So you mention Danault had NO place in Chicago then proceeded to name 3 centers....further expanding on your comparison between he and Kruger, a comparison I argue is not necessary If the argument was between the two then we could have that out, but there was clearly a spot in the bottom 6 for Danault...either replacing Kruger who has been injured (depth!!) or as a possible L3-C....we do still play with 4 lines right? It has never been a mystery Danault had more offensive upside than Kruger, so let him play that role and keep Kruger killing penalties and playing D against other teams Line 1.

I know most of you won't agree, but tell me there is not something bigger determining these games? Caps blow out Chicago and Phil, cruizing past Pens, and then they just forget how to play hockey? Remember it's an entertainment business first. Too much money involved to just let teams determine the outcome.
When I was young, I used to think I had to watch a movie to know the ending. But now I know that the ending is known long before the movie is made.
- powerenforcer

I agree with you

What a shame...

...that was worse than tidly winks.

Garbage goal after missing a clear trip.

I know most of you won't agree, but tell me there is not something bigger determining these games? Caps blow out Chicago and Phil, cruizing past Pens, and then they just forget how to play hockey? Remember it's an entertainment business first. Too much money involved to just let teams determine the outcome.
When I was young, I used to think I had to watch a movie to know the ending. But now I know that the ending is known long before the movie is made.
- powerenforcer

Correct, I don't agree. For your conspiracy to work refs, players, coaches and management would need to be involved. I think that's a few too many pieces.

So again..why do you bother to watch to NHL?

So you mention Danault had NO place in Chicago then proceeded to name 3 centers....further expanding on your comparison between he and Kruger, a comparison I argue is not necessary If the argument was between the two then we could have that out, but there was clearly a spot in the bottom 6 for Danault...either replacing Kruger who has been injured (depth!!) or as a possible L3-C....we do still play with 4 lines right? It has never been a mystery Danault had more offensive upside than Kruger, so let him play that role and keep Kruger killing penalties and playing D against other teams Line 1.
- kwolf68

I agree with you wolf...although hindsight is 20/20 and the quick exit last year makes this easy...I sure wish SB had kept Danault.

I agree with you wolf...although hindsight is 20/20 and the quick exit last year makes this easy...I sure wish SB had kept Danault.
- ArlingtonRob

Yep, 20/20, but I was on that player's bandwagon long before he showed his stuff. Just a brutal trade. But Stan has done some good things...acquisitions of Oduya, Leddy and Vermette were very nice and played huge roles in the Cup runs. So I am able to recognize the nice moves he has made, but that doesn't mean I can't be critical of his performance last year, which was a disaster save the deal of Morin/Panik.

Yep, 20/20, but I was on that player's bandwagon long before he showed his stuff. Just a brutal trade. But Stan has done some good things...acquisitions of Oduya, Leddy and Vermette were very nice and played huge roles in the Cup runs. So I am able to recognize the nice moves he has made, but that doesn't mean I can't be critical of his performance last year, which was a disaster save the deal of Morin/Panik.
- kwolf68

Being a GM in this league aint' easy. I just hope he doesn't sell what's left of the farm for a 2 month rental. This years club isn't winning crap.

Hanging on and making the playoffs will be an accomplishment.

Being a GM in this league aint' easy. I just hope he doesn't sell what's left of the farm for a 2 month rental. This years club isn't winning crap.

Hanging on and making the playoffs will be an accomplishment.
- ArlingtonRob

I don't know what is left down there. Hawks have nothing much left...I do like Hayden, Forsling, Debrincat, and Fortin. But none of those are can't miss bluechippers at this point. If AD was 3 inches taller and 20 pounds bigger he'd probably be in Chicago right now.

Crazy game. Both teams are just flying. Hawks couldn't survive that kind of pace these days. It's the kind of open fast paced game the NHL should be striving for..... too bad they are so backwards.
- bhawks2241

thats old time hockey 80's style...everything and everyone to the net and everything went in...

13 of 15 goals within 10 feet of the blue paint...bounces...rebounds...high end passing and tip ins...

and the physical play and pace was incredible...have seen the hawks play like that since their last cup run

Being a GM in this league aint' easy. I just hope he doesn't sell what's left of the farm for a 2 month rental. This years club isn't winning crap.

Hanging on and making the playoffs will be an accomplishment.
- ArlingtonRob

stanbow is crazy in the ole bald head to overpay for another washed up vet or ufa...there nothing left to give up...vanick??? cmon...forget about it and him

I'd like to go back to earlier comments on Hartman vs. Shaw. Hartman, in my mind, is a top 6 forward. His possession numbers put him in roughly the top 100 forwards. While he doesn't agitate, or maybe provide some of the intangibles, like Shaw does, he will be a better offensive forward in the years to come. He seems to possess a good hockey IQ -- he typically has the right idea, although still lacking the execution at times.

I'd like to go back to earlier comments on Hartman vs. Shaw. Hartman, in my mind, is a top 6 forward. His possession numbers put him in roughly the top 100 forwards. While he doesn't agitate, or maybe provide some of the intangibles, like Shaw does, he will be a better offensive forward in the years to come. He seems to possess a good hockey IQ -- he typically has the right idea, although still lacking the execution at times.
- etchtech

I think most were saying that they see him projecting as a "middle 6" forward which I would agree with. I see him being more of a third line kinda guy. He does bring some of the tenacity and I've seen him getting under the opponent's skin quite a bit, just no where near as much as Shaw.

I'd like to go back to earlier comments on Hartman vs. Shaw. Hartman, in my mind, is a top 6 forward. His possession numbers put him in roughly the top 100 forwards. While he doesn't agitate, or maybe provide some of the intangibles, like Shaw does, he will be a better offensive forward in the years to come. He seems to possess a good hockey IQ -- he typically has the right idea, although still lacking the execution at times.
- etchtech

From what I have seen of Shaw in Montreal lately I would say Bergeron has grossly over paid him and he knows it.
Stupid penalties almost every night
Much prefer Hartman if we are comparing

Now, if we are talking about degenerative injuries, like
a necrosis, different story.


Wow, never thought of that. I have that condition in my hips. I could always skate well, but not anymore. No strength in the hips. The cross under push just isn't there at all. Scary, but that could make sense for either, but Toews especially. If that's the case, he's done being the player that he was. Hard miles is a good way to put it.

Now, if we are talking about degenerative injuries, like
a necrosis, different story.


Wow, never thought of that. I have that condition in my hips. I could always skate well, but not anymore. No strength in the hips. The cross under push just isn't there at all. Scary, but that could make sense for either, but Toews especially. If that's the case, he's done being the player that he was. Hard miles is a good way to put it.
- 6628

Just thinking - while we're speculating on What's Wrong with Jonny - he still successfully takes over 10 face-offs per game - his winning percentage is where it's always been.

I would think a bad back would hurt him in this activity - bending over, stress on the back, twisting the back....

I know most of you won't agree, but tell me there is not something bigger determining these games? Caps blow out Chicago and Phil, cruizing past Pens, and then they just forget how to play hockey? Remember it's an entertainment business first. Too much money involved to just let teams determine the outcome.
When I was young, I used to think I had to watch a movie to know the ending. But now I know that the ending is known long before the movie is made.
- powerenforcer

So you think the games are already predetermined by the league?

Saw a story by Haugh that said the Hawks may have inquired about Patrick Sharp? Interesting to say the least. JJ any info on that?

So the Toews injury is a big big big problem. Woof. Nightmares of Joe Crede.

The Kane Panarin AA line has to be the best line in the NHL right now. Incredible group to watch.

Keith hasn't been good. Injury may be part of it. He has also been the best player on the Hawks with some measured consistency the last 10 years and perhaps hes just having an off one. He is probably allowed one of those.

The three year wait for Hossa's shooting % to normalize has finally happened. Amazing what happens when you get him in transition and away from the cycle with some off match ups. Wonder whose been saying that the last two years. Kind of a bummer half the team is riding the struggle bus.

Anyway, they need to add a piece that is an NHL player to go deep. Probably need to do some type of "rebuild" this summer as well. Move some salary, bring in some more Russians and hope for a quick turnaround. If the player is Vanek you probably want Kane feeding him the puck and Panarin doing a Kane impression on the left side of Toews and Hossa.

Saw a story by Haugh that said the Hawks may have inquired about Patrick Sharp? Interesting to say the least. JJ any info on that?
- z1990z

He's been out with concussions most of the year and has clearly lost a step and is past the point of banging in 30 goals per year. Andrew Ladd all over again which was super helpful. Iginla would be a better acquisition if they were going to go for a well past prime player.

Once again, I would like to bring up the name Brock Nelson. He's affordable, young, fast, strong, a natural left wing and roughly .5 pts/gm.

He's probably a 2LW like he is on the Isle, but that's kinda what we need, don't we?

Once again, I would like to bring up the name Brock Nelson. He's affordable, young, fast, strong, a natural left wing and roughly .5 pts/gm.

He's probably a 2LW like he is on the Isle, but that's kinda what we need, don't we?
- CanOCorn

Yes, but the price is likely to be inflated.

Once again, I would like to bring up the name Brock Nelson. He's affordable, young, fast, strong, a natural left wing and roughly .5 pts/gm.

He's probably a 2LW like he is on the Isle, but that's kinda what we need, don't we?
- CanOCorn

My guess is that Stan will target somebody with an expiring contract. $2.5 million is a decen cap hit, but if Panarin hits his bonuses it will be difficult to take that on.

Once again, I would like to brin5g up the name Brock Nelson. He's affordable, young, fast, strong, a natural left wing and roughly .5 pts/gm.

He's probably a 2LW like he is on the Isle, but that's kinda what we need, don't we?
- CanOCorn

Nelson could be a very good pickup. But at 2.5 million, a current contract would have to be going the other way.
Plus, I'd think the Isles will ask for a lot. They know the Hawks need a #2 type winger.

Once again, I would like to brin5g up the name Brock Nelson. He's affordable, young, fast, strong, a natural left wing and roughly .5 pts/gm.

He's probably a 2LW like he is on the Isle, but that's kinda what we need, don't we?
- CanOCorn

Nelson could be a very good pickup. But at 2.5 million, a current contract would have to be going the other way.
Plus, I'd think the Isles will ask for a lot. They know the Hawks need a #2 type winger.

He's been out with concussions most of the year and has clearly lost a step and is past the point of banging in 30 goals per year. Andrew Ladd all over again which was super helpful. Iginla would be a better acquisition if they were going to go for a well past prime player.
- fattybeef

Iggy > Vanek?