steve i would love to see him & carcillo on the same line! especially with a 7-1 lead and that little biotcharse rouesell on the ice in the 3rd last night!
man i wish the hawks were going to the east next year instead of staying in the west! then we could see more of the bruins, rangers, flyers,pen's, ect! it would force SB to re think his strategy!
- wonthecup10

The strategy of being the most talented team in hockey?

Cmon man, just watch and root for the Coyotes then.

I am convinced that if they were 28 - 0 now, many of you would still be complaining about the team.

Let me get philosphical again here. When I met with Q over the summer, I explained to him that his matchup stategy was a waste of energy. That outside of 1 or two other teams, he has more talent then any team in the league. As such, there onus was on the other team to figure out how they would match up with us.

Along with that comes an overall change of philosophy. That is in life you either are the stimulus or the reaction. The last few years, as the team struggled for identity, they ran around trying to be all things to all people. This season they have embraced who they are and are not gonna react to much and allow opponents to think they can get under their skin.

To me this is a sign of maturity. It is fun to think and want retribution, but that just dumbs you down to your opponent. Seabs nailed the guy, he took exception, Seabrook answered the bell and had a bad fight. End of story.

BTW, of course I did not talk to Q, but I have wanted the team to adopt this higher concept philosophy for a few years now. Sure is fun watching them this year.
- TrueGrit

i could understand your way of thinking along with the fact that gary bettman wants to knock that stuff out of the game all together! it's just some of us dinasours refusing to embrace the way the game has changed at least in the west.
i find myself watching more & more eastern conference games on the center ice channels! JMO, the hawks have more skill than most but how do they play every other night against some of these east teams without it taking it's toll with injuries on them when these teams start running them?

Let me get philosphical again here. When I met with Q over the summer, I explained to him that his matchup stategy was a waste of energy. That outside of 1 or two other teams, he has more talent then any team in the league. As such, there onus was on the other team to figure out how they would match up with us.

Along with that comes an overall change of philosophy. That is in life you either are the stimulus or the reaction. The last few years, as the team struggled for identity, they ran around trying to be all things to all people. This season they have embraced who they are and are not gonna react to much and allow opponents to think they can get under their skin.

To me this is a sign of maturity. It is fun to think and want retribution, but that just dumbs you down to your opponent. Seabs nailed the guy, he took exception, Seabrook answered the bell and had a bad fight. End of story.

BTW, of course I did not talk to Q, but I have wanted the team to adopt this higher concept philosophy for a few years now. Sure is fun watching them this year.
- TrueGrit

Cant be everything to everyone so i agree have to be yourself and play to your strengths and hope your strengths allow you to win

Karl remember you cant hit what you cant catch and the key I think and scotty bowman talked about this last night is when the other team takes exception and gets a penalty you have to make them pay so for me the key is getting the power play going better

i could understand your way of thinking along with the fact that gary bettman wants to knock that stuff out of the game all together! it's just some of us dinasours refusing to embrace the way the game has changed at least in the west.
i find myself watching more & more eastern conference games on the center ice channels! JMO, the hawks have more skill than most but how do they play every other night against some of these east teams without it taking it's toll with injuries on them when these teams start running them?
- wonthecup10

I totally get what you are saying, but the idea that the East is so much tougher is exaggerated, I unfortunately have to watch a lot of it. The fact is, similar to Oilers, the Hawks would skate most of these teams out of the barn too.

Watch Montreal, they play a similar game as hawks. So long as you are not ducking out of corners to avoid contact you are fine. If you take hits to make plays they will win. It is simple commitment, nothing more. I honestly believe that.

If as fans we are scared or afraid, it is a mistake to project that on the Hawks. These young guys are men and I am sure that the opponents of the Hawks spend more time worrying about them the night before the game vs the hawks worrying about some jack ass taking a run at them.

Time will tell.

JJ,

Did you catch Hendricks yesterday for Caps? Fought Horton and McQuiad? Not sure of full context, but he laid the wood on Horton and then later Thornton was trying to goad him and went with McQuiad.

Not a heavy weight, but guy has some heart and skates very well too.

Think he would be a fine addition.
- TrueGrit

Hendricks vs McQuaid was hilarious...after getting the better of Horton earlier, the B's looked for revenge. Thornton challenged Hendricks, who ducked him to fight McQuaid and still took an L.

And so the Hwks have a repeat performance with mighty all powerful and youthful Aves. And how have these great beast slayers of the west faired since they won their "cup" gme about a week ago. A gme that was to propel them into the top 8. Hmmm....1-3-0. BTB losses to the Wild. In conclusion it does appear the Aves "best" gme of the year when they defeated a completely gassed Hwk team was their blip in the season.

Matt Hendricks and the "Paralyzer" move on shoot out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb5A4Ri2iZo

I will stop now with my marketing blitz.

Love his move.
- TrueGrit

Geezus peace...i never realized Hendricks had this in his arsenal. Thanks TG


P.S. I'm expecting a much better effort in Denver this time around.

i could understand your way of thinking along with the fact that gary bettman wants to knock that stuff out of the game all together! it's just some of us dinasours refusing to embrace the way the game has changed at least in the west.
i find myself watching more & more eastern conference games on the center ice channels! JMO, the hawks have more skill than most but how do they play every other night against some of these east teams without it taking it's toll with injuries on them when these teams start running them?
- wonthecup10

Me too, especially flyers since I go to school in PA. One thing I have noticed, and tell me if you agree, but with the more physical play and guys flying around to through huge hits, it seems these teams play terrible system defensive hockey. Other than Boston, New Jersey, Montreal, and Ottawa (Rangers sometimes this year) no team can keep the puck out of their own net. I think the teams in the west have adjusted to the new style of play and are much better positionally without taking runs. Wondering if you agree. Also do any out of towners use Sling Box? Got it for Xmas and its my favorite thing ever, highly recommend.

scotty bowman talked about this last night is when the other team takes exception and gets a penalty you have to make them pay so for me the key is getting the power play going better
- molly2522

Ex. Act. Ly.

So that being said, what has Stanbow done to get the power play going better in the last two and a half seasons?

The consequence of not addressing this in time for the post season is that the fear of an opposing team being shorthanded becomes no fear at all, and as such teams will feel they can take additional physical liberties against this Hawks team without fear of giving up goals while on the PK.

For a fourth rounder maybe...Lalonde...that change of scenery guy.
- TrueGrit

I think you know, I'm messin' with ya. I think that low end teams, and in this case Washington, will be putting veterans with expiring contracts up for auction to the highest bidder. Hendricks' value may be a 4th and or a middling prospect but I have a feeling he will fetch more. SB has shown himself to be pretty conservative so do you think he would/should overpay for added depth?

Pretty entertaining win. Kind of nice when everything goes well and everyone has a good game and you don't have anything to quarrel over. Only once in awhile though. I'm sure we'll have plenty to argue over come Monday.

It was weird rooting for St Louis to beat Anaheim. Hands had a hard time coming together for that one.

Hedger tweeted last night that the third period must have been a nightmare for Q. Wants to rest his guys but it's not like you can just skate the 4th line the entire period.

The Stars are only 3 points out of the 8 spot. Personally, that's the team I'd like to see the Hawks open the playoffs with. Gotta start looking at that. So, go Stars....

I totally get what you are saying, but the idea that the East is so much tougher is exaggerated, I unfortunately have to watch a lot of it. The fact is, similar to Oilers, the Hawks would skate most of these teams out of the barn too.

Watch Montreal, they play a similar game as hawks. So long as you are not ducking out of corners to avoid contact you are fine. If you take hits to make plays they will win. It is simple commitment, nothing more. I honestly believe that.
If as fans we are scared or afraid, it is a mistake to project that on the Hawks. These young guys are men and I am sure that the opponents of the Hawks spend more time worrying about them the night before the game vs the hawks worrying about some jack ass taking a run at them.

Time will tell.
- TrueGrit

Have you played full contact? Do you understand the toll hard hits take out of a team especially when your team doesn't really hit back to try to recapture some of that energy? You do realize there is a reason most teams do load up on size and physicality and will overlook talent to do so. It's not unrealistic to believe the Hawks team as now constructed could win against 4 physical opponents who won't be overly concerned with the Hawks powerplay, but it is also not unrealistic to believe the physical gauntlet the Hawks will have to face will wind up wearing the Hawks out physically and emotionally.

Due to the Hawks' having a very average powerplay it opens them up for much more than being hit. If a team with an off the charts penalty kill, like Boston, play the Hawks do you not think we'll see a repeat of the 2011 cup finals where Boston's physical manhandling eventually not only wore the Canucks down but rendered most of them totally ineffective?

So either the Hawks have to improve that power play or they need to add a physical dimension to offset other teams physicality.

Cant be everything to everyone so i agree have to be yourself and play to your strengths and hope your strengths allow you to win

Karl remember you cant hit what you cant catch and the key I think and scotty bowman talked about this last night is when the other team takes exception and gets a penalty you have to make them pay so for me the key is getting the power play going better
- molly2522

The point you brought up about not hitting what you can't catch will be the key to winning the Cup vs. the East. Unfortunately the dmen will catch a lot of abuse that can't be avoided.

Today's article....
Blackhawks run a clinic in Dallas, rollover the Stars 8-1 - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/ZiYfwM

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

I'll keep on saying it, it's absolutely Kane can continue to put up points when being stuck with a turd like Bollus. This is a different Patrick Kane, and could be just the beginning of what this kid can become. The skill set has always been there, but now we are seeing him fully committed on and OFF the ice. it took Roenick a few years to figure out, and no reason why Kane can't be wearing an "A" in a year or two.

this team still needs a faceoff man. that can't be ignored because for every 8-1 win, they'll be a few losses where a face off win here or there would have been the difference.

Bowman is already in full spin mode saying if they don't make a trade "he's happy with his team". Of course he'll say that, but he better be proactive between now and April 4th, because a lot of other GMs will shorten the talent gap....

JJ
always enjoy your thoughts and analysis
Kanes play is sick. I was a long time ago a very good skater and his footwork is so amazing he makes that spin not only look easy but so smooth and it is anything but easy and then with the long forgotten wicked backhand OMG

Lastly and maybe it was me but I think Saad had a turning point where his two linemates seemed to embrace him and i saw what I thought was a realbonding going on. Saad seams to have figured out what his role is with those two and I think barring injury he is on the first to stay
What do you think or am I reading too much into it?
- molly2522

Gotta hand it to Saad and the team for going with him like they have.

But as I posted here yesterday, now the schedule gets tougher, games more physical, etc., we'll see how he does down the stretch. Hey EVERYONE looked all-world last night. But his game has elevated.

Have you played full contact? Do you understand the toll hard hits take out of a team especially when your team doesn't really hit back to try to recapture some of that energy? You do realize there is a reason most teams do load up on size and physicality and will overlook talent to do so. It's not unrealistic to believe the Hawks team as now constructed could win against 4 physical opponents who won't be overly concerned with the Hawks powerplay, but it is also not unrealistic to believe the physical gauntlet the Hawks will have to face will wind up wearing the Hawks out physically and emotionally.

Due to the Hawks' having a very average powerplay it opens them up for much more than being hit. If a team with an off the charts penalty kill, like Boston, play the Hawks do you not think we'll see a repeat of the 2011 cup finals where Boston's physical manhandling eventually not only wore the Canucks down but rendered most of them totally ineffective?

So either the Hawks have to improve that power play or they need to add a physical dimension to offset other teams physicality.
- paulr

Obviously not....100% agreed. Wearing an opponent's D men down is a very underrated variable. Look no further then 2008-09 when they took out Phaneuff. Why? Because they continually pounded the body. Hawks D men were pummeled non stop last spring against Phoenix, and it led to huge turnovers and timely goals for the Coyotes.

Guys can take a few hits to make a play, but getting hammered each and every night will take it's a toll...no question,

Pretty entertaining win. Kind of nice when everything goes well and everyone has a good game and you don't have anything to quarrel over. Only once in awhile though. I'm sure we'll have plenty to argue over come Monday.

It was weird rooting for St Louis to beat Anaheim. Hands had a hard time coming together for that one.
Hedger tweeted last night that the third period must have been a nightmare for Q. Wants to rest his guys but it's not like you can just skate the 4th line the entire period.

The Stars are only 3 points out of the 8 spot. Personally, that's the team I'd like to see the Hawks open the playoffs with. Gotta start looking at that. So, go Stars....
- yahoodi

What we should be cheering for is match ups between non-division winners - I'm hoping the Blues draw the Kings in the first round so they beat the crap out of each other and play 7 OT games. I'd like to see the Ducks get San Jose so they can beat the hell out of each other too.

The huge advantage the Hawks will have is being able to rest players in mid-late April when so many other teams will be in overdrive just to get a playoff spot. I hope Columbus grabs the 8th spot and then we can take them out in 4 -5 games.

What we should be cheering for is match ups between non-division winners - I'm hoping the Blues draw the Kings in the first round so they beat the crap out of each other and play 7 OT games. I'd like to see the Ducks get San Jose so they can beat the hell out of each other too.

The huge advantage the Hawks will have is being able to rest players in mid-late April when so many other teams will be in overdrive just to get a playoff spot. I hope Columbus grabs the 8th spot and then we can take them out in 4 -5 games.
- RickJ

I understand what you are saying, but I am done pulling for a certain matchup. Last year, I was ecstatic the Hawks avoided LA and San Jose, to draw Phoenix...and look how that turned out.

Home ice, and health are the 2 things I'm focused on...

Have you played full contact? Do you understand the toll hard hits take out of a team especially when your team doesn't really hit back to try to recapture some of that energy? You do realize there is a reason most teams do load up on size and physicality and will overlook talent to do so. It's not unrealistic to believe the Hawks team as now constructed could win against 4 physical opponents who won't be overly concerned with the Hawks powerplay, but it is also not unrealistic to believe the physical gauntlet the Hawks will have to face will wind up wearing the Hawks out physically and emotionally.

Due to the Hawks' having a very average powerplay it opens them up for much more than being hit. If a team with an off the charts penalty kill, like Boston, play the Hawks do you not think we'll see a repeat of the 2011 cup finals where Boston's physical manhandling eventually not only wore the Canucks down but rendered most of them totally ineffective?

So either the Hawks have to improve that power play or they need to add a physical dimension to offset other teams physicality.
- paulr

As much as I hate the Canucks - it took the Bruins 7 games and spectacular goaltending by Tim Thomas to beat them, some weak goaltending by Luongo on the road and by the end the Canucks were missing Dan Hamhuis and the rest of their defence were nearly parapalegics. The Canucks screwed up by playing too many playoff games, starting with letting the Hawks take them to 7 games.

I don't think anybody can really predict the NHL playoffs accurately. New Jersey made it to the final but had to beat Florida in OT Game 7; The Bruins have forever had a tough time with Montreal and last year Washington played a style they couldn't overcome. I think they are the best of the East but what would happen if Rask got hurt - no Tim Thomas to back him up this year. NYR can also play a style that bothers Boston if they squeeze into the #8 spot.

So ya I agree that improvement on the PP is important but adding depth to the roster is probably even more important. When Stan says he is happy with what he has but if he was going to do anything it would be to add a center that means to me he is shopping for another center to do what John Madden did for them 2 years ago.

I understand what you are saying, but I am done pulling for a certain matchup. Last year, I was ecstatic the Hawks avoided LA and San Jose, to draw Phoenix...and look how that turned out.

Home ice, and health are the 2 things I'm focused on...
- SteveRain

I hear you!!

I see the West finishing something like this
1.Hawks or Ducks
2.Ditto
3.Vancouver od Minnie
4.LA
5.Blues
6.Wings
7.Sharks
8.Vancouver/Minnie or the Coyotes

I think we avoid playing the Ducks,LA,the Blues or the Wings but could play the Canucks,Wild,Sharks or Coyotes in the first round

I see the final four in the West

Hawks,Ducks,Kings and Blues
Should be a fun month of May.

As much as I hate the Canucks - it took the Bruins 7 games and spectacular goaltending by Tim Thomas to beat them, some weak goaltending by Luongo on the road and by the end the Canucks were missing Dan Hamhuis and the rest of their defence were nearly parapalegics. The Canucks screwed up by playing too many playoff games, starting with letting the Hawks take them to 7 games.

I don't think anybody can really predict the NHL playoffs accurately. New Jersey made it to the final but had to beat Florida in OT Game 7; The Bruins have forever had a tough time with Montreal and last year Washington played a style they couldn't overcome. I think they are the best of the East but what would happen if Rask got hurt - no Tim Thomas to back him up this year. NYR can also play a style that bothers Boston if they squeeze into the #8 spot.

So ya I agree that improvement on the PP is important but adding depth to the roster is probably even more important. When Stan says he is happy with what he has but if he was going to do anything it would be to add a center that means to me he is shopping for another center to do what John Madden did for them 2 years ago.
- RickJ

No one can predict but I don't see a team with as much talent in the West that plays the Hawks any tougher than the Canucks....Not really close in my view.

Today's article....

Blackhawks run a clinic in Dallas, rollover the Stars 8-1 - My Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/ZiYfwM

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

I'll keep on saying it, it's absolutely Kane can continue to put up points when being stuck with a turd like Bollus. This is a different Patrick Kane, and could be just the beginning of what this kid can become. The skill set has always been there, but now we are seeing him fully committed on and OFF the ice. it took Roenick a few years to figure out, and no reason why Kane can't be wearing an "A" in a year or two.

this team still needs a faceoff man. that can't be ignored because for every 8-1 win, they'll be a few losses where a face off win here or there would have been the difference.

Bowman is already in full spin mode saying if they don't make a trade "he's happy with his team". Of course he'll say that, but he better be proactive between now and April 4th, because a lot of other GMs will shorten the talent gap....
- SteveRain

I think one thing that should finally be clear is we shouldn't worry about what Kane can finally become until he hits his prime....And that could still be a couple of years away.

If he stays in shape and has the passion, we haven't see his best yet.

Today's article....
Blackhawks run a clinic in Dallas, rollover the Stars 8-1 - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/ZiYfwM

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

Gotta hand it to Saad and the team for going with him like they have.

But as I posted here yesterday, now the schedule gets tougher, games more physical, etc., we'll see how he does down the stretch. Hey EVERYONE looked all-world last night. But his game has elevated.
- John Jaeckel

JJ, you are very honest, as you have been the toughest critic on #20, and I respect that a great deal about you. Nice to see you give him props when it is due. He has gotten better and better throughout the year. He is a very explosive skater, that is one thing I never knew about his game. I also did not realize that his defensive awareness is quite impressive too. The schedule will definitely get tougher, but the kid is going to get chances every night playing with 19 and 81. I have loved the way he has improved throughout the year. He is going to be a nice player for a long time.

I think one thing that should finally be clear is we shouldn't worry about what Kane can finally become until he hits his prime....And that could still be a couple of years away.

If he stays in shape and has the passion, we haven't see his best yet.

Today's article....
Blackhawks run a clinic in Dallas, rollover the Stars 8-1 - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News http://bit.ly/ZiYfwM

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Kane definitely looks like the light bulb went off. He is playing the best hockey of his young career right now. All-world puck skills and a willingness to backcheck, man who is that guy wearing 88. Nice to see, tough situation a couple of years from now, as Kane and Toews are going to eat up a ton of salary cap space. I guess you cross that bridge when it comes, but boy are those 2 special talents or what.

Kane definitely looks like the light bulb went off. He is playing the best hockey of his young career right now. All-world puck skills and a willingness to backcheck, man who is that guy wearing 88. Nice to see, tough situation a couple of years from now, as Kane and Toews are going to eat up a ton of salary cap space. I guess you cross that bridge when it comes, but boy are those 2 special talents or what.
- ChicagoHope

I also don't think Kane is going to get checked out of games any more. He gets it now. And he wants it. Great to watch.