Wow - Hitch runs a tough practice!
- TyCamScore

They have been off since sSaturday, so he needed to work the horses...

If the Hawks win @ St. Louis I will stop trying to pin point when they will lose in regulation.

Stalberg for Smith?

Makes sense for both teams. Ottawa gets a more dynamic offensive player and the Blackhawks get a 3/4c who can win faceoffs and work the PK.

In regards to Brassard...meh. Not enough of an upgrade and his cap hit isn't great. Rather just keep Kruger at 2c than trade players for Brassard.
- HawkFan27

Zach Smith? Would think if those were the only 2 players involved, the 'Hawks would jump all over it. OTT on the other hand, IMO would want more. But how much more. Doubt the over-mentioned Pirri would do it.

Wonder what it would take to get Ott from BUF.

EDIT: IMO Ott fits the bill for all things playoffs the 'Hawks need. Fits maybe even better than Smith.

Do you think teams will be hesitant to deal with the Hawks because of the Hawks dominance so far ?

For example giving the Hawks a #1a C or power forward might seal the deal of them winning another cup.

Especially if the Hawks are only sending Rockford Maybe Babies the other way.

How about Danault!
3 more helpers last night, 10 for 17 at the dot
Wiz, do you think we will see him in Rockford again after his QMJHL season?
How do you feel about Teuvo in his second season? You think we see him next year with the Hogs?

Do you think teams will be hesitant to deal with the Hawks because of the Hawks dominance so far ?

For example giving the Hawks a #1a C or power forward might seal the deal of them winning another cup.

Especially if the Hawks are only sending Rockford Maybe Babies the other way.
- mrpaulish

Not for a team that's really down in the standings, why would they care if they get what they want in return. And that's the real question. Will SB deal any of his prized picks / prospects for what this team needs to win it all? Or will he over-value his guys and then watch someone else skate around with the chalice in late June?

Bowman would rather stand pat, or at a minimum add bottom line depth players. Another dman is a possibility too. However, Bowman will surrender not hardly much above fair value. Just look.at his GM history, the reasonable help at Rockford, and mix this together with reasonable help coming vis-a-vis draft choices.

Go for the gusto, eh? Can do with this bunch. There are only so many players who fit as newbies if you want to not deviate from the team speed and skill theme

And then, we would maybe buy out a player gained at trade deadline.

Well, maybe you do not buy out Stajan? Bowman has been linked to this player who is toiling in relative obscurity in that lonely outpost named Calgary (perhaps Winnipeg is worse?).

About this reasonable help.......several Icehogs have an idea of nhl hockey since they 've been up for a cup of coffee. Remember they are fill in on bottom lines/pairs so we do not expect the world out of them They do represent players marginally better or worse than whomever you alternatively. pick up. Only in the in house sample they do not cost a draft or a young ;olayer off your nhl roster.

Pirri has skill. Hayes should audition fior the big Buff in Luongo.crease role. Morin also has ability but maybe Al or JJ know what his devlopment looks like this year. B Smith cojld be a good utility and has a nice shot btw. Stanton needs to get a couple nhl games. Dahlbeck has to be a long shog but has a style that is safe if you need him. Lavin.... no idea please Al or JJ input again. Oh my Beach....could. be a Burrish with talent role. All these guys would be hungry 100% effort.

In order to remain competitive years ahead we must not trade our #1 or our best prospects like Johns and Tervsinen. Btw is young Broadhurst devloping into a top six prospect?

I think if sStalberg is going to Columbus it will be on draftday.
...and that's based on his negotiators and Bowman being too far apart for him to stay.

I would love to see vet Rockford players and Stalberg go for one of the three first rounders in this draft.

ALL are gonna great oppostunities to steal a star.

I truly doubt they will trade them...

Throw in our number from next year....
(I am so greedy I am not giving up the Hawks 2013 draft pick in a trade/switch of picks...but being the typical homer trader, I am trying to get one of theirs!
- wiz1901

Bowman is in a damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t situation. If he sits on this team and it doesn’t win the cup, or worse goes out quick and early when there were players that could have improved the team, he will get skewered by the media and fans. If he makes a move and it doesn’t work he will get crucified by the media and fans.

The right answer isn’t to sit on this winning streak or to make a move just to make a move. The right answer is to assess the team, identify any weaknesses and then determine if there is a risk to making a move, or conversely not making a move. Your solution is no more or less correct then those wanting to improve weaknesses on the Hawks roster. Either way Bowman will sweat it out until the last day of the Hawk’s season.

I'd like to see him playing on the left side with Toews and Hossa. Something needs to kickstart that line.
- paulr

Something does need to kickstart that line.

And it's defnitely not Carcillo.

Something does need to kickstart that line.

And it's defnitely not Carcillo.
- AceRatbang

I don't know about that, he's only played a few games there. I am hoping they try it a few more and keep Saad in the bottom 6. For what Car Bomb brings to the party I think it's a better fit than Saad. He has a decent set of hands, can pass and win board battles which I think is more of what's called for than another guy who is going to hang onto the puck and cycle.

Great article JJ. Few things.

-I'd also say that another reason the team defense has played so well is that the forwards are playing more aggressive and responsible than in season's past. Alot more forechecking and backchecking this year. This is something that was absent last year.

-Brassard is nice but I'd actually really like to see SB go after O'Reilly. The Hawks have assets and if someone like Bolland is moved in the offseason, then giving ROR a 5-6 year deal for 5-5.5 per is worth it. Solves the #2C issue and moves Bolland back to #3C and move Shaw to wing. I know the Avs would rather not make this deal with a future division opponent but if the Hawks make a real solid offer it'd be tough for them to turn down. That team is a mess right now and in need of a rebuild.

I don't know about that, he's only played a few games there. I am hoping they try it a few more and keep Saad in the bottom 6. For what Car Bomb brings to the party I think it's a better fit than Saad. He has a decent set of hands, can pass and win board battles which I think is more of what's called for than another guy who is going to hang onto the puck and cycle.
- HawkintheD

Carcillo does not belong on a top line with Toews and Hossa.

Throwing reckless hits and having decent hands doesn't help 19 or 81 score goals.

Bickell get my vote for first line
- molly2522

Bickell has played well enough to get a look on the top line. My only issue with that would be breaking up the chemistry between Bickell, Shaw and Stalberg. Those 3 are clicking to well together.

Anyone here think Hossa is out of place on the top line with Toews? I think it should be:


Toews Kane & ??
?? Hossa and Sharp

With a semi struggling 1st line, and Sharp who has been a little better but still scuffling.

Carcillo does not belong on a top line with Toews and Hossa.

Throwing reckless hits and having decent hands doesn't help 19 or 81 score goals.
- AceRatbang

Ideally sure. I think he opens up room for those guys to operate though. I just don't think what Saad does currently complements either player well. Another finisher would be great. On the current roster ideally who would you put there?

Ideally sure. I think he opens up room for those guys to operate though. I just don't think what Saad does currently complements either player well. Another finisher would be great. On the current roster ideally who would you put there?
- HawkintheD

I think the Carcillo experiment deserves a longer look. I agree about his presence on that line opening things up for Toews and Hossa.

Anyone here think Hossa is out of place on the top line with Toews? I think it should be:


Toews Kane & ??
?? Hossa and Sharp

With a semi struggling 1st line, and Sharp who has been a little better but still scuffling.
- droe411

If Bolland were healthy I'd say how about Shaw with Kane and Toews and Kruger with Hoss and Sharp.

Bottom 2 lines would be:

25-36-29
13-22-67

Though I think they need to get someone in place of 22; on his last legs, at least with this team.

Great article JJ. Few things.

-I'd also say that another reason the team defense has played so well is that the forwards are playing more aggressive and responsible than in season's past. Alot more forechecking and backchecking this year. This is something that was absent last year.

-Brassard is nice but I'd actually really like to see SB go after O'Reilly. The Hawks have assets and if someone like Bolland is moved in the offseason, then giving ROR a 5-6 year deal for 5-5.5 per is worth it. Solves the #2C issue and moves Bolland back to #3C and move Shaw to wing. I know the Avs would rather not make this deal with a future division opponent but if the Hawks make a real solid offer it'd be tough for them to turn down. That team is a mess right now and in need of a rebuild.
- dan9189

He hasn't even come close to warranting a contract of that size. That would be totally ridiculous. Giving him a contract like that would mean saying bye bye to Kane, Hossa, or Sharp b/c there is no way they could pay another player $5M+.

The ACC is colder in the stands because of all the wienerish suits who fill the lower bowl
- BlueBallz

That's DAMN RIGHT

Wow - Hitch runs a tough practice!
- TyCamScore

Too bad he can't run a lap around his living room

Ideally sure. I think he opens up room for those guys to operate though. I just don't think what Saad does currently complements either player well. Another finisher would be great. On the current roster ideally who would you put there?
- HawkintheD

I disagree with this somewhat. I think there are two different arguments there. Personally I think Saad has done well on that line but he were put on the 3rd or 4th line, I think he'd do just fine there too and I'd have no beefs with that. However for some to say that he has not "passed well" and is holding back Hossa and Toews is hogwash. #19 and #81 are big boys and to be quite honest with you, they have to start scoring more. How many breakaways or wide open shots has #81 had this year that he's shot right into the goalies chest? I'll answer that for you.....ALOT. #19 also has to start putting the puck in the net more and it has nothing to do with Brandon Saad. If this is the excuse that those guys are using, well then they are not the players I thought they were as a much as I really do like Dan Carcillo, he's not the answer on that line night in and night out. Also not to completely let Saad off the hook, he has to start finishing more too.

Something does need to kickstart that line.

And it's defnitely not Carcillo.
- AceRatbang

Tanguay...ALEX

He hasn't even come close to warranting a contract of that size. That would be totally ridiculous. Giving him a contract like that would mean saying bye bye to Kane, Hossa, or Sharp b/c there is no way they could pay another player $5M+.
- Dannyboy

Yes they could since they're probably dealing Bolland in the offseason. Also that is the going rate of a good #2C. IMO that's still a missing piece for the Hawks. Bolland is at his best when he's centering the 3rd line and he's injury prone which is always a major concern come playoff time.

I think if sStalberg is going to Columbus it will be on draftday.
...and that's based on his negotiators and Bowman being too far apart for him to stay.

I would love to see vet Rockford players and Stalberg go for one of the three first rounders in this draft.

ALL are gonna great oppostunities to steal a star.

I truly doubt they will trade them...

Throw in our number from next year....
(I am so greedy I am not giving up the Hawks 2013 draft pick in a trade/switch of picks...but being the typical homer trader, I am trying to get one of theirs!
- wiz1901

Wiz,

I concur about trading Stalberg. The one thing I do not see mentioned at all is the fact he is a UFA. In my humble/novice opinion, the only way you get back real value with Victor Stalberg is if the team he is being traded to is able to secure him with an extension. That would require a bit of negotiating and potential complications.

I don't think that would happen anywhere, unless Vic said he wants to ultimately go to the place they are trading him. Why would anyone give up on a chance to test the open market?

That logic leads me to think trading him to be very unlikely.

I concur, that after the dust settles from the season and you see what it will take to keep him, then you deal him...like Troy Brouwer.

I disagree with this somewhat. I think there are two different arguments there. Personally I think Saad has done well on that line but he were put on the 3rd or 4th line, I think he'd do just fine there too and I'd have no beefs with that. However for some to say that he has not "passed well" and is holding back Hossa and Toews is hogwash. #19 and #81 are big boys and to be quite honest with you, they have to start scoring more. How many breakaways or wide open shots has #81 had this year that he's shot right into the goalies chest? I'll answer that for you.....ALOT. #19 also has to start putting the puck in the net more and it has nothing to do with Brandon Saad. If this is the excuse that those guys are using, well then they are not the players I thought they were as a much as I really do like Dan Carcillo, he's not the answer on that line night in and night out. Also not to completely let Saad off the hook, he has to start finishing more too.
- dan9189

Probably not but I'd at least like to see him there for a few more games to find out. I agree with you that Saad isn't holding anyone back I just think he is another guy who cycles and hods on to the puck quite a bit, just not as well as 19 and 81 and not a great fit for that line. I agree though, 81 needs to start converting some of those breakaways and am starting to see why he's not the ideal shootout candidate.