From the few highlights I saw, Kassian has redirected some pucks and stuffed in rebounds on the pp. He's the big body player we wish Bickell would play like. That being said, in my opinion the guy is a jagoff and will be taking some dumb penalties tonight. He did the last time the Hawks and Nucks met.
- prd797

Yeah, it's different when you watch him play. He's actually capable of making some nice plays, and he did score one goal where it was all him. What he does best for the twins though is open the ice up a bit for them, and I think his true value will come in the playoffs. He has the type of body that can really wear down defenders over the course of a series.

I agree Steve. I made the point yesterday that it may help the Hawks and Saad to switch Saad and Stalberg. Saad by being on the top line is going against the oppositions best checking line. Maybe the Hawks get some production out of Saad by moving him to the third line.
- jhawk159

Or you send him back down and let him continue to get 1st line minutes and fine tune his game. I don't know if he's responsible defensively enough to play against top tier skilled opponents.

Carcillo is that guy for sure...110% agreed, and better be right back in that spot if the boy wonder is still up with club.

Saad hasn't hurt....but playing with 2 elite players he has to start cashing in on his chances. That's my point. He has to go to the net and free up room and use his hands to score some of thos coveted garbage goals.

Stalberg has been very good so far, and I gotta think he's wondering what the hell he has to do to get a shot playing top minutes when a rookie isn't producing? Those sorts of decisions can quickly start to segment a locker room...very quickly. All well fine when the team is winning, but when you're not...watch out.
- SteveRain

Hasn't hurt, hasn't helped like the guy in that role needs to. Time to end the experiment. I hope like hell he goes out and pots 1 or 2 tonight and crushes some defensemen. But all that will do is perpetuate the perception he's ready for a role he's not ready for and won't be for another year or two.

Kassian's a Twwaaaaat....just like you.

- philco28

I'm willing to be JJ doesn't report that post

I was hoping it was the other way around and Kassian handed Clowe his lunch. Clowe is a D-bag.
- jhawk159

It was a good example of Clowe being a man and Kassian still being a boy. Maybe in a year or two it will be reversed.

Ward, aren't you being a little hard on the Beaver. Ian's a good guy.
- John Jaeckel

He's a dedicated blogger, and generally stimulates some good conversation but his opinions are generally more anecdotal than based on unbiased observation. And then there are statements like "No team can beat them..." I appreciate his dedication to the "job".

Fixed.

(I kid, because I love.)

Bieksa could handle most Hawks. He does have a tendency to avoid the actual heavyweights in the league.

Bollig, however, would destroy him and Bieksa will not actually engage him in a million years.
- John Jaeckel

Bieksa is a middle weight, and more often than not fights guys bigger and heavier than him, check his fight card, he's fought some tough guys...he's no Rick Rypien (no one was), but If a Euro (Stalberg) wants to play cheap/dirty, especially in a blow out game - well you can't teach stupid. Kev can throw'em.

Sorry, I don't know Bollig, but if he is anything like Scott - I would hope Bieksa stays away, he's a top 4 D, not some plug.

Bieksa is a middle weight, and more often than not fights guys bigger and heavier than him, check his fight card, he's fought some tough guys...he's no Rick Rypien (no one was), but If a Euro (Stalberg) wants to play cheap/dirty, especially in a blow out game - well you can't teach stupid. Kev can throw'em.

Sorry, I don't know Bollig, but if he is anything like Scott - I would hope Bieksa stays away, he's a top 4 D, not some plug.
- PopCanBong

That's a sensitive subject around here.

Carcillo is that guy for sure...110% agreed, and better be right back in that spot if the boy wonder is still up with club.

Saad hasn't hurt....but playing with 2 elite players he has to start cashing in on his chances. That's my point. He has to go to the net and free up room and use his hands to score some of thos coveted garbage goals.

Stalberg has been very good so far, and I gotta think he's wondering what the hell he has to do to get a shot playing top minutes when a rookie isn't producing? Those sorts of decisions can quickly start to segment a locker room...very quickly. All well fine when the team is winning, but when you're not...watch out.
- SteveRain

I actually have been pretty pleased with how hard Saad has been going to the net lately. I prefer to gage that line based on what Hossa and Toews do. Everybody ranked on Brouwer when he played with Toews and Sharp for not scoring. But if he is the catalyst that allows Sharp and Toews to put up points... that's a win. Not saying Saad is the guy who is going to be that guy. But I look at my stars and their production. If they produce...we will win regardless of what the Saads are doing. IMO... the reason we lost the last 2 years is we got zip out of our big 4 on offense. Kane/Hossa/Toews/Sharp are the key to this team as much as we want to talk about our goaltender.

Who knows on Stalberg. I do like him on the 3rd line for scoring balance. But there also may be fear of him just ripping it up point wise in terms of his contract. No way he is going to put up near the points with Bickell and Shaw. A big factor in his new deal.

I really can't believe everyone is buying in so highly on this San Jose team. Go look at the schedule they've played so far. They have played (actually) every other day and just finished the 5th game of a 6 game home stand. That means lots of practice time and rest - something the Hawks have been ill afforded. Then there is the overall competition level of their opponents: Flames, Oil twice, Avs; only played one division opponent - in the Shark tank no less. Oh, and to boot, two of their wins are 1992 ties (shootout wins).

The Hawks have beaten 3 division opponents, the defending champs, and 2 teams that gave them fits last year; while bouncing all over the country barely practicing.

The Hawks are contenders, so are the Blues and I really like what they've got going on out there in Anaheim.
- nathanjf

I agree, the Sharks are overrated right now IMO. I don't buy them as a cup contender just yet.

No, it's just that I think that's how Colin, er I mean Brendan Shanahan (sarcasm intended) looks at things. I will also tell you I think the league will have zero tolerance for shots on either teams' stars.
- John Jaeckel

So you think that Keith deserved more than 5 games but Shanahan took the earlier Sedin hit into consideration when dispensing justice?

What I'm saying is that for you to say "Danny started it" sounds like kids on the playground. How many times has Bolland et al slashed, cross checked or otherwise harassed a Sedin away from the play and not been penalized for it?

I hope it doesn't become an issue, Bertuzzi showed us all how crime doesn't pay.

I'm willing to be JJ doesn't report that post
- rune_74

Whaaaa


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHwGR5l_uMU

Hasn't hurt, hasn't helped like the guy in that role needs to. Time to end the experiment. I hope like hell he goes out and pots 1 or 2 tonight and crushes some defensemen. But all that will do is perpetuate the perception he's ready for a role he's not ready for and won't be for another year or two.
- John Jaeckel

No doubt Q is in love with this guy more than he should. But I don't think there is a clear cut guy to put on that line to fulfill the role we need right now. Stalberg is just a better version of Saad right now. Keeping Vik on the 3rd line gives us that primary scoring threat that we already have from Toews and Hossa up top. I just hope when Carcillo comes back, Q doesn't get stupid and put him on the 4th line keeping Saad where he is....

Yes, the Brandon Saad experiment needs to end quickly. He has good wheels and a nose for D/back check, but hes not ready yet. Let him gets lotzo time with Rockford. Stalberg has more then earned the right to play on the #1 line. Losing Carcillo was not good. He brings a much needed edge to that line. Hoping he returns quickly. Hats off to CC. Hes playing lights out. And for those already chirping about being too small or not being physical enough.. we have held our own just fine. Handled the Blues and the Wild. Backstrom stole that game and that happens. I do think some line tweeking is in order. Would rather see Stalberg or Shaw on the #1 line and maybe split up #2 and #7 until they get out of their funk.. Also Q needs to play Emery soon to see what he has in the tank. If he plays as bad as he did against the Yotes, time to start shopping for a backup net minder. You couldnt ask for a better start. The whole team looks energized. Cant go 48-0 here people. Looking forward to tonights game... Gut says 4-1 Hawks.

Watch Burrows. Suckers Kane in the face like a puss, knees keith, Class is out the window when a guy like that plays on your team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3GkvozVxvI

but If a Euro (Stalberg) wants to play cheap/dirty, especially in a blow out game - well you can't teach stupid. Kev can throw'em.
- PopCanBong

Right...because Stalberg is known to A- play dirty and B- engage in a fight.

I know it was just an example, but it was still amusing to see you prove Bieksa is a tough customer by jumping a guy like Stalberg.

Come to think if it... Didn't he do that once? Pretty sure he tried to go with Stalberg while blatantly avoiding Scott.

you guys are so god dame negative all the time , 2nd place in the NHL and its still not good enough. I haven’t seen this team fly like this since 2010. Jesus cant you all just enjoy some of this. JJ I have been reading your blog since you took over for AL and Christ they get more negative the more i read , could you just maybe write a blog that is more positive then negative. Every blog is "oh we are playing well but the bottom will fall out" why? we look great, everyone is healthy i feel as if we have as good a chance as anyone. Of course that could all change god forbid everyone gets hurt , but why talk about that. Name me one team that you feel would 100% beat us in 7 games. I cant think of one that i am certain of.

I don’t imagine i will get a response from you either as per usual.

At the end of this trip, you have 25% of the season gone, and it will be interesting to see where this team lies at that point.

1. Crawford has played very well...I'll give him credit. So far so good, but still a long way to go..and regular season success doesn't mean crap. Win a playoff series. I still want NOTHING to do with Luongo, as I posted his career melt downs come spring time a few threads back.

The immortal Craig Anderson also HAS NOT won a playoff series. He played very well in both...

2. The depth scoring on this team still is a MAJOR concern. Everyone wants to get excited about this great 3rd line. 4 goals in 7 games isn't anything to get nuts over. This line has to put on their big boy pants, and start consistently producing.

3. The center depth is glaring. Your 2nd best faceoff man is Shaw who is at 48%. Mayers is at 58%, which begs the question, WHY IS HE NOT playing? The objective is to win championships. If they are sitting back grooming Shaw and Kruger for the future, fine...but it's going to cost them games late when Toews can't take a key draw and these 2 are dominated at the dot. Bolland at 41% is pathetic.

4. Keith and Seabrook are a combined -7. That has to improve.

Overall, the 6-0-1 could be the false positive this team showcased early last year, until the bottom fell out in February.

I don't doubt they can compete for in the west. However without some added size, and another face off man they are going to flame out by round 2.
- SteveRain

Hasn't hurt, hasn't helped like the guy in that role needs to. Time to end the experiment. I hope like hell he goes out and pots 1 or 2 tonight and crushes some defensemen. But all that will do is perpetuate the perception he's ready for a role he's not ready for and won't be for another year or two.
- John Jaeckel

100% agreed. I hope he succeeds but that clock better be running out in regards to his presence on line 1. Especially if Toews and Hossa go cold....

I have a bad feeling about tonight. Canucks will come out physical, and I can easily see this repeating what game 1 of the 2011 quarters was....an @ss beating.

So you think that Keith deserved more than 5 games but Shanahan took the earlier Sedin hit into consideration when dispensing justice?

What I'm saying is that for you to say "Danny started it" sounds like kids on the playground. How many times has Bolland et al slashed, cross checked or otherwise harassed a Sedin away from the play and not been penalized for it?

I hope it doesn't become an issue, Bertuzzi showed us all how crime doesn't pay.
- 1970vintage

Well, if we go down that rabbit hole, where exactly did it all start? Come on.

100% agreed. I hope he succeeds but that clock better be running out in regards to his presence on line 1. Especially if Toews and Hossa go cold....

I have a bad feeling about tonight. Canucks will come out physical, and I can easily see this repeating what game 1 of the 2011 quarters was....an @ss beating.
- SteveRain

Me too.

So you think that Keith deserved more than 5 games but Shanahan took the earlier Sedin hit into consideration when dispensing justice?

What I'm saying is that for you to say "Danny started it" sounds like kids on the playground. How many times has Bolland et al slashed, cross checked or otherwise harassed a Sedin away from the play and not been penalized for it?

I hope it doesn't become an issue, Bertuzzi showed us all how crime doesn't pay.
- 1970vintage

What?????? Isn't Bertuzzi still playing? What penalty did Bertuzzi pay?

If I am misunderstanding you, I apologise in advance.

you guys are so god dame negative all the time , 2nd place in the NHL and its still not good enough. I haven’t seen this team fly like this since 2010. Jesus cant you all just enjoy some of this. JJ I have been reading your blog since you took over for AL and Christ they get more negative the more i read , could you just maybe write a blog that is more positive then negative. Every blog is "oh we are playing well but the bottom will fall out" why? we look great, everyone is healthy i feel as if we have as good a chance as anyone. Of course that could all change god forbid everyone gets hurt , but why talk about that. Name me one team that you feel would 100% beat us in 7 games. I cant think of one that i am certain of.

I don’t imagine i will get a response from you either as per usual.
- Dojodan

San Jose...better goaltending, more depth, more physicality.

I'm not sold on STL.

I try to walk the fine line between negative and realistic. I'm cautiously optimistic, but regular season success doens't mean crap. Is this team TODAY built to win a championship? NO, they aren't. Bowman fixes those holes, avoid major injury to the core, and they can come out of the west...easily.

Yes Kassian protects them. Kassian will beat up any player on the Hawks. The Sedins aren't firing on all cylinders so it's kinda hard to tell who's more effective. I think the team as whole is better with Kassian with the Twins because it allows burrows to be on the second and has a trickle down effect on the team.
- Boinker

#52

San Jose...better goaltending, more depth, more physicality.

I'm not sold on STL.

I try to walk the fine line between negative and realistic. I'm cautiously optimistic, but regular season success doens't mean crap. Is this team TODAY built to win a championship? NO, they aren't. Bowman fixes those holes, avoid major injury to the core, and they can come out of the west...easily.
- SteveRain

DING DING

So you think that Keith deserved more than 5 games but Shanahan took the earlier Sedin hit into consideration when dispensing justice?

What I'm saying is that for you to say "Danny started it" sounds like kids on the playground. How many times has Bolland et al slashed, cross checked or otherwise harassed a Sedin away from the play and not been penalized for it?

I hope it doesn't become an issue, Bertuzzi showed us all how crime doesn't pay.
- 1970vintage

This is going to be a very interesting aspect of the game to watch tonight. Bolland has been relentless with the twins the last couple of years and I'm looking forward to the dynamic with the twins actually having a guy that will stand up for them.

My guess is that Bolland sucks Kassian into a penalty or two and makes him look like an as$. Hopefully the Canucks just focus on hockey and don't get caught up in all the side show crap. It never ends well when they engage in after whistle stuff.