The best thing about that unbeaten streak is the Hawks have comfortablely locked up a playoff spot and can afford to allow guys to get 100% healthy. I don't think a major move is needed ... unless Hossa is suffering the dreaded 'c' word.
- paulr

What concerns me is that they know 3 days out that he wont play...

I hope this isn't the case. Look at the team Q had when they won the cup in 2010 and the team he had the next season. Dramatically different rosters, and you cant blame any of the salary cap hell on Q. He has been doing his best with the hand he has been given and the past two seasons you could just as easily place the blame on Bowman for not going out and acquiring those vaunted "missing pieces". Q is a winner, an extremely professional and experienced coach and he just won a cup in Chicago a couple years ago. Bowman is shooting himself in the foot if he wants to place all the blame on Q for our early playoff exits the last two years.
- Ballam

With Daddy in the fold Stan will be insulated for a while regardless of what happens this season. Also factor in McD moved out the Architect of the 2010 cup win in favour of Stan. Deserved or not SB is safe for the foreseeable future.

What concerns me is that they know 3 days out that he wont play...
- Glenman12

If it's a shoulder injury as speculated it may just mean additional rest.

With Daddy in the fold Stan will be insulated for a while regardless of what happens this season. Also factor in McD moved out the Architect of the 2010 cup win in favour of Stan. Deserved or not SB is safe for the foreseeable future.
- paulr

I just hope they don't throw Q under the bus for anything that can just as easily be blamed on poor management.

If it's a shoulder injury as speculated it may just mean additional rest.
- paulr

Or just deciding not to expose him to another physical beating by another physically superior team like the Kings.

Hi JJ!!

Is the prospect Tallon is after one TT? That is my guess...you said he likes to think big,and right now it think TT is their biggest prospect

Or just deciding not to expose him to another physical beating by another physically superior team like the Kings.
- Return of the Roar

Quite possibly except that no one can hit the Hawks because they are too fast ... or so I've been told!

Good read Al. I thought you're thoughts on the trade deadline were bang on.

- EKolb13

Thanks...

Todays' article.....

NHL realignment thoughts, Blackhawk trade strategy overview - Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/WT0IQa.

Speaking on "Road White"

Am I the only one that misses the home team wearing white ??
- mrpaulish

When watching a non-Chicago game on TV is till takes me a second to remember who the home team is. Home whites are always better.

That's not good news.

Does this push Bowman to make a move?
- EKolb13

Recall Smith or Morin.

What concerns me is that they know 3 days out that he wont play...
- Glenman12

Yes...And what concerns me more is I feel this movie will keep being rerun.

Todays' article.....

NHL realignment thoughts, Blackhawk trade strategy overview - Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/WT0IQa.

Recall Smith or Morin.
- DarthKane

If either Morin, Smith or Pirri aren't brought up for Monday....Something is up.

Wrote about it today........
NHL realignment thoughts, Blackhawk trade strategy overview - Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/WT0IQa.

Recall Smith.
- DarthKane

Fixed.

Just read they signed him to 900k contract 1 year.... nice
- moots

Cautious and reasonable price tag

If either Morin, Smith or Pirri aren't brought up for Monday....Something is up.

Wrote about it today........
NHL realignment thoughts, Blackhawk trade strategy overview - Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/WT0IQa.
- Al

>Al & JJ, do you see a scenario after this season, with the new alignment, that the Hawks and Wings become more than possible trading partners?
>Each team "filling" needs of the other in value for value deals

I have no idea what his personal thought process is. I will say: how does he crack a top 4 of Hjalmarsson, Oduya, Keith and Seabrook?

Maybe the Hawks get rid of Hjalmarsson when his deal is up in 2014. But then they have three small puck rushers in their top 4, and voluntarily saying goodbye to Hjalmarsson when he's arguably your best pure defenseman?

It has seemed to me and others that the last seat left in Musical Chairs goes to either Hjalmarsson or Leddy. Leddy has stepped up, but Hjalmarsson has taken a giant step up. It is no longer simply: trade Hammer.
- John Jaeckel

Who would you rather have for the next five years: Seabs or Hjarlmarsson, including projected cap hits?

>Al & JJ, do you see a scenario after this season, with the new alignment, that the Hawks and Wings become more than possible trading partners?
>Each team "filling" needs of the other in value for value deals
- SnapitUpstairs

A couple of years ago, I would have said yes but I think some bad blood now exists between the Bowmans and Holland.

Who would you rather have for the next five years: Seabs or Hjarlmarsson, including projected cap hits?
- KingB

Tough to say because Hjalmarsson might still have some upside.

Cautious and reasonable price tag

- philco28

I read that none of it is guaranteed so that should keep him straight and motivated...hopefully..

>Al & JJ, do you see a scenario after this season, with the new alignment, that the Hawks and Wings become more than possible trading partners?
>Each team "filling" needs of the other in value for value deals
- SnapitUpstairs

I would say more of chance because of not being in the same Conference.
Wirtz also belessed the move to the East for Detroit....

Todays' article.....
NHL realignment thoughts, Blackhawk trade strategy overview - Fox Chicago: http://bit.ly/WT0IQa.

Michal Frolik and Dan Carcillo for Malkin and Kunitz

Michal Frolik and Dan Carcillo for Malkin and Kunitz
- blackhawks64

Pens throw in a prospect and I'll think about it!

Fixed.
- EKolb13

I overlooked Pirri...that's for reminding me Al.

Eli...you're the resident Hogs expert, of Smith, Pirri and Morin who do you think would be the best fit for the top 6? Smith may seem like the obvious choice, but I'm thinking Smith may be better for the bottom 6.

Michal Frolik and Dan Carcillo for Malkin and Kunitz
- blackhawks64

no wayyyyyy

With Daddy in the fold Stan will be insulated for a while regardless of what happens this season. Also factor in McD moved out the Architect of the 2010 cup win in favour of Stan. Deserved or not SB is safe for the foreseeable future.
- paulr

I wouldn't be so sure about that.