I thought JJ asked a good question supported by some solid ideas.

My response was not intended to slag the Hawks. Essentially I think they are at the top of their game. But like a lot of teams that are recent Stanley Cup or PresidentCup winners they may find that these heights can be precarious. Fall off can be dramatic. The Hawks should shoot for the moon this year because we are on the edge of the next power shift in the NHL. A reduction in cap means even more talent shifting towards the young up and coming teams (eg. Islanders, have you noticed how little the Islanders pay their top player Tavares).

Last year Boston had a phenomenal regular season. They struggled in the playoffs and they thought they could fix everything with a few cosmetic changes. Great teams tend to top out with a great season, stumble and never get back to the top of their game.

I think the Hawks may have hit their peak in last year's Conference Final. Teams must improve upon themselves in order to win. Is this a better Hawk team than last year? Are they more suited for the 7 games of each playoff series? I wonder.
- spatso

This year's team is 4 lines deep where last year's team was a 2 maybe 3 line team at best. Q can roll all 4 lines this year, he couldn't do that last year which lead to insanely heavy minutes for the top 6 especially in the Kings series.

I did not watch the game last night. I take it that Dahlbeck looked good last night?
- EKolb13

He was OK. Didnt look glaringly out of place or above his head. Made some nice plays/reads and almost had a beautiful assist on his first or second shift on the ice. The fact that he actually got some 3rd period shifts in a 1 goal game says that at least Q thought he held his own.

First impressions are that he looks better than Runblad.

I thought JJ asked a good question supported by some solid ideas.

My response was not intended to slag the Hawks. Essentially I think they are at the top of their game. But like a lot of teams that are recent Stanley Cup or PresidentCup winners they may find that these heights can be precarious. Fall off can be dramatic. The Hawks should shoot for the moon this year because we are on the edge of the next power shift in the NHL. A reduction in cap means even more talent shifting towards the young up and coming teams (eg. Islanders, have you noticed how little the Islanders pay their top player Tavares).

Last year Boston had a phenomenal regular season. They struggled in the playoffs and they thought they could fix everything with a few cosmetic changes. Great teams tend to top out with a great season, stumble and never get back to the top of their game.

I think the Hawks may have hit their peak in last year's Conference Final. Teams must improve upon themselves in order to win. Is this a better Hawk team than last year? Are they more suited for the 7 games of each playoff series? I wonder.
- spatso

You make some good points but I'm not sure you can compare the Hawks to your average NHL team. Objectively, their core talent level is simply better and younger than most of their counterparts. Barring injury, most will continue to contribute for the next few years. Not sure how you conclude they have peaked when this years group is playing as well or better than last years did all 2013-14. Injury though, as always, is the wild card.

Further I personally don't think the NHL is going to be too eager to reduce the salary cap so severely that they cause major reshuffling of rosters. Not good for business.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/livetracker/game/1443700
- golfingsince

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h.../livetracker/game/1443118

I did not watch the game last night. I take it that Dahlbeck looked good last night?
- EKolb13

Hey EK - the kid looked real solid last night. As mentioned loved the fact that Q gave him quality minutes with the lead at 1 through the third.

Meanwhile the Hawks are playing their best hockey right now. Sure they won't be able to play like this for all 50+ remaining games. As mentioned there's ebb and flow.

But what's interesting is the youth infusion again this season...with TVR a surprise making the roster out of camp and now hurt the Hawks are rotating the kids through the big club to make sure everyone is getting a taste of action while also evaluating what they've got on defense.

Goaltending also looks to be a strength in what was once a weakness just a short time ago. Darling and Raanta have both looked good.

Meanwhile Nordstrom is another kid who's showing he wants to be here already fourth on the team in hits after only 9 games or so.

We'll see how they do against a fairly middle of the road Devils team on Tuesday.

Hey EK - the kid looked real solid last night. As mentioned loved the fact that Q gave him quality minutes with the lead at 1 through the third.

Meanwhile the Hawks are playing their best hockey right now. Sure they won't be able to play like this for all 50+ remaining games. As mentioned there's ebb and flow.

But what's interesting is the youth infusion again this season...with TVR a surprise making the roster out of camp and now hurt the Hawks are rotating the kids through the big club to make sure everyone is getting a taste of action while also evaluating what they've got on defense.

Goaltending also looks to be a strength in what was once a weakness just a short time ago. Darling and Raanta have both looked good.

Meanwhile Nordstrom is another kid who's showing he wants to be here already fourth on the team in hits after only 9 games or so.

We'll see how they do against a fairly middle of the road Devils team on Tuesday.
- DK002

Don't want to jump the gun or anything, but I'm not particularly worried about the match-up. One of the lowest scoring teams in the league, with the second lowest total SOG, dreadful penalty kill as well.

The tough part of the schedule comes right after that game, when we play the Isles, Bruins, Flames, and Wild. Should make for a fun week.

I thought JJ asked a good question supported by some solid ideas.

My response was not intended to slag the Hawks. Essentially I think they are at the top of their game. But like a lot of teams that are recent Stanley Cup or PresidentCup winners they may find that these heights can be precarious. Fall off can be dramatic. The Hawks should shoot for the moon this year because we are on the edge of the next power shift in the NHL. A reduction in cap means even more talent shifting towards the young up and coming teams (eg. Islanders, have you noticed how little the Islanders pay their top player Tavares).

Last year Boston had a phenomenal regular season. They struggled in the playoffs and they thought they could fix everything with a few cosmetic changes. Great teams tend to top out with a great season, stumble and never get back to the top of their game.

I think the Hawks may have hit their peak in last year's Conference Final. Teams must improve upon themselves in order to win. Is this a better Hawk team than last year? Are they more suited for the 7 games of each playoff series? I wonder.
- spatso

You did, don't pay attention to the homers. Hawk fans love to rip on the team but then when an outsider does suddenly they get all offended.

You raise a lot of concerns that I think we've had for a while. That this might be the last shot before another retool of the team. This is definitely a problem. However, you could lose Bickell and Sharp probably and still be competitive.

I don't agree that the Hawks hit their "peak" last year. They actually didn't really play to their full potential most of the year and some the playoffs. They could have been better even, and they almost won another Cup.

This team is better than last year and if they are healthy and playing at this level they're going to be extermeley difficult to beat in the postseason.

You did, don't pay attention to the homers. Hawk fans love to rip on the team but then when an outsider does suddenly they get all offended.

You raise a lot of concerns that I think we've had for a while. That this might be the last shot before another retool of the team. This is definitely a problem. However, you could lose Bickell and Sharp probably and still be competitive.

I don't agree that the Hawks hit their "peak" last year. They actually didn't really play to their full potential most of the year and some the playoffs. They could have been better even, and they almost won another Cup.

This team is better than last year and if they are healthy and playing at this level they're going to be extermeley difficult to beat in the postseason.
- patorioto

I feel that we are a deeper team than last year. In the forward positions we definitely are and on defence we are getting there.
Dahlbeck had a better game than a lot of posters are crediting him for, especially since this was his first game. Between him and the other maturing defenders we are experimenting with, there is enough time during the season to replace Leddy for the 2015 playoffs.
Regarding Morin: Might he be a good fit with New Jersey? For Havlat at 50% retained ($750K) even if we had to add a little?

No.
- Ogilthorpe2

Hit the nail head on well said Ogi.

I feel that we are a deeper team than last year. In the forward positions we definitely are and on defence we are getting there.
Dahlbeck had a better game than a lot of posters are crediting him for, especially since this was his first game. Between him and the other maturing defenders we are experimenting with, there is enough time during the season to replace Leddy for the 2015 playoffs.
Regarding Morin: Might he be a good fit with New Jersey? For Havlat at 50% retained ($750K) even if we had to add a little?
- 67hawks

No use for Havlat at this point. He's 34-years-old, very injury-prone, and doesn't really fit a need for the team.

This year's team is 4 lines deep where last year's team was a 2 maybe 3 line team at best. Q can roll all 4 lines this year, he couldn't do that last year which lead to insanely heavy minutes for the top 6 especially in the Kings series.
- dan9189

So Q can roll 4 lines. The question is if they hit a rough patch like they do usually in Jan & Feb will he. If he continues to do so and blend in some time for some of the Hogs their chances are better than they would be if he does like he did last year. IMO of course.

I did not watch the game last night. I take it that Dahlbeck looked good last night?
- EKolb13

Coincidence, I didn't see the game either. Had a very good time in Rockford with great company watching the Hogs get shutout out on teddy bear toss night. I'm not sure any of them played as well as they could have. But the one thing that struck me is that Pokka is closer to the show than TT is. When the puck comes to TT his talent shows, but he is not much without the puck and isn't very good at going to get it. We all know SB had to blow someone out and Leddy was the most obvious choice, but from what I saw Pokka has the clue in his zone that most agree that Leddy lacked. Doesn't have the wheels as he could not catch up to a guy with a breakaway who beat his partner. But SB might have pulled a rabbit out of his ass in a tough spot. Pokka was noticable all night. So was the guy next to me hoarding the teddy bears. If you have kids and want to attend a game Rockford is a good option. They have a HAMBONI. I laughed my ass off. Had a great time.

No use for Havlat at this point. He's 34-years-old, very injury-prone, and doesn't really fit a need for the team.
- TommyHawk

Nice insurance even if he plays part time or covers during injuries to our top 9. No different than having Morin sitting although more useful when deployed (esp if it can be done at the same cap hit for this year).
Also I thought he was 33 when I looked him up.

>2 scoring lines -- check (Richards speed and play vastly improved from start of the year)
>2 checking lines that can score -- check
>Best 5 man cycle in hockey that all lines and D-pairings can play together -- check
>One of the best top 4 D in hockey -- check
>Best PK in the NHL -- check
>Best goaltending and goaler depth the Hawks have had in quite some time, if ever -- check
>Puck management, passing, player movement over 200 feet has been very good during this stretch
>Q on Dahlbeck: "I liked him, liked him a lot." -- I thought he was very good last night
>If Dahlbeck continues to play well, TVR (if he's back this year) will be spelling Rozy when he needs a rest -- not Dahlbeck -- thinking 3rd pair of the future is TVR/Dahlbeck
>Health and Hawk centers' ability to defend against big, physical centers in the playoffs will have an impact on whether the Hawks are the best in mid-June

Nice insurance even if he plays part time or covers during injuries to our top 9. No different than having Morin sitting although more useful when deployed (esp if it can be done at the same cap hit for this year).
Also I thought he was 33 when I looked him up.
- 67hawks

At 33, this is not your father's Marty Havlat.

Don't want to jump the gun or anything, but I'm not particularly worried about the match-up. One of the lowest scoring teams in the league, with the second lowest total SOG, dreadful penalty kill as well.

The tough part of the schedule comes right after that game, when we play the Isles, Bruins, Flames, and Wild. Should make for a fun week.
- TommyHawk

Hey Tommy, just thinkin' one game at a time...yes the Bruins and the surprising Isle lurk at the end of the trip. The Flames have been one of the biggest surprises of the season and play hard.

Looking forward to seeing what Sharpie will add to the mix when he's back. I'm wondering if Carcillo will sit for a bit here...he played only 9 minutes last night.

At 33, this is not your father's Marty Havlat.
- MartiniMan

Ouch...

I still remember a lot of folks were upset when Havlat was cut loose. Hossa at that point had played on the Sens then Thrashers then the one year deals of Pitt and Detroit... Hossa was coming off an injury that summer and I think the first game he played that year wasn't until the circus trip at San Jose and the Hawks won 7-1. 2 Cups later he still remains one of - if not the best two way player in the game.

>2 scoring lines -- check (Richards speed and play vastly improved from start of the year)
>2 checking lines that can score -- check
>Best 5 man cycle in hockey that all lines and D-pairings can play together -- check
>One of the best top 4 D in hockey -- check
>Best PK in the NHL -- check
>Best goaltending and goaler depth the Hawks have had in quite some time, if ever -- check
>Puck management, passing, player movement over 200 feet has been very good during this stretch
>Q on Dahlbeck: "I liked him, liked him a lot." -- I thought he was very good last night
>If Dahlbeck continues to play well, TVR (if he's back this year) will be spelling Rozy when he needs a rest -- not Dahlbeck -- thinking 3rd pair of the future is TVR/Dahlbeck
>Health and Hawk centers' ability to defend against big, physical centers in the playoffs will have an impact on whether the Hawks are the best in mid-June
- SnapitUpstairs

Like you, thought Dahlbeck was pretty darn good making his NHL debut against a very underrated team Nashville team. Just surprised that Clendening got the call up before him a couple weeks ago.

And he's also the reason I'm skeptical about Oduya coming back next year at NHL market price for UFA defenceman. When the cap $ count so much, Dahlbeck and Clendening may just be the replacement they have been planning all along.

And #44 is the reason

One difference between the Hawks and the Pens is that Ray Shero dumped a lot of younger farmhands and picks in trades to acquire veterans at the trade deadline in an attempt to win it all again. Bowman hasn't done that.
- RickJ

As a Pens fan, I sadly have to agree. We have no forward depth on our farm team and even 2 or 3 guys on our regular roster could probably clear waivers.

Hawks were smart and loaded up on prospects last time the cap forced them to tear their teqm apart. Still, you have to admit that their cap situation next year is going to seriously test them and they likely won't be in as good a spot as they are now.

At 33, this is not your father's Marty Havlat.
- MartiniMan

And he is currently on IR as we speak.

Ouch...

I still remember a lot of folks were upset when Havlat was cut loose. Hossa at that point had played on the Sens then Thrashers then the one year deals of Pitt and Detroit... Hossa was coming off an injury that summer and I think the first game he played that year wasn't until the circus trip at San Jose and the Hawks won 7-1. 2 Cups later he still remains one of - if not the best two way player in the game.
- DK002

You're exactly right. I think speed was always a big part of his game, and all the injuries have taken their toll on his effectiveness. I'm sure he signed with the Devils so he could play alongside his best bud Patrick Elias.

As a Pens fan, I sadly have to agree. We have no forward depth on our farm team and even 2 or 3 guys on our regular roster could probably clear waivers.

Hawks were smart and loaded up on prospects last time the cap forced them to tear their teqm apart. Still, you have to admit that their cap situation next year is going to seriously test them and they likely won't be in as good a spot as they are now.
- Tojo.

No doubt about it so that's why this is the year to take the big run at it, with pretty much the team they have now. No trading futures like Ray Shero did to bring in the likes of Douglas Murray, Brendan Morrow, Stepniak, Goc and even Iginla.

The Hawks can lose Roszival, Richards, Oduya, Bickell and probably Sharp and replace them from the farm - won't be as good but still pretty competitive.

You keep saying the cap is going down, yet there is no evidence it will other than blind speculation in the media. The league keeps saying it will increase, so I'm going to continue to believe them and not you until proven otherwise.
- MartiniMan

The same league that told teams they could spend yo $72MM this year - and then settled a capat $69MM?

I don't know where the looney is going relative to the dollar - which seems to be the biggest variable in the formula - it's at US$0.8738 today - and I don't know how that value affects the cap - but to say that Cdn$ won't fall further or will strengthen would be as absurd as anything else.

The same league that told teams they could spend yo $72MM this year - and then settled a capat $69MM?

I don't know where the looney is going relative to the dollar - which seems to be the biggest variable in the formula - it's at US$0.8738 today - and I don't know how that value affects the cap - but to say that Cdn$ won't fall further or will strengthen would be as absurd as anything else.
- StLBravesFan

Good post, they lied last year.

This year's team is 4 lines deep where last year's team was a 2 maybe 3 line team at best. Q can roll all 4 lines this year, he couldn't do that last year which lead to insanely heavy minutes for the top 6 especially in the Kings series.
- dan9189

As a team, FO% is 52.4%, Kruger is even better than last year, say what you want about Richards, that deal is looking really good right now, as the Hawks added a legit C who, slow as he is, is light years faster than Handzus—and healthier and more productive.

So far sacrificing Leddy for the cap and filling in with youngsters has come up 7's for Stanley.