Why does anyone think that fighting Roussell will stop him? No matter whether Bollig or Roussell wins, Roussell will still go after Kane (and others).

Way to get him is with several hits during the course of a game: take a penalty if necessary. And - go after their stars during the course of a game.

Probably, that won't stop him either: I've never been sold on the belief that you can intimidate a butcher into not going after your guys.
- StLBravesFan

I agree you probably won't stop him. But I want to see REVENGE exacted on him if he does.

We'll probably find out they were like the catcher going out to talk to the pitcher: where are we going for dinner after the game?

But I agree - no matter what the conversation was about - it was a pivotal moment in the series.

Not as pivotal as Seabrooks goal in OT of game 7, of course: you don't get more pivotal that that.
- StLBravesFan

If Seabrook doesn't 'refocus' Toews there is no game 7.

Why does anyone think that fighting Roussell will stop him? No matter whether Bollig or Roussell wins, Roussell will still go after Kane (and others).

Way to get him is with several hits during the course of a game: take a penalty if necessary. And - go after their stars during the course of a game.

Probably, that won't stop him either: I've never been sold on the belief that you can intimidate a butcher into not going after your guys.
- StLBravesFan

So would it be more effective to go after the other teams star players and is that something that would make a coach say lay of Kane and Toews because they are coming after our star players......

I think you're largely right here. For the regular season especially, the best answer is a power play goal. Next best answer is to take a run at Benn, with appropriate commentary while skating past their bench. This option, though, takes the Hawks out of their game and is just what the douche wants to happen. Ignore him, protect yourself, and then score more phucking goals.
- mohel

Well said, sometimes it appears fans forget this is pro hockey, a contact sport. I have no problem with Rousell or anyone finishing checks legally. If you run somebody and hurt them, there will be a price to pay.

To preemptively worry about it and start thinking about it, gives Rousell and Stars what they want. That is the Hawks thinking about that. This team is too mature for that now. Fact is, as you say, goals win games and the Hawks are the standard all teams are chasing.

I have watched a lot of hockey, probably way too much hockey. It is apparent that players are adjusting to the game and not taking liberties on exposed players as much as in the past. Guys are finishing checks, sometimes in a subdued manner, not blowing guys up, but effectively eliminating them from plays, which is the intent of the body check anyways.

You can run Jamie Benn with any hawk you want, it won't mean crap. He fears nobody and can handle himself quite well. Talking going by the stars bench or any is comedy. These are grown men who are very competitive and are not going to be talked into submission. The only answer to Rousell is to Rousell him before he gets you. That is, everyone be ready to finish all checks on him, but of course, that is what should be done throughout the game vs any and all opponents.

The risk for this game is what I like to call, too much Disney on ice. That is ice show skating and passing and leaving a weaker team in the game longer than they should be allowed.

Per Twitter Zeus not at morning skate and Pirri skating with the 2nd line..

Kane voted NHL star of the month for November..

Per Twitter Zeus not at morning skate and Pirri skating with the 2nd line..
- Glenman12

This is why I see Pirri staying with the Hawks all season; maybe riding the Rockford Shuttle. They need that fifth center when one misses games often.

The finger-biting, hair-pulling douche is out indefinitely with a broken jaw.

Kane voted NHL star of the month for November..
- Glenman12

Sweet. Also cool that Harding is one of the three stars. Much of what I find attractive about sports is pushing and expanding one's limits. and overcoming obstacles - dealing with MS certainly qualifies, so big kudos to him.

The finger-biting, hair-pulling douche is out indefinitely with a broken jaw.
- mohel

Couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy.

I think you're largely right here. For the regular season especially, the best answer is a power play goal. Next best answer is to take a run at Benn, with appropriate commentary while skating past their bench. This option, though, takes the Hawks out of their game and is just what the douche wants to happen. Ignore him, protect yourself, and then score more phucking goals.
- mohel

that is why Stan Bowman should be looking for the "next" Al Secord. a guy who can play within the lines contribute , is respected around the league & can plain out kick the phuck out of someone if need be! END OF PHUCKING STORY ,PLAIN & SIMPLE!
Rousell seems to be one of those guys who falls into the "he'll get his catagory".
I don't sugarcoat when it comes to someone running our stars, Phuck, nicey, nice , play nice little joey hit em clean ! the little idiot needs a "good ole fashion" kitchen pantry bare ass whoopin! enjoy the day boys!

Couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy.
- paulr

Yep - I wouldn't want to wish injury on anyone; but if it has to happen, let it happen to someone like him rather than Stamkos or Robidas (who are reputed to be good guys).

that is why Stan Bowman should be looking for the "next" Al Secord. a guy who can play within the lines contribute , is respected around the league & can plain out kick the phuck out of someone if need be! END OF PHUCKING STORY ,PLAIN & SIMPLE!
Rousell seems to be one of those guys who falls into the "he'll get his catagory".
I don't sugarcoat when it comes to someone running our stars, Phuck, nicey, nice , play nice little joey hit em clean ! the little idiot needs a "good ole fashion" kitchen pantry bare ass whoopin! enjoy the day boys!
- wonthecup10

Alas, there are no more Al Secords - the guy everyone cites is Lucic, but he rarely fights. Fighting among real hockey players is disappearing because nobody wants to risk injury or the time off the ice to a good player. This guy Roussell (or whatever his name is) would love to take Lucic off the ice, because the idea is to get more goals than the other team rather that win a fight.

that is why Stan Bowman should be looking for the "next" Al Secord. a guy who can play within the lines contribute , is respected around the league & can plain out kick the phuck out of someone if need be! END OF PHUCKING STORY ,PLAIN & SIMPLE!
Rousell seems to be one of those guys who falls into the "he'll get his catagory".
I don't sugarcoat when it comes to someone running our stars, Phuck, nicey, nice , play nice little joey hit em clean ! the little idiot needs a "good ole fashion" kitchen pantry bare ass whoopin! enjoy the day boys!
- wonthecup10

Please don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel.

Per Twitter Zeus not at morning skate and Pirri skating with the 2nd line..
- Glenman12

Wow what a shock.....knew he'd be in and out of the lineup. Does this likely mean Brookbank at forward again?

That situation should be ADDRESSED tonight...thanks for reminding


Timing has to be right though.
- philco28

The situation needs to be addressed when the score is 0-0. And Roussel is not a heavyweight if you go by his listed size.

The finger-biting, hair-pulling douche is out indefinitely with a broken jaw.
- mohel

From a puck to the face right? I wish it was a fist or 7. the other night Jamal Meyers was on NHL network and when he saw a highlight of Bieksa getting rocked into the boards he said something to the effect of, "haha yeah i like to see that, i dont like vancouver". Haha awesome, then Weekes came in and said some kind of, "ok, the rivalry is strong still, i like it". I dont mind Weekes on NHL Tonight, he definitely has gotten more comfortable along with some of the other guys on the Network. Seems like either someone told them to lighten up and have some fun, or they just naturally did it. A few years back though they were all stuttering robots and it was hard to watch in my opinion

Well said, sometimes it appears fans forget this is pro hockey, a contact sport. I have no problem with Rousell or anyone finishing checks legally. If you run somebody and hurt them, there will be a price to pay.

To preemptively worry about it and start thinking about it, gives Rousell and Stars what they want. That is the Hawks thinking about that. This team is too mature for that now. Fact is, as you say, goals win games and the Hawks are the standard all teams are chasing.

I have watched a lot of hockey, probably way too much hockey. It is apparent that players are adjusting to the game and not taking liberties on exposed players as much as in the past. Guys are finishing checks, sometimes in a subdued manner, not blowing guys up, but effectively eliminating them from plays, which is the intent of the body check anyways.

You can run Jamie Benn with any hawk you want, it won't mean crap. He fears nobody and can handle himself quite well. Talking going by the stars bench or any is comedy. These are grown men who are very competitive and are not going to be talked into submission. The only answer to Rousell is to Rousell him before he gets you. That is, everyone be ready to finish all checks on him, but of course, that is what should be done throughout the game vs any and all opponents.

The risk for this game is what I like to call, too much Disney on ice. That is ice show skating and passing and leaving a weaker team in the game longer than they should be allowed.
- TrueGrit

Hate to agree with TG, but I mostly do agree with this: you're not going to intimidate very many hockey players - if you could, they wouldn't be in the league for very long - just play your game, finish your checks, protect yourself (and players know how to do this is most instances).

ridiculous that the ducks got Getzlaf AND Perry in the first, crazy draft class for sure.
- BlazinMike

And with all of that the Rangers pick Hugh Jessiman in the middle of that round!!!

Hate to agree with TG, but I mostly do agree with this: you're not going to intimidate very many hockey players - if you could, they wouldn't be in the league for very long - just play your game, finish your checks, protect yourself (and players know how to do this is most instances).
- StLBravesFan

Hawks dont seem to do very much of this though. Im not complaining, im just saying id like to see MORE finished checks.

From a puck to the face right? I wish it was a fist or 7. the other night Jamal Meyers was on NHL network and when he saw a highlight of Bieksa getting rocked into the boards he said something to the effect of, "haha yeah i like to see that, i dont like vancouver". Haha awesome, then Weekes came in and said some kind of, "ok, the rivalry is strong still, i like it". I dont mind Weekes on NHL Tonight, he definitely has gotten more comfortable along with some of the other guys on the Network. Seems like either someone told them to lighten up and have some fun, or they just naturally did it. A few years back though they were all stuttering robots and it was hard to watch in my opinion
- BlazinMike

Beats NBATV or MLBTV for actually having analysts who can communicate.

And with all of that the Rangers pick Hugh Jessiman in the middle of that round!!!
- 67hawks

Haha, i thought the exact same thing when i was reading down the list . With ALL that talent in that draft, they picked Hugh (frank)ing Jessiman

Beats NBATV or MLBTV for actually having analysts who can communicate.
- StLBravesFan

Agreed, i checked out both of those and wasnt impressed with anything they had really. NFL Network even takes a back seat in my opinion to the NHL network as far as enjoyable viewing for me. NHL ntwk has a better highlight show at night, and better shows (at least they used to) with the old Top 10 shows showing all of the old 90's or earlier playoff matchups and goals and stuff. Love watching that stuff. NFL network has good shows as well, but i get frustrated with the guys on NFL ntwk because theyre so ridiculous some times.

Hate to agree with TG, but I mostly do agree with this: you're not going to intimidate very many hockey players - if you could, they wouldn't be in the league for very long - just play your game, finish your checks, protect yourself (and players know how to do this is most instances).
- StLBravesFan

Maybe not intimidate but you can most asuredly get a player off his game through physical or verbal means. One of the coolest customers in the NHL, Jonathan Toews was almost taken out as Detroit continually beat him and chirpped at him. Or how about Sedin forgetting himself and jousting with Bolland a number of times? Or how about Crosby? Or ..... the list goes on. Yes it's nice to think players can robotically play game by game and ignore all the physical and verbal abuse, but realistically in a very emotional sport, it is virtually impossible.

Hawks dont seem to do very much of this though. Im not complaining, im just saying id like to see MORE finished checks.
- BlazinMike

I think the Hawks coaching philosophy is to not go out of your way to finish checks because they don't want someone out of position. If they can within the flow of the game, no problem. Last year they seemed to ramp up the physical play for the playoffs, but appeared to save themselves in the regular season. The goal is to win the Cup, right? That was not directed at you, Mike, just a general question.