Doesn't your back get sore from you always patting it?
- paulr

Doesn't your back get sore from you always patting it?
- paulr

Nah, after all the abuse I get from others on how dumb or lucky I get (albeit over and over), I like to just go on record.

And as I have been wrong from time to time, I own it.

I really am interested in seeing how many other teams may try to move this way philosophically.

- EKolb13

That is great...well done. No wonder my shoulder is always hurting...

That is great...well done. No wonder my shoulder is always hurting...
- TrueGrit

If your arm can do this, you don't have to get off the couch to get another beer from the fridge.

Not meaning to pick on you, but the idea that Kruger will center Shaw on 3rd line is not going to happen. As many worked to wrap their minds around what the Hawks were doing at the beginning of the short season last January, I for one clearly saw their strategy. And that is/was to roll 4 capable lines. Spreading the minutes allowed the team to overwhelm most team from an energy standpoint. Moreover, I pointed out last year, and look for it as a trend elsewhere this year. The most identifiable example to point to, was the US Junior team that won gold last year. That team did not load up a few lines. Rather, they rolled 4 balanced lines and created problems for all teams Each line had skill grit and defensively responsible players.

In my opinion, the Hawks will continue with this model, because
1 it worked
2 they still have the depth

And that is why Handzuis will be this years Jamal Mayers, by Christmas, barring major injury, he will spend most of the season in the press box.

Toews, Pirri/Saad, Shaw, Kruger look nice down the middle.

The fun will be filling out the wing pieces as JJ pointed out.
- TrueGrit

They are still deep, but not nearly as deep....If ur gonna put Saad at 2C, and then put Shaw on 3rd line and Kruger on 4th line(to spread out the remaining depth), throwing in the fact that Handzus will only play sporadically, then that leaves 4 spots(4 wings if Kruger is 4C, 3 wings and 1 center if Kruger is a 4th line winger) to fill on any given night without Zus in the lineup. 4 is kinda a lot, too many holes if u ask me.

Bickell - Toews - Kane/Hossa
Sharp - Saad - Kane/Hossa
? - Shaw - ?
Kruger/? - Kruger/? - ?

Too many question marks to be filled by the likes of the occasional Handzus, and then Morin, Smith, Pirri, Hayes, Bollig etc. Smith is the only one i think we wont have to worry about. I hope some of these other guys step it up is all i can say....The depth just isnt there like it was before, and it might be troublesome against deeper lineups like Ana, LA, STL, and even COL....

They are still deep, but not nearly as deep....If ur gonna put Saad at 2C, and then put Shaw on 3rd line and Kruger on 4th line(to spread out the remaining depth), throwing in the fact that Handzus will only play sporadically, then that leaves 4 spots(4 wings if Kruger is 4C, 3 wings and 1 center if Kruger is a 4th line winger) to fill on any given night without Zus in the lineup. 4 is kinda a lot, too many holes if u ask me.

Bickell - Toews - Kane/Hossa
Sharp - Saad - Kane/Hossa
? - Shaw - ?
Kruger/? - Kruger/? - ?

Too many question marks to be filled by the likes of the occasional Handzus, and then Morin, Smith, Pirri, Hayes, Bollig etc. Smith is the only one i think we wont have to worry about. I hope some of these other guys step it up is all i can say....The depth just isnt there like it was before, and it might be troublesome against deeper lineups like Ana, LA, STL, and even COL....
- SimpleJack

I'm not buying into the Saad at center idea at all, just like the Pirri at #2 center idea. I really believe that it will be a Handzus/Kruger platoon to start the season, with Kruger gradually taking over the spot.

Hockeybuzz Group Outing game. Tickets on sale today!!!

Being that the Stanley Cup is going to be at the game, seats may go fast.

http://icehogs.com/news/icehogs/?article_id=3877

Texas Stars vs. Rockford Icehogs

When: Sunday, October 27th at 4 pm

Where: BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL

Tickets: May be purchased at a reduced rate by contacting Icehogs Ticket Rep. Ryan Woodrow by either phone 815-847-6383 or by email [email protected]. Make sure to tell him that you are part of the Hockeybuzz group.

Hockeybuzz posters or reader, spouses, significant others and children would be welcome and encouraged to attend with the group. If you gave any questions or need other information (such as directions, where to park, ect.), feel free to contact Eli Kolb at: [email protected].

I'm not buying into the Saad at center idea at all, just like the Pirri at #2 center idea. I really believe that it will be a Handzus/Kruger platoon to start the season, with Kruger gradually taking over the spot.
- EKolb13

I agree that Kruger is also a strong candidate to eventually win the 2C role, maybe more so than Saad, but i believe that still somewhat compromises our depth on the 3rd and 4th lines, and will lead to 3-4 holes on any given night depending on if Handzus is playing or not.

I agree that Kruger is also a strong candidate to eventually win the 2C role, maybe more so than Saad, but i believe that still somewhat compromises our depth on the 3rd and 4th lines, and will lead to 3-4 holes on any given night depending on if Handzus is playing or not.
- SimpleJack

Once the season gets going, I'm guessing Handzus will primarily play 4th line minutes with a role either on the PK or PP.

The games that he's in the pressbox, his spot will probably be covered by a mix of Winchester, Smith and/or whatever Icehog center might be with the Hawks at that time.

I would imagine Shaw will man the #3 center spot. Q won a cup with him there, why change that if a better solution hasn't presented itself?

THE CENTERS DEBATE

I have more questions than answers.

If Q is really serious about putting Saad at 2C, what does that say about his confidence in Brandon Pirri?

Saad is a shoot first player, 37% in limited action in the faceoff dot—also a huge ask to put a 21 year old second year player in a more challenging position on a top line.

If Saad is the best option at 2C, then this team might have some real problems.

That said, I don't think he is.

Seems to me you have four "centers" you could go with opening night: Toews, Kruger, Shaw, Handzus. Maybe Pirri bumps Kruger or Shaw out to wing.

THE CENTERS DEBATE

I have more questions than answers.

If Q is really serious about putting Saad at 2C, what does that say about his confidence in Brandon Pirri?

Saad is a shoot first player, 37% in limited action in the faceoff dot—also a huge ask to put a 21 year old second year player in a more challenging position on a top line.

If Saad is the best option at 2C, then this team might have some real problems.

That said, I don't think he is.

Seems to me you have four "centers" you could go with opening night: Toews, Kruger, Shaw, Handzus. Maybe Pirri bumps Kruger or Shaw out to wing.
- John Jaeckel

Long term this makes the most sense, but I do worry about Handzus' health and durability over a full season. I'd still like to see Stan do something about getting another 4C.

Long term this makes the most sense, but I do worry about Handzus' health and durability over a full season. I'd still like to see Stan do something about getting another 4C.
- DarthKane

Smith can take draws and play the C position as well

Smith can take draws and play the C position as well
- John Jaeckel

I wouldn't want to see him do it night after night, but he'd do just fine spelling Handzus when he needed a couple of games off in a row.

THE CENTERS DEBATE

I have more questions than answers.

If Q is really serious about putting Saad at 2C, what does that say about his confidence in Brandon Pirri?
Saad is a shoot first player, 37% in limited action in the faceoff dot—also a huge ask to put a 21 year old second year player in a more challenging position on a top line.

If Saad is the best option at 2C, then this team might have some real problems.

That said, I don't think he is.

Seems to me you have four "centers" you could go with opening night: Toews, Kruger, Shaw, Handzus. Maybe Pirri bumps Kruger or Shaw out to wing.
- John Jaeckel

This. It doesn't say much about Q's confidence in Pirri. IMO he has better options than Saad at center. Give the kid a chance to develop at his natural position.

I wouldn't want to see him do it night after night, but he'd do just fine spelling Handzus when he needed a couple of games off in a row.
- EKolb13

Well, Smith is a guy Q goes directly to in times of need. That indicates some level of confidence in him. I like the idea of Smith spelling Handzus periodically so he can get his shot. If he can't cut it, that's great. At least we know. The kid's 24 years old, I think. Fish or cut, time.

JJ,

Do you think there could be a possibility that the Hawks carry 8 defensemen?

In theory, Q could give minutes to Brookbank on the 4th line and carry Stanton or Kostka as the 7th defenseman.
- EKolb13

If you really loved the Blackhawks you would get a real estate licence and find Brookbank a 6 month rental property in Rockford because that's where he belongs.

Kostka is a much better player than Brookbank ever will be ( and that's not saying much).

If you really loved the Blackhawks you would get a real estate licence and find Brookbank a 6 month rental property in Rockford because that's where he belongs.

Kostka is a much better player than Brookbank ever will be ( and that's not saying much).
- RickJ

I'll offer him my sofa sleeper and use of the house for $100 a week. Do you think he'll go for that?

Nah, after all the abuse I get from others on how dumb or lucky I get (albeit over and over), I like to just go on record.

And as I have been wrong from time to time, I own it.

I really am interested in seeing how many other teams may try to move this way philosophically.
- TrueGrit

I really hope they do. There is enough talent in the world to be able to ice 4 lines that are skilled enough to score. I really hope the league gets over the old thinking of needing a 3rd line to just check (clutch and grab) and a 4th line to just go out for a few minutes and hit someone. I still love fighting and hard checks but we don't need so many untalented players

Not meaning to pick on you, but the idea that Kruger will center Shaw on 3rd line is not going to happen. As many worked to wrap their minds around what the Hawks were doing at the beginning of the short season last January, I for one clearly saw their strategy. And that is/was to roll 4 capable lines. Spreading the minutes allowed the team to overwhelm most team from an energy standpoint. Moreover, I pointed out last year, and look for it as a trend elsewhere this year. The most identifiable example to point to, was the US Junior team that won gold last year. That team did not load up a few lines. Rather, they rolled 4 balanced lines and created problems for all teams Each line had skill grit and defensively responsible players.

In my opinion, the Hawks will continue with this model, because
1 it worked
2 they still have the depth

And that is why Handzuis will be this years Jamal Mayers, by Christmas, barring major injury, he will spend most of the season in the press box.

Toews, Pirri/Saad, Shaw, Kruger look nice down the middle.

The fun will be filling out the wing pieces as JJ pointed out.
- TrueGrit

Why does Pirri look nice down the middle...???

I'll offer him my sofa sleeper and use of the house for $100 a week. Do you think he'll go for that?
- EKolb13

Must be quite the palace you reside in if you can pull a $C note a week for it. I will throw in a Tempur Pedic pillow to go with your sofa bed and the guy will forget all about wanting to be in Chicago.

THE CENTERS DEBATE

I have more questions than answers.

If Q is really serious about putting Saad at 2C, what does that say about his confidence in Brandon Pirri?

Saad is a shoot first player, 37% in limited action in the faceoff dot—also a huge ask to put a 21 year old second year player in a more challenging position on a top line.

If Saad is the best option at 2C, then this team might have some real problems.

That said, I don't think he is.

Seems to me you have four "centers" you could go with opening night: Toews, Kruger, Shaw, Handzus. Maybe Pirri bumps Kruger or Shaw out to wing.
- John Jaeckel

This....some times it's what is not said that should tell us what is likely to happen. Pay attention folks....

I really hope they do. There is enough talent in the world to be able to ice 4 lines that are skilled enough to score. I really hope the league gets over the old thinking of needing a 3rd line to just check (clutch and grab) and a 4th line to just go out for a few minutes and hit someone. I still love fighting and hard checks but we don't need so many untalented players
- tomcat24

If there is "enough talent in the world" for it, why don't more teams do it?

Seems obvious that you would be better off rolling four "talented" if you had the talent.

My guess is you are overestimating the amount of talent in the world.

Kane's reply is Stan's comment about him and Toews being Blackhawks for a long long time isn't too reassuring:

"I don’t know. That’s what you hope for. That’s obviously the ultimate goal to win championships and then play for an organization like this, but, you know, I’m still a young kid. I’m 24, turn 25 this year. To say what’s going to happen the rest of my career, I just don’t know. I mean obviously it would be ideal to stay here, but we’ll cross that path when we get to it.”

Must be quite the palace you reside in if you can pull a $C note a week for it. I will throw in a Tempur Pedic pillow to go with your sofa bed and the guy will forget all about wanting to be in Chicago.
- RickJ

It isn't much of a palace at all. Utilities are not cheap.

This....some times it's what is not said that should tell us what is likely to happen. Pay attention folks....
- UnnamedSource

Reading between the lines again?