To be fair, only the seamless glass boards are the immovable ones. The other ones give quite a bit.
- 6628

If a guy goes head first into the boards and they do in fact move a little or allot you realize all the impact to move them was generated from the player spine.

The point I was addressing was some poster are arguing Bowman can't or won't "sack up" and make a groundbreaking trade like Tallon. Fact is Tallon wasn't putting his neck on the line with any of his trades. Havlat for Bell was a no brainer and was basically a no lose trade for Tallon. Getting Ladd, Sharp and Versteeg were "safe" trades and had he lost the them he wasn't giving much away. Bowman isn't in a position to be proving he has the balls to swing a blockbuster, all he needs to do is tweak the lineup.

I'd argue the best move made by either GM was when Bowman came on as GM he didn't do as most GM's do and "put his stamp on the team" by making a trade for the sake of making a trade, instead he realized what he had, put his ego in check and made a minor trade late in the season trading away Barker.
- paulr

You will like the blog I post tonight, very fair and complete evaluation of who deserves credit for what, going back a ways.

Tallon deserves some credit for his trades. True, not really politically risky, nothing to lose, but he hit huge on most of them.

Bowman Jr. deserves credit for unsnarling the cap while re-engineering the bottom of the roster. from 2010 to 2013.

There are 2-4 other people, one of whom especially, deserving a lot of credit however for the two Cup teams.

I'm in no way building a case for Tallon, he was the GM when Hossa was signed is all my point is. Tallon did some good things when he was here but he didn't put his neck on the line making trades as some woukld have you believe. All his trades were of the safer variety that turned out very well and are now classified as steals for the Hawks.
- paulr

But he might not deserve most of the credit for this. Scotty really had a lot to do with this.

If a guy goes head first into the boards and they do in fact move a little or allot you realize all the impact to move them was generated from the player spine.
- paulr

I didn't mean to imply that it's a day at the beach getting boarded, so ya I agree with you. I've been hit both ways as well and I agree that from the front is preferable. I got it like Backes did from Seabrook once and all I did was blame myself for having my head down. Pass hit me in the skates and I couldn't get the puck to my stick. I knew it was coming and when I looked up there it was. Missed one shift, but it was 40 years ago when the game wasn't so fast and the equipment wasn't so dangerous. And there wasn't a rumble afterward, I blamed myself. If I have a beef about todays game it's the obligatory fight after a good clean hit. Seems like the NHL these days is an enabler for guys who like to keep their heads down and put themselves in dangerous positions.

You will like the blog I post tonight, very fair and complete evaluation of who deserves credit for what, going back a ways.

Tallon deserves some credit for his trades. True, not really politically risky, nothing to lose, but he hit huge on most of them.

Bowman Jr. deserves credit for unsnarling the cap while re-engineering the bottom of the roster. from 2010 to 2013.

There are 2-4 other people, one of whom especially, deserving a lot of credit however for the two Cup teams.
- John Jaeckel

I appreciate that JJ but if it's all the same to you I'd like to remain somewhat anonymous.

You will like the blog I post tonight, very fair and complete evaluation of who deserves credit for what, going back a ways.

Tallon deserves some credit for his trades. True, not really politically risky, nothing to lose, but he hit huge on most of them.

Bowman Jr. deserves credit for unsnarling the cap while re-engineering the bottom of the roster. from 2010 to 2013.

There are 2-4 other people, one of whom especially, deserving a lot of credit however for the two Cup teams.
- John Jaeckel

Tallon hit those trades out of the park!

Looking foreward to the blog.

But he might not deserve most of the credit for this. Scotty really had a lot to do with this.
- John Jaeckel

I've heard the same

The point I was addressing was some poster are arguing Bowman can't or won't "sack up" and make a groundbreaking trade like Tallon. Fact is Tallon wasn't putting his neck on the line with any of his trades. Havlat for Bell was a no brainer and was basically a no lose trade for Tallon. Getting Ladd, Sharp and Versteeg were "safe" trades and had he lost the them he wasn't giving much away. Bowman isn't in a position to be proving he has the balls to swing a blockbuster, all he needs to do is tweak the lineup.

I'd argue the best move made by either GM was when Bowman came on as GM he didn't do as most GM's do and "put his stamp on the team" by making a trade for the sake of making a trade, instead he realized what he had, put his ego in check and made a minor trade late in the season trading away Barker.
- paulr

As a huge Uncle Dale supporter, I do agree with you Paul.

Ladd for Ruutu was 2 highly rated prospects who needed fresh starts. I'd argue he won that trade but the Hawks under Savard weren't making the playoffs. They can close thanks to Lalime playing well when the drunk Russian had another pulled muscle.

Bowman also worked hand in hand with Dale, as you probably know, and deserves credit for those trades JUST like he deserved some blame for the cap hell in 2010-11.

It's a moot point. Dale did a very good job here but wasn't a YES man and had an ego that McDonough couldn't control. I hope he succeeds in Florida and I think Stan will make a depth trade here soon.....for a bottom 6 large bodied winger who can't be noticeable in a bad way come playoff time like Bolig was AND a depth D man in case TVR, Rundblad or Exiron melt down in the spring.

But he might not deserve most of the credit for this. Scotty really had a lot to do with this.
- John Jaeckel

Hossa also sought out the Hawks at the draft in montreal and the hawks weren't expecting that. Hossa had a formula he and his agent used, and having played against the Hawks in the conference finals he saw the young talent they had.

I don't think Scotty had all that much to do about it, other then forcing the issue and not allowing the Hawks choose Havlat OVER Hossa.

I appreciate that JJ but if it's all the same to you I'd like to remain somewhat anonymous.
- HawkintheD

ZING, haha

Of course not. He is an upstanding guy who plays hard. Alzner ought to know better than to be facing the glass inviting Backes to cross-check him and drive his face into the glass. Hockey play.
- Elbows15

that is text book example of boarding...drilling a guy from behind in the high back and lower neck and face planting him in the glass...

as cheap and dirty as they come..

suspension? prob not cuz alzner was not carried off the ice...ya know that makes it a "hockey play"....dont ya know

Hossa also sought out the Hawks at the draft in montreal and the hawks weren't expecting that. Hossa had a formula he and his agent used, and having played against the Hawks in the conference finals he saw the young talent they had.

I don't think Scotty had all that much to do about it, other then forcing the issue and not allowing the Hawks choose Havlat OVER Hossa.
- SteveRain

yes

As a huge Uncle Dale supporter, I do agree with you Paul.

Ladd for Ruutu was 2 highly rated prospects who needed fresh starts. I'd argue he won that trade but the Hawks under Savard weren't making the playoffs. They can close thanks to Lalime playing well when the drunk Russian had another pulled muscle.

Bowman also worked hand in hand with Dale, as you probably know, and deserves credit for those trades JUST like he deserved some blame for the cap hell in 2010-11.

It's a moot point. Dale did a very good job here but wasn't a YES man and had an ego that McDonough couldn't control. I hope he succeeds in Florida and I think Stan will make a depth trade here soon.....for a bottom 6 large bodied winger who can't be noticeable in a bad way come playoff time like Bolig was AND a depth D man in case TVR, Rundblad or Exiron melt down in the spring.
- SteveRain

No argunment, Ladd, Sharp and Versteeg were mammoth home runs for Tallon. If the rumours are true that Dale defied Wirtz and selected Toews over Kessel he deserves huge accolades for that alone.

No argunment, Ladd, Sharp and Versteeg were mammoth home runs for Tallon. If the rumours are true that Dale defied Wirtz and selected Toews over Kessel he deserves huge accolades for that alone.
- paulr

Tallon loves hard working kids. Remember all the damn love for Ethan Moreau and how he'd be a NHL captain some day? I think the WJ sealed it for Tallon about Toews. As much as Kane was a no a brainer unless you argue JVR, selecting Toews wasn't. So everyone, not saying you, who says Toews/Kane were no brainers, eh....not so much.

Then again, he missed badly on some picks...........Jack Skille.....Cam Barker.....

Tallon loves hard working kids. Remember all the damn love for Ethan Moreau and how he'd be a NHL captain some day? I think the WJ sealed it for Tallon about Toews. As much as Kane was a no a brainer unless you argue JVR, selecting Toews wasn't. So everyone, not saying you, who says Toews/Kane were no brainers, eh....not so much.

Then again, he missed badly on some picks...........Jack Skille.....Cam Barker.....
- SteveRain

A friend of mine who had some inside information told me a year before the draft Toews was the real deal and should be the first overall, he also called Kessel a flake. Lucky for us other teams went with NHL's Central Scouting advice and selected Johnson and Staal before Toews

Now is the time where I start staring at schedules....

Hawks have 32 games left. 17 at home, 15 on the road. 11 against the division (3 vs STL, 2 vs win, 1 vs Dal, 2 vs Minny, and 2 vs Col). They have a HUGE 8 game home stand coming up. They need to make hay here. I'd say 14 of 16 points is the minimum to catch Nashville.

Nashville has 33 games left, 19 at home, and 14 on the road. 4, 3 game road trips, an 4, 3 game home stands, and a 1, 4 game home stand. 9 against the division (2 vs Win, 2 vs Dal, 3 vs Minny, and 2 vs Col). Already done with hawks and STL. AND they get Rinne back....going to be tough to catch with that Home record of 19-2.

STL...33 games left, 16 at home, 17 on the road. They have a 5, and a 6 game road trip left. 15 against the division (3 against the Hawks, 3 vs Win, 3 vs Dal, 3 vs Minny),.

Again, I don't know how important home ice is, and with the west being so deep, if the Kings end up as a wild card or even Winnipeg would you rather face those teams, given the Jets success vs the hawks OR do they want STL?

Point is.....there is no easy opponent in the west come playoff time. No 2013 Minnesota waiting for you.

A friend of mine who had some inside information told me a year before the draft Toews was the real deal and should be the first overall, he also called Kessel a flake. Lucky for us other teams went with NHL's Central Scouting advice and selected Johnson and Staal before Toews
- paulr

yeah, and that's why I have ZERO problems with their current deals. Wait 2 years and enjoy the bargains when other guys get more.

Kane is only getting better, and now that he has a legit center, amazingly he is putting up points.

I know Toews scoring is off a bit, but his overall game is so damn strong he does so many other things that go unnoticed.

This team just needs 1 more body up front who bang a bit and a veteran d guy who handle the playoff forecheck to allow q to go back to 2-7, 4-27 pairings and shore up the back end.

They do that....and this team will be fine. Agreed about the ebbs/flows whoever posted it. They looked good vs Anh and Sj even though both teams were hitting non stop. Niemi...was 2010 playoff Niemi.

yeah, and that's why I have ZERO problems with their current deals. Wait 2 years and enjoy the bargains when other guys get more.

Kane is only getting better, and now that he has a legit center, amazingly he is putting up points.

I know Toews scoring is off a bit, but his overall game is so damn strong he does so many other things that go unnoticed.

This team just needs 1 more body up front who bang a bit and a veteran d guy who handle the playoff forecheck to allow q to go back to 2-7, 4-27 pairings and shore up the back end.

They do that....and this team will be fine. Agreed about the ebbs/flows whoever posted it. They looked good vs Anh and Sj even though both teams were hitting non stop. Niemi...was 2010 playoff Niemi.
- SteveRain

I expect they'll get a guy like Bergenheim, a veteran rental who can and will play a role and he can score a bit. I doubt TVR will be ready so a 6th defenseman who can steo in for or sub with Rosi or Rundblad would be nice to get. Trouble will be balancing out the cap.

yeah, and that's why I have ZERO problems with their current deals. Wait 2 years and enjoy the bargains when other guys get more.

Kane is only getting better, and now that he has a legit center, amazingly he is putting up points.

I know Toews scoring is off a bit, but his overall game is so damn strong he does so many other things that go unnoticed.

This team just needs 1 more body up front who bang a bit and a veteran d guy who handle the playoff forecheck to allow q to go back to 2-7, 4-27 pairings and shore up the back end.

They do that....and this team will be fine. Agreed about the ebbs/flows whoever posted it. They looked good vs Anh and Sj even though both teams were hitting non stop. Niemi...was 2010 playoff Niemi.
- SteveRain

Niemi was doing his best Hasak impersonation complete with snowangels and turning his back to shooters. I'm sure he had a horsehoe or two during that game.

I expect they'll get a guy like Bergenheim, a veteran rental who can and will play a role and he can score a bit. I doubt TVR will be ready so a 6th defenseman who can steo in for or sub with Rosi or Rundblad would be nice to get. Trouble will be balancing out the cap.
- paulr

That 6th D man is the one that scares me the most. Brookbank was VERY big last year vs Stl and even Minny.

I know Rundblad is playing better but.....they still need another guy. Agree 110% about TVR. I hope for the best but coming off a bad break is no guarantee.

that is text book example of boarding...drilling a guy from behind in the high back and lower neck and face planting him in the glass...

as cheap and dirty as they come..

suspension? prob not cuz alzner was not carried off the ice...ya know that makes it a "hockey play"....dont ya know
- bogiedoc

Boarding penalty. Yes, but as cheap and dirty as they come? No. Those are reserved for headshots, kneeing, etc

Backes will not face supplemental discipline for his hit Sunday. @NHLPlayerSafety believed the five-minute major was sufficient. #stlblues
- Jeremy Rutherford

Boarding penalty. Yes, but as cheap and dirty as they come? No. Those are reserved for headshots, kneeing, etc
- carcus

A hit from behind can cause the worst injury in hockey, a broken neck or back. It is also a gutless hit as you are doing it from behind. To me a hit from behind is the cheapest hit in hockey.

That 6th D man is the one that scares me the most. Brookbank was VERY big last year vs Stl and even Minny.

I know Rundblad is playing better but.....they still need another guy. Agree 110% about TVR. I hope for the best but coming off a bad break is no guarantee.
- SteveRain

Trouble is there are lots of forwards to pick up not so many defensemen, especially the kind the Hawks need, a defender who has to be able to move the puck.

Trouble is there are lots of forwards to pick up not so many defensemen, especially the kind the Hawks need, a defender who has to be able to move the puck.
- paulr

The Hawks don't have any cap space, so I don't see how they are going to be able to trade for someone, unless it is someone off of their main roster. Who does that leave? Erickson for a rental? Not Stan's style, he only trades for players that will stick around for awhile. How many one year rentals has he traded for? Unless the Hawks can get a young, big guy, that makes less than 1 mil per season for Erickson and a b to c level prospect I don't think Stan makes a trade.

A hit from behind can cause the worst injury in hockey, a broken neck or back. It is also a gutless hit as you are doing it from behind. To me a hit from behind is the cheapest hit in hockey.
- paulr

No it isn't the cheapest. The cheapest hits are when you are trying to hurt someone. Backes made a mistake by not letting up with the other guy not facing him, but he wasn't trying to hurt him.

Backes is not gutless, he is reckless sometimes. That was the case yesterday and it cost him and the team by missing the rest of the game.

The same can be said about most physical players though, that they can be reckless. Such a fast game and it is bound to happen when you are hitting opponents.