It sucks that the best league in the world can't have good ice to play on. Buildings are just too busy. Nashville the other week was hideous. After the Monster Trucks.

Glad to see the Captain get reward for all his hard work with some points , since that is very important to some people . Vancouver and Miller himself have been rather hot of late , and playing some desperate hockey of late .So it was a quality win .

I believe the HAWKS will be rather quiet on the trade market like they were in the summer , unless something very cheap falls in their lap as Campbell did in the summer . Iginla or Stone could fit in that scenario GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- oldduffman

They don't wanna trade another 1st. Especially since the draft is at home this year.

I'd rather the Blackhawks make a move sooner than later. Need some time to develop some chemistry.
- matt_ahrens

I'm curious to see what it'll cost them. Odds are they will keep their first round pick this year. Makes me wonder if Forsling is available, Schmaltz, hell, even Hartman, Hinostroza, or Debrincat.

If they start to slide in the standings, maybe they sell off?

The next 30 days should be intriguing.

But let's all keep in mind, a January home game against a middling Western team like Vancouver is one you should win, if not win going away.

There are just not a lot of games that you are going to "win going away", and the Hawks still have enough veterans that dial it back a bit when they are leading/dominating a game. That's tends to be why we see them never play a complete game. Last night, they came out flying and dominating, scored 2 goals and has a bunch of other good chances. Van has a few good looks, but for the most part it was the Hawks period. The 2nd period they kinda sat back and no longer took the game to Van, killed a few penalties and didn't do much. After VAN tied it, and then had a few very good looks at taking the lead, the Hawks re-asserted themselves and did what was necessary to win.

This is the recipe they seem to use with the "lesser" teams. They expend enough energy and effort to eek out wins. It's frustrating to watch at times, but for the most part it has been successful for them.

It sucks that the best league in the world can't have good ice to play on. Buildings are just too busy. Nashville the other week was hideous. After the Monster Trucks.
- storm88

It's unfortunate but its the reality of having more than 1 major sports team in 1 arena. There isn't much anyone can do, no use complaining about it.

They don't wanna trade another 1st. Especially since the draft is at home this year.
- storm88

I'd like to see a smaller move that wouldn't cost a 1st or a top prospect.

Could Brian Boyle in Tampa be a Handzus-type deal that works? With Tampa being last in the East they could be looking to unload a pending UFA and I wouldn't think Boyle would cost too much.

I'm not suggestion Boyle would be the only move Stan makes, it's just a low cost move that could pay off.

The Hawks need to use the Winning Ugly slogan like the Sox did years ago.

The one thing that happens with parity, seeing it in the NFL, beginning to see it in the NHL, lots of ugly, sloppy, guys who shouldn't even be on the ice brand of hockey.

Don't forget that team "lost ugly" in the ALCS because of very sloppy base running in the 8th inning. AND...because it had little hitting depth in the lower part of the lineup, but also no depth in the bullpen, thus they had to let Britt Burns (courage on display) pitch until his arm fell off, finally succumbing to a 10th inning homer on his 150th pitch I think.

Good as the 83 Sox were, the rotation of Hoyt, Dot, Bannister, Burns was phenomenal and they had some excellent players it just wasn't "good enough" to overcome a more complete Orioles team. A piece here or a piece there then maybe it's different.

I'd like to see a smaller move that wouldn't cost a 1st or a top prospect.

Could Brian Boyle in Tampa be a Handzus-type deal that works? With Tampa being last in the East they could be looking to unload a pending UFA and I wouldn't think Boyle would cost too much.

I'm not suggestion Boyle would be the only move Stan makes, it's just a low cost move that could pay off.
- DarthKane

Boyle is a BIG body at a reasonable price. Never been much of a scorer, but can pitch in at C or LW, and is reasonable at the dot if necessary and defensively responsible.

Boyle is a BIG body at a reasonable price. Never been much of a scorer, but can pitch in at C or LW, and is reasonable at the dot if necessary and defensively responsible.
- TheTrob

Boyle isn't a big-time goal scorer, but he's not too bad either. He's on pace for 20 goals this season and he scored 13 and 15 goals in the past two.

But let's all keep in mind, a January home game against a middling Western team like Vancouver is one you should win, if not win going away.

There are just not a lot of games that you are going to "win going away", and the Hawks still have enough veterans that dial it back a bit when they are leading/dominating a game. That's tends to be why we see them never play a complete game. Last night, they came out flying and dominating, scored 2 goals and has a bunch of other good chances. Van has a few good looks, but for the most part it was the Hawks period. The 2nd period they kinda sat back and no longer took the game to Van, killed a few penalties and didn't do much. After VAN tied it, and then had a few very good looks at taking the lead, the Hawks re-asserted themselves and did what was necessary to win.

This is the recipe they seem to use with the "lesser" teams. They expend enough energy and effort to eek out wins. It's frustrating to watch at times, but for the most part it has been successful for them.
- TheTrob

I do agree with this what was once important, to dominate regular season games, isn't so anymore they definitely don't go all out except for a select few such as Hossa and the rookies due to playing time. As soon as the Canucks tied it the Hawks dialed it back up.

My concern is bad habits become just that, this type of play in the playoffs will mean an early exit

I'd like to see a smaller move that wouldn't cost a 1st or a top prospect.

Could Brian Boyle in Tampa be a Handzus-type deal that works? With Tampa being last in the East they could be looking to unload a pending UFA and I wouldn't think Boyle would cost too much.

I'm not suggestion Boyle would be the only move Stan makes, it's just a low cost move that could pay off.
- DarthKane

Interesting that you mention this name. When I was reading about the Bolt's struggles this morning and saw where they are in the standings, I checked their capfriendly site.
Boyle's name stood out because of his contract (expiring & just $2M). We could use his size and temperament in the playoffs. He will also chip in some goals.

I'd like to see a smaller move that wouldn't cost a 1st or a top prospect.

Could Brian Boyle in Tampa be a Handzus-type deal that works? With Tampa being last in the East they could be looking to unload a pending UFA and I wouldn't think Boyle would cost too much.

I'm not suggestion Boyle would be the only move Stan makes, it's just a low cost move that could pay off.
- DarthKane

a week ago, or so, i posted potential centers with expiring contracts. he was at the top of my want list, as the price and term... plus his FO% is very good, not to mention is size and defensive prowess.

Bring back Chico Maki...

Don't forget that team "lost ugly" in the ALCS because of very sloppy base running in the 8th inning. AND...because it had little hitting depth in the lower part of the lineup, but also no depth in the bullpen, thus they had to let Britt Burns (courage on display) pitch until his arm fell off, finally succumbing to a 10th inning homer on his 150th pitch I think.

Good as the 83 Sox were, the rotation of Hoyt, Dot, Bannister, Burns was phenomenal and they had some excellent players it just wasn't "good enough" to overcome a more complete Orioles team. A piece here or a piece there then maybe it's different.
- kwolf68

And that's why I keep making that comparison, I hope this year has a different ending, your description of the Sox is exactly how I feel about this year's Blackhawks.

Interesting that you mention this name. When I was reading about the Bolt's struggles this morning and saw where they are in the standings, I checked their capfriendly site.
Boyle's name stood out because of his contract (expiring & just $2M). We could use his size and temperament in the playoffs. He will also chip in some goals.
- 67hawks

Forgot if Boyle kills penalties or not...

Interesting, all these advanced stats yet the Hawks just keep winning
- BetweenTheDots

What advanced stats say the Hawks should have lots last night? They were above 55% in every shot metric category (CF / FF / SF / SCF / HDCF). They have definitely won some games they shouldn't (thanks mostly to elite goal tending), but last night was not one of them. And tbf they've lost some they should have won. They're right about 51% SAT, which is the best it's been almost all year (they were at 52% after a 10 game surge right before Toews got injured).

You're definitely right in your latter comment about them forming bad habits. This team could be better than they perform, but they often do just enough to win (and it hasn't been as fortunate for them as of late). And I 100% agree with your assessment of Kempny's game last night.

And that's why I keep making that comparison, I hope this year has a different ending, your description of the Sox is exactly how I feel about this year's Blackhawks.
- BetweenTheDots

Same with me. After the ASB the Sox were damn near unbeatable. Then they get to the big boy season and scored a measly 3 runs. They had NO margin for error at all. So a slop move on the basepaths costs the Sox a deciding game chance. The only way the Sox were going to win was exactly how they did it behind Hoyt and almost behind Burns...give up 1 run in each game (well I mean through 9). Not sustainable. Though I did like our chances had we gotten that Hoyt/McGregor game.

I still believe teams like the Caps and Pens are better teams than this Hawks team, but a piece here or there who knows.

Boyle is a BIG body at a reasonable price. Never been much of a scorer, but can pitch in at C or LW, and is reasonable at the dot if necessary and defensively responsible.
- TheTrob

Boyle is not good. Would be a complete waste of assets. So yes please trade for him. Most importantly keep your damn hands off of Tatar.

Boyle is not good. Would be a complete waste of assets. So yes please trade for him. Most importantly keep your damn hands off of Tatar.
- Feds91Stammer

Yea I don't know why Boyle's name has come up either. Tatar or Nyquist either would work for me.

Glad to see the Captain get reward for all his hard work with some points , since that is very important to some people . Vancouver and Miller himself have been rather hot of late , and playing some desperate hockey of late .So it was a quality win .

I believe the HAWKS will be rather quiet on the trade market like they were in the summer , unless something very cheap falls in their lap as Campbell did in the summer . Iginla or Stone could fit in that scenario GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- oldduffman

I hope they don't waste assets on Stone - not only would he be the most major move due to his cap hit (even with prorating and possible retainment), but he's been declining for a few seasons, which is not good for a guy of his age. He's been poor relative to a bad team, also never good.

Yea I don't know why Boyle's name has come up either. Tatar or Nyquist either would work for me.
- kwolf68

Boyle is the typical solid faceoff guy that kills penalties so everyone jumps to the conclusion he is good defensively. He is an overhyped 4th liner.

As for Tatar he is my favorite player and I'm just not emotionally ready to have to root for the Hawks. You can have Nyquist though for a 2017 3rd, 2018 1st, and a prospect.

They don't wanna trade another 1st. Especially since the draft is at home this year.
- storm88

I agree that having the draft in Chicago will indeed lead to the HAWKS keeping that 1st pick .They may ship out a lesser prospect and maybe a 3rd or 4th pick . So I don't believe they will get much for he playoffs

I can see the HAWKS trying to make a splash at the draft .Maybe moving Crow for a later 1st rounder, and then trying to package their two 1st and another prospect or roster player for a lottery pick . Just speculating

Don't forget that team "lost ugly" in the ALCS because of very sloppy base running in the 8th inning. AND...because it had little hitting depth in the lower part of the lineup, but also no depth in the bullpen, thus they had to let Britt Burns (courage on display) pitch until his arm fell off, finally succumbing to a 10th inning homer on his 150th pitch I think.

Good as the 83 Sox were, the rotation of Hoyt, Dot, Bannister, Burns was phenomenal and they had some excellent players it just wasn't "good enough" to overcome a more complete Orioles team. A piece here or a piece there then maybe it's different.
- kwolf68

Thanks for making me relive past traumas, wolfy! I'll NEVER forgive the Dibber!!

Boyle is a BIG body at a reasonable price. Never been much of a scorer, but can pitch in at C or LW, and is reasonable at the dot if necessary and defensively responsible.
- TheTrob

Boyle is a favorite of mine. He would fit in on any teams bottom 6 and he contributes. Also his size is a huge plus and we need some more grit on this team for the playoffs.

Problem is I don't think the Bolts have any interest in trading him but I could be wrong.

Miller blasting the quality of the UC ice last night. Warm weather the last few days probably didn't help.

Was it unusually bad? Or is it always bad?
- scottak

It's always a losing player that says that. When a player on the winning side says it then maybe.