I watch gmes in the east. For all that great physical play you speak....sure doesn't keep the puck out their nets. Big bad flyers never saw 2 and 3 goal leads they would not blow same with Pitt. Need to score 3 plus everynite to have a chance. You got that idiot Rinaldi that makes carcillo look sane. I don't need to be lectured to about big bad hockey in the east. Flyers have played lazy, passionless hockey most of the year.

I am not worried about the Hwks...they lost cuz of a bad blue line turnover and were with in a bounce of winning that gme. The big bad physical ducks pummeling the poor defenseless hwks was not the ticket tonight. The Ducks have been big and physical for the last 3-4 years and have gone nowhere..in fact have sucked! This year a better team gme and improved goal tending is the difference.

Speaking of goaltending when will the Flyers finally solve this multi-year problem. The guy they should have kept is playing lights out in Bluejacket land
- bogiedoc

I'm not boasting about the flyers - I'm discussing the Blackhawks. You seem to mistakenly think that I think the flyers are a great team this year. They will more than likely miss the playoffs. That does not take away from the fact that the rangers, pens, bruins, and half the east are highly physical teams (including the flyers) - and that some of the teams in the west are more than capable (and have a track record) of playing a physical series in the playoffs (LA, ANA, VAN). By your own logic that I've bolded the hawks have been fast, skilled and lacking physicality the last couple years and they have been 1 and done in the playoffs... what's changed?

You have to wonder what happens after Hossa and then Sharp return. Mayers appears in exile now or even possibly released. Hayes probably stays. Carcillo and Bollig alternate scratches. Who knows...maybe the big deal everyone wants Stanbow to make clears this all up or even muddies it further.
- bogiedoc

Kruger looked good on the wing tonight on a few shifts. I'd move him up while Sharp is out and acquire a 4th line center that can kill and win draws. Not a big Hayes fan, his decision making is just soooo slow out there

I'm not boasting about the flyers - I'm discussing the Blackhawks. You seem to mistakenly think that I think the flyers are a great team this year. They will more than likely miss the playoffs. That does not take away from the fact that the rangers, pens, bruins, and half the east are highly physical teams (including the flyers) - and that some of the teams in the west are more than capable (and have a track record) of playing a physical series in the playoffs (LA, ANA, VAN). By your own logic that I've bolded the hawks have been fast, skilled and lacking physicality the last couple years and they have been 1 and done in the playoffs... what's changed?
- moylander

Not to disagree with you, but more point out the other side. Hammer is playing leaps and bounds better and the second pairing is much stronger. Leddy and Rosival are a better third pairing than last year. Stalberg, Bickell, and Shaw have been really, really good, better than the third line was last year. Kane is producing more offensively and Crawford has been better. Bolland is worse. Overall the team is better so the same flaws are covered up a little more

IMO the pens are only physical against the fly guys.

Not to disagree with you, but more point out the other side. Hammer is playing leaps and bounds better and the second pairing is much stronger. Leddy and Rosival are a better third pairing than last year. Stalberg, Bickell, and Shaw have been really, really good, better than the third line was last year. Kane is producing more offensively and Crawford has been better. Bolland is worse. Overall the team is better so the same flaws are covered up a little more

IMO the pens are only physical against the fly guys.
- rollpards19

Fair assessment. The question is will these guys continue to play like they did the first half of the season (and last season) or will they start to fade like they did last season. The PP is another issue that's gone unaddressed. Faceoffs by players not named Toews. Craw has been great but he's beatable. I'm not going to win an argument on these boards tonight... but lets see how the season unfolds and we will see who was right... and with that - I'm out and gl on Monday!

Probably, by all accounts I think he is probably a pretty good guy. The thing with athletes is you normally meet them once and everyone has days where they're asshats (I know I do) so I don't doubt he was a jerk or whatever that one day.
- rollpards19

I know it is the price of fame and you have to expect faans to come up to you for autographs, but I just don't see how anyone can be nice and outgoing All the time. I would get sick of signing autographs and making small talk after the 10th one

I'm not boasting about the flyers - I'm discussing the Blackhawks. You seem to mistakenly think that I think the flyers are a great team this year. They will more than likely miss the playoffs. That does not take away from the fact that the rangers, pens, bruins, and half the east are highly physical teams (including the flyers) - and that some of the teams in the west are more than capable (and have a track record) of playing a physical series in the playoffs (LA, ANA, VAN). By your own logic that I've bolded the hawks have been fast, skilled and lacking physicality the last couple years and they have been 1 and done in the playoffs... what's changed?
- moylander

you're on moy! hey who's rinaldi? zach rinaldO, right? nothin wrong with the way that kid plays. got opposing players looking up all the time! i hope homer lands bobby ryan this summer if he's available.
i will agree homer pulled the plug too early on bobrovsky (or as he was called on these boards last week, dubrovsky). should have kept bobo.
back to ryan, what a pipe dream to even think stan bowman would get creative and make a play for ryan, (too big & physical for him) and $$, even if it meant dealing away #10 to make room for ryan!

if he's a bust, then the hawks should go in another direction, but it shouldn't be a kid with 30 games of nhl experience under his belt to lead the charge. which is why some of us are hell bent on trying to get a guy like chris neil or steve ott. bollig will be a decent player down the road , but they need more !
puzzling how a guy could all of a sudden go from decent minutes to kicked to the back of the bus in a short amount of time. something had to happen away from the rink that the hawks are hush hush on right now and will have more to say about it later if they part company.kind of like the kim johnnson saga, concussion my ass!!
- wonthecup10

What does Kim Johnsson have to do with anything? Concussions ruin careers if you hadn't noticed...Marc Savard, Chris Pronger to name 2.

Johnsson had a history of concussions prior to the Hawks acquiring him, and he officially retired after that season ended citing his health.

...so what's with the conspiracy theories?

Carcillo hurt his OTHER knee in game one of the season, and it's been hinted that he's continuing to have trouble with recovery and has had it drained several times.

Now if the man is not fit, he shouldn't play...and besides he's not that good anyhow. So yes, by all means the Hawks should find someone fit to replace him.

And since when do teams that win cups do so without rookies, or young players in general?

There is no doubt this team 1 tough sob for the 4th line that can win draws, pk, and HIT someone. Probably 2 tough guys. But it really all comes down to the match-ups. I really want to see St. Louis and LA get the #4 and #5 match-up so one of them goes in the 1st round. Then the winner get Anaheim. I really would like our chances if those 3 teams play each other and kill each other

Oh I complain about it all the time. After a loss. After a win. During the summer. Whenever. I just think it is a big issue
- tomcat24

Well Tomcat...you come to the right place to complain.

Fair assessment. The question is will these guys continue to play like they did the first half of the season (and last season) or will they start to fade like they did last season. The PP is another issue that's gone unaddressed. Faceoffs by players not named Toews. Craw has been great but he's beatable. I'm not going to win an argument on these boards tonight... but lets see how the season unfolds and we will see who was right... and with that - I'm out and gl on Monday!
- moylander

Hopefully a healthy Toews will help them not fade. I go to school in flyer country and the mood here is real rough, but they're probably a defenseman or two away from being one of the top contenders in the east again. Let's face it, it all pretty much comes down to goaltending

There is no doubt this team 1 tough sob for the 4th line that can win draws, pk, and HIT someone. Probably 2 tough guys. But it really all comes down to the match-ups. I really want to see St. Louis and LA get the #4 and #5 match-up so one of them goes in the 1st round. Then the winner get Anaheim. I really would like our chances if those 3 teams play each other and kill each other
- tomcat24

Haha my thoughts exactly. If the Hawks only play one of those three I like their chances. Two, and they could be real worn down

There is no doubt this team 1 tough sob for the 4th line that can win draws, pk, and HIT someone. Probably 2 tough guys. But it really all comes down to the match-ups. I really want to see St. Louis and LA get the #4 and #5 match-up so one of them goes in the 1st round. Then the winner get Anaheim. I really would like our chances if those 3 teams play each other and kill each other
- tomcat24

I just want whoever finishes 8 to knock off the Ducks....that would be priceless.

I still don't see the Ducks getting that far. I would love to see them bounced in rd 1, too. I also see the Ducks getting 1st place and Hawks #2. I still don't know if Vancouver or Minny end in #3. U figure Vancouver but they are a mess lately. We really need the blues and LA to be 4 and 5. I think we end up getting either Dallas, Minny, or Detroit.

Haha my thoughts exactly. If the Hawks only play one of those three I like their chances. Two, and they could be real worn down
- rollpards19

Yeah if we play 2 of them I don't see how we could win. Then facing probably either Boston or Pitts. if we add a tough forward or 2 we would have a real good sho at beating 1 of those 3 and. Team like Bos or Pitts for the title

Haha my thoughts exactly. If the Hawks only play one of those three I like their chances. Two, and they could be real worn down
- rollpards19

Yeah if we play 2 of them I don't see how we could win. Then facing probably either Boston or Pitts. if we add a tough forward or 2 we would have a real good sho at beating 1 of those 3 and. Team like Bos or Pitts for the title

Not to disagree with you, but more point out the other side. Hammer is playing leaps and bounds better and the second pairing is much stronger. Leddy and Rosival are a better third pairing than last year. Stalberg, Bickell, and Shaw have been really, really good, better than the third line was last year. Kane is producing more offensively and Crawford has been better. Bolland is worse. Overall the team is better so the same flaws are covered up a little more

IMO the pens are only physical against the fly guys.
- rollpards19

What they've done this year that they didn't the past 2 (and didn't at critical times last nite) is focus on defense - on all 5 skaters coming back, protecting the goalie, being available for short quick passes to leave the zone.

First period last nite - no, forwards not back, Crawford too much on his own (tho he kept them in it), too many long passes not connecting.

Second and third periods - much better - until the breakdowns at the end. Ducks had only 15 shots, I think, last 40 minutes - and he was able to see and absorb almost all - well, except for two.

Maybe Duck physicality forced that issue, but I see last-5-minute sloppiness and standing around after TOs - watch Kane after 25 minutes gliding into view on the last goal in particular.

Give me Hossa (certainly a tough three-zone player) and (sorry Ogie) Sharp back, give them Perry, and let's have at it. Don't know the Hawks win a play-off series against them - but don't know that they don't.

Probably both teams still have to win 2 PO series before the get each other - not a sure thing for either.

What they've done this year that they didn't the past 2 (and didn't at critical times last nite) is focus on defense - on all 5 skaters coming back, protecting the goalie, being available for short quick passes to leave the zone.

First period last nite - no, forwards not back, Crawford too much on his own (tho he kept them in it), too many long passes not connecting.

Second and third periods - much better - until the breakdowns at the end. Ducks had only 15 shots, I think, last 40 minutes - and he was able to see and absorb almost all - well, except for two.

Maybe Duck physicality forced that issue, but I see last-5-minute sloppiness and standing around after TOs - watch Kane after 25 minutes gliding into view on the last goal in particular.
- StLBravesFan

Oh I think that's exactly what it was. I have not seen the Hawks play this sloppy all year and why were they sloppy? Because they were rushing their passes and making plays they didn't want to make. Why were they rushing their passes and making plays they didn't want to make? Because they knew they'd be hit, they don't like being hit and after a while when your team isn't hitting to energize your team you become demoralized and find it difficult to continually take hits to make plays knowing the other team doesn't have to. Conversely because the Hawks are basically a non hitting team the Ducks can go where they want and do what they want with impunity.

I don't think most Hawk fans want a goon squad, I know I don't. But I think we want to see a team that can still compete even though the opposition doesn't allow them to use their speed. We want to see a team that competes more physically to both keep the opposition on their toes and to pump energy into the Blackhawk roster.

I don't think anyone can argue that, as of right now, the Hawks are not built for a long physical playoff run.

Oh I think that's exactly what it was. I have not seen the Hawks play this sloppy all year and why were they sloppy? Because they were rushing their passes and making plays they didn't want to make. Why were they rushing their passes and making plays they didn't want to make? Because they knew they'd be hit, they don't like being hit and after a while when your team isn't hitting to energize your team you become demoralized and find it difficult to continually take hits to make plays knowing the other team doesn't have to. Conversely because the Hawks are basically a non hitting team the Ducks can go where they want and do what they want with impunity.

I don't think most Hawk fans want a goon squad, I know I don't. But I think we want to see a team that can still compete even though the opposition doesn't allow them to use their speed. We want to see a team that competes more physically to both keep the opposition on their toes and to pump energy into the Blackhawk roster.

I don't think anyone can argue that, as of right now, the Hawks are not built for a long physical playoff run.
- paulr

Think many of us knew that already, but the last half-dozen games (3-3) certainly illustrates the deficiency more than the previous two-dozen games (21-0-3).

Oh I think that's exactly what it was. I have not seen the Hawks play this sloppy all year and why were they sloppy? Because they were rushing their passes and making plays they didn't want to make. Why were they rushing their passes and making plays they didn't want to make? Because they knew they'd be hit, they don't like being hit and after a while when your team isn't hitting to energize your team you become demoralized and find it difficult to continually take hits to make plays knowing the other team doesn't have to. Conversely because the Hawks are basically a non hitting team the Ducks can go where they want and do what they want with impunity.

I don't think most Hawk fans want a goon squad, I know I don't. But I think we want to see a team that can still compete even though the opposition doesn't allow them to use their speed. We want to see a team that competes more physically to both keep the opposition on their toes and to pump energy into the Blackhawk roster.

I don't think anyone can argue that, as of right now, the Hawks are not built for a long physical playoff run.
- paulr

Well, we can disagree about your last point - I don't know how long they can / will go in the play-offs - could beat Van, could lose - could beat Blues, could lose - but they will not be able to transform themselves into what you're looking for before the TDL - one 4th line center - FO, hitter, PK - which is what they're likely to get - who plays maybe 10 minutes per game - will help some, but won't transform the team.

Mostly, WYSIWYG (boy, haven't heard that term for a while).

Think many of us knew that already, but the last half-dozen games (3-3) certainly illustrates the deficiency more than the previous two-dozen games (21-0-3).
- blackhawk24

Some are blinded or deluded by that incredible run and refuse to acknowledge the Hawks shortcomings, hopefully Management don't fall into that group.

Think many of us knew that already, but the last half-dozen games (3-3) certainly illustrates the deficiency more than the previous two-dozen games (21-0-3).
- blackhawk24

Of the three losses, only one was to a "tough" hitting team - and that one came down to bad line changes and bad exits in the last 5 minutes.

You may be right - but the last half-dozen games doesn't show it.

March 29th will be a good one in our barn!

Well, we can disagree about your last point - I don't know how long they can / will go in the play-offs - could beat Van, could lose - could beat Blues, could lose - but they will not be able to transform themselves into what you're looking for before the TDL - one 4th line center - FO, hitter, PK - which is what they're likely to get - who plays maybe 10 minutes per game - will help some, but won't transform the team.

Mostly, WYSIWYG (boy, haven't heard that term for a while).
- StLBravesFan

Two big physical wingers who would be predominant 4th liners but who can play shifts anywhere wouldn't 'trasnform' the team but they sure would capture back some energy and would force other teams to play a little more cautiously. I don't think anyone expects the Hawks to be a big bruising team we just don't expect them to play without any physical aggression.

The key to beating the Hawks is simple, jam up the middle of the ice, force them to the boards, finish every check and hit them hard! This slows the Hawks down, takes away their greatest asset, their speed and eventually the Hawks will start making all kinds of mistakes as they hurry their plays so they won't be hit.

Of the three losses, only one was to a "tough" hitting team - and that one came down to bad line changes and bad exits in the last 5 minutes.

You may be right - but the last half-dozen games doesn't show it.
- StLBravesFan

Of those losses Colorado and Anaheim both hit the Hawks and hit them hard.

Of those losses Colorado and Anaheim both hit them Hawks and hit them hard.
- paulr

Which causes turn overs that end up in the back of the Hawks net