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

If they don't add a 2C I'M going to Winnipeg.

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

It wasn't with me...

Who did you have a great conversation with?

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.
- savvyone-1

The two biggest gripes with me in regards to this staff have always been PP break out, and recently (last 3 years) the 5v3 setup. Having 2 lefties up top makes almost zero sense to me, Hossa's not a great shooter, yet its designed around his one timer, and Toews, your second best offensive player, never touches the puck. Hossa was great, just unlucky like Toews was last year.

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.
- coldsteelonice

Lets look at the roster

top 6 (5) - Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Saad.......who can be switched with Bickel

Bottom 6 - Bickel, Shaw, Versteeg, Smith, Bollig, Kruger, Morin, Nordstrom....

Assuming Nordstrom is the Hawk I-90 RFD guy.....

Versteeg is a huge variable.....if he comes back 100% he makes the third line stronger. So Bickel and Versteeg are your wings and Kruger is your 3C if Shaw is bumped up......

Versteeg not healthy......Shaw/Morin/Smith are your forwards on the other side side.


4th line with Versteeg healthy is ......Bollig/4C/Smith with Morin as the extra forward.........so the possibility is to add a 4C through FA or a trade.....

4th line with an unheathy Versteeg......Bollig/4C/Smith or Morin

SO with this scenario you need a 4C either way......like a Madden type.

Go back to the 2C......do we get a big name or get a guy who can win FO's, distribute the puck, and play within the system......plus the ability to play on the checking line. Things to consider....

It wasn't with me...

Who did you have a great conversation with?
- Dannyboy

Dannyboy.....you're back!!! How is everything

Dannyboy.....you're back!!! How is everything
- UnnamedSource

I'm doing wonderful. Hope you and your family are doing well.

I can't wait to start posting more once the draft/trade/free agency madness starts.

Hopefully I can make you proud!

I'm doing wonderful. Hope you and your family are doing well.

I can't wait to start posting more once the draft/trade/free agency madness starts.

Hopefully I can make you proud!
- Dannyboy

Family is doing great......sons baseball season is almost over.

Remember what the great Yoda once said......"there is no try....only do"

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 -- actually thought about you 'cause you said you would be at the game. And thinking you were besides yourself like the rest of us.

It WAS a crap way to lose but as we all know, once you get to OT, many times that winning OT goal IS a crap goal and it's just a matter of throwing the puck at the net as often as possible in hopes one finds it way past the red line.

I keep hoping Stanley has a big, Hossa-like surprise for us (Stasny???!!!!) that few saw coming but am afraid it will be an off-season of few changes and "we like our team."

Maybe SOMEONE can finally get Q to make some changes to both special teams in terms of strategy and personnel. Q's reliance on Duncan Keith and Sharp on 1st unit and the implosion of players into the box instead of pressuring the puck are 2 starters IMO. Don't say you don't have the players to make those changes, because even with NO changes to personnel, this club DOES have enough options, just need to use the right ones with the right strategy.

Lets look at the roster

top 6 (5) - Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Saad.......who can be switched with Bickel

Bottom 6 - Bickel, Shaw, Versteeg, Smith, Bollig, Kruger, Morin, Nordstrom....

Assuming Nordstrom is the Hawk I-90 RFD guy.....

Versteeg is a huge variable.....if he comes back 100% he makes the third line stronger. So Bickel and Versteeg are your wings and Kruger is your 3C if Shaw is bumped up......

Versteeg not healthy......Shaw/Morin/Smith are your forwards on the other side side.


4th line with Versteeg healthy is ......Bollig/4C/Smith with Morin as the extra forward.........so the possibility is to add a 4C through FA or a trade.....

4th line with an unheathy Versteeg......Bollig/4C/Smith or Morin

SO with this scenario you need a 4C either way......like a Madden type.

Go back to the 2C......do we get a big name or get a guy who can win FO's, distribute the puck, and play within the system......plus the ability to play on the checking line. Things to consider....
- UnnamedSource

Nielsen?

Hoping in addition to getting Batman and Robin's extensions done. The Hawks come away with one if not 2C's through trade/FA. Hopefully.

I still like a GREATER name like Nielsen, Eller, Vermette, etc. that doesn't break the bank.

Edit - Nielsen is the only guy they should be looking at.

Lets look at the roster

top 6 (5) - Toews, Kane, Sharp, Hossa, Saad.......who can be switched with Bickel

Bottom 6 - Bickel, Shaw, Versteeg, Smith, Bollig, Kruger, Morin, Nordstrom....

Assuming Nordstrom is the Hawk I-90 RFD guy.....

Versteeg is a huge variable.....if he comes back 100% he makes the third line stronger. So Bickel and Versteeg are your wings and Kruger is your 3C if Shaw is bumped up......

Versteeg not healthy......Shaw/Morin/Smith are your forwards on the other side side.


4th line with Versteeg healthy is ......Bollig/4C/Smith with Morin as the extra forward.........so the possibility is to add a 4C through FA or a trade.....

4th line with an unheathy Versteeg......Bollig/4C/Smith or Morin

SO with this scenario you need a 4C either way......like a Madden type.

Go back to the 2C......do we get a big name or get a guy who can win FO's, distribute the puck, and play within the system......plus the ability to play on the checking line. Things to consider....
- UnnamedSource

For a 2C you don't need the big-name guy: go for your second option - guy who can win FOs, distribute, play within the 200 foot system - how much of the defensive issues were due to only having two 200-foot centers?

Do without getting a 2C - wishing and hoping that Shaw becomes a 100+ game (including the play-offs) consistent 2C who learns how to win some draws and every nite plays the whole ice.

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

Does this mean if we get a 2C you wont be coming back?

Nielsen?

Hoping in addition to getting Batman and Robin's extensions done. The Hawks come away with one if not 2C's through trade/FA. Hopefully.

I still like a lesser name like Nielsen, Eller, Vermette, etc. that doesn't break the bank.
- HawkintheD

For a 2C you don't need the big-name guy: go for your second option - guy who can win FOs, distribute, play within the 200 foot system - how much of the defensive issues were due to only having two 200-foot centers?

Do without getting a 2C - wishing and hoping that Shaw becomes a 100+ game (including the play-offs) consistent 2C who learns how to win some draws and every nite plays the whole ice.
- StLBravesFan

Shaw as a 2nd line center - Ehhhh
Shaw as a 3rd line winger - Love

Still would love to see Kesler as 2nd line center. Going to cost some young guys for Kesler and a subsequent Sharp deal, but if they can get a young 3C with the potential as a 2C down the road for Sharp and picks/prospects, I am all for it. Shaw as a 3rd line winger gives the Hawks many more options to truly roll 4 lines. Versteeg is a huge wild card, but I'd rather be without him. He drives me bonkers with his play.

- DarthKane

I fixed it. Sorry man.

I fixed it. Sorry man.
- HawkintheD

Thank you...

Nielsen?

Hoping in addition to getting Batman and Robin's extensions done. The Hawks come away with one if not 2C's through trade/FA. Hopefully.

I still like a GREATER name like Nielsen, Eller, Vermette, etc. that doesn't break the bank.

Edit - Nielsen is the only guy they should be looking at.
- HawkintheD

Why not go big and get 2 C's?

Nielsen?

Hoping in addition to getting Batman and Robin's extensions done. The Hawks come away with one if not 2C's through trade/FA. Hopefully.

I still like a GREATER name like Nielsen, Eller, Vermette, etc. that doesn't break the bank.

Edit - Nielsen is the only guy they should be looking at.
- HawkintheD

You don't want to pay to get him... so cross him off the list!!!

Does this mean if we get a 2C you wont be coming back?
- DestinBlackhawk

Not a chance....but I will get some Duluth Trading Co. shirts out of it

For a 2C you don't need the big-name guy: go for your second option - guy who can win FOs, distribute, play within the 200 foot system - how much of the defensive issues were due to only having two 200-foot centers?

Do without getting a 2C - wishing and hoping that Shaw becomes a 100+ game (including the play-offs) consistent 2C who learns how to win some draws and every nite plays the whole ice.
- StLBravesFan

He's got to put in the time in the offseason...based on his performance late in the season I don't think he was conditioned enough for the long season.

Not a chance....but I will get some Duluth Trading Co. shirts out of it
- UnnamedSource

Officer Gus Grimly hookin u up with those shirts?

Officer Gus Grimly hookin u up with those shirts?
- captainserious

A little pre draft viewing for y'all.


Just watch this and get on board.....



http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T8-RUF8rkOQ

Schenn was just extended in Philly, so those of you who kept mentioning his name, time to move on.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=455547

Schenn was just extended in Philly, so those of you who kept mentioning his name, time to move on.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=455547
- Revco38

My source confirms this.