Kruger stinks & Bowman screwed up again & way overpaid him. Get him out for a more skilled Center to play with Hossa. Kero is better & cheaper than Kruger.

Make up for your MISTAKE Bowman.
- Goalie-33

Wow, nice first post -

Excellent synopsis JJ! 19 has been everything we've come to expect from him over his career...the hardest worker on the ice with a lot of skill to complement it. Awesome to see 19 making plays with the puck, and taking it away from the opponent seemingly at will. Schmaltz + Panik are both playing with great confidence and adding a guy like Patrick Eaves or Hanzal would be huge for the team depth scoring.

Schmaltz-Toews-Panik
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Hartman-Hanzal-Hossa
Moose-Kruger-Desi/Kero/Tootoo/Vinny


I've liked the Seabs-Kempny pair for the majority of the season. Two big boys who can both move the puck and eliminate their man with an active stick OR a shoulder to the chest. TVR has been solid since his early season injury and Campbell used to make $7mil a year for a reason...he's a solid NHL vet who can definitely handle 3rd and 4th lines of the opponents. Add a 3rd line C or W and this team is arguably more complete than in 2015 (they had 4 NHL D in 2015 )

Great game last night and I still think Dubnyk folds in the Playoffs if the Hawks + Wild meet again.
- EnzoD

I agree with you on Dub's, IMHO he and Bishop are a lot alike in that they wilt under the spotlight.

While I'm not the most seasoned veteran (I've truly only watched 10 years of playoff hockey with the intent of learning the game better as a spectator) some things I'd like to toss in,

I think the biggest thing about adding a new player is the skill gap on who he is replacing in the lineup, not as much who he is going to play with. Looking at guys like Palat, Tatar, Flipper, Eaves, etc.; you see there is A HUGE gap in ability in regards to someone like, say, Moose. Because if all things miss in their intended roll (playing on toews flank or whatever) that is the person they will end up taking the time of. Maybe not intentionally planning for it, but all in all thats what can happen.

Speed and size are the needs, as everyone knows. Eaves and Boyle would be my gets to go for a deep run. Eaves has some of each, and is playing only less ATOI then benn and seguin albeit on a hobbled dallas stars. Hes putting up points, doesn't get pushed around terribly, and beard aside has some great character to him it seems like. Boyle really couldn't be more of a good add to toss onto the bottom line with hino and hartman. Big, can play, and a good presence for the rookies.

Best part is, both are UFAS and according to capfriendlys "deadline capspace estimator" we could fit both of the guys under the cap without taking anyone off of the roster if need be.


JJ, about Skinner, Camm, or Flipper; I'd wager out of the 3 the latter 2 are more likely. It'd essentially be a rental for us even with kruger going out, leave them open to vegas and hope for the best. If we get skinner, and intend to keep him, then thats another large can of accounting I'd rather not bother with at this point in time.

Go hawks, cup this year at whatever it takes. Even if it means losing Debrincat, or a 1st or both or more. Cup > hopeful NHLers

Don't touch lines 1, 2, and 4. Our 4th line right now is the perfect combination of speed and energy with a little bit of skill and goalscoring mixed in. Love it.

All we need is another defensively sound LW to play with Kruger and Hossa that can also score and be dangerous offensively. So something like this:

Schmaltz-Toews-Panik
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane
Palat-Kruger-Hossa
Hinostroza-Kero-Hartman


- SimpleJack

I'm coming around to your perspective after last night. Worst case scenario, Schmaltz can't handle the top line in the playoffs and gets bumped down to the third. The question is can Stan make the salary cap numbers work to acquire Palat or a similarly paid player?

I'm also seeing the validity of the argument for a new third line center with more offensive upside. Of course there is still the cap questions but I wonder if Q would be willing to give up Kruger or if they'd slide him down to the fourth line and either sit Kero or slide him to a wing.

really like the idea of getting a player to play with hossa on the third line. not saying or assuming panik/toews/schmaltz will stay together until the end, but right now they are a thing...and they are hot. so keep it going and see what happens. never hurts to add more depth. any additional scoring they can add will make a huge difference in playoff hockey when the games are tighter and the scoring is lower.

last night was a fun game to watch. I can't wait for the playoffs to start.

I see a lot of names thrown around that have not not played with current players.

Palat
Boyle
Hanzal
Vanek
Etc

One name that has been mentionned who has played with a member on the third line and showed great chemistry with Hossa is Tatar. If I were Stan, that would be my number one target. If you can get Smith too, great but the wings need defense so dont know if they would deal Smith

If the playoffs come and Stan wants to stack lines, Tatar-Toews-Hossa would be a defensive and puck control matchup nightmare for other teams.

Just my $0.02

really like the idea of getting a player to play with hossa on the third line. not saying or assuming panik/toews/schmaltz will stay together until the end, but right now they are a thing...and they are hot. so keep it going and see what happens. never hurts to add more depth. any additional scoring they can add will make a huge difference in playoff hockey when the games are tighter and the scoring is lower.

last night was a fun game to watch. I can't wait for the playoffs to start.
- frafra

You make far too much sense.

It may well be that lines 1, 2 and 4 are set for the playoffs. It may also be that when playoff time rolls around, there is a regression likely somewhere on line 1 and that mystery forward acquired at the deadline, especially if he's a LW, comes in real handy.

So some may also be surprised when/if it's not the lower line defensive slug that they feel suffices at this point. May also be a center.

Because bottom line, neither SB nor Q needs to fulfill any narrative beyond winning the Stanley Cup. So any acquisition should serve the team best under any circumstances that may develop.

I'm coming around to your perspective after last night. Worst case scenario, Schmaltz can't handle the top line in the playoffs and gets bumped down to the third. The question is can Stan make the salary cap numbers work to acquire Palat or a similarly paid player?

I'm also seeing the validity of the argument for a new third line center with more offensive upside. Of course there is still the cap questions but I wonder if Q would be willing to give up Kruger or if they'd slide him down to the fourth line and either sit Kero or slide him to a wing.
- matt_ahrens

I would also be on board for a move that:

A. Gets us an upgrade at 3C(someone who can score but is still solid defensively, like say Filppula)

B. Moves Kruger to 4C to play with Kero(move to wing) and Vinnie, and

C. Moves Hartman to 3LW

I see a lot of names thrown around that have not not played with current players.

Palat
Boyle
Hanzal
Vanek
Etc

One name that has been mentionned who has played with a member on the third line and showed great chemistry with Hossa is Tatar. If I were Stan, that would be my number one target. If you can get Smith too, great but the wings need defense so dont know if they would deal Smith

If the playoffs come and Stan wants to stack lines, Tatar-Toews-Hossa would be a defensive and puck control matchup nightmare for other teams.

Just my $0.02
- ikeane

Tatar and Palat are both nice adds for a lot of reasons, but those same reasons make their being traded not as likely. Both Detroit and possibly Tampa may have reason to deal from strength here in the next couple of days though.

I see a lot of names thrown around that have not not played with current players.

Palat
Boyle
Hanzal
Vanek
Etc

One name that has been mentionned who has played with a member on the third line and showed great chemistry with Hossa is Tatar. If I were Stan, that would be my number one target. If you can get Smith too, great but the wings need defense so dont know if they would deal Smith

If the playoffs come and Stan wants to stack lines, Tatar-Toews-Hossa would be a defensive and puck control matchup nightmare for other teams.

Just my $0.02
- ikeane

Agree....somebody who can move up and down the lines as necessary...insurance policy for the rookies that haven't been in playoff battles, flexibility for Q, might as well have more options at this point...sign me up for Tatar in a minute...

Love Krug's intangibles, but when the puck hits his stick in the offensive zone, it's time to back check.

Carrying the puck into the Wild Zone in the 3rd period with a 3 on 1, with Hoss and Rass. Did not even get off a shot. Or a pass.

You make far too much sense.

It may well be that lines 1, 2 and 4 are set for the playoffs. It may also be that when playoff time rolls around, there is a regression likely somewhere on line 1 and that mystery forward acquired at the deadline, especially if he's a LW, comes in real handy.

So some may also be surprised when/if it's not the lower line defensive slug that they feel suffices at this point. May also be a center.

Because bottom line, neither SB nor Q needs to fulfill any narrative beyond winning the Stanley Cup. So any acquisition should serve the team best under any circumstances that may develop.
- John Jaeckel

Up until recently I really was a believer that the Hawks needed to go out and get a 1LW to play with 19. He's playing like an absolute animal right now though and if this continues I would rather see them make a lower profile move and add depth that can either play with 81, or can be slotted to play with 19 and move panik or schmaltz down later if needed with struggles.

Toews getting healthy might have been the biggest move that could have happened for this team. in today's blog you talked about toews entering his prime and maybe as fans about to see him play his best hockey yet...that is absolutely frightening to think about. as accomplished a player as he already is, the thought of him having ANOTHER level would be ridiculous to watch and see the impact it can have on an entire team.

Agree....somebody who can move up and down the lines as necessary...insurance policy for the rookies that haven't been in playoff battles, flexibility for Q, might as well have more options at this point...sign me up for Tatar in a minute...
- Beaks99

I am also thinking chemistry. Tatar has some with Hoss at least, mireso than Palat. Similar players. I try to look at all ramifications. Chemistry is a big one

Up until recently I really was a believer that the Hawks needed to go out and get a 1LW to play with 19. He's playing like an absolute animal right now though and if this continues I would rather see them make a lower profile move and add depth that can either play with 81, or can be slotted to play with 19 and move panik or schmaltz down later if needed with struggles.

Toews getting healthy might have been the biggest move that could have happened for this team. in today's blog you talked about toews entering his prime and maybe as fans about to see him play his best hockey yet...that is absolutely frightening to think about. as accomplished a player as he already is, the thought of him having ANOTHER level would be ridiculous to watch and see the impact it can have on an entire team.
- frafra

Again, you are making far too much sense.

Again, you are making far too much sense.
- John Jaeckel

JJ are you thinking a Patrick Eaves type trade or are they still trying to pry Vanek/Tatar away from Detroit? Dont see TB moving Palat or Fillpula at this point. I know Vanek hasnt been popular here in terms of a trade, but he could be a wild card player if we were to meet Minny in the playoffs. (No pun intended)

JJ are you thinking a Patrick Eaves type trade or are they still trying to pry Vanek/Tatar away from Detroit? Dont see TB moving Palat or Fillpula at this point. I know Vanek hasnt been popular here in terms of a trade, but he could be a wild card player if we were to meet Minny in the playoffs. (No pun intended)
- z1990z

Tatar to play with Hossa would be ideal.

That would give us as solid of a 4 line rotation as there is in the league. Even with Kruger and Kero being a relatively weak combo of 3 and 4C's offensively, i think the wingers compliment them well and would help make up for the scoring.

Inagree with you if the short term get doesn't cost you more than Rockford defenders...he is an unsung Lightning leader, was Stamkos cntrecwhen they made him play wing, and is underrated in terms of strengths, and he or Tyler Johnson are the ones earmarked for departure before next season Cap crunch, NOT Palat.
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz,

completely agree...very underrated player - playoff vet going back to the Wings days.
The only concern would be the 5m cap hit for next season...we know he's got history with Scotty so we'll see what happens.

Clearly, you never saw Kruger absolutely stifle opposing playoff team's top lines in the '13 and '15 cup runs. Oh, and nevermind his '13 cup-winning goal contribution.
- blackhawk24

Dave Bolland scored the Cup winner in 13
https://www.google.ca/url...vg&bvm=bv.147448319,d.amc

Wow, nice first post -
- riozzo

Sadly not the first time his drivel has crept up here...

Sadly not the first time his drivel has crept up here...
- MTounian

Guy sure has a steady pattern of showing up every blog and posting one disparaging post about Bowman.

If Filppula is being bandied about as a real possibility, my first question would be why did Detroit let him go for nothing? I never understood that.

It should be clear enough now that the biggest problem was Toews' health, not the lack of a 1LW. His recent performance and those of his linemates has to help the front office's bargaining position, also. They shouldn't feel desperate to pay up for a legit 1LW, anyway. Depth is always good for a playoff run, of course.

I think it would be good to know what potential upside the front office sees in the kids playing most nights, if not every night. Are some of the kids at a sell high level now, or is this the beginning of productive NHL careers for them? This is where the front office earns its money, figuring this stuff out. I'm sure not going to offer much on that from my armchair here, anyway.

As for Kruger, if he has wrist issues to the point where he can't take a draw right now, it will be hard to move him without retaining salary or sweetening the deal some other way. I still think they were right to give him his current deal, because he did take one for the team when he did that one year deal before. Players on the Hawks and around the league have to take notice when the front office takes care of someone. If they screwed him on that deal, it would send a bad message.

JJ are you thinking a Patrick Eaves type trade or are they still trying to pry Vanek/Tatar away from Detroit? Dont see TB moving Palat or Fillpula at this point. I know Vanek hasnt been popular here in terms of a trade, but he could be a wild card player if we were to meet Minny in the playoffs. (No pun intended)
- z1990z

Here's what I was told yesterday: last night's game would go a long way toward determining trade deadline moves or lack thereof.

I have not heard anything since.

I am hoping to before the day is out but it doesn't really work on a schedule either. If not today, then likely tomorrow.

Hanzal 49 games 15 goals 9 assists (of those 4G and 4A on PP) and a minus 15 playing 18:35 per game.

Boyle 53 games 13 goals 9 assists (of those 3G and 3A on PP) and a plus 5 playing 13:45 per game.

Hartman 55 games 14 goals 10 assists (of those none on PP) and a plus 9 playing 12:23 per game.

I know Hartman has played wing more than center so he is not a good comparison. But still......

I am ok with trading for Boyle or Hanzal at the right price as a 3rd line ctr between Hossa and Moose as a shutdown line that can win faceoffs and score some. But let's not kid ourselves about their "greatness". Definitely better than Kruger offensively. But......

Sadly not the first time his drivel has crept up here...
- MTounian

Yeah man.. You are right. Stop feeding that Troll.

If Filppula is being bandied about as a real possibility, my first question would be why did Detroit let him go for nothing? I never understood that.

It should be clear enough now that the biggest problem was Toews' health, not the lack of a 1LW. His recent performance and those of his linemates has to help the front office's bargaining position, also. They shouldn't feel desperate to pay up for a legit 1LW, anyway. Depth is always good for a playoff run, of course.

I think it would be good to know what potential upside the front office sees in the kids playing most nights, if not every night. Are some of the kids at a sell high level now, or is this the beginning of productive NHL careers for them? This is where the front office earns its money, figuring this stuff out. I'm sure not going to offer much on that from my armchair here, anyway.

As for Kruger, if he has wrist issues to the point where he can't take a draw right now, it will be hard to move him without retaining salary or sweetening the deal some other way. I still think they were right to give him his current deal, because he did take one for the team when he did that one year deal before. Players on the Hawks and around the league have to take notice when the front office takes care of someone. If they screwed him on that deal, it would send a bad message.
- 333inthe3rd

Lots of good questions/thoughts, Deek,

Something else that gets too often overlooked. How FANTASTIC is this coaching staff?

Not taking anything away from Schmaltz, Hartman, Panik, Kempny, Kero—all of whom have stepped up this year, but some credit—maybe a lot—goes to a coaching staff that has shown a ton of patience and likely coached these kids up a lot.

Also, something else to consider. Fans, writers, including bloggers have a picture of players we see either on our tv screens or for a couple of hours at games from the 300 Level or wherever.

The coaches and front office know a LOT MORE. They know what these kids are like off the ice, how hard they work, what their backgrounds and parents are like, if they have a "posse," etc. They also know nuances of these kids' games—good and bad—that most of us can only guess at. We ALL, myself included, Armchair GM and Armchair Coach relentlessly. But the truth is, if it was that easy, there would be no Stan Bowman or Joel Quenneville. It's not.

And believe me, those "little" things are strongly weighed in trade decisions. I remember when everybody thought the Great Klas Dahlbeck was such a steep price to pay for Vermette, or had TT enshrined in the Hall of Fame back in 2014 based solely on some "youtubes" of WJC games."

So if one of those "jewels" in the crown of the prospect/rookie class gets traded this weekend, or if a "core veteran" mysteriously get shipped off to Winnipeg this summer, understand, it's because there is often more to the picture.