That's a bonus, but until they start deciding playoff games with shootouts, the Hawks third shooter deficiencies are the least of my worries.
- Ogilthorpe2

Yeah, well...I don't disagree. But two weeks ago we were female dogin' about no other shooter besides 19 and 88. Again, just an added bonus for the reg season.

Okay really? Signing a guy to 5.9 million dollar contract to "just keep him around for team morale" has to been one of the dumbest things I have ever read on this board. Has he struggled at times this year...yes he has but for the first two periods he seemed to be the only one creating chances for himself, granted none of them resulted in a goal but the way Varlamov(sp?) was playing last night that could've been anyone. His defense is not as bad as most people make it out to be. He has 13 assists so your theory of him not passing is delusional. Last year he was almost a point per game with a +/- of 28. I guess we all need someone to pick on......
- UnnamedSource

There's the rub. Why was he signed to a $5.9 million contract? He's more overpaid than O'Reilly...and for much longer.

Until Stalberg starts averaging close to a point per game then you can make this comparison. With that being said I view Stalberg as being very underrated and one of the reasons why the team is where they are today. But I remember last year when he was on one of the top lines he would disappear at times and was inconsistent. I think the 3 is the right spot for him on this team. As far as Sharp not playing defense, I think he plays more than people give him credit for.....like last night when he blocked a shot and turned it into a breakaway.
- UnnamedSource

And then what? Let me guess....goalpost!

Ott is not coming here without a player salary in return...he has year left at $3mil plus....does not fit salary structure or cap.
- bogiedoc

Bolland

Two things that sharp does that drive me crazy...
1. He comes down that left board, gets to the goal line and then works himself into a corner with no real 'out'
2. Pick a friggin corner and let 'er rip. He's always burying the puck into the G's chest. Tazer needs to show him how to go 5-hole.
- eburgio

Agreed on both counts.

He may have had his best game of the year last night without getting on the scoresheet. I honestly think they gave Hossa the night off. Maybe he was feeling fatigued and needed the night off. Coach Q said nothing serious.
- nickmo2699

Let us hope.

There's the rub. Why was he signed to a $5.9 million contract? He's more overpaid than O'Reilly...and for much longer.
- Ogilthorpe2

His contract is too rich for my blood, but probably in line with the market price for a perennial 60-65 point man in today's NHL. He's also brings the often undervalued, intangible of being a very well liked teammate.

There's the rub. Why was he signed to a $5.9 million contract? He's more overpaid than O'Reilly...and for much longer.
- Ogilthorpe2

Comparatively with his point total in previous seasons that really isn't out of line.

Detroit GM Ken Holland says Wings may not be buyers depending on how they do the next few weeks. Hopefully they become sellers.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...efore-he-explores-trades/

And then what? Let me guess....goalpost!
- Ogilthorpe2

really......don't have a response to that.

HOLY PHUCK

http://ca.sports.yahoo.co...-game-144626416--nhl.html

Comparatively with his point total in previous seasons that really isn't out of line.
- UnnamedSource

If it were a 2-3 year term I'd agree. 5 years is recockulous.

And then what? Let me guess....goalpost!
- Ogilthorpe2

Tried to knock the A off the goalies chest, didn't work.

Until Stalberg starts averaging close to a point per game then you can make this comparison. With that being said I view Stalberg as being very underrated and one of the reasons why the team is where they are today. But I remember last year when he was on one of the top lines he would disappear at times and was inconsistent. I think the 3 is the right spot for him on this team. As far as Sharp not playing defense, I think he plays more than people give him credit for.....like last night when he blocked a shot and turned it into a breakaway.
- UnnamedSource

I think he's gotten a lot better, he's only in his 3rd and half NHL season. He's still learning the game. Just saying he has been a better player than sharp in most games this year.

HOLY PHUCK

http://ca.sports.yahoo.co...-game-144626416--nhl.html
- philco28

Ugly and sad.

really......don't have a response to that.
- UnnamedSource

Come on, try.

Ugly and sad.
- Ogilthorpe2

Very.

There's the rub. Why was he signed to a $5.9 million contract? He's more overpaid than O'Reilly...and for much longer.
- Ogilthorpe2

O'r has played 239 gmes over 3 yrs.
Gp: 239 Goals: 39 Asst: 69 Pts:108 =/-: -5

Sharp's last 254 gmes
GP: 254, Goals: 97, Asst: 132, Pts: 229, +/- = 58

You can't be serious. Its not even close by the numbers. Sharp is getting paid for past performance, O'r is getting paid for future performance and his upside cuz of desperate GMs and Aves could not afford to let him walk.

Sharp is no Hossa or Toews defensively but he is flexible at wing and center (taking draws).

HOLY PHUCK

http://ca.sports.yahoo.co...-game-144626416--nhl.html
- philco28

Jebus...

I've got two words...Hybrid Icing

Bolland
- southernhawk

so essentially bolland for ott trade....with similar contract terms.

I don't make that trade...

so essentially bolland for ott trade....with similar contract terms.

I don't make that trade...
- bogiedoc

Not in a million years...we're thin enough at C and Ott doesn't bring anything we can't find in a cheaper option, both in trade price and salary.

Not in a million years...we're thin enough at C and Ott doesn't bring anything we can't find in a cheaper option, both in trade price and salary.
- andru2797

Is that you Stan? JK

Ott is 58% at the dot, crashes the net, and is just the kind of PITA this team could use. Gives Q lots of options - especially come playoff time. Less money than Bolland, more versatile, and healthier. But I don't think you need to trade Bolland to get him.

O'r has played 239 gmes over 3 yrs.
Gp: 239 Goals: 39 Asst: 69 Pts:108 =/-: -5

Sharp's last 254 gmes
GP: 254, Goals: 97, Asst: 132, Pts: 229, +/- = 58

You can't be serious. Its not even close by the numbers. Sharp is getting paid for past performance, O'r is getting paid for future performance and his upside cuz of desperate GMs and Aves could not afford to let him walk.

Sharp is no Hossa or Toews defensively but he is flexible at wing and center (taking draws).
- bogiedoc

Paying for past performance is suicide in a salary cap world. That money counts against the cap now, not then.

Dare I ask where in the world Gorilla Salad derived from?
- golfbard

Another Hawk blogger named Frank Nova, very funny guy

Screw it, let's go all in. Detroit will not win the Cup in the next few years based on the age and talent level of their roster.

Pavel Datsyuk has this year and next at 6.7M. UFA after 13-14. Let the Wings have their pick of 3-4 from Rockford, and maybe someone off the roster. Then team Pavel up with Hossa and Kane with the Captain.
- scottak