Jeebus, all the talk about trading a steady, star goaltender for a rare mediocre game followed by an even rarer bad game ... with a guy who has yet to have 20 NHL games under his belt and gets far more D protection that Crawford could ever dream of getting ...

Your goalie is the single most important player on the team. This is by far not the team that used to average 20-25 opponents' shots per game, and even then got killed by the likes of Turco.

Unfortunately, Bowman does tend to think that way, and I wouldn't be shocked if he tried to shop CC to Buffalo for Eichel, or barring that to Toronto or Philly to try and pick up a center in the draft. INE, I see no reason to promote such lunacy.
- Q...argh

Q judging by the way players are traded here there is something to the cosmic allignment

Crawford seems to fall into these funks of self confidence. His body language is awful, and he just looks like a beaten man.

For the record, if you could get Eichel, Toronto or Phillys pick for Crawford, you do it in a heartbeat, the lunacy would be to not make those trades.

No way any NHL GM would make that trade with the Hawks.
- vabeachbear

The lunacy it would be for any of those teams to make that deal.

Toronto and Philly are both set in goal BTW and Buffalo needs a star...

Edmonton, SJS are two teams that have huge gaping holes in that position.

Really not a lot of teams have a number one goalie need AND no way Crawford fetches that type of return unless part of some giant blockbuster package.

The lunacy it would be for any of those teams to make that deal.

Toronto and Philly are both set in goal BTW and Buffalo needs a star...

Edmonton, SJS are two teams that have huge gaping holes in that position.

Really not a lot of teams have a number one goalie need AND no way Crawford fetches that type of return unless part of some giant blockbuster package.
- fattybeef

I think right now people are just in the reactionary phase. Everyone jumps to a different conclusion after 1-2 games and remove the previous 60 from consideration. Crow was a stud for this team down the stretch and most of the season. They will need him to find that form again if they have any long run aspirations.

Jeebus, all the talk about trading a steady, star goaltender for a rare mediocre game followed by an even rarer bad game ... with a guy who has yet to have 20 NHL games under his belt and gets far more D protection that Crawford could ever dream of getting ...

Your goalie is the single most important player on the team. This is by far not the team that used to average 20-25 opponents' shots per game, and even then got killed by the likes of Turco.

Unfortunately, Bowman does tend to think that way, and I wouldn't be shocked if he tried to shop CC to Buffalo for Eichel, or barring that to Toronto or Philly to try and pick up a center in the draft. INE, I see no reason to promote such lunacy.
- Q...argh

Ummm, no, I mean sure to a degree, but Crawford bollocksed up a lot of stuff on his own on the way to 9 goals in 4 periods.

I think right now people are just in the reactionary phase. Everyone jumps to a different conclusion after 1-2 games and remove the previous 60 from consideration. Crow was a stud for this team down the stretch and most of the season. They will need him to find that form again if they have any long run aspirations.
- Dinger0987

If the hawks deal Crawford to Edmonton or Buffalo after the season it will be because of the $5.5 million in cap savings with Darling, and they think Darling is good enough to be the #1.

Crawford, in all likelihood, will play and play well again in these playoffs.

But again, I think the issue is not how they feel about him but rather economics and how they feel about Darling (in June). Also Stanley might want to recoup some 2015 picks.

Jeebus, all the talk about trading a steady, star goaltender for a rare mediocre game followed by an even rarer bad game ... with a guy who has yet to have 20 NHL games under his belt and gets far more D protection that Crawford could ever dream of getting ...

Your goalie is the single most important player on the team. This is by far not the team that used to average 20-25 opponents' shots per game, and even then got killed by the likes of Turco.

Unfortunately, Bowman does tend to think that way, and I wouldn't be shocked if he tried to shop CC to Buffalo for Eichel, or barring that to Toronto or Philly to try and pick up a center in the draft. INE, I see no reason to promote such lunacy.
- Q...argh

Didn't you use to hate Crawford and blame every loss on him?

If the hawks deal Crawford to Edmonton or Buffalo after the season it will be because of the $5.5 million in cap savings with Darling, and they think Darling is good enough to be the #1.

Crawford, in all likelihood, will play and play well again in these playoffs.

But again, I think the issue is not how they feel about him but rather economics and how they feel about Darling (in June). Also Stanley might want to recoup some 2015 picks.
- John Jaeckel

I do think the future decisions are clearly financially driven, I was more commenting on how the Crawford debate has been reignited due to the recent games.

I didn't watch the games but the shot total didn't seem too great. Not sure allowing +35 every night is sustainable, no matter who they have in goal.
- fattybeef

They did not have the High quality shots as the other night . And HAWKS had more scoring chances .

Jeebus, all the talk about trading a steady, star goaltender for a rare mediocre game followed by an even rarer bad game ... with a guy who has yet to have 20 NHL games under his belt and gets far more D protection that Crawford could ever dream of getting ...

Your goalie is the single most important player on the team. This is by far not the team that used to average 20-25 opponents' shots per game, and even then got killed by the likes of Turco.

Unfortunately, Bowman does tend to think that way, and I wouldn't be shocked if he tried to shop CC to Buffalo for Eichel, or barring that to Toronto or Philly to try and pick up a center in the draft. INE, I see no reason to promote such lunacy.
- Q...argh

If Stan Bowman could convince Buffalo to trade the #2 pick for Corey Crawford, statues should be erected in his honor at every intersection. And I like Corey Crawford.

If Stan Bowman could convince Buffalo to trade the #2 pick for Corey Crawford, statues should be erected in his honor at every intersection. And I like Corey Crawford.
- BreakoutHockey

The only way CC is traded for the #2 pick is if Kane in included in a larger deal.

Not gonna happen.

The only way CC is traded for the #2 pick is if Kane in included in a larger deal.

Not gonna happen.
- ArlingtonRob

That's exactly my point.

I think right now people are just in the reactionary phase. Everyone jumps to a different conclusion after 1-2 games and remove the previous 60 from consideration. Crow was a stud for this team down the stretch and most of the season. They will need him to find that form again if they have any long run aspirations.
- Dinger0987

It is a bit reactionary, but he does have a past that says he crumbles mentally at times during the playoffs.

He didn't in the recent past, but he looked bad in that first game in Nashville, and like a man with no self confidence in the second game in Nashville.

He also looks like a whipped puppy on the bench.

I know some are saying they'll need him during this playoffs and that he'll play again, I disagree. If Darling continues to play this way, CC will never see the ice again, and I mean forever.

In case anyone was interested...

Blackhawks’ now-standard post-victory locker-room song — Matoma’s remix of Notorious B.I.G.’s “Old Thing Back”

It is a bit reactionary, but he does have a past that says he crumbles mentally at times during the playoffs.

He didn't in the recent past, but he looked bad in that first game in Nashville, and like a man with no self confidence in the second game in Nashville.

He also looks like a whipped puppy on the bench.

I know some are saying they'll need him during this playoffs and that he'll play again, I disagree. If Darling continues to play this way, CC will never see the ice again, and I mean forever.
- vabeachbear

This seems like it will be a fluid situation to me. I think Q will ride the hot hand. Agree totally that it's Darling's net right now. The interesting part will be if he has a blow up game. I would be shocked to not see Crawford the following game.

Didn't you use to hate Crawford and blame every loss on him?
- BearsnHawks

Me? Never. I always said he was underrated. The only goalies we've had problems with causing losses (IMO) since 09-10 were Turco and Khabi.

This seems like it will be a fluid situation to me. I think Q will ride the hot hand. Agree totally that it's Darling's net right now. The interesting part will be if he has a blow up game. I would be shocked to not see Crawford the following game.
- Dinger0987

Oh I think if Darling has a game like Crawford has had, Q will pull him. My point was that if Darling continues to play well, he keeps the net, and because of Crawford's contract, I think CC would be traded over the summer.

A steady Darling, and as JJ pointed out a 5.5 mil cap saving would be a huge benefit for the Hawks.

Think of it as their ability to resign Seabrook and Saad. You have to start to look at it this way, because they have to find dollars somewhere. You are going to lose Sharp and Bickell who are both playing better now, losing CC would amount to 16 mil in savings. You are going to have to lose a few guys, and I want Seabrook and Saad both back

It is a bit reactionary, but he does have a past that says he crumbles mentally at times during the playoffs.

He didn't in the recent past, but he looked bad in that first game in Nashville, and like a man with no self confidence in the second game in Nashville.

He also looks like a whipped puppy on the bench.

I know some are saying they'll need him during this playoffs and that he'll play again, I disagree. If Darling continues to play this way, CC will never see the ice again, and I mean forever.
- vabeachbear

Goalies are sort of not part of the rest of the team in a way; some are loners, some have suffered from long term loss of confidence, depression, alcoholism etc. Most of them have very unusual idiosyncrasies - Hasek, Belfour, Billy Smith, Sawchuk.

When CC goes cold he looks like a minor leaguer. But he has always come back and played well. Up to Waite and Q to decide when the right time is.

I love the story of Hasek chasing Rob Ray around the rink swinging his stick because he kept trying to score on him in practice.

Goalies are sort of not part of the rest of the team in a way; some are loners, some have suffered from long term loss of confidence, depression, alcoholism etc. Most of them have very unusual idiosyncrasies - Hasek, Belfour, Billy Smith, Sawchuk.

When CC goes cold he looks like a minor leaguer. But he has always come back and played well. Up to Waite and Q to decide when the right time is.

I love the story of Hasek chasing Rob Ray around the rink swinging his stick because he kept trying to score on him in practice.
- RickJ

That made me laugh

If the hawks deal Crawford to Edmonton or Buffalo after the season it will be because of the $5.5 million in cap savings with Darling, and they think Darling is good enough to be the #1.

Crawford, in all likelihood, will play and play well again in these playoffs.

But again, I think the issue is not how they feel about him but rather economics and how they feel about Darling (in June). Also Stanley might want to recoup some 2015 picks.
- John Jaeckel

I entirely agree, but I think it's the wrong place to look for cap savings. A good starter and a reliable backup are luxuries we haven't had for a long time ... why blow it?

Buh-bye Bickell (should some GM be insane enough to take his contract), Sharp and Versteeg as far as I'm concerned (and Sharp only due to his age and decline). We obviously can't afford to keep Oduya.

I left Edmonton out of my consideration since they will in no way consider trading that No. 1 for a goaltender no matter how badly they need one, and I don't see many of their "expendable" players who'd fit a Hawks need very well.

I left Edmonton out of my consideration since they will in no way consider trading that No. 1 for a goaltender no matter how badly they need one.
- Q...argh

Of course Edmonton isn't going to trade the number one overall pick. However, they do pick again at number 16.

Could MacT be enticed to move that pick?

>If the Hawks intend to win the Cup, they need to raise their game another two levels
>Way too many grey zone turnovers -- that needs to be cleaned up immediately
>Liked the puck movement speed the Preds had during some shifts -- would like to see the Hawks pick up their puck movement speed
>Overall faceoff stats don't matter as much as where and when faceoffs are won and lost -- Hawks lost too many Dzone draws too cleanly
>Ending this series in 5 games would be ideal, but the Hawks have yet to play to their level of capability
- SnapitUpstairs

I am not sure the level of capability from the Hawks can probably obtained this year. We are kidding ourselves if we think the current makeup of our team can move up two notches . ...hopefully one will do the trick.

I think Hossa knew he was off in Game 2 and like the champion/warrior he is came out yesterday and took over that game at times. His skates will hang in the hockey hall of fame one day.
- kwolf68

Definitely agree about Hossa. He was off for game 2..........But what a beast in game three.

Also whats up with Desjardin's? Scores an early goal and then goes the whole game without a check. The only other Hawk without a check was Kane. I guess the goal scorers have to stick together!

And i hate to give him props..But although he looks like he's skating in molasses, Those hits by Bickell have to be leaving a mark. Just makes it that much more infuriating that he won't bring that game for the regular season.

Hawks will be tough to beat if they can emulate game two.
But give the pred's credit for being a lot of fun to watch play. This series has been super fast paced hockey as it was meant to be played. And the Pred fans must be excited about their teams future. They have some very good youngsters gaining playoff experience.

Goalies are sort of not part of the rest of the team in a way; some are loners, some have suffered from long term loss of confidence, depression, alcoholism etc. Most of them have very unusual idiosyncrasies - Hasek, Belfour, Billy Smith, Sawchuk.

When CC goes cold he looks like a minor leaguer. But he has always come back and played well. Up to Waite and Q to decide when the right time is.

I love the story of Hasek chasing Rob Ray around the rink swinging his stick because he kept trying to score on him in practice.
- RickJ

How about Gump Worsley? Played without a mask, but wouldn't fly on planes.

Goalies are sort of not part of the rest of the team in a way; some are loners, some have suffered from long term loss of confidence, depression, alcoholism etc. Most of them have very unusual idiosyncrasies - Hasek, Belfour, Billy Smith, Sawchuk.

When CC goes cold he looks like a minor leaguer. But he has always come back and played well. Up to Waite and Q to decide when the right time is.

I love the story of Hasek chasing Rob Ray around the rink swinging his stick because he kept trying to score on him in practice.
- RickJ

I resemble those remarks.

I resemble those remarks.
- stljam

Agreed.