I'd like to know people's thoughts:

There are a lot of expiring contracts both on the hawks and hogs ... who stays and who can easily be replaced?

The examples of Keith retaliating viciously that readily come to mind are the ones against one of the Sedins, Jeff Carter, and Miikka Salomaki. But this incident with Matt Cooke is what always jumps in my head first. Cooke blindsides Keith with a hit first, then Keith returns the favor 200 feet away.

https://www.youtube.com/w...2rDdCuddPCzzucCwP8CGZMWEL
- AEL_Fox

both were legal hits although keiths was clearly int; he made a shoulder to shoulder contact...

I'd like to know people's thoughts:

There are a lot of expiring contracts both on the hawks and hogs ... who stays and who can easily be replaced?
- I Am The Breadman

Forwards:
UFAs Kruger and Kunitz - Gone
RFAs Sikura, Kampf, Perlini - Keep

D-Men:
RFAs Forsling/Koekkoek/Dahlstrom - Keep 2

Goalie: Ward - depends

I wonder if Gravel signs and plays with Rockford.

I think Darling is homesick, but that is a chance I really wouldn't want to take.
- I Am The Breadman

Gravel is having a really solid season in Halifax. He's still only 18 years old so another season in the Q might be in order.

A possible option is signing him so he can start playing pro in Indy for the AA team. This would assume:

- One of Delia or Forsberg is backing up Crawford
- Delia or Forsberg starts with Lankinen backing up in Rockford
- Gravel playing in Indy with Tomkins

If neither Delia, Forsberg, or even Lankinen is not ready to play backup next season behind Crawford, then I would just keep Gravel at Halifax unless Tomkins is not retained.

Then there's also Nalimov. Who knows about him. He wants to play in North America but he has a hard time just sticking with a team in the KHL (5 teams in 3 years). Can't remember when his KHL commitment ends.

This is a nice edit of the Crap Cooke delivered and the payback...

https://www.youtube.com/w...PCzzucCwP8CGZMWEL&index=8
- riozzo

cook was as dishonest a cheap shot psychos with intent to injure as their ever was...him crying about that keith hit is so rich with all that he pulled off during his playing days...

here in this video: we have blind side elbows, blantant trips, low bridging, blind side head shots...

really enjoyed the kane and thorton cold cocks

I would take Ward again at 3 mil next year over Howard.
- powerenforcer

Disagree on Ward. Assuming that CC will be in top form next year, you have to use Forsberg and Delia as the backups. Forsberg has had a nice year and deserves another opportunity. Last year's team was a joke under Q and many of those horrific games he played in he had no help. Again, we have to hope for a NEW system of defending and a big improvement on the PK.

ALSO.....do they really want to tie up 3mil again on Ward ? Not me. Use that coin elsewhere.

Forwards:
UFAs Kruger and Kunitz - Gone
RFAs Sikura, Kampf, Perlini - Keep

D-Men:
RFAs Forsling/Koekkoek/Dahlstrom - Keep 2

Goalie: Ward - depends
- EbonyRaptor

Breadman, I have the exact same thoughts as ER.

I have thoughts on Rockford but will post later.

Forwards:
UFAs Kruger and Kunitz - Gone
RFAs Sikura, Kampf, Perlini - Keep

D-Men:
RFAs Forsling/Koekkoek/Dahlstrom - Keep 2

Goalie: Ward - depends
- EbonyRaptor

Thanks to you and AEL. I'm looking forward to the "Rock Thoughts."

Gravel is having a really solid season in Halifax. He's still only 18 years old so another season in the Q might be in order.

A possible option is signing him so he can start playing pro in Indy for the AA team. This would assume:

- One of Delia or Forsberg is backing up Crawford
- Delia or Forsberg starts with Lankinen backing up in Rockford
- Gravel playing in Indy with Tomkins

If neither Delia, Forsberg, or even Lankinen is not ready to play backup next season behind Crawford, then I would just keep Gravel at Halifax unless Tomkins is not retained.

Then there's also Nalimov. Who knows about him. He wants to play in North America but he has a hard time just sticking with a team in the KHL (5 teams in 3 years). Can't remember when his KHL commitment ends.
- AEL_Fox

Yeah, I wasn't sure if he'd go to Indy or if he was capable of making the AHL leap. I know he's young, but if where he's at now is best for him, I'm cool with that.

Nalimov is a question. I heard he wanted to come over, do we want him? .......

Watching the Bolts play against the Caps. Man are the Bolts loaded they are definitely my favorites to win the Stanley Cup!

Watching the Bolts play against the Caps. Man are the Bolts loaded they are definitely my favorites to win the Stanley Cup!
- BGKarras

Let’s see how Cooper has them playing in the tournament when they’re supposed to - and expected to - win.

Watching the Bolts play against the Caps. Man are the Bolts loaded they are definitely my favorites to win the Stanley Cup!
- BGKarras

I think a healthy Boston beats them if they meet in the playoffs

The problem Jack....especially IF you have a decent team....with some decent talent, is HOW do you tank????
You have players competing for jobs, new contracts, developing a "will to win".
You have a coach who is PAID TO WIN, to develop WINNERS. And he is an INTERIM coach who would love a full time gig with a decent contract.
I, too, was hoping we fell off.....maybe got a lottery pick. But, if a team CAN win...and they CAN compete for a bottom playoff spot....well, you gotta teach them to win, teach them to NOT QUIT. Sure as heck glad you or an individual of your idealism is not leading this team. If you think going into a lockerroom with 20 games to go and telling the team to "Try to lose" is the way to build a winner, you sir....are dead WRONG!!!
- hawk35

He isn't an interim coach. He's signed to a 3 year contract.

NHL Players Poll - not one Hawk made the cut in any category. Oh how times change.

https://www.nhlpa.com/player-poll/2018-19

The problem Jack....especially IF you have a decent team....with some decent talent, is HOW do you tank????
You have players competing for jobs, new contracts, developing a "will to win".
You have a coach who is PAID TO WIN, to develop WINNERS. And he is an INTERIM coach who would love a full time gig with a decent contract.
I, too, was hoping we fell off.....maybe got a lottery pick. But, if a team CAN win...and they CAN compete for a bottom playoff spot....well, you gotta teach them to win, teach them to NOT QUIT. Sure as heck glad you or an individual of your idealism is not leading this team. If you think going into a lockerroom with 20 games to go and telling the team to "Try to lose" is the way to build a winner, you sir....are dead WRONG!!!
- hawk35

Teams don’t tank on the ice - or on the bench - or in the locker room.

If management wants a tank season, they are in rebuild mode - they’ve decided to tank to get a good draft pick - so they trade what quality players they have for future picks and prospects.

They put a sub-par team on the ice but they don’t tell that team - or coach that team - or instruct the coaches - to go out and lose.

Watching the Bolts play against the Caps. Man are the Bolts loaded they are definitely my favorites to win the Stanley Cup!
- BGKarras

Unless Ruuta has to keep playing--he is awful tonight.

Watching the Bolts play against the Caps. Man are the Bolts loaded they are definitely my favorites to win the Stanley Cup!
- BGKarras

Nothing is a given, Caps will be a tough out in the playoffs

Nothing is a given, Caps will be a tough out in the playoffs
- BetweenTheDots

Kempny helped off ice with what looks like it might be the “Anisimov special” twisted or broken leg.

Watching the Bolts play against the Caps. Man are the Bolts loaded they are definitely my favorites to win the Stanley Cup!
- BGKarras

They're unbelievably FAST

Kempny helped off ice with what looks like it might be the “Anisimov special” twisted or broken leg.
- pdx2ord

Yea it didn't look good at all

How many SOG do the Caps have 45

I'd like to know people's thoughts:

There are a lot of expiring contracts both on the hawks and hogs ... who stays and who can easily be replaced?
- I Am The Breadman

All the RFA can be signed except one. Hint: He plays in Rockford. All of the UFA can be launched into the sun. Though I suspect they bring back 3-4 of them for Rockford

All the RFA can be signed except one. Hint: He plays in Rockford. All of the UFA can be launched into the sun. Though I suspect they bring back 3-4 of them for Rockford
- Elbows15

Louis or Ejdsell?

Kruger I see coming back, but not in a hog sweater. I like Kampf more, but I see them on the 4th line together. Hope to be wrong, even though I like Kruger.

They're unbelievably FAST
- Hawkytalk

True but i think the Caps have won 3 out of every 4 board battles tonight

Wow that's a goal Ward or Delia let's in

Any chance we could get Anthony Cirelli