Thought Saad was noticeable late, otherwise invisible. Hayes noticeable for how out of place he looked at times. Way to slow for that line, he'll get the benefit of the doubt for a few games so we'll see. Hammer has been awesome most games this year, very few mistakes. Seabrook and Keith were mostly good, but both of them continue to turn the puck over with too much regularity. Seabrook with a few really poor choices up the middle of the ice or wraps to un-occupied sides. Keith just needs to keep it simple, make the simple pass, quick shot, etc. but without a doubt he should not be on the PP
- TheTrob

He made a gorgeous pass to Seabs in the first....great vision and touch by the kid.

@RealFansProgram: Adam Hall (650K) is on waivers, and wins 56.4% of his draws, nearly all of them defensive. If he's available, Hawks should claim him. --MM
- captainserious

Agreed. Plus, he's from my "second" hometown, Kalamazoo, MI

JJ.....Listen to the Trob. The Trob clearly knows what he's talking about and you should listen to him.....JJ....? The Trob.
- yahoodi

REPEAT:

Put him on a legit Cup Contender and he is worth $10 million a year. In the playoffs alone. Seriously.

Size, talent and in the big games, he rises up like no one else.

Agreed. Plus, he's from my "second" hometown, Kalamazoo, MI
- John Jaeckel

Do you think that Danault is going to skip Rockford this year after his junior season is over, and get some time with the Hawks?

Kind of a side note -


But the 'Jackets annoucing team is unbearable.

Being in Ohio, was saddled with them for the game - absolutely miserable tgo listen to. (On another side note - in the Cleveland area, I am forced to watch the 'Hawks/Jackets games on Fox Sports Ohio, as the Center Ice feeds are blacked out. When there is a Cavaliers game that conflicts with a 'Jackets game, the hockey game is then moved to Fox Sports Cincinati, which I do not get. Hence, CI feeds blacked out, and the game is shown on a channel I would have to pay an extra $15 a month to get. Talk about some BS..)

But, I digress... Every so often I catch an opposing broadcast either by choice or not, and the 'Jackets team is by far the worst I've seen. (I loathe Jennereat in Buffalo too, but these guys are way worse).

Seriously, after a 0-0 first period, they literally said "the Bluejackets Prevail in Period One!" It was nauseating. They also proceded to break down plays saying how great the Jackets players were for standard back-checking plays - doing on-screen illuststrations of how the forward picks up the trailer to take away the passing lane - as if it was some amazaing individual effort and not simply hockey 101....


- FredoXV

Jeff Rimer is by all accounts a very nice man, but Good Lord, these guys are awful.

Talk about homers. They are WORSE than Hawk. Davidge is inexcusable as he knows the game—and literally misreports everything he sees to make it advantageous to the Blue Jackets. I mean, what game is he watching?

Further, in a market like Columbus where a majority of fans need to be educated about the game, what better way than to point out the greatness of opposing players and plays, and not just the relentless (and dishonest) homer crap?

Terrible.

Do you think that Danault is going to skip Rockford this year after his junior season is over, and get some time with the Hawks?
- hpk90

I hope so, and based on what I've seen of him, I'd give him a shot for a few games. They have nothing to lose—same logic as Saad—and some guys might need the rest at that point anyway.

Put him on a legit Cup Contender and he is worth $10 million a year. In the playoffs alone. Seriously.
- John Jaeckel

Not questioning his value in certain situations or in the playoffs, but you know as well as anyone that you are only as valuable as your cap hit. You pay him that much, other pieces of your roster have to go. He's a career minus player for a reason. As a top 4 d-man he gives up way to many goals that are directly his fault because he gets beat, or gets too deep in the o-zone and doesn't get back.

I would love him as a PP guy and 6/7 d-man on the Hawks but NOT at 5+mil

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

>Think you are being generous in your assessment of Hayes last night as are many other posters
>Falling down untouched at least 3 times, taking massive looping turns that take forever and generally "not in the screen" with Kane
>Maybe Hayes needs to change the hollow and profile of his skate blades -- something -- cuz his skating is still beer league quality
>Q must really dislike Morin because, to me, Morin has so much more upside -- and is much better suited to a top 6 role

I hope so, and based on what I've seen of him, I'd give him a shot for a few games. They have nothing to lose—same logic as Saad—and some guys might need the rest at that point anyway.
- John Jaeckel

I just wonder if that is what they are thinking already. I think they start the Memorial Cup run soon.

Do you think that Hall will still be around for the Hawks to claim?

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.
- DarthKane

I can see that...

My original thinking was the Hawks wouldn't mess with top two lines....

But Caps are struggling and Ribeiro could be the best top six center available.

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

2 beautfil, skilled wrist shots at the net that resulted in goals.

I hope somebody is showing Keith that tape. Instead of winding up and hammering away that the shin pads in front of him.
- SteveRain

Here's the thing about Byfuglien: I agree he gets out of shape, and he takes games or shifts off. But he's a great player regardless. If he worked out like Chelios or Toews, he'd be in the Hall of Fame. Seriously.

But for those 16 games at the end of the year, you know he's bringing 275 pounds of loose meat, gigantic hits and goals—and the entire team is more fearless and loose with him on the ice.

He could play for me any time. Because I wouldn't be sitting there pining for what he is or isn't in December against the Flames. I'd be counting on him helping me win a Cup in June.

>Think you are being generous in your assessment of Hayes last night as are many other posters
>Falling down untouched at least 3 times, taking massive looping turns that take forever and generally "not in the screen" with Kane
>Maybe Hayes needs to change the hollow and profile of his skate blades -- something -- cuz his skating is still beer league quality
>Q must really dislike Morin because, to me, Morin has so much more upside -- and is much better suited to a top 6 role
- SnapitUpstairs

"OK" is nothing to write home about in my book.

But not going to be too harsh yet....He has played center for much of the season and then goes to the wing...Not a great way to get your feet wet.

>Think you are being generous in your assessment of Hayes last night as are many other posters
>Falling down untouched at least 3 times, taking massive looping turns that take forever and generally "not in the screen" with Kane
>Maybe Hayes needs to change the hollow and profile of his skate blades -- something -- cuz his skating is still beer league quality
>Q must really dislike Morin because, to me, Morin has so much more upside -- and is much better suited to a top 6 role
- SnapitUpstairs

He can't skate. Period. End of discussion. and there's not enough ancillary skill there to justify it.

Next.

I'm still not sure it's entirely Q's decision.

I just wonder if that is what they are thinking already. I think they start the Memorial Cup run soon.

Do you think that Hall will still be around for the Hawks to claim?
- hpk90

No idea. But if he perchance makes it through Waivers, I could easily see a late pick going to Tampa for him.

Here's the thing about Byfuglien: I agree he gets out of shape, and he takes games or shifts off. But he's a great player regardless. If he worked out like Chelios or Toews, he'd be in the Hall of Fame. Seriously.

But for those 16 games at the end of the year, you know he's bringing 275 pounds of loose meat, gigantic hits and goals—and the entire team is more fearless and loose with him on the ice.

He could play for me any time. Because I wouldn't be sitting there pining for what he is or isn't in December against the Flames. I'd be counting on him helping me win a Cup in June.
- John Jaeckel

I wonder what it would cost to get him back here, but I doubt that the organization wants him back or would pay for him.

Not questioning his value in certain situations or in the playoffs, but you know as well as anyone that you are only as valuable as your cap hit. You pay him that much, other pieces of your roster have to go. He's a career minus player for a reason. As a top 4 d-man he gives up way to many goals that are directly his fault because he gets beat, or gets too deep in the o-zone and doesn't get back.

I would love him as a PP guy and 6/7 d-man on the Hawks but NOT at 5+mil
- TheTrob

PP, 5-6 d-man (his defense is NOT that bad), RW in the playoffs and other times. He's worth every penny of his salary.

The playoffs are, by far, the most important part of the season.

I wonder what it would cost to get him back here, but I doubt that the organization wants him back or would pay for him.
- hpk90

True

He can't skate. Period. End of discussion. and there's not enough ancillary skill there to justify it.

Next.

I'm still not sure it's entirely Q's decision.
- John Jaeckel

There is a lot of input going from Rockford to Chicago....I wouldn't be comfortable in saying Q. is the main voice on roster moves.

The call up of Hayes says more about what the Organization feels abut Morin than anything else.

Morin/Smith it seems aren't thought of as top six NHL forward, evidently Hayes is........

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

@RealFansProgram: Adam Hall (650K) is on waivers, and wins 56.4% of his draws, nearly all of them defensive. If he's available, Hawks should claim him. --MM
- captainserious

I hope we make a claim for him...but I'm sure there will be many teams ahead of us that will too.

Here's the thing about Byfuglien: I agree he gets out of shape, and he takes games or shifts off. But he's a great player regardless. If he worked out like Chelios or Toews, he'd be in the Hall of Fame. Seriously.

But for those 16 games at the end of the year, you know he's bringing 275 pounds of loose meat, gigantic hits and goals—and the entire team is more fearless and loose with him on the ice.

He could play for me any time. Because I wouldn't be sitting there pining for what he is or isn't in December against the Flames. I'd be counting on him helping me win a Cup in June.
- John Jaeckel

I’m tired of all this silly talk! Physicality and defense does not supersede skill and speed, especially in the playoffs. The Hawks don't need anything to get them over the top, that streak proves they are the best and don't require any tweaking. Instead of all this pointless talk about what the Hawks need to play in the post season where no one emphasizes defense, where physicality isn’t ramped up, where the trap will never be introduced and where the refs won't change how they call games, we need to spend this time planning the parade route and sizing ring fingers for the inevitable.

Just heard:

Teams asking about Shaw and . . . Bollig. Seems some GMs place a value on a physical guy who can play (a little). Especially as the second season draws near.

Hawks have no interest in dealing Shaw.

Hawks would deal Hayes. He is, in fact, being showcased. And I do know his name has come up in a lot of trade discussions over the last year or so.

Hawks are in on Iginla, but LA might be in the lead.

Here's the thing about Byfuglien: I agree he gets out of shape, and he takes games or shifts off. But he's a great player regardless. If he worked out like Chelios or Toews, he'd be in the Hall of Fame. Seriously.

But for those 16 games at the end of the year, you know he's bringing 275 pounds of loose meat, gigantic hits and goals—and the entire team is more fearless and loose with him on the ice.

He could play for me any time. Because I wouldn't be sitting there pining for what he is or isn't in December against the Flames. I'd be counting on him helping me win a Cup in June.
- John Jaeckel

I had no problem when Tallon extended him. You could see in 2007-08 he would be a power forward. He turned out to be a HUGE x factor that arguably defeated the Canucks both years.

He's a force.....NHL network said he and maybe Burns are the only d men in the league who could play forward and not stand out. I would agree.

He could be the Robert Horry/Jim Leyritz of hockey...

Here's the thing about Byfuglien: I agree he gets out of shape, and he takes games or shifts off. But he's a great player regardless. If he worked out like Chelios or Toews, he'd be in the Hall of Fame. Seriously.

But for those 16 games at the end of the year, you know he's bringing 275 pounds of loose meat, gigantic hits and goals—and the entire team is more fearless and loose with him on the ice.

He could play for me any time. Because I wouldn't be sitting there pining for what he is or isn't in December against the Flames. I'd be counting on him helping me win a Cup in June.
- John Jaeckel

>JJ, I'm with with 100% on Big Buff
>He is also what I call a "complete" goal scorer: can score taking the puck end-to-end, from a blast from the point, can shoot the one-timer, can bury shots in high-traffic dirty areas
>On the current Hawks roster the only Hawks forwards that can do that are Hossa and Sharp (Toews can't shoot the one-timer consistently or score from the point, haven't seen Kane score from the point)
>On D, Leddy has the tools to be a "complete goal scorer" -- though we don't see him very often in dirty areas (which is fine)

???????

Phil, this is KEITH you are talking about.

The man with a 1.8% shooting percentage.

How 'bout we agree to disagree and simply say it was good position on Bobo's part but great save and that play had nothing in common.

I don't think it registers in Keith's head . . . whether it is a defender's shinpads, stick, thigh guard, glove or the goalie's blocker . . . if it is THERE for Keith to shoot into, HE WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


- savvyone-1

Just heard:

Teams asking about Shaw and . . . Bollig. Seems some GMs place a value on a physical guy who can play (a little). Especially as the second season draws near.

Hawks have no interest in dealing Shaw.

Hawks would deal Hayes. He is, in fact, being showcased. And I do know his name has come up in a lot of trade discussions over the last year or so.

Hawks are in on Iginla, but LA might be in the lead.
- John Jaeckel

I would be seriously peeved is Stan dealt him. Shaw provides a lot of what this team lacks and we need more Shaws, not less. Bollig, Mayers and Hayes can all go as far as I'm concerned. Yes they are good guys and contribute in their own way. But if they help bring back a better player than it's all good.