NYR: Sharp and Montador

CHI:Dubinsky and Sauer

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.
- nickmo2699

#10 is going to rehab his wrist at the World Hockey Championships with Dr. Keith as his roommate.

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

Bogosian and a little extra for Keith is more likely. Kane is a 20 year old 30 goal scoring power forward. Winnipeg isn’t trading him at all and if they do it won’t be for Keith. Its just not realistic to think so.

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

Campbell is better on offense than Keith...but Keith is 10x the defensive player that Campbell is...Again this is just my opinion,but Keith and Seabs were not this clubs problem..And to fix this problem you think you should trade your best or 2nd best d man for someone who would add more offense?Sorry but I'm not buying...As for Keith for Bogosian and Kane,donno...you lose a puck moving dman for a Seabrook clone.

Welcome back, Big Fella!
- Beaver-Warrior

Thanks BW...good to be back. I'll try to keep the elbows down

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.
- nickmo2699

Nickmo...cheers bro !

Yeah, Sharp and Keith over to the Worlds to represent Queen and country? Just hope they come back in tact. We don't need any more big salaried guys getting hurt and nullifying their trade value, especially Sharpie. HE'S 'GREAT GLUE GUY.'

Thoughts for today...

Blackhawk management is searching for change. But how much will happen this summer?

Today on My Fox Chicago:chttp://bit.ly/Izgg3k

Follow me on Twitter@AlCimaglia

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...
- fattybeef

1st, a welcome back to Philco!!! Nice to have you back.

2nd, Fatty, you know the old saying "where there's smoke . . . "
Well, to me, the things you point out are the smoke. And I have continued to say now for well more than just this year, that fire burning is Q and his staff.

My belief is that Q is NOT a very good coach for the young guys, nor is he a very good tactician/strategist. He was/is regularly out-coached by the best in the league, whether that's Tippett, Eddie Munster in Nashville, many others. Q is perfect for a team with lots of veterans, few youngsters and little need to actually instruct.

So . . . the young guys . . . Shaw, Kruger, Leddy: their talent is pretty obvious and you have 3 guys that are very serious about their craft and very soft-spoken and humble. I never saw any interviews with any of them where you thought, geez, these guys think they are great. All 3 seem quite humble and are the kind of players that soak up their surroundings and advice from wiser teammates. They'd soak up advice from the staff -- if there was advice to give. And that's where I think the staff has failed miserably.

What other reason could there be for the jerking around of Troy Brouwer, Michael Frolik and others? Brouwer appears to be a guy that would go through a wall for his teammates (geez, he played pretty hurt in the Van series didn't he?). Yet I don't think he ever really knew WHAT was expected of him. Similarly, was Frolik expected to be a scorer, a passer, a defensive shutdown guy? The few chances he had on the top 6 lasted minutes into games. How do you expect a guy to shift his role so quickly and still expect top performance? To Frolik's credit, he was always energized and engaged but I believe Q's yanking of his chain really affected Frolik's play.

I think the above is one of the reasons Havvy did such a good job when Q was out with his bleeding ulcer. In all honesty, wouldn't mind seeing Havvy behind the bench as head man. Havvy IS a teacher, does know the game. I believe he was overridden and shut up/shut down by Q during the season. He sure didn't look happy very much and one thing I know, Havvy is a pretty upbeat guy.

For me, Q's time is up. I doubt he'll be shown the door (moved to another position) but I think it should happen, along with Stanley's dismissal.

1st, a welcome back to Philco!!! Nice to have you back.

2nd, Fatty, you know the old saying "where there's smoke . . . "
Well, to me, the things you point out are the smoke. And I have continued to say now for well more than just this year, that fire burning is Q and his staff.

My belief is that Q is NOT a very good coach for the young guys, nor is he a very good tactician/strategist. He was/is regularly out-coached by the best in the league, whether that's Tippett, Eddie Munster in Nashville, many others. Q is perfect for a team with lots of veterans, few youngsters and little need to actually instruct.

So . . . the young guys . . . Shaw, Kruger, Leddy: their talent is pretty obvious and you have 3 guys that are very serious about their craft and very soft-spoken and humble. I never saw any interviews with any of them where you thought, geez, these guys think they are great. All 3 seem quite humble and are the kind of players that soak up their surroundings and advice from wiser teammates. They'd soak up advice from the staff -- if there was advice to give. And that's where I think the staff has failed miserably.

What other reason could there be for the jerking around of Troy Brouwer, Michael Frolik and others? Brouwer appears to be a guy that would go through a wall for his teammates (geez, he played pretty hurt in the Van series didn't he?). Yet I don't think he ever really knew WHAT was expected of him. Similarly, was Frolik expected to be a scorer, a passer, a defensive shutdown guy? The few chances he had on the top 6 lasted minutes into games. How do you expect a guy to shift his role so quickly and still expect top performance? To Frolik's credit, he was always energized and engaged but I believe Q's yanking of his chain really affected Frolik's play.

I think the above is one of the reasons Havvy did such a good job when Q was out with his bleeding ulcer. In all honesty, wouldn't mind seeing Havvy behind the bench as head man. Havvy IS a teacher, does know the game. I believe he was overridden and shut up/shut down by Q during the season. He sure didn't look happy very much and one thing I know, Havvy is a pretty upbeat guy.

For me, Q's time is up. I doubt he'll be shown the door (moved to another position) but I think it should happen, along with Stanley's dismissal.
- savvyone-1

This!!! I would love to see Kitch and Havvy replaced with two guys that can relate. Torchetti got what he wanted out of the D and the forwards were so good that instruction could come from Q. The Hawks need two coaches that can relate on the ice and on a personal level, one with the O and one with the D. I really liked Savy on the bench and I think he can provide good tutelage for the forwards. On the back end I'm not as familiar, suggestions?

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

First off.. your argument is wrong as you are looking at todays payrolls I would guess..

Teams total payroll who played in the world series...
11, St louis Ranked 11th, Rangers 13th.
10, Giants, 9th, Rangers 26th
09, Yankees 1.. Phils 9th
08, Phils 12th, Rays 29th
07, Red Sox 2nd, Rockies 27th
06, Cards, 11th, Tigers, 14th
05, White Sox were ranked 12th, Houston 13th...

Ie, Spending Big money doesn't mean you win...

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.
- andru2797

I agree with a lot of this, but I'm not so sure that they all agree on the Kane as 2nd Centre issue. For the most part they say the right things, but I sense some tension over that topic. Maybe it's just me.

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....now be careful....you are a repeat offender...some of these mods have a very short leash

1st, a welcome back to Philco!!! Nice to have you back.

2nd, Fatty, you know the old saying "where there's smoke . . . "
Well, to me, the things you point out are the smoke. And I have continued to say now for well more than just this year, that fire burning is Q and his staff.

My belief is that Q is NOT a very good coach for the young guys, nor is he a very good tactician/strategist. He was/is regularly out-coached by the best in the league, whether that's Tippett, Eddie Munster in Nashville, many others. Q is perfect for a team with lots of veterans, few youngsters and little need to actually instruct.

So . . . the young guys . . . Shaw, Kruger, Leddy: their talent is pretty obvious and you have 3 guys that are very serious about their craft and very soft-spoken and humble. I never saw any interviews with any of them where you thought, geez, these guys think they are great. All 3 seem quite humble and are the kind of players that soak up their surroundings and advice from wiser teammates. They'd soak up advice from the staff -- if there was advice to give. And that's where I think the staff has failed miserably.

What other reason could there be for the jerking around of Troy Brouwer, Michael Frolik and others? Brouwer appears to be a guy that would go through a wall for his teammates (geez, he played pretty hurt in the Van series didn't he?). Yet I don't think he ever really knew WHAT was expected of him. Similarly, was Frolik expected to be a scorer, a passer, a defensive shutdown guy? The few chances he had on the top 6 lasted minutes into games. How do you expect a guy to shift his role so quickly and still expect top performance? To Frolik's credit, he was always energized and engaged but I believe Q's yanking of his chain really affected Frolik's play.

I think the above is one of the reasons Havvy did such a good job when Q was out with his bleeding ulcer. In all honesty, wouldn't mind seeing Havvy behind the bench as head man. Havvy IS a teacher, does know the game. I believe he was overridden and shut up/shut down by Q during the season. He sure didn't look happy very much and one thing I know, Havvy is a pretty upbeat guy.

For me, Q's time is up. I doubt he'll be shown the door (moved to another position) but I think it should happen, along with Stanley's dismissal.
- savvyone-1

>Havi is indeed a teacher and proven winner everywhere he's been
>Was a MacIsaac/Tallon hire for Norfolk years back
>Won two ECHL Kelly Cups for two different teams and organizations with not much to work with
>Have seen the uptempo practices he ran in the ECHL -- damn good
>Q went to great lengths to keep the spotlight off of any one assistant for the PP or PK -- wonder who he was protecting?
>It certainly appears Q went Charmin-Soft on this team this year and the players, left to manage themselves, didn't answer the bell

welcome back....now be careful....you are a repeat offender...some of these mods have a very short leash
- bogiedoc

Agreed. No selfish penalties, your HockeyBuzz team needs you on the ice.

I think Kane would be awesome in Boston where they need a playmaker and they can protect him. It's also in the east so a deal could be made. Wonder if Boston would be willing to give up Thomas and Dougie Hamilton for Kane. Thomas is still a stud despite his age and Rask would get the nod in Boston. The real gem is the 6'5" physical defensemen who should be NHL ready next season. Salaries would equal out. Just throwing something out there that could make sense. Hawks get a 4D and a goalie now.... With that 4D projecting to a top pairing player later. Thoughts?
- moylander

tuuka & looch?? then we'll talk!

Nickmo...cheers bro !

Yeah, Sharp and Keith over to the Worlds to represent Queen and country? Just hope they come back in tact. We don't need any more big salaried guys getting hurt and nullifying their trade value, especially Sharpie. HE'S 'GREAT GLUE GUY.'

- philco28

Got to keep Freddie Mercury happy.

Agreed. No selfish penalties, your HockeyBuzz team needs you on the ice.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ogi, Bogie, Savvy....THANKS GUYS for the PM messages during my enforced hiatus. And thanks to many others who dropped me a line. Much appreciated fellas.

And thanks also to JJ and Big Al-o-icious for their dedication, expertise and passion to all things TOMAHAWK


Pretty happy Boston got bounced. Some Bruin fans at work have gone silent...and that's a good thing.

P.S....Return of the Roar.....LOVE the restored AVATAR

Ogi, Bogie, Savvy....THANKS GUYS for the PM messages during my enforced hiatus. And thanks to many others who dropped me a line. Much appreciated fellas.

And thanks also to JJ and Big Al-o-icious for their dedication, expertise and passion to all things TOMAHAWK


Pretty happy Boston got bounced. Some Bruin fans at work have gone silent...and that's a good thing.
- philco28

You're welcome Philco, I can only imagine you were going nuts not being able to post!

On the topic of Boston: would you consider that game-winner a softie? Talked to my Dad this morning and he sure thought it was. I'm like you, wanted to see Boston bounced, no repeat for them. Plus, good to see Brouwer able to move on. Pulling for Florida/Tallon/Soupy/Steeg/Kopy for that same very reason tonight.

You're welcome Philco, I can only imagine you were going nuts not being able to post!

On the topic of Boston: would you consider that game-winner a softie? Talked to my Dad this morning and he sure thought it was. I'm like you, wanted to see Boston bounced, no repeat for them. Plus, good to see Brouwer able to move on. Pulling for Florida/Tallon/Soupy/Steeg/Kopy for that same very reason tonight.
- savvyone-1

Savvy...i didn't think the Caps winner was a softie. Knuble drove the net (something we RARELY did vs Smith), he kept the shot low forcing Timmy T to allow a juicy rebound. A crush of legs and carcasses slid into Thomas who couldn't see the forest through the trees...and Ward bangs in the loose puck.

Thomas allowed the rebound, but he made the first stop and then got blocked. Hard to fault him. The 2 on Crow were HORRENDOUS in comparison.