Hear Tort's giving props to Ryan Stanton tonite! good for him, he'll turn out to be a Phil Russell type that we let get away down the road. a good sized nasty stay at home D man.

First off, Merry Christmas to Tampa last night.

Second, Shaw stuck not for his dime-a-dozen skills, but for his intangibles. Leblah ain't got em.

Third, as much as I hate Handzus on 2c, without him hitting Saad on the fly the Hawks might have lost game one. TT can't get here soon enough.

Lastly, if you're going to play Nordstrom, don't bench him after one game. No one can shine unless they've been committed to. Hopefully they can groom him for 4c and let Krugs slide over to 2c for the year.
- busmaster

Not caughtup on this thread, but is it too early to talk about available vets? I can't believe Chad Larose is still out there. He checks a few boxes with speed, grit, and goals.

I agree the kids need a chance to show their worth and I also understand it is necessary as the organizational philosophy, but Larose/Malhotra could really help the pk and even out the lines with veteran speed.

Did you watch Hawk games the previous two seasons, the Hawks pk was horrendous, but with Frolik and Kruger sucking up minutes and the addition of Rozy - the pk was great. And Frolik and Kruger were on the ice lots of times against the oppostions best line especailly late in the season in the 3rd periond. Those are hard minutes. The fourth line playing minutes, keeps Toews and company better rested for crunch time.
- Topshelf2010

This year's fourth line would be (presumably) Kruger, Bollig (looks much improved), and Nordstrom/Smith/Hayes/Morin - certainly they could (COULD) develop into a 10 minute per game group.

This year's fourth line would be (presumably) Kruger, Bollig (looks much improved), and Nordstrom/Smith/Hayes/Morin - certainly they could (COULD) develop into a 10 minute per game group.
- StLBravesFan

ya, i am still hoping these guys play, but it still depends on Q giving them time. I thought Bollig played well the first game, but he was not so great in game 2. His lazy stupid icing play led to the first goal.

BTW, if the Hawks pp capitalized, the Hawks would have won game 2 also. I don't understand what is going on. Note: they do look better, but it is unacceptable. And you really cannot count Saads pp goal as a pp plan - it was just dumb luck and a gift.

Not caughtup on this thread, but is it too early to talk about available vets? I can't believe Chad Larose is still out there. He checks a few boxes with speed, grit, and goals.

I agree the kids need a chance to show their worth and I also understand it is necessary as the organizational philosophy, but Larose/Malhotra could really help the pk and even out the lines with veteran speed.
- Kentxo

+ 100% agree!! but do they?

+ 100% agree!! but do they?
- wonthecup10

How much help could any unsigned vet be if so far 30 teams have decided they wouldn't be useful?

Not caughtup on this thread, but is it too early to talk about available vets? I can't believe Chad Larose is still out there. He checks a few boxes with speed, grit, and goals.

I agree the kids need a chance to show their worth and I also understand it is necessary as the organizational philosophy, but Larose/Malhotra could really help the pk and even out the lines with veteran speed.
- Kentxo

Malhotra recently signed a AHL deal with Charlotte (Carolina's farm team). Because of his eye injury, he's got the knock of his career being "over with." He's someone to keep an eye on I guess.

Really, I think it's too early to start talking about bringing in another vet. I doubt the organization goes out and gets anyone like this in the near future, unless there is a vet out there on waivers that the organization can't pass up on.

Boy, you just won't let that die huh. LOL. Just giving you a hard time.

Last I checked, the game is decided by team with most goals. We are in great shape with guys that can do this.

By the way, little side bet. While the blues will be phyical, you will see them be much more disciplined and less chippy. Because....because, in case you did not notice, they did not win the cup last year. More specifically, what I am trying to point out is that their style of hockey has not won anything, nor will it. Look for them to play tough, but without the run around. They are trying to evolve...like you should....from being a hockey cave man. I say that jokingly....
- TrueGrit

Grit, I know you take a alot of crap from alot of people here, but I find myself always reading closely what you have to say. Can't say I agree with everything you write, don't even agree with everything my wife says, but I think I need to kinda call you out on an impression you are having concerning the Blues.

You have mentioned a couple of times now that the Blues will remain disciplined and try to beat the Hawks at their own game. Now, being the "old time" knuckle dragger that I am, I would love nothing more then an early season "old time hockey, eh" game between rivals, I must ask, what makes you think Hitchcock will have this team of thugs playing "smart"?
Not trying to be a smarta$$ mind you, I just think you're giving them more credit then they deserve.

Several writers here, including yourself have changed my thinking when it comes to the Hawks and hockey in general. And to this I want to say thank you to not only yourself, JJ, Wiz, Al and Eli, but several others.
Grit, you, wonthecup and I are all from the same Southside neighborhood though I have a few years on you and we have that Southside thing going on, but again just want to say thanks to you and the others. Eli, had to give you a special call out and say hi, and thanks again for all the Rockford info and the words we shared Friday.

Malhotra recently signed a AHL deal with Charlotte (Carolina's farm team). Because of his eye injury, he's got the knock of his career being "over with." He's someone to keep an eye on I guess.

Really, I think it's too early to start talking about bringing in another vet. I doubt the organization goes out and gets anyone like this in the near future, unless there is a vet out there on waivers that the organization can't pass up on.
- EKolb13

"Keep and eye on" Malhotra, that's funny. But if he's 100% healthy he may be a guy Stan should look into for the bottom 3. I agree that it's not that time yet, but if that time comes and Manny is healthy then he should be considered.

"Keep and eye on" Malhotra, that's funny. But if he's 100% healthy he may be a guy Stan should look into for the bottom 3. I agree that it's not that time yet, but if that time comes and Manny is healthy then he should be considered.
- DarthKane

For some reason, I guess I have my doubts that Malhotra is ever really going to be effective again - at least for a cup contending team.

Maybe he finds a role on a team that's in the process of rebuilding or is getting close to start reaching for a playoff spot. His leadership on a team like that might be valuable.

More of what could happen is that a bigger AHL club might keep him around for the name value alone, and Malhotra would provide leadership there. He could make a go of it and finish out his career that way.

Eli, had to give you a special call out and say hi, and thanks again for all the Rockford info and the words we shared Friday.
- Studebakerhawk

Thanks. Don't be a stranger. Show up more often.

Grit, I know you take a alot of crap from alot of people here, but I find myself always reading closely what you have to say. Can't say I agree with everything you write, don't even agree with everything my wife says, but I think I need to kinda call you out on an impression you are having concerning the Blues.

You have mentioned a couple of times now that the Blues will remain disciplined and try to beat the Hawks at their own game. Now, being the "old time" knuckle dragger that I am, I would love nothing more then an early season "old time hockey, eh" game between rivals, I must ask, what makes you think Hitchcock will have this team of thugs playing "smart"?
Not trying to be a smarta$$ mind you, I just think you're giving them more credit then they deserve.

Several writers here, including yourself have changed my thinking when it comes to the Hawks and hockey in general. And to this I want to say thank you to not only yourself, JJ, Wiz, Al and Eli, but several others.
Grit, you, wonthecup and I are all from the same Southside neighborhood though I have a few years on you and we have that Southside thing going on, but again just want to say thanks to you and the others. Eli, had to give you a special call out and say hi, and thanks again for all the Rockford info and the words we shared Friday.
- Studebakerhawk

Thank you, I can echo your props to you and others here, even those I but heads with.

I did not mean to insinuate, or perhaps I mistated, that the Blues would try to beat hawks at their own game. They can't. What I was really trying to say. And my wife and many of you often remind me of how bad I am at completing a coherent thought. Is that the Blues will come at Hawks hard, but I would look for them to pass on the runs and the after whistle crap.

They will grind and play hard (like Kings), but will show some maturity and poise, which will keep them from emotionally draining themselves in looking overmatched by Hawks.

I hope that makes more sense?

I share concerns of WTC and others about the Hawks just being targets for a lot of crap, thus threatening health of guys, but I really believe that part of the Blues evolution is/has to be being smart about going overboard.

They shoot themselves in the foot with needless penalties, or having guys out of position trying to run guys. Another factor I saw last year in games versus Hawks, is they would come out and empty the tank in the first period hitting everything and would still either be tied or down a goal. Then the Hawks would take over and win.

I respect all opponents. But just discount the intimidation stuff over the long haul as a key determinate in who will win. Last I checked, the team that scores the most goals wins each game.

Laviolette gets the boot in Philly...

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...raig-berube-to-take-over/

ya keepinig Bickel was a good move, but have signed him for a little less. But i also don't mind him getting paid too as he did play two seasons for 500k and was huge last year.

But i am not sure that his game is in front of the net - he will have to learn and it will take some time. Bickel's game (last season) kind of reminds of Sharp a little, kind of floating around on the perimeter looking for a shot and will go to the net if the puck is there. But he doesn't camp out. We will see how he does.
- Topshelf2010

Yes he needs to learn as did Buff. Bickell never played this role up here. But he is also good along the boards.

First off, Merry Christmas to Tampa last night.

Second, Shaw stuck not for his dime-a-dozen skills, but for his intangibles. Leblah ain't got em.

Third, as much as I hate Handzus on 2c, without him hitting Saad on the fly the Hawks might have lost game one. TT can't get here soon enough.

Lastly, if you're going to play Nordstrom, don't bench him after one game. No one can shine unless they've been committed to. Hopefully they can groom him for 4c and let Krugs slide over to 2c for the year.
- busmaster

Shaw stuck because his hockey IQ is way above a ham and egger as long as he doesn't take stupid penalties which doesn't happen much.... plus his defense is good.

ya keepinig Bickel was a good move, but have signed him for a little less. But i also don't mind him getting paid too as he did play two seasons for 500k and was huge last year.

But i am not sure that his game is in front of the net - he will have to learn and it will take some time. Bickel's game (last season) kind of reminds of Sharp a little, kind of floating around on the perimeter looking for a shot and will go to the net if the puck is there. But he doesn't camp out. We will see how he does.
- Topshelf2010

We'd always love to sign players for less. But we have to have some faith that Stan and company know how to negotiate a contract. Bickell would have been a UFA and he held all the leverage, especially after his post season performance. If Bickell was willing to sign for $3.5 million then I'm sure it would have happened. But he signed for more and probably could have received $4.5-$5.0 million if he actually tested free agency.

Laviolette gets the boot in Philly...

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...raig-berube-to-take-over/
- EKolb13

I would think he won't be out of a job for long.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia

They pushed the pace a ton last night, the played so fast I don't know what you're seeing. Regular season matters. Hawks don't lose series with home ice
- rollpards19

The hawks just are fast so they will always look fast. What I am talking about is the give everything type of pushing that I'm just not seeing in their play. On the other hand it looks like they've been told to just go out and have fun. Frankly, they look a lot more creative than last year while still holding onto the defense first mentality. Home ice is nice, but its never really been a problem for this team.

Just my opinion but I think the fourth line as is will be fine especially with the continued improvement of Bolligs play. My faith is in Q and if he thinks Nordstrom is ready I say give him some time to settle in
The third line winger is an audition and if no one shines that should be an easy acquisition at the trade deadline. Don't know why so many want Shaw on wing when he is doing well at center where the position is harder to fill. The third line is formidable with Shaw and Saad both looking to have big seasons all they need is a little contribution from their wing
The hawks are setup for a long playoff run

Hahahahahahaha

Frolik now a folk hero. This is beyond hilarious.

The PK needs a few games to adjust regarding the new turnover in personal.

If Hossa hasn't found his legs by game 20 then that is a much larger concern IMO.

Thank you, I can echo your props to you and others here, even those I but heads with.

I did not mean to insinuate, or perhaps I mistated, that the Blues would try to beat hawks at their own game. They can't. What I was really trying to say. And my wife and many of you often remind me of how bad I am at completing a coherent thought. Is that the Blues will come at Hawks hard, but I would look for them to pass on the runs and the after whistle crap.

They will grind and play hard (like Kings), but will show some maturity and poise, which will keep them from emotionally draining themselves in looking overmatched by Hawks.

I hope that makes more sense?



I share concerns of WTC and others about the Hawks just being targets for a lot of crap, thus threatening health of guys, but I really believe that part of the Blues evolution is/has to be being smart about going overboard.

They shoot themselves in the foot with needless penalties, or having guys out of position trying to run guys. Another factor I saw last year in games versus Hawks, is they would come out and empty the tank in the first period hitting everything and would still either be tied or down a goal. Then the Hawks would take over and win.

I respect all opponents. But just discount the intimidation stuff over the long haul as a key determinate in who will win. Last I checked, the team that scores the most goals wins each game.
- TrueGrit

The hawks this year more than the last few are setup to handle the physical play and also dish it out. Each line has a guy that can play physical. Bickel on the first line gives me a lot of comfort knowing our two superstars have someone covering their back

I would think he won't be out of a job for long.

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Agreed...out of that tire-fire of an organisation and on to a likely better job opportunity.

We'd always love to sign players for less. But we have to have some faith that Stan and company know how to negotiate a contract. Bickell would have been a UFA and he held all the leverage, especially after his post season performance. If Bickell was willing to sign for $3.5 million then I'm sure it would have happened. But he signed for more and probably could have received $4.5-$5.0 million if he actually tested free agency.
- DarthKane

The only issue with Bickell is - what was he supposed to have signed for in March, and why didn't it happen?

Hahahahahahaha

Frolik now a folk hero. This is beyond hilarious.

The PK needs a few games to adjust regarding the new turnover in personal.

If Hossa hasn't found his legs by game 20 then that is a much larger concern IMO.
- fattybeef

Yeah right now that 2nd line is the weak link. They will improve, though. Both Hossa and zus had a lot of time off and look rusty still getting over their injuries. Once the 3 start clicking this team will be hard to beat