Ha, 'Well, he does seem to be looking to pass more, funny, a lot of his passes seem a little forced at times, not quite on the other guy's tape, but I also suspect that is timing and adjustment to NHL speed/awareness.
- John Jaeckel

JJ...just impatient...the top line demands reliable scoring, not experimentation, in my view.

But the team still has that goose egg in the lose column so who am I to question the decision making.

I'm just a fan...

BTW,

A guy I love on the Oilers . . . Teemu Hartikainen

There's gotta be something to facilities management group that manages the ice. There are several multi-use facilities in the NHL that have far better ice. Philly is a prime example. LA is another. There isn't a busier building than the Staples Center.
- eburgio

I have a blog coming on this, too. Got some scoop. The Hawks have a great ice guy, one of the best in the league. But the multi-use aspect of the building and the sheer metrics of the interior are the problem.

JJ...just impatient...the top line demands reliable scoring, not experimentation, in my view.

But the team still has that goose egg in the lose column so who am I to question the decision making.

I'm just a fan...
- ArlingtonRob

I'm sure Q will be patient with Saad during the regular season, but the playoffs is another story. It's not that Saad has done anything wrong, but if he's not producing more consistently by then he may have to sit in favour of somebody with more experience.

I defer to you on the details JJ...perhaps it's because Carcillo has been so unreliable, between injuries and suspensions he's just not playing much. The body of work just isn't really there.
- ArlingtonRob

That's fair, but there is a reason Q keeps putting him there and it has more to do with actual hockey than "protection/deterrence"

There's gotta be something to facilities management group that manages the ice. There are several multi-use facilities in the NHL that have far better ice. Philly is a prime example. LA is another. There isn't a busier building than the Staples Center.
- eburgio

Now that is a great example! 2...count 'em 2, round-ball teams compete with the Kings for time...and I'm sure there are other events that require flooring.

Something needs to be explored, it's really getting ridiculous.

I'm sure Q will be patient with Saad during the regular season, but the playoffs is another story. It's not that Saad has done anything wrong, but if he's not producing more consistently by then he may have to sit in favour of somebody with more experience.
- DarthKane

Saad has 30 games to learn and advance his game. I think the amount of situations Q is putting him in has as much to do with seeing what he can do and gaining him experience as it does actual full-on confidence.

He is mistake prone in some situations and a little behind the play sometimes mentally. If he closes the gap over the next 30, he wiil play a lot in the playoffs. If not, his TOI will be limited.

Oh, you shouldn't be. You are playing the Oilers, remember?
- Aliaksandrhn

Oh boy . . .

http://storify.com/CLineH...ckey/kevin-hayes-poopgate

That's fair, but there is a reason Q keeps putting him there and it has more to do with actual hockey than "protection/deterrence"
- John Jaeckel

On that matter I agree completely...Carcillo is more of an agitator, not an enforcer, who's not afraid of physicality. No player is intimidated by his toughness, or ability to use his fists.

If anything Carcillo seems to create an "unease" in an opponent, coming from his history of being an unpredictable nutjob.

Oh boy . . .

http://storify.com/CLineH...ckey/kevin-hayes-poopgate
- John Jaeckel

I'd like to see McDumbass put a one goal spin on that one!!

Kevin Hayes...my one goal...is to go #2....On the ice

Saad has 30 games to learn and advance his game. I think the amount of situations Q is putting him in has as much to do with seeing what he can do and gaining him experience as it does actual full-on confidence.

He is mistake prone in some situations and a little behind the play sometimes mentally. If he closes the gap over the next 30, he wiil play a lot in the playoffs. If not, his TOI will be limited.
- John Jaeckel

Fortunately for Q, this amazing start has afforded him that luxury.

You could make the case. I could conversely make the case Ladd or Brouwer could be filling first line LW.
- John Jaeckel

Not for the money they are making at present!

Fortunately for Q, this amazing start has afforded him that luxury.
- MartiniMan

Exactly

Oh boy . . .

http://storify.com/CLineH...ckey/kevin-hayes-poopgate
- John Jaeckel

Since when is defecating (sp?) in public a violation of team rules? Our country is getting soft...

BTW,

A guy I love on the Oilers . . . Teemu Hartikainen
- John Jaeckel

And a guy I would not mind seeing the Hawks pry away from the Oil at some point.

Oh boy . . .

http://storify.com/CLineH...ckey/kevin-hayes-poopgate
- John Jaeckel

Wow...sounds like he had a realllly bad night, and is paying the price.

Ahhh, the college experience can sure bring out the "best" in some. Too bad he's a big man on campus, otherwise this would simply be a crazy story between friends 10 years down the road.

Since when is defecating (sp?) in public a violation of team rules? Our country is getting soft...
- eburgio

Agree....But the bigger need is for a faceoff man/PP help that can check and who has some hands.

My main point is the dollars aren't available going forward to acquire a significant proven top line forward.


Corey Crawford returns in top form, blanks Blue Jackets:http://bit.ly/V14Mgf
What happens when popular opinon is wrong...Today on Fox Chgo
- Al

The question for next year: who are they going to keep.

Kruger (RFA): staying; 1.5 - 2 mil per 2-3 yr?
Leddy (RFA): staying; 2-2.5 mil per for 3 yrs?
Stahl (UFA): will get offers; 2-2.5 per for 3 yrs?
Mayers (UFA): gone
Emery (UFA): he may get offers; 2-2.5 mil
Bicks (UFA): may get offers double or triple his salary to 1.25 - 1.5 for 2 or 3 yrs.
Rosival (UFA): like him alot but can they keep him @ 2 mil plus again?

$4 mil of cap space next year. Do the math? Maybe only 2 or 3 of these guys coming back. Without a buyout of Olez or Montador or both, Stanbow does not have $$$ to acquire a top six forward and keep most of his UFA and RFA's.

Enjoy the depth of this year and results cuz once again it looks to be gone next year!

And a guy I would not mind seeing the Hawks pry away from the Oil at some point.
- John Jaeckel

What type of player is he JJ? What would the Oilers want for him? We need to look at possible replacements for Bolland down the road for $$ reasons

Oh boy . . .

http://storify.com/CLineH...ckey/kevin-hayes-poopgate
- John Jaeckel

I would think that will make him think about Rockford rather quickly when this season is over! The Ridicule won't stop and it will make him do something really stupid with his fist!!!

Source: Bickell extension in the works, still ironing out some details.
- John Jaeckel

EXCELLENT

The question for next year: who are they going to keep.

Kruger (RFA): staying; 1.5 - 2 mil per 2-3 yr?
Leddy (RFA): staying; 2-2.5 mil per for 3 yrs?
Stahl (UFA): will get offers; 2-2.5 per for 3 yrs?
Mayers (UFA): gone
Emery (UFA): he may get offers; 2-2.5 mil
Bicks (UFA): may get offers double or triple his salary to 1.25 - 1.5 for 2 or 3 yrs.
Rosival (UFA): like him alot but can they keep him @ 2 mil plus again?

$4 mil of cap space next year. Do the math? Maybe only 2 or 3 of these guys coming back. Without a buyout of Olez or Montador or both, Stanbow does not have $$$ to acquire a top six forward and keep most of his UFA and RFA's.

Enjoy the depth of this year and results cuz once again it looks to be gone next year!
- bogiedoc

Gunner Stahl?

Oh boy . . .

http://storify.com/CLineH...ckey/kevin-hayes-poopgate
- John Jaeckel

Just like Kane, this has nothing to do with the kid's ability to play ice hockey, though it does speak to maturity.

Although it is a great PSA about the consequences of getting sh!tty in public.

Oh boy . . .

http://storify.com/CLineH...ckey/kevin-hayes-poopgate
- John Jaeckel

Wait.. what did he do (or is it do-do)?