Haha, I had a giggle when I typed it. He was very effective against Kane in the finals though
- BlazinMike

What he did to Kane is the exact opposite of what other teams do. He attacked Kane instead of backing off allowing Kane to work his stickhandling magic. Kane had no clue how to deal with that. Every time Kane had the puck Hedman was in his face. Now that the NHL has seen this it will be interesting to see if anyone else tries it and if they can be as successful stopping Kane. However if Kane ever figures out to to ellude this coverage it could mean the player covering him could be way out of position.

I have to weigh in here.

First, in my opinion, had the Hawks taken Turris or JVR first overall in 2007, no, there would have been no Cup in 2010. Or very unlikely. However, who's to say who the Hawks might have taken with higher draft positions in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and what their impact might gave been on the club. You just can't say.

I believe with Toews, Hossa, Keith, Seabroiok, Byfuglien, Hjalmarsson, Ladd this team likely would have wopn at least one Cup in the last six years—because also bear in mind, KEEPING Kane has COST the Hawks players.

Second, keeping Kane might not be the best thing for the Hawks, as I keep saying here—you don't know what they would get back for him.

Third, blaming McDonough and marketing/branding is missing the larger point. Kane is now toxic. IFTHEY AT THIS POINT IGNORE YET ANOTHER SIGN OF A RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH KANE, AND THEN SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS, THE WHOLE TEAM WILL SUFFER.

The Hawks sold the building out for a pretty ling time BEFORE they won the 2010 Cup.

I think the team has to protect itself legally and financially. As does the league. As do sponsors (especially).

And a lot of fans don't want to cheer for a guy who is a complete jerk behind closed doors and a fraud publicly. Is he that? I can't prove it one way or the other except the amount of stories out there, and the alleged REAL story behind some of them, suggest it is at least an open question.

I think ALL Hawk fans want to win Cups. There is no law that says Patrick Kane must be on your team to win one.
- John Jaeckel

Great post JJ!

Keep saying if and until a hockey trade is actually made, you can't say the team will be worse til you see what you get. The trade may plug some holes and the cap space may allow them to fill others.

Agree on the McDonough stuff too. None of us have any idea if or how this may effect relationships with his teammates or the locker room culture.

What he did to Kane is the exact opposite of what other teams do. He attacked Kane instead of backing off allowing Kane to work his stickhandling magic. Kane had no clue how to deal with that. Every time Kane had the puck Hedman was in his face. Now that the NHL has seen this it will be interesting to see if anyone else tries it and if they can be as successful stopping Kane. However if Kane ever figures out to to ellude this coverage it could mean the player covering him could be way out of position.
- paulr

I'm sure the video review coaches would be all over it trying to find a hole in that defense. Kane, with the creativity he has, surely could find a way around it eventually I think.

Great post JJ!

Keep saying if and until a hockey trade is actually made, you can't say the team will be worse til you see what you get. The trade may plug some holes and the cap space may allow them to fill others.

Agree on the McDonough stuff too. None of us have any idea if or how this may effect relationships with his teammates or the locker room culture.
- HawkintheD

IF they were to trade Kane and gain some decent cap space, I just hope the Hawks would avoid using it via free agency. Its been straight garbage for a few years now

For timing and planning purposes, Ahmad Brooks of the 49ers was indicted on rape charges yesterday, which was 8 months after the December 2014 incident.

So if you have hope that Kane's situation is resolved quickly, good luck. 8 months would take it to April.

IF they were to trade Kane and gain some decent cap space, I just hope the Hawks would avoid using it via free agency. Its been straight garbage for a few years now
- BlazinMike

For the most part. Always some gems. Stralman for four more years at $4.5/yr is a great UFA sign by TBL. Also, the Hawks may be able to sign a vet on the cheap who thinks as composed they are still a legit Cup threat like Richards last year.

aye yi yi ... In the playoffs, Kane led the team in scoring, led the team in goals, led the team in PP points, tied for the team lead in even strength points and GWGs. I guess that isn't enough for some people.
- EbonyRaptor

15 players scored a goal in the 2015 play offs. In the playoffs, the Hawks scored 69 times, only 11 of those goals were Kane's. Also, 5 of those goals ether came in loosing efforts, or blow out wins (he had 2 in the 4-1 win over Minny, one of which was an empty net goal). He didn't lead the team in GWGs, he was tied with both Vermette and Keith. Keith, Vermette, Seabs, and Kruger also all had an overtime goal, Kane had 0. Toews also had more goals on the power play.

I'm not trying to discount what Kane did do, he did come in second in scoring throughout the playoffs (Johnson actually tied him in point totals, but has more goals, so I would give him the edge). But he was far from the MVP of the team. He did what he was supposed to do, but so did the 23 other guys who stepped out on the ice during the playoffs (well, except maybe the bottom 2 defensive pairing).

But the thing that makes this team dangerous is not Patrick Kane, it's the depth. When any of the 4 lines that come out can score, that's a really hard and dangerous team to play against. And if you look at the hawk teams that have won the last 3 cups, they were all very, very deep.

The only one player who I would say, with out a doubt, we don't win the cup without last year is Keith. In terms of importance, I would place all of the top 4 d-men above Kane.

I'm sure the video review coaches would be all over it trying to find a hole in that defense. Kane, with the creativity he has, surely could find a way around it eventually I think.
- BlazinMike

Plus Hedman is a very good d-man with exceptional reach. There aren't many d-men in the league who can play Kane as aggressively as Hedman does and get away with it. Plus, with Q's propensity to get last change match ups, at most it's a potential problem against a few top tier d-men in road games.

For timing and planning purposes, Ahmad Brooks of the 49ers was indicted on rape charges yesterday, which was 8 months after the December 2014 incident.

So if you have hope that Kane's situation is resolved quickly, good luck. 8 months would take it to April.
- scottak

Saw that earlier. Brooks was actually charged with sexual battery and MacDonald was charged with rape. I agree, not a good sign for PK. Even if there is anything to the SportsMockery rumors Kane could still be looking at waiting several months for a misdemeanor S.A. charge.

15 players scored a goal in the 2015 play offs. In the playoffs, the Hawks scored 69 times, only 11 of those goals were Kane's. Also, 5 of those goals ether came in loosing efforts, or blow out wins (he had 2 in the 4-1 win over Minny, one of which was an empty net goal). He didn't lead the team in GWGs, he was tied with both Vermette and Keith. Keith, Vermette, Seabs, and Kruger also all had an overtime goal, Kane had 0. Toews also had more goals on the power play.

I'm not trying to discount what Kane did do, he did come in second in scoring throughout the playoffs (Johnson actually tied him in point totals, but has more goals, so I would give him the edge). But he was far from the MVP of the team. He did what he was supposed to do, but so did the 23 other guys who stepped out on the ice during the playoffs (well, except maybe the bottom 2 defensive pairing).

But the thing that makes this team dangerous is not Patrick Kane, it's the depth. When any of the 4 lines that come out can score, that's a really hard and dangerous team to play against. And if you look at the hawk teams that have won the last 3 cups, they were all very, very deep.

The only one player who I would say, with out a doubt, we don't win the cup without last year is Keith. In terms of importance, I would place all of the top 4 d-men above Kane.
- Jance

Kinda sounds like it. Now ask yourself how teams defence the 'Hawks differently when Kane is NOT in the lineup. His presence on the ice 18-20 mins a game FORCES opposing coaches to adjust. It is THIS adjustment that makes Kane valuable, as does other key teammates.

I am fully waiting on the outcome, first ....

Good morning Blachawk Nation!

Good morning Blachawk Nation!







- Ogilthorpe2

New and improved "good Ogi" is getting old!

For timing and planning purposes, Ahmad Brooks of the 49ers was indicted on rape charges yesterday, which was 8 months after the December 2014 incident.

So if you have hope that Kane's situation is resolved quickly, good luck. 8 months would take it to April.
- scottak

Saw that last night. Was there mention of when the allegations were made though? Could this have been a new filing and it happened at a "decent" pace, but took the accuser some time to file it?

For the most part. Always some gems. Stralman for four more years at $4.5/yr is a great UFA sign by TBL. Also, the Hawks may be able to sign a vet on the cheap who thinks as composed they are still a legit Cup threat like Richards last year.
- HawkintheD

Stamkos, Lucic, and Kopitar are potential UFAs next offseason. Ideally, Kane goes for a fair return of cost controlled young talent and maybe that extra cap space brings in a secondary UFA like Stralman.

If Seabs doesn't sign then maybe Kane and Seabs bring back an infusion of cost controlled young players including d men and maybe they target Kopi or Stamkos if they are there. They were in on Suter and Parise so I could see them making that sort of move just for the PR splash.... spin it as putting the Kane era behind them.

15 players scored a goal in the 2015 play offs. In the playoffs, the Hawks scored 69 times, only 11 of those goals were Kane's. Also, 5 of those goals ether came in loosing efforts, or blow out wins (he had 2 in the 4-1 win over Minny, one of which was an empty net goal). He didn't lead the team in GWGs, he was tied with both Vermette and Keith. Keith, Vermette, Seabs, and Kruger also all had an overtime goal, Kane had 0. Toews also had more goals on the power play.

I'm not trying to discount what Kane did do, he did come in second in scoring throughout the playoffs (Johnson actually tied him in point totals, but has more goals, so I would give him the edge). But he was far from the MVP of the team. He did what he was supposed to do, but so did the 23 other guys who stepped out on the ice during the playoffs (well, except maybe the bottom 2 defensive pairing).

But the thing that makes this team dangerous is not Patrick Kane, it's the depth. When any of the 4 lines that come out can score, that's a really hard and dangerous team to play against. And if you look at the hawk teams that have won the last 3 cups, they were all very, very deep.

The only one player who I would say, with out a doubt, we don't win the cup without last year is Keith. In terms of importance, I would place all of the top 4 d-men above Kane.
- Jance

Agree, but I would also add that a lot of what Kane does is drawing coverage and freeing up teammates. Other teams have to put their best guys on Kane or risk freeing him up - for example Hedman. Him having to be on Kane like white on rice freed up others.

Good morning Blachawk Nation!







- Ogilthorpe2

First hello kitty avatar, then unicorns blowing hearts out their .... and now every day looking on the bright side of life....

Is anyone else wondering if someone hacked your account?

ETA - ugh.. Republic is running my flight today...probability for delays just increased

Saw that last night. Was there mention of when the allegations were made though? Could this have been a new filing and it happened at a "decent" pace, but took the accuser some time to file it?
- stashu

It also could be a result of the forensic testing taking a long time. It's one of the reasons that I shake my head when people talk about knowing the evidence in the Kane situation. Some of the "evidence" is in processing and the results likely won't be back for months.

Saw that earlier. Brooks was actually charged with sexual battery and MacDonald was charged with rape. I agree, not a good sign for PK. Even if there is anything to the SportsMockery rumors Kane could still be looking at waiting several months for a misdemeanor S.A. charge.
- tredbrta

Can we pretend Sports Mockery doesn't exist?

Can we pretend Sports Mockery doesn't exist?
- walleyeb1

But what happens to incarcerated bob then?

Stamkos, Lucic, and Kopitar are potential UFAs next offseason. Ideally, Kane goes for a fair return of cost controlled young talent and maybe that extra cap space brings in a secondary UFA like Stralman.

If Seabs doesn't sign then maybe Kane and Seabs bring back an infusion of cost controlled young players including d men and maybe they target Kopi or Stamkos if they are there. They were in on Suter and Parise so I could see them making that sort of move just for the PR splash.... spin it as putting the Kane era behind them.
- tredbrta

Ogi's got me in positive spin mode this morning so how's this scenario - the charges are dropped and Kane is put on LTIR for the 3 months he is in a rehab program which accrues enough cap space to acquire Stamkos and the TDL (don't bog me down with details like who/what would the Hawks have to give up, not to mention why would Tampa be in sell mode - I'm on a roll).

Panarin-Toews-Hossa
Versteeg-Stamkos-Kane
Dano-Anisimov-TT
Desjardins-Kruger-Shaw

Start planning the parade

New and improved "good Ogi" is getting old!
- Cmonalready

Read his posts with a trace of sarcasm and you'll be rolling on the floor like me.

Saw that last night. Was there mention of when the allegations were made though? Could this have been a new filing and it happened at a "decent" pace, but took the accuser some time to file it?
- stashu

It was McDonald who was charged with rape. According to USAToday, it was a grand jury indictment that came down yesterday.

Stamkos, Lucic, and Kopitar are potential UFAs next offseason. Ideally, Kane goes for a fair return of cost controlled young talent and maybe that extra cap space brings in a secondary UFA like Stralman.

If Seabs doesn't sign then maybe Kane and Seabs bring back an infusion of cost controlled young players including d men and maybe they target Kopi or Stamkos if they are there. They were in on Suter and Parise so I could see them making that sort of move just for the PR splash.... spin it as putting the Kane era behind them.
- tredbrta

Uh-oh. Does Wonthecup10 know about this?

Time will tell on the other stuff. Sure has been a more intersting off season than any of us bargained for.

Can we pretend Sports Mockery doesn't exist?
- walleyeb1

Not that I believe everything from SportsMockery, but how are they any less a source than what JJ or a blogger on this site has to say?

It also could be a result of the forensic testing taking a long time. It's one of the reasons that I shake my head when people talk about knowing the evidence in the Kane situation. Some of the "evidence" is in processing and the results likely won't be back for months.
- stljam

Oh, I know, that's why I was asking if there was mention as to when things were even accused. If the accusation came out back then, it shows more solid proof to people that it could take that long.