Inspired? Sure, I'll buy that. However, Bickell skates much better than Hayes can ever hope to be. I saw some improvement during the couple of pre-season games I caught, but at the end of those games, I noticed that he wasn't as energized as he was during the first period.

Someone brought it up yesterday, but how is Hayes going to look once things are going full speed and not against prospects?

Also, there's always been that question about the lack of physical play supposedly brings. That's going to be something that Hayes will have to improve going forward.
- EKolb13

Bickell also has a WICKED wrist shot (arguably best on the team)

Inspired? Sure, I'll buy that. However, Bickell skates much better than Hayes can ever hope to be. I saw some improvement during the couple of pre-season games I caught, but at the end of those games, I noticed that he wasn't as energized as he was during the first period.

Someone brought it up yesterday, but how is Hayes going to look once things are going full speed and not against prospects?

Also, there's always been that question about the lack of physical play supposedly brings. That's going to be something that Hayes will have to improve going forward.
- EKolb13

All Im saying is I hope Hayes has a lot more upside in him then we have seen in the past. If he is anywhere near what Bickell is that third line will be dangerous
Also hoping I continue to see Saad finish checks. Shaw should keep that line playing physical with his inspired play. Also hoping he makes Hayes play more physical
The third line should be fun to watch develop

Bickell also has a WICKED wrist shot (arguably best on the team)
- CBHawks88

Yeah, there's that too.

What does everyone think of Kessel's 8 year $64 million deal? I am so glad we didn't draft Kessel over Toews.
- DarthKane

Its about what I thought he would get. GUy is a pure offensive talent coming into his prime. He has produced without a true number 1 center and his overall game is improving. He is an underrated passer.

Bickell also has a WICKED wrist shot (arguably best on the team)
- CBHawks88

Actually think Bollig's might be a heavier shot.

No.
- DarthKane

He's an all offense winger who scores at an elite rate and doesn't play defense or engage physically. Sounds like Patrick Kane to me

All Im saying is I hope Hayes has a lot more upside in him then we have seen in the past. If he is anywhere near what Bickell is that third line will be dangerous
Also hoping I continue to see Saad finish checks. Shaw should keep that line playing physical with his inspired play. Also hoping he makes Hayes play more physical
The third line should be fun to watch develop
- molly2522

I think we all are.

All Im saying is I hope Hayes has a lot more upside in him then we have seen in the past. If he is anywhere near what Bickell is that third line will be dangerous
Also hoping I continue to see Saad finish checks. Shaw should keep that line playing physical with his inspired play. Also hoping he makes Hayes play more physical
The third line should be fun to watch develop
- molly2522

The only one that is going to make Hayes bring a more physical game is Hayes himself.

I guess if you're hoping for the best, then I hope you're right. However, I don't think Hayes comes near a comparison of Bickell - not now and not ever.

Actually think Bollig's might be a heavier shot.
- Elbows15

I don't know about that.

Happy Hawky Day team!

Excited to embark on another year of JJ and Al's always entertaining POVs on the Hawks, as well as the message board banter that we've all become accustom to throughout the NHL season now!

I have some more prep for tonight's openers http://joom.ag/ERkX - It's an different and interactive way to get your hockey content - BD Gallof (formerly of Hockeybuzz) with help from people like myself will provide these throughout the year.

I have an Blackhawks article featured on pg 38.

I don't know about that.
- EKolb13

Me neither - Bicks has one of the (if not the hardest) snap shot on the team. Ray Emery... the guy who feels those shots, echoed this last year.

The sense of URGENCY Bolland showed while entering the zone on his eventual winner is a trait CHAMPIONSHIP teams all have in common: PLAY HARD THROUGH the final whistle.
- philco28

Yes - coming back from behind the goal on the boards when he saw Oduya shoot - you can say the Hawks were lucky that Oduya's shot hit the post, but Bolland certainly got himself into position to take advantage of it.

The only one that is going to make Hayes bring a more physical game is Hayes himself.

I guess if you're hoping for the best, then I hope you're right. However, I don't think Hayes comes near a comparison of Bickell - not now and not ever.
- EKolb13

If Hayes understands that he need to be physical and Bickell has inspired him to do that I hope he shows it soon because I did not see it in the pre-season.

Inspired? Sure, I'll buy that. However, Bickell skates much better than Hayes can ever hope to be. I saw some improvement during the couple of pre-season games I caught, but at the end of those games, I noticed that he wasn't as energized as he was during the first period.

Someone brought it up yesterday, but how is Hayes going to look once things are going full speed and not against prospects?

Also, there's always been that question about the lack of physical play supposedly brings. That's going to be something that Hayes will have to improve going forward.
- EKolb13

Very good points....Hayes' will likely never be as smooth and efficient a skater as Bicks' has become and he will now face NHL lineups the whole night.

And YES...he must be as committed late in games as he seems to want to be early in games.

Hayes is a bit of a pusssssssssy.....no sugar coating it. He needs to get MEANER as well as more consistent.

Not really. He's pretty much a Patrick Kane clone who's faster/ better shooter while Kane has better hands and vision. He also stepped up big time in that Leafs/Bruins series. Parise is a pretty good comparable and he and Kessel will make about the same amount
- rollpards19

I couldnt Disagree with you more. The best thing Kessel has ever done in my opinion is beat cancer (that was him right?). Thats cool, but besides that i wouldnt want him on my favorite hockey team ever.

Very good points....Hayes' will likely never be as smooth and efficient a skater as Bicks' has become and he will now face NHL lineups the whole night.

And YES...he must be as committed late in games as he seems to want to be early in games.

Hayes is a bit of a pusssssssssy.....no sugar coating it. He needs to get MEANER as well as more consistent.
- philco28

Spellman Syndrome. Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.

For a long time I wondered if Bick would even be Bickell 1.0. Hayes needs to use his size to live in the house. Not rent it. Own it.
- Elbows15

Absolutely.

He's an all offense winger who scores at an elite rate and doesn't play defense or engage physically. Sounds like Patrick Kane to me
- rollpards19

No.

Spellman Syndrome. Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.
- rtang415

Hope Hayes doesn't have an Alonzo style MELTDOWN.

Very good points....Hayes' will likely never be as smooth and efficient a skater as Bicks' has become and he will now face NHL lineups the whole night.

And YES...he must be as committed late in games as he seems to want to be early in games.

Hayes is a bit of a pusssssssssy.....no sugar coating it. He needs to get MEANER as well as more consistent.
- philco28

So given what you just wrote, how do you feel about Hayes's chances?

Also, the Nucks have a new blogger.

For a long time I wondered if Bick would even be Bickell 1.0. Hayes needs to use his size to live in the house. Not rent it. Own it.
- Elbows15

First he has to skate there.

Yes - coming back from behind the goal on the boards when he saw Oduya shoot - you can say the Hawks were lucky that Oduya's shot hit the post, but Bolland certainly got himself into position to take advantage of it.
- StLBravesFan

True that STL....but i just love how Bolland really hustled once he got the puck from Hammer and initiated that whole sequence.

Other thing i really liked on that play was how Fro got a touch on the point shot....love to see MORE, MORE and MORE of that. Our d-men should always be looking to shoot and find friendly sticks for those types of redirects and deflections.

Hope Hayes doesn't have an Alonzo style MELTDOWN.
- philco28

I actually got caught up in traffic holdup when they found him wandering butt naked on the road.

So given what you just wrote, how do you feel about Hayes's chances?

Also, the Nucks have a new blogger.
- EKolb13

He's earned a spot to begin the season and i'm hopeful. He's a smart kid who knows the stakes. Just hope he's able to find the consistency that has eluded him in the past.

As for the new Nucks blogger....i never read the old one......

I actually got caught up in traffic holdup when they found him wandering butt naked on the road.
- rtang415

Geezus Peace....really ? To what did they attribute his mental collapse to ?