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

Haven't seen enough of rockford. What are they? Both are centers putting up decent numbers. Why would they not be #4C's?.

I would love to have a Madden type, but what are you trading to get that, what is Mayers purpose then, and how does that help any of these kids long term.

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...
- hawks2010

Blackhawks never offered him a contract.

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.
- mcmasterkev

Maybe so but can you imagine this team if Crawford gets hurt

We can all agree on a Goalie upgrade and soon

Did Madden retire, or is he available? Does Dominick Moore want to play this year, maybe not right away, but eventually? Jason Arnot?

Got to be a veteran center out there somewhere who can win some draws, kill some penalties, and provide some gritty leadership from the 4th line.

Haven't seen enough of rockford. What are they? Both are centers putting up decent numbers. Why would they not be #4C's?.

I would love to have a Madden type, but what are you trading to get that, what is Mayers purpose then, and how does that help any of these kids long term.
- TheTrob

It's just not their game, they're both 1C or 2C type players. Granted, they wouldn't have those roles with the Blackhawks, but you can't take an offensive player and force them into a defensive role.

In a shortened season we don't have time to develop the young guys, we need to focus on winning now. Next season I'm all for Smith centering the 4th line (assuming he's healthy) but right now we need a veteran to anchor the 4th line. Aside from Toews all our other centers are average (at best) when it comes to face offs, we need somebody other than Toews that can take a draw in a crucial situation.

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.
- Al

And for my fantasy team...

Tarasenko is the real deal. That move the other night for his second goal against Detroit reminded me of Toews a couple years ago against Colorado. He will be a stud the Hawks will have to deal with for a long time!!

Maybe so but can you imagine this team if Crawford gets hurt

We can all agree on a Goalie upgrade and soon
- PEIHawkFan

Schneider looked awful the first game, Luongo actually played pretty well yesterday. He probably could have stopped the 2nd one (and was awful in the shootout), but overall had a pretty solid game.

I'm willing to give Crawford the benefit of the doubt at this point, but Emery is going to cost this team points.

Did Madden retire, or is he available? Does Dominick Moore want to play this year, maybe not right away, but eventually? Jason Arnot?

Got to be a veteran center out there somewhere who can win some draws, kill some penalties, and provide some gritty leadership from the 4th line.
- Ogilthorpe2

I'll say it again, David Steckel would be perfect. I think Steckel is my Fistric.

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
- SteveRain

I look at this the other way. So far, the Hawks are getting a goal a game from unexpected sources. If that continues, it will bode well for the team this year.

Schneider looked awful the first game, Luongo actually played pretty well yesterday. He probably could have stopped the 2nd one (and was awful in the shootout), but overall had a pretty solid game.

I'm willing to give Crawford the benefit of the doubt at this point, but Emery is going to cost this team points.
- TheTrob

+1

Blackhawks never offered him a contract.
- nathanjf

From my understanding, the Hawks kicked the tires on Winnik, but said he wasn't interested in coming here.

It's just not their game, they're both 1C or 2C type players. Granted, they wouldn't have those roles with the Blackhawks, but you can't take an offensive player and force them into a defensive role.

In a shortened season we don't have time to develop the young guys, we need to focus on winning now. Next season I'm all for Smith centering the 4th line (assuming he's healthy) but right now we need a veteran to anchor the 4th line. Aside from Toews all our other centers are average (at best) when it comes to face offs, we need somebody other than Toews that can take a draw in a crucial situation.
- DarthKane

Why not? Isn't that what happened to Bolland when he turned pro? I'm not saying it's ideal, but go to Pirri and LeBlanc and say "If you want a shot this year, we need to turn you into a pest." See if either of them can make the transition.

I look at this the other way. So far, the Hawks are getting a goal a game from unexpected sources. If that continues, it will bode well for the team this year.
- NewToHockey

Great point! That was what made the 2010 team so successful, taking some of the scoring load off the big 4.

Like JJ said, cant get too high or too low. However, two wins,against two good WC teams, ON THE ROAD. Tuesday will really tell us if this team can contend, not for a playoff spot, but for a Stanley Cup.

Nonetheless, great to see 81 play this well and come off a scary hit to return to his old form.

It's just not their game, they're both 1C or 2C type players. Granted, they wouldn't have those roles with the Blackhawks, but you can't take an offensive player and force them into a defensive role.

In a shortened season we don't have time to develop the young guys, we need to focus on winning now. Next season I'm all for Smith centering the 4th line (assuming he's healthy) but right now we need a veteran to anchor the 4th line. Aside from Toews all our other centers are average (at best) when it comes to face offs, we need somebody other than Toews that can take a draw in a crucial situation.
- DarthKane

Are they defensively responsible and can they win faceoffs? Do they kill penalties now? Are either a better option than Shaw (or Mayers)?

Forget all the broadcasters drivel about Shaw playing center before. He made an impact as a winger. You can see from his play that he is little hesitant as a center. The question becomes, what is Shaws value to the NHL club? Clearly they want him on the roster as a spark. Is he better served playing wing, or learning the C position at the NHL level? Is a true C a better choice.

They have played 2 solid games so far as a team. We are really nit-picking here, as no one has really been horrible (except Emery)

From my understanding, the Hawks kicked the tires on Winnik, but said he wasn't interested in coming here.
- hawks2010

I had heard that too, so I asked him about it this summer and he told me he would have loved to come to Chicago but never heard anything from them.

I'll say it again, David Steckel would be perfect. I think Steckel is my Fistric.
- DarthKane

I'd love Steckel too, but the three I mentioned could all be had without the need for Stan to trade any of his prized prospects. They could all be had with just the stroke of a pen.

We were joking in the bar last night that Hossa just doesn't want his streak of 25+ goals to end, so he's working on a deadline.

Why not? Isn't that what happened to Bolland when he turned pro? I'm not saying it's ideal, but go to Pirri and LeBlanc and say "If you want a shot this year, we need to turn you into a pest." See if either of them can make the transition.
- NewToHockey

+1

Why not? Isn't that what happened to Bolland when he turned pro? I'm not saying it's ideal, but go to Pirri and LeBlanc and say "If you want a shot this year, we need to turn you into a pest." See if either of them can make the transition.
- NewToHockey

Not entirely. Bolland got a lot of points in London but that team was absolutely stacked. If I remember correctly he played a lot on their third line too. Bolland's numbers in the AHL were ok, but he was never an offensive type player.

If we're going with the kids then Smith is the best option when he's healthy, then I'd go with Flick. Pirri might be an option but LeBlanc is too small and not good enough defensively. Still, my first choice would be a veteran (have I mentioned David Steckel yet).

Believe I saw Morris deliver a head shot on Shaw near the end of the game, a little behind the play--go figure.

Al's right, Phoenix is an easy team to dislike.

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

I think you are underestimating the difficulty of playing the center position on any line period in the NHL for a kid or even a converted winger like a Shaw or Mayers, especially in the defensive zone without the puck. Dropping down deep in coverage, moving side to side backing up the Dmen, winning defensive zone draws etc. is alot of responsibility even if you are only playing 8-10 minutes a night on Line 4. And then your are supposed to help create some offence with the puck even though your wingers are, lets say, plugs.

John Madden extended his careeer into his late 30's because he could skate very well and was very good at all of the above from playing in the NJ system. But when the Minny Wild matched him up against Toews a year later, he couldn't handle him. Just like Mike Richards can't handle Toews either playing head to head.

I'd have to agree. Our centers are good at everything except faceoffs. Its hard see where to insert a new player in the lineup right now. Don't want to break up Kruger-Frolik, and don't know if Bickell or Stalberg work on the fourth line. I'm thinking (if we can get some depth FO help) Shaw replaces Saad, Bickell to the fourth and scoot up Kruger and Frolik. Leaves 3rd: 25-16-67 and 4th: 29-?-52. Maybe they can pick up a depth guy at the deadline for little more than a low draft pick.

To be honest JJ, the player I have been most impressed with is Kruger.

No doubt has put on some size, but his hands just look so much smoother, he is engaging physically, protecting the puck extremely well, creating opportunities (phenomenal instincts and vision to set up Frolik goal vs LAK) working his butt off on both ends of the ice, and is just flat out making plays.

Oh yea, Hossa has been pretty decent too

I'd love Steckel too, but the three I mentioned could all be had without the need for Stan to trade any of his prized prospects. They could all be had with just the stroke of a pen.
- Ogilthorpe2

I think Madden is retired and works for Montreal now as an amateur scout. Moore may be an option, but he just lost his wife and who knows if he's ready to come back to hockey right now. I'm good with Arnott centering the 4th line, he was ok with face offs (50.3%). But I'd still rather have Steckel.

Great point! That was what made the 2010 team so successful, taking some of the scoring load off the big 4.

Like JJ said, cant get too high or too low. However, two wins,against two good WC teams, ON THE ROAD. Tuesday will really tell us if this team can contend, not for a playoff spot, but for a Stanley Cup.

Nonetheless, great to see 81 play this well and come off a scary hit to return to his old form.
- nickmo2699

Your best players need to be your best players. They should carry the load most nights, but good teams get regular contributions up and down the entire roster.

So far so good. Core players leading the way, support/role payers making valuable contributions and chipping in on the score sheet.

A promising start indeed.