Here we go...training camp for us all.

First, regarding Saad, I am a little surprised by the quickness again by many to dismiss him. So be it. Saad has never been, and was never drafted to be a playmaking center. On the other hand, what he does well, very well for a young player, is play strong along the wall. Wins battles, has the size, speed and strength to create his own space and opportunities.

Saad will be a regular on the PK, and proved his worth there last year. Clearly he has a two way game. Playing with Sharp and Hossa, he will do a more than adequate job. He also proved that he could win face offs, albeit in limited opportunities, but he is not overwhelmed by having to take them.

Regarding Pirri as another option. Again, I have to go back to the simple axiom that exists on this board. That is, for many, the cup is ALWAYS have empty with any prospect and unproven player. I on the other hand like to look at a player, his skills, his growth and his track record. Pirri and or Saad or any other stiff that would be brought in, does not need to be Toews. Sure would be nice. But given the linemates he will have, he needs to play responsibly defensively, and create scoring opportunties for two pernnial all stars.

Before the broken record crowd goes off half cocked painting me as some fair weather guy, who has not seen enough of Pirri to know all his glaring weaknesses, lets just skip that. The guy has been overlooked everywhere, discounted and yet always finds a way to be successful. Finds a way to get better, round out his game, get more opportunity. I do not need stats for that. Can it transcend into the NHL? Great question. Why would this guy not be given a chance? I will say right now, he would be no worse than the revolving door that centered the second line last year.

Now, if it is found out that he gets truly outmatched. Evaluate it at that time, but likely the matchup problems will always fall on the side of the hawks opponents. Might there be a team where having a Handzuis in the lineup help? Sure...but lets not right this guy off before he even gets one chance.
- TrueGrit

I love posts like this, so much to shake my head at so I will only touch on a few...

Saad.....I think it's stretch to say people are doubting him. I think it's more or less common sense to be skeptical of his success at center when...in all the years he has played hockey he has never played the position. Painting a broad brush is what you do well though. It will be interesting to see how he plays this year. I'm more inclined to think he ends up back on the wing because he is better suited there. Also, players usually slump in the second year. He has to take the next step and thinking that it's guarantee is wishful thinking.

Pirri.....again with your magical broad brush of all of us feeling the cup is half empty is ridiculous once you consider how you've come to your conclusion he is ready for the next step.....that is by looking at stats. You mention in the same breath he needs to responsible defensively yet you either fail to comprehend what we, who have seen him play, consistently say about his game or you just don't care that many of us have said he is...already...at the AHL level.....a defensive liability...and how this in itself will not be welcome in Q's system.

No worse than the revolving door last year?....you mean the Stanley Cup Championship year when he wasn't even given so much as a sniff?

It's funny how you mentioned Saad first in your illogical rant when the first person who is given a chance to try out for the 2C........is number 20 himself who...again......has never played the position.......when your golden boy Pirri is skating with Winchester and Shalunov to open up camp.....but hey maybe Q is looking at the glass half empty.....the same glass most of us seem to be looking at.

28 should be in the RAFTERS...phuck'n YESTERDAY ALREADY

- philco28

I think too many are retired already. I don't really get the whole retired number thing unless it's for once in century type players like Gretzky.

Game 5 vs Boston on NHL Network right now.

I love posts like this, so much to shake my head at so I will only touch on a few...

Saad.....I think it's stretch to say people are doubting him. I think it's more or less common sense to be skeptical of his success at center when...in all the years he has played hockey he has never played the position. Painting a broad brush is what you do well though. It will be interesting to see how he plays this year. I'm more inclined to think he ends up back on the wing because he is better suited there. Also, players usually slump in the second year. He has to take the next step and thinking that it's guarantee is wishful thinking.

Pirri.....again with your magical broad brush of all of us feeling the cup is half empty is ridiculous once you consider how you've come to your conclusion he is ready for the next step.....that is by looking at stats. You mention in the same breath he needs to responsible defensively yet you either fail to comprehend what we, who have seen him play, consistently say about his game or you just don't care that many of us have said he is...already...at the AHL level.....a defensive liability...and how this in itself will not be welcome in Q's system.

No worse than the revolving door last year?....you mean the Stanley Cup Championship year when he wasn't even given so much as a sniff?

It's funny how you mentioned Saad first in your illogical rant when the first person who is given a chance to try out for the 2C........is number 20 himself who...again......has never played the position.......when your golden boy Pirri is skating with Winchester and Shalunov to open up camp.....but hey maybe Q is looking at the glass half empty.....the same glass most of us seem to be looking at.
- UnnamedSource

- Ogilthorpe2

Have to admit....it's better than Rusty.

Have to admit....it's better than Rusty.
- UnnamedSource

Mark your calendar for December 23rd. Rusty makes his triumphant return to the UC just in time for Christmas. He's the gift that keeps giving.

I think too many are retired already. I don't really get the whole retired number thing unless it's for once in century type players like Gretzky.
- Ogilthorpe2

Im on AA1221 from Orlando on WiFi really disapointed that the pilots do not have a fro and named Ogie

Im on AA1221 from Orlando on WiFi really disapointed that the pilots do not have a fro and named Ogie
- Maggie

Sorry, I'm out west this week.

I think too many are retired already. I don't really get the whole retired number thing unless it's for once in century type players like Gretzky.
- Ogilthorpe2

It's a legit viewpoint...Yankees are running out of single digit numbers fast but back to the Hawks. If Roenick's number is up there...Larmer's should be AND it should been up before Roenick's. Larmer played 11 straight years without MISSING A GAME. He was ultra consistent, ultra reliable at both ends of the ice, and epitomized CLASS. But because he was so quiet....he's excellence is IMO overlooked.

28 should be in the RAFTERS...phuck'n YESTERDAY ALREADY

- philco28

How did I know you were going to say that.

Mark your calendar for December 23rd. Rusty makes his triumphant return to the UC just in time for Christmas. He's the gift that keeps giving.
- Ogilthorpe2

I bet he scores against us. It will be NJ's lone goal in a 5-1 drubbing.

Game 5 vs Boston on NHL Network right now.
- Ogilthorpe2

Now, Game 6.

After watching the series again on the DVR over the past couple of weeks, a couple of things are pretty striking.

1) Bolland was involved in some huge plays, notably the goal in Game 1 off the turnover by Krug and feed by Shaw to get them back within 1 after Boston had built a 2-goal lead. Big assist on a great bank pass that sprung Frolik and Kruger for the 2 on 1 that resulted in Kruger scoring the 4th goal in Game 4. Then, oh, that other one in Game 6.

2) You can practically count on one hand the number of times Stalberg's name is mentioned during the entire series.

I love posts like this, so much to shake my head at so I will only touch on a few...

Saad.....I think it's stretch to say people are doubting him. I think it's more or less common sense to be skeptical of his success at center when...in all the years he has played hockey he has never played the position. Painting a broad brush is what you do well though. It will be interesting to see how he plays this year. I'm more inclined to think he ends up back on the wing because he is better suited there. Also, players usually slump in the second year. He has to take the next step and thinking that it's guarantee is wishful thinking.

Pirri.....again with your magical broad brush of all of us feeling the cup is half empty is ridiculous once you consider how you've come to your conclusion he is ready for the next step.....that is by looking at stats. You mention in the same breath he needs to responsible defensively yet you either fail to comprehend what we, who have seen him play, consistently say about his game or you just don't care that many of us have said he is...already...at the AHL level.....a defensive liability...and how this in itself will not be welcome in Q's system.

No worse than the revolving door last year?....you mean the Stanley Cup Championship year when he wasn't even given so much as a sniff?

It's funny how you mentioned Saad first in your illogical rant when the first person who is given a chance to try out for the 2C........is number 20 himself who...again......has never played the position.......when your golden boy Pirri is skating with Winchester and Shalunov to open up camp.....but hey maybe Q is looking at the glass half empty.....the same glass most of us seem to be looking at.
- UnnamedSource

Wow.

Well said. Excellent post.

Mark your calendar for December 23rd. Rusty makes his triumphant return to the UC just in time for Christmas. He's the gift that keeps giving.
- Ogilthorpe2

...just like fruitcake.

Now, Game 6.

After watching the series again on the DVR over the past couple of weeks, a couple of things are pretty striking.

1) Bolland was involved in some huge plays, notably the goal in Game 1 off the turnover by Krug and feed by Shaw to get them back within 1 after Boston had built a 2-goal lead. Big assist on a great bank pass that sprung Frolik and Kruger for the 2 on 1 that Kruger scored the 4th goal in Game 4. Then, oh, that other one in Game 6.

2) You can practically count on one hand the number of times Stalberg's name is mentioned during the entire series.
- MartiniMan

Bolland is going to be missed Bigtime in the Playoffs. 5 points against the Bruins when he finally got healthier. Plus he had a huge hit that injured Jagr. His huge hit in game 7 against Detroit where Seabrook scored. Or one of the biggest plays against LA: knocking out Richards in game 1

all the training camp koolaid !!!
by christmas, Smith ...... GONE!
PIRRI........GONE!
MORIN........GONE!\
JIMMY HAYES...the same!
Good possibility Bowman gets in on either Larose or Morrow at some point if they are available. and I wouldn't put it past Stan to be looking into finding a way to clear some space to snag Fabian Brunner! He HAS come up with a few suprises this summer already. Brunner would be another nice one!
JJ, you have your thumb on it, is Bowman interested in Brunner?
THAT would be your true legit #2 center instead of all this other smoke screening Bull Shi t! just askin??

all the training camp koolaid !!!
by christmas, Smith ...... GONE!
PIRRI........GONE!
MORIN........GONE!\
JIMMY HAYES...the same!
Good possibility Bowman gets in on either Larose or Morrow at some point if they are available. and I wouldn't put it past Stan to be looking into finding a way to clear some space to snag Fabian Brunner! He HAS come up with a few suprises this summer already. Brunner would be another nice one!
JJ, you have your thumb on it, is Bowman interested in Brunner?
THAT would be your true legit #2 center instead of all this other smoke screening Bull Shi t! just askin??
- wonthecup10

Since training camp is officially open.....let this be the first post of the year I simply state.....


NO......

all the training camp koolaid !!!
by christmas, Smith ...... GONE!
PIRRI........GONE!
MORIN........GONE!\
JIMMY HAYES...the same!
Good possibility Bowman gets in on either Larose or Morrow at some point if they are available. and I wouldn't put it past Stan to be looking into finding a way to clear some space to snag Fabian Brunner! He HAS come up with a few suprises this summer already. Brunner would be another nice one!
JJ, you have your thumb on it, is Bowman interested in Brunner?
THAT would be your true legit #2 center instead of all this other smoke screening Bull Shi t! just askin??
- wonthecup10

First, here's your Kool-aid...



Second, Larose, Morrow and Brunner are available now!

Third, Brunner is not your type of player. He's your typical "purse-swinger" who lacks "red-ass." He's the type of player you hate.

Fourth, Brunner is not a center.

EDIT: Who the (frank) is Fabian Brunner?

Looks like we're going to game 7

Looks like we're going to game 7
- Ogilthorpe2

Give it another minute.

The Hawks PP is crap.

The Hawks PP is crap.
- Ogilthorpe2

Hey, that's my line...

First, here's your Kool-aid...



Second, Larose, Morrow and Brunner are available now!

Third, Brunner is not your type of player. He's your typical "purse-swinger" who lacks "red-ass." He's the type of player you hate.

Fourth, Brunner is not a center.

EDIT: Who the (frank) is Fabian Brunner?
- EKolb13

Nevermind. I found Fabian Brunner.

https://twitter.com/FabianBrunner

Sorry everyone, I pulled a "jsabey."

Nevermind. I found Fabian Brunner.

https://twitter.com/FabianBrunner

Sorry everyone, I pulling a "jsabey."
- EKolb13

Change your avatar to the soup nazi......

It's Coming! All I know is I won't doubt this core and team again. I was pissed and yelling. I didn't think they would win this game. I did think they would win game 7, though