The only way Montreal wins the East is if Price carries him by him self.
- mrpaulish

True. And he is far and away the best goalie of the contending eastern teams

Anyone watching Pens Bruins? I'd be surprised if a team besides those two got out of the east.
- rollpards19

I'll be surprised if a team other than the Bruins is lifting the cup...

...ignoring potential injuries that is.

Blasphemy I know, but that's my current opinion.

Sportsnet Central just had a comparison of Martellus Bennett to Kellen Davis. Bennett had 55 catches for the Giants last year. Davis had 47 catches .... over FIVE YEARS. Yikes! Still no Urlacher word.

Anquan Boldin goes from Superbowl champion Ravens to Superbowl runner-up 'Niners.
- blackhawk24

Looks like Mike Wallace got away with highway robbery getting some ridiculous 5 year contract from the Dolphins.

As far as Davis is concerned, the guy is a bum, and I hope he's on the bus out of town soon so his cap space can be used elsewhere. Bennett has had his off-field problems, but if Brandon Marshall can change, Bennett can change.

Edit: So this post isn't blatantly non-hockey related, Columbus is leading Vancouver 1-0 in the second period. They might have a 6 game win streak coming into Thursday

I'll be surprised if a team other than the Bruins is lifting the cup...

...ignoring potential injuries that is.
- ArlingtonRob

Their top 6 is out of this world

I read over at tsn that Matthias from Florida might be made available. Wonder what Tallon would want back? Also, for you CBA experts, I am assuming that if we were to buy out Hossa or Sharp's contract, the CBA would not let us resign the player back at a lower contract over a shorter time or is there a loop hole there? Just wondering...

Their top 6 is out of this world
- rollpards19

Luv the way that team competes...and their PK continues to be lights out. Would like the see the Hawks PK more aggressive, similar to the Bruins.

I read over at tsn that Matthias from Florida might be made available. Wonder what Tallon would want back? Also, for you CBA experts, I am assuming that if we were to buy out Hossa or Sharp's contract, the CBA would not let us resign the player back at a lower contract over a shorter time or is there a loop hole there? Just wondering...
- FourOrr

Question is, if your team buys you out, would you WANT to sign a shorter/lower contract with them?

Again...way to much thought into it. The essence of the nickname was a play on words and not meant to be taken seriously. The pushback from JJ was because people were taking it seriously because of their political beliefs. There was no criticism or agenda meant by it.

As far as the "in crowd"......again to much though into it. If you think there is some clique behind the scenes on this board then your own personal paranoia needs to be taken down a notch. We come here to discuss hockey...some times we get sidetracked but mostly it's hockey. JJ is in a tough spot and has to respect all the opinions that are on this board while also being a baby sitter sometimes when things get out of hand. The whole idea of the board is a fun place to exchange thoughts and opinions. If you have gone over the line then shame on you......

I don't really wish to discuss this any further so my above thoughts are pretty much it on the subject.......onward to more Hawks talk.
- UnnamedSource

Had no beef with the nickname or Saad stuff, there is no over thinking that or much of anything on the board as it is entertainment. Was simply pointing out a perception some have here regarding what we can joke about.

Thanks for going all Dr Phil for me and finishing it off with the "no further discussion" declaration. We are all aware of the tough job JJ has to do on the board.

Trying to marginalize my point of view by declaring me paranoid is pure brilliance, but still does not make it valid. In fact your tone pretty much illustrates my whole point.

As you say, onward and upward. Now nothing else needs to be said regarding the subject.

Question is, if your team buys you out, would you WANT to sign a shorter/lower contract with them?
- fourfeathers

NFL players do it. I think an NHL player would

Luv the way that team competes...and their PK continues to be lights out. Would like the see the Hawks PK more aggressive, similar to the Bruins.
- ArlingtonRob

THIS. Way too passive

Yes if you "arrange" an agreement ahead. Kind of like letting your UFA walk but then resign. Not sure its ethical but if it is a loophole than why not?

Looks like Mike Wallace got away with highway robbery getting some ridiculous 5 year contract from the Dolphins.

As far as Davis is concerned, the guy is a bum, and I hope he's on the bus out of town soon so his cap space can be used elsewhere. Bennett has had his off-field problems, but if Brandon Marshall can change, Bennett can change.

Edit: So this post isn't blatantly non-hockey related, Columbus is leading Vancouver 1-0 in the second period. They might have a 6 game win streak coming into Thursday
- prd797

What off field problems did Bennett have..don't remember hearing about him in trouble..

OK thanks. You just never know with these lawyers...

I sure wouldn't mind Matthias as a 3rd line (or maybe 2nd) line center at 6'4" and 230 with upside at 25 yrs old.

What off field problems did Bennett have..don't remember hearing about him in trouble..
- Glenman12

When he was in Dallas I though I remembered there being a lot of locker-room issues on his part. Admittedly not sure where I thought I saw that. That being said, I am really only concerned about what he does on the field, and the guy can catch a ball, which automatically makes him the best tight end on the Bears depth chart.

I sure wouldn't mind Matthias as a 3rd line (or maybe 2nd) line center at 6'4" and 230 with upside at 25 yrs old.
- FourOrr

I don't know so much about how much "upside" he has. He is a career 47% percent from the dot, and just under 45% for the season. He is a +3 on a pretty crappy Panthers team this season.

Anyone out there familiar with Matthias?

When he was in Dallas I though I remembered there being a lot of locker-room issues on his part. Admittedly not sure where I thought I saw that. That being said, I am really only concerned about what he does on the field, and the guy can catch a ball, which automatically makes him the best tight end on the Bears depth chart.
- prd797

Supposedly the NY press loved him..a real quote machine..the only negative I could find was he was fined $22K for posting an explicit rap song on You Tube...I can live with that..

What off field problems did Bennett have..don't remember hearing about him in trouble..
- Glenman12

Bennet has grown up. Like the signings today. Bennet is a big man. Lets hope he LT does not spend his bonus at Golden Corral all summer.

I don't know so much about how much "upside" he has. He is a career 47% percent from the dot, and just under 45% for the season. He is a +3 on a pretty crappy Panthers team this season.

Anyone out there familiar with Matthias?
- EKolb13

Seen a bit of him here and there. Red Wings 2nd round draft pick in 06, traded for Todd Bertuzzi, played for the Belleville Bulls.

Last year was his first full season with the big club, 24 points in 79 games. Don't remember Panthers announcers being particular excited about him. Has some size and weight behind him but from what I've seen didn't necessarily use it to the fullest extent.

16 points in 26 games and a +3 for a crap-tastic Florida team isn't terrible I suppose. Plays with Skille a lot if I can remember correctly which may explain why he's got more goals than assists. Not sure if that helps any, I personally don't have any desire to go after him for the Hawks roster.

Anyone watching Pens Bruins? I'd be surprised if a team besides those two got out of the east.
- rollpards19

Montreal as well....

I enjoy reading JJ's blog, however this no hockey religious staff has no place here. It offending!
- Hawkswin

This offends you

Seen a bit of him here and there. Red Wings 2nd round draft pick in 06, traded for Todd Bertuzzi, played for the Belleville Bulls.

Last year was his first full season with the big club, 24 points in 79 games. Don't remember Panthers announcers being particular excited about him. Has some size and weight behind him but from what I've seen didn't necessarily use it to the fullest extent.

16 points in 26 games and a +3 for a crap-tastic Florida team isn't terrible I suppose. Plays with Skille a lot if I can remember correctly which may explain why he's got more goals than assists. Not sure if that helps any, I personally don't have any desire to go after him for the Hawks roster.
- prd797

I agree with you.

He doesn't sound like someone that would improve this team.

I agree with you.

He doesn't sound like someone that would put this team ahead.
- EKolb13

If the Hawks got him, it would likely be a move for the sake of making a move, which is pointless. Marcel Goc or Smithson on the other hand are the guys I'd be looking at as available bottom 6 players from that club.

Had no beef with the nickname or Saad stuff, there is no over thinking that or much of anything on the board as it is entertainment. Was simply pointing out a perception some have here regarding what we can joke about.

Thanks for going all Dr Phil for me and finishing it off with the "no further discussion" declaration. We are all aware of the tough job JJ has to do on the board.

Trying to marginalize my point of view by declaring me paranoid is pure brilliance, but still does not make it valid. In fact your tone pretty much illustrates my whole point.

As you say, onward and upward. Now nothing else needs to be said regarding the subject.
- TrueGrit

Made the "declaration" because I didn't want to have a huge discussion about it because it's pointless. Judging tone on the internet?? um...ok.....but again go ahead and have the last word you always feel you are entitled to.

This offends you
- southernhawk

offending is the opposite of defending......actually the kneel before Saad can be traced back to the Mac & Spiegs show....