My bet is they consulted with experts on sleep, fatigue and nutrition on how best to handle the road trip and the condensed schedule. And McD is probably taking all of the boys to Dairy Queen for a treat this afternoon.
- RickJ

Anyone who has travelled a lot on business knows that under the BEST of circumstances, it's tiring as hell. Then throw in three straight OT/shootouts. Rotsa ruck.

Anyone who has travelled a lot on business knows that under the BEST of circumstances, it's tiring as hell. Then throw in three straight OT/shootouts. Rotsa ruck.
- John Jaeckel

Does that apply in the bloggisphere as well?Was sure that all problems where solved here.

My thoughts on some of the above comments:

- Bolland is a hard luck, guy. finally gets his "shot" at 2C, takes a minor injury and Shaw comes in and maybe Wally Pipp's him. Seems to me Shaw is clicking wth Kane and Sharp already. Brings the willngness/grit along the boards around the net. Underrated hands. Danault could yet make an appearance this year, and if Saad can begin to catch on in less than 10 games, there's no reason to think Danault can't. If he does, then you have a very crowded waiting room for 2/3 centers: Shaw, Kruger, Danault . . .

- Too early to write Sharp's epitaph either. Neither he nor Keith/Seabrook played during the lockout. Those are the guys still finding their hands and legs. The legs come back first, the hands last. That could be stymieing Sharp.

- This is a very good hockey team. Still too many perimeter guys upfront. Stalbverg and Bickell and Saad going to the front of the net but NONE looks comfortable or effective there.

- Danault or Pirri could be the key. If one or the other can be counted on for center depth, then maybe Bowman can shift his focus to acquiring a forward who can operate in front of the net. Will be hard because many teams will be "in" the playoff picture right up to the deadline.

Does that apply in the bloggisphere as well?Was sure that all problems where solved here.
- eagle50

That's the beauty of blogging. You only travel if you want to.

Anyone who has travelled a lot on business knows that under the BEST of circumstances, it's tiring as hell. Then throw in three straight OT/shootouts. Rotsa ruck.
- John Jaeckel

And the 3,600 foot elevation in Calgary to the equation and it may explain why the Hawks looked like they were skating in mud in the third period.

And the 3,600 foot elevation in Calgary to the equation and it may explain why the Hawks looked like they were skating in mud in the third period.
- paulr

Edzo mentioned that during the Pitt/Wash game today..something I never thought of..

I know you didn't say this Al but can we get a board-wide ban on mentioning Sharp in trade rumors? He has a no movement clause in his contract, he got that because he wants to play and live here for the duration of his contract, not for poops and giggles. I am writing it into hockeybuzz law that until 2016 no Sharp can trade be mentioned
- rollpards19

I think the reality is many big name players have NTC/NMC and still get traded at some point.

I know what your are saying but players end up relenting, just like Brian Campbell did and at some point Luongo will do the same.

Maybe just turn a deaf ear to the Sharp stuff...

Sharp + Name your prospect except TT and a 1st round pick ??? For Bobby Ryan and a 2nd round pick .


Next years draft is very deep
- mrpaulish

Nope probably not enough...

Molly, you know I respect you, but give me a name? A Price? Don't you think a guy like that would be a commodity? As such, at a glance, looks like we should be able to get that cheap, but where is it?

That is what I am saying. Much of what we are looking for everyone else is too. In reality, the hardest thing to find in the league is top end talent, we have as much if not more than anyone. The grit etc is simply effort and commitment.

To me that is more confounding than the lack of trades, it is the lack of guys stepping up to fill these roles.
- TrueGrit

To me that is more confounding than the lack of trades, it is the lack of guys stepping up to fill these roles.

There is no substitute for experience and the NHL is getting younger because players with modest contracts are needed to fill out rosters.

Many players are learning on the job all around the league.

And the 3,600 foot elevation in Calgary to the equation and it may explain why the Hawks looked like they were skating in mud in the third period.
- paulr

Also there was heavy construction near the hotel, Foley spoke about it, that started at 7:30 AM....anyone close to that side of the hotel had a problem.

That said Calgary is the gang that can't shoot straight....An ideal opponent for the Hawks last night.

It's early, but - so much for fans losing interest in NHL hockey:

Only 4 teams this year are below 90% of capacity, compared to 9 last year and 11 the year before.

But - it is early.
- StLBravesFan

I mentioned before the year started the rinks will be filled to a higher % of capacity than last season.

But if you are comparing 8-9 games to early Feb of last year...Not a good comparison.

Also there was heavy construction near the hotel, Foley spoke about it, that started at 7:30 AM....anyone close to that side of the hotel had a problem.

That said Calgary is the gang that can't shoot straight....An ideal opponent for the Hawks last night.
- Al

Yeah no question. There were several scrums in front of the net and the Flames seemed to have clear shots. I just assumed it was going to be a goal and yet the play continued.

Crazy game; one we had no business being in and managed to win.

It's only 2 games but do you have any thoughts on Shaw centering the 2nd line?

To me that is more confounding than the lack of trades, it is the lack of guys stepping up to fill these roles.

There is no substitute for experience and the NHL is getting younger because players with modest contracts are needed to fill out rosters.

Many players are learning on the job all around the league.
- Al

Al
Agree and even more frustrating is the fact that the role of power forward is the simplest to play and break into the nhl. Alot of young players have the skill set but appear to lack the attitude to play the type of game needed as a power forward

I think the reality is many big name players have NTC/NMC and still get traded at some point.

I know what your are saying but players end up relenting, just like Brian Campbell did and at some point Luongo will do the same.

Maybe just turn a deaf ear to the Sharp stuff...
- Al

Exactly. A lot of players probably realize the team is trying to deal them and they might get the feeling they aren't wanted. Well maybe it isn't that they don't want them but want to deal them. I don't know if I would stick around

Yeah no question. There were several scrums in front of the net and the Flames seemed to have clear shots. I just assumed it was going to be a goal and yet the play continued.

Crazy game; one we had no business being in and managed to win.

It's only 2 games but do you have any thoughts on Shaw centering the 2nd line?
- HawkintheD

On the job training for Shaw....He looked alright as I wrote today but Kruger played his worse game of the year, although still good on the PK.

Emery couldn't play better, carries Blackhawks to 3-2 SO victory - FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/11i64r2

On the job training for Shaw....He looked alright as I wrote today but Kruger played his worse game of the year, although still good on the PK.

Emery couldn't play better, carries Blackhawks to 3-2 SO victory - FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/11i64r2
- Al

He had his worst game at the dot last night too. Overall other than Emery's performance I think it's a game most of the team would like to put in the rearview.

I thought Shaw's first game at 2C when Bolland went down looked pretty good. If Bolland's not back Tuesday I'm sure we'll get another look at him against the Sharks.

That's the beauty of blogging. You only travel if you want to.
- John Jaeckel

I am enjoying the ride.Though the ideas expressed on this site range from the plausible to the not,always something to get a fan thinking.Keep up the good work everyone.

My thoughts on some of the above comments:

- Bolland is a hard luck, guy. finally gets his "shot" at 2C, takes a minor injury and Shaw comes in and maybe Wally Pipp's him. Seems to me Shaw is clicking wth Kane and Sharp already. Brings the willngness/grit along the boards around the net. Underrated hands. Danault could yet make an appearance this year, and if Saad can begin to catch on in less than 10 games, there's no reason to think Danault can't. If he does, then you have a very crowded waiting room for 2/3 centers: Shaw, Kruger, Danault . . .

- Too early to write Sharp's epitaph either. Neither he nor Keith/Seabrook played during the lockout. Those are the guys still finding their hands and legs. The legs come back first, the hands last. That could be stymieing Sharp.

- This is a very good hockey team. Still too many perimeter guys upfront. Stalbverg and Bickell and Saad going to the front of the net but NONE looks comfortable or effective there.

- Danault or Pirri could be the key. If one or the other can be counted on for center depth, then maybe Bowman can shift his focus to acquiring a forward who can operate in front of the net. Will be hard because many teams will be "in" the playoff picture right up to the deadline.
- John Jaeckel

Stan may not be able to rely on Danault this year, Moncton has a good team and could easily make the Memorial Cup. If that happens we'd only get Danault in the 2nd or 3rd round of the playoffs (if my dates are correct).

Do you really think Pirri will get a legitimate shot at the big club this year (barring any more injuries down the middle)?

He had his worst game at the dot last night too. Overall other than Emery's performance I think it's a game most of the team would like to put in the rearview.

I thought Shaw's first game at 2C when Bolland went down looked pretty good. If Bolland's not back Tuesday I'm sure we'll get another look at him against the Sharks.
- HawkintheD

Winnning faceoffs isn't easy but it is hard to believe Kruger could win only 3 of 17...

My thoughts on some of the above comments:

- Bolland is a hard luck, guy. finally gets his "shot" at 2C, takes a minor injury and Shaw comes in and maybe Wally Pipp's him. Seems to me Shaw is clicking wth Kane and Sharp already. Brings the willngness/grit along the boards around the net. Underrated hands. Danault could yet make an appearance this year, and if Saad can begin to catch on in less than 10 games, there's no reason to think Danault can't. If he does, then you have a very crowded waiting room for 2/3 centers: Shaw, Kruger, Danault . . .

- Too early to write Sharp's epitaph either. Neither he nor Keith/Seabrook played during the lockout. Those are the guys still finding their hands and legs. The legs come back first, the hands last. That could be stymieing Sharp.

- This is a very good hockey team. Still too many perimeter guys upfront. Stalbverg and Bickell and Saad going to the front of the net but NONE looks comfortable or effective there.

- Danault or Pirri could be the key. If one or the other can be counted on for center depth, then maybe Bowman can shift his focus to acquiring a forward who can operate in front of the net. Will be hard because many teams will be "in" the playoff picture right up to the deadline.
- John Jaeckel

I think what is cool, and it is cliche in sports, but having a different hero every night can be a sign of a great team. As some of the hotter guys cool, some of the cooler guys step up and carry the load. That is the benefit of having high end scoring depth. Remains to be seen if it plays that way, but I would rather be winning with out all things clicking than to be peaking the first month of the season.

As for Shaw, think 2nd line center is easier than 3rd from a definition standpoint. Not saying you don't have to be as responsible on the 2 line, but you are playing with high end guys and usually have the match up advantage.

My thoughts on some of the above comments:

- Bolland is a hard luck, guy. finally gets his "shot" at 2C, takes a minor injury and Shaw comes in and maybe Wally Pipp's him. Seems to me Shaw is clicking wth Kane and Sharp already. Brings the willngness/grit along the boards around the net. Underrated hands. Danault could yet make an appearance this year, and if Saad can begin to catch on in less than 10 games, there's no reason to think Danault can't. If he does, then you have a very crowded waiting room for 2/3 centers: Shaw, Kruger, Danault . . .

- Too early to write Sharp's epitaph either. Neither he nor Keith/Seabrook played during the lockout. Those are the guys still finding their hands and legs. The legs come back first, the hands last. That could be stymieing Sharp.
- This is a very good hockey team. Still too many perimeter guys upfront. Stalbverg and Bickell and Saad going to the front of the net but NONE looks comfortable or effective there.

- Danault or Pirri could be the key. If one or the other can be counted on for center depth, then maybe Bowman can shift his focus to acquiring a forward who can operate in front of the net. Will be hard because many teams will be "in" the playoff picture right up to the deadline.
- John Jaeckel

Sharp has always been streaky. He will have one of those 8-10 gme streaks where he piles up points at a pt plus per gme rate soon. And he did have real edge and angst vs the flames....probably alot of frustration. He has had soem good looks but either stoned or his usual high and wide!

I think add Shaw to the list who doesn't have what it takes to set goalie screens. Him with Bickel and Stals are being misused there. With the PP tanking this needs to get resolved. The last 3 gmes we have seen the ole passive perimeter PP resurface. The first 3-4 gmes the hawks were showing great movement on the PP. Now its just play pass the puck along the perimeter with the usual goaline stuff shot attempts.

My thoughts on some of the above comments:

- Bolland is a hard luck, guy. finally gets his "shot" at 2C, takes a minor injury and Shaw comes in and maybe Wally Pipp's him. Seems to me Shaw is clicking wth Kane and Sharp already. Brings the willngness/grit along the boards around the net. Underrated hands. Danault could yet make an appearance this year, and if Saad can begin to catch on in less than 10 games, there's no reason to think Danault can't. If he does, then you have a very crowded waiting room for 2/3 centers: Shaw, Kruger, Danault . . .

- Too early to write Sharp's epitaph either. Neither he nor Keith/Seabrook played during the lockout. Those are the guys still finding their hands and legs. The legs come back first, the hands last. That could be stymieing Sharp.

- This is a very good hockey team. Still too many perimeter guys upfront. Stalbverg and Bickell and Saad going to the front of the net but NONE looks comfortable or effective there.

- Danault or Pirri could be the key. If one or the other can be counted on for center depth, then maybe Bowman can shift his focus to acquiring a forward who can operate in front of the net. Will be hard because many teams will be "in" the playoff picture right up to the deadline.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, right about Saad, the kid is tryin! but i gotta ask, Just WHAT NET is Bickell going to the front of? same with Stalberg! as others pointed out , if these 2 would get dirty at least alittle bit, the hawks problems could be fixed in house. sooner or later Bowman & Q gotta pull the plug on these 2! i think it kind of started somewhat the last 2 games. i think i saw 29 & maybe 25 on the ice a totaal of 2 times each in the 3rd period , late in the game.

JJ, right about Saad, the kid is tryin! but i gotta ask, Just WHAT NET is Bickell going to the front of? same with Stalberg! as others pointed out , if these 2 would get dirty at least alittle bit, the hawks problems could be fixed in house. sooner or later Bowman & Q gotta pull the plug on these 2! i think it kind of started somewhat the last 2 games. i think i saw 29 & maybe 25 on the ice a totaal of 2 times each in the 3rd period , late in the game.
- wonthecup10

I know Bickell and Stalberg haven't been playing their best hockey lately, but lets not get too worried just yet. The team had only played 9 games and 7 have been on the road. There's no doubt that this hectic travel schedule has had a negative impact on Bickell and Stalberg, but they certainly aren't the only ones (ie Sharp). A Rockford call up or two throughout the season would probably be a good thing, not just to improve upon 29 and 25's play, but in all reality we'll likely lose one or both if them before next season so we should see if there are any viable replacements within the organization. Personally I think Smith and to a lesser extent Hayes and Morin could replace Bickell.

Sharp has always been streaky. He will have one of those 8-10 gme streaks where he piles up points at a pt plus per gme rate soon. And he did have real edge and angst vs the flames....probably alot of frustration. He has had soem good looks but either stoned or his usual high and wide!

I think add Shaw to the list who doesn't have what it takes to set goalie screens. Him with Bickel and Stals are being misused there. With the PP tanking this needs to get resolved. The last 3 gmes we have seen the ole passive perimeter PP resurface. The first 3-4 gmes the hawks were showing great movement on the PP. Now its just play pass the puck along the perimeter with the usual goaline stuff shot attempts.
- bogiedoc

But he's not always been on the wrong side of 30 with a bloated new contract.

Said it before...saying it again:

Most overrated Hawk ever.

But he's not always been on the wrong side of 30 with a bloated new contract.

Said it before...saying it again:

Most overrated Hawk ever.
- Ogilthorpe2

Nope...that would be Ed Smell 4