Remember how bad Boynton and Sopel were and how impossible it would be to win a Cup with those two as a 3rd pairing in addition to how terribly soft the forwards were... I feel like that needs to be mentioned again (though that group did actually play defense)

The Morrison pickup is a good one. If he gets Hossa 10+ even strength goals this half it will be well worth it.

No Campbell created a big hole on the 2nd and 3rd line that cannot be replaced by some meathead that can barely skate or escape the ref's whistle.

Getting into the playoffs and not playing Nashville in the first round is the most critical task at hand IMO. If they do that they should get at least past the first round and play someone not Nashville in the 2nd giving them an even better chance to move forward again.
- fattybeef

If their playoff strategy is to succeed as long as they don't have to face (fill in the blank) is not a very comforting one. They need to build a team/develop a strategy capable of beating Nashville. If they don'tt hen I think they failed on this season. But I am taking the longer term view, and have much more optimism about things from that perspective.

Remember how bad Boynton and Sopel were and how impossible it would be to win a Cup with those two as a 3rd pairing in addition to how terribly soft the forwards were... I feel like that needs to be mentioned again (though that group did actually play defense)

The Morrison pickup is a good one. If he gets Hossa 10+ even strength goals this half it will be well worth it.

No Campbell created a big hole on the 2nd and 3rd line that cannot be replaced by some meathead that can barely skate or escape the ref's whistle.

Getting into the playoffs and not playing Nashville in the first round is the most critical task at hand IMO. If they do that they should get at least past the first round and play someone not Nashville in the 2nd giving them an even better chance to move forward again.
- fattybeef

Morrison will come out firing. Excited to be on a good team, chance at a cup, etc.

Agreed on Nashville. St. Louis is moving up that list as well. Teams that sit back and force the Hawks to work hard, etc....pose problems. Halak is good enough to steal a series or two...per Montreal's run a few years ago.

I get what you are saying about a few years back, but Eager, Buff, Brouwer, Ladd, all were big boys. Hawks have 1 big boy right now, and he's madenning to watch live...Mr. Bryan Bickell. I did laugh out your loud at your meathead comment....That's all I hear from my section....HIT SOMEBODY YOU .....

You really think our forwards were terribly soft that year?
- ilinkhawk

I wouldn't call that team soft at all...

They so much talent and speed they steamrolled teams in the last 30 minutes of games.

But you need people who can skate well and hit hard to do so.

The one player who has been mentioned...Who I hear is almost a lock to be traded is Moen.

But there will probably be a bidding war for him too.
- Al

I'd be ALL in for that guy. Put him on a line with Bolland, and they'd be a g-damn nightmare for anyone in the west to play against. Those 2 and Keith/Seabrook take away ANYONE's top line being a threat.

The one player who has been mentioned...Who I hear is almost a lock to be traded is Moen.

But there will probably be a bidding war for him too.
- Al

I had him on my short list for LW, expiring contract, decent hitter, decent monies and the ability IMO to mesh well on a Bolly checking line.

Philco,
My men's league teammates "chide" me as well for backing the young guy.

If you have the chance to see this kid up-close, you'll better understand why I've been a staunch supporter. We all know that unless someone can skate well, they won't be likely be a top player in the best league in the world. And we've had a few brushes with guys like Kenny Yaremchuk, Skille and even Stalberg because of their speed. He's not like any of those guys -- while he's got good speed, it's the combo of speed, lateral mobility and some pretty good hockey instincts that I've seen both at practices as well as up-close to the ice during games.

Backing his minutes down a bit will help -- but one thing is that he's not lacking for confidence, even in spite of his recent woes. I like that. I just believe he'll get his sh!t together here after the break and we'll see some solid play from him.

Let's both hope that's the case -- we could use some solid play from him that he's shown capable of in the past.
- savvyone-1

Way to stick to your guns Savvy. And i do recall you waxing about what you liked in Nick's game after watching him live. He's got the tools no doubt about that.

I think JJ's critique of Leddy on page 5 was pretty good. Leddy's recent struggles clearing his own zone, even under the lightest of pressure, are what have concerned me. I could easily compile a tidy montage of Leddy's phuck ups inside our own blue line. HE NEEDS TO CLEAN THIS UP ASAP. And i'd love to see him use his shot more. He does have a heavy shot.

JJ also suggested Leddy could someday be a 2. I'd have to disagree about that because as long as 2 and 7 are around, and both are entering their primes, i don't see 8 being in the top pairing anytime soon------at least wearing the grinning Chief on his chest.

Way to stick to your guns Savvy. And i do recall you waxing about what you liked in Nick's game after watching him live. He's got the tools no doubt about that.

I think JJ's critique of Leddy on page 5 was pretty good. Leddy's recent struggles clearing his own zone, even under the lightest of pressure, are what have concerned me. I could easily compile a tidy montage of Leddy's phuck ups inside our own blue line. HE NEEDS TO CLEAN THIS UP ASAP. And i'd love to see him use his shot more. He does have a heavy shot.

JJ also suggested Leddy could someday be a 2. I'd have to disagree about that because as long as 2 and 7 are around, and both are entering their primes, i don't see 8 being in the top pairing anytime soon------at least wearing the grinning Chief on his chest.
- philco28

Just because he's number 3 on this team though doesn't mean that he can't be a number 2 calibre player. A number 3 who's capable of legit top 2 minutes in case of injury or to get a more favorable matchup would be a nice luxury to have.

Just because he's number 3 on this team though doesn't mean that he can't be a number 2 calibre player. A number 3 who's capable of legit top 2 minutes in case of injury or to get a more favorable matchup would be a nice luxury to have.
- Ogilthorpe2

IMO, Leddy's not even a 3 on this team. That distinction goes to Hjammer. But in time, i agree, if Nick progresses to potentially being a 2 (in case of injury)...then YES, that would be a bonus Ogie.

Ek has the Hawks as buyers.....looking for a #3 goalie and T.Ruutu ! Nice.....
- mrpaulish

Grain of salt anyone? His top "seller" is Columbus...his pre-season pick to win the Central. Not say'n, I'm just say'n.

Grain of salt anyone? His top "seller" is Columbus...his pre-season pick to win the Central. Not say'n, I'm just say'n.
- Ogilthorpe2

Was Derek Dorsett his Hart Trophy pick ?

Just got done listening to the Canucks Flagship radio station, and a few things I found interesting from both the talk show hosts and callers.

1) Canucks fans having a hard time getting up for tonight's game (actually more excited for their game against Detroit on Thursday).

2) Bruins are now the more hated rival.

3) Without Eager, Byfuglien, and Burish, there is little hatred for the Hawks.

4) There is a fear of what the Hawks might be able to do by the trade deadline with all the cap space they have.

5) Most humorous call was in response to their poll question: "What would you do if you won a million dollars?" One response: "I would buy a farm".

IMO, Leddy's not even a 3 on this team. That distinction goes to Hjammer. But in time, i agree, if Nick progresses to potentially being a 2 (in case of injury)...then YES, that would be a bonus Ogie.
- philco28

I just think that's what JJ meant. I don't think he was suggesting that Keith, Seabs, or even Hjalarsson are going anywhere anytime soon, just that Leddy's talent ceiling, if he maxes out his potential, is that of a #2 calibre D-man.

Just got done listening to the Canucks Flagship radio station, and a few things I found interesting from both the talk show hosts and callers.

1) Canucks fans having a hard time getting up for tonight's game (actually more excited for their game against Detroit on Thursday).

2) Bruins are now the more hated rival.

3) Without Eager, Byfuglien, and Burish, there is little hatred for the Hawks.

4) There is a fear of what the Hawks might be able to do by the trade deadline with all the cap space they have.

5) Most humorous call was in response to their poll question: "What would you do if you won a million dollars?" One response: "I would buy a farm".
- hawks2010

You can't even buy a stinking farm in Van these days for a lousy million

Just got done listening to the Canucks Flagship radio station, and a few things I found interesting from both the talk show hosts and callers.

1) Canucks fans having a hard time getting up for tonight's game (actually more excited for their game against Detroit on Thursday).

2) Bruins are now the more hated rival.

3) Without Eager, Byfuglien, and Burish, there is little hatred for the Hawks.

4) There is a fear of what the Hawks might be able to do by the trade deadline with all the cap space they have.

5) Most humorous call was in response to their poll question: "What would you do if you won a million dollars?" One response: "I would buy a farm".
- hawks2010

So would I. Seriously, I would.

I think just think that's what JJ meant. I don't think he was suggesting that Keith, Seabs, or even Hjalarsson are going anywhere anytime soon, just that Leddy's talent ceiling, if he maxes out his potential, is that of a #2 calibre D-man.
- Ogilthorpe2

Fair enough and i'd agree with that. It will be interesting to see where he is in 2-3 years. I'd hope for major progress by then.

My olive branch:

I think with the right moves, and this is not a fantasy thing but more of a type of player thing:

Travis Moen type
Large physical d man who play PK, and top 4 minutes IF needed w/o sucking (see Montador)
Skilled forward

Are they good enough RIGHT now to come out of the west? Probably...West is tight, but the seedings will be huge. Get a top 3 seed and avoid a Detroit/St. Louis/Nashville, could prolong your run.
Their core is damn good.....Not 100% sold on Crawford. Think they are putting Leddy in a tough spot. Depth needs to improve with people who can contribute.

Forget trades, and I'll bet anyone here if these 3 things happen...they'll win the division:

1. Get Kane to do what Toews did last year...carry this team offensively. he's too talented to be non existent on most nights.

2. Get Crawford on a roll.

3. Get the PK and PP humming along and consistent. It's either really good, or crap.
- SteveRain

Probably need a top-2 seed to avoid all of those.

I wouldn't call that team soft at all...

They so much talent and speed they steamrolled teams in the last 30 minutes of games.

But you need people who can skate well and hit hard to do so.
- Al

Those guys weren't soft at all. They could physically play with anyone... Agreed

So I guess Sharp is a go tonight...broken bone in wrist, but good enough to play at this point...

Hopefully he holds up.

So I guess Sharp is a go tonight...broken bone in wrist, but good enough to play at this point...

Hopefully he holds up.
- ArlingtonRob

Hope he's not rushing back...don't want this thing to linger. Hate these type of scenarios. The 'play hurt' mentality is for glory hunters and fools.

Fair enough and i'd agree with that. It will be interesting to see where he is in 2-3 years. I'd hope for major progress by then.
- philco28

Let's just say I believe you all will be surprised (a good surprised).

My take -- he'll be one of the guys to step up in the playoffs while making fewer mistakes through the last 32 tilts in the regular season.

Even if he slots in at #3/4 on this team, he would clearly be capable of stepping in the top slotting if we had 2/7 injured. Plus, at only 20, he sure gives us more flexibility with trades, regardless of who would ultimately be put on the block.

Hey, Philco, can you help me get Montador escorted out of town???

I'd be ALL in for that guy. Put him on a line with Bolland, and they'd be a g-damn nightmare for anyone in the west to play against. Those 2 and Keith/Seabrook take away ANYONE's top line being a threat.
- SteveRain

I agree, if the Hawks came out of the next 4 weeks with Sutton (or Erskine or Brett Clark . . . ) and Moen, I'd be fairly happy. If they're all relatively healthy come playoff time, they should be in a pretty good position to contend.

You have to view Shaw as a happy accident. It's like trading nothing for something between Scott Nichol and Marchand, because the kid plays like a veteran.

I am the last guy I think to be comfortable with a rookie in the playoffs and this guy does not worry me (much).

There might be other Moen-esque guys out there to be had too. But that is one of the pieces they're missing right now.

Hope he's not rushing back...don't want this thing to linger. Hate these type of scenarios. The 'play hurt' mentality is for glory hunters and fools.
- philco28

Got my info from Kuc's twitter feed, and J. Rogers has a brief radio interview with him. Suggested offseason surgery my be needed. I guess it's something he can play with, but will rectify in the offseason...hope it works out.

I just think that's what JJ meant. I don't think he was suggesting that Keith, Seabs, or even Hjalarsson are going anywhere anytime soon, just that Leddy's talent ceiling, if he maxes out his potential, is that of a #2 calibre D-man.
- Ogilthorpe2

Yes, that's what I meant. In a perfect world, he'd be playing third line with Brent Sopel (or similar) learning the game with a solid stay at home guy covering his backside, letting him develop as a dynamic puck-mover. Rolling him out 20 minutes plus against 2nd lines is too much for him right now. Not a knock on him. He's just not there yet.

So I guess Sharp is a go tonight...broken bone in wrist, but good enough to play at this point...

Hopefully he holds up.
- ArlingtonRob

Gotta think someone's gonna target the wrist.

Yes, that's what I meant. In a perfect world, he'd be playing third line with Brent Sopel (or similar) learning the game with a solid stay at home guy covering his backside, letting him develop as a dynamic puck-mover. Rolling him out 20 minutes plus against 2nd lines is too much for him right now. Not a knock on him. He's just not there yet.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, my feeling exactly. Great potential and upside...just wish the Hawks hadn't put such a burden on a young player. And I just don't expect much in the playoffs with Leddy playing 2nd pair minutes.