Got to ask you guys,
everyone including myself wanting a big center, no problem with brian boyle if he was even to play 3rd line plus some PP & bolland continue as #2.
but here are my questions:
1) why is he in torts doghouse? isn't tort the popular in your ass with fire type coach most people like?
2) is boyle even available
3) would he get complacent under Q?
4) what are we gonna have to part with?
i like the idea of the hawks adding a YOUNG kid with some SIZE and a bit of GRIT,
better option than most we have talked about.
the million dollar question is ,does SB like him ?
JJ,AL, Boys?????????????????????????????


oops, just read some ranger fans comments on levine's blog, not good re:boyle you guys tell me!
- wonthecup10

I think it is too early to think the Rangers would give up on Boyle.

I think it is too early to think the Rangers would give up on Boyle.
- Al

way too early, their bottom 6 is garbage without him. and thats being honest. they healthy scratched him the other day to way him up. they NEED him, trust me, i live in NY, he is is the next level of untouchable behind callahan, richards, girardi, mcdonagh, staal, and nash

basically he is our bolland or kruger. you better blow them away with an offer they cant walk away from

not to mention, he is a protypical tortorella player

Bowman's in a tough spot. On the one hand, he's probably creaming himself and staring in the mirror and patting himself on the back for this incredible start. On the other hand, phuck with the chemistry, make an ill-advised impulse move, and run the risk of derailing the train. Something's going to happen before now and the end of the year, but would look for a move later than sooner.
- philco28

Stanley's daddy was a master at adding a body here and there close to playoff time to plug a hole or create a little more depth in a position he wasn't entirely comfortable with. Currently he's sitting down there in Florida going to all of the Lightning games and watching hockey on TV every night of the week.

You can be sure he's feeding names to Junior to put in his Blackberry. He knows better than anybody where the areas of concern with the Hawks roster would be. Probably looking for another John Madden type right now.

How many times did teams pass over Shaw in the draft? I'm a Shaw fan as much as the next guy, but you have to admit we lucked out with him. Shaw was passed over completely in 2 drafts then taken by us in the 5th round so I doubt the expectations were very high. Lucky for us that Shaw proved everyone wrong for passing him over.
- DarthKane

That's why Kane refers to him as a 19th round draft pick.

That's why Kane refers to him as a 19th round draft pick.
- NewToHockey

Lol

I think at this point I'd say if it's not broke don't fix it. The team is on a roll and it seems to have some chemistry so why tamper with that. If something pops up near the TDL where they can pick up another center or a power forward maybe Bowman surprises us and makes a deal but for now I'd stand pat.

I think at this point I'd say if it's not broke don't fix it. The team is on a roll and it seems to have some chemistry so why tamper with that. If something pops up near the TDL where they can pick up another center or a power forward maybe Bowman surprises us and makes a deal but for now I'd stand pat.
- jhawk159

I would usually agree with this but with the way this season is scheduled if a player is available that will help at center or on the power play and that player is offered you cant pass on a deal for later. There may not be any deals available later.

I think at this point I'd say if it's not broke don't fix it. The team is on a roll and it seems to have some chemistry so why tamper with that. If something pops up near the TDL where they can pick up another center or a power forward maybe Bowman surprises us and makes a deal but for now I'd stand pat.
- jhawk159

The Hawks are nowhere near as good as this streak would suggest and unfortunately it will take some losses for some fans to understand that there are deficiencies that need to be addressed to make a deep run in the playoffs. Waiting for the Trade Deadline is fine for a complimentary player but if a more significant player is needed he should, ideally, be acquired as soon as possible to ensure he fully understands and is comfortable playing Quenneville’s system and to ensure he fits into the team structure and chemistry as much as possible. Hopefully SB isn’t blinded by the current win streak and has identified the team’s weaknesses and is in the process of addressing them.

The Hawks are nowhere near as good as this streak would suggest and unfortunately it will take some losses for some fans to understand that there are deficiencies that need to be addressed to make a deep run in the playoffs. Waiting for the Trade Deadline is fine for a complimentary player but if a more significant player is needed he should, ideally, be acquired as soon as possible to ensure he fully understands and is comfortable playing Quenneville’s system and to ensure he fits into the team structure and chemistry as much as possible. Hopefully SB isn’t blinded by the current win streak and has identified the team’s weaknesses and is in the process of addressing them.
- paulr

If not, be sure to call him or take his call so you can fill him in. What are you willing to part with? And what is net gain of a target player? All teams can always get better, but to magically think you can accomplish this without disrupting things is a little naive.

I think the Hawks biggest disappointment is that their 2012 5th round draft pick has not played in the NHL yet.

If not, be sure to call him or take his call so you can fill him in. What are you willing to part with? And what is net gain of a target player? All teams can always get better, but to magically think you can accomplish this without disrupting things is a little naive.
- TrueGrit

I agree with this. I think it could be risky to make a deal with the team playing so well. I will say that IF Bowman could pull a deal off where he trades some of his prospects to add a missing piece to the roster he should do it.

The Hawks are nowhere near as good as this streak would suggest and unfortunately it will take some losses for some fans to understand that there are deficiencies that need to be addressed to make a deep run in the playoffs. Waiting for the Trade Deadline is fine for a complimentary player but if a more significant player is needed he should, ideally, be acquired as soon as possible to ensure he fully understands and is comfortable playing Quenneville’s system and to ensure he fits into the team structure and chemistry as much as possible. Hopefully SB isn’t blinded by the current win streak and has identified the team’s weaknesses and is in the process of addressing them.
- paulr

I don't know maybe I'm missing something as I don't see too many deficiencies. Obviously there will be losses and gasp maybe even a losing streak. I don't think a major name is in order and I've seen you kick the name Marcus Foligno around; have to admit I don't know much about him. As long as Q would use him properly I'd love to see Brouwer back. He seems to have elevated his game a little bit even in Washington and just like his game in general and what he'd provide; possible screen setter. I do see more guys in front of the net so far this year and I hope that continues. Maybe a screen setter can even be developed from within; Bickell, Stalberg of the big bodied variety, Shaw a bit more diminutive but this guy is always around the net. Maybe I'm high.

I say a major trade is probably not in order due to cap space so unless some significant $ goes out a player who makes $ isn't coming back.

Carcillo is coming back eventually so that gives them a little more snarl and honestly I've seen every game but the 2 this week and am yet to see them bullied by anyone. A little more toughness would be nice and yes there are some holes; I just don't think they are that big.

I think the Hawks biggest disappointment is that their 2012 5th round draft pick has not played in the NHL yet.
- TrueGrit

I don't know who that guy is but what a major letdown.

I agree with this. I think it could be risky to make a deal with the team playing so well. I will say that IF Bowman could pull a deal off where he trades some of his prospects to add a missing piece to the roster he should do it.
- jhawk159

That sounds more realistic to me and something that may happen this season.

I don't know who that guy is but what a major letdown.

- HawkintheD

Meet Garret Ross !

http://blackhawks.nhl.com...lub/player.htm?id=8475966

Nothing before the middle of March, so you know where your at and what you got. And who you might want to lock up for the upcoming years already on your roster.
- moots

Also by then your adjusted cap space allows you to go after bigger fish like upcoming UFA Ribiero.

Meet Garret Ross !

http://blackhawks.nhl.com...lub/player.htm?id=8475966
- mrpaulish

Thanks! Know the name and thought he was a teammate of Saad's at Saginaw; forgot he was a 5th and have heard some good things as a guy who potentially someday fills a bottom 6 role if I remember right. Tough to play against comes to mind from a scouting report.

I think the Hawks biggest disappointment is that their 2012 5th round draft pick has not played in the NHL yet.
- TrueGrit

It's early in the year. Kruger didn't come over until the last week of the season in 11 and Shaw didn't show up until the later part of the year. Travis has some size. Anyone know how he's doing at Moose Jaw? He's only played 3 games according to the Hawks' site. Has he been hurt?

Edit: I guess they had two fifth rounders.

http://blackhawks.nhl.com...lub/player.htm?id=8477020

way too early, their bottom 6 is garbage without him. and thats being honest. they healthy scratched him the other day to way him up. they NEED him, trust me, i live in NY, he is is the next level of untouchable behind callahan, richards, girardi, mcdonagh, staal, and nash

basically he is our bolland or kruger. you better blow them away with an offer they cant walk away from

not to mention, he is a protypical tortorella player
- FourFeathers773

Torts knows he is a glue player and it bothered him to scratch Boyle. But in cases like this a healthy scratch does a lot of good for a player with his personality.

We do a lot of dreaming here because many of us are still strying ti figure out how Andrew Ladd can return....

In a Dominant Effort, Blackhawks unhinge Coyotes - My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/11UkhKg

I don't know maybe I'm missing something as I don't see too many deficiencies. Obviously there will be losses and gasp maybe even a losing streak. I don't think a major name is in order and I've seen you kick the name Marcus Foligno around; have to admit I don't know much about him. As long as Q would use him properly I'd love to see Brouwer back. He seems to have elevated his game a little bit even in Washington and just like his game in general and what he'd provide; possible screen setter. I do see more guys in front of the net so far this year and I hope that continues. Maybe a screen setter can even be developed from within; Bickell, Stalberg of the big bodied variety, Shaw a bit more diminutive but this guy is always around the net. Maybe I'm high.

I say a major trade is probably not in order due to cap space so unless some significant $ goes out a player who makes $ isn't coming back.

Carcillo is coming back eventually so that gives them a little more snarl and honestly I've seen every game but the 2 this week and am yet to see them bullied by anyone. A little more toughness would be nice and yes there are some holes; I just don't think they are that big.
- HawkintheD

The Sharks tried, but the Hawks pushed back. That was quite a surprise to me and a very welcome sight.

At least this year Stan doesn't NEED to improve the team. Everyone and their brother knew what he was looking for the last two years and could overcharge accordingly. Maybe the lack of a glaring need this year will allow him to work below the radar and pull something off.

Also by then your adjusted cap space allows you to go after bigger fish like upcoming UFA Ribiero.
- 67hawks

How will adjusted cap work this year? Will it be prorated off of an 82 game or a 48 game schedule? If it's off an 82 game schedule then the Hawks could already take on around $10M in expiring salary.

Edit: With the new CBA, some of the cap hit can stay with the former team. This would allow the Hawks to take on even more expiring salary and help a team (like Dallas or the Isles, for example) stay above the salary floor.

If not, be sure to call him or take his call so you can fill him in. What are you willing to part with? And what is net gain of a target player? All teams can always get better, but to magically think you can accomplish this without disrupting things is a little naive.
- TrueGrit

You may want to take your advice and call him too to let him know all is well and that you don't feel anything has to be done for the playoffs. After all we haven't lost a game yet so obviously the team has no areas to improve and that the NHL may as well just hand over the cup now so the Hawks can plan the parade route and place the order for team rings.

I don't know maybe I'm missing something as I don't see too many deficiencies. Obviously there will be losses and gasp maybe even a losing streak. I don't think a major name is in order and I've seen you kick the name Marcus Foligno around; have to admit I don't know much about him. As long as Q would use him properly I'd love to see Brouwer back. He seems to have elevated his game a little bit even in Washington and just like his game in general and what he'd provide; possible screen setter. I do see more guys in front of the net so far this year and I hope that continues. Maybe a screen setter can even be developed from within; Bickell, Stalberg of the big bodied variety, Shaw a bit more diminutive but this guy is always around the net. Maybe I'm high.

I say a major trade is probably not in order due to cap space so unless some significant $ goes out a player who makes $ isn't coming back.

Carcillo is coming back eventually so that gives them a little more snarl and honestly I've seen every game but the 2 this week and am yet to see them bullied by anyone. A little more toughness would be nice and yes there are some holes; I just don't think they are that big.
- HawkintheD

If the Hawks were to go on a 5 game losing streak those deficiencies will become obvious. Right now any weakness has been hidden in the win column. SB will not be blinded by this early success anymore than he will if the Hawks start struggling. It is up to him to identify where the Hawks need to improve to be a strong contender, when the real season begins.

Also by then your adjusted cap space allows you to go after bigger fish like upcoming UFA Ribiero.
- 67hawks

Please, no Ribiero. One of the most despicable divers ever. Dude belongs on the Canucks.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...er_embedded&v=PNw8ZZT8tOU

As Alan Muir said on his list of ten most hated NHL players,

"It’s hard to say what makes Ribeiro more detestable: his incessant yapping or his constant flopping. For a strong skater, it’s amazing how easy he is to knock off his feet (the breeze from a skate-by or a sideways glance often does the trick). And the whining: Does anyone gripe more to the officials about things not going his way?"

Can’t think of anyone who DOESN’T prefer Datsyuk over Kane. Stats guys “love” Datsyuk. Is this another conversation that you “mis-remember?”

And did you just call Bollig a “two-way” player? He is NOT any kind of player, especially NOT a defensive one. Q needs to play him in offensive zone draws against the other teams 4th line just to get him ice time. So Q tries to keep him as far away from the defensive zone as he can and Bollig still spends most of his time there. That is NOT the definition of a defensive player.
- DaleHalas

I didn't call Bollig a two way player, or a defensive player (though Bollig has been used as a pro in penalty killing situations). I know how Q uses Bollig.

I've seen your charts. Bravo.

Your latest attempt to cause trouble has been reported. Here's a quarter, now go away.