Throw in a first and okposo and you have a deal
- Seacon33

Ok but then you'll have to throw in Toews and a jacket made out of Bobby Hull's leather skin.

This is Q bashing on how he utilizes the roster sometimes. It was crapping on Q via Bollig's sorry a$s
- FourFeathers773

I'm curious to see how the PP turns out under Dineen...

And what does this say about Q????????????

Just so tired of the Q defenders, why is it when someone pops up with valid comments that Q is seemingly beyond reproach.

And before any of the usual gang pop up here with the "well, since you want Q dismissed" bs, "who would you rather have as our coach" -- I would say we have every right to question Q on these things. We all know it won't change a single thing because Q is going to do whatever he wants and unless/until Stanley or John McD or Rocky deem that Q should move on, things will be more of the same.

Same reason we can question why Rozsival was trotted out even though it was plain to see he had nothing left to give this club. And was living on his contributions from 2013 (thank you Michal). Just like Zus.

We have seen this before with Q and we will obviously see it again and again.
- savvyone-1

Most of the "usual gang" don't hang here anymore...so spew away.

Nooo, tank you.

You can have Matt Martin if you want. I saw a Hawks fan saying how much he'd love him once.
- eichiefs9

I also heard you guys need a top 4 Dman... gotta give to get.

Most of the "usual gang" don't hang here anymore...so spew away.
- Ogilthorpe2

Certainly don't hate Q but really have to question the guy's decision making for certain things. This will be fun -- and should boil the water a bit:

Bollig.
Versteeg (both versions).
Rozsival 2014. Handzus 2014.
Keith on 1st unit PP.
Sharp on 1st unit PP point.
5 on 3 PP strategy.
ANY Chicago D engaging opponents in front of Crawford.
Not using Bickell's big 6'4" 230 lb ass in front of opposing tenders on PP.
Drop passes in place of crisp passing for PP entry.
Collapsing on your tender during the PK.
No aggressive forecheck and chase on PK.

I think this is a good start. Should be fun and entertaining conversation.
I've got more . . .

Certainly don't hate Q but really have to question the guy's decision making for certain things. This will be fun -- and should boil the water a bit:

Bollig.
Versteeg (both versions).
Rozsival 2014. Handzus 2014.
Keith on 1st unit PP.
Sharp on 1st unit PP point.
5 on 3 PP strategy.
ANY Chicago D engaging opponents in front of Crawford.
Not using Bickell's big 6'4" 230 lb ass in front of opposing tenders on PP.
Drop passes in place of crisp passing for PP entry.
Collapsing on your tender during the PK.
No aggressive forecheck and chase on PK.

I think this is a good start. Should be fun and entertaining conversation.
I've got more . . .


- savvyone-1

I'll play Devil's advocate and how Q would respond to this message:

Bollig. 2 Stanley Cups
Versteeg (both versions). That's the GM, not Q
Rozsival 2014. Handzus 2014. That's the GM, not Q
Keith on 1st unit PP. 2 Stanley Cups
Sharp on 1st unit PP point. 2 Stanley Cups
5 on 3 PP strategy. 2 Stanley Cups
ANY Chicago D engaging opponents in front of Crawford. 2 Stanley Cups
Not using Bickell's big 6'4" 230 lb ass in front of opposing tenders on PP. 2 Stanley Cups
Drop passes in place of crisp passing for PP entry. 2 Stanley Cups
Collapsing on your tender during the PK. 2 Stanley Cups
No aggressive forecheck and chase on PK. 2 Stanley Cups

I also heard you guys need a top 4 Dman... gotta give to get.
- TyCamScore

Need? No. But it would be great to get one. Another defenseman isn't carrying this team to the Cup.

If I'm giving up Lee I'd rather ship him to Boston for Boychuk.

- eichiefs9

Man what happened to him? He looks like the "after" pic in those "don't do meth psa's"

I'll play Devil's advocate and how Q would respond to this message:

Bollig. 2 Stanley Cups
Versteeg (both versions). That's the GM, not Q
Rozsival 2014. Handzus 2014. That's the GM, not Q
Keith on 1st unit PP. 2 Stanley Cups
Sharp on 1st unit PP point. 2 Stanley Cups
5 on 3 PP strategy. 2 Stanley Cups
ANY Chicago D engaging opponents in front of Crawford. 2 Stanley Cups
Not using Bickell's big 6'4" 230 lb ass in front of opposing tenders on PP. 2 Stanley Cups
Drop passes in place of crisp passing for PP entry. 2 Stanley Cups
Collapsing on your tender during the PK. 2 Stanley Cups
No aggressive forecheck and chase on PK. 2 Stanley Cups
- TyCamScore

Touche Ty.

However, don't you wonder -- like I have -- if Q would have addressed ANY of these differently, if we'd be talking about 3 CUPS? or 4?

Touche Ty.

However, don't you wonder -- like I have -- if Q would have addressed ANY of these differently, if we'd be talking about 3 CUPS? or 4?
- savvyone-1

Honestly, replacing Bollig with someone like Morin or Regin could have easily been the difference between winning the cup last year or not

Those guys actually impacted play on offense and who knows, they could have contributed an extra goal here or there. Certainly wasnt getting any benefit from Bollig playing 4 minutes of mindless minutes a night vs LAK

Man what happened to him? He looks like the "after" pic in those "don't do meth psa's"
- Tweek

I have no idea what he's up to these days. All I know is that I'll never see him in an Islanders jersey ever again and that's a nice feeling.

I'm curious to see how the PP turns out under Dineen...
- EKolb13

History suggests Dineen will adapt if he needs to. That's assuming he has free reign and no marching orders. A couple of blogs ago I suggested Dineen might be the next head coach. Not likely, but if the team struggles there's a small chance it will be before Q's contract is up. Not saying it should be, just a possibility.

Also, is the ref planning a Hogs game yet?

Touche Ty.

However, don't you wonder -- like I have -- if Q would have addressed ANY of these differently, if we'd be talking about 3 CUPS? or 4?
- savvyone-1

Maybe - I guess we'll never know. I think it's easy to focus on the bad (and sometimes minor) issues too. Bollig is a MINOR issue. A 12th forward on your team is not going to make or break your season.

How about some things that he did that WON them cups? Buf on top line... Bickell on top line, playing an unproven goalie in Niemi, making needed adjustments and benching guys at the right time (ie. Brouwer in 2010), pairing a former scoring winger on the PK, Frolik with Kruger to form an elite unit. Oh and how about the fact that the players LOVE him for letting them rest with probably more extra days off than any other team in the league.

I'm by no means the biggest Q fan but I think he's done a good job and their could have been worse moves made. Just love how everyone likes to highlight his miscues but rarely focuses on some truly great things he's done.

Just like providing a different POV.

Certainly don't hate Q but really have to question the guy's decision making for certain things. This will be fun -- and should boil the water a bit:

Bollig.
Versteeg (both versions).
Rozsival 2014. Handzus 2014.
Keith on 1st unit PP.
Sharp on 1st unit PP point.
5 on 3 PP strategy.
ANY Chicago D engaging opponents in front of Crawford.
Not using Bickell's big 6'4" 230 lb ass in front of opposing tenders on PP.
Drop passes in place of crisp passing for PP entry.
Collapsing on your tender during the PK.
No aggressive forecheck and chase on PK.

I think this is a good start. Should be fun and entertaining conversation.
I've got more . . .


- savvyone-1

The personnel decisions are mainly Bowman's. I'm sure Q has input but resigning Bolig for 3 years at 1.325 and then watching Q chain him to the bench proves to me that Q didn't trust him, so Bowman jettisoned him to Calgary.

Same with Rozsival and Handzus. Bowman milked those 2. Handzus blew up in his face. Rozsival will blow up in his face this year if he's a regular in the lineup.

Versteeg....I have no issues here. Low risk, high reward. Does he make some bone headed plays? Of course he does...but he can be a very important guy for depth scoring. Something some other guys around here that are worshipped do NOT do.


PP...no argument. Hopefully that is fixed. Keith racks up the points, but I rarely see him create anything on the point. Most of his points are due to passing down and then Kane or Toews creates, or somebody knocks in one of his shots that are either blocked or air-mailed wide.

PK....this philosophy drives me bat $hit crazy. They try and block passing lanes and allow probably a league high back door tap ins because everyone is trying to block a shot. Meanwhile a guy is parked in Crawford and left uncontested.

Bickell......I'm on Bollus countdown 2 with this goof. Until he actually shows up in the regular season, I can't wait until this team develops his replacement. Arguably the laziest player they have on this team. Nobody peels off more checks in the regular season then Bickell. Nobody.

Maybe - I guess we'll never know. I think it's easy to focus on the bad (and sometimes minor) issues too. Bollig is a MINOR issue. A 12th forward on your team is not going to make or break your season.

How about some things that he did that WON them cups? Buf on top line... Bickell on top line, playing an unproven goalie in Niemi, making needed adjustments and benching guys at the right time (ie. Brouwer in 2010), pairing a former scoring winger on the PK, Frolik with Kruger to form an elite unit. Oh and how about the fact that the players LOVE him for letting them rest with probably more extra days off than any other team in the league.

I'm by no means the biggest Q fan but I think he's done a good job and their could have been worse moves made. Just love how everyone likes to highlight his miscues but rarely focuses on some truly great things he's done.

Just like providing a different POV.
- TyCamScore

Last time I checked, fourth line won us the cup vs Boston...

Third and fourth lines are the difference between the teams that win the cup and teams that lose the cup

History suggests Dineen will adapt if he needs to. That's assuming he has free reign and no marching orders. A couple of blogs ago I suggested Dineen might be the next head coach. Not likely, but if the team struggles there's a small chance it will be before Q's contract is up. Not saying it should be, just a possibility.

Also, is the ref planning a Hogs game yet?
- 6628

That's what I'm curious about. If Dineen isn't given free reign and marching orders, does anything change?

Maybe - I guess we'll never know. I think it's easy to focus on the bad (and sometimes minor) issues too. Bollig is a MINOR issue. A 12th forward on your team is not going to make or break your season.

How about some things that he did that WON them cups? Buf on top line... Bickell on top line, playing an unproven goalie in Niemi, making needed adjustments and benching guys at the right time (ie. Brouwer in 2010), pairing a former scoring winger on the PK, Frolik with Kruger to form an elite unit. Oh and how about the fact that the players LOVE him for letting them rest with probably more extra days off than any other team in the league.

I'm by no means the biggest Q fan but I think he's done a good job and their could have been worse moves made. Just love how everyone likes to highlight his miscues but rarely focuses on some truly great things he's done.

Just like providing a different POV.
- TyCamScore

To an extent I agree. The biggest thing about Frolik is that he BOUGHT into his role about a depth guy. That helped out tremendously.

That's what I'm curious about. If Dineen isn't given free reign and marching orders, does anything change?
- EKolb13

Truthfully.....I'd rather have an elite PK. This team will score. I know PP is important, but they are going to need a top PK to help out CC and possibly a rookie in the lineup.

With all their talent, they should have a top 5 PP just by showing up. I think Savvyone brings up valid points on the point men. Keith SHOULD not be on the point on pp 1. Seabrook should be. Nobody is afraid to step in front of Keith's shot.

Truthfully.....I'd rather have an elite PK. This team will score. I know PP is important, but they are going to need a top PK to help out CC and possibly a rookie in the lineup.

With all their talent, they should have a top 5 PP just by showing up. I think Savvyone brings up valid points on the point men. Keith SHOULD not be on the point on pp 1. Seabrook should be. Nobody is afraid to step in front of Keith's shot.
- SteveRain

Shinpads all across the league are scared though. Keith shows no mercy

Shinpads all across the league are scared though. Keith shows no mercy
- FourFeathers773

No joke...last year I saw him airmail one right into the protective netting on the fly. Not even partially blocked.

Great defender.....below average offensive d man.

I know, I know....2 Norris trophies...but again, show me the highlights of him creating chances himself. I rarely see it.

The personnel decisions are mainly Bowman's. I'm sure Q has input but resigning Bolig for 3 years at 1.325 and then watching Q chain him to the bench proves to me that Q didn't trust him, so Bowman jettisoned him to Calgary.

Same with Rozsival and Handzus. Bowman milked those 2. Handzus blew up in his face. Rozsival will blow up in his face this year if he's a regular in the lineup.

Versteeg....I have no issues here. Low risk, high reward. Does he make some bone headed plays? Of course he does...but he can be a very important guy for depth scoring. Something some other guys around here that are worshipped do NOT do.


PP...no argument. Hopefully that is fixed. Keith racks up the points, but I rarely see him create anything on the point. Most of his points are due to passing down and then Kane or Toews creates, or somebody knocks in one of his shots that are either blocked or air-mailed wide.

PK....this philosophy drives me bat $hit crazy. They try and block passing lanes and allow probably a league high back door tap ins because everyone is trying to block a shot. Meanwhile a guy is parked in Crawford and left uncontested.

Bickell......I'm on Bollus countdown 2 with this goof. Until he actually shows up in the regular season, I can't wait until this team develops his replacement. Arguably the laziest player they have on this team. Nobody peels off more checks in the regular season then Bickell. Nobody.
- SteveRain

The only thing I disagree with you on here is Versteeg. I guess you could say that at $2.2 mil he is low risk, but I would counter that with someone like Morin, McNeill, Hartmann, Danault, Carey, etc. who on entry level deals are all <$1mil in cap space and carry the same low risk.

If Q's main beef with players is being positionally sound and defensively responsible then Versteeg has to be at the bottom of anyone's list. Is his offensive side greater? Possibly, but not enough to offset the defensive liabilities. I would Posit that Morin may have a greater offensive upside than Versteeg and Maybe Mcniel as well.

Last time I checked, fourth line won us the cup vs Boston...

Third and fourth lines are the difference between the teams that win the cup and teams that lose the cup
- FourFeathers773

The problem with last year's team IMO was that there was two or three players that could be counted as the "12th" forward on the roster.

Truthfully.....I'd rather have an elite PK. This team will score. I know PP is important, but they are going to need a top PK to help out CC and possibly a rookie in the lineup.

With all their talent, they should have a top 5 PP just by showing up. I think Savvyone brings up valid points on the point men. Keith SHOULD not be on the point on pp 1. Seabrook should be. Nobody is afraid to step in front of Keith's shot.
- SteveRain

I'd rather have an elite PK too. I don't think it's too much to ask to have that and a PP that's in the top 15 of the league.

The only thing I disagree with you on here is Versteeg. I guess you could say that at $2.2 mil he is low risk, but I would counter that with someone like Morin, McNeill, Hartmann, Danault, Carey, etc. who on entry level deals are all <$1mil in cap space and carry the same low risk.

If Q's main beef with players is being positionally sound and defensively responsible then Versteeg has to be at the bottom of anyone's list. Is his offensive side greater? Possibly, but not enough to offset the defensive liabilities. I would Posit that Morin may have a greater offensive upside than Versteeg and Maybe Mcniel as well.
- TheTrob

You could make an argument that Morin would be the same level of risk as Versteeg, but not the others. One day these guys may be solid NHLers but at this points only Carey has played in the NHL and that was a couple courtesy games at the end of last season. Versteeg has a poor 2nd half of the season, but previous to that he's had a very good NHL career.

So which is the bigger risk: An NHL caliber player who slumped (badly I will concede) last year or a guy who's never played in the NHL?

I'd rather have an elite PK too. I don't think it's too much to ask to have that and a PP that's in the top 15 of the league.
- EKolb13

They have more than enough talent to have both. Philosophies on both have to change. A few years ago when the PK was near the top they were much more aggressive in pressuring the puck and the points. Now they are passive and wait in the lanes. On the PP they have way too much offensive talent to be as un-creative as they are. Move some guys around, skate to open areas, force the opponent to move. It's fine to give the puck to Kane on the half-board, but move some guys around and let him use his elite passing skills to find the open one.

How much was coming from Q and what was coming from Havilland, Torchetti, Kompon?