2 points....

Halak was only great for a snap shot. In my view he is a small goalie who at is best is very good but he is often hurt or nursing an injury.

Hossa was still want of the top two players today for Slovenia and is having his best regular season as a Blackhawk.

Team Canada opens Olympics with a 3-1 win over Norway. Canada wasn't great but good enough: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1bQeEgV

On Twitter@AlCimaglia
- Al

Slovakia Al.

I agree that the win-now stance changes things a bit, maybe a lot. But at the same time, Shaw and Saad (and Bollig and Krugman to a degree) were able to make the quick adjustment. They are in a position that substantial development in the NHL won't work, but not all prospects need that. This year's crop seems to need more time on the vine.

Edit - I keep forgetting Smith!
- mohel

They all had AHL experience - which is what I still hope for for TT.

Slovakia Al.
- Elbows15

Thanks....

Hossa was one of the top two players on Slovakia....Long day for me and not nearly over.

Team Canada opens Olympics with a 3-1 win over Norway. Canada wasn't great but good enough: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1bQeEgV

Thanks....

Hossa was one of the top two players on Slovakia....Long day for me and not nearly over.

Team Canada opens Olympics with a 3-1 win over Norway. Canada wasn't great but good enough: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1bQeEgV
- Al

Hossa pretty much is the key to their offense. Especially since the other Marian, Gaborik, is out. Have some okay secondary scorers, but not much else going for 'em.

Hopefully they get bounced quick, so he is still relatively fresh for when the Olympics end...

You'll (frank) it up and get PBJ.
- Elbows15

That could easily happen.

Oh. FWIW. He has a number. its 96.
- Elbows15

But he's #1 in your heart.

But he's #1 in your heart.
- DarthKane

I always loved that line from announcers, "Number blah blah in your programs, number one in your hearts, its so and so!!". Haha great line

They all had AHL experience - which is what I still hope for for TT.
- StLBravesFan

Not having AHL experience does make it less likely that TT will be able to jump right into the Hawks lineup. But I think we'll find out, and here's why....The plan seems to be for him to come to North America for next season and he can come as soon as his current team's season ends. They can play him nine games without costing them a year of his ELC (I believe). I know Elbows thinks Regin will grab the 2C by the throat, but I think it'll still be wide open at that point. I think he'll get a short tryout once his season is over.

But he's #1 in your heart.
- DarthKane

Which makes sense since I am a heartless bastard.

Thanks....

Hossa was one of the top two players on Slovakia....Long day for me and not nearly over.

Team Canada opens Olympics with a 3-1 win over Norway. Canada wasn't great but good enough: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1bQeEgV
- Al

Just trying to protect your journalistic integrity Al.

Edit: It will just attract more riff raff.

They all had AHL experience - which is what I still hope for for TT.
- StLBravesFan

Hope he never sees a game in a Hawk uniform. His trade value will plummet. He should never come over. He will be a star in the European game. He will just be another failed European midget who couldn't make it in the NHL game.

That could easily happen.
- mohel

The US may as well get a team of bimbos for their curling team. They can't be worse than those playing.

Not having AHL experience does make it less likely that TT will be able to jump right into the Hawks lineup. But I think we'll find out, and here's why....The plan seems to be for him to come to North America for next season and he can come as soon as his current team's season ends. They can play him nine games without costing them a year of his ELC (I believe). I know Elbows thinks Regin will grab the 2C by the throat, but I think it'll still be wide open at that point. I think he'll get a short tryout once his season is over.
- mohel

mhm

But he's #1 in your heart.
- DarthKane

Because we all know that guys named Pierre involved in the current NHL are all wonderful.

Just trying to protect your journalistic integrity Al.

Edit: It will just attract more riff raff.
- Elbows15

It might too late but it is never too late for the riff raft to criticize...

Team Canada opens Olympics with a 3-1 win over Norway. Canada wasn't great but good enough: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1bQeEgV

Hope he never sees a game in a Hawk uniform. His trade value will plummet. He should never come over. He will be a star in the European game. He will just be another failed European midget who couldn't make it in the NHL game.
- Elbows15

It's a good thing you're not on the muscle today...

That will be totally amazballs, can't believe I'm gonna miss it
- Ogilthorpe2

Throw out the record books when those teams meet.

Kane is at least 3 inches taller. Hawks and european 1st round draft picks are a bad mix. TT will never get more than 35 points in the NHL. Hoping the Hawks can package him in the offseason to get something useful.
- Elbows15

I'm fine either way with TT. I do think he can thrive in the nhl. Size isn't the barrier it used to be. But, I also see the Hawks as more finesse and skill over brawn and physical play. It has worked so far, but I wouldn't mind if he was packaged maybe with pirri and other things for some Young and tough forwards with Grit AND Skill. I know it sounds like my old Kane trade ideas. . I was wrong with Kane, though. Teams like Buffalo and Florida have some nice pieces

I'm fine either way with TT. I do think he can thrive in the nhl. Size isn't the barrier it used to be. But, I also see the Hawks as more finesse and skill over brawn and physical play. It has worked so far, but I wouldn't mind if he was packaged maybe with pirri and other things for some Young and tough forwards with Grit AND Skill. I know it sounds like my old Kane trade ideas. . I was wrong with Kane, though. Teams like Buffalo and Florida have some nice pieces
- tomcat24

You never give up TC! Is this taking the place of the 5-1 predictions. Hope not. You better pony up with those come playoff time.

You never give up TC! Is this taking the place of the 5-1 predictions. Hope not. You better pony up with those come playoff time.
- HawkintheD

Yeah don't worry those are reserved for the real season: the playoffs I know my ideas look dumb after winning 2 Cups, but I would take the 2010 forwards over the 2013 forwards any day. Those guys could play any style. I miss having those forwards that just wear you down with skill and grit. The 2013 team proved they won't be pushed around, too but I'm not saying trade any of the core. They got us 2 Cups. But TT could go for the right return

It might too late but it is never too late for the riff raft to criticize...

Team Canada opens Olympics with a 3-1 win over Norway. Canada wasn't great but good enough: My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1bQeEgV
- Al

You know what they say about opinions Al.

I'm fine either way with TT. I do think he can thrive in the nhl. Size isn't the barrier it used to be. But, I also see the Hawks as more finesse and skill over brawn and physical play. It has worked so far, but I wouldn't mind if he was packaged maybe with pirri and other things for some Young and tough forwards with Grit AND Skill. I know it sounds like my old Kane trade ideas. . I was wrong with Kane, though. Teams like Buffalo and Florida have some nice pieces
- tomcat24

You need strength to withstand the rigors of playing in the NHL TC. It is more what I allude to when I speak of size. Not so much height and weight.

It's a good thing you're not on the muscle today...
- rtang415

Meh. Seen too many hyped next great thing become nothing but a fleeting memory to have any hope for them. If they get you a proven NHL player, then send them packing.

You need strength to withstand the rigors of playing in the NHL TC. It is more what I allude to when I speak of size. Not so much height and weight.
- Elbows15

Elite skill can be a great counter. I have no idea how strong he is. He did look like a perimeter player to me. Kane isn't that strong but he can elude a lot of the pressure and hits. I'm fine either way with TT. I also look to package him for a great deal, but I think he can succeed on this team, too

Anybody know about Selanne's injury? It said he missed the last 2 periods with an upper-body. That would be a big loss to Anaheim. They need secondary scoring