is everyone forgettng about Jamal Mayers? Why not move Krueger to 3rd line center and insert Mayers on the 4th.....

I feel bad for DC as he seems injury prone. However a break for Saad and I think we will be pleased with his progress once the nerves subside. Needs to be a little more physical finishing checks but that is what the Coaching staff will tell him. I really think Emery is finished and I have no idea why he was re signed. Does someone out there have a realistic list of who is out there for a back up. Compared to Quick, Smith and Emery ....Crawford looked pretty dam good. Karlsson in Calgary is available
as is Lou or Schnides even though we have alraedy beat that horse to death.

Bowman made a good move signing Brookbank,Oduya and Rosey and a better move "not" trading Hammer despite everyone screaming for a trade. Best DMan to date.
Happy to be 2-0 and would be thrilled to be 7-4 after the Western swing.
Need a Goalie soon!!

The issue at center has little to do with Kruger or Bolland...

The question is whether Shaw is a NHL 3rd line center. That line has been good for the most part but it has been Stalberg and Bickell along the walls and scoring. Shaw is decent winger and the jury is still out for me at center.

If Shaw fails and Pirri doesn't get a get out of Rockford card, the Hawks could be still short a true center.


As far as last night, Crawford should have started, Emery looked like he was on a beach for 9 months. Chicago Blackhawks follow the same script, continue to roll - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/V1JkTX
- Al

But he couldn't stop a beach ball last night.......

On the center issue. I think early on we can see that Kruger can be a more effective #3C at this point than Shaw. And maybe deserves the few extra minutes of ice time that the 3rd line gets. Shaw can play #4C, or wing if you play Mayers there. I think that if long term you project him as a C, then play him on the 4th line there. If you see him as a wing, or you just want his energy out there, then he can fill in on any of the lines, including #1 if Saad poops the bed with the opportunity.

is everyone forgettng about Jamal Mayers? Why not move Krueger to 3rd line center and insert Mayers on the 4th.....
- joneboy

Mainly because Jamal Mayers is the 23rd best player on a 23 man roster and his only real value is in the dressing room and as veteran who can be inserted into the lineup as a replacement for an injured or tired player.

The issue at center has little to do with Kruger or Bolland...

The question is whether Shaw is a NHL 3rd line center. That line has been good for the most part but it has been Stalberg and Bickell along the walls and scoring. Shaw is decent winger and the jury is still out for me at center.

If Shaw fails and Pirri doesn't get a get out of Rockford card, the Hawks could be still short a true center.


As far as last night, Crawford should have started, Emery looked like he was on a beach for 9 months.

Chicago Blackhawks follow the same script, continue to roll - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/V1JkTX
- Al

I'm not sold on Shaw as the third line center either. I think he should be moved to the wing and Kruger bumped up to the third line. We still need another center, but early signs point to it being a 4th line center and not a 2nd line center. Finding somebody to center the 4th line shouldn't be too hard. A draft pick, mid-prospect or fringe forwards should do the trick. I'd still love to see Stan pick up David Steckel, he has the size and face off skill we sorely need. Trade for him and re-sign him ASAP. Pirri for Steckel?

is everyone forgettng about Jamal Mayers? Why not move Krueger to 3rd line center and insert Mayers on the 4th.....
- joneboy

Mayers provides a certain value to the team, but not as our regular 4th line center. But I agree that Kruger should have the 3C role.

I think Stan needs to address the 4C vacancy via trade, for most GMs that wouldn't be too hard but for Stan????

Mayers provides a certain value to the team, but not as our regular 4th line center. But I agree that Kruger should have the 3C role.

I think Stan needs to address the 4C vacancy via trade, for most GMs that wouldn't be too hard but for Stan????
- DarthKane

Disagree. #4C is the perfect spot for you to bring up a kid and let him see what playing in the NHL is all about. The way Q plays match-ups, the 4th line usually is not out there against the other teams top. No use trading for a 4C. If you feel that Bolland and Kruger fill the #2&3C position, than any trade should be for a G (even a solid backup one at this point)

A very good start. I thought Crawford looked very good on Saturday. He was seeing the puck through traffic well, and not giving up rebounds.

Emery? If this guy is still on this team in 20+ games I'll be shocked. He's been god awful since last January, and 2 of those goals last night rivaled what huet used to let in. With back up goaltending playing such a critical role this year, the Hawks will need to score at least 4 a game when Emery is in net. He's very slow, and even worse botched gimme saves that led to glaring rebounds. If this guy is even in the conversation of being the Hawks goaltender, they are screwed.

Out of the 11 goals...9 were scored by your "stars". I still want to see more contribution from the depth guys. Kruger can generate havic on the 4th line, but Shaw's line will still be a huge variable in regards to this team's success. Frolik had a beauty of a goal on saturday, but then botched a tap in last night.

Lastly, kudos to Foley who pointed out how the conistency of Bolland producing will be watched closely. He can't afford to go 11 games with 1 or 0 points. I don't see how that happens playing Kane and Sharp. That line already seems to be meshing well.

Exactly JJ, 2 down and 46 to go....

I would have started Crawford for a few reasons last night, but Hawks were lucky it didn't matter. I didn't mention Rozsival and you are correct...really strong game and great passes on a few occasions.


Chicago Blackhawks follow the same script, continue to roll - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/V1JkTX
- Al

Still not sold on STL. They played a Daytoit team that is shadow of what it has been. Nashville will beat on them today at a minimum so I would expect another quality Hawks showing.

I thought aside from the floating after losing the face goal thing, Kane did a really good job in his own zone.

Faceoffs are going to be a problem. People asking for another center is not idiotic. At all. People demanding a 2nd line impact player is probably delusional but a situational guy... Definitely not. Someone other than Toews needs to win +50%. Maybe that is Kruger but today, 35, 42 and 44 from Bolland, Kruger and Shaw is unacceptable and unsustainable.

Stan and company TOP priority should be to bring in another goalie sooner than later to compete with Crawford. Disagree with everybody wanting a center.

Emery looked very slow and rebounds were plentiful. Emery may be a great guy but he's not a quality backup.

Disagree. #4C is the perfect spot for you to bring up a kid and let him see what playing in the NHL is all about. The way Q plays match-ups, the 4th line usually is not out there against the other teams top. No use trading for a 4C. If you feel that Bolland and Kruger fill the #2&3C position, than any trade should be for a G (even a solid backup one at this point)
- TheTrob

Not on a team with Cup aspirations. They need a Madden type player (maybe that is Mayers, maybe they add a similar piece) to kill penalties and win D zone draws 50-60% of the time.

Mainly because Jamal Mayers is the 23rd best player on a 23 man roster and his only real value is in the dressing room and as veteran who can be inserted into the lineup as a replacement for an injured or tired player.
- RickJ

Mayers at center doesn't work for the long haul..

The past two seasons when he should have been most valauble, in the playoffs, his gas tank was empty...Happened last season and with the Sharks and Mayers was scratched both times.

Chicago Blackhawks follow the same script, continue to roll - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/V1JkTX

Any body else notice Eddie O praising McD during the game last night. What's up with that? Is Eddie O lobbying to be next GM of Hawks.

Exactly JJ, 2 down and 46 to go....

I would have started Crawford for a few reasons last night, but Hawks were lucky it didn't matter. I didn't mention Rozsival and you are correct...really strong game and great passes on a few occasions.


Chicago Blackhawks follow the same script, continue to roll - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/V1JkTX
- Al

Great synopsis. Shaws compete level, from my view, gives him the benefit of the doubt at this point. However, you do have options, that is for sure. Kruger no doubt has amped his game to another level. As such, his development will give the team more options (like moving Shaw up to 1st line to play Carcillo role).

Fans should be prepared to see a lot of players coming in to help with the tight schedule. Hayes, Morin, Pirri etc...will all get peaks, even for just one game breathers imo.

After recently turning 34, Big Hoss looks as good as ever. An absolutely dominant force up and down the ice. If, and at this point it has to be a big 'if" Hossa can stay healthy and play 70+ games, he could have a huge season.

By my math, if Hossa plays 70+ games, that puts the Hawks pretty deep into the playoffs.

Still not sold on STL. They played a Daytoit team that is shadow of what it has been. Nashville will beat on them today at a minimum so I would expect another quality Hawks showing.

I thought aside from the floating after losing the face goal thing, Kane did a really good job in his own zone.

Faceoffs are going to be a problem. People asking for another center is not idiotic. At all. People demanding a 2nd line impact player is probably delusional but a situational guy... Definitely not. Someone other than Toews needs to win +50%. Maybe that is Kruger but today, 35, 42 and 44 from Bolland, Kruger and Shaw is unacceptable and unsustainable.
- fattybeef

On paper St Louis is very strong....But as we know...Things can happen with the paper.

Two quality goal tenders gives the Blues an edge in the division.... Halak for my money is injury prone so it is good for them they have Elliot.

Not on a team with Cup aspirations. They need a Madden type player (maybe that is Mayers, maybe they add a similar piece) to kill penalties and win D zone draws 50-60% of the time.
- fattybeef

If it is Mayers, you have to let him play, otherwise cut him loose.

Obviously, the only glaring weakness right now is who else besides Toews can win a faceoff. Most of their forwards kill penalties. Toews, Sharp, Hossa, Bolland, Kruger, Frolik, Mayers, Shaw, etc. all see significant time of the PK.

The ability to roll 4 lines will be significant as the season goes on in this compressed format.

Didn't get to see much of the LA game, but Hammer was the best defenseman on the ice last night in PHX. And Leddy had a solid performance as well.

And Toews should have gone to Europe to play instead of attending NHLPA meetings. Good on the draw but way off his normal form otherwise. Looked to be a step slow all night. The players that either played in Europe or the AHL seem to have an advantage so far.

Not sure what Hossa was doing to get ready, but whatever it was it worked.

League wide, the coaches have not had a chance to install their 'systems' with less than a week of practice. It would appear that favors teams with more skilled players like the Blackhawks, that those that really on systems (NASH, PHX)

Stan and company TOP priority should be to bring in another goalie sooner than later to compete with Crawford. Disagree with everybody wanting a center.

Emery looked very slow and rebounds were plentiful. Emery may be a great guy but he's not a quality backup.
- roenick

No kidding he looked slow
Agree with everything you said and I would guess so does the GM and Q

Disagree. #4C is the perfect spot for you to bring up a kid and let him see what playing in the NHL is all about. The way Q plays match-ups, the 4th line usually is not out there against the other teams top. No use trading for a 4C. If you feel that Bolland and Kruger fill the #2&3C position, than any trade should be for a G (even a solid backup one at this point)
- TheTrob

Who would you call up to be our 4th line center? Pirri and LeBlanc are not 4th line centers and Hayes didn't work out playing in the middle. I get what you're saying but I don't think we have any viable options in Rockford right now. Besides that, I think we have a strong club and I'd rather have a veteran 4C who can help provide some leadership and help with the PK. Look at the difference Madden made during our cup run.

By my math, if Hossa plays 70+ games, that puts the Hawks pretty deep into the playoffs.
- Ogilthorpe2

nice!

By my math, if Hossa plays 70+ games, that puts the Hawks pretty deep into the playoffs.
- Ogilthorpe2

The Finals!

Emery didn't look too hot last night but most goalies haven't yet. They tend to need the preseason more than skaters do. At least he didn't look as bad as Vancouver's top two this weekend.

Who would you call up to be our 4th line center? Pirri and LeBlanc are not 4th line centers and Hayes didn't work out playing in the middle. I get what you're saying but I don't think we have any viable options in Rockford right now. Besides that, I think we have a strong club and I'd rather have a veteran 4C who can help provide some leadership and help with the PK. Look at the difference Madden made during our cup run.
- DarthKane

There is no need to mess with the lines right now. Let things gel - so far the only obvious issue is goaltending, can't really force myself to look past that.

is everyone forgettng about Jamal Mayers? Why not move Krueger to 3rd line center and insert Mayers on the 4th.....
- joneboy

I agree. I would also put Shaw as third line RW, and move Stalberg to first line LW. When Smith gets healthy, I would bring him up as 13th forward and send Saad back to Rockford. For the time being, though, you don't mess with what is working.

I'd also kick the tires on seeing if Dominic Moore wants to play this year; he's very good at the dot and is an excellent on the PK.

Did anyone else notice how well Daniel Winnik looked for Anaheim the other night? Too bad he didn't want to come here...