I am pretty sure SteveRain has an open invitation to all our HockeyBuzz brothers and sisters. I have this sneaking suspicion the party is going to be much bigger than anyone thinks.

Just what will happen if (hopefully) the Hawks make it to the SCF (or better yet, a parade in June!) without the great Dave Bollus?

Does the bubble burst then?

Once the Bollus-man had back surgery, I knew his jig was up. A guy that thin, with his build, isn't likely to overcome back surgery. And he's proven to be a shadow of his pre-surgery, former self. Sad but true.
- savvyone-1

Think you're wrong on this Savvy. Bolland had his surgery in the fall of 2009 and was LIGHTS out in the spring of 2010 and 2011 when he returned in Game 4 of that series.

The back issues linger no doubt...but unless he had a 2nd back surgery...your facts are wrong.

Think you're wrong on this Savvy. Bolland had his surgery in the fall of 2009 and was LIGHTS out in the spring of 2010 and 2011 when he returned in Game 4 of that series.

The back issues linger no doubt...but unless he had a 2nd back surgery...your facts are wrong.
- philco28

All I am hoping for is a semi healthy playoff run, then they can trade him........ Everyone should be hoping for that. This team is better with Dave Bolland than without. I repeat it is not his fault the Hawks did not go out and get a 2nd line center. They will have to fix that next year, maybe once and for all.

I would not call myself a "Bollus basher", but I'm done with the guy and would luv to see him moved...

...so I guess you could include me...count me in.
- ArlingtonRob

I am not a Bolland hater. Considering the nature of his surgery I am not sure the guy is even capable of being a training machine. I am not done with the guy. He can be a beast and a game changer - we have all seen it.

That said, my hope is he returns in the next game or 2 and has a monster playoff series - shutting down every opponent's number one forward - and then is traded in the OS with a package for either high picks or a true #2 with offensive ability that fits with Kane (Lars Eller?).

The role Bolland plays does not lend itself to a long healthy career. He is a slight guy, playing against bigger stronger players. Anyone who questions his toughness is crazy. The guy puts his well being on the line every night for his team.

Noticed that.
- John Jaeckel

Saad didn't look nervous in person. Maybe on TV.

Saad didn't look nervous in person. Maybe on TV.
- Baaaaaaannerman!

Looked a little unsure of himself on TV. I think it was a lot of the offsides and bad passing, it had a lot of guys unsure.

All I am hoping for is a semi healthy playoff run, then they can trade him........ Everyone should be hoping for that. This team is better with Dave Bolland than without. I repeat it is not his fault the Hawks did not go out and get a 2nd line center. They will have to fix that next year, maybe once and for all.
- droe411

I'd take that as it does indeed look like 36 is on borrowed time.

I know Phil and I do understand. See my post right below yours. I think everyone that still supports Bolland is LITP (living in the past -- big nod to my fav band, Jethro Tull and its leader Ian Anderson).

Bolland is a shell of his former, pre-surgery self, Phil. I think all the wishing in the world is never gonna bring back THAT Bolland!

And speaking of things, I think the one-legged Ian Anderson is the perfect image for the one-legged Bolland.

Hey Darth, I think I've found your next photoshop opportunity!

- savvyone-1

Very nicely said; I think most Bolland Fans still HOPE.. way to much.

Part of the ticket prices is the players salaries and will always be the players salaries. 57% down to 50% only matters if we know the net dollars of HRR. But its almost a moot point for the 'Hawks. They're a hot commodity. Strike while the iron is HOT.

Price increases won't make much of an impact on next years tickets much at all. Don't even think it'll force the FO to dip into the waiting list much. And that's because, IMO McD is doing his job.

Please remember, the biz side folks are not marketing the team to us; those of us here on this site every day. We're going to go to the games - or not go to the games - based on what each of us decide based strictly on the product on the ice.

Now, if 2013-14 is a disaster and there's in-house bickering that's leaked out, rumblings of unhappy players etc, then all bets are off. But if McD can sell the brand like he's been doing and the hype stays high, the 'Hawks will push the envelop until they can't.

We both know what's happened to the Cubs the last several years. It finally started to show significantly in the stands last year. % attendance of capacity will continue to decline. He!!, the Cubs fannies-in-the-seats 2013 total may get surpassed by the ChiSox!
- blackhawk24

Cost of most things is up. Utilities are up. Gas has kind of stagnated between 3.70-4.15 the past year (barf) but that is a pretty big jump from what it was before. Groceries seem to be going up.

Depending on whose numbers you believe there is between 2-10% inflation meaning around 6% is probably a reasonable number so an increase to reflect the cost of doing business increasing + wanting to make more cash makes sense.

16% is kind of high in my opinion but can't really argue with the demand. Milk that cow while you can.

Good thing HDTV's are pretty affordable.


Looking forward to the games tonight. Hopefully they are better than yesterdays (the early ones at least). Would like to see the Bulls win and at least take two from Miami so that bozo Rose finally gets roasted as it will appear "they had a chance". Way to many days between these first two games...

That is creepy and disturbing on so many levels....

Edit: But for anyone who hasn't read it yet, Esplen's post on last night's Canucks' loss is comedic gold.
- MartiniMan

I read JJ's blog for actual quality blogging, then I like to read Esplen's for biased comedic trash.

I love how the Canucks got manhandled and he always says something along the lines of "They'll turn it on, I'm not worried." Why are they not "turned on" right now? It's the phucking playoffs.

Depending on whose numbers you believe there is between 2-10% inflation
- fattybeef

where do you live??? inflation has been running at under 2% for a while... unless you are taking Sesame Street numbers.

http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpid1303.pdf

From a poster on Esplen's board:


- DarthKane

You've been posting some disturbing pics and gifs the last couple of days...

You've been posting some disturbing pics and gifs the last couple of days...
- EKolb13

This one wasn't my work....I just thought it was pretty damn funny.

Think you're wrong on this Savvy. Bolland had his surgery in the fall of 2009 and was LIGHTS out in the spring of 2010 and 2011 when he returned in Game 4 of that series.

The back issues linger no doubt...but unless he had a 2nd back surgery...your facts are wrong.
- philco28

Phil, you are right about the dates -- surgery in Nov 2009, Cup win June 2010.

My point really was/is -- he will never be the same. He got some immediate relief from the surgery and was able to compete. I know several people that have had back surgeries -- pain relief initially but if they keep up activities that caused problems, more pain and other problems happen, especially is they are not diligent with the required exercises for keeping everything in-tune.

This one wasn't my work....I just thought it was pretty damn funny.
- DarthKane

For what its worth, I got a good laugh out of this. It's also disturbing.

For what its worth, I got a good laugh out of this. It's also disturbing.
- EKolb13

That's what we do here at Dark Side Industries....

I read JJ's blog for actual quality blogging, then I like to read Esplen's for biased comedic trash.

I love how the Canucks got manhandled and he always says something along the lines of "They'll turn it on, I'm not worried." Why are they not "turned on" right now? It's the phucking playoffs.
- teh_HAWKZ

Apparently Ryan Kesler woke up with major diarrhea problem yesterday. Very low FO win % last night. He probably was worried about sh$tting his pants on the ice. Whole team played poorly as a result. They will be better next game.

Apparently Ryan Kesler woke up with major diarrhea problem yesterday. Very low FO win % last night. He probably was worried about sh$tting his pants on the ice. Whole team played poorly as a result. They will be better next game.
- RickJ

Apparently Ryan Kesler woke up with major diarrhea problem yesterday. Very low FO win % last night. He probably was worried about sh$tting his pants on the ice. Whole team played poorly as a result. They will be better next game.
- RickJ

Oh wow!

I read JJ's blog for actual quality blogging, then I like to read Esplen's for biased comedic trash.

I love how the Canucks got manhandled and he always says something along the lines of "They'll turn it on, I'm not worried." Why are they not "turned on" right now? It's the phucking playoffs.
- teh_HAWKZ

they need to see the guys in blackhawk jerseys...remember that 3-1 smash up a few weeks ago was their gme of the year

Apparently Ryan Kesler woke up with major diarrhea problem yesterday. Very low FO win % last night. He probably was worried about sh$tting his pants on the ice. Whole team played poorly as a result. They will be better next game.
- RickJ

I hope so...I want this luv fest to go 7 and then they lose!!

Well the Canucks lost, must be time for them to female dog about officiating. AV was whining that the Sharks were cheating on faceoffs.

So, moving Keith in order to keep Stalberg? Wow. Apparently top pairing D men are easy to replace.
- NewToHockey

Trading Keith after the season while his value is at its highest may be the smart move. He most certainly is not the same player he was 3 year ago, and could bring back a stud player in return, if packaged wisely with a Bolland and others. Watch his play ! Certainly never gong to be a Norris Trophy candidate again........but again his value is still very high, especially if we win the CUP.

they need to see the guys in blackhawk jerseys...remember that 3-1 smash up a few weeks ago was their gme of the year
- bogiedoc

It's basically like arguing with a 12 year old.

When the Canucks lose:
"Oh, the Canucks only lost because they didn't turn it on"

When the Canucks win:
"HA! See? They turned it on. This team can win whenever they want."

It's basically like arguing with a 12 year old.

When the Canucks lose:
"Oh, the Canucks only lost because they didn't turn it on"

When the Canucks win:
"HA! See? They turned it on. This team can win whenever they want."
- teh_HAWKZ

This.