What you want is a combination of Bobby Hull and Gil Perrault. Doesn't exist in today's game. I'm happy with him as he is.
- RickJ

Holy crap...now that would be one helluva player!

What you want is a combination of Bobby Hull and Gil Perrault. Doesn't exist in today's game. I'm happy with him as he is.
- RickJ

I think I said (certainly implied) that I am too.

Last I checked, he had 3 more goals than Patrick Sharp, the team sniper earning $5.9M a copy. Last I checked he doesn't take undisciplined, momentum killing penalties when the game is in hand, like #10. Last I checked, Sharp has never been put out there 3 on 5 on the PK. Last I checked, the guy he replaced Martin Havlat hasn't been worth a crap ever since he left Chicago.

There isn't one team in the league who wouldn't take Hossa as a huge addition to their Top 6 and a guy you can be put out in the last minute of a game to protect a one goal lead. Unlike Messrs. Sharp and Kane.
- RickJ

THIS

I guess that was his knuckleball he blew past Kari Lehtonen in OT down in Big D. And probably his changeup past Kiprusoff when he tied the game in Calgary.

450+ NHL goals aint too shabby for a guy with no real shot.
- RickJ

One of the fastest releases on a shot in the NHL. Fact.

I'm not mesuring everything by stats...as I've already said, he's obviously one of the best all around, 3-zone players in the league.

Fact: The year before he came to the Hawks, (and several years before that) he was a 40/30 player. I didn't watch a lot of Detroit games that year, am I wrong to assume that while he was scoring those 40+ goals and adding 30+ assists he was the same, solid, all around player that he is today?

All I have said is that I expected a little more offense from the guy. Given his contract and past history, I don't think those expectaions are all that unreasonable.

As far as having Saad for a linemate, you may be right, but you could just as easily make the case that if Hossa would pass the puck to him once in while maybe Saad (and Hossa by way of assists) is off to a better start. Personally, I'd like to see Hossa and Bolland together, as they've had some success together in the past.
- Ogilthorpe2

Ok, got your line of thinking. Will check back with you if there is ever a game where he puts up 2 goals and 2 assists and is +1 in a 6-4 loss. I'm sure you will be in a great mood.

Big mistake to measure everything by statistics in this game.

Lots of guys will score more goals than Hoss in a season. But would you trade him for a Patty Marleau or Jeff Carter or Daniel Sedin? Not likely.

And how many points would he have if Kane was his winger instead of a rookie like Saad. Probably a lot more than he has right now.
- RickJ

THIS

Hawks got a nice win against LA. Why the hell is the board turning into a Hossa isn't playing as well as we thought he should be rant?

All of you guys really need to find something else to female dog about. All you ignorant posters who are loving to cite stats need to get your numbers straight before you post dumb comments. As far as Hossa not having a 30 goal season with the Hawks yet, consider this.

2009-2010 - 57 games, 24 goals (projects over 30+ if close to a full season played)
2010-2011 - 65 games, 25 goals (projects over 30+ if close to a full season played)
2011-2012 - 81 games, 29 goals

Has he been streaky at times? Yes. But who hasn't been streaky.
- Dannyboy

Maybe you should actually take the time to read what is actually said before you post your ignorant comments. Again, for about the 5th time now, he's a great 3 zone player...one of the best, but when he came here and signed a lifetime, huge $$$$ contract, he was supposed to be all that and an elite scorer.

02-03 45/35
03-04 36/46
05-06 39/53
06-07 43/57
08-09 40/31

Hasn't come close to those numbers since, and likely never will. He is an elite all around talent, he's no longer an elite scorer.

Maybe you should actually take the time to read what is actually said before you post your ignorant comments. Again, for about the 5th time now, he's a great 3 zone player...one of the best, but when he came here and signed a lifetime, huge $$$$ contract, he was supposed to be all that and an elite scorer.

02-03 45/35
03-04 36/46
05-06 39/53
06-07 43/57
08-09 40/31

Hasn't come close to those numbers since, and likely never will. He is an elite all around talent, he's no longer an elite scorer.
- Ogilthorpe2

THIS.

I'm not mesuring everything by stats...as I've already said, he's obviously one of the best all around, 3-zone players in the league.

Fact: The year before he came to the Hawks, (and several years before that) he was a 40/30 player. I didn't watch a lot of Detroit games that year, am I wrong to assume that while he was scoring those 40+ goals and adding 30+ assists he was the same, solid, all around player that he is today?

All I have said is that I expected a little more offense from the guy. Given his contract and past history, I don't think those expectaions are all that unreasonable.

As far as having Saad for a linemate, you may be right, but you could just as easily make the case that if Hossa would pass the puck to him once in while maybe Saad (and Hossa by way of assists) is off to a better start. Personally, I'd like to see Hossa and Bolland together, as they've had some success together in the past.
- Ogilthorpe2

Fact is, the Hawks are short on playmakers, and short on them from the center position. Hossa is at his best when he has someone getting him the puck. His center has been a revolving door, basically, while with the Hawks, four in four seasons.

I will grant that he is probably not quite the player he was 5 years ago. but he was also clearly on pace for the Hart Fricking Trophy last year until he tweaked his groin at the ASG.

You guys are studiously ignoring the 800 pound gorilla in the room and that is that he, Saad and Toews don't complement eachother stylistically. But God Forbid the Great Saad and his two points in 14 games should be removed from the first line.

One of the fastest releases on a shot in the NHL. Fact.
- John Jaeckel

Does no good when it hits the goalie square in the middle of the crest 95% of the time. Fact.

One of the fastest releases on a shot in the NHL. Fact.
- John Jaeckel

Not questioning it - that is his scoring asset - surprise - preferably with an opponent as a screen.

Fact is, the Hawks are short on playmakers, and short on them from the center position. Hossa is at his best when he has someone getting him the puck. His center has been a revolving door, basically, while with the Hawks, four in four seasons.

I will grant that he is probably not quite the player he was 5 years ago. but he was also clearly on pace for the Hart Fricking Trophy last year until he tweaked his groin at the ASG.

You guys are studiously ignoring the 800 pound gorilla in the room and that is that he, Saad and Toews don't complement eachother stylistically. But God Forbid the Great Saad and his two points in 14 games should be removed from the first line.



- John Jaeckel

JJ - I love the argument regarding Hossa's lack of production. Makes the point you and I as well others have been making for weeks. The question is ....how many points have been lost between Toews and Hossa because of Saad.....again this not a reflection on what type of player Saad is but more or less of what line he should be on.

Does no good when it hits the goalie square in the middle of the crest 95% of the time. Fact.
- Ogilthorpe2

Oh, this is true, but that's because he is just trying to fire it through the five hole or over the goalie's pads. Low percentage but higher percentage than the numerous Hawk forwards who just miss the net. The kinds of shots he takes, nor his release have changed since five years ago. So I'm not sure what conclusion you're leading to with this. The larger problem is they probably haven't found the right linemates for him. Or at least who they have him with right now isn't working.

Hard shots into the pads or the crest also often turn into nice rebounds, shots in to the side of the net or the end board, not so much.

JJ - I love the argument regarding Hossa's lack of production. Makes the point you and I as well others have been making for weeks. The question is ....how many points have been lost between Toews and Hossa because of Saad.....again this not a reflection on what type of player Saad is but more or less of what line he should be on.
- UnnamedSource

Saad is at present an energy player with offensive promise, but not offensive production. Every game proves it more and more.

FACT: Marcus Kruger is a more impactful offensive player than Saad is right now. And by a fairly wide margin.

Saad is at present an energy player with offensive promise, but not offensive production. Every game proves it more and more.

FACT: Marcus Kruger is a more impactful offensive player than Saad is right now. And by a fairly wide margin.
- John Jaeckel

I would put Stalberg on the top line and drop Saad down to three but it's hard to that when you are on a streak like this.....

I would put Stalberg on the top line and drop Saad down to three but it's hard to that when you are on a streak like this.....
- UnnamedSource

If it were me, I'd try:

10-19-88
25-16-81
20-36-29
52-65-67

Saad is at present an energy player with offensive promise, but not offensive production. Every game proves it more and more.

FACT: Marcus Kruger is a more impactful offensive player than Saad is right now. And by a fairly wide margin.
- John Jaeckel

Since the beginning of last year Kruger has improved each and every game. I love watching the growth of this kid. I see him as the future number 2 center. I know his game may not be there now but he is coachable and the way he has improved shows the dedication he needs to be that guy.

If it were me, I'd try:

10-19-88
25-16-81
20-36-29
52-65-67
- John Jaeckel

I like this as well.

Saad is at present an energy player with offensive promise, but not offensive production. Every game proves it more and more.

FACT: Marcus Kruger is a more impactful offensive player than Saad is right now. And by a fairly wide margin.
- John Jaeckel

I'm signing off before this leads to a discussion about how Left Wing is a real problem for this team. Only 6 or 7 goals by my count out of 6 LWers in 15 games. This could eventually lead to a regulation time loss.

If it were me, I'd try:

10-19-88
25-16-81
20-36-29
52-65-67
- John Jaeckel

Looking into the future....if Kruger can be the number 2 and Danaults projection is spot on and he becomes the 3.......watch out. Their center depth will be incredible.

I'm signing off before this leads to a discussion about how Left Wing is a real problem for this team. Only 6 or 7 goals by my count out of 6 LWers in 15 games. This could eventually lead to a regulation time loss.
- RickJ

Ha, great post.

Looking into the future....if Kruger can be the number 2 and Danaults projection is spot on and he becomes the 3.......watch out. Their center depth will be incredible.
- UnnamedSource

Oh, I agree. Here's the thing about Kruger. He is going to get stronger. He has gotten stronger, but he is still a boy.

If it were me, I'd try:

10-19-88
25-16-81
20-36-29
52-65-67
- John Jaeckel

I also see Bolland being traded in the offseason for a much needed goalie prospect.......okay I will stop.

Any rumors of significance to share JJ? Have you heard of anything? I was surprised they did not scoop Jones from the Flames with his 59% at the dot, and 6'2" 215 frame.