3. The Bickell reluctance to shoot instead throwing a grenade to Hossa.
4. Keith toe drag with just over a minute to play.
5. That goal......For how many years I have these seats, I'll always have a flashback when I sit down and stare down at the ice. I was so irate I drove home in silence and once I did turn on my radio...all I heard was Zawaski ripping Versteeg....

I expect this team to address the holes, and I know people think it was just one bounce, but the best team on paper doesn't always win...especially in the NHL. So while assuming standing pat may work with our top notch core, rest, improvememtn of younger guys, whatever.....it easily could go the other way and they could run into another hot goalie like they did in 2012 in Smith.....Better your roster top to bottom and being able to roll 4 lines at ANYTIME gives you the best chance at winning 16 playoff games.

This is going to be a fun week. Already a big trade today....jus getting started.

Thanks US, its good to be back, past couple days I've had the itch to get in some online fights over 4th liners and 17 year olds, and this is the place to do it
- rollpards19

Welcome home - all matriculated and ready for the world.

Now get a job - we're tired of supporting your ass.



Should be relatively sane here until Friday.

More Toews on Toews from Kuc:

@ChrisKuc: Asked Jonathan Toews if there was any scenario where he wouldn't sign contract extension with #Blackhawks: "Very doubtful."

m.twitter.com/ChrisKuc
- StLBravesFan

OMG....he didn't say "absolutely not".......that means he's going to Winnipeg if we don't add a 2C

Thanks Steve, and hope your's is good as well. Draft week and the beginning of free agency are always fun. Really interested to see what Stan has planned, is there any word on our impending RFA/UFA's? Couldn't have been more out of the loop these past few weeks.
- rollpards19

As far as I know they are waiting to finalize 19/88 extension to figure out how much cap room. Sounds like everyone in the RFA world is welcomed back.

JJ has had some very interesting trade rumors the past 10 days.....

Next 5 days should be fun. Can't wait to sit on my couch, drink scotch and watch the TSN Feed via NHL network Friday night.....

Blake, Forsberg, Hasek, Modano lead 2014 Hall class

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=723505

The guy next to me screamed out "NO" like a bad movie scene as the puck fluttered in.....

I said it right afterwards....the things I took away from being there...

1. The anthem was ridiculous. Always is for big games, but that night....it was rocking.
2. After the Hawks got up 2-0, Bolig talking $hit to Jason Williams at the draw as they lined up.....after he scored and pointed at Bolig on the bench I knew we were in deep $hit. Bolig poked the bear....
3. The Bickell reluctance to shoot instead throwing a grenade to Hossa.
4. Keith toe drag with just over a minute to play.
5. That goal......For how many years I have these seats, I'll always have a flashback when I sit down and stare down at the ice. I was so irate I drove home in silence and once I did turn on my radio...all I heard was Zawaski ripping Versteeg....

I expect this team to address the holes, and I know people think it was just one bounce, but the best team on paper doesn't always win...especially in the NHL. So while assuming standing pat may work with our top notch core, rest, improvememtn of younger guys, whatever.....it easily could go the other way and they could run into another hot goalie like they did in 2012 in Smith.....Better your roster top to bottom and being able to roll 4 lines at ANYTIME gives you the best chance at winning 16 playoff games.

This is going to be a fun week. Already a big trade today....jus getting started.
- SteveRain

Had a great conversation on the phone today with a fellow poster....

Could the Hawks use a 2C..of course, I don't think anyone disputes this. However, the team has the 4th rated system in the NHL...help is coming. Most of the youngsters will fill out the bottom six.....until they are ready what do they do? Go all in and add a 2C while sacrificing rolling 4 lines and back end depth on the blue line???

The argument could be made for each of the following..The Blackhawks would've won the Stanley Cup if.......

We had a 2C......
We had the ability to roll four lines and had better depth......
We had consistency on the back end of our blue line...

Any one of these would have made the difference against LA....the questions is....what direction Bowman will take?

Had a great conversation on the phone today with a fellow poster....

Could the Hawks use a 2C..of course, I don't think anyone disputes this. However, the team has the 4th rated system in the NHL...help is coming. Most of the youngsters will fill out the bottom six.....until they are ready what do they do? Go all in and add a 2C while sacrificing rolling 4 lines and back end depth on the blue line???

The argument could be made for each of the following..The Blackhawks would've won the Stanley Cup if.......

We had a 2C......
We had the ability to roll four lines and had better depth......
We had consistency on the back end of our blue line...

Any one of these would have made the difference against LA....the questions is....what direction Bowman will take?
- UnnamedSource

Good scenarios, but I'm not sure if they are mutually exclusive. Having a 2C allows shaw back into a 3rd line winger role, and the 4th line is maybe one addition away from being pretty strong and would be fairly cheap either internally or externally.

Hey Sav. I felt horrible for Nick having that puck go off him, talk about poopty luck. I think it was likely a combination as to where the blame should be placed. I didn't think Q performed particularly well in the WCF and undoubtedly deserves to share some of the blame. I don't think I'd go as far as reason for the downfall, but I see your point. Coaching combined with, IMO, subpar Sharp, Hossa not buying a goal, and Bickell ultimately being a pretty big non-factor against the Kings. It's sure nice to have the franchise be at a level where the defending champs losing in the conference final is a disappointing, but I'm sure glad they're my favorite team.
- rollpards19

Yes, was sort of the "crowning achievement" (dubious to say the least) and a real "capper" for the season. I don't think Q and staff were the only reason but surely think they heavily contributed to the eventual loss. Can't have a 5 on 3 in such an important game and NOT score. Everyone wants to blame Jamie Kompon but the PP scheme ultimately rests with Q as it hasn't really changed since he's been head coach! Agree on Sharp, Bickell -- felt bad for Big Hoss because other than putting the puck in the net, thought he really gave it his all.

Glad you've come out the other side and are back. I'll be around and hope to share more thoughts as we get some clarity to what Stanley and co will do with our club.

My point was that so many times when a player asks to leave the team doesn't get close to value, smarttush.
- wiz1901

I guess I misinterpreted your post. I wasn't trying to be a richard though it may come naturally for me.

I fail to see how this isn't close to value when you factor in Philadelphia being able to get out of a bad contract that will or is bad a few years early. Regular seasons goals and points per game are very close with Hartnell leading .26 vs .25 and .56 vs .54. while RJ has a big advantage in the playoffs with .47 vs .21 and .67 vs .52 though RJ's playoff sample is 1/3 less.

When I look at both players, they both seem to be almost 5mm a year 20 goal scorers at this point in their careers. I'm not sure I would be wild about paying around 5mm a year for a 35 year old 20 goal scorer much less a 37 or 38 year old one. As a result, the deal makes sense to me on both fronts. Jarmo and JD feel it is an upgrade and brings more playoff experience and Philly move someone who wants out while getting a similar player back and freeing up dollars for the future.