35 I think
- Elbows15

He is getting a tad old for a prospect. Should be fully grown by now. Should be able to learn the game better. But overall, he's close to what he'll be. Doesn't suck, but not a high ceiling, imo.

Blues roster was a lot better then the Hawks to start the year and Yeo is an awful coach. Not as bad as Q as though...…..
- SteveRain

*sigh*

I hate both teams but Nashville more so.
- RickJ

Anyone but Toronto or Pittsburgh

The Canadian press hard on for Babcock would be 10x what is now, and that's saying a lot.

Pittsburgh is a given......love see Crosby whine though. Enjoyed Washington beating them last year. Good stuff.

*sigh*
- Elbows15

red font......forgot it.

He is getting a tad old for a prospect. Should be fully grown by now. Should be able to learn the game better. But overall, he's close to what he'll be. Doesn't suck, but not a high ceiling, imo.
- mohel

Well, he was a 6th round pick. Just making the NHL already has exceeded his ceiling.
He is still a guy playing his 1st season of professional hockey. And adding strength is possible. Can he adjust or now is the question. I think he can to become an useful player.

red font......forgot it.
- SteveRain

Oh. Not that I didn;t have my issues with Q at times but this whole everyone is now trying for 3 scoring lines seem to forget that it was exactly that move that Q made during the PO in 2010.

Well, he was a 6th round pick. Just making the NHL already has exceeded his ceiling.
He is still a guy playing his 1st season of professional hockey. And adding strength is possible. Can he adjust or now is the question. I think he can to become an useful player.
- Elbows15

That'd be great. But wtf do you know, anyway?

As i watch the power play, i really enjoy the passing, the more aggressive the PK the quicker the puck is off of each players stick.

I believe they are trying to duplicate this in the defensive zone but players are not getting into those spots or are not sure where to be. I just wish one of the dmen would stay in front of the goalie instead of close to the boards or behind the net.
- BetweenTheDots

Exactly. It's pretty elementary to know which is the high danger scoring area and which is the low danger ones. Protect the high danger zones. If the other team scores from the boards or behind the net, then that's on the goalie unless his own players screened him.

That'd be great. But wtf do you know, anyway?
- mohel

how is unnamed source? he ever make it out of hockeybuzz jail?

That'd be great. But wtf do you know, anyway?
- mohel

That you're an bumhole?

Blues roster was a lot better then the Hawks to start the year and Yeo is an awful coach. Not as bad as Q as though...…..
- SteveRain

Maybe true that the Blues Roster was better. But not many people were saying that when they lost 6-1 to both the Coyotes and Canucks in the space of 8 days in December.

My point was that the team improved dramatically, especially on D without turning over their roster and a new coach, without a ton of experience or winning pedigree. When they fired Yeo no one was saying Berube would turn this team around like he has (25-13-2).

It can be done.

This year? Sucks is being generous. Now Montour? Him i would take. Stay away from Fowler. The guy gets caved in every time he is on the ice.
- Elbows15

I'd take Montour over Manson as well. While I like Manson's nastiness and physicality, Montour is just a better all-around defender.

I know the Red Wings are not that good (nor are the Hawks). But I am looking forward to tonight's game. Pretty important for several reasons. If you cannot beat Detroit in Detroit that speaks volumes for this team. Every point is critical if they are serious about making the playoffs. And beating Detroit...… nuf said.

DETROIT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think Kampf is best suited as a 4C because he has little or no offense. Whether that makes him "the" shutdown center or not, he shouldn't be hamstringing the offensive potential of the 3rd line.
- EbonyRaptor

I think so, too, that Kampf is the shutdown center and best on the 4th line assuming that the 3rd line is defined as one with offensive punch balanced in with solid 3-zone play.

Kampf's ceiling is 20ish points which isn't 3rd line material, IMHO. If he is on the 3rd line, he'd have to have really good wingers to make that line effective in all zones or else the Hawks may just have two 4th lines rather than a distinctive 3rd and a distinctive 4th.

Oh. Not that I didn;t have my issues with Q at times but this whole everyone is now trying for 3 scoring lines seem to forget that it was exactly that move that Q made during the PO in 2010.
- Elbows15

I agree but if you believe the Q haters it was Scotty Bowman who made that change...…

Q was a HOF coach who sadly ran his course here. Developed favorites, didn't hold them accountable, and the wheels came off.

IMO, I had no problem with Q leaving, but I 100% believe(d) he and Bowman should have been a package deal. Lots of NMCs, NTCs clauses on this team which gives very little leverage to deal guys.

Case in point....read in athletic today....14,15,7,2,30 all are very reluctant to leave here. 14 should be gone tomorrow IMO. If you can get soda for the machines do it, but instead they'll probably trade hayden and Hayden seems to have adjusted to his role in the NHL and plays it very well.

Maybe true that the Blues Roster was better. But not many people were saying that when they lost 6-1 to both the Coyotes and Canucks in the space of 8 days in December.

My point was that the team improved dramatically, especially on D without turning over their roster and a new coach, without a ton of experience or winning pedigree. When they fired Yeo no one was saying Berube would turn this team around like he has (25-13-2).

It can be done.
- -Doh-

Lots at stake with STL....they were all in again, and another failure probably leads to a massive roster blow up at this season's end. Players woke up, and got going......we saw this before with them the year they hired Hitchcock in November I want to say. they went on a long run.

Central is loaded. top 3 are pretty even, so getting the 1 seed is key. For all STL has done they still probably end up facing WPG or NASH, who are also all in.

If Calgary wins the Pacific I'd take Calgary all day over any central team at 1 seed.

Tyler qreat way to sum, things up and lay out the many scenarios.

If Stan doesn't make any move or moves to improve this team is call it a failure on management. Their goal according to their own words was make the playoffs . Looking around the league , they have a chance and if the right moves are made it's possible they could go deep into the playoffs provided Crawford fines his lights out groove and the defense does just enough to support him.

I know it seems like a fantasy but LA came in as a 8th seed and went on a run to win the cup.

Any chance Stan might trade for Duchene and dzingel? Those are plausible moves to strengthen this team?

Depends on how the coach chooses to deploy the lines. Kampf playing "4C" may actually have what would be considered 3C TOI. Its why I said we were getting caught in the semantics of how we call lines.
- Elbows15

Exactly. If the plan is to spread the offense over three lines where you keep Toews/Kane on one line, DCat/Strome on another and maybe move Kahun down with Saad on the 3rd line - then you don't want Kampf centering that 3rd line because he isn't offensively gifted enough to get consistent scoring from the 3rd line.

It will be interesting to see how Kubalic does. If he can come in and be a bigger version of Kahun or a more offensive player than Kampf - then we probably have another top-9 player to deploy.

An 8-7 win continually exposes exactly what is right with this team and what is wrong with this team.. The Hawks are an offensive Juggernaut that has the worst defense in the league.... And it's sad because if this team had a decent defense this team could be a contender.

But hey, Congrats to The Cat on his 4th career hat trick.. So much for the alleged "sophomore slump" eh? the kid is a PPG player and on pace for 45 goals.. What does this kid have to do to be recognized as one of the best young players in the game?.. Not to get off-topic but as a hockey card collector DeBrincat's cards are profoundly undervalued.. Especially his Young Guns... He's still valued as a 2nd round pick when his stats suggest he should have been a top 5 pick.

But hey, Bowman and Co hit another home run in the 2nd round with DeBrincat.. Seems the 2nd round has been very friendly to the Blackhawks... It's almost like the Hawks scouting staff spend a lot of time looking at players they know most teams will pass on due to minor flaws that can usually be fixed then steal them in later rounds.

As for the Trade Deadline and what the Hawks should do:

Bowman should do nothing at the TDL unless he has an opportunity to get a player that will be a part of the future. So with that said, I think Bowman is going to tell the media that Kruger, Kunitz etc are their own rentals - that is my prediction. And that isn't a bad move either considering how little value Kruger, Kunitz etc hold.. I could see Bowman trading them if he's blown away by offers.

Honestly this is a very good position and situation for these Baby Hawks to be in. They can technically make the playoffs, but they're going to have to earn it and this will be an invaluable lesson for these kids so doing nothing is the best move Bowman could make given the Hawks situation.

Now, there is one trade possibility that hasn't even been discussed with Crawford allegedly coming back -- would Bowman consider moving Ward? I know Ward has a NMC, but I think Delia's play has shown he is NHL ready, not only that but his play has earned him a roster spot....So if I were Bowman I would try to move Ward, then rotate Delia and Crawford for the rest of the season... Delia has gotten invaluable experience over these last few months and there is no reason whatsoever to send him back to Rockford when he's clearly learning a ton at the NHL level -- Delia belongs in the NHL... And I don't think Bowman would have a problem moving Ward, he's played pretty well despite the defense playing in front of him. I mean do you think Ward would rather backup Crawford on a bubble playoff team (if you want to call the Hawks that) or play backup on a legitimate playoff team?

It would take Crawford playing like Hasek circa 1998 for the Hawks to stand a chance at making the playoffs or perhaps making a run in the playoffs.. It's not going to happen.

If I were Bowman, I would stand pat - make no moves at all unless a GM calls and offers a 2nd for Kunitz or Kruger....Also, there is a good reason not to move our UFA's - they have experience and that experience tends to rub-off on the youngsters, and that is more valuable than a 4th round pick... Not only that but excluding the Hawks terrible defense this team is starting to form some chemistry...

I mean the reality is that if this team had a better defense - even an average defense this team would be atop of the Western Conference... Yes, I know that seems like a crazy thought but the stats speak otherwise, look into how many games the Hawks have scored 3 goals or more and didn't get a point out of the match - 20 times is the answer and that is totally inexcusable.. If you score 3 goals in a game you SHOULD AT LEAST walk away from the game with a point at the very minimum 80% of the time... When these Hawks score 3 or more goals they only get a point 50% of the time.. This team has actually scored 5,6 and 7 goals in a game a few times and walked away pointless... My point is (no pun intended) that this team is pretty good outside of defense so I see no reason at all to make any trades unless the trade improves the defense now and in the long-term.... Let the kids play, they're finally winning games together, they're getting invaluable NHL experience and are forming (offensive) chemistry..

So yea, if I'm Bowman I'm standing pat unless I get an offer I cant refuse alas Hartman. I would also be trying to move Ward because Delia is the Hawks future in net and he needs to continue playing in the NHL, he needs to continue to be challenged because it will only make him better.. Delia has nothing to learn at the AHL level at this point, as a matter of fact sending him back down to the AHL could really hurt the progress he's made over these last few months... I've seen flashes of brilliance in Delia, so he has the talent to be a very good NHL goalie and I think Delia working with Jimmy Waite has helped him tremendously...

So if I'm Bowman I'm not even thinking about making the playoffs or the remainder of this season - I'm focusing on next season and beyond.. My opinion would be if the Hawks make the playoffs or come close it means they're learning, it means they're making progress.... But I think Bowman knows the actual issue with this team is primarily defense (I think he knew that before the season even started) and he knows he has a plethora of talented eventual top 4 defenseman on the way with massive potential, and all he really needs to do is let the season play-out, then focus on finding short-term solutions on D this summer, that and sign a couple of 3rd/4th line two-way shutdown line forwards and this team will be back to the playoffs next season.... I mean this team has proven overwhelmingly that it can put the puck in the net, but they've also proved they cant keep the put out of the net - and keeping the puck out of the net has to be Stan's top focus moving forward, and if he can get a player that helps in that department until our defensive studs are ready for the NHL then he should make the move..... I mean I would love to see Cam Ward moved for a #4/5 defenseman with 1-2 years left on his contract...

I think Ward has played well enough to attract some contenders or playoff bound teams attention looking for security in goal for a playoff run, or at least a goalie that can allow their #1 to get some rest here and there without having to worry about falling in the standings.

And as far as Darren Raddysh - who cares - if I were Bowman I'd be trying to acquire his brother Taylor from Tampa Bay, another former Erie Otter that played with DeBrincat and Strome (Darren did too) who can both score and setup sweet plays.... I would love to see "The Otter Line": Raddysh-Strome-Debrincat ...Rarely does Junior chemistry translate into the NHL but I think it would be worth a shot making a trade for Taylor considering how Strome has worked out so far.... I mean it's not like Taylor Raddysh has a future in Tampa Bay given how stacked that team is.. I think Bowman could get him for a pick and he could immediately make an impact here in Chicago. So if I were Bowman Taylor Raddysh would absolutely be on my radar, and I've wanted Bowman to acquire Raddysh for a long time now... I have followed the Otters for a while now, and IMO on face value trading for Raddysh would be considered a minor move but a trade like this in the long-run could have the potential to be as important as the Sharp trade was 13-14 years ago. Sharp was another player I wanted the Hawks to acquire way back when during the lockout the Wolves met the Phantoms in the AHL finals, so when the Hawks acquired him Hawks fans though I was nuts for jumping in joy, telling them how Sharp was a steal and that Sharp will be one of the better players on the team.... As a matter of fact I was so excited I even remember the headline after 15 years from the Chicago Tribune" "Hawks Make Sharp Move"..... Well I believe Taylor Raddysh could have the type of impact Sharp had on this team.

Tyler qreat way to sum, things up and lay out the many scenarios.

If Stan doesn't make any move or moves to improve this team is call it a failure on management. Their goal according to their own words was make the playoffs . Looking around the league , they have a chance and if the right moves are made it's possible they could go deep into the playoffs provided Crawford fines his lights out groove and the defense does just enough to support him.

I know it seems like a fantasy but LA came in as a 8th seed and went on a run to win the cup.

Any chance Stan might trade for Duchene and dzingel? Those are plausible moves to strengthen this team?
- Taylorst1

plau·si·ble
/ˈplôzəb(ə)l/Submit
adjective
(of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable.

Lots at stake with STL....they were all in again, and another failure probably leads to a massive roster blow up at this season's end. Players woke up, and got going......we saw this before with them the year they hired Hitchcock in November I want to say. they went on a long run.

Central is loaded. top 3 are pretty even, so getting the 1 seed is key. For all STL has done they still probably end up facing WPG or NASH, who are also all in.

If Calgary wins the Pacific I'd take Calgary all day over any central team at 1 seed.
- SteveRain

It will be fun to watch and see who gets upset in the 1st round.

plau·si·ble
/ˈplôzəb(ə)l/Submit
adjective
(of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable.
- Ogilthorpe2

Was their more to your point?

Lots at stake with STL....they were all in again, and another failure probably leads to a massive roster blow up at this season's end. Players woke up, and got going......we saw this before with them the year they hired Hitchcock in November I want to say. they went on a long run.

Central is loaded. top 3 are pretty even, so getting the 1 seed is key. For all STL has done they still probably end up facing WPG or NASH, who are also all in.

If Calgary wins the Pacific I'd take Calgary all day over any central team at 1 seed.
- SteveRain

Last #1 Seed in Central to make the Western Conference Finals Chicago 2013. The last 5 years the 1st seed in the Central did not make it. I think going into the playoffs hot make a big difference.

Was their more to your point?
- Taylorst1

Based on your post he did not think you knew the meaning of the word plausible.

An 8-7 win continually exposes exactly what is right with this team and what is wrong with this team.. The Hawks are an offensive Juggernaut that has the worst defense in the league.... And it's sad because if this team had a decent defense this team could be a contender.

But hey, Congrats to The Cat on his 4th career hat trick.. So much for the alleged "sophomore slump" eh? the kid is a PPG player and on pace for 45 goals.. What does this kid have to do to be recognized as one of the best young players in the game?.. Not to get off-topic but as a hockey card collector DeBrincat's cards are profoundly undervalued.. Especially his Young Guns... He's still valued as a 2nd round pick when his stats suggest he should have been a top 5 pick.

But hey, Bowman and Co hit another home run in the 2nd round with DeBrincat.. Seems the 2nd round has been very friendly to the Blackhawks... It's almost like the Hawks scouting staff spend a lot of time looking at players they know most teams will pass on due to minor flaws that can usually be fixed then steal them in later rounds.

As for the Trade Deadline and what the Hawks should do:

Bowman should do nothing at the TDL unless he has an opportunity to get a player that will be a part of the future. So with that said, I think Bowman is going to tell the media that Kruger, Kunitz etc are their own rentals - that is my prediction. And that isn't a bad move either considering how little value Kruger, Kunitz etc hold.. I could see Bowman trading them if he's blown away by offers.

Honestly this is a very good position and situation for these Baby Hawks to be in. They can technically make the playoffs, but they're going to have to earn it and this will be an invaluable lesson for these kids so doing nothing is the best move Bowman could make given the Hawks situation.

Now, there is one trade possibility that hasn't even been discussed with Crawford allegedly coming back -- would Bowman consider moving Ward? I know Ward has a NMC, but I think Delia's play has shown he is NHL ready, not only that but his play has earned him a roster spot....So if I were Bowman I would try to move Ward, then rotate Delia and Crawford for the rest of the season... Delia has gotten invaluable experience over these last few months and there is no reason whatsoever to send him back to Rockford when he's clearly learning a ton at the NHL level -- Delia belongs in the NHL... And I don't think Bowman would have a problem moving Ward, he's played pretty well despite the defense playing in front of him. I mean do you think Ward would rather backup Crawford on a bubble playoff team (if you want to call the Hawks that) or play backup on a legitimate playoff team?

It would take Crawford playing like Hasek circa 1998 for the Hawks to stand a chance at making the playoffs or perhaps making a run in the playoffs.. It's not going to happen.

If I were Bowman, I would stand pat - make no moves at all unless a GM calls and offers a 2nd for Kunitz or Kruger....Also, there is a good reason not to move our UFA's - they have experience and that experience tends to rub-off on the youngsters, and that is more valuable than a 4th round pick... Not only that but excluding the Hawks terrible defense this team is starting to form some chemistry...

I mean the reality is that if this team had a better defense - even an average defense this team would be atop of the Western Conference... Yes, I know that seems like a crazy thought but the stats speak otherwise, look into how many games the Hawks have scored 3 goals or more and didn't get a point out of the match - 20 times is the answer and that is totally inexcusable.. If you score 3 goals in a game you SHOULD AT LEAST walk away from the game with a point at the very minimum 80% of the time... When these Hawks score 3 or more goals they only get a point 50% of the time.. This team has actually scored 5,6 and 7 goals in a game a few times and walked away pointless... My point is (no pun intended) that this team is pretty good outside of defense so I see no reason at all to make any trades unless the trade improves the defense now and in the long-term.... Let the kids play, they're finally winning games together, they're getting invaluable NHL experience and are forming (offensive) chemistry..

So yea, if I'm Bowman I'm standing pat unless I get an offer I cant refuse alas Hartman. I would also be trying to move Ward because Delia is the Hawks future in net and he needs to continue playing in the NHL, he needs to continue to be challenged because it will only make him better.. Delia has nothing to learn at the AHL level at this point, as a matter of fact sending him back down to the AHL could really hurt the progress he's made over these last few months... I've seen flashes of brilliance in Delia, so he has the talent to be a very good NHL goalie and I think Delia working with Jimmy Waite has helped him tremendously...

So if I'm Bowman I'm not even thinking about making the playoffs or the remainder of this season - I'm focusing on next season and beyond.. My opinion would be if the Hawks make the playoffs or come close it means they're learning, it means they're making progress.... But I think Bowman knows the actual issue with this team is primarily defense (I think he knew that before the season even started) and he knows he has a plethora of talented eventual top 4 defenseman on the way with massive potential, and all he really needs to do is let the season play-out, then focus on finding short-term solutions on D this summer, that and sign a couple of 3rd/4th line two-way shutdown line forwards and this team will be back to the playoffs next season.... I mean this team has proven overwhelmingly that it can put the puck in the net, but they've also proved they cant keep the put out of the net - and keeping the puck out of the net has to be Stan's top focus moving forward, and if he can get a player that helps in that department until our defensive studs are ready for the NHL then he should make the move..... I mean I would love to see Cam Ward moved for a #4/5 defenseman with 1-2 years left on his contract...

I think Ward has played well enough to attract some contenders or playoff bound teams attention looking for security in goal for a playoff run, or at least a goalie that can allow their #1 to get some rest here and there without having to worry about falling in the standings.

And as far as Darren Raddysh - who cares - if I were Bowman I'd be trying to acquire his brother Taylor from Tampa Bay, another former Erie Otter that played with DeBrincat and Strome (Darren did too) who can both score and setup sweet plays.... I would love to see "The Otter Line": Raddysh-Strome-Debrincat ...Rarely does Junior chemistry translate into the NHL but I think it would be worth a shot making a trade for Taylor considering how Strome has worked out so far.... I mean it's not like Taylor Raddysh has a future in Tampa Bay given how stacked that team is.. I think Bowman could get him for a pick and he could immediately make an impact here in Chicago. So if I were Bowman Taylor Raddysh would absolutely be on my radar, and I've wanted Bowman to acquire Raddysh for a long time now... I have followed the Otters for a while now, and IMO on face value trading for Raddysh would be considered a minor move but a trade like this in the long-run could have the potential to be as important as the Sharp trade was 13-14 years ago. Sharp was another player I wanted the Hawks to acquire way back when during the lockout the Wolves met the Phantoms in the AHL finals, so when the Hawks acquired him Hawks fans though I was nuts for jumping in joy, telling them how Sharp was a steal and that Sharp will be one of the better players on the team.... As a matter of fact I was so excited I even remember the headline after 15 years from the Chicago Tribune" "Hawks Make Sharp Move"..... Well I believe Taylor Raddysh could have the type of impact Sharp had on this team.
- Savard2Secord

Offensive juggernaut? That's hysterical leap to conclusion about this team.

They have some nice pieces in place but still lack more solid consistent depth down the middle and in their bottom 6

Anismov isn't giving this team enough consistent play.