Not at all. You guys picked up two pylons. Actually, to be fair they're more like those stickhandling practice models/contraptions.
- grinder10

I think this is just a ploy to get Mason Raymond's confidence back, first he was playing in Sweden's division 2 league ad now he gets to practice against these guys.

Whoa - Vandemeer, Barker, Andrew Alberts, Ballard, Tanev on the backend in Vancouver. AV better get that resume of his updated real soon.
- RickJ

To be fair, our top 4 is already set with Hamhuis-Bieksa, Edler-Garrison and Ballard has played his only good hockey in VAN with Tanev as his partner. Alberts, Vandermeer and Barker are 7 through 9 on the depth chart.

I think this is just a ploy to get Mason Raymond's confidence back, first he was playing in Sweden's division 2 league ad now he gets to practice against these guys.
- Nucker101

Raymond will be turnstyling those guys.

Hey JJ,

Quick question...regarding Martin St.Pierre. He's Rockford's top scorer and a center. Why is no one discussing bringing him up for a try-out with the Hawks? Is there something toxic about this kid that I'm missing?

Raymond will be turnstyling those guys.
- grinder10

and then he'll fall down.

Hey JJ,

Quick question...regarding Martin St.Pierre. He's Rockford's top scorer and a center. Why is no one discussing bringing him up for a try-out with the Hawks? Is there something toxic about this kid that I'm missing?
- Murph76

I would imagine that they don"t have the room.only 50 contracts allowed per team.To bad as I would like to see a smaller guy given a chance.Especially since they may be calling all the obstruction.

To be fair, our top 4 is already set with Hamhuis-Bieksa, Edler-Garrison and Ballard has played his only good hockey in VAN with Tanev as his partner. Alberts, Vandermeer and Barker are 7 through 9 on the depth chart.
- Nucker101

Fair enough.

Whatever happened to Ryan Parent? He was a pretty good junior at one time - injuries?

Who knows. I am told it's nothing significant (reason for him being out), sounded like a "personal day"

EDIT: it's the flu. OK, that makes sense.
- John Jaeckel

My thinking is a quick day off means a groin pull, but with the the flu he needs to stay away....

I would imagine that they don"t have the room.only 50 contracts allowed per team.To bad as I would like to see a smaller guy given a chance.Especially since they may be calling all the obstruction.
- eagle50

Many eyes have been fixated on Rockford....

If Mgt was realy happy with someone at center, Shaw would still be on the wing.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Fair enough.

Whatever happened to Ryan Parent? He was a pretty good junior at one time - injuries?
- RickJ

I think he was rushed and just not strong enough mentally, and didn't have enough talent to make up for those things. He was even mediocre at the AHL level.


Amazing what happens to prospects like him who get hyped up, especially after how solid he and Marc Staal were as a shutdown pairing at the World Juniors.

Sorry to disagree with you Ogie, but how has Bolland "earned" the opportunity to be the 2C?

Has the guy improved on faceoffs?
Other than his cup yr playoff performance, has he wowed anyone with his post-seasons?
Does he really show up to play during the regular season?
Unless I've missed something, he still has a bad back, one subject to flaring up at almost any time.

I give the 10-36-88 line combination no more than 2 periods in LA. Then I think you will either see 16 moved up to 2C or Kane shifted over.

And . . . who in this crowd thinks Kane on the half-boards with an undersized set of linemates (neither Sharp nor Bolland nor Krueger qualify as a road-grader) is going to have much success? I think you will see Kane move back to 2C with Hossa and either Stalhberg or Carcillo manning up alongside.
- savvyone-1

Good god man...I know I'm a bigger Bolland fan than most on this board, but you are out of your freaking mind. This is one of the most over the top, blatantly uninformed posts I think I've ever read on this thread. I don't have the time or energy to argue point by point, but if for no other reaon, he's earned the opportunity to show what he can do based strictly on orginizational seniority.

Minor trade: Fistric to EDM for a 3rd rd. pick
- TyCamScore

Too bad. I would have liked to see Stan do that trade. Fistric is now what Olsen could be IF he ever maxes out is potential...solid, physical, 6th D.

he's earned the opportunity to show what he can do based strictly on organ-I-zational (corrected) seniority.
- Ogilthorpe2

Hey, if we still had pay phones, that (organization seniority) and 25 cents (or a dime if you're old enough) could get you a phone call.

Really? You believe that simply because of how long he's been on the roster that is enough to deserve a shot at 2C? I'm not saying Kane or Krueger are the answer and although Sharp did OK in that role, he clearly doesn't want to be there either.

Well either way, it matters not what you or I think because it's likely he will either fail badly (in which case no one will complain because he got his shot at it) or succeed but not in the fashion we might hope and we'll all wish even more Stanley had gone out and gotten a real 2C.

If it's the latter (which I think will happen), you'll see Q pull the carpet under his skates before the LA game is over. My prediction is by end of 2nd period.

I hope for the club's sake I'm wrong and Bolland can fill that role. I'm not aware that he went anywhere to play during the lockout so he's somewhat behind the 8-ball in terms of being game-shape ready (and if he hasn't been working out and exercising properly for his back, you'll see him go down early on with more back issues).

Wonder if he spent some time with Stash working on his dot-skills during the long layoff???

Hey, if we still had pay phones, that (organization seniority) and 25 cents (or a dime if you're old enough) could get you a phone call.

Really? You believe that simply because of how long he's been on the roster that is enough to deserve a shot at 2C? I'm not saying Kane or Krueger are the answer and although Sharp did OK in that role, he clearly doesn't want to be there either.

Well either way, it matters not what you or I think because it's likely he will either fail badly (in which case no one will complain because he got his shot at it) or succeed but not in the fashion we might hope and we'll all wish even more Stanley had gone out and gotten a real 2C.

If it's the latter (which I think will happen), you'll see Q pull the carpet under his skates before the LA game is over. My prediction is by end of 2nd period.

I hope for the club's sake I'm wrong and Bolland can fill that role. I'm not aware that he went anywhere to play during the lockout so he's somewhat behind the 8-ball in terms of being game-shape ready (and if he hasn't been working out and exercising properly for his back, you'll see him go down early on with more back issues).

Wonder if he spent some time with Stash working on his dot-skills during the long layoff???
- savvyone-1

I think Bolland's earned it. He's shown enough offensive upside along with veteran savvy and snarl to get his chance. But with his gimpy back, and playing with Sharp and Kane I'm curious who is going to dig pucks out from the boards and keep possession?


PLUS: This is the perfect season to see if Kruger can fill 3c shoes.

I think Bolland's earned it. He's shown enough offensive upside along with veteran savvy and snarl to get his chance. But with his gimpy back, and playing with Sharp and Kane I'm curious who is going to dig pucks out from the boards and keep possession?


PLUS: This is the perfect season to see if Kruger can fill 3c shoes.
- busmaster

Maybe this is what they're after.
As SteveRain has said many times, no way we're keeping Bolland at that pay level for a 3C. Now, if he can cut it as a productive 2C, then we can talk about re-signing when his deal is up.

And this also tells us whether Krueger can cut it in the old Bolland-Rat role. If not, then they will have a decision to make there as well.

Ultimately, it may smoke out the "what-might-have-been" aspect of these 2 guys. Maybe we'll know for sure if one, both, or neither is up to the task of these new roles.

Good god man...I know I'm a bigger Bolland fan than most on this board, but you are out of your freaking mind. This is one of the most over the top, blatantly uninformed posts I think I've ever read on this thread. I don't have the time or energy to argue point by point, but if for no other reaon, he's earned the opportunity to show what he can do based strictly on orginizational seniority.
- Ogilthorpe2

It's not a matter of did he earn it - it's a matter of the organization thinking he's the best (untested) option at this point, given the present current roster and the apparent absence of anyone proven being brought in from the outside.

So after two days....

Considering what has been used in practice the last two days the lines are???

16-19-81

10-36-88

29-65-25

22-16-63

???

So after two days....

Considering what has been used in practice the last two days the lines are???

16-19-81

10-36-88

29-65-25

22-16-63

???
- Al

Do you mean: 13-19-81 and 22-16-67?

Hey JJ,

Quick question...regarding Martin St.Pierre. He's Rockford's top scorer and a center. Why is no one discussing bringing him up for a try-out with the Hawks? Is there something toxic about this kid that I'm missing?
- Murph76

I think the contract offer has some validity. I also think, rightly or wrongly, after a few shots in the NHL previously, Marty might have gotten the rap as a good AHL player—only.

Good god man...I know I'm a bigger Bolland fan than most on this board, but you are out of your freaking mind. This is one of the most over the top, blatantly uninformed posts I think I've ever read on this thread. I don't have the time or energy to argue point by point, but if for no other reaon, he's earned the opportunity to show what he can do based strictly on orginizational seniority.
- Ogilthorpe2

It could be argued that Bolland's return in Game 4 of the 2011 playoffs was the turning point that helped us rally to tie that series. If that point is accepted, Bolland wasn't not simply a one year playoff wonder.

I agree with Ogie...always liked Bolland. Just don't like his penchant for brain fart penalties. Other than that, he's aces.

It could be argued that Bolland's return in Game 4 of the 2011 playoffs was the turning point that helped us rally to tie that series. If that point is accepted, Bolland wasn't not simply a one year playoff wonder.

I agree with Ogie...always liked Bolland. Just don't like his penchant for brain fart penalties. Other than that, he's aces.
- philco28

I like Bolland . I know he has the ability to produce offensively . But I still would like the Hawks to get a #2 Center so the Rat can be the Rat on the 3rd line.

I like Bolland . I know he has the ability to produce offensively . But I still would like the Hawks to get a #2 Center so the Rat can be the Rat on the 3rd line.
- mrpaulish

Interesting Mr. P. Does Hawk nation want Bolland to be an offensive or defensive center ?

Interesting Mr. P. Does Hawk nation want Bolland to be an offensive or defensive center ?
- philco28

Well. I know he CAN be an offensive center. Can Kruger play 3C as well as Bolland ?? Plus I think there is enough tradable minor league talent to get a real #1b/#2 Center that would allow the Hawks to go Toews- IMAGINARY GUY- Bolland- Mayers .

Im comfortable with Bolland as a #2 , would rather get a proven #2 leaving Bolland at #3.

Do you mean: 13-19-81 and 22-16-67?
- DarthKane

Yep too many meds....Thanks

man crush on McQuaid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLOjQcyA8uc