I think Bolland does get the 2C role. Right now you can't break up the 3rd line and I just don't see Bolland playing 4C while Handzus plays 2C. Maybe it happens, but it's unlikely.
- DarthKane

if the 2nd line is clicking without Bolland, I would not assume Q will disrupt that.

Dunno, I have heard that Carcillo does not mesh well with some guys in the room. Not sure why.
- John Jaeckel

Thanks JJ


Carcillo's a pretty strong personality so it's no surprise he might not mesh well.

"Chris Kuc‏@ChrisKucnow
Invoices for 2013-14 Blackhawks season tickets are going out to fans. There is an average increase of 15 percent in ticket costs."



- Sconnie

hell what else is knew....i have gone to 6 gmes over the last 2 years and only 2 of them did I get retail price...the rest i had to pay up 2-3x on the "black market" stub hub type rip off market...but i did...a fool and his money are soon parted

"Chris Kuc‏@ChrisKucnow
Invoices for 2013-14 Blackhawks season tickets are going out to fans. There is an average increase of 15 percent in ticket costs."



- Sconnie

What's even better is that the Flames and Sabres raised prices.

That's hilarious.

Do you want to pay Stalberg between 4 and 5 mil per? That's what he's going to get as a UFA. Doesn't work with our salary structure of forwards. He will be a top 6 guy somewhere else. And make top 6 money.
- ilinkhawk

Stalbergs stock is definitely on the rise, but he is in no way a 4-5 mil a year player. That is an extreme overpayment at a time when the cap is decreasing, at least for the next couple of years. Will there be some GM that pays that amount? Maybe, you can never say no, but the number of teams that can throw that kind of cash around is limited. Tallon threw stupid money at some guys in Fla, he gave Kopecky $3mil, which most people will consider an overpayment, yet if you look at stats Kopecky out-produced Stalberg (15 goals to 9, 27 pts, to 23).

The high-end of the Stalberg market should probably be 3.5 mil. for 3 years. If he continues to improve he cashes in on the next one.

if the 2nd line is clicking without Bolland, I would not assume Q will disrupt that.
- John Jaeckel

And the whole key is puck possesion...Handzus wins draws...Bolland does not. Bolland always thinks D first, and offense second. You can't take away two of your larger offensive threats so that Bolland can slash, hook, and claw his way.

Especially if Saad doesn't perform. Who by the way, looked VERY nervous. Missed a lot of reverse cycle passes along the boards. Seemed to settle down a bit, but he has to be a factor.

hawks are better WITH Bolland no question ,but if he's only at 60-75% can't keep playing musical chairs between Kane and Sharp.....Gotta think if Sharp's shoulder holds up he may get the 2nd line duties. You can move a guy like Frolik up there....or give Kruger a shot.

I think Bolland does get the 2C role. Right now you can't break up the 3rd line and I just don't see Bolland playing 4C while Handzus plays 2C. Maybe it happens, but it's unlikely.
- DarthKane

The second line is more dynamic with Zus than with Bolland. As JJ said, if it continues to roll then putting in Bolland would be a mistake.

On top of that, Zus has earned more of right to be there on account of his play. It would be a bit unfair at this point to switch them simply because it's Bolland. If Bolland is put on the 4th with less minutes then there's less of chance of someone sneezing on him and causing him to miss more games due to injury.

the pens are on course to win this thing...they are big, deep, and play grt tm gme with a grt pp DESPITE stars: Malkin, Neal, Crosby and a host of others being in and out the line-up all year.

Who is going to beat them? Can the Bruins take them to 7? I don't see another team that give a worthy challenge to the Pens over 6 or 7 gmes?

if the 2nd line is clicking without Bolland, I would not assume Q will disrupt that.
- John Jaeckel

Players generally don't lose their spot due to an injury, but these are the playoffs so you never know. If I had to wager on where Bolland plays (assuming he comes back) I'd say it's the 2nd line. But as long as we're winning I really don't care where (and if) he plays.

And the whole key is puck possesion...Handzus wins draws...Bolland does not. Bolland always thinks D first, and offense second. You can't take away two of your larger offensive threats so that Bolland can slash, hook, and claw his way.

Especially if Saad doesn't perform. Who by the way, looked VERY nervous. Missed a lot of reverse cycle passes along the boards. Seemed to settle down a bit, but he has to be a factor.

hawks are better WITH Bolland no question ,but if he's only at 60-75% can't keep playing musical chairs between Kane and Sharp.....Gotta think if Sharp's shoulder holds up he may get the 2nd line duties. You can move a guy like Frolik up there....or give Kruger a shot.
- SteveRain

Noticed that.

the pens are on course to win this thing...they are big, deep, and play grt tm gme with a grt pp DESPITE stars: Malkin, Neal, Crosby and a host of others being in and out the line-up all year.

Who is going to beat them? Can the Bruins take them to 7? I don't see another team that give a worthy challenge to the Pens over 6 or 7 gmes?
- bogiedoc

I think the Hawks would give them all they can handle. And without Crosby, maybe the Hawks get the edge.

Stalbergs stock is definitely on the rise, but he is in no way a 4-5 mil a year player. That is an extreme overpayment at a time when the cap is decreasing, at least for the next couple of years. Will there be some GM that pays that amount? Maybe, you can never say no, but the number of teams that can throw that kind of cash around is limited. Tallon threw stupid money at some guys in Fla, he gave Kopecky $3mil, which most people will consider an overpayment, yet if you look at stats Kopecky out-produced Stalberg (15 goals to 9, 27 pts, to 23).

The high-end of the Stalberg market should probably be 3.5 mil. for 3 years. If he continues to improve he cashes in on the next one.
- TheTrob

Even withe the cap going down, I can see a few teams overpaying for Stalberg. One would be the Columbus Blue Jackets.

I think the Hawks would give them all they can handle.
- John Jaeckel

would luv to see that opportunity play out...but what gives you confidence in the match ups that the hwks could challenge and beat them: the pens are big, physical and great offensive talent up and down...just the type of team (like ducks, kings) that give the hwks problems

Even withe the cap going down, I can see a few teams overpaying for Stalberg. One would be the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- John Jaeckel

jackets look pretty good going into next year with picks and cap space to upgrade offensively...stals in a jacket jersey is very possible

If it is Saad's Mom, what's Saad gonna do about it?
- John Jaeckel

Call Bollig his Daddy?

And the whole key is puck possesion...Handzus wins draws...Bolland does not. Bolland always thinks D first, and offense second. You can't take away two of your larger offensive threats so that Bolland can slash, hook, and claw his way.

Especially if Saad doesn't perform. Who by the way, looked VERY nervous. Missed a lot of reverse cycle passes along the boards. Seemed to settle down a bit, but he has to be a factor.

hawks are better WITH Bolland no question ,but if he's only at 60-75% can't keep playing musical chairs between Kane and Sharp.....Gotta think if Sharp's shoulder holds up he may get the 2nd line duties. You can move a guy like Frolik up there....or give Kruger a shot.
- SteveRain

good observation....he was quiet most of the gme...played alot of hockey this year: with hogs during the lockout plus the 48 gm nhl sprint...alot to ask of a 20 year old to expect him to maintain it in the playoffs

but the guy i want to see get going is sharp....it seems he has been out of sorts the whole year

would luv to see that opportunity play out...but what gives you confidence in the match ups that the hwks could challenge and beat them: the pens are big, physical and great offensive talent up and down...just the type of team (like ducks, kings) that give the hwks problems
- bogiedoc

They are. Their weakness is on the backline and if Letang and/or Orpik are banged up that creates some real problems for them. Otherwise they are an excellent team and will be tough for any team in the East to beat.

They are. Their weakness is on the backline and if Letang and/or Orpik are banged up that creates some real problems for them. Otherwise they are an excellent team and will be tough for any team in the East to beat.
- RickJ

They also haven't got Crosby back yet, something about a broken jaw, yeah and if you believe that I have Canuck tickets to the cup finals for you. Also Neal left the game early because of an injury.

They are. Their weakness is on the backline and if Letang and/or Orpik are banged up that creates some real problems for them. Otherwise they are an excellent team and will be tough for any team in the East to beat.
- RickJ

They also haven't got Crosby back yet, something about a broken jaw, yeah and if you believe that I have Canuck tickets to the cup finals for you. Also Neal left the game early because of an injury.

Even withe the cap going down, I can see a few teams overpaying for Stalberg. One would be the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- John Jaeckel

There are a few. Hawks will not and cannot be one of them. Stalberg is just not in the class that warrants a huge overpayment. If a team like Columbus considers themselves "close" to taking the next step they need to be careful how the allot their cap space. Dont want to get into a situation like the Hawks and others have been in where you have too much space allocated to guys who are not "worth it". Kinda lie everyone on this board complains about Bolland. Nice player but not for his cap hit.

the pens are on course to win this thing...they are big, deep, and play grt tm gme with a grt pp DESPITE stars: Malkin, Neal, Crosby and a host of others being in and out the line-up all year.

Who is going to beat them? Can the Bruins take them to 7? I don't see another team that give a worthy challenge to the Pens over 6 or 7 gmes?
- bogiedoc

Rangers in the East.

Hawks in the West.

would luv to see that opportunity play out...but what gives you confidence in the match ups that the hwks could challenge and beat them: the pens are big, physical and great offensive talent up and down...just the type of team (like ducks, kings) that give the hwks problems
- bogiedoc

The Pens D gives me confidence that the Hawks can beat them.

Rangers in the East.

Hawks in the West.
- AceRatbang

Rangers have about the same chance of winning their first series as the Wild do.

good observation....he was quiet most of the gme...played alot of hockey this year: with hogs during the lockout plus the 48 gm nhl sprint...alot to ask of a 20 year old to expect him to maintain it in the playoffs

but the guy i want to see get going is sharp....it seems he has been out of sorts the whole year
- bogiedoc

110% agreed. I think we'll see a different Saad. First playoff game, playing top line minutes, and probably wasn't fully prepared for the intensity and tight checking that comes with. He got better as the game wore on.

Sharp has to be a factor. I know he has a horrible shoulder, but he has to produce or create chances.

Stalbergs stock is definitely on the rise, but he is in no way a 4-5 mil a year player. That is an extreme overpayment at a time when the cap is decreasing, at least for the next couple of years. Will there be some GM that pays that amount? Maybe, you can never say no, but the number of teams that can throw that kind of cash around is limited. Tallon threw stupid money at some guys in Fla, he gave Kopecky $3mil, which most people will consider an overpayment, yet if you look at stats Kopecky out-produced Stalberg (15 goals to 9, 27 pts, to 23).

The high-end of the Stalberg market should probably be 3.5 mil. for 3 years. If he continues to improve he cashes in on the next one.
- TheTrob

Bowman would sign him in a heartbeat for 3.5. His speed + age + especially UFA = Overpayment. Happens ALL the time. And it won't be here.