Crawford took more poop than a toilet today, what's up with that? Who are we dumping all over tomorrow? Just curious. It's been awhile since Saad took some heat ... let's change that.

[quote=I Am The : took more poop than a toilet today, what's up with that? Who are we dumping all over tomorrow? Just curious. It's been awhile since Saad took some heat ... let's change that.

Ok here is your jump start to the hockey season:
Traverse City Hockey Tournament Sept 6-10 no games on Sept 8. The schedule is on their website.

Wasn't Crawford basically the only reason we were in most of the games before he got injured. If anything he's getting better... when he's healthy. And yes, in honor of August 1st, the dog days of NHL summer, I will bring bring it up...Crawford is elite ( when healthy). Sorry to everyone who finds that argument as annoying as I do however in honor of his accomplishments and what I remember I had to say it
- just69sayin

I get it a lot of hawks fans have a problem admitting to themselves honestly that guys like crawford and Keith are no longer the players they once where , and therefore feel the need to argue . Chicago has not made the playoffs in 2 straight years and is 4 years removed from winning their last cup, in that time Toews has had 3 well below avg years for the amount of money Chicago is paying him.

Crawford was a elite goalie , however in 2 years he has missed more games due to not 1 but 2 concussions. I'm sorry if some fans can't accept the fact that Crawford's best days are well behind him and he is a huge liability, therefore Lehner was brought in because of that problem. You'd also like to think people would be honest , Crawford's injuries over a 2 year period no matter how you want to spin your argument , his not playing does impact his overall skill , timing , conditioning , you can't ignore those obvious factors and his age doesn't help at 35 years old you start to slow down .

I'm a Crawford fan , but I'm just being honest about the situation .

It would ve great if some fans would except reality that all good things eventually come to a end .

Wasn't Crawford basically the only reason we were in most of the games before he got injured. If anything he's getting better... when he's healthy. And yes, in honor of August 1st, the dog days of NHL summer, I will bring bring it up...Crawford is elite ( when healthy). Sorry to everyone who finds that argument as annoying as I do however in honor of his accomplishments and what I remember I had to say it
- just69sayin

I get it a lot of hawks fans have a problem admitting to themselves honestly that guys like crawford and Keith are no longer the players they once where , and therefore feel the need to argue . Chicago has not made the playoffs in 2 straight years and is 4 years removed from winning their last cup, in that time Toews has had 3 well below avg years for the amount of money Chicago is paying him.

Crawford was a elite goalie , however in 2 years he has missed more games due to not 1 but 2 concussions. I'm sorry if some fans can't accept the fact that Crawford's best days are well behind him and he is a huge liability, therefore Lehner was brought in because of that problem. You'd also like to think people would be honest , Crawford's injuries over a 2 year period no matter how you want to spin your argument , his not playing does impact his overall skill , timing , conditioning , you can't ignore those obvious factors and his age doesn't help at 35 years old you start to slow down .

I'm a Crawford fan , but I'm just being honest about the situation .

It would ve great if some fans would except reality that all good things eventually come to a end .

I get it a lot of hawks fans have a problem admitting to themselves honestly that guys like crawford and Keith are no longer the players they once where , and therefore feel the need to argue . Chicago has not made the playoffs in 2 straight years and is 4 years removed from winning their last cup, in that time Toews has had 3 well below avg years for the amount of money Chicago is paying him.

Crawford was a elite goalie , however in 2 years he has missed more games due to not 1 but 2 concussions. I'm sorry if some fans can't accept the fact that Crawford's best days are well behind him and he is a huge liability, therefore Lehner was brought in because of that problem. You'd also like to think people would be honest , Crawford's injuries over a 2 year period no matter how you want to spin your argument , his not playing does impact his overall skill , timing , conditioning , you can't ignore those obvious factors and his age doesn't help at 35 years old you start to slow down .

I'm a Crawford fan , but I'm just being honest about the situation .

It would ve great if some fans would except reality that all good things eventually come to a end .
- Taylorst1

I think most fans understand that Keith, Crawford and Toews and Kane for that matter aren't the same players they were 5 or 6 years ago but all of them are still productive and are still important parts to Chicago if there is any chance there is still one more cup to be won.

Crawford took more poop than a toilet today, what's up with that? Who are we dumping all over tomorrow? Just curious. It's been awhile since Saad took some heat ... let's change that.
- I Am The Breadman

Good call Bread. Everyone get Saad!!!

Kind of strange how conversations morph here (almost always negative........)

I think the main point was that Stan signed Lehner to:


A.) let him and Crow split games this year, (which is a positive)

B.) to cut down on the workload for Crow after he had missed so many games last two years (which is a positive)

C.) to protect the record if Crow goes down again, which you at least have to admit is more likely than not, considering the past couple years (which is a positive)

D.) to put the team in a good position for the future at G, as Crow will be what 36 going into next year (which is a positive)


Only here could that turn in to a ugly, negative, donnybrook.

Good call Bread. Everyone get Saad!!!


- HawkintheD

He's had it too easy for too long!

Jhawk, I'm more than excited for the Traverse tourney!

I think most fans understand that Keith, Crawford and Toews and Kane for that matter aren't the same players they were 5 or 6 years ago but all of them are still productive and are still important parts to Chicago if there is any chance there is still one more cup to be won.
- paulr

Agreed but prolonging this fantasy that Crawford may reincarnate himself and stick around is not what an actual GM does. Only a "Fantasy League GM" would be bringing Corey Crawford back at 36.

Kind of strange how conversations morph here (almost always negative........)

I think the main point was that Stan signed Lehner to:


A.) let him and Crow split games this year, (which is a positive)

B.) to cut down on the workload for Crow after he had missed so many games last two years (which is a positive)

C.) to protect the record if Crow goes down again, which you at least have to admit is more likely than not, considering the past couple years (which is a positive)

D.) to put the team in a good position for the future at G, as Crow will be what 36 going into next year (which is a positive)


Only here could that turn in to a ugly, negative, donnybrook.
- vabeachbear

It would be a total joke and a sign of much immaturity if bloggers got into a donnybrook.

It is obvious the odds are against Crawford returning to stellar form but it is not like it is a big long shot. What we can only guess about is how another concussion affected him. He was very good last year but there were examples early in his return about his certain physical movement in the crease on some shots. Might be he was not fully recovered or needed certain training to come all the way back.

His age is not an automatic deterrant from the point of view that he cannot at such age play exceptionally well

If i were a betting man i would be more concerned about forwards skating through the net area and or crashing the net on a shot or tip attempt.

I personally see him as a real warrior whom could come all the way back to elite form. I also cannot say if he can maintain such level if he experiences some battering from a forward barrelling in and some player on either team having the effect of Corey being tackled (end result: Corey crashes to the ice). Even one such foray could shake him up whether concussion or not.

Now should Corey play very well - maybe not quite the elite form, though - THEN how much money is to be allocated for your two goaltenders.

How much would Corey accept?

I wish for Lehner to play well too. I wish to sign him to be the #1 after next season. I will gamble that he has and will continue to overcome his demons. If Cirey is willing to take a home town discount, then i consider his return. With the uncertainty of salary cap for next two seasons i cannot imagine Corey would be offered $6 mill. Not with his concussion history.

I would take the safe route and go with Laakinen. I do not believe that Delia is ready maybe even after another AHL season. I would even consider keeping Gravel as the future top prospect over Delia. Laakinen has enough professional experience and i suggest he may soon if not now be NHL worthy.

Crawford gets to play out his contract. Fair enough. He is too big a risk to sign thereafter and he may choose to try for more money elsewhere. If i were Crawford he has to go where the money is in the last contract he will sign. If Corey gets to the point of another team willing to sign him, he does have a young kid and being recently married with a kid .......he may never sniff the kind of money/salary ever again.

I refuse to say whether plays well again; i do say it is possible. Be careful with Corey though as there are red flags as i mentioned which you do not stop worrying

Agreed but prolonging this fantasy that Crawford may reincarnate himself and stick around is not what an actual GM does. Only a "Fantasy League GM" would be bringing Corey Crawford back at 36.
- rpeters01

Other than some wishful thinking that a guy can have a great bounceback year which is definitely possible with Crow. If he can stay healthy (iffy I get it)., I think most here would acknowledge that unless Lehner has a Cam Ward type season, he likely gets the extended deal.

I think you have Fantasy GM’s around these parts confused with something else as most seem to be bussing the 30 something’s on the team to the glue factory.

Kind of strange how conversations morph here (almost always negative........)

I think the main point was that Stan signed Lehner to:


A.) let him and Crow split games this year, (which is a positive)

B.) to cut down on the workload for Crow after he had missed so many games last two years (which is a positive)

C.) to protect the record if Crow goes down again, which you at least have to admit is more likely than not, considering the past couple years (which is a positive)

D.) to put the team in a good position for the future at G, as Crow will be what 36 going into next year (which is a positive)


Only here could that turn in to a ugly, negative, donnybrook.
- vabeachbear

110% yeah this why I don't post too often

I don't want to go on a rant here, but:

I am sick of the CC bashing.

The guy was a workhorse for this team and instrumental in two of the three cups.

To argue is his talent was never elite is to deny the facts.

His level of play began to rise even higher as the crap show defensive play in front of him still saw him give up on average less than two goals a game seeing 35-40 SOG almost nightly.

In fact, that play in front of him these past two years is IMHO
directly responsible for his exposure to concussion injury.

The guy came back when in all likelihood he should have either hung them up or at least given himself more time to recover. More than I can say for many of his Charmin soft teammates who lacked the stones to stand up for him time after time.

Look - I think he will play about half of the games this year barring injury, and at his age after earning over $40MM in the Indianhead, he will likely retire back to life with his hottie wife and cute kid.

But to dump on him as if he was never an elite talent or a truly Committed Indian is shameful.

I don't want to go on a rant here, but:

I am sick of the CC bashing.

The guy was a workhorse for this team and instrumental in two of the three cups.

To argue is his talent was never elite is to deny the facts.

His level of play began to rise even higher as the crap show defensive play in front of him still saw him give up on average less than two goals a game seeing 35-40 SOG almost nightly.

In fact, that play in front of him these past two years is IMHO
directly responsible for his exposure to concussion injury.

The guy came back when in all likelihood he should have either hung them up or at least given himself more time to recover. More than I can say for many of his Charmin soft teammates who lacked the stones to stand up for him time after time.

Look - I think he will play about half of the games this year barring injury, and at his age after earning over $40MM in the Indianhead, he will likely retire back to life with his hottie wife and cute kid.

But to dump on him as if he was never an elite talent or a truly Committed Indian is shameful.
- Return of the Roar

I would say he WAS elite even moreso than Quick and Rask to name two when it counted. That doesn't change the fact he will be 36 going into his next contract all health issues aside which is probably why the contract is ending now. I'm not bashing for the past just saying he has just about reached the point where he is not the future. Many appear to be ignoring his age and are simply saying "if he stays healthy..." If he stays healthy he will be Cam Ward. Not 2015 Crawford.

I don't want to go on a rant here, but:

I am sick of the CC bashing.

The guy was a workhorse for this team and instrumental in two of the three cups.

To argue is his talent was never elite is to deny the facts.

His level of play began to rise even higher as the crap show defensive play in front of him still saw him give up on average less than two goals a game seeing 35-40 SOG almost nightly.

In fact, that play in front of him these past two years is IMHO
directly responsible for his exposure to concussion injury.

The guy came back when in all likelihood he should have either hung them up or at least given himself more time to recover. More than I can say for many of his Charmin soft teammates who lacked the stones to stand up for him time after time.

Look - I think he will play about half of the games this year barring injury, and at his age after earning over $40MM in the Indianhead, he will likely retire back to life with his hottie wife and cute kid.

But to dump on him as if he was never an elite talent or a truly Committed Indian is shameful.
- Return of the Roar

The defense made Crawford look good. The Hawks could have won those Cups will Milhouse in net.

Crawford took more poop than a toilet today, what's up with that? Who are we dumping all over tomorrow? Just curious. It's been awhile since Saad took some heat ... let's change that.
- I Am The Breadman

#50 has a couple of words to say...and I kinda agree

#50 has a couple of words to say...and I kinda agree


- bogiedoc

I think we should make a schedule for when we're going to dump on the players that helped deliver multiple Stanley Cups. All these guys have aged by choice and as a result no longer deserve our respect.

I think we should make a schedule for when we're going to dump on the players that helped deliver multiple Stanley Cups. All these guys have aged by choice and as a result no longer deserve our respect.
- DarthKane

No one is dumping on Crow. He was an elite goalie during the cup run after 2010. He probably has some elite play left in him but he hasn't been able to stay healthy.

When you miss half a season or more two years in a row I am not sure you can qualify as an elite goalie. Elite talent yes. Crow probably has lost a little bit but if its crunch time in the playoffs I bet Crow still has it.

His weakness was high glove hand. I remember the Bruins just peppering it. Crow worked on that and in '15 I don't recall that really being an issue at all. He won Cups while getting better.

Stan Bowman fired for Cubs not hitting.

I think we should make a schedule for when we're going to dump on the players that helped deliver multiple Stanley Cups. All these guys have aged by choice and as a result no longer deserve our respect.
- DarthKane

Ahhh, the (female) dog days of summer...

Stan Bowman fired for Cubs not hitting.
- rpeters01

wow...finally!

* Crawford will have a strong challenger for his job. The competition should bring out the best in him. But his post concussion history should be enough for him to push himself to his best. Perhaps there is a lingering effect from the last concussion? I believe we don't think it was a bad concussion late last season. But you never know the severity each time.

Crawford is not NOT too old to excel for at least one more season. I hate how the players do not police their conduct and therefore goalmouth crashing the net happens too frequently. The solution of course is an offender who causes a goaltender concussion, is suspended as long as the goaltender is out of action. Fair is fair. If you cannot charge net and keep balance or from colliding with goaltender, then let this play become extinct. Do this play in a modified version. I do not want my team scoring if it meant hurting the opposing netminder. Charging the net is part of hockey?-- sure -- but no place for the injuries it causes. Hockey is a rough sport. Yes it is. Too rough and needs severe penalty for goaltenders who become concussed.

And to naysayers Crawford became elite or right next to the very best netminders-
.
Remember shutout game six Stanley Cup 2015

Following season he was choosen by Bancock one of his three goaltenders on Olympic Team. Weak glove? Cmon' his glove was not an issue else he never became as good as he was. Was. Probably still can be.....as long as he isn't playing scared of goalmouth collisions. What he was bad at back.in 2010 was his puck handling. Bad when in AHL. I am uncertain how he is with puck handling now becsuse i haven"t paid close attention to this aspect to say one way or another.
- jhawk59

I completely agree that the league absolutely needs to address the problem of goalies getting run over. It’s one of the things that legitimately pisses me off about the NHL. They need to absolutely outlaw guys running into the goalie even if it is accidental and part of a hard play to the net. If a player is putting himself in a position such that he could lose control and run over a goalie, they need to be penalized and suspended.

The NHL is such an f’ing joke when it comes to player safety and discipline. I think they need to start adopting legitimate 0 tolerance policies on hits to goalies and hits to the head. Give out real suspensions so that players stop injuring each other. Start suspending guys for 10-20 games for these types of dangerous plays even if they aren’t intentional. It won’t take away from the game. Maybe some old timers will complain but it would reduce injuries and make the game more enjoyable to watch. It makes me sick when one of these guys gets a terrible hit to the head knowing the effects it can have on them down the line.

Hockey isn’t football. Hits to the head are not an inherent part of the game, they could be removed and outlawed if the league starting seriously disciplining offenders. The worst part is that the NHLPA would put up a stink if the league started suspending players for significant portions of the season.

Outlaw charges to the crease, outlaw hits to the head, start making these suspensions sting. The game can still be played hard without hits to the head, I’m just so sick of seeing players get brain damage and the guy who causes it gets suspended for 1 game. It’s a f’ing joke and needs to be stopped.

I think we should make a schedule for when we're going to dump on the players that helped deliver multiple Stanley Cups. All these guys have aged by choice and as a result no longer deserve our respect.
- DarthKane

Did Crow seek ways to stay young? Did he drink the blood of a dead Gladiator? Or did he drink breast milk and eat sugar and fennel? Or hold his breath and breathe more shallow? Or drink flakes of gold? Or seek the fountain of youth? Or look for the picture of Dorion Gray? No he did not. Instead he got old and did nothing to stay young and doesn't deserve your, or anyone's respect. Don't knoe about you but I only respect people that don't get old.

I completely agree that the league absolutely needs to address the problem of goalies getting run over. It’s one of the things that legitimately pisses me off about the NHL. They need to absolutely outlaw guys running into the goalie even if it is accidental and part of a hard play to the net. If a player is putting himself in a position such that he could lose control and run over a goalie, they need to be penalized and suspended.

The NHL is such an f’ing joke when it comes to player safety and discipline. I think they need to start adopting legitimate 0 tolerance policies on hits to goalies and hits to the head. Give out real suspensions so that players stop injuring each other. Start suspending guys for 10-20 games for these types of dangerous plays even if they aren’t intentional. It won’t take away from the game. Maybe some old timers will complain but it would reduce injuries and make the game more enjoyable to watch. It makes me sick when one of these guys gets a terrible hit to the head knowing the effects it can have on them down the line.

Hockey isn’t football. Hits to the head are not an inherent part of the game, they could be removed and outlawed if the league starting seriously disciplining offenders. The worst part is that the NHLPA would put up a stink if the league started suspending players for significant portions of the season.

Outlaw charges to the crease, outlaw hits to the head, start making these suspensions sting. The game can still be played hard without hits to the head, I’m just so sick of seeing players get brain damage and the guy who causes it gets suspended for 1 game. It’s a f’ing joke and needs to be stopped.
- LaheysBRandy

Make them sting the team more by not allowing a replacement during the suspension period.

If coaches can only use 17 skaters, they’ll start monitoring the dangerous hits more closely.

Make them sting the team more by not allowing a replacement during the suspension period.

If coaches can only use 17 skaters, they’ll start monitoring the dangerous hits more closely.
- StLBravesFan

I think that’s a great idea, anything that makes players more accountable for hurting each other. If they implemented a rule like that, coaches would definitely be more mindful of these types of plays and reckless players would be forced to be more careful.

I really just can’t stand these dangerous hits knowing that there are serious long term effects. I absolutely love the game, but this is something that has to be dealt with, and I don’t think it is all that hard to do.