EVERYONE out there is saying Hawks in 6 or BOLTS in 7 , ....


Heres the news :


BLACKHAWKS WILL SWEEP THE TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING .

The Lightning have a legit all WORLD Superstar in Stamkos . Ok thats 1 . Just 1 . Stamkos does most of his damage on the Power Play .

The Lightning's bottom 6 is a FRAUD. The Hawks bottom 6 head to head will eat them alive . The Blackhawks Bottom 6 vs. TBL's top 6 could be an offensive struggle for Tampa.

Not to mention that WHEN 91 is on the ice he will be facing Keith and Seabrook or Hammer and Oduya 98% of the time , the only time this will not happen is when the Hawks ice the puck on the road .

I think Cooper is a very good coach I just dont think he has the horses to compete in this one . The offensively challenged Rangers averaged 3 goals a game against TBL.... The Hawks will score 15-20 goals in the first 4 games of this series .


The Blackhawks will sweep Tampa , enjoy it .
- mrpaulish

I'm fairly confident the Hawks will win this in 6 or less games too, but you may need to check your facts. Those so called "offensively Challenged" Rangers were the third highest scoring team in the league this year.

http://www.nhl.com/stats/...PerGame&viewName=goalsFor

I'm going back into my broken record mode.

Seabrook cannot leave and needs to be resigned for the productive length of his career. I've always thought that he and Crawford is the choice that needs to be made, Sharp leaving lets you re-up Saad and Kruger, Crawford leaving allows you to keep Seabrook and Oduya.

Thats why I'm pretty confident Crawford will be gone, not because he is bad, but because it allows you to keep Seabrook for his career, and Oduya for a couple more years.

Remember Bowmans always build a strong D before the goalie.
- vabeachbear

Resigning Seabs is a no brainer IMO.

And I really like Johnny O but I still don't think the Bowman's want 3 Dmen over the age of 30.

And if the rumours are true that Mike Reilly won't sign in Columbus and instead wants to go to Chicago? Probably means JO would be heading out.

The Sabres are starting to feel some real pressure to put something that looks like an NHL team on the ice soon. Unfortunately they have donkeys like Gionta, Matt Moulson and Cody Hodgson signed multi year for pretty big money. And no real NHL goaltender signed either. Good thing is that they are close to the cap floor.

Might be a pipe dream but I could see something like Sharp, Cro and somebody from Rockford like McNeill going there in a one sided deal in return for picks who would help the Sabres transition their young kids and Eichel into an NHL lineup with solid vets guiding them. Pegula could give Sharpie a couple more years at the same money as he's making now as the carrot.

It won't happen but I'd love to get Ristaleinen off the Sabres blue line.
- RickJ

I actually think Sharp would be a good fit for them. They have a bunch of picks the next couple of years. I would love to 2016 first out of them but would they move that? Hell Versteeg would be decent for them too considering he only has a year life on his deal.

Kucherov, Palat, Calahan, Killorn, Filpula,Boyle, Paquette (who plays like Kruger)

Blue line

Garrison, Hedman, Stralman, Carle, Coburn, Nesterov, Sustr...

Depth and style of play, Druin, Namestikov playing role of TT if needed. JT Brown, who most have never heard of, Hawk fans will love this guys game.

Boyle scored 15 goals as 4th line center, Calahan 20 goals from 3rd line...

My comparison is more about style of game and determination. The Rangers can skate and score and were not allowed to touch the puck in game 7 in their own building. The lightning play a structured game.

I am not suggesting the scales are heavily tipped in either direction. Smart money would bet upon Hawks and Stars...I am just trying to add something to the debate.
- TrueGrit

Smart Money would be on the same old washed up museum relics you have dismissed all season? What's with the sudden epiphany?

The only comparison between Tampa and the 2010 Hawks is as a fast explosive offensive team. Tampa don't have the same depth or veteran leadership Chicago had and have.
- paulr

Callahan, Boyle, Stralman, Morrow, Coburn

To suggest that the Lightning are some run and gun team, without structure, ignores who they are. I get a lot of you get sensitive everytime I make a comment, as with anything, take it for what it is worth.

I have seen Tampa as much as hawks this year. Some of the commentary here is like the Hawks are playing some JV team. For any fans who want some info on the Lightning enjoy....for everyone else who knows everything and has their parade day office pool going..well...

And what is coming back?
- Bjm84

Pucks, water bottles and a conditional 2017 3rd rounder.

Kucherov, Palat, Calahan, Killorn, Filpula,Boyle, Paquette (who plays like Kruger)

Blue line

Garrison, Hedman, Stralman, Carle, Coburn, Nesterov, Sustr...

Depth and style of play, Druin, Namestikov playing role of TT if needed. JT Brown, who most have never heard of, Hawk fans will love this guys game.

Boyle scored 15 goals as 4th line center, Calahan 20 goals from 3rd line...

My comparison is more about style of game and determination. The Rangers can skate and score and were not allowed to touch the puck in game 7 in their own building. The lightning play a structured game.

I am not suggesting the scales are heavily tipped in either direction. Smart money would bet upon Hawks and Stars...I am just trying to add something to the debate.
- TrueGrit

Callahan was with Stamkos much of the year

I'm going back into my broken record mode.

Seabrook cannot leave and needs to be resigned for the productive length of his career. I've always thought that he and Crawford is the choice that needs to be made, Sharp leaving lets you re-up Saad and Kruger, Crawford leaving allows you to keep Seabrook and Oduya.

Thats why I'm pretty confident Crawford will be gone, not because he is bad, but because it allows you to keep Seabrook for his career, and Oduya for a couple more years.

Remember Bowmans always build a strong D before the goalie.
- vabeachbear

I'm in agreement that your top 4 Dmen is absolutely the most essential since that 50 minutes a game and we know what a Chinese fire drill even two minutes of KT or Rundblad can be.

I would only argue that getting rid of dead weight like Bickell and Versteeg should take precedence. Thats 6.2 mill that can be used to sign Saad or Oduya.

Smart Money would be on the same old washed up museum relics you have dismissed all season? What's with the sudden epiphany?
- paulr

Show me where Rosival and Timonen have done anything to get this team anything or anywhere? Richards has been a little better than I thought.

I know this logical connection may be a challenge for you. And my Epiphany is sort of like the one you had in 2013, when you assailed me for believing they would win a cup. How quickly they forget....

We'll see what happens when they get the Kooga treatment.


- fattybeef

you mean...

Show me where Rosival and Timonen have done anything to get this team anything or anywhere? Richards has been a little better than I thought.

I know this logical connection may be a challenge for you. And my Epiphany is sort of like the one you had in 2013, when you assailed me for believing they would win a cup. How quickly they forget....
- TrueGrit

What about Oduya? You mocked him too as old. And as a third pairing guy Roszival was fine prior to his injury.

As for the 2013 cup win i was always under the belief the Hawks would win, our argument was based strictly on the value of Victor Stalberg.

Show me where Rosival and Timonen have done anything to get this team anything or anywhere? Richards has been a little better than I thought.

I know this logical connection may be a challenge for you. And my Epiphany is sort of like the one you had in 2013, when you assailed me for believing they would win a cup. How quickly they forget....
- TrueGrit

Timonen yelled, "Shoot the puck" in Finnish to TT on that soft goal Andersen allowed in game 5 which destroyed Andersen's confidence and turned him into the shadow of his former self that we saw in games 6 and 7. So basically, we're where we're at because Timonen turned out to be the language caddy for TT that we've needed all this time.

The Vegas odds makers are giving it to Toews for some reason...

In any case, the Hawks haven't played a team like the bolts yet. They can skate, score, decent goalchie, and have some grit. I think J.J.is mistaken with the Hawks in six.

I say it goes seven and is a toss up.
- kaptaan

Thanks! Now I KNOW the Hawks will win in less than 7.

I actually think Sharp would be a good fit for them. They have a bunch of picks the next couple of years. I would love to 2016 first out of them but would they move that? Hell Versteeg would be decent for them too considering he only has a year life on his deal.
- Elbows15

I'm sure Sharpy would prefer no tax and warm weather Ft. Lauderdale to watching Beat the Champ on Channel 7 from the Thruway Lanes when they are snowed in during January and February. But Pegula won't hesitate to give him a contract extension if that's an issue - another $12 million or so goes a long way in Buffalo.

Why not ask for their 2nd #1 this year - I think 21st overall? The Hawks have expendable pieces to probably get that done.

What about Oduya? You mocked him too as old. And as a third pairing guy Roszival was fine prior to his injury.

As for the 2013 cup win i was always under the belief the Hawks would win, our argument was based strictly on the value of Victor Stalberg.
- paulr

Psst. Rozy earned his money playing all the minutes he did during the season.

Callahan, Boyle, Stralman, Morrow, Coburn

To suggest that the Lightning are some run and gun team, without structure, ignores who they are. I get a lot of you get sensitive everytime I make a comment, as with anything, take it for what it is worth.

I have seen Tampa as much as hawks this year. Some of the commentary here is like the Hawks are playing some JV team. For any fans who want some info on the Lightning enjoy....for everyone else who knows everything and has their parade day office pool going..well...
- TrueGrit

I didn't suggest anything of the sort. I said they are a good defensive team who are more explosive offensively than the Hawks. What they don't have is the depth of the 2010 Blackhawks team.

Callahan, Boyle, Stralman, Morrow, Coburn

To suggest that the Lightning are some run and gun team, without structure, ignores who they are. I get a lot of you get sensitive everytime I make a comment, as with anything, take it for what it is worth.

I have seen Tampa as much as hawks this year. Some of the commentary here is like the Hawks are playing some JV team. For any fans who want some info on the Lightning enjoy....for everyone else who knows everything and has their parade day office pool going..well...
- TrueGrit

No cups, no cups, no cups, no cups, no cups.

Only Filppulla has won a Cup on that team (that I can think of).

You know how many Cups the 'hawks have won....

I'm sure Sharpy would prefer no tax and warm weather Ft. Lauderdale to watching Beat the Champ on Channel 7 from the Thruway Lanes when they are snowed in during January and February. But Pegula won't hesitate to give him a contract extension if that's an issue - another $12 million or so goes a long way in Buffalo.

Why not ask for their 2nd #1 this year - I think 21st overall? The Hawks have expendable pieces to probably get that done.
- RickJ

Cause i still think they would be in the lottery next season and I would like the Hawks to have a shot at Matthews..lol

I also think teams are going to be very reluctant to trade any 1st round picks in this draft. But if they get one, then sure.

Yeah. I mentioned earlier a lot depends on who Sharp would agree to waive his NMC for. Buffalo would be a long shot to say the least.

Hawks in 5. The Stache can just about wax the tips of his Babs-raise, and isnt about to let some baby-face hair-plugs AHL coach come close to cropping his virility validation, anymore than Porky Pig did. Plus Bishop will come unglued. Detroit and NY let his schizo play off the hook. Hawks won't. Crawford has really amazed me the way he steadied his game under the playoffs' bright lights. Too bad we are witnessing his final bid for a championship.

All this Aunt Bee posting about Saad at $4 mill, and being able to move Bickell w/out retaining salary! Sharp and Crawford are the only moveable pieces here that will help, and both will be moved. People need to shower some serious love on these non-core warriors at the end here (even if disingenuous) to ease their waiving all anti-trade clauses. Keeping the core depends on it.

Unless BS has the dumbest agent ever, and/or there are no other rival gm's out there that want to bring down the Hawks, then it will take in the high 5's to keep him. Just look at who is making $4M: Jussi Jokinen is making $4M. Erik Cole and David Jones are making $4M. Hell, Vermette makes 3.75. Drift through the following cap hits and see if there's a single player you would rather have than Saad:

Meszaros 4.125, Kulemin 4.187, Hodgson 4.25, Hornqvist 4.25, Laich 4.5, LeCavalier 4.5, Purcell 4.5, Fleischmann 4.5, Burrows 4.5 Umberger 4.6, McArthur 4.65, Hartnell 4.75, Clowe 4.85, Weiss 4.9, Grabovski 5, Moulson 5, St. Louis 5, Clarkson 5.25, Lupul 5.25, Foligno 5.5, Bolland 5.5, Landeskog 5.57, Pominville 5.6, Skinner 5.725, Zajac 5.75, Mike Richards 5.75, Steen 5.8, Dustin Brown 5.875.

Two comparable players I would use as a marker are Ryan Nuget-Hopkins or Logan Couture. They both make 6. If you're a GM in the West you have to knock the King off the Hill and that means ruthlessly pushing out the Hawks' salary bulge. Even if you dont reasonably expect to sign Saad, you HAVE to push his cap hit. This is the summer of the offer sheet with Tarasenko, Saad, and many other exciting players (and teams near the top) exposed to the pirate's code. The only credible plan going forward is dumping Crawford. It really will suck to deliver a cup and then be pressured to waive his trade protections. But hockey is a tough business, and Hawk nation needs to appreciate and savor Crawfords' final games, because multi-cup goalies dont come along that often (looking at you Price, Lundy, Tuks). Darling is the next.
- meta_puck_luck

Wow! That took some research. You may want to qualify your contract searches by ELC and RFA status next time.

Best comp really for Saad was Marcus Johanssen last year. Budget, higher value position. ZERO offer sheets.

It is a possibility but a very small one. And if the cap shed begins before the 1st (say they trade Bickell) who would take the chance?

Loved the Aunt Bee reference though!

That's safe, I'm going with Chicago in 4.
- TheCalSen

If we had Turris instead of that Toes bum it'd be Hawks in 3.

What about Oduya? You mocked him too as old. And as a third pairing guy Roszival was fine prior to his injury.

As for the 2013 cup win i was always under the belief the Hawks would win, our argument was based strictly on the value of Victor Stalberg.
- paulr

I did on Oduya, and he too proved me wrong.

My comment on 2013 was broader and prior to Stalberg issue. Many doubted toughness, CC etc...heading into playoffs. Not saying you, I just recall we were on opposite sides of argument there, where you had more doubts leading into playoffs then I did.

The Hawks very well could win cup again, and as I have said numerous times, it really is something to behold. It is like watching the Oilers today and recalling the glory of yesteryear...The Hawks now are on top of the world. I will enjoy it while it lasts, a cup win this year and they are dynasty, as I was mocked for suggesting a few years ago.

And as you see by me still being around, hockey holds its right priority in my life, it is not my everything, it does not change my standard of living. It is entertainment. Like most things in life, I will be wrong...big deal...For you and others to act as though making a wrong prediction etc...somehow discredits me from any discussion is pretty myopic.

I enjoy the hard time I get, when it is because of what I actually said or predicted, but the hyperbole and exaggeration that grows from stuff inferred by others and credited to me, is where I draw the line...

Anyhow, hope the weather is good in your part of the world. I hope your family is treating you well and all your girls are doing great.

Well, if you're tendering the offer sheet to hurt the Hawks by forcing them to match, then the only gamble is that the Hawks will retaliate by tendering your RFA's. The Hawks are leveraged to the beak for the better part of a decade, so not much risk there.

And if the Hawks let Saad walk, then you just got yourself a 22 y/o good size, elite skating, highly skilled stud who has been gulping winning mojo right from the Cup, and is already Tanner-proof clutch (more gwg this season than Kane, 1 less than Toews). $5-6 mill is the going rate for talented 3rd/4th option scorers. So I predict multiple offer sheets being mailed to Chicago (and St Louis) zipcodes this summer.

If I were Ken Holland, sitting on plenty of cap space and compensatory draft picks, I would already have a $5.5 offer filled out, to pay back signing Hossa away if nothing else. Pencil Saad in on Datsyuk's wing, and wave him right in Babcock's face.
- meta_puck_luck

Yep, Ken Holland. What the hell does he want draft picks for? He hates drafting!

And he sure needs to pay back the Bowman's now that he is in the east.... REVENGE!

Callahan, Boyle, Stralman, Morrow, Coburn

To suggest that the Lightning are some run and gun team, without structure, ignores who they are. I get a lot of you get sensitive everytime I make a comment, as with anything, take it for what it is worth.

I have seen Tampa as much as hawks this year. Some of the commentary here is like the Hawks are playing some JV team. For any fans who want some info on the Lightning enjoy....for everyone else who knows everything and has their parade day office pool going..well...
- TrueGrit

JV...Eastern Conference "Champ"

Tomato...Tomahto.

I didn't suggest anything of the sort. I said they are a good defensive team who are more explosive offensively than the Hawks. What they don't have is the depth of the 2010 Blackhawks team.
- paulr

He also said the Hawks wouldn't make the playoffs. The Sharks had passed them by. They wouldn't get past the Preds. Teams playing 4 D-men in the modern era don't play for the Stanley Cup.

Lets not even get into his assessment of coaches and their worth to a team.

I didn't suggest anything of the sort. I said they are a good defensive team who are more explosive offensively than the Hawks. What they don't have is the depth of the 2010 Blackhawks team.
- paulr

Probably right, but before 2010, nobody knew of Buff, Versteeg and the other supporting cast. Players like Johnson, Palat, Kucherov, Killorn, Nesterov, not to mention Druin and Namestikov are not flashes in the pan. Of course they have to prove themselves, but those guys are depth. Brian Boyle, JT Brown, Morrow, Calahan...that is depth..Paquette is Kruger's French twin...

Not saying TB is better or anything, just laying out some facts on the team. Somehow, most of the board believes that TB has 3 players and are lucky to be here.