So many saucer passes to Stalberg and Bruno unfinished!!! Should have had at least 20 more assist.....
- moots

His numbers were hurt , as he said today becasue of the power play....That's where Kane should have recorded another 2o assists.

So many saucer passes to Stalberg and Bruno unfinished!!! Should have had at least 20 more assist.....
- moots

His numbers were hurt , as he said today becasue of the power play....That's where Kane should have recorded another 2o assists.

Just got done watching the Stanbow and Q pressers.

They pretty much said all the right things, Stanbow calling the PP unacceptable, Q taking a lot of the blame for the poor PP etc.

To me, one of the more interesting moments came when Q was asked, if in his opinion the roster needed more of a tweek, or more of an overhaul. As you would expect, he danced around the question a bit and never truly answered directly, but I got the distinct impression that Q thinks more than just a tweek is needed. Maybe it's just me though.

It's not so much a question if they can afford all three but rather can they field an effective winner with three players accounting for over $20 million in cap space.
- Al

Agreed Al...for a small market club to have 20-22 M tied up in goal and top pair Dmen, seems they'll need to push the cap going forward to really compete.

But Nashville is a well run outfit, so perhaps they can pull in off.

Just got done watching the Stanbow and Q pressers.

They pretty much said all the right things, Stanbow calling the PP unacceptable, Q taking a lot of the blame for the poor PP etc.

To me, one of the more interesting moments came when Q was asked, if in his opinion the roster needed more of a tweek, or more of an overhaul. As you would expect, he danced around the question a bit and never truly answered directly, but I got the distinct impression that Q thinks more than just a tweek is needed. Maybe it's just me though.
- Ogilthorpe2

Let's hope Stanbow and Q can put all that talk to action this summer and work together as a team. I have a feeling Stan and Q will be on thin ice this coming year.

Agreed Al...for a small market club to have 20-22 M tied up in goal and top pair Dmen, seems they'll need to push the cap going forward to really compete.

But Nashville is a well run outfit, so perhaps they can pull in off.
- ArlingtonRob

Yep...It's not like it caught them be surprise.

Just got done watching the Stanbow and Q pressers.

They pretty much said all the right things, Stanbow calling the PP unacceptable, Q taking a lot of the blame for the poor PP etc.

To me, one of the more interesting moments came when Q was asked, if in his opinion the roster needed more of a tweek, or more of an overhaul. As you would expect, he danced around the question a bit and never truly answered directly, but I got the distinct impression that Q thinks more than just a tweek is needed. Maybe it's just me though.
- Ogilthorpe2

...Also Q. put a good deal of blame for the PP on the players.

I don't know why it is so shocking for so many fans to potentially have to part with Patrick Kane...

I understand that he is only 23, and not only has tremendous talent, but hasn't even entered the prime of his career yet. But he's the type of player that will get return in different areas that will make the Blackhawks a better team.

Everybody wants to add all of these big time players, but where can you fit them on this roster that is already filled up with 6 guys who are making $5mil +?

The Hawks aren't going to trade Patrick Kane because he is a bad player or because he isn't producing....they will trade him because he will get them a FAT return of players that they need to come closer to winning a Stanley Cup. Toews, and I'll even say Seabrook should be the only two untouchable players on the Hawks roster right now. I might sound crazy, but if the Hawks want to get better defensively and add more depth players to their roster, trading a guy like Patrick Kane might have to happen in order for other deals to come into place.

This team will always score goals. If Hossa returns healthy, they still have 3 legitimate 30+ goal scorers/year in Sharp/Toews/Hossa. The league is clearly trending towards a more defensive/low scoring style. It's apparent by the teams who have moved on, and the teams who have been eliminated.

The Hawks need to stabilize their defensive unit, and find more depth on their 3rd/4th lines so that these players can play effective minutes. It's insane to expect guys like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook to continuously play high minutes every game of the year, while still being lock down defenders like in years past.

Praying for a SUCCESSFUL off season....

I don't know why it is so shocking for so many fans to potentially have to part with Patrick Kane...

I understand that he is only 23, and not only has tremendous talent, but hasn't even entered the prime of his career yet. But he's the type of player that will get return in different areas that will make the Blackhawks a better team.

Everybody wants to add all of these big time players, but where can you fit them on this roster that is already filled up with 6 guys who are making $5mil +?

The Hawks aren't going to trade Patrick Kane because he is a bad player or because he isn't producing....they will trade him because he will get them a FAT return of players that they need to come closer to winning a Stanley Cup. Toews, and I'll even say Seabrook should be the only two untouchable players on the Hawks roster right now. I might sound crazy, but if the Hawks want to get better defensively and add more depth players to their roster, trading a guy like Patrick Kane might have to happen in order for other deals to come into place.

This team will always score goals. If Hossa returns healthy, they still have 3 legitimate 30+ goal scorers/year in Sharp/Toews/Hossa. The league is clearly trending towards a more defensive/low scoring style. It's apparent by the teams who have moved on, and the teams who have been eliminated.

The Hawks need to stabilize their defensive unit, and find more depth on their 3rd/4th lines so that these players can play effective minutes. It's insane to expect guys like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook to continuously play high minutes every game of the year, while still being lock down defenders like in years past.

Praying for a SUCCESSFUL off season....
- frafra

I don't think too many people are shocked at all, I just think some question if Kane's the right guy to move (Sharp would be my choice) and even more wonder if Bowman is the right guy to move him.

I think there would be plenty of teams intereted in Kane, I just don't know if I trust Stanbow to get enough back to make it worth trading him.

His numbers were hurt , as he said today becasue of the power play....That's where Kane should have recorded another 2o assists.
- Al

>USA-Canada Gold Medal Game: Kane dominated the third period with his puck possession, vision, skill, skating, passing -- at 23 now, maybe THE player with the highest ceiling yet hit
>Kane IS the issue for the Hawks -- I believe it is a Moneyball-type issue with SBow and Q -- SBow wants Kane to play center, his idea -- Q not so much
>SBow's idea worked when Hossa and Kane played give and go all over the ice
>Kane's talent needs to be used in creative and innovative ways on the powerplay
>It's clear Kane needs a big body to open the ice up for him in the playoffs -- SBow's delusional if he doesn't see that
>The Moneyball feud and front-office meddling MUST END or this team will just get worse
>I'd like the Hawks to take a deep breath, see REALITY clearly, and move accordingly
>I'd also like the Hawks to elevate their hockey strategic approaches -- too many teams do the same damn things -- play four forwards and 1-Dman on a shift once and awhile -- try some powerplay formation nobody has ever seen before -- something!
>My crystal ball: Hossa won't be back

Interesting facts. (reasons/excuses we did not win round 1)

9 players under 25 years old played for Hawks in playoffs.
Best player (Toews) was coming back from concussion (less than full strength)
2nd best player (Hossa) knocked out early in game 3. did not return.

Areas of improvement needed.
1) goals against
2) PK
3) defensive system in our own zone
4) outlet from own zone

Duncan Keith - he had 45 hits in the regular season. ranked 177th among defensemen in NHL despite being a TOI leader. Blocked shots 121 in the regular season. ranked 61st amongst defensemen in NHL despite being a TOI leader. If players know they are not going to get hit they own below the red line.

Leddy was not much different.

If two of your top four defensemen are not hitting people you are going lose board battles.

If they are not blocking shots your PK is going to suffer.

If our defensive system is to keep our forwards down low in our own zone and give opposing defenders time to tee it up then our wingers and defenders damn well better block shots. Time to man up wingers, Keith, Leddy.

If we have such great skill players and puck moving defensemen shouldn't we come up with a few other options for getting out of our zone other than throwing it along the boards.

I don't think too many people are shocked at all, I just think some question if Kane's the right guy to move (Sharp would be my choice) and even more wonder if Bowman is the right guy to move him.

I think there would be plenty of teams intereted in Kane, I just don't know if I trust Stanbow to get enough back to make it worth trading him.
- Ogilthorpe2

this we agree on!!!!

questions

is matt carle worth going after in free agency based on how much he may command?

schenn seems to have fallen out of favor in toronto? would he be worth going after in a trade?

would those 2 be a solid 2nd pairing? one hitter, one shot blocker. would they both help the PK?

if those answers are yes, then leddy & monty (just cant see anyone taking monty) as 3rd pairing? seems they should be able to play 12-15 minutes a game, 20 ish minutes for 2nd pair and 25 ish for top pair?
olsen as 7th dman?

and....is there any chance Ott could be pried out of Dallas and stoll out of LA????

questions

is matt carle worth going after in free agency based on how much he may command?

schenn seems to have fallen out of favor in toronto? would he be worth going after in a trade?

would those 2 be a solid 2nd pairing? one hitter, one shot blocker. would they both help the PK?

if those answers are yes, then leddy & monty (just cant see anyone taking monty) as 3rd pairing? seems they should be able to play 12-15 minutes a game, 20 ish minutes for 2nd pair and 25 ish for top pair?
olsen as 7th dman?

and....is there any chance Ott could be pried out of Dallas????
- dpard

I wouldn't mind having Luke Schenn on this team. He's a big, physical defender. Right handed shot. Decent cap hit at $3.6 million. I guess the two questions are if he's really fallen out of favor and available, and what Burke would want for him in a trade?

Speaking of Toronto defenseman, what about Mike Komisarek? He's another big physical guy with a right handed shot. I know he doesn't have the upside Schenn has, and from what I've heard, can't skate all that fast. His cap hit is higher ($4.5 million with two seasons left) and I know he's been part of past trade rumors. Could he possibly be a fit here if Bowman can send Montador back the other way?

Could Matt Carle possibly stay in Philadelphia? I know there were questions as to Pronger possibly calling it a career over the winter. If that's a possibility, or a reality, I could see Carle staying with the Flyers.

If Bowman wanted to trade Kane he could get it done before dinner...

In many ways Kane showed me more this season than in the past.
- Al

Agreed. An effective, all-terrain type winger on his line would have helped...a lot. However, if the Hawks want to keep him there--he's got a lot of work ahead of him to improve his face offs.

I don't know why it is so shocking for so many fans to potentially have to part with Patrick Kane...

I understand that he is only 23, and not only has tremendous talent, but hasn't even entered the prime of his career yet. But he's the type of player that will get return in different areas that will make the Blackhawks a better team.

Everybody wants to add all of these big time players, but where can you fit them on this roster that is already filled up with 6 guys who are making $5mil +?

The Hawks aren't going to trade Patrick Kane because he is a bad player or because he isn't producing....they will trade him because he will get them a FAT return of players that they need to come closer to winning a Stanley Cup. Toews, and I'll even say Seabrook should be the only two untouchable players on the Hawks roster right now. I might sound crazy, but if the Hawks want to get better defensively and add more depth players to their roster, trading a guy like Patrick Kane might have to happen in order for other deals to come into place.

This team will always score goals. If Hossa returns healthy, they still have 3 legitimate 30+ goal scorers/year in Sharp/Toews/Hossa. The league is clearly trending towards a more defensive/low scoring style. It's apparent by the teams who have moved on, and the teams who have been eliminated.

The Hawks need to stabilize their defensive unit, and find more depth on their 3rd/4th lines so that these players can play effective minutes. It's insane to expect guys like Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook to continuously play high minutes every game of the year, while still being lock down defenders like in years past.

Praying for a SUCCESSFUL off season....
- frafra

They aren't trading Kane. And they don't need "big time" players. Who is asking for that? They need big players that can skate and play physical... They don't always come with a huge price tag..

Agreed. An effective, all-terrain type winger on his line would have helped...a lot. However, if the Hawks want to keep him there--he's got a lot of work ahead of him to improve his face offs.
- grinder10

Agreed. I'd like to see Kane stay at center, but he has to improve at the dot.

A 20 minute season in Boston.

I don't think too many people are shocked at all, I just think some question if Kane's the right guy to move (Sharp would be my choice) and even more wonder if Bowman is the right guy to move him.

I think there would be plenty of teams intereted in Kane, I just don't know if I trust Stanbow to get enough back to make it worth trading him.
- Ogilthorpe2

You can be sure that if Stan comes up with a potential deal for Kane, EVERYONE will get involved: Rockwell, John McCub, Q, Dad - maybe even Tommy Ivan, Rudi Pilous and Billy Reay.

For better or worse, the decision will NOT be Junior's alone.

Is it July 1st yet?
I need to know what this team will look like next season (strike or no strike)

Interesting facts. (reasons/excuses we did not win round 1)

9 players under 25 years old played for Hawks in playoffs.
Best player (Toews) was coming back from concussion (less than full strength)
2nd best player (Hossa) knocked out early in game 3. did not return.

Areas of improvement needed.
1) goals against
2) PK
3) defensive system in our own zone
4) outlet from own zone

Duncan Keith - he had 45 hits in the regular season. ranked 177th among defensemen in NHL despite being a TOI leader. Blocked shots 121 in the regular season. ranked 61st amongst defensemen in NHL despite being a TOI leader. If players know they are not going to get hit they own below the red line.
Leddy was not much different.

If two of your top four defensemen are not hitting people you are going lose board battles.

If they are not blocking shots your PK is going to suffer.

If our defensive system is to keep our forwards down low in our own zone and give opposing defenders time to tee it up then our wingers and defenders damn well better block shots. Time to man up wingers, Keith, Leddy.

If we have such great skill players and puck moving defensemen shouldn't we come up with a few other options for getting out of our zone other than throwing it along the boards.
- jodea

Wow...those stats are in eye opener. I would counter however that Keith is superb with his stick defensively. He counters alot of that lack physicality with his stick work. I know many here point out relentlessly that our D is overly reliant on poke check mentality. But Keith is one of the best in the league at it.

I suspect his stats were not that different during the cup year. I be curious what Sooup's stats were...probably a bit higher...but he is not a shot blocker either.

It also points out that Keith must be a big contributor offensively. And he slipped as most of the blueline mightily in that dept. The lack of offensive progress from #4 (ya know Bowman's next lindstrom) has also hurt.

What's everyone's take on Leddy? I think he got better this year and is still improving but I think he needs to be paired with a bigger/physical type d-man to offset his weaknesses (not physical). He really didn't seem to mesh well with Hammer and the 8/27 pairing was exposed in the playoffs. All that being said I don't think he's untouchable either, if there's a deal to be made that involves him that will make the Hawks better then I say do it.

Is it July 1st yet?
I need to know what this team will look like next season (strike or no strike)
- powerenforcer

I have a gut feeling that SB will wash, rinse and repeat.

Bring in some role players on 1 year deals, plug and play, just like the last 2 years...

...and Crawford gets another shot.

And I expect those friggin' "One Goal" ads will be back again with the usual tweek or two.

I wouldn't mind having Luke Schenn on this team. He's a big, physical defender. Right handed shot. Decent cap hit at $3.6 million. I guess the two questions are if he's really fallen out of favor and available, and what Burke would want for him in a trade?

Speaking of Toronto defenseman, what about Mike Komisarek? He's another big physical guy with a right handed shot. I know he doesn't have the upside Schenn has, and from what I've heard, can't skate all that fast. His cap hit is higher ($4.5 million with two seasons left) and I know he's been part of past trade rumors. Could he possibly be a fit here if Bowman can send Montador back the other way?

Could Matt Carle possibly stay in Philadelphia? I know there were questions as to Pronger possibly calling it a career over the winter. If that's a possibility, or a reality, I could see Carle staying with the Flyers.
- EKolb13

would a package of schenn and steckel be worth going after? steckel is a beast at the dot and can PK too?????

or is that too many players with last names starting with S on the team and confuse Foley?

What's everyone's take on Leddy? I think he got better this year and is still improving but I think he needs to be paired with a bigger/physical type d-man to offset his weaknesses (not physical). He really didn't seem to mesh well with Hammer and the 8/27 pairing was exposed in the playoffs. All that being said I don't think he's untouchable either, if there's a deal to be made that involves him that will make the Hawks better then I say do it.
- dan9189

Not sure where I heard it, but seem to recall the notion that it can take years for defenders to develop. I think Leddy was unfaithly thrust into 2nd pair minutes and it showed quite often.

Brian Campbell he is not....at least not yet.

I think patience is required, and I'd luv to see him slipped to the less demanding 3rd pair...which is where he should have been this year...

...or in Rockford actually.