>Not because he had 2 goals -- but Versteeg really was flying around tonight like the 2010 Versteeg -- which helps the Hawks depth quite a bit
>1 game of net presence doesn't = problem solved
>Let's see if the Hawks can win a solid number of games in a row
>PK and goaltending continue to be bright spots
>Six game road trip looms at the end of the month
- SnapitUpstairs

-Agreed, going to the net every game is the only way they are going to solve teams that pack the house in front of their goaltender. And getting the first goal is also essential to forcing teams out of that approach.

- there are plenty of rough edges still to iron out, but if after 20 games the team has 25-26 points I'm Ok with that. Especially having introduced rookies like TVR, Rundblad and Morin into the lineup and now with Sharp out maybe a 4th one.

[quote=RickJ]-Agreed, going to the net every game is the only way they are going to solve teams that pack the house in front of their goaltender. And getting the first goal is also essential to forcing teams out of that approach.

quote]

That's why I want to see MacNiel for an audition. I want to see if he is a guy who can play in front of the net in the NHL. The Hawks need one or two more of these types who are not midgets. No offense to Shaw, but he's too small to make it through 82 games playing the way he does without being really banged up going into the playoffs.

[quote=RickJ]-Agreed, going to the net every game is the only way they are going to solve teams that pack the house in front of their goaltender. And getting the first goal is also essential to forcing teams out of that approach.

quote]

That's why I want to see MacNiel for an audition. I want to see if he is a guy who can play in front of the net in the NHL. The Hawks need one or two more of these types who are not midgets. No offense to Shaw, but he's too small to make it through 82 games playing the way he does without being really banged up going into the playoffs.
- DirkGraham

And thinking long term, he's too small to play this style and have a healthy career.

I like Regin game , think he fit's in nicely .And also think someone mentioned they don't have the cap space for anyone else .
- oldduffman

We're replacing Sharp, not Kruger or Smith. The only one that remotely is ready and has the size and talent to play top six is McNeil.

Good win to get the ball rolling hopefully in a positive direction. Would prefer to see that type of road win against a team in the west, but still a win to hang your hat on. Montreal is a good team and they have had their way with the hawks in that building the last couple years if i remember correctly. Good for Crow as well. I think it is safe to say between th pipes we are sitting in a good spot.

As far as Sharp goes, you never want to see a guy get hurt. He hasnt been producing that much and now maybe we get to see 81 on that first unit up top which will pay dividends. Who is the call up? Do we give TT another go at an early point in the year to see what development and steps have been taken up to this point?

We're replacing Sharp, not Kruger or Smith. The only one that remotely is ready and has the size and talent to play top six is McNeil.
- busmaster

All comes down to cap , unless Sharpie goes long term .CAP SPACE TODAY =832 ..Regin =625 McNeil =863 ..Regin has some offensive upside .If Sharp goes long term then ya bring up the kid ..

All comes down to cap , unless Sharpie goes long term .CAP SPACE TODAY =832 ..Regin =625 McNeil =863 ..Regin has some offensive upside .If Sharp goes long term then ya bring up the kid ..
- oldduffman

Plus, Regin WILL play center if that is needed.

Plus, Regin WILL play center if that is needed.
- powerenforcer

I hope people lay off Richards now , I think he is proving to be a vast improvement over Zuss . Having a new baby new city and new teammates , is a lot to get use to . It was not going to happen right away , think by playoffs he will show just how important he is to this team ..

All comes down to cap , unless Sharpie goes long term .CAP SPACE TODAY =832 ..Regin =625 McNeil =863 ..Regin has some offensive upside .If Sharp goes long term then ya bring up the kid ..
- oldduffman

Agreed it comes down to long term or short term. Short term Regin might be better because a vet will probably handle the shuttle a bit better.

Who they bring up should tell us how long Sharpie's out.

I hope people lay off Richards now , I think he is proving to be a vast improvement over Zuss . Having a new baby new city and new teammates , is a lot to get use to . It was not going to happen right away , think by playoffs he will show just how important he is to this team ..
- oldduffman

Definitely better than Zus and I'm surprised despite being much maligned and playing with bottom-6 linemates for part of the season he still had 50 points with the rangers.

We're replacing Sharp, not Kruger or Smith. The only one that remotely is ready and has the size and talent to play top six is McNeil.
- busmaster

The callup doesn't necessarily need to be in the top six. We have guys in the bottom six who can move up to the top six and thus put less pressure on a kid who can step in and play on the 3rd or 4th line

The callup doesn't necessarily need to be in the top six. We have guys in the bottom six who can move up to the top six and thus put less pressure on a kid who can step in and play on the 3rd or 4th line
- golfbard

Our top six is actually more like a top 9. You can make do with a Regin or a Smith or a Versteeg in Sharp's place for 3 games, but any longer than that and it needs to be treated as a golden opportunity for a quasi-blue chipper like McNeil to see if he can stick.

Bickell-Toews-Kane
???? -Shaw-Hossa
Saad-Richards-Morin
Smith-Kruger-Versteeg

-Agreed, going to the net every game is the only way they are going to solve teams that pack the house in front of their goaltender. And getting the first goal is also essential to forcing teams out of that approach.

- there are plenty of rough edges still to iron out, but if after 20 games the team has 25-26 points I'm Ok with that. Especially having introduced rookies like TVR, Rundblad and Morin into the lineup and now with Sharp out maybe a 4th one.
- RickJ

>Yep, if the Hawks play good hockey the rest of this month they should be OK
>Two biggest issues that need consistent solving: the other team's aggressive, 2-man forecheck (Montreal controlled the early play last night with it, until Hawks took away their will) and net presence
>Eliminate those two things as problems, and more Ws will come -- "stopping and starting" all over the ice helps, too

Our top six is actually more like a top 9. You can make do with a Regin or a Smith or a Versteeg in Sharp's place for 3 games, but any longer than that and it needs to be treated as a golden opportunity for a quasi-blue chipper like McNeil to see if he can stick.

Bickell-Toews-Kane
???? -Shaw-Hossa
Saad-Richards-Morin
Smith-Kruger-Versteeg
- busmaster

I'd rather see Danault given a shot first. In anything, the Hawks could use another center.

Shaw-Toews-Hossa
Saad-Richards-Kane
Bickell-Danault-Versteeg
Morin-Kruger-Smith

Guys such as Danault and McNeill may be counted on to take roster spots starting next season. It wouldn't hurt to give them a few games to see what they can bring.

Also I know this has probably been discussed a ton but I really hope Q moves Shaw to the bottom 6, he's not the solution to the 2nd line center issue. I'd like to see Richards in that spot because he's starting to play better and that's why you brought him here.

I look at Shaw similar to how I view Versteeg, they play their best when they are on a bottom 6 line. Can they sub in the top 6 if needed.....yes. Do I want them in the top 6 for a long period of time.....no.

Also I know this has probably been discussed a ton but I really hope Q moves Shaw to the bottom 6, he's not the solution to the 2nd line center issue. I'd like to see Richards in that spot because he's starting to play better and that's why you brought him here.

I look at Shaw similar to how I view Versteeg, they play their best when they are on a bottom 6 line. Can they sub in the top 6 if needed.....yes. Do I want them in the top 6 for a long period of time.....no.
- dan9189

I agree , I think Shaw is better suited as a 3 or 4th line player , and makes Bickel better to boot ..

Our top six is actually more like a top 9. You can make do with a Regin or a Smith or a Versteeg in Sharp's place for 3 games, but any longer than that and it needs to be treated as a golden opportunity for a quasi-blue chipper like McNeil to see if he can stick.

Bickell-Toews-Kane
???? -Shaw-Hossa
Saad-Richards-Morin
Smith-Kruger-Versteeg
- busmaster

I'd prefer Danault or McNeil over Regin. I'd like Danault as 4C, Richards at 2C and Shaw at 3C. Otherwise, if its McNeil they clal up, I'd go:

Bickell-Toews-Kane
Saad-Richards-Hossa
Smith-Shaw-Versteeg
McNeil-Kruger-Morin

I'd rather see Danault given a shot first. In anything, the Hawks could use another center.

Shaw-Toews-Hossa
Saad-Richards-Kane
Bickell-Danault-Versteeg
Morin-Kruger-Smith

Guys such as Danault and McNeill may be counted on to take roster spots starting next season. It wouldn't hurt to give them a few games to see what they can bring.
- EKolb13

No way. Kane and Toews need to play with one another, as was evident by yesterday's performances by both players.

I'd rather see Danault given a shot first. In anything, the Hawks could use another center.

Shaw-Toews-Hossa
Saad-Richards-Kane
Bickell-Danault-Versteeg
Morin-Kruger-Smith

Guys such as Danault and McNeill may be counted on to take roster spots starting next season. It wouldn't hurt to give them a few games to see what they can bring.
- EKolb13

As much as Shaw is not a top 6 center, he is definitely not a top line wing. A game or two maybe, if only to keep some other perceived chemistry together on another line, but for more than that no way. I'd rather see Bickell there than Shaw

No way. Kane and Toews need to play with one another, as was evident by yesterday's performances by both players.
- Bjm84

I won't argue with you there. More of what I'm asserting is the need for another center and getting Shaw back on the wing somewhere.

That's why I believe that calling up Danault first would make sense to me. His physical play has really come along this season, and he's a guy that will drive the net and agitate the opposition. In addition, he might be just as good as Shaw in the face-off circle now.

As much as Shaw is not a top 6 center, he is definitely not a top line wing. A game or two maybe, if only to keep some other perceived chemistry together on another line, but for more than that no way. I'd rather see Bickell there than Shaw
- TheTrob

I don't disagree with you there. However, I'd like to see Shaw playing on the wing rather than at center. That's more of the point I was trying to make.

sorry fixed my gaffe... I misread a previous post.

what does Lower Body Injury really mean for Sharpie? Thanks.

what does Lower Body Injury really mean for Sharpie? Thanks.
- chadmacc88

In Qspeak, anywhere between the Indianhead and his skate is injured.