1) Why does agreeing that Hammer is great make me a JACKASS?

2) Hayes' career might end up being very short if he doesn't start catching up to the play in the next few games. Even the most ardent tire-pumpers can't make excuses for that. Brunette actually had some very good hands—that's what made his career—well beyond what Hayes has.
3) Toews looks a little tired/slow to me. Though I agree, there is no easily identified replacement for (Adam has a friend in) Jesus on that line.
- John Jaeckel

Hayes looked like he was skating with butter knives in his skate blades

You're awesome JJ.

Don't let anyone tell you different.

I think Bollig has the skills to really help this team. I still don't understand why he was sent down initially. I dont care if he fights or not, a big body hitting the other team throughout the course of a game/series is going to make a difference. I see Bickell so many times let up instead of finishing the check. Bollig doesnt let up...
- Iknockuout

Montador was practicing with the team and is on a one way contract....

Bollig is on a 2 way for this season. It was the easiest thing to do initially and once Montador was activated and cleared waivers Bollig came up.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

You're awesome JJ.

Don't let anyone tell you different.
- yahoodi

Can't hear 'em

My thoughts on Jimmy Hayes and Bowman's persistence on pumping the tires of his prized possessions.

http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ty_cam/50328/

Love to hear feedback.
- TyCamScore

The problem is, something needs to give because he’s 23 and someone needs to determine what kind of player Jimmy is going to be.

Yes and not only for Hayes but for others in Rockford as well.

I thought Hayes was OK, but would rather have him center the 4th line....If a top six winger was needed Morin would have been my choice and then Smith.

1) JACKASS

2) If Hayes has a career a 1/3rd as successful as Andrew Brunette's, it would be fine with me.

3) Toews didn't look tired to me. his line dominated the entire game. And until that left wing road grader is acquired ( Because he currently isn't on the roster now...) I think the top line will stay the way it is.
- yahoodi

1) Why does agreeing that Hammer is great make me a JACKASS?

2) Hayes' career might end up being very short if he doesn't start catching up to the play in the next few games. Even the most ardent tire-pumpers can't make excuses for that. Brunette actually had some very good hands—that's what made his career—well beyond what Hayes has.
3) Toews looks a little tired/slow to me. Though I agree, there is no easily identified replacement for (Adam has a friend in) Jesus on that line.
- John Jaeckel

The joys of the Buzz. Hammer's contract doesn't look too bad now, does it?

When will Stalberg finally add a nasty snipe or a forehand/backhand move to the Luis Mendoza speed? Then, and only then, will he truly be a dangerous player capable of cracking a 2nd or even top line....

The joys of the Buzz. Hammer's contract doesn't look too bad now, does it?
- Beaver-Warrior

I like seeing him let that shot go more, too, even though last night it kept hitting stuff and taking off into orbit.

But that is a BIG part of the story this year: he is now a #2 defenseman (with a puck mover on the other side) on most clubs. Just so solid positionally and using that stick.

I dunno, the "Jackass" in Shrek is pretty damn funny and kinda lovable so it might be a compliment

I have heard, as many of you know, rumors of them dealing Stalberg. But man, he and Frolik will be huge weapons in the playoffs with their size/speed/effort and endurance.

I mean, superhuman. Just the intensity and effort they maintain over a long shift is really incredible. Another guy, though not as much probably due to his age: Hossa. Amazing.
- John Jaeckel

I agree Stalberg and Frolick both very important pieces in the playoffs

Hayes assisted on the first goal by being in front of the net
His position opened up the ice for Oduya
I say give him a chance
At 6'6" he has size and it was only his first game

Everybody hates the shoot out and it should be eliminated or be worth a half a point not a full point

The teams trying to catch up really hate these three point games

Can't hear 'em
- John Jaeckel

JJ lives by the words famously sung by 50 Cent..

If they hate, then let 'em hate and watch the money pile up!

Dont know how many people caught the Jets/Rags game last night

But hot damn Buff runs the shxt out of the point on their PP

JJ lives by the words famously sung by 50 Cent..

If they hate, then let 'em hate and watch the money pile up!
- eburgio

Yeahhhhhhh Boyeeeeeeeee

Dont know how many people caught the Jets/Rags game last night

But hot damn Buff runs the shxt out of the point on their PP
- FourFeathers773

Oh yeah, the remaining % of Hawk fans who continue to dismiss this guy are missing the point: he's a really good hockey player, fat or not.

I like seeing him let that shot go more, too, even though last night it kept hitting stuff and taking off into orbit.

But that is a BIG part of the story this year: he is now a #2 defenseman (with a puck mover on the other side) on most clubs. Just so solid positionally and using that stick.
- John Jaeckel

I'm with ya there JJ. Like to see Nik put the puck on net more often.

Today's article....

Chicago Blackhawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + a trade thought- Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw

On Twitter@ AlCimaglia

The problem is, something needs to give because he’s 23 and someone needs to determine what kind of player Jimmy is going to be.

Yes and not only for Hayes but for others in Rockford as well.

I thought Hayes was OK, but would rather have him center the 4th line....If a top six winger was needed Morin would have been my choice and then Smith.
- Al

Agreed. I'm still sceptical of the direction down there. Is Dent the right guy for the job down there? As we all know, a lot of the direction comes from inside the walls of the UC.

Hayes never at Centre would ok with me... 4th line wing, sure. Him at Centre is asking for trouble IMO.

Today's article....

Chicago Blackhawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + a trade thought- Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw

On Twitter@ AlCimaglia
- Al

Nice real Al.

A real Center for picks and good A HLers would be a really nice move by Bowman

Agreed. I'm still sceptical of the direction down there. Is Dent the right guy for the job down there? As we all know, a lot of the direction comes from inside the walls of the UC.

Hayes never at Centre would ok with me... 4th line wing, sure. Him at Centre is asking for trouble IMO.
- TyCamScore

He has played center for about 40 games in Rockford....That's more than an experiment.

But 23-24 year olds in the AHL these days aren't considered very young. At some point you are what you are and the top franchises find out first.

Chicago Blackhawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + a trade thought- Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw

On Twitter @AlCimaglia

Nice real Al.

A real Center for picks and good A HLers would be a really nice move by Bowman
- mrpaulish

If they start to sell, McPhee will have a long line of suitors for Ribeiro.

Chicago Blackhawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + a trade thought- Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw

Kane is incredible.

I swear him momentarily losing his handle of the puck in the shootout was done on purpose.

There's nobody I enjoy watching play more than 88.

I agree Stalberg and Frolick both very important pieces in the playoffs

Hayes assisted on the first goal by being in front of the net
His position opened up the ice for Oduya
I say give him a chance
At 6'6" he has size and it was only his first game

Everybody hates the shoot out and it should be eliminated or be worth a half a point not a full point

The teams trying to catch up really hate these three point games
- PEIHawkFan

The teams trying to catch up really hate these three point games

Yes and there really isn't much catching up at all...

But the three point games creates the illusion of tighter races, but in reality limits teams from passing one another.

Hayes was in the correct spot on that goal although not sure how much he screened the goalie but...

Hayes like all other young players should be put in the best position to succeed.

Oh yeah, the remaining % of Hawk fans who continue to dismiss this guy are missing the point: he's a really good hockey player, fat or not.
- John Jaeckel

Buff is a very good player with the potential of being a great player.
It's all up to his motivation.

If they start to sell, McPhee will have a long line of suitors for Ribeiro.

Chicago Blackhawks top performers help take down Columbus - OT changes + a trade thought- Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/YfYvKw
- Al

Riberio would be nice...but the guy I want from Washington is Matt Hendricks. He can centre the 4th line, play on the PK, and he's great on draws. He's a pending UFA with a cap hit (annualized) of $825,000. This could be a guy to help us in the short term and long term.

The joys of the Buzz. Hammer's contract doesn't look too bad now, does it?
- Beaver-Warrior

Even better is if he's key player to another 'Hawks championship or two. Then we can collectively raise our middle fingers and shout out a gigantic F(U)CK YOU to Doug Wilson of the Sharks. Can I get FU Willie now just for sh!ts & grins?!