The better team won the game. Sharks need to make some big time changes and start competing much harder, or this will be a short series.

...and with that gift of a goal.

Unless something changes, it's the Pens series now.
- ArlingtonRob

Well...

...so much for that.

Opportunity blown...

aww (frank) it....jones never saw it...sharks have HUGE hill to climb now

Game 3 is the series...

...or the Sharks could just lay down and we can get on with the post season.

Game 3 is the series...

...or the Sharks could just lay down and we can get on with the post season.
- ArlingtonRob

don't think the sharks will lay down...but this is not the same team that won the previous 3 series...i fully expect them to get the 2 in shark land

Game 3 is the series...

...or the Sharks could just lay down and we can get on with the post season.
- ArlingtonRob

Episode 1 of Peaky Blinders was excellent. About to fire up episode #2. I have an intense dislike for Crosby, so this Cup Final has been very frustrating so far. San Jose looked awful for 50 minutes and they need to get their heads out of their rear ends or it will be over in 5. Sharks depth players have disappeared. Donskoi, Mueller, Tierney, ect need to play much better.

*Shocker*

I wonder if this means Kruger will take back #16?

theScore NHL ‏@theScoreNHL 18m18 minutes ago
Ladd not expecting to re-sign with Blackhawks http://thesco.re/1PkwUZ5
- DarthKane

Wow, that blows, Dano, this years 1st, GONE, no Ladd, add no Danault, No Johns, no weise, no Fliescman ,add Shaw will prolly be gone,, Crap! Bowman better show up with his best bag of tricks come the end of these playoffs.

Wow, that blows, Dano, this years 1st, GONE, no Ladd, add no Danault, No Johns, no weise, no Fliescman ,add Shaw will prolly be gone,, Crap! Bowman better show up with his best bag of tricks come the end of these playoffs.
- wonthecup10

The biggest non-shocker ever. And lots more coming. Hawks in dire straights heading into off-season. Will be interesting to see what they do. At this point nothing would completely shock me.

Matt Murray had absolutely unbelievable numbers in the AHL this year and last year. I dont think it's a stretch to say that he is playing at an Elite level and can sustain that level for a long period of time. As for Jones, he is a big body with good positioning. He reminds me of Carey Price Light in that they are both 6'4" and never seem to make an "unreal save", because they are just technically sound and always in the right spot. These two goalies, and Vasilevsky, will be highly paid goalies very soon, they are just very young. You still need a very good goalie to win the cup, it's just lucky that these teams were able to find young ones at a low cap hit. Corey Crawford was a very cost-effective goalie in 2013 too..



GO SHARKS!
- EnzoD

Indeed, they MAY be on their way to being elite, consistency will be the answer if they are, but they aren't yet. Crow is a much better goalie today, he's elite, than he was when he won his first cup. And yes he was obviously cost controlled then on his way to earning elite money and status. Same for Quick and Thomas...... Again, Niemi is the only non-elite goalie, IMO of course, in the last 7 years to win a cup.

Go Pens!!

don't think the sharks will lay down...but this is not the same team that won the previous 3 series...i fully expect them to get the 2 in shark land
- bogiedoc

They're being skated out of the rink, period. I watched for Deboer to make some kind of magical tweaks/adjustments but it seems there really are none. His club is simply too slow.

That said lotta hockey left. Next to watch for is Sharks having last change on home ice, not that any matchup has been beneficial for Deboer so far. Hungry speed has been the story vs slowish methodical vets.

Seems like the Penguins forwards drop back and then quickly skate out the puck after a short pass from a Penguins defenseman. But then the three Pens forwards wreak havoc in the O-zone almost without the Pens D-men even pinching. By the time all 5 Sharks have dropped back to get the puck, they have no other option than to skate the puck out. The Sharks never get an odd-man rush because the Pens' D who haven't pinched are waiting for them. Then, before the Sharks can get all 5 guys involved, the Pens' forwards out-skate them on the backcheck.
- DMChi2010

Anything, and I mean anything on any inch of ice in any zone the Sharks have tried they've had a Pen harassing him and support close by. They have no counter to the overwhelming speed of the Pens, so far.

Wow, that blows, Dano, this years 1st, GONE, no Ladd, add no Danault, No Johns, no weise, no Fliescman ,add Shaw will prolly be gone,, Crap! Bowman better show up with his best bag of tricks come the end of these playoffs.
- wonthecup10

I hear ya Cup. We know where this started and quite frankly why make those moves at the deadline when you didn't get what you really needed a defenseman. Meanwhile Bickell and Runny are still on your roster. Dano and Danault really hurt because they were young controllable assets you had.

And take a look at Drouin's playoffs. If you could have moved TT for him that was a no brainer. There's no way Drouin is going anywhere now. Ladd is a valued piece but there's no way you can make that work. Team needs to get younger and faster. I'd also like to see more physicality, but this team is loathe to do that.

The coaching staff isn't beyond question either...both the PP and the PK have become too predictable and stagnant as well as some other coaching decisions and handling of the roster. See Dale Weise for starters.

Meantime with a flat cap and the two monster deals w/ T/K as well as some of the other big contracts it puts the Hawks in a corner. When you win its what happens.

Moving forward - deal Bick's finally or cut him and move CC to clear space so you have some flexibility. I don't want to move CC, but what are your other options...? Outside of AA Shaw is the only one who goes to the net.

I'd like to see Campbell back to help solidify the backend and you still need a #1 left wing to go with 19 81...That could be Shaw if we haven't lost him already. Interested to see what this team looks like two months from now, no question Bowman has some heavy lifting to do here.

I hear ya Cup. We know where this started and quite frankly why make those moves at the deadline when you didn't get what you really needed a defenseman. Meanwhile Bickell and Runny are still on your roster. Dano and Danault really hurt because they were young controllable assets you had.

And take a look at Drouin's playoffs. If you could have moved TT for him that was a no brainer. There's no way Drouin is going anywhere now. Ladd is a valued piece but there's no way you can make that work. Team needs to get younger and faster. I'd also like to see more physicality, but this team is loathe to do that.

The coaching staff isn't beyond question either...both the PP and the PK have become too predictable and stagnant as well as some other coaching decisions and handling of the roster. See Dale Weise for starters.

Meantime with a flat cap and the two monster deals w/ T/K as well as some of the other big contracts it puts the Hawks in a corner. When you win its what happens.

Moving forward - deal Bick's finally or cut him and move CC to clear space so you have some flexibility. I don't want to move CC, but what are your other options...? Outside of AA Shaw is the only one who goes to the net.

I'd like to see Campbell back to help solidify the backend and you still need a #1 left wing to go with 19 81...That could be Shaw if we haven't lost him already. Interested to see what this team looks like two months from now, no question Bowman has some heavy lifting to do here.
- DK002

Shaw is not the answer at 1LW. He is not fast enough and his hands and finishing ability are just not first line talent.

He was a band-aid on an open wound last year - and if they don't find the cure, Toews, Hossa and anyone else on 1RW will suffer again.

*Shocker*

I wonder if this means Kruger will take back #16?

theScore NHL ‏@theScoreNHL 18m18 minutes ago
Ladd not expecting to re-sign with Blackhawks http://thesco.re/1PkwUZ5
- DarthKane

He wants to compete for a cup and then says vancouver might be nice. Makes sense to me.....

He wants to compete for a cup and then says vancouver might be nice. Makes sense to me.....

- bogiedoc

Mornin' Bogie...

Can't really blame Ladd for wanting his payday. He's won 2 Cups and wants to cash in at this point. Thought the article posted earlier was interesting in that Ladd wouldn't rule out a return to the Peg. It's sad that his return was short lived, but the money isn't there.

Mornin' Bogie...

Can't really blame Ladd for wanting his payday. He's won 2 Cups and wants to cash in at this point. Thought the article posted earlier was interesting in that Ladd wouldn't rule out a return to the Peg. It's sad that his return was short lived, but the money isn't there.
- DK002

yeah but vancouver...he turned down 6 plus last summer...not getting that from the jets or anybody else this summer...

looking at that pens blue line...all i gotta say is very impressive what the pens have done...

the hawks net exchange for sharp, saad, denault, dano, 2016 #1, 2018 #2, garbutt, daley = anisimov and scuderi sal for 1.2 mil....

winning = salary cap hell and roster deconstruction

yeah but vancouver...he turned down 6 plus last summer...not getting that from the jets or anybody else this summer...

looking at that pens blue line...all i gotta say is very impressive what the pens have done...

the hawks net exchange for sharp, saad, denault, dano, 2016 #1, 2018 #2, garbutt, daley = anisimov and scuderi sal for 1.2 mil....

winning = salary cap hell and roster deconstruction
- bogiedoc

Panik as well if he resigns. But yeah it sucks.

A few things I would do as a GM knowing what I have seen on the last 2 trade deadlines is I would make my own trade deadline and tell people I'm not trading anything of value after Feb 1st for UFA's. it just takes to long for guys to get in a system.

Ladd was solid but we gave up the most of any team the last 2 trade dealines for him.
Timo was terrible, in the regular season and playoffs
Vermette was bad until late in the playoffs. Maybe you need 30 games to find your grove not 20.
Weiis and Fleasch never really found roles. coming in that late danult would have had just as much impact.

If I'm trading at the trade dealine I either will trade for guys I retain IE RFA's guys wor guys with a year left on contracts ETC. Hoffman, Drouin, JVR, ETC. guys that would return value if I had to flip them over the summer. Or guys that just fall in your lap. Hamihus for a 3rd at the last minute. Beodker for a 2nd, Ladd for Dano. ETC.

https://theathletic.com/2...hawks-forsling-dahlstrom/

Good article about the sweds coming.

I copied this from the other board: not sure where they found it.

Per Scott Powers, the delay on signing Schmaltz is the bonus structure he is demanding along with a few other things. Powers said it could still get done and lets hope it does because Schmaltz could really improve our line up.

Also John and word if the Shpachopvy is no longer a option? seems odd he is staying for 2.5 when I would think he could get more then that here,

Anyone want to take stab at lines and D pairings with what we have right now? This being devoid of Q'ism and putting D on their correct side. And for the helluvit, Shaw stays with us.

14 19 88
72 15 81
65 22 86
11 70 Hartman or Fleischman if he stays.

Not sure on D based on L/R handed shooters.

While there was a unified belief they needed rests to be ready for April and May, there was concern that so many new faces needed practice time to better integrate with the core here.

It was left up to the coaches, but near the end of the regular season, there were internal rumblings that this team would not gel without more practice - and the ones saying it were proven right.
- dahawks8819

Like I said, if true....I dont see 19 being much of an excuse or whiner type of guy.

The above is in alignment with where a common sense appraisal of the root cause of the issues surrounding last year's outcome would point any observer.

The FO brought in good personnel to fill holes on the offensive side of the puck, and it was apparent to me anyway that many of these guys just seemed lost and without chemistry. Add to that the comments from Toews in the season wrap up interviews (which were edited out of the clips that remain on the team website) pointing to a lack of chemistry and the room not being welcoming to the new additions, and I think you have the homework identified for the leadership and the coaching staff to do for next season.

This is exactly what I had sensed with the lack of chemistry that did not develop among the new players-- Even Panarin mentioned this in one of his interviews that was translated here-- he was shocked that there was very little or no practice--

All of this points to a physically, mentally and emotionally tired group of players and coaches-- The rest wil do wonders for this team this off season-- I expect Toews will be very fired up for the new season-- and I expect that Bowman will work hard to assemble a supporting cast that will compliment the core in the next Cup run--

Anyone want to take stab at lines and D pairings with what we have right now? This being devoid of Q'ism and putting D on their correct side. And for the helluvit, Shaw stays with us.

14 19 88
72 15 81
65 22 86
11 70 Hartman or Fleischman if he stays.

Not sure on D based on L/R handed shooters.
- z1990z

If those are the available players I'd switch 14 and 65. Shaw may not be the ideal 1LW but he's a better option than Panik.

Eventually I wonder if TT will be moved up too. I think the 3rd line is the best place to start him, but if Teuvo plays well I wouldn't be surprised to see him move up.

If those are the available players I'd switch 14 and 65. Shaw may not be the ideal 1LW but he's a better option than Panik.

Eventually I wonder if TT will be moved up too. I think the 3rd line is the best place to start him, but if Teuvo plays well I wouldn't be surprised to see him move up.
- DarthKane

Why don't you think Panik can handle 1LW? I think what he has that Shaw doesn't is speed and a bigger body. And if Shaw and Panik's finishing ability is equal, then I'd rather have Panik on the top line.

Why don't you think Panik can handle 1LW? I think what he has that Shaw doesn't is speed and a bigger body. And if Shaw and Panik's finishing ability is equal, then I'd rather have Panik on the top line.
- CanOCorn

I'm a Panik fan, but I just think Shaw is a better option at this point. Maybe that changes as the season progresses, bit I would at least start the season with Shaw.

Since the NHL team in Vegas is almost a sure thing, I was thinking about some potential team names for the new Las Vegas squad...


-Aces, Kings, Queens, or Jacks
-Gamblers
-Strippers
-Second Mortages
-Gamblers Anonymous
-Alcoholics Anonymous
-The Skating STDs
-Debt Collectors


just spitballing here....



EDIT:
-The Cheaters (plenty of infidelity out there)
-Team Green (with a big smiling Cash Logo)
-The Las Vegas Escorts
-The Sinners


Jarrett Stoll will wear the C and Mike Richards the A i can go on for days
- EnzoD

Prospective owner Bill Foley basically all but confirmed last year that the team will be called the Black Knights.