Disagree JJ. Hayes moves well for a kid his size. Think he'd melt though if roughed up a bit as a post up, screen specialist on the pp.
- philco28

Philberto, just sent you a very juicy Brian Burke story to the email address I have on file. I'm not the most technically proficient guy around, let me know if you got it.

He moves OK for his size. He ends up on his butt in every corner scrum. Why? High center of gravity, weak on his skates. Take a look at him and Bollig standing side by side in street clothes.
- John Jaeckel

Fair enough...but in recent games with the Hogs, he's been a force in the slot. Fighting his way into traffic and looking to bang home loose pucks. To stick, he needs to grow a consistent mean streak.

Philberto, just sent you a very juicy Brian Burke story to the email address I have on file. I'm not the most technically proficient guy around, let me know if you got it.
- RickJ

Thanks RJ...i'll message you shortly.

I agree. I don't really care what LA fans thought of him. it's a different team, different situation. Give the guy a chance.
- John Jaeckel

>Agree -- let's see what happens first
>Zone entry was the worst in the NHL -- most PPs the Hawks couldn't even establish attack zone possession at any time during the PP -- unless they won the faceoff
>Puck retrieval was just as bad
>Players standing still throughout the PP was another big problem -- it was good to hear Kane acknowledge that this week and say he has been watching PP film
>Shaw had some nice net presence rebound goals in non-PP situations last year, Stalberg will win a lot of races in puck retrieval
>No doubt that Keith needs to be the player he is capable of -- and if his mindless entries and point shots continue -- be taken off the PP -- but I really can't freak out yet over him being on the PP -- willing to see if he has learned something this offseason

Fair enough...but in recent games with the Hogs, he's been a force in the slot. Fighting his way into traffic and looking to bang home loose pucks. To stick, he needs to grow a consistent mean streak.
- philco28

Wouldn't hurt if he gained a step or two. I suspect some of his perceived improvement skating has to do with the speed of the game at the AHL level (which could apply to perceptions of Kruger's improvement as well).

>Agree -- let's see what happens first
>Zone entry was the worst in the NHL -- most PPs the Hawks couldn't even establish attack zone possession at any time during the PP -- unless they won the faceoff
>Puck retrieval was just as bad
>Players standing still throughout the PP was another big problem -- it was good to hear Kane acknowledge that this week and say he has been watching PP film
>Shaw had some nice net presence rebound goals in non-PP situations last year, Stalberg will win a lot of races in puck retrieval
>No doubt that Keith needs to be the player he is capable of -- and if his mindless entries and point shots continue -- be taken off the PP -- but I really can't freak out yet over him being on the PP -- willing to see if he has learned something this offseason
- SnapitUpstairs

This has been a problem with this team for the last 5 years. When they were able to adjust to a station to station style of hockey when necessary—they won a Cup. They couldn't do it in 2009, which is part of why they lost ion the WCF. When they cycle between the blue lines, get too cute and refuse to dump it and retrieve it, they stop dead. Teams know this. They now have the size/speed combination at W to play a more aggressive, hard work style. Remains to be seen if they will do it when forced to. But I actually take Kompon's comments positively.

Wouldn't hurt if he gained a step or two. I suspect some of his perceived improvement skating has to do with the speed of the game at the AHL level (which could apply to perceptions of Kruger's improvement as well).
- John Jaeckel

What's the word on Jimmy's little bro Kevin ? How many years away is he ?

What's the word on Jimmy's little bro Kevin ? How many years away is he ?
- philco28

Not going to b.s. you, I don't know a lot about him. Statistically, he has improved every year at BC. They moved him to C a couple of years ago but it sounds like he plays all F positions.

Not going to b.s. you, I don't know a lot about him. Statistically, he has improved every year at BC. They moved him to C a couple of years ago but it sounds like he plays all F positions.
- John Jaeckel

Always appreciate your candor JJ...seems like he's got a good frame...hope he's not another 1st round bust.

.

The simple fact that he's still got Keith out there on the #1 unit is the biggest red flag to me that he does not know what he's doing.
- savvyone-1

The fact that Keith is still out there should shock no one. And that fact should not necessarily be an indication that he is madly in love with Keith's PP play. Perhaps he doesn't see anyone on the roster that could do better (other than Leddy, who he has on the 2nd PP) and is going to try to fix Duncan? Hitting shin pads is not an innate unmendable condition. While hitting shin pads and not getting the puck on net have been two huge problems, you cant even get to that without entering the zone and controlling the puck. Its not unfathomable that he would start there in identifying the issues (as they were obvious huge issues last year).

Plus, hes not an idiot and isn't going to throw his A under the bus in public and boot him off the PP from the get go. These guys are paid to deal with fans/media and handle the personalities of their players to get the best out of them for the good of the team.

The fact that you want his first action to be to boot DK from the PP before even working with him is a red flag to me that you have no idea how to coach.

There is a contradiction in what you write.

Results are all that matters. A good organization wins, or at least contends year after year at the major league level—not because of a stable of prospects. All I know is 2012 Sox team contended for a division last year when they weren't supposed to be .500. And the Sox have developed a few guys: Sale and Viciedo come to mind quickly.

If Bowman had inherited a .500 team 9and not a Stanley Cup team with a generational level of overall talent, could he have built it? Would it be any better than it was when he took over?
- John Jaeckel

There is, and that is what is at issue. Its was only a matter of time before the model used by Kenny collapsed under the lack of prospects because he traded them all away. Kenny used prospects as trading chips to build the big club with the pieces he needed. When the cupboard was bare it limited his options. Sale was an unexpected surprise that he contributed so quickly, conversely, Beckman has never played to his potential, Kenny had way more misses in the minors than hits, even the ones he traded away, his strength was in getting major league talent for prospects who never became stars (i.e. McCarthy)

In regards to Bowman......a resounding NO. I dont think he possesses the ability to rate players no the balls to make trades that he needs to.

First franchised McDonalds in Des Plaines.
- StLBravesFan

I believe it was company owned, before they started franchising. I just drove by it today, it's now a museum, with an operating Mcd's across the street. The operating one has some cool circa stuff in it, like the book where they logged the day's receipts.

The fact that Keith is still out there should shock no one. And that fact should not necessarily be an indication that he is madly in love with Keith's PP play. Perhaps he doesn't see anyone on the roster that could do better (other than Leddy, who he has on the 2nd PP) and is going to try to fix Duncan? Hitting shin pads is not an innate unmendable condition. While hitting shin pads and not getting the puck on net have been two huge problems, you cant even get to that without entering the zone and controlling the puck. Its not unfathomable that he would start there in identifying the issues (as they were obvious huge issues last year).

Plus, hes not an idiot and isn't going to throw his A under the bus in public and boot him off the PP from the get go. These guys are paid to deal with fans/media and handle the personalities of their players to get the best out of them for the good of the team.

The fact that you want his first action to be to boot DK from the PP before even working with him is a red flag to me that you have no idea how to coach.
- ozzzie19

There's a few things here. 1st, doubtful any of us have the bonafides coaching at the major league level. I have, however, had many coaches throughout the years and played through Juniors. Merely my observation of watching the same thing over and over for the past few yrs with the same pathetic amount of success.

Now, on the rest.

It won't be as easy as you think to correct Keith's shin-shooting shenanigans. It's quite doubtful that he's spent any time at all on this -- when you get to this level of play, the expectation is that you know how/when to shoot the puck. This is not going to be easy to fix -- it's as much mental as anything else -- and any coach trying to get Keith to get rid of the puck sooner is going to have some pushback to deal with, either directly or indirectly. Guarantee you the other guys around him see this (indecisiveness on shooting at the right time) and as such, it may become an even bigger problem. Keith could take the polar opposite tack and simply shoot when he's got an open shot on net, regardless of whether his mates are in the right position. Could end up with lots of plays getting turned around quickly as a result.

Kompon would have a better shot in my book by installing a "new" guy to the top unit that would likely be more coachable and not have such bad habits already ingrained in him. That's really the issue I see. Keith has been doing this crap for several years. Enough is enough. I don't care much about the A on his jersey -- IMO, it's on the wrong guy on D -- Seabrook is the leader back there and should be wearing the letter.

There's a few things here. 1st, doubtful any of us have the bonafides coaching at the major league level. I have, however, had many coaches throughout the years and played through Juniors. Merely my observation of watching the same thing over and over for the past few yrs with the same pathetic amount of success.

Now, on the rest.

It won't be as easy as you think to correct Keith's shin-shooting shenanigans. It's quite doubtful that he's spent any time at all on this -- when you get to this level of play, the expectation is that you know how/when to shoot the puck. This is not going to be easy to fix -- it's as much mental as anything else -- and any coach trying to get Keith to get rid of the puck sooner is going to have some pushback to deal with, either directly or indirectly. Guarantee you the other guys around him see this (indecisiveness on shooting at the right time) and as such, it may become an even bigger problem. Keith could take the polar opposite tack and simply shoot when he's got an open shot on net, regardless of whether his mates are in the right position. Could end up with lots of plays getting turned around quickly as a result.

Kompon would have a better shot in my book by installing a "new" guy to the top unit that would likely be more coachable and not have such bad habits already ingrained in him. That's really the issue I see. Keith has been doing this crap for several years. Enough is enough. I don't care much about the A on his jersey -- IMO, it's on the wrong guy on D -- Seabrook is the leader back there and should be wearing the letter.
- savvyone-1

Did Oduya log any PP time last year? Maybe when Keith was suspended?

Someone, forgive me for not remembering who...asked a very poignant question regarding SB...and that is...would any other team in the league hire him to be their GM ? I say no. No wonder our org. has been called dysfunctional.
- philco28

Good old boys mentality / it's my show. That is fine on a small scale and fine if you don't need to make any changes however, in sports and most businesses you need to be adaptable, in front of the curve, willing to take risks, have a decision maker in place who can be held accountable and not burn too many bridges.

Poor planning, poor organizational structure and massive egos can really derail things.

Did Oduya log any PP time last year? Maybe when Keith was suspended?
- nickmo2699

I recall he did...and looked good...during the regular season

Did Oduya log any PP time last year? Maybe when Keith was suspended?
- nickmo2699

Yes, unfortunately. I won't say he's a clone of Keith there but certainly would not be my choice. Al has stated this as well several times -- Leddy should have been moved to 1st PP duty with Seabrook. When they were teamed together last yr for a short time, they were very good together as both are excellent at keeping the puck in the zone. Plus, both good passers/good vision -- Seabs might be the most underrated passer on the club.

Please discuss.

From Chris Kuc at the morning UC skate:
The units on the power play during the morning skate are: defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook and forwards Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Andrew Shaw. Another unit has defenseman Nick Leddy and forwards Patrick Sharp, Viktor Stalberg, Dave Bolland and Patrick Kane.

Well, the Tampon has already struck.
Much to the the chagrin of just about everyone on this board, Duncan Keith is still getting 1st unit PP time. Does the guy have pics of Tampon in a compromising situation along with his pics of Q????

And that 2nd unit -- let's see -- we're either going to get Bolland on the point (he of the 5 minute windup) or Sharpie (who is not effective at the point but needs to be on the 1/2 wall for his patented one-timers).

I guess Tampon figures that with Bolland's long wind-up that at least he's got a guy w/speed on the other side to chase down opposing players on the break in Leddy.

I also figure that with Keith on that 1st unit, the 2nd unit should see plenty of PP time because Keith firing into shinpads will ensure that unit doesn't score.

I guess just like Blowman, the apple (Tampon) doesn't fall far from the tree.
- savvyone-1

You do realize Bolland had 7 goals and 5 assists (good for 2nd in goals and 3rd overall scoring) with limited time?

Bolland will be down low with Sharp sneaking in to have an open cage to shoot at. The second group looks pretty interesting and should have some serious pop.

Not going to b.s. you, I don't know a lot about him. Statistically, he has improved every year at BC. They moved him to C a couple of years ago but it sounds like he plays all F positions.
- John Jaeckel

My kid goes to BU. I saw the BU v BC game earlier this year. Hayes is a nice player, but he is several years away from the NHL game.

My kid goes to BU. I saw the BU v BC game earlier this year. Hayes is a nice player, but he is several years away from the NHL game.
- TheTrob

Thanks.

He moves OK for his size. He ends up on his butt in every corner scrum. Why? High center of gravity, weak on his skates. Take a look at him and Bollig standing side by side in street clothes.

Hayes: 17 points in 37 games. In the AHL.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, now's your chance to get the kid in the weight room with you...

What Kenny Williams did well was make the major league team competitive year after year. He did that by completely decimating the farm system. The White Sox for years are one of the lowest ranked farm systems in baseball, because Kenny traded away anything that was considered even a marginal prospect. There really was no prospect that was "untouchable" in Kenny's eyes, and that strategy worked very well for him. Inevitably, it led to what you had the past few years, and that is an aging team filled with free agents (boons and busts) and no young talent to bolster the roster.

A good organization needs balance between helping the big club and maintaining a stable of prospects. This is true for any sport with a minor league/development system like baseball and hockey. Football and Basketball do not have well defined minor leagues, so you are using draft picks who will play immediately to bolster the existing roster.

I don't advocate emptying the farm system to get a few players for the big club, but Stanley needs to use SOME of the prospects as bait, while maintaining a solid core of others.
- TheTrob

Correct.

My point was the guy was able to find trade partners and make a deal when he thought it was necessary. And was able to get return. In their defense, Beckham (at least he has a good glove), Sale, Reed, Ramirez, Tank, are guys they have developed in house and playing at the MLB level do varying degrees of success. And they have done a pretty good job (with pitchers) salvaging what was once perceived as junk.

But what is important here is that either Bowman can't find a partner (which seems ridiculous) or no one wants to dance with him (or the Hawks organization for that matter).

I get the feeling no one wants to dance and that is a massive problem moving forward regardless of the circumstances that make that assumption possible.

JJ, now's your chance to get the kid in the weight room with you...
- blackhawk24

Ha, I think at age 51, I could still keep up with or even put a few of these guys to shame. Then again, I have 30-40 pounds on some of them.

Correct.

My point was the guy was able to find trade partners and make a deal when he thought it was necessary. And was able to get return. In their defense, Beckham (at least he has a good glove), Sale, Reed, Ramirez, Tank, are guys they have developed in house and playing at the MLB level do varying degrees of success. And they have done a pretty good job (with pitchers) salvaging what was once perceived as junk.

But what is important here is that either Bowman can't find a partner (which seems ridiculous) or no one wants to dance with him (or the Hawks organization for that matter).

I get the feeling no one wants to dance and that is a massive problem moving forward regardless of the circumstances that make that assumption possible.
- fattybeef

I think the dance partners are there. Bowman is gun shy and he has a committee around him second-guessing (or over-ruling) every deal. That's why he doesn't make any. I would bet a lot of money on it.

You do realize Bolland had 7 goals and 5 assists (good for 2nd in goals and 3rd overall scoring) with limited time?

Bolland will be down low with Sharp sneaking in to have an open cage to shoot at. The second group looks pretty interesting and should have some serious pop.
- fattybeef

He won't admit to anything positive about Bolland.