FINALLY...out of the penalty box.

Just want to say...Micah...you're a true homer. Banning me for defending Hoss after one of your posters mocked him. And my response was fairly tame.

All i said was..."Duncs has a message for Danielle....see ya."

You ban me being the 'Ref' and authority figure you are. Good for you buddy. These are the limits of your world.

As for the Hawks...lot of comments to sift through.

Toews and Duncs were the best. Tazer always tells it like it. But even though i've been down on Duncs...i still love the guy. Good guy. Thoughtful, sincere and a good phucking Marine.

Like Ogi said...Q's subtle comment about being open to an 'overhaul' as opposed to a tweak, was revealing. Wonder if he'd be open to letting his boyfriend Kitchen..or himself for that matter...fall on the sword.

Bolland...saying...that CarBomb's absence was felt, especially in 'chirping' guys was interesting. Hawks haven't had that swagger since '10.

Meathead Bicks ....shared that he had his exit interview and found out that his season was "inconsistent"

Stan Bum...what can you say. He was perturbed that there "so much talk about a second center." He then went on to defend Kane as perhaps the long term answer at that spot. And made a compelling case in doing so.

Brunette pretty much announced he was gone, saying he believes the club is going in a different direction. Bruno haters rejoice. Guy played with what seemed to be a broken toe or foot, but gave 150 per cent. He has to go, but i always admired his tenacity and veteran leadership. Good luck Bruno.

Everyone seemed to circle the wagons around Crow....but every Hawk fan worth their salt knows C -2 cost us two of the 4 precious games. BUMMER.
- philco28

Welcome back but be really careful because next time you are on Micah's carpet he will be looking at you as a repeat offender. You could get a Raffi Torres.

Good news that Sharp and Keith have signed on with Team Canada. Be interesting to see how they do on the huge ice.

Didn't you see the guy who posted on the blog the other day that every player on the team could gain 20lbs easy with just correct exercise and nutrition? They just need to eat better and exercise better...that's all
- anawrocki

Really?!

I'm a big believer in training and diet but genetics and age also play into it big time. On that note, Toews is built like a frickin' statue.

Really?!

I'm a big believer in training and diet but genetics and age also play into it big time. On that note, Toews is built like a frickin' statue.
- John Jaeckel

I am too, but more of a playdough statue...

FINALLY...out of the penalty box.

Just want to say...Micah...you're a true homer. Banning me for defending Hoss after one of your posters mocked him. And my response was fairly tame.

All i said was..."Duncs has a message for Danielle....see ya."

You ban me being the 'Ref' and authority figure you are. Good for you buddy. These are the limits of your world.

As for the Hawks...lot of comments to sift through.

Toews and Duncs were the best. Tazer always tells it like it. But even though i've been down on Duncs...i still love the guy. Good guy. Thoughtful, sincere and a good phucking Marine.

Like Ogi said...Q's subtle comment about being open to an 'overhaul' as opposed to a tweak, was revealing. Wonder if he'd be open to letting his boyfriend Kitchen..or himself for that matter...fall on the sword.

Bolland...saying...that CarBomb's absence was felt, especially in 'chirping' guys was interesting. Hawks haven't had that swagger since '10.

Meathead Bicks ....shared that he had his exit interview and found out that his season was "inconsistent"

Stan Bum...what can you say. He was perturbed that there "so much talk about a second center." He then went on to defend Kane as perhaps the long term answer at that spot. And made a compelling case in doing so.

Brunette pretty much announced he was gone, saying he believes the club is going in a different direction. Bruno haters rejoice. Guy played with what seemed to be a broken toe or foot, but gave 150 per cent. He has to go, but i always admired his tenacity and veteran leadership. Good luck Bruno.

Everyone seemed to circle the wagons around Crow....but every Hawk fan worth their salt knows C -2 cost us two of the 4 precious games. BUMMER.
- philco28

I will disagree with you on Duncan Keith. Seabrook hands down was the best player for the Hawks this season. Agree with Crawford you could see how tense and nervous he was in game 6. Big rebounds, squeezing the glove to tight and over committing on plays.

JJ,
Thanks for all YOU do to make my hockey the most exciting ever. Your insights are clear, fresh, and whether they are positive or negative, they are spot on. My hockey world is a better place with you in it. Now before the off-season really kicks in, go to Hawaii, play golf and relax!

False

STL/Rangers = Monies
San Fra/Rangers = Monies
Philly/NYY = Monies
Philly/Tampa = Monies and Luck... Monies won
Boston/Colorado = Monies and Luck... Monies win again
STL/Detroit = Monies
Chi Sox/Houston = Monies
Boston/STL = Monies

In the last 10 years only BIG money teams have won the world series with 1 exception. In the last 10 years BIG money teams have competed for the world series against not BIG money teams 3 times, meaning out of 20 teams only 3 were "small" market and no two small money teams played each other for a WS

90% of world series winners are BIG money teams at least the last 10 years and definitely every one since 2003. Only two other little fish have made it. Meaning 85% of the teams the play in the last 10 World Series were BIG money teams.

Congratulations on not having an argument at all. Money talks and obviously wins a statistically impressive amount amount of times in the MLB.

Look at the NBA as well.... Big market teams that spend a crap ton of money win there as well so yes, if there is no cap in the NHL... Chicago or anyone else willing to spend as much money as possible will compete for the Cup every single year leaving out the teams with out the revenue streams.
- fattybeef

Apparently this was report worthy

JJ,
Thanks for all YOU do to make my hockey the most exciting ever. Your insights are clear, fresh, and whether they are positive or negative, they are spot on. My hockey world is a better place with you in it. Now before the off-season really kicks in, go to Hawaii, play golf and relax!
- hockey nut 28

I still think Buff is not being used right in Winnipeg, why they don't have him at forward I don't understand. I remember him playing D the first few games of the Nashville series when Soupy was out and he was bad.
- dan9189

He has said on multiple occasions in numerous interviews "I don't like playing in front of the net"

And he had said numerous times he would rather play D.

If you have to force a player to stand in front of the net and beg them to do the right thing then they probably shouldn't be around the next year.

I am too, but more of a playdough statue...
- Lohaus

Town monument blob here...

- Juice

Don't thumbs up that post... now that I know how to do it, I'm reporting that post for hijacking the negative'ness of this thread!

After a few days to think about the season, the posts during/after the series, I have come up with this.

Crawford is not the problem. The DEFENSIVE makeup and system is the problem. Someone in an eaarlier post said that Scortty had great goaltending while he was in Detroit. I beg to differ. Osgood was not a great goaltender. When he played for St. Louis, he was trash.

The defense makes the goaltenders job so much easier (or harder).

As much as I respect Keith as a player, I think it is time to see what he can bring in a trade. If he can fetch a more defensive-minded defenseman (and maybe a good fourth line jammer (plus...)), it may be time to think about that kind of a move.

The White Sox won a World Series... Have also had 2 perfect games in recent history... And two guys reach monumental HR numbers

Also, Philly and Boston have spent heavily. STL is constantly in the top 10 in terms of payroll.

Obviously you have to spend it well but this notion that you dont have to spend to win is blatantly false
- fattybeef

And what have they done in the past 6 years with a high payroll?

Two perfect games - one by a guy who probably won't have another complete game.

Two guys home run numbers - and one who had more Ks than batting average last year.

My point is you DO have to spend, but spending doesn't guarantee.

Sure it's his call, but I like how when someone gets hurt a week later we hear these rumors that someone within the Hossa camp is urging him to retire. Seems like something that is used to get hits.

Big decisions shouldn't happen 2 days after being knocked out of the playoffs. Talk of retirement shouldn't happen a week after a guy gets hurt. Patientance.
- Lahey

Patience is something that's lost on a lot of people.

Marian Hossa is NOT retiring, and anyone who thinks he's even contemplating it is probably suffering from their own concussion. There are few more proud athletes in the NHL, and more competitive. Hossa will do everything he can to get healthy and have the best season he possibly can next year (and going forward).

He's not even close to being done, and the Hawks will be better for it.

As for the big changes, I don't buy it. They will bring in a new, possibly 2 new assistant coaches, but Q is not going anywhere and will start the season behind the bench, as well he should. He's earned the benefit of the doubt.

Patrick Kane is not being traded, barring a ridiculous offer. By the comments made by SB, Q and Kane himself, the entire organization seems ready to move forward with him as their 2C, and everyone should be just fine with that considering how effective he was at C. It could be argued he played the best hockey of his career playing C with Hossa.

Duncan Keith is also not going anywhere. He will be the anchor of the defense along with Seabs for many years. He's not the problem back there, the depth is. Keith and Seabrook are a perfect blend of skating, physicality, shot blocking and transition passing. There's no way the Hawks break them up. The best way to help their defense is to give both guys a break on special teams by bring in guys who can eat important minutes either on the PP or PK. That will make both exponentially more effective 5-on-5, where they both excel.

Now, one (semi) big change we could see is the addition of a power forward who can score 20 goals and stand in front on the PP (and no, I still don't buy that Brouwer is that guy). I'm talking about a 6'3"-6'4", 220lb big man. Now maybe they start the season giving Bickell a shot there, which wouldn't be the worst idea in the world after the way he played to end the season, but I suspect a UFA signing or trade could happen to shore up that part of their game.

I also see one, and no more, signing on defense. With Keith, Seabrook, Leddy, Hammer, Olsen and Montador all locked up with sports for next season, I envision the team making another move to bring in a Montador+ if you will. Not a star defenseman, but someone in the Brad Stuart mold would be a perfect compliment to that group.

Of course there are two important factors to consider when speculating about anything.

1. The CBA. No real explanation needed here. Whatever comes out of it, the Hawks will be in a good spot with both cap space and decent, young assets.

2. The fact that, after the season was over, Q made reference to team chemistry issues. Now one little moment after game 6 tells me that all the speculation about a Toews Kane rift is nonsense. After Kane came back out for the handshake, a classy move btw, Toews went over and gave him a tap as if to say "good job tonight, and good job coming back out". It's a moment that doesn't happen if there is a genuine issue there. I believe all the holdovers from the Cup team are fine and any chemistry issues from that group left town with Buff and possibly Brouwer.

I think if there are chemistry issues, the new blood brought in since may be at the center of it. It's the only possible explanation I can come up with for Bruno not being scratched, and for Mayers sitting in the playoffs after a very effective season in his role. Lepisto, same thing.

Perhaps that was the biggest issue of all plaguing this team because no matter who the coach is, if players don't embrace their roles and play for eachother, they go nowhere.

Lastly, JJ, although we disagree quite often, I wanted to thank you for all your hard work. It was fun reading and discussing with everyone about the game and team we all love. One thing that we can all agree on: we all want the indian head back on top. Here's to a NEW GOAL.

After a few days to think about the season, the posts during/after the series, I have come up with this.

Crawford is not the problem. The DEFENSIVE makeup and system is the problem. Someone in an eaarlier post said that Scortty had great goaltending while he was in Detroit. I beg to differ. Osgood was not a great goaltender. When he played for St. Louis, he was trash.

The defense makes the goaltenders job so much easier (or harder).

As much as I respect Keith as a player, I think it is time to see what he can bring in a trade. If he can fetch a more defensive-minded defenseman (and maybe a good fourth line jammer (plus...)), it may be time to think about that kind of a move.
- powerenforcer

I have a serious question to that though.

Hammer has obviously regressed the last 2 years
Keith has obviously regressed as well (regardless of groin last year and apparently elbow surgery before this one) he has been a roller-coaster

Huet --- Ruined
Crawford --- Regressed and looked bad at times

2nd tier talent is inconsistent.. Though 20 goal scorers Brouwer, now Stalberg up and down and confused at times, Frolik used to be a goal scorer, Bolland is infuriating during the regular season

The way they allow free point shots and let teams set up under their blue line is disgrace.

How many of the problems are instruction vs players being uncoachable or "not ready"?

Then there are players like Seabs, Leddy (for the most part), Shaw, Kruger who have thrived. But big big big issues elsewhere. Does not make sense to me...

Don't thumbs up that post... now that I know how to do it, I'm reporting that post for hijacking the negative'ness of this thread!
- Lohaus

you're a loose cannon!!!

you're a loose cannon!!!
- Juice

Lohaus is getting upset!

After a few days to think about the season, the posts during/after the series, I have come up with this.

Crawford is not the problem. The DEFENSIVE makeup and system is the problem. Someone in an eaarlier post said that Scortty had great goaltending while he was in Detroit. I beg to differ. Osgood was not a great goaltender. When he played for St. Louis, he was trash.

The defense makes the goaltenders job so much easier (or harder).

As much as I respect Keith as a player, I think it is time to see what he can bring in a trade. If he can fetch a more defensive-minded defenseman (and maybe a good fourth line jammer (plus...)), it may be time to think about that kind of a move.
- powerenforcer

+1

Agree w everything...

FINALLY...out of the penalty box.

Just want to say...Micah...you're a true homer. Banning me for defending Hoss after one of your posters mocked him. And my response was fairly tame.

All i said was..."Duncs has a message for Danielle....see ya."

You ban me being the 'Ref' and authority figure you are. Good for you buddy. These are the limits of your world.

As for the Hawks...lot of comments to sift through.

Toews and Duncs were the best. Tazer always tells it like it. But even though i've been down on Duncs...i still love the guy. Good guy. Thoughtful, sincere and a good phucking Marine.

Like Ogi said...Q's subtle comment about being open to an 'overhaul' as opposed to a tweak, was revealing. Wonder if he'd be open to letting his boyfriend Kitchen..or himself for that matter...fall on the sword.

Bolland...saying...that CarBomb's absence was felt, especially in 'chirping' guys was interesting. Hawks haven't had that swagger since '10.

Meathead Bicks ....shared that he had his exit interview and found out that his season was "inconsistent"

Stan Bum...what can you say. He was perturbed that there "so much talk about a second center." He then went on to defend Kane as perhaps the long term answer at that spot. And made a compelling case in doing so.

Brunette pretty much announced he was gone, saying he believes the club is going in a different direction. Bruno haters rejoice. Guy played with what seemed to be a broken toe or foot, but gave 150 per cent. He has to go, but i always admired his tenacity and veteran leadership. Good luck Bruno.

Everyone seemed to circle the wagons around Crow....but every Hawk fan worth their salt knows C -2 cost us two of the 4 precious games. BUMMER.
- philco28

The meatball who patrols the Nucks board banned me for the night they lost. Probably was bitter in defeat. I didn't say anything worse than what their trolls do on our board.

The meatball who patrols the Nucks board banned me for the night they lost. Probably was bitter in defeat. I didn't say anything worse than what their trolls do on our board.
- golfbard

Exactly. Guess, you could say i got what i deserved for being over there in the first place, but Nuckleheads post here ALL THE TIME.

And i'd take that bullet for Hoss....8 days a week.

I will disagree with you on Duncan Keith. Seabrook hands down was the best player for the Hawks this season. Agree with Crawford you could see how tense and nervous he was in game 6. Big rebounds, squeezing the glove to tight and over committing on plays.
- roenick

JR...you misunderstood what i was saying....i was referring to each player's EXIT interview...not their on-ice performance.

JR...you misunderstood what i was saying....i was referring to each player's EXIT interview...not their on-ice performance.
- philco28

Welcome back, Big Fella!

2 questions:

1) Would you rather have Brian Campbell today or Duncan Keith, if we could do that deal over again? The point of this is that with the futility of the PP, the Hawks #1 dman is not a real good PP QB, and plays on the second line. For similar minutes, puck transition, and minutes, you gain in some special teams (PP) while lose in others (PK), BUT possibly the appeal of Keith might have allowed us to that second line center.

2) Would you look to Winnipeg as a trade partner this summer? Could Zach Bogosian and Evander Kane be had for Duncan Keith +?

JR...you misunderstood what i was saying....i was referring to each player's EXIT interview...not their on-ice performance.
- philco28

Philco28 good to have you back after the questionable five minute major.

I hate the season we are in right now and wish it was still Blackhawks season, however, this may be a blessing. Our Captain fresh off a concussion, Sharp below 75%, Hossa being decapitated, maybe this is what we need to finally get all the juice back. Sharp played with a severely injured wrist all year and now he can give it the attention it deserves. Fresh off a concussion I don't think the grind of a playoff run would be best for Toews. He can train in the off season and work hard at getting comfortable with his game.

2 questions:

1) Would you rather have Brian Campbell today or Duncan Keith, if we could do that deal over again? The point of this is that with the futility of the PP, the Hawks #1 dman is not a real good PP QB, and plays on the second line. For similar minutes, puck transition, and minutes, you gain in some special teams (PP) while lose in others (PK), BUT possibly the appeal of Keith might have allowed us to that second line center.

2) Would you look to Winnipeg as a trade partner this summer? Could Zach Bogosian and Evander Kane be had for Duncan Keith +?
- GuyForget

Really like this proposal, but isnt Evander Kane an off ice roller coaster in terms of his attitude?

2 questions:

1) Would you rather have Brian Campbell today or Duncan Keith, if we could do that deal over again? The point of this is that with the futility of the PP, the Hawks #1 dman is not a real good PP QB, and plays on the second line. For similar minutes, puck transition, and minutes, you gain in some special teams (PP) while lose in others (PK), BUT possibly the appeal of Keith might have allowed us to that second line center.

2) Would you look to Winnipeg as a trade partner this summer? Could Zach Bogosian and Evander Kane be had for Duncan Keith +?
- GuyForget

I would do #2. Not sure jets do it.