Very funny!! Like it....

Steve...been following your exchange with Grit...entertaining stuff.

I find myself agreeing with you for the most part. And yes, this trip will likely make or brake the season. 8-10 points minimum to remain in the mix for home ice. Unfortunately, I can see this trip being a disaster with 5 or fewer points. The cynic in me always wins the day it seems.
- ArlingtonRob

This road trip should scare the hell out of everyone on this board. No easy games. Teams that are in or on the cusp of the playoffs. This is the time of year teams go all out to make one last run at a playoff spot, or know that they're going to watch teammates get dealt. That's the reality.

This road trip should scare the hell out of everyone on this board. No easy games. Teams that are in or on the cusp of the playoffs. This is the time of year teams go all out to make one last run at a playoff spot, or know that they're going to watch teammates get dealt. That's the reality.
- SteveRain

They'll go .500

This road trip should scare the hell out of everyone on this board. No easy games. Teams that are in or on the cusp of the playoffs. This is the time of year teams go all out to make one last run at a playoff spot, or know that they're going to watch teammates get dealt. That's the reality.
- SteveRain

They go 3-6 and are in 9th place when they return

I think it would be a mistake to give Olsen away, but I would move him for a rental that gives them a legitimate shot at the cup this year.I look at it similar to Pirri - where does he fit in? Keith, Seabrook and Leddy would seem to be going nowhere. Hammer could be moved or let go when his deal expires, but can Olsen replace him? Montador is signed (someone please explain to me what Stan was thinking) for a few more years. That's five spots locked up for the next few years.

Unless Olsen could come in as a #4-5 and push others down the depth chart, he might have more value as an unknown bundle of potential as far as raising the cup again than he would as a roster player in a year or two.
- NewToHockey

So who might that rental be that puts the final touches on a roster that can win the cup? Parise, Suter, Grabovski?

Olsen won't get you any of those guys and he won't be dumped for a middle of the road talent that fills a perceived hole but doesnt really improve the team. That is unless the Hawks have decided that he has no real NHL future with them.

My guess is that Olsen is looked on as an eventual replacement for Hammer or a rookie next year playing in a #5 role.

They'll go 0-9 and then only win 3 games the rest of the season. Retarded.

They'll go .500
- Return of the Roar

10-12 pts would be a decent to good trip.

I am not arguing against you, just know that there are allegedly those in the organization who don't want to add any cap commitment because of the labor situation. It's a major buzz kill but it does make some sense.
- John Jaeckel

So when you say “add any cap commitment”, does that mean only expiring this year or guys like this that expire in 2013? Hainsey, Morrow, Ryan Whitney, D Roy, Zajac

A #6 defenceman who needs a reliable partner in order to be considered decent, and we're paying close to 3.5 M for this guy? I think Montador has been SB's biggest bust so far.
- Dieselhead

I've said this from the very beginning of the season and most might recall Sabres fans coming on JJ's blogs at the time laughing at us for picking up this guy as a FA. Way, Way, WAYYYYYY overpaid, nowhere close to being a #3 or #4 -- and in my eyes, not much better than Boynton.

Put it this way -- for those Nick Leddy haters (and there seem to be more than a few) who believe Leddy is not a #3 or #4 -- he's way closer to filling that role than Montador will ever be. My guess, too, is that the break will have done wonders for him and you'll see some pretty solid play from #8 here after the break.

GREAT POINT ON PLAYOFF HOCKEY
THE HAWKS NEED A PLAYER THAT CAN INTIMIDATE PHYSICALLY
vancouver d like to take runs at the wingers when their backs are turned waiting for the puck along the boards. i want someone to have to answer for those types of in my opinion cheap shots. the way marchant drops down to waste level when a guy takes a run at him i personnally dont have a problem with. this was something i did to protect myself and its up to the guy to be in control or pay the price
- molly2522

That's too bad you're such a cheap shot, who can't take a hit. You should try ringette or join the ballet. Who in their right mind stick up for a guy low bridging other players with their back turned. Yeah, Salo is a real threat, he typically throws questionable hits. Give me a fu(kin break.

If Marchand did that to any Hawks players, I would still find it unacceptable.

I've said this from the very beginning of the season and most might recall Sabres fans coming on JJ's blogs at the time laughing at us for picking up this guy as a FA. Way, Way, WAYYYYYY overpaid, nowhere close to being a #3 or #4 -- and in my eyes, not much better than Boynton.

Put it this way -- for those Nick Leddy haters (and there seem to be more than a few) who believe Leddy is not a #3 or #4 -- he's way closer to filling that role than Montador will ever be. My guess, too, is that the break will have done wonders for him and you'll see some pretty solid play from #8 here after the break.
- savvyone-1

Hope you're right Savvy...Dozy Nick was terrible the last few games before the break.

Specifcs of any trade I have resisted to speculate about. To many unknown factors for me to even bother speculating about.

But It is clear with the addition of Morrison...any trade will require at least 1 and possibly 2 roster moves to add a dman.

Q like Scott and OD...they stay...Lepisto odd man out; he is either waived or included in any deal.

For depth reasons I don't see Frolik going for a guy with an expiring contract. Everyone including me has run Bicks out of town...he maybe stays for depth reasons also.

I lay odds that StanBow trys to get his dman with Pirri, Smith, Morin maybe a prospect dman plus no lower than 3rd round picks. With Lepisto gone and OD moving to 7 dman.

Someone mentioned StanBow pulls trades that are not anybody's radar....I saw no mention of Morrison anywhere. I return you to my opening comment. Just to many variables for us to have a clue.
- bogiedoc

Q. can like Scott all he wants....Lepisto has a far better chance of being claimed off waivers than Scott. So unless traded the Hawks won't want to give away Lepisto and he might actually be able to play defense in an emergency in the playoffs..

If Scott plays at all down the stretch or as a defenseman period....TROUBLE

Agreed. I'm not saying you over pay to over pay, but settling for crap because you dont' want to take on money is a BS reason.

Every door is open to the Hawks in terms of adding whomever. That hasn't been the case for a LONG time due to cap restrictions. That's what I am getting at.
- SteveRain

But unfortunately this time the 'Hawks are facing uncertainty on the labour front. Don't get me wrong, intrinsically I agree with everything you mention. Just this time - in this instance - its different.

I do believe however the 'Hawks will dive a little bit into their cap space but not near the full season amount of $5M+. I wish it were more and hope it can go that way.

Agreed. I'm not saying you over pay to over pay, but settling for crap because you dont' want to take on money is a BS reason.

Every door is open to the Hawks in terms of adding whomever. That hasn't been the case for a LONG time due to cap restrictions. That's what I am getting at.
- SteveRain

I can't argue that point wasn't my intent.

Hope you're right Savvy...Dozy Nick was terrible the last few games before the break.
- philco28

Philco, have to agree with you, certainly wasn't his best hockey by any means.

The kid is too good to not rebound after some time off the ice. Let's see what he shows us tonight and then we can chatter about it tomorrow.

LOL...ReallY?

Lets see where they are at after this 9 game trip. The trip I posted weeks ago, would be the defining factor. Especially, to stay in a spot where they achieve home ice. They will need a very good, if NOT great road trip. Detroit is loaded with home games the rest of the way. You're thinking because their MEN, they can overcome it....Maybe they can, but you can't overcome a lack of depth and talent. That's my point. 6-3 may be needed.

With the way this roster is, and Qs love affair for matchups, home ice will be vital to a series win. He's 2-2, with the Hawks, when they have NOT had home ice in a playoff series.

Yes, when healthy, San Jose, Detroit, Philly, Vancouver, Rangers, and Boston are right there, some better, then the Hawks. To assume otherwise, you've either had too much sun down in FLA or have a continous loop of "one goal" ads going on in the back ground.
- SteveRain

Seriously, what is your point? That you looked ahead and saw the schedule and everyone in the organization forgot about it? Or that the guys won't be focused? Or that because we did not get another all star we have no chance?

These guys are grown men. If they can't find a way to want it, then they will get what they deserve. It is pretty simple. You act as if you YELL REAL LOUD HERE THAT THE TEAM WILL GET FIRED UP!

All that is important is the team hitting their stride and playing well and getting in the playoffs. That is it. Sure be great to run off 32 in a row, but feel good about our chances of being in the top 4. If we finish 5 - 8..so be it.

Geez, the EYORE sky is falling Chicago fans are pure comedy. Like the passion, but lets get realistic.

Lastly, I will contend that this lack of depth and talent thing is the biggest enemy of the team. Q needs to give guys jobs and let them play. If he wants to run guys in the ground, don't blame the guys who are not getting ice time. It is not the 3rd or 4th line giving up the shat goals late in second or early in 3rd to make games interesting, it is your core guys.

I hope you have a good support network there with all these games. Could really take an emotional toll on you.

But unfortunately this time the 'Hawks are facing uncertainty on the labour front. Don't get me wrong, intrinsically I agree with everything you mention. Just this time - in this instance - its different.

I do believe however the 'Hawks will dive a little bit into their cap space but not near the full season amount of $5M+. I wish it were more and hope it can go that way.
- blackhawk24

If they spend half of what they have that would mean over $5 mill in current salaries could be added.

Well then, Mr. McDonough and Mr. Faber need to monitor Stan's comments to the press, fans, etc. Seriously, it's the 3rd or 4th time he's going to look like a complete @ss clown, and somebody who follows this team in the media NEEDS to call him on it.

1. Offer sheets don't scare me
2. Niemi/Hammer NOT going anywhere
3. In season cap space will allow us to ADD in season
- SteveRain

OK, devils advocate: What was SB going to say? The opposite?

1. OS's scare the living daylights out of me.
2. Nemo and Hammer ain't goin nowhere.
3. We'll have a ton of cap money but don't expect any to be spent. Don't forget your playoff invoices and STH renewals... I added that last part.

Philco, have to agree with you, certainly wasn't his best hockey by any means.

The kid is too good to not rebound after some time off the ice. Let's see what he shows us tonight and then we can chatter about it tomorrow.
- savvyone-1

Savvy, i agree Nick has the potential to develop into a 4, but due to his youth and inexperience, he's miscast in that role at present. I think he'd be rejuvenated playing fewer minutes as a 5 for the rest of the season. But have to say i admire how you have consistently been a vocal backer of his on these boards

Q. can like Scott all he wants....Lepisto has a far better chance of being claimed off waivers than Scott. So unless traded the Hawks won't want to give away Lepisto and he might actually be able to play defense in an emergency in the playoffs..

If Scott plays at all down the stretch or as a defenseman period....TROUBLE
- Al

More than just Trouble; it means Elimination.

This road trip should scare the hell out of everyone on this board. No easy games. Teams that are in or on the cusp of the playoffs. This is the time of year teams go all out to make one last run at a playoff spot, or know that they're going to watch teammates get dealt. That's the reality.
- SteveRain

Oh man, how am I gonna sleep during the trip. Give me a break. They are playing hockey games 1 game at a time. How would the next 9 games be any different if they played a few at home a few on the road? NO DIFFERENT...YOU HAVE TO WIN GAMES AND SALVAGE POINTS.

My goodness, do you get hysterical when you see a spider in your kitchen....I can hear the screams now.

I will make you this deal, if we do not finish the trip 4th or higher, I will not post for 2 weeks. Otherwise, you stay silent for a few weeks.

Q. can like Scott all he wants....Lepisto has a far better chance of being claimed off waivers than Scott. So unless traded the Hawks won't want to give away Lepisto and he might actually be able to play defense in an emergency in the playoffs..

If Scott plays at all down the stretch or as a defenseman period....TROUBLE
- Al

The next game John Scott skates in should be Q's last as Coach of the Hawks.

You guys may remember when I said some in the organization took umbrage with Bowman going to Sassone and talking ad nauseum about his trade plans . . then a few weeks later I hear the Hawks have decided to tighten it down financially for next year because of the labor issue. If you can't see a connection here . . .

The fact that Scott remains on the roster...period...makes me uncomfortable. In fact, his presence makes me question the ability of Blackhawk hockey operations to evaluate talent.

The sooner he's using his engineering degree the better.

Philco, have to agree with you, certainly wasn't his best hockey by any means.

The kid is too good to not rebound after some time off the ice. Let's see what he shows us tonight and then we can chatter about it tomorrow.
- savvyone-1

Kid has the raw talent to be a #2 d-man IMO. He is much tougher than he looks, can really skate, very good point shot and PP instincts and make plays positionally. What will be the determining factors are:

1) Can he get over his jitters and deer in the headlights issues in his own end
2) Will he ever have any real offensive flair on the rush— he skates the puck up ice, gets in the zone then suddenly all the lights go off. Say what you want about Byfuglien, I always thought what made him special is what he did in the offensive zone, and why I still think he could have been a HOFer as a forward.

You guys may remember when I said some in the organization took umbrage with Bowman going to Sassone and talking ad nauseum about his trade plans . . then a few weeks later I hear the Hawks have decided to tighten it down financially for next year because of the labor issue. If you can't see a connection here . . .
- John Jaeckel

I think the connection here is that you shouldn't believe a word that any coach, owner, GM, scout, etc says for the next 4 weeks.

Most here seem to think that everything said or talked about is 100% real. Don't be surprised when things being "talked" about don't happen or when the complete opposite happens.