The Bears offense appears to be in mid season form. And the Eagles have no depth on D.'
- Elbows15

Yeah and the the special teams are there as well...Joe DeCamilis is brutal. Did you see the two guys run into each other on the punt return and hand it to the Eagles. OR the 102 yard run back.

But the offense looked sharp even without some key guys in their two series. Clausen is easily the #2 now after last night.

Bigger concern is the linebackers.

He wasn't hurt, had no surgery, was out taking batting practice with the Cubs like 3 days later. Just an excuse. He sucked in the playoffs, because well, he sucked. Although he did play a bit better when moved down to the third line when he could get away from top checkers.

- kwolf68

Put this batting practice garbage away. This discussion has been had to death already. Are you one of the people who said Jay Cutler wasn't hurt because he was walking down stairs too? If he can PLAY HOCKEY with an injury, he can swing a baseball bat.

Put this batting practice garbage away. This discussion has been had to death already. Are you one of the people who said Jay Cutler wasn't hurt because he was walking down stairs too? If he can PLAY HOCKEY with an injury, he can swing a baseball bat.
- Sandus

Ok, ok I heard Ogi say he sucked, and we all assume there was "something" that slowed his play...or that he sucked.
He took sixty shots and 8% pct.
Scored 5 goals in 19 games and they lost in oT in the 7th game by a goal off Leddy turning and it going in.

One volley, one shot, and whether it is a warning shot or a hit, Sandus,I hope you come to grips the reality involve with Patrick Sharp instead of continuing the china doll (damage is damage) argument.

I totally understand the Cap will increase by five million next season. That is a REAL projection not by just me but my most who are not simply main stream media types whose opinions, trade rumors, and player hypes, but grounded hockey freaks.
Patrick Sharp has scored 25 goals in every season in the last six but one when he played 28 games.
There are only about FIFTY players in the NHL who score 25 goals in a season.
Some are one-way guys, some are smaller sized, some benefit from linemates, and are more complete players.
Some are goal scorers, snipers in the true sense of the way the can let it fly.
Last time I looked, Sharp was in the top ten goal scorers.

If the plan is to challenge for a Cup in 2015, you want that scoring.

You don’t consider Patrick Sharp is some damaged player, especially after playing all 82 regular season games.
It is ridiculous to equate injuries that might happen or tag him with label or a guy who can’t bring it fully in the playoffs. He has 37 goals to attest to that.

The scenario you have concocted only has viability if you have access to the Blackhawk medical records that say that Sharp and his injuries are such that they will be continual regular problems. If that is the case, I think the Hawks would strategically find a way to move his contract after this run.

The most ridiculous part of this type argument is when you attempt to apply it around the league.

Is Sydney Crosby leaving because of playoff meltdowns and playoff injuries?
You can make the same argument for Marty St. Louis in past seasons, or Zach Parise or David Kreji,(or two playoffs back for Anze Kopitar).
No one can ensure you best players are healthy.
Goal scorers are a bit more difficult to replace no matter what their Cap hit, of past injury history.

I really understand how you are looking at it…you feel Sharp didn’t come through enough this last dance and you think you know there was a hidden injury that going to continue to plague him.

I am not in love with any hawk player - those years where I was so connected and naive to the business aspect, I thought people where crazy to suggest many of my Hawk favorites in the past should get traded. Not anymore - I understand things differently now.

And the eventual resigning of rostered players and the kick in of the Toews-Kane deals does mean there will eventually be subtractions and Sharp may very well be the way they decide to go in a year.
I think they will want to feel comfortable that they have his goal totals covered.

Some will pay for him, despite your china doll image of him.
Because he is a sniper.

And it will come where the return fills a vacancy that might happen when they trade another rostered guy. You gotta take some Cap back these days, unless you are at the Draft table and find some team SO desperate for an established scorer, that they actually GIVE you a draft pick in an area where you are pretty much guaranteed a prospect who, long term, helps you.

Off my chest now, but all you guys, your posts were just too negative and the argument is silly in many parts.

Subtle cheap shots?

That's funny.
- carcus

Funny how?

He's king of the "one last shot" in the back as the play moves away, and borderline late hits. No one play is particularly egregious, but the cumulative effect = dirty player. It's the kind of plays where if it happened once in a while you'd say it was just a hockey play and his timing was just a little off, but when it happens virtually every shift, it makes you hope for someone to scramble his brains.

Funny how?

He's king of the "one last shot" in the back as the play moves away, and borderline late hits. No one play is particularly egregious, but the cumulative effect = dirty player. It's the kind of plays where if it happened once in a while you'd say it was just a hockey play and his timing was just a little off, but when it happens virtually every shift, it makes you hope for someone to scramble his brains.
- Ogilthorpe2

I have to agree that when I am watching the Blues vs. anyone and the Blues don't have the lead, Backes goes to work in the shadows.

I love when the games he is in and it is zero - zero, or tied and he brings his robust style on the attack. I just don't enjoy his work that seems "after the play move on" or seems targeted and is way past the whistle.

(I just came back to edit this because I just read Ogi chimed in with similar thoughts-yeah and what he said is true, in that ...There are players you see doing this as "the way they play" you know like Hartnell?)

Don't get me wrong. At the right Cap hit he fits on the good ship Blackhawk.

Funny how?

He's king of the "one last shot" in the back as the play moves away, and borderline late hits. No one play is particularly egregious, but the cumulative effect = dirty player. It's the kind of plays where if it happened once in a while you'd say it was just a hockey play and his timing was just a little off, but when it happens virtually every shift, it makes you hope for someone to scramble his brains.
- Ogilthorpe2

Absolutely right. Backes seems to never pass up a chance to shove or pop someone in the back. He also loves to come in late to net front scrums and blind side people. Classless. Doesn't seem so bad on the Blues because they have so many others who do it. Maybe that is why it is called less as well.

Eklund's latest has the Islanders talking to the Hawks about Leddy. Thought they didn't need him?

Leddy for Martin and a pick please (would help the cap).... That or Leddy and a pick for Neilsen (that doesn't solve the cap issue though).

Absolutely right. Backes seems to never pass up a chance to shove or pop someone in the back. He also loves to come in late to net front scrums and blind side people. Classless. Doesn't seem so bad on the Blues because they have so many others who do it. Maybe that is why it is called less as well.

Eklund's latest has the Islanders talking to the Hawks about Leddy. Thought they didn't need him?

Leddy for Martin and a pick please (would help the cap).... That or Leddy and a pick for Neilsen (that doesn't solve the cap issue though).
- tredbrta

A guy I keep bringing up is Anders Lee. Saw a lot of him on tv with Notre Dame. Has great size and has really good hands in tight. Loves to be near the front of the net. I think he is ready for the NHL

Put this batting practice garbage away. This discussion has been had to death already. Are you one of the people who said Jay Cutler wasn't hurt because he was walking down stairs too? If he can PLAY HOCKEY with an injury, he can swing a baseball bat.





Ok, ok I heard Ogi say he sucked, and we all assume there was "something" that slowed his play...or that he sucked.
He took sixty shots and 8% pct.
Scored 5 goals in 19 games and they lost in oT in the 7th game by a goal off Leddy turning and it going in.

One volley, one shot, and whether it is a warning shot or a hit, Sandus,I hope you come to grips the reality involve with Patrick Sharp instead of continuing the china doll (damage is damage) argument.

I totally understand the Cap will increase by five million next season. That is a REAL projection not by just me but my most who are not simply main stream media types whose opinions, trade rumors, and player hypes, but grounded hockey freaks.
Patrick Sharp has scored 25 goals in every season in the last six but one when he played 28 games.
There are only about FIFTY players in the NHL who score 25 goals in a season.
Some are one-way guys, some are smaller sized, some benefit from linemates, and are more complete players.
Some are goal scorers, snipers in the true sense of the way the can let it fly.
Last time I looked, Sharp was in the top ten goal scorers.

If the plan is to challenge for a Cup in 2015, you want that scoring.

You don’t consider Patrick Sharp is some damaged player, especially after playing all 82 regular season games.
It is ridiculous to equate injuries that might happen or tag him with label or a guy who can’t bring it fully in the playoffs. He has 37 goals to attest to that.

The scenario you have concocted only has viability if you have access to the Blackhawk medical records that say that Sharp and his injuries are such that they will be continual regular problems. If that is the case, I think the Hawks would strategically find a way to move his contract after this run.

The most ridiculous part of this type argument is when you attempt to apply it around the league.

Is Sydney Crosby leaving because of playoff meltdowns and playoff injuries?
You can make the same argument for Marty St. Louis in past seasons, or Zach Parise or David Kreji,(or two playoffs back for Anze Kopitar).
No one can ensure you best players are healthy.
Goal scorers are a bit more difficult to replace no matter what their Cap hit, of past injury history.

I really understand how you are looking at it…you feel Sharp didn’t come through enough this last dance and you think you know there was a hidden injury that going to continue to plague him.

I am not in love with any hawk player - those years where I was so connected and naive to the business aspect, I thought people where crazy to suggest many of my Hawk favorites in the past should get traded. Not anymore - I understand things differently now.

And the eventual resigning of rostered players and the kick in of the Toews-Kane deals does mean there will eventually be subtractions and Sharp may very well be the way they decide to go in a year.
I think they will want to feel comfortable that they have his goal totals covered.

Some will pay for him, despite your china doll image of him.
Because he is a sniper.

And it will come where the return fills a vacancy that might happen when they trade another rostered guy. You gotta take some Cap back these days, unless you are at the Draft table and find some team SO desperate for an established scorer, that they actually GIVE you a draft pick in an area where you are pretty much guaranteed a prospect who, long term, helps you.

Off my chest now, but all you guys, your posts were just too negative and the argument is silly in many parts.
- wiz1901

For what it's worth, I don't know if Sharp was injured or not. My argument was simply that taking BP with the Cubs was not a positive indicator that he wasn't injured. Whether he was or wasn't hurt, I still don't believe you give up on him. In my hockey world, Patrick Sharp, diminished or not, is still more valuable than the cap space you get from moving him.

Absolutely right. Backes seems to never pass up a chance to shove or pop someone in the back. He also loves to come in late to net front scrums and blind side people. Classless. Doesn't seem so bad on the Blues because they have so many others who do it. Maybe that is why it is called less as well.

Eklund's latest has the Islanders talking to the Hawks about Leddy. Thought they didn't need him?

Leddy for Martin and a pick please (would help the cap).... That or Leddy and a pick for Neilsen (that doesn't solve the cap issue though).
- tredbrta

Leddy for Martin would be so great.

Wiz/Ogi

Backes seems very similar to Dustin Brown to me though Dustin seems to have some more outwardly "bad" hits with knees and the like but I tend to see them as very similar styles in a lot of regards.

Leddy for Martin would be so great.
- mrpaulish

Overpayment for Martin.

Honestly the islanders have to be looking for picks back after some brutal trades the last year

I wonder if the isles would do leddy and a first for someone like strome/nelson/Nielsen

They have centers to spare

If we could pull that off, I think we look for cap space in the form of waiving guys like rozsival and versteeg

Honestly the islanders have to be looking for picks back after some brutal trades the last year

I wonder if the isles would do leddy and a first for someone like strome/nelson/Nielsen

They have centers to spare

If we could pull that off, I think we look for cap space in the form of waiving guys like rozsival and versteeg
- FourFeathers773

And before anyone says that's an overpayment, remember, we don't have much leverage here

We have to sweeten the pot more to either get a quality player back or a very good prospect

IMO leddy and a first for strome would be ideal if snow gaffes

Leddy and a first for neilsen is worth it because he's another legit 2c option

Leddy and a first for nelson is worth it because he is another really good Young center talent that played well at the NHL level on a bad team

Also have to consider we need to over pay for players that will be cheap for the next couple years for our roster flexibility

Also, consider that any first round pick of ours comes in the form of a late late first rounder (hopefully)

Cup window is now as much as ever and it's a shame to covet picks too much when you can improve cup chances immediately just for one prospect that won't see NHL action for years, if ever

For what it's worth, I don't know if Sharp was injured or not. My argument was simply that taking BP with the Cubs was not a positive indicator that he wasn't injured. Whether he was or wasn't hurt, I still don't believe you give up on him. In my hockey world, Patrick Sharp, diminished or not, is still more valuable than the cap space you get from moving him.
- Sandus

Given that somebody (some bodies) has to go, you can't just look at one of the potentials in isolation and say,"can't move him".

You have to look at all of the options, all of the potential returns and cap benefits, and pick the option that makes the Hawks "best possible team this year".

Honestly the islanders have to be looking for picks back after some brutal trades the last year

I wonder if the isles would do leddy and a first for someone like strome/nelson/Nielsen

They have centers to spare

If we could pull that off, I think we look for cap space in the form of waiving guys like rozsival and versteeg
- FourFeathers773

I don't think waiving a player (unless someone picks him up) does that much good: isn't it that you have to retain anything above $900,000 against your cap if he clears waivers?

I don't think waiving a player (unless someone picks him up) does that much good: isn't it that you have to retain anything above $900,000 against your cap if he clears waivers?
- StLBravesFan

Well put it this way:

Move leddy -2.7 mil
Add one of nelson/strome +900k

Waive versteeg, -900k (if he clears) (full hit if claimed)

At the end of the day you are clearing anywhere from 2.7 to 4 mil depending on the waiver outcome

Then I would keep TT in minors and call up dahlbeck or someone for the extra d spot

Funny how?

He's king of the "one last shot" in the back as the play moves away, and borderline late hits. No one play is particularly egregious, but the cumulative effect = dirty player. It's the kind of plays where if it happened once in a while you'd say it was just a hockey play and his timing was just a little off, but when it happens virtually every shift, it makes you hope for someone to scramble his brains.
- Ogilthorpe2

I don't agree.

And to the bolded, nope. You should never hope for that. NEVER.

I don't agree.

And to the bolded, nope. You should never hope for that. NEVER.



- carcus

Of course you don't agree, he's your captain

But the fact of the matter is backes has a douchebag reputation across the league

Much like Perry, getzlaf, brown, lucic, and clowe do

Of course you don't agree, he's your captain

But the fact of the matter is backes has a douchebag reputation across the league

Much like Perry, getzlaf, brown, lucic, and clowe do
- FourFeathers773

Ok. So Backes is dirty in the shadows.

Shadows that everyone sees, so everyone knows he is a douche. So not in the shadows since everyone sees them.

Overpayment for Martin.
- wiz1901

Maybe its Martin and a pick then . The Hawks bottom 6 becomes more legit and Salary is shed .

WOuld be fine by me !

Ok. So Backes is dirty in the shadows.

Shadows that everyone sees, so everyone knows he is a douche. So not in the shadows since everyone sees them.


- carcus

Problem is, the league puts up with douchebaggery, so douchebags will be douchebags: late hits, hits behind the play, hits after whistles - these get called once in a blue moon - skaters who want to stretch the rules can easily do so, which begs for retaliation, which creates the desire to have someone scramble their brains - which will happen, to the cheers of the multitudes.

Which, of course, doesn't stop the douchebaggery of the douchebags.

Ok. So Backes is dirty in the shadows.

Shadows that everyone sees, so everyone knows he is a douche. So not in the shadows since everyone sees them.


- carcus

The camera may not always capture it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Ok. So Backes is dirty in the shadows.

Shadows that everyone sees, so everyone knows he is a douche. So not in the shadows since everyone sees them.


- carcus

Well you're applying a quote to me that I didn't say

But backes does scumbag tactics after the whistle and away from the play routinely. Hacks at the back of the knees, cross checks to the neck and lower back, gloved punches to the face, etc

Maybe its Martin and a pick then . The Hawks bottom 6 becomes more legit and Salary is shed .

WOuld be fine by me !
- mrpaulish

Oh man. Pleassseeeee let this happen. Leddy for anything is a win.

The camera may not always capture it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.
- Ogilthorpe2

Why are you arguing with a Blues fan? They will never acknowledge the truth.