There is that one great quote that goes something like goaltending is 80% of a team winning and 100% if you have bad goaltending.

Ypu can see now, even with these huge netminders that if they are not very good it costs teams. Niemi cost the Sharks probably ther Cup final appearances.

Goaltending cost the Stars this season. With even decent goaltending I think they could have pushed the Blues out.

All anyone needs to remember is Jim Carey. Google the goaltender version if you have forgotten. Murray could be a fart in the wind. Perhaps video scouting has not as yet caught up with him?

Jones might have some decent games, but I have seen him at his normal and he is not all that good and does not usually steal games for the Sharks. Every blind chicken finds a piece of corn one day.

You might not also remember what the Hawks were like before Crawford emerged. Nothing can zap the legs quicker than a soft goal. Players need to get over it, but when it happens a number of times it is a killer.
- BluemanGuruu

I really thought you guys were going to pull it out, it shows you can do everything right and if one team gets a bounce here and there in 4 games the better team loses

I imagine we'll see the true quality of goalies next season as the pads gets changed up again.

http://www.si.com/nhl/201...nt-rules-changes-pad-size

A kid in his early 20's getting pressure from both his dad and his agent is very plausible. Especially if the kid is very impressionable and the dad has that "father knows best" mentality.
- EKB13

From what I hear, he was a immigrant coming over and made a great success of himself and is very much money conscious and that again, what I heard, was the reason the kid took the 6 Million from Columbus. By the way regarding Caruth, did not mean he was ready to replace CC but with proper coaching who know how good he can really be. I agree he should be in Rockford not up

Don't know if this has been discussed however it looks like Bowman and Panarins agent have begun talks regarding an extension. If this is true.... this is welcomed news I definitely don't want a repeat of Saad or Bickells debacle. I guess Stan has learned from his mistakes..

Aside from the fact, TVR is a legit NHL defensemen. The Pens are doing just fine without a goalie of Crawford's caliber and their D core is mediocre outside of what Letang brings.

It is a hard cap. At the end of the day, you can't keep all of your big salaried players if the cap is not going to move upwards as projected. Was our D core in '10 that much better than it is now? Campbell was and is average in his own end at best. The third pairing was not anything to write home about.

To me it comes down to whose skill set is likely the easiest to potentially replace, with a minimum turnaround, from inside the organization. The answer it Crawford. I am not knocking him. He is arguably a top 5 NHL goalie. There is a significantly less chance of finding a replacement for 88, 19, 7, 2, or 4 anytime soon.

We really need a top 6 wing and at least another 4/5 defensemen. If we go into next year and our team is dominated 5 on 5 again we won't make a deep playoff run. No matter who is in net. It puts a lot more pressure on the D core and we will see the big 3 wear down again before playoff time. The Hawks dominating possession game of past cup runs took pressure off the D. There is a lot less wear and tear when you are spending more time in the ozone and less time running around and getting pounded in your own zone.

Should ask the Sharks that question after last night.
- MattStrat

This? +, if the pens have decent goaltending last night, they win the cup.

This? +, if the pens have decent goaltending last night, they win the cup.
- deadpoulet

If the Pens scored on that power play after they tied the game instead of hitting the post's twice the Cup would have been raised. At that moment the Sharks were about to be Fin Soup

If the Pens scored on that power play after they tied the game instead of hitting the post's twice the Cup would have been raised. At that moment the Sharks were about to be Fin Soup
- BGKarras

How many times could you say that about the Hawks?

What if, what if

I think it matters. The problem with most goalies is staying consistent for the entire playoff run, which not many can do. We saw lundqvist chased out in back to back games. The blues great goalie tandem just died against the Sharks. Quick and luongo had good seasons but crapped the bed when it mattered the most. A good defense helps, but good goalies can also steal multiple games, like Jones did in games 3 and 5
- drummer829

Not sure what you were watching but Quick didn't crap the bed. Injury to Marts and just a poor, slow defense ended the Kings season.

How many times could you say that about the Hawks?

What if, what if
- Maggie

How about it!!! I keep thinking about the puck hitting both post's twice and not going in

Aside from the fact, TVR is a legit NHL defensemen. The Pens are doing just fine without a goalie of Crawford's caliber and their D core is mediocre outside of what Letang brings.

It is a hard cap. At the end of the day, you can't keep all of your big salaried players if the cap is not going to move upwards as projected. Was our D core in '10 that much better than it is now? Campbell was and is average in his own end at best. The third pairing was not anything to write home about.

To me it comes down to whose skill set is likely the easiest to potentially replace, with a minimum turnaround, from inside the organization. The answer it Crawford. I am not knocking him. He is arguably a top 5 NHL goalie. There is a significantly less chance of finding a replacement for 88, 19, 7, 2, or 4 anytime soon.

We really need a top 6 wing and at least another 4/5 defensemen. If we go into next year and our team is dominated 5 on 5 again we won't make a deep playoff run. No matter who is in net. It puts a lot more pressure on the D core and we will see the big 3 wear down again before playoff time. The Hawks dominating possession game of past cup runs took pressure off the D. There is a lot less wear and tear when you are spending more time in the ozone and less time running around and getting pounded in your own zone.
- bhawks2241

This has been proven many times over that a goalie needs to be solid but not a star. Chris Osgood, Ward, Niemi, Jones/Murray, and I'd even say Crawford in his cup winning season were all considered the weaknesses in each team's cup run. Whereas teams who consider it a strength over the years: MAF, Lundqvist, Schneider, Luongo have failed to win.

The only exceptions I can really think of in recent years have been Thomas/Rask and Quick

That is just it - None of the $5MM and above guys are moveable without losing KEY performers who cannot be replaced for less money.

Bickell is the anchor.
- Return of the Roar

With the expansion draft possibly happening next yr whoever the Hawks trade need to bring a promising draft exempt say 5/6 deman who canbe a 3/4 if the cost is sea brook or Crawford.

Great and thoughtful blog JJ. Was hoping there would be a goalie one fairly soon. One thing that always stands out to me is the Scotty Bowman train of thought... An elite defense with an above average goalie can win championships. Hard to say nowadays as Crawford has held the Hawks in it this year.

Watching the pens with Murray, they somewhat allude to what the Hawks seem to have wanted to do this year - An ok defense with 4 solid lines who can wheel and help out the defense and have a strong forecheck to where the defense is a collective effort. In a way, have the forward lines assist the weaker defensive pairs. The Penguins don't have an elite defense, but they are rolling 4 lines with a great forecheck. I think the Hawks can do without CC next year if they make an upgrade to 2/3 LW and a 4/5 D spot.

First of all I'm not sure CC is elite after watching Murray and Jones. You trade CC and throw in Bickell and you are out of cap hell and in return you get a OK goalie who just might be as good as CC. Don't forget Mac Caruth who had a great year in Rockford. He could develop now into your CC replacement along with the gentle giant already on the roster
- Maggie

Crawford is elite. Murray and Jones have played well in these playoffs but Crawford has played as good or better over multiple playoffs. Now, that doesn't mean that Crawford can't be traded as long as a servicable replacement can be found.

I woudn't declare Carruth ready for the NHL just yet. He's spent most of his time in the ECHL and only seemed to play well after he signed a deal with Chicago (his previous deal was with Rockford). I'm not saying Carruth won't be an NHL goalie one day, I just wouldn't feel comfortable giving up Crawford and going with a Darling/Carruth tandem.

This? +, if the pens have decent goaltending last night, they win the cup.
- deadpoulet

Agreed and if the Stars had Crawford instead of their 2 Mediocre goalies it could be them in the Final.


I think Bowman went for the Gussto at the Trade Deadline picking up Ladd. Can't blame him on that front.

The Habs trade was a disappointment based on Q not playing Weise

At this point the Hawks need to hope the AHL guys come up and shine. Much like the Pen's AHLers have. The difference is that Sullivan is an AHL Guy and Q is not.

Crawford is elite. Murray and Jones have played well in these playoffs but Crawford has played as good or better over multiple playoffs. Now, that doesn't mean that Crawford can't be traded as long as a servicable replacement can be found.

I woudn't declare Carruth ready for the NHL just yet. He's spent most of his time in the ECHL and only seemed to play well after he signed a deal with Chicago (his previous deal was with Rockford). I'm not saying Carruth won't be an NHL goalie one day, I just wouldn't feel comfortable giving up Crawford and going with a Darling/Carruth tandem.
- DarthKane

Truth.

Aside from the fact, TVR is a legit NHL defensemen. The Pens are doing just fine without a goalie of Crawford's caliber and their D core is mediocre outside of what Letang brings.

It is a hard cap. At the end of the day, you can't keep all of your big salaried players if the cap is not going to move upwards as projected. Was our D core in '10 that much better than it is now? Campbell was and is average in his own end at best. The third pairing was not anything to write home about.

To me it comes down to whose skill set is likely the easiest to potentially replace, with a minimum turnaround, from inside the organization. The answer it Crawford. I am not knocking him. He is arguably a top 5 NHL goalie. There is a significantly less chance of finding a replacement for 88, 19, 7, 2, or 4 anytime soon.

We really need a top 6 wing and at least another 4/5 defensemen. If we go into next year and our team is dominated 5 on 5 again we won't make a deep playoff run. No matter who is in net. It puts a lot more pressure on the D core and we will see the big 3 wear down again before playoff time. The Hawks dominating possession game of past cup runs took pressure off the D. There is a lot less wear and tear when you are spending more time in the ozone and less time running around and getting pounded in your own zone.
- bhawks2241

Murray has been playing well for the Pens and their entire team seems to have come together at the right time. But the Pens stumbled into using Murray because of other goaltending injuries, it's not like their plan was to bench Fleury and go with the $600,000 rookie. The situation worked out in their favour, but that's the exception to the rule.

Winnipeg has low cost goaltending and that was a major weakness for them this year. The Islanders low cost goaltending didn't help them in the playoffs. Let's not forget what happened to Montreal after Price got injured.

If I'm not mistaken, didn't Jones have a real streak - standing on his head while subbing for an injured Quick a season or two ago?
- EKB13

Yup, started his career off 8-0 with 3 shutouts filling in for Quick. And he was supposed to be the back-up to Scrivens.

Crawford is elite. Murray and Jones have played well in these playoffs but Crawford has played as good or better over multiple playoffs. Now, that doesn't mean that Crawford can't be traded as long as a serviceable replacement can be found.

I woudn't declare Carruth ready for the NHL just yet. He's spent most of his time in the ECHL and only seemed to play well after he signed a deal with Chicago (his previous deal was with Rockford). I'm not saying Carruth won't be an NHL goalie one day, I just wouldn't feel comfortable giving up Crawford and going with a Darling/Carruth tandem.
- DarthKane

I agree on the Darling/Carruth tandem. Would need to get a solid back up at around 2 mil.

Let's be realistic though. This team won in '13 when Crawford was unproven and pretty awful in the finals, Bruins picked apart his glove hand. He lingered in the AHL for a while before he got his shot with the Hawks. He has become elite or near elite. BUT the fact is he did not start out that way as some can't miss goalie prospect. I don't see why the Hawks can't find a replacement who becomes the Hawks next Crawford or can do what Niemi did in '10 and Crow did in '13. Need to take into account how good our goalie coach is too.

Moving Crawford might be the best option. High risk certainly but kind of lesser of evils as far as moving a big contract.

John Jaeckel: How Much Does The Goalie Matter?
- John Jaeckel

Well if you watched last night...or have seen pittsburgh at all these playoffs.......a whole heck of a lot

Murray has been playing well for the Pens and their entire team seems to have come together at the right time. But the Pens stumbled into using Murray because of other goaltending injuries, it's not like their plan was to bench Fleury and go with the $600,000 rookie. The situation worked out in their favour, but that's the exception to the rule.

Winnipeg has low cost goaltending and that was a major weakness for them this year. The Islanders low cost goaltending didn't help them in the playoffs. Let's not forget what happened to Montreal after Price got injured.
- DarthKane

I get it. I just think the Hawks standing pat and hoping rest is the answer to another cup is wishful thinking. This roster, minus Laad, plus more rest won't get it done. We don't have the assets to get another Laad at trade deadline either. I'd rather move a big salary and take the risk versus stand pat and lose in the first two rounds. If Shaw is signed there is no cap room to add talent to this team. This isn't a Cup team as currently constructed. That is reality.

Although maybe Hossa finds a second fountain of youth and becomes the 30 plus goal scorer of old.

"Saad also regrets not having any input in negotiations."

Man, did I get shredded for suggesting that Saad wasn't driving the boat in those negotiations. Everyone is an expert...in their own mind.

"He's a grown man....blah blah blah"
"He knows what he's doing...blah blah blah"

No, this kid bought into what was being sold by his agent and probably his dad. Understandable, but regrettable.

Would be great to have kept Leddy and Saad, but can't blame the kids for wanting a big payday. Long careers aren't guaranteed, and let's face it, money does matter.

Like Crawford and Kane, but if I could get really good value, I'd move one or both. Gonna see a period of teams not paying their goalies CC money for a bit, until it comes back around again, as these things tend to go in cycles.

That's a lot of money tied into those two guys. Kane would be much easier to get value than CC. Corey is still undervalued, and other goalies on the market which should hurt his value. Granted, he has 2 Cups, but there's a reason he doesn't get the pub he should, as the league narrative seems to be his a cog, not the wheel.

CC and bickell to Arizona for Dominigue.


quotes not working

But why would Ari ever do that deal?

Are you throwing in a prospect or draft picks?

I agree on the Darling/Carruth tandem. Would need to get a solid back up at around 2 mil.

Let's be realistic though. This team won in '13 when Crawford was unproven and pretty awful in the finals, Bruins picked apart his glove hand. He lingered in the AHL for a while before he got his shot with the Hawks. He has become elite or near elite. BUT the fact is he did not start out that way as some can't miss goalie prospect. I don't see why the Hawks can't find a replacement who becomes the Hawks next Crawford or can do what Niemi did in '10 and Crow did in '13. Need to take into account how good our goalie coach is too.

Moving Crawford might be the best option. High risk certainly but kind of lesser of evils as far as moving a big contract.
- bhawks2241

If Stan can find a low cost and effective alternative to Crawford and use the cap space to improve the overall team depth (especially on defense) then I say go for it! However, a move like that is not without risk. Swapping out an elite two time Cup champion and taking a risk on an unknown goalie is a risk. Maybe it works out, but it could also backfire in a big way. Cap spaced needs to be opened up, and I get that Crawford is a candidate to go, not because of his play but because of the situation. I'm in favor of keeping Crawford, but as a Blackhawks fan I've become accustomed to losing players I'd want to keep.

W

Stan's job now is to move Bickell. I am in favor of moving TT to help that happen. He has no place on this team. Accomplish that and you have $5MM of new space.
- Return of the Roar

And you don't have to give TT a raise to $3.5M the next year because he scores more than Casey Czikias. The only ones to re-up are Panarin and Shaw.

Still have no idea if Hossa will be too hurt to play and will go to LTIR. That's another $5.2M to use at the trade deadline for the next few years.