They could get Crosby and that doesn't guarantee them a Cup.

Here's the bottom line: you saw in the playoffs that two horrendously soft goals maybe cost you a series where you were outplaying the competition—that was basically carried by the better goalie.

Crawford struggled all year to keep his job, where the Hawks' GAA was about half a goal higher than their goals for.

You've slightly improved the defense (a good thing). But the way to take the improvement to the next level is to improve your goaltending.

I for one, think the Hawk defense with Keith, Seabrook, Hammer and Oduya chewing most of the minutes is pretty damn good. Put an A List goalie behind it and ride the forwards to play the backcheck consistently and this would be a very, very hard team to beat.

I'll give Crawford this: he had some great games in the first round against Vancouver last year. Can't completely take that away from him. But other than that, haven't seen much. OK reg. season in 2010-11. And to me, 2011-12 reg season and especially playoffs take both off the board.

This is where I think Bowman contradicts himself and appears to be spinning in defense of himself.

In the summer of 2010, he said Niemi wasn't going anywhere. That to me says they wanted to/intended to keep Niemi, at least in part because they felt he was better than Crawford. If not, why make that public commitment? Why not say, well, we'll see but we feel we're covered regardless.

OK, circumstances got the better of him and he lost Niemi.

But now he talks about Crawford almost like they always knew he was really good. I mean, you can have it both ways. But it seems to me, Crawford was a default, and the stellar play for parts of 2010-11 were sort of a pleasant surprise. And, let's face it, the road of goalie history is littered with guys who were temporary revelations: Marc Denis, Jim Carey, Pascal LeClaire, Cristobal Huet, Michael Leighton, etc

Does anyone think Crawford is one of the top 10-15 goalies in the league? Why wouldn't you want one of those on your team—when clearly it gives you a marginally better chance to win games, series and Cups?
- John Jaeckel

We all know Crawford isn't the answer, I'll agree with you there. I've seen enough of him in Rockford to know that.

I do agree Luongo would be an upgrade. What turns me off is his the length of his contract, his age, and what some team would have to trade to get him. That's where I differ.

I just believe that there will be someone, something out there (other than Luongo) at the trade deadline as an upgrade in goal. If Bowman can't get it done, that's on him.

I'm not a Crawford supporter, and those two goals were disasters, but:

Hawks sorted 12 goals in 6 games - three of them in mad scrambles, 6 on 5, with a minute or less left.

I think one PP goalnin the 6 games.

Offense was basically non existent - certainly not much to say they would have won those two games anyways.
- StLBravesFan

Phx pushed the Hwks to the perimeter. Yet the Hwks out shot them 241-159!! They outplayed Phx by a wide margin inn that series. In G6 dominated for 45 minutes and could get nothing past Smith. Story of series. Smith won that series as his team mates played rope a dope and capitalized on their breaks.

We all know Crawford isn't the answer, I'll agree with you there. I've seen enough of him in Rockford to know that.

I do agree Luongo would be an upgrade. What turns me off is his the length of his contract, his age, and what some team would have to trade to get him. That's where I differ.

I just believe that there will be someone, something out there (other than Luongo) at the trade deadline as an upgrade in goal. If Bowman can't get it done, that's on him.
- EKolb13

Hello Tim Thomas! Is an empty net comparible to Craw in net Sorry, just trying to make a joke

How do you sign someone that's already under contract?
- EKolb13

I think Howard Porter did it many years ago when he signed with the Bulls and with an ABA team.

Or, of course, Bloom and Bialystok....

They could get Crosby and that doesn't guarantee them a Cup.

Here's the bottom line: you saw in the playoffs that two horrendously soft goals maybe cost you a series where you were outplaying the competition—that was basically carried by the better goalie.

Crawford struggled all year to keep his job, where the Hawks' GAA was about half a goal higher than their goals for.

You've slightly improved the defense (a good thing). But the way to take the improvement to the next level is to improve your goaltending.

I for one, think the Hawk defense with Keith, Seabrook, Hammer and Oduya chewing most of the minutes is pretty damn good. Put an A List goalie behind it and ride the forwards to play the backcheck consistently and this would be a very, very hard team to beat.

I'll give Crawford this: he had some great games in the first round against Vancouver last year. Can't completely take that away from him. But other than that, haven't seen much. OK reg. season in 2010-11. And to me, 2011-12 reg season and especially playoffs take both off the board.

This is where I think Bowman contradicts himself and appears to be spinning in defense of himself.

In the summer of 2010, he said Niemi wasn't going anywhere. That to me says they wanted to/intended to keep Niemi, at least in part because they felt he was better than Crawford. If not, why make that public commitment? Why not say, well, we'll see but we feel we're covered regardless.

OK, circumstances got the better of him and he lost Niemi.

But now he talks about Crawford almost like they always knew he was really good. I mean, you can have it both ways. But it seems to me, Crawford was a default, and the stellar play for parts of 2010-11 were sort of a pleasant surprise. And, let's face it, the road of goalie history is littered with guys who were temporary revelations: Marc Denis, Jim Carey, Pascal LeClaire, Cristobal Huet, Michael Leighton, etc

Does anyone think Crawford is one of the top 10-15 goalies in the league? Why wouldn't you want one of those on your team—when clearly it gives you a marginally better chance to win games, series and Cups?
- John Jaeckel

C'mon Stan listen to JJ get the deal done.

It's not like we'd have to give up Toews to get Lu.

I know his contract could be a burden but a goalie of his caliber does not come around everyday plus it would not cost that much to get him. As well Lu would have something to prove and that only makes him better. Short of a quality 2nd line centre this is the best place to improve our team.....and Lu would do that for sure!

I think maybe your first statement is a bit of an overgeneralization. Luongo's had some huge games and stretches of games int he playoffs in multiple years. And he's gone further than Crawford has, more than once. It's all about context. The best defenseman Lu's had in front of him is Dan Hamhuis or Christian Ehrhoff. Crawford's had two guys who are arguably better. Lu had the C (really didn't handle it well—maybe it was a distraction). The pressure in Vancouver is totally different and WAY more intense than it is in Chicago. Context.

I'll just say this, if I want to win a game or a series, I go with Lu over Crawford, as I think do 30 NHL GMs.

Interesting you leave Saad out of your top 3 (and not being a smarta$$ here either) or do you already have him penciled in to the NHL lineup)?

To me, the only untouchable in the system would be Teravainen.
- John Jaeckel

Well, I disagree with the best D luo has had...Edler is an excellent Dman. Not as good as Keith or Seabs but very very good. But, I certainly agree with you..I would much rather Luo over Crow. It's not even close.
I also agree with you that i stretches he has had great playoff games. But, thats just it..stretches. Ever year he has had a few games where he has imploded. Literally, every year. Well, thats a lie...last year he didn't but he only played 2 games before Cory came in. But, he played well in those losses.
He is too good of a goalie and has played behind too many great teams to only have stretches of good playoff games. He needs to step up and be the backbone from game 1 to win 16.

No, I don't have Saad in my top 3 and I certainly hope he isn't on the opening night roster. Saad has been over-hyped since day 1. He has terrific puck possession skills but thats about it. He has a big frame but doesn't use it nearly enough. His upside just isn't as great as Morin or Teuvo. His compete level isn't there yer either. He disappeared in the U18 and U20 WJC way too much for my liking.

Teuvo, if he puts on some weight could be a star in this league. His offensive skill set (especially his vision) is already elite and well beyond what Saad will ever have. I also think Morin has a higher offensive ceiling than Saad and a much better overall game. He could be..and should be..exactly what our top 6 needs. A player who can create space and can compliment those players offensively. His skating still needs some work, but that will never be his strong suit.

Hello Tim Thomas! Is an empty net comparible to Craw in net Sorry, just trying to make a joke
- ikeane

Tim Thomas is too busy trying to save the image of Chick-Fil-A. He isn't thinking about hockey.

Tim Thomas for President in 2016?

How do you sign someone that's already under contract?
- EKolb13

you knew what I meant. go out and bring him in. My point is your statement of him not automatically bringing you a stanley cup applies to every goalie in the nhl.

I'm not saying we need to rush out and get the guy but there is no question he is an enormous upgrade over Crow.

you knew what I meant.
- Bhawks35

Aren't you the guy who's supposed to be the "fantasy expert" blog writer? Way to be on top of your sh1t!

Aren't you the guy who's supposed to be the "fantasy expert" blog writer? Way to be on top of your sh1t!
- EKolb13

not sure why the attack here or how one has to do with the other but okay.

loved gramps...does he belong in the hall? I'm inclined to say yes, but i'd have to look at it closer.
- miked23

I think there shouldn't be any doubt.

Over a point per game and almost that in the playoffs plus his durability.

Would have broken the consecutive game streak if not for a contract dispute...Led all players in goals in 1991 Canada Cup and only Gretzky had more points. 7 seasons of over a pt per game average....

Phx pushed the Hwks to the perimeter. Yet the Hwks out shot them 241-159!! They outplayed Phx by a wide margin inn that series. In G6 dominated for 45 minutes and could get nothing past Smith. Story of series. Smith won that series as his team mates played rope a dope and capitalized on their breaks.
- bogiedoc

The Coyotes played the same way all season and did the same in the playoffs by design...

One of the most overrated stats is shots on goal.

Quality scoring chances were much closer...When you lose three games on home ice it's hard to say you outplayed anyone.

The Coyotes played the same way all season and did the same in the playoffs by design...

One of the most overrated stats is shots on goal.

Quality scoring chances were much closer...When you lose three games on home ice it's hard to say you outplayed anyone.
- Al

Couldn't agree with you more...

I don't get all this one and done talk we have been hearing lately. We could have/should have beaten PHO. We controlled the play most of the series and their goalie took over the series while ours..well, did not.

It's all about matchups. If this team played Van and say DET in the first two round we could have been in the WCF. Then everyone now would be talking about how this team just needs a tinker here or there.

We all know Crawford isn't the answer, I'll agree with you there. I've seen enough of him in Rockford to know that.

I do agree Luongo would be an upgrade. What turns me off is his the length of his contract, his age, and what some team would have to trade to get him. That's where I differ.

I just believe that there will be someone, something out there (other than Luongo) at the trade deadline as an upgrade in goal. If Bowman can't get it done, that's on him.
- EKolb13

We care too much about his length of contract: Luongo is one of the premier goalies in the league - despite it problems with the Hawks, made the SC finals two years ago.

If he gives you a better chance to win now - and now is when you have to try to win with this team - you go for it and worry about the length of contract later - if SB is any kind of GM, he would be able to deal with it; if not, get a GM who can.

Are there irons in the fire, or is Stan just waiting for Doan to make up his mind? Can you tell us term/cap hit ballparks for what Stan is offering? Been a couple of days and I am sure stuff can change in a New York Minute. Has Stan cooled off his pursuit of Lu?
- ikeane

Grapevine's been very quiet last couple of weeks

Well, I disagree with the best D luo has had...Edler is an excellent Dman. Not as good as Keith or Seabs but very very good. But, I certainly agree with you..I would much rather Luo over Crow. It's not even close.
I also agree with you that i stretches he has had great playoff games. But, thats just it..stretches. Ever year he has had a few games where he has imploded. Literally, every year. Well, thats a lie...last year he didn't but he only played 2 games before Cory came in. But, he played well in those losses.
He is too good of a goalie and has played behind too many great teams to only have stretches of good playoff games. He needs to step up and be the backbone from game 1 to win 16.

No, I don't have Saad in my top 3 and I certainly hope he isn't on the opening night roster. Saad has been over-hyped since day 1. He has terrific puck possession skills but thats about it. He has a big frame but doesn't use it nearly enough. His upside just isn't as great as Morin or Teuvo. His compete level isn't there yer either. He disappeared in the U18 and U20 WJC way too much for my liking.

Teuvo, if he puts on some weight could be a star in this league. His offensive skill set (especially his vision) is already elite and well beyond what Saad will ever have. I also think Morin has a higher offensive ceiling than Saad and a much better overall game. He could be..and should be..exactly what our top 6 needs. A player who can create space and can compliment those players offensively. His skating still needs some work, but that will never be his strong suit.
- Bhawks35

We agree 100%. And civilly. Edler might be better than Hamhuis or Ehrhoff but that is highly debatable and I still don't think he's as good as Keith or Seabrook.

You are actually maybe more down on Saad than I am. I'm not sure his upside is any less than Morin's, but I think we agree Morin is probably more ready today.

i haven't seen enough tape on Teravainen to say much more than this about him: he can score big time and likely will in the NHL, finds the open areas and his release is lightning quick. Also can place the puck on a dime in the net. I didn't see him at PC, but I HEARD he has the vision and hands to thread some passes, too. Also interestingly, SEES himself as a C, but almost all the tape I've seen on him he is is playing RW.

That to me is the thing that will determine how good he is. If he has the game to play C in the pros, he might potentially be a Datsyuk-style player. Also very well-schooled defensively. The other comparison I've heard is Hossa, more of a scoring winger with a two way game. But if he goes that way then I think his lack of size could work against him a bit more.

If he can create at the NHL level, very high upside. If he is only a finisher at the NHL level, then I would say his upside is moderately high—likely top 6 winger.

Grapevine's been very quiet last couple of weeks
- John Jaeckel

This year could be different...It has been so far...

But August is usually the time where front office guys and others get away before the new season begins.

It is looking like Doan is going to give the Coyotes every chance to keep him and isn't going to rush.

We care too much about his length of contract: Luongo is one of the premier goalies in the league - despite it problems with the Hawks, made the SC finals two years ago.

If he gives you a better chance to win now - and now is when you have to try to win with this team - you go for it and worry about the length of contract later - if SB is any kind of GM, he would be able to deal with it; if not, get a GM who can.
- StLBravesFan

It is what it is, but it is a Hossa-like deal and that said I think people get a bit too caught up in their drawers over the length of his deal.

This year could be different...It has been so far...

But August is usually the time where front office guys and others get away before the new season begins.

It is looking like Doan is going to give the Coyotes every chance to keep him and isn't going to rush.
- Al

Yes, yes and yes.

In a New York minute.
- John Jaeckel

No chance in hell.

No chance in hell.
- Ogilthorpe2

- EKolb13

Good afternoon Eli.

Good afternoon Eli.
- Ogilthorpe2

What's shakin' Ogie?

What's shakin' Ogie?
- EKolb13

Zip, zilch, nada, nothing. You?

Zip, zilch, nada, nothing. You?
- Ogilthorpe2

Waiting for a tree service to show up and give me an estimate.

Esplen's got a blog up where he's crying about not being able to understand why no one will give Gillis anything of quality for Luser.

That's all I got.