Yup, but I also love Smith with Kruger. And while I thought Bollig was somewhat underrated (by some) as an actual hockey player (like yahoodi, may he RIP), I am now wondering if (possibly) he didn't hurt that line a bit.

Dunno.

Just as or more likely Smith and Kruger have just taken another step individually and together. They are playing great. The other thing is Carcillo IS underrated as a hockey player, and Nordstrom is a nice lower line player.
- John Jaeckel

Carcillo is very underrated. I believe he was a top 6 or top 9 guy back with Phoenix. He has some skill and probably why Q rolled him out with hossa and Kane before he went bat poop crazy a few years back.

I like him. He's playing smart and serves a purpose.

I still think Bolig is a decent player. His contract nuked him here, but overall I thought he was fine. You are right, Smith and Kruger are playing very well and that line has been great, and allows Q to roll all 4.

I like these combos and hope Qs sticks with them EVEN if they lose a game or two. There seems to be some cohesiveness building on each line and that's good to see.

I will say this....Dahlbeck, TVR, and even Cledenning all have impressed me. Hawks have some nice depth on D. I was wrong about Nordstrom and he should be up here as well.

So basically....if you decide to sit Toews lets say, and possibly LTiR him (if that's possible with cap guidelines), then I guess you call up Teuvo and let him go to work. Keeping in mind you don't want to alter the other 3 lines, etc.

100% agree. After their past mishandling of concussions last night was inexcusable and some writer should point that out.

Also, Q obviously has doubts about Raanta's game or simply prefers Darling. They are about the same age so you need to look at Raanta as another piece to possibly move. Lots of teams with back up and starter needs right now....

Jamaal Mayer said Raanta needed to clear waivers last night. Pretty sure he is still on a 2 way deal. Am I wrong?
- tredbrta

I heard the same thing....and I'm not sure. I think he can go down as they sent him down earlier this year to get in game or two.

Sucks to see any player get hurt.
- cuethenoise

So why have I seen 2 of the 4 or 5 Blows fans on HB trolling about this play?

At least Seidenberg showed some class after the game waiting outside the Hawk locker room. I have never, ever seen a similar act by the Blues under Hitch. See it all the time by the Hawks - on and off the ice - showing concern for hurt players. Blues love to injure - it is their MO under Hitch. Exactly why they got the "wakey, wakey" treatment.

Maybe they were 3-4 years ago when we were rebuilding and had no talent, but we play a quicker, more finesse game now a days. Especially this year with addition of Lehtera and Statsny. So not sure what your talking about. The Blues would definitely react if someone went after Tarasenko like that.
- cuethenoise

Yawn.... and they would have been stupid to do so. Hawks were looking at a 5 on 3 in a much tighter game than the 2 goal lead indicated. It was smart hockey to not react. I suppose Shaw hitting Lucic may have been retaliation later on but even that was borderline stupid.

Glad to know Blues hockey remains in the 80s though.

BTW, don't the Blows have a thread on Hockey Buzz? One where you the couple of you can live in a world where Backes is a clean player and the team is a legitimate contender?

Isnt anyone else starting to get disgusted with these " Mighty " BLackhawks ?
Once again our 10 million dolar captain gets cheap shotted with no response by his teammates. How many Seidenbers or Orpiks or Backes or Jackmans or Kronwalls or THorntons or ( fill in the blank ) cheap shots does it take to get them pissed off ?
Players on others teams have no fear what-so-ever when chasing down a puck or giving a HAwk " the business" because they know there will be no retaliation. Other teams stars can free-lance all over the rink with-out concern. Yes, the Hawks are a "puck possession" team........but sometimes you have to take the damn puck away....why is the power play so bad ? No physicality at all... No BAlls....Dont get me wrong, I love the cups.....I just saddens me when these grown men dont stand up for each other. Toews is going to end up watching the game he loves from a rocking chair one day soon if his brothers dont start defending themselves..........Just sad to watch sometimes......

Yawn.... and they would have been stupid to do so. Hawks were looking at a 5 on 3 in a much tighter game than the 2 goal lead indicated. It was smart hockey to not react. I suppose Shaw hitting Lucic may have been retaliation later on but even that was borderline stupid.

Glad to know Blues hockey remains in the 80s though.
- tredbrta

Hence why they won't win a cup until they get with the times, and get rid of Hitch. They need a more balanced roster with more skilled players and less "dirty" players. They are starting to get there, but unless they lose Hitch, I don't think they will ever get there. Have you ever heard the guy talk, doesn't sound like he knows what he is doing, at least in the few times I have listened to him speak.

Hence why they won't win a cup until they get with the times, and get rid of Hitch. They need a more balanced roster with more skilled players and less "dirty" players. They are starting to get there, but unless they lose Hitch, I don't think they will ever get there. Have you ever heard the guy talk, doesn't sound like he knows what he is doing, at least in the few times I have listened to him speak.
- ChadBot

Captain Kangaroo meets Professor Chaos?

Isnt anyone else starting to get disgusted with these " Mighty " BLackhawks ?
Once again our 10 million dolar captain gets cheap shotted with no response by his teammates. How many Seidenbers or Orpiks or Backes or Jackmans or Kronwalls or THorntons or ( fill in the blank ) cheap shots does it take to get them pissed off ?
Players on others teams have no fear what-so-ever when chasing down a puck or giving a HAwk " the business" because they know there will be no retaliation. Other teams stars can free-lance all over the rink with-out concern. Yes, the Hawks are a "puck possession" team........but sometimes you have to take the damn puck away....why is the power play so bad ? No physicality at all... No BAlls....Dont get me wrong, I love the cups.....I just saddens me when these grown men dont stand up for each other. Toews is going to end up watching the game he loves from a rocking chair one day soon if his brothers dont start defending themselves..........Just sad to watch sometimes......
- Gary0301

I think they have a better mix this year than last for what you are calling for... I also think they have handled the teams trying to intimidate them (like the Blues and Bruins) fairly well. An immediate response last night would have been a mistake. Kane attacks Seidenberg, possibly offsets the penalty, and you end up with both Toews and Kane off the ice.

I think Q kept Carcillo in the lineup over Nordstrom because he wants that presence if needed. Bickell has played better the last few games - I really wish he would engage more in circumstances like that or later in the game. Would really help if Bickell would play with more nasty like Carbomb and Shaw.

Isnt anyone else starting to get disgusted with these " Mighty " BLackhawks ?
Once again our 10 million dolar captain gets cheap shotted with no response by his teammates. How many Seidenbers or Orpiks or Backes or Jackmans or Kronwalls or THorntons or ( fill in the blank ) cheap shots does it take to get them pissed off ?
Players on others teams have no fear what-so-ever when chasing down a puck or giving a HAwk " the business" because they know there will be no retaliation. Other teams stars can free-lance all over the rink with-out concern. Yes, the Hawks are a "puck possession" team........but sometimes you have to take the damn puck away....why is the power play so bad ? No physicality at all... No BAlls....Dont get me wrong, I love the cups.....I just saddens me when these grown men dont stand up for each other. Toews is going to end up watching the game he loves from a rocking chair one day soon if his brothers dont start defending themselves..........Just sad to watch sometimes......
- Gary0301

No, but that's because I don't live out my real-life hockey fandom in some Slapshot-fansty world.

I think they have a better mix this year than last for what you are calling for... I also think they have handled the teams trying to intimidate them (like the Blues and Bruins) fairly well. An immediate response last night would have been a mistake. Kane attacks Seidenberg, possibly offsets the penalty, and you end up with both Toews and Kane off the ice.

I think Q kept Carcillo in the lineup over Nordstrom because he wants that presence if needed. Bickell has played better the last few games - I really wish he would engage more in circumstances like that or later in the game. Would really help if Bickell would play with more nasty like Carbomb and Shaw.
- tredbrta

Q kept Carcillo in the lineup because they didn't have the cap space to keep Nordstrom up when Sharp came off LTIR.

Isnt anyone else starting to get disgusted with these " Mighty " BLackhawks ?
Once again our 10 million dolar captain gets cheap shotted with no response by his teammates. How many Seidenbers or Orpiks or Backes or Jackmans or Kronwalls or THorntons or ( fill in the blank ) cheap shots does it take to get them pissed off ?
Players on others teams have no fear what-so-ever when chasing down a puck or giving a HAwk " the business" because they know there will be no retaliation. Other teams stars can free-lance all over the rink with-out concern. Yes, the Hawks are a "puck possession" team........but sometimes you have to take the damn puck away....why is the power play so bad ? No physicality at all... No BAlls....Dont get me wrong, I love the cups.....I just saddens me when these grown men dont stand up for each other. Toews is going to end up watching the game he loves from a rocking chair one day soon if his brothers dont start defending themselves..........Just sad to watch sometimes......
- Gary0301

The guy I look at is Keith. If you think back to the Ducks game where Hossa was speared by Perry right in front of him, and then last night......I just think #2 is out for #2 and that is it. IMO

Based on his previous exclusions of Seabs during his Norris Trophy acceptance speeches (2010). IF there was a "good" penalty to take you take it after your captain is hammered. Hell, the only guy who did anything was Kane, and he grabbed him, as much as Kane can, but at least he came over. That to me is inexcusable, but also shows me that Kane is really starting to mature and his back checking has improved. Kid deserves to sport an A. Brings it almost every night and is looked to lead this team.

What is also sad is that our biggest forward, Bickell, plays like a finesse winger. Very rarely finishes a check, and is mainly invisible most nights. Clock is hopefully ticking away on his Hawks career. He needs to be sat, and reminded why he is on this team. Not for shooting 40 ft wristers, but for finishing checks and being some what of a physical presence.

Hawks have some sand paper up front, but I'd like to see another veteran winger added who can be physical presence come playoff time. Especially when this team has to face LA, STL, ANH possibly in the playoffs.

No, but that's because I don't live out my real-life hockey fandom in some Slapshot-fansty world.
- BreakoutHockey

Don't disagree but you at least have to make a motion. When you have guys like Konroyd and Mayers visibly puzzled on the post game show hoping the hawks chirped him right after or on the ice.....I think you can the response was pretty bad outside of Kane...and truthfully, no opponent is worried about kane doing anything.

And he's right about the PP.....the point play is a joke....especially on the 5 on 3...Hossa and Keith going back and forth with no movement and not opening lanes by attacking the defense or planting a guy right in front of the goalie for screens.

Did you see 2 and 7 completely F up the point and allow Boston to clear? I also saw a Boston player, want to say Marchand, shadowing Keith as he half @assed it into the neutral zone and the guy damn near picked off the telegraphed drop pass to Kane.

A pp is all about quick movements to get the D out of their spots and expose lanes and allow guys to pop into areas for prime scoring. The hawks routinely fail at this, instead banking on some very inaccurate point guys blasting away wide, or into a guys shin pads. Their best point guy in regards to an accurate shot is probably Seabrook.

No, but that's because I don't live out my real-life hockey fandom in some Slapshot-fansty world.
- BreakoutHockey

You would fit right in with the rest of the Hawks then. I wouldnt want you for a teammate.......nice to know if somebody has your back......

Let's relive this for the 83rd time - certainly, someone will have something new to say.
- StLBravesFan

Same goes for you guys, we get sick of being called a dirty team just because we actually hit people and play hockey. I don't think any Blues player has been up for a fine or suspension this year. I came in here to say sucks to see a guy injured and the NHL not do poop about it and all I get is people talking crap about the Blues haha.

So why have I seen 2 of the 4 or 5 Blows fans on HB trolling about this play?

- tredbrta

Where is this? I'm sorry they think that way. Not all Blues fans think alike....

Q kept Carcillo in the lineup because they didn't have the cap space to keep Nordstrom up when Sharp came off LTIR.
- BreakoutHockey

That too.

I miss Nordstrom's energy. Not sure how they fit him in. We will see what the deadline brings. Maybe Morin and another forward for space and a D man making room for Nordy back with Krueger and Smith.

Don't disagree but you at least have to make a motion. When you have guys like Konroyd and Mayers visibly puzzled on the post game show hoping the hawks chirped him right after or on the ice.....I think you can the response was pretty bad outside of Kane...and truthfully, no opponent is worried about kane doing anything.

And he's right about the PP.....the point play is a joke....especially on the 5 on 3...Hossa and Keith going back and forth with no movement and not opening lanes by attacking the defense or planting a guy right in front of the goalie for screens.

Did you see 2 and 7 completely F up the point and allow Boston to clear? I also saw a Boston player, want to say Marchand, shadowing Keith as he half @assed it into the neutral zone and the guy damn near picked off the telegraphed drop pass to Kane.

A pp is all about quick movements to get the D out of their spots and expose lanes and allow guys to pop into areas for prime scoring. The hawks routinely fail at this, instead banking on some very inaccurate point guys blasting away wide, or into a guys shin pads. Their best point guy in regards to an accurate shot is probably Seabrook.
- SteveRain

Mayer would have ridden guys for not responding if he was in the room (dressed or not). I thought Dineen might be the sort of coach who would give it to guys for not responding. It would have been nice to see another player or 2 other than Kane getting in Seidenberg's face but wouldn't that have moved the faceoff? I just think it was a unique circumstance. If it happens again I will be concerned.

Where is this? I'm sorry they think that way. Not all Blues fans think alike....
- cuethenoise

No problem. No offense. There was a broader engagement going on you "walked" in to....

I think we all recognize this is trash talking. I also firmly believe the blues do more than "just hit" and have too many dirty players but it is still mostly snark.

The guy I look at is Keith. If you think back to the Ducks game where Hossa was speared by Perry right in front of him, and then last night......I just think #2 is out for #2 and that is it. IMO

Based on his previous exclusions of Seabs during his Norris Trophy acceptance speeches (2010). IF there was a "good" penalty to take you take it after your captain is hammered. Hell, the only guy who did anything was Kane, and he grabbed him, as much as Kane can, but at least he came over. That to me is inexcusable, but also shows me that Kane is really starting to mature and his back checking has improved. Kid deserves to sport an A. Brings it almost every night and is looked to lead this team.

What is also sad is that our biggest forward, Bickell, plays like a finesse winger. Very rarely finishes a check, and is mainly invisible most nights. Clock is hopefully ticking away on his Hawks career. He needs to be sat, and reminded why he is on this team. Not for shooting 40 ft wristers, but for finishing checks and being some what of a physical presence.

Hawks have some sand paper up front, but I'd like to see another veteran winger added who can be physical presence come playoff time. Especially when this team has to face LA, STL, ANH possibly in the playoffs.
- SteveRain

Hey Rain, how many more shots could Bickell take if he runs cleanly the guy on his side with the puck. The center can pick off the erant pass or loose puck, Bickell can then post up for a feed and shoot. All night. The old saying - you get out what you put in - applies in this case. Brutal stats suggests brutal effort.

Mayer would have ridden guys for not responding if he was in the room (dressed or not). I thought Dineen might be the sort of coach who would give it to guys for not responding. It would have been nice to see another player or 2 other than Kane getting in Seidenberg's face but wouldn't that have moved the faceoff? I just think it was a unique circumstance. If it happens again I will be concerned.
- tredbrta

I agree....good point on faceoff, but something to watch.

Not going to dive into this much further. It's over with. Just hope toews is OK long term, but like you said....something to watch moving forward.

When Boston comes to town in February, you'd hope somebody would light him up cleanly......then again, expecting that out of Bickell probably isn't fair. he's a gentle giant........

Hey Rain, how many more shots could Bickell take if he runs cleanly the guy on his side with the puck. The center can pick off the erant pass or loose puck, Bickell can then post up for a feed and shoot. All night. The old saying - you get out what you put in - applies in this case. Brutal stats suggests brutal effort.
- 6628

Agreed......

What drives me NUTS is when I go and watch him peel off a check and not finish it. He starts finishing 75% of those, the bad turnover from a pressured D man paranoid he's going to get hit by 29 will add up....Instead he peels off and the D man doesn't get the message.

Buff was great at this. As was Brouwer.

Not this goof......want to talk about buyer's remorse.....

Same goes for you guys, we get sick of being called a dirty team just because we actually hit people and play hockey. I don't think any Blues player has been up for a fine or suspension this year. I came in here to say sucks to see a guy injured and the NHL not do poop about it and all I get is people talking crap about the Blues haha.
- cuethenoise

Blues are fine....they play hard. Backes is a clown based on his cheap shots at the end of the game a week or so back. Otherwise, I have no issues with the Blues players.

Ott is a great agitator. Taresenko is a budding star. Interesting to see if your GM will deal a slumping Oshie. Not sure the Blues need him with that center they picked up and Steen, Schwartz, and Backes.

Central is by far the best division in hockey. Same goes for the west. The east is a joke. Montreal and Boston didn't impress me. Detroit whipped the Hawks but the Hawks looked flat. Haven't seen Pittsburgh yet, but based on their past playoff history of late....doubt they win 12 games come spring time.

When you say "unspectacular," what do you mean? If you're speaking stylistically, I find Darling's style in net more appealing than Crawford. CC is a solid goalie-gets results, but is very robotic between the pipes. Might be a bold statement here, but I feel both Darling and Raanta are more athletic in net than CC. I also like Darling and Raanta's demeanor and presence in net more. Just my opinion, though.
The Hawks are in an interesting spot with three guys that seem to be able to jump in and take the reigns--granted, Darling still has a number of games to get under his belt, but he certainly looks solid to me.
- Hank3Henshaw

I'm referring more to that there's no drama, no signature moves. He's solid, and just plays the position soundly. There's no emotion, no leaving the net wide open so he can make a questionable play on the puck. He just does his job.

Same goes for you guys, we get sick of being called a dirty team just because we actually hit people and play hockey. I don't think any Blues player has been up for a fine or suspension this year. I came in here to say sucks to see a guy injured and the NHL not do poop about it and all I get is people talking crap about the Blues haha.
- cuethenoise

It's only because the Blues are a good team and the Hawks most bitter rival. St Louis is physical and talented, and a threat for the Cup.

Carcillo is very underrated. I believe he was a top 6 or top 9 guy back with Phoenix. He has some skill and probably why Q rolled him out with hossa and Kane before he went bat $hit crazy a few years back.

I like him. He's playing smart and serves a purpose.

I still think Bolig is a decent player. His contract nuked him here, but overall I thought he was fine. You are right, Smith and Kruger are playing very well and that line has been great, and allows Q to roll all 4.

I like these combos and hope Qs sticks with them EVEN if they lose a game or two. There seems to be some cohesiveness building on each line and that's good to see.

I will say this....Dahlbeck, TVR, and even Cledenning all have impressed me. Hawks have some nice depth on D. I was wrong about Nordstrom and he should be up here as well.

So basically....if you decide to sit Toews lets say, and possibly LTiR him (if that's possible with cap guidelines), then I guess you call up Teuvo and let him go to work. Keeping in mind you don't want to alter the other 3 lines, etc.
- SteveRain

Agree on Carcillo. Thought he got a bad rap the first time around, but then again, he was to blame for eventually taking a stupid penalty. He can skate, and knows what to do with the puck. Wish they had another guy or two, but preferably larger, with a bit more skill. A guy like how Bickell should be.