After the past few games, including last night, Toews comments about steady linemates, and SB saying he's not looking to make a big move (for mostly PR, I know), I've got a gut feeling not much is going to go down.

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

Boyle 53 games 13 goals 9 assists (of those 3G and 3A on PP) and a plus 5 playing 13:45 per game. (playing for a team presently not in the playoffs)

Hartman 55 games 14 goals 10 assists (of those none on PP) and a plus 9 playing 12:23 per game. (playing for one of the better teams in the league, and often with one of the game's better players)

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......
- -Doh-

It's not apples to apples.

After the past few games, including last night, Toews comments about steady linemates, and SB saying he's not looking to make a big move (for mostly PR, I know), I've got a gut feeling not much is going to go down.
- JRoenick97

Toews has, I was told, had more to say off the record with the front office on this subject. A few games might not be enough to change what I was told was a high level of frustration on the issue of linemates.

I would therefore not jump to the conclusion that he is completely satisfied.

Or how well he's playing may say to him and others that they really need to go all in.

People will believe what they want, as always. And they may not do anything. I will be more surprised if they don't.

Toews has, I was told, had more to say off the record with the front office on this subject. A few games might not be enough to change what I was told was a high level of frustration on the issue of linemates.

I would therefore not jump to the conclusion that he is completely satisfied.

Or how well he's playing may say to him and others that they really need to go all in.

People will believe what they want, as always. And they may not do anything. I will be more surprised if they don't.
- John Jaeckel

Say that Vanek does end up here.. with the way the top line is playing maybe leave it alone. How bout a 3rd line of Vanek 16 81 ??? hmmmm

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.
- John Jaeckel

Unless you're a generational talent, ala Tiger Woods, MJ, Gretzky, etc......I personally think the only real edge 90% of pro athletes can gain on their peers is how hard they work or the mental side of their game.

And the only folks who really can see all of that are the teams coaching/front office people. And I was one of those fans who was screaming at Q last year for his Mash love and some other curious moves, so I have to now give him credit for adapting from last year to this year. And who's to say; even though he knows he's a HOF coach, that he did "learn" something about himself last year and used that perspective to adapt to this year?

Has this board lost its collective soul? One week ago the field bristled with banners of resistance: "Never Vanek," "Over my dead body," or any number of terse retching sounds with emoticons. If you can't get mad, at least get sick. Now? "If Stan thinks it's best," and the tattered "I'm resigned to it," hang limply over the plundered fortress. If Francis Scott Key wrote an anthem from this sorry spectacle, Cornelison would retch to sing it!

It's time my friends to pull a Howard Beale or be forever silent. Go open your windows, stick out your head, and yell to the heavens: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take Vanek anymore." Dutch OR Tatar+Smith OR nothing! If it takes Hartman AND Schmaltz AND a high pick to get it done, you don't flinch. YOU GO GET IT DONE!

Say that Vanek does end up here.. with the way the top line is playing maybe leave it alone. How bout a 3rd line of Vanek 16 81 ??? hmmmm
- z1990z

Sign me up.

Has this board lost its collective soul? One week ago the field bristled with banners of resistance: "Never Vanek," "Over my dead body," or any number of terse retching sounds with emoticons. If you can't get mad, at least get sick. Now? "If Stan thinks it's best," and the tattered "I'm resigned to it," hang limply over the plundered fortress. If Francis Scott Key wrote an anthem from this sorry spectacle, Cornelison would retch to sing it!

It's time my friends to pull a Howard Beale or be forever silent. Go open your windows, stick out your head, and yell to the heavens: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take Vanek anymore." Dutch OR Tatar+Smith OR nothing! If it takes Hartman AND Schmaltz AND a high pick to get it done, you don't flinch. YOU GO GET IT DONE!
- meta_puck_luck

Personally, my position has never changed, and I would still prefer to see Vanek set ablaze than ever wearing the Indian head...

Toews has, I was told, had more to say off the record with the front office on this subject. A few games might not be enough to change what I was told was a high level of frustration on the issue of linemates.

I would therefore not jump to the conclusion that he is completely satisfied.

Or how well he's playing may say to him and others that they really need to go all in.

People will believe what they want, as always. And they may not do anything. I will be more surprised if they don't.
- John Jaeckel

Oh for sure, I was just getting a gut feeling with all those things coming together that I wouldn't be surprised if they don't do much, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they did. SB has always made at least one move.

Has this board lost its collective soul? One week ago the field bristled with banners of resistance: "Never Vanek," "Over my dead body," or any number of terse retching sounds with emoticons. If you can't get mad, at least get sick. Now? "If Stan thinks it's best," and the tattered "I'm resigned to it," hang limply over the plundered fortress. If Francis Scott Key wrote an anthem from this sorry spectacle, Cornelison would retch to sing it!

It's time my friends to pull a Howard Beale or be forever silent. Go open your windows, stick out your head, and yell to the heavens: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take Vanek anymore." Dutch OR Tatar+Smith OR nothing! If it takes Hartman AND Schmaltz AND a high pick to get it done, you don't flinch. YOU GO GET IT DONE!
- meta_puck_luck

Nah meta....only DarthKane and I have lost our soul's.....(red font)....

Oh for sure, I was just getting a gut feeling with all those things coming together that I wouldn't be surprised if they don't do much, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they did. SB has always made at least one move.
- JRoenick97

I can see them standing pat, but then the other question is, they have about $3 million in cap space. Why not use it to add as much as they can?

I guess the only counter argument to that is it will cost a rookie and/or prospect and/or draft pick.

My answer is, that's never stopped them before, even in 2013 when they were probably better at this point and they went out and got Zus.

I can see them standing pat, but then the other question is, they have about $3 million in cap space. Why not use it to add as much as they can?

I guess the only counter argument to that is it will cost a rookie and/or prospect and/or draft pick.

My answer is, that's never stopped them before, even in 2013 when they were probably better at this point and they went out and got Zus.
- John Jaeckel

Only thing I can think is for bonuses since Panarin gets a raise next year.

Not to distract, but…………. 2 - 22 - 1980

Happy "Do You Believe in Miracles?!!!" Day everyone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYscemhnf88
- BobP.

The greatest American sports story ever written is never a distraction!

Oh for sure, I was just getting a gut feeling with all those things coming together that I wouldn't be surprised if they don't do much, but I also wouldn't be surprised if they did. SB has always made at least one move.
- JRoenick97

What team(s) are in the most need and what they are willing to pay to get what they want? If those teams pay up big time into a seller's market, I think Stanbo drops out. If there are pieces available at good# he will move quickly to do it. For a defenceman first I think, Rozsival is all done and he doesn't want to be left with Forsling as his #7 option.

Only thing I can think is for bonuses since Panarin gets a raise next year.
- JRoenick97

Can see your point JR but don't you think this regime has that "we will worry about tomorrow, tomorrow" view? Stan has said that on numerous occasions regarding bonuses, etc.

The greatest American sports story ever written is never a distraction!
- blackhawk24

For sure BH24, just took a minute out of the day to watch it just now. It also struck me that Al Michaels has ridden that line for 37 years.

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.
- John Jaeckel

Great post, JJ.

Sign me up.
- John Jaeckel

Vanek Kurger Hossa seems like a bad fit to me. Vanek is slow and a bad defender how does that work with a center who does not try to score and gets heavy D zone draws?

you need to remember that the 1st line is really young and the 2nd line is below AVG def. Vanek makes the 3rd line AVG Def as well. 4th line is really young.

Vanek Kurger Hossa seems like a bad fit to me. Vanek is slow and a bad defender how does that work with a center who does not try to score and gets heavy D zone draws?

you need to remember that the 1st line is really young and the 2nd line is below AVG def. Vanek makes the 3rd line AVG Def as well. 4th line is really young.
- kmw4631

The ice shrinks come playoff time. Vanek can score and could bounce lines if need be. Im not advocating for Vanek, but JJ said he has been on Stan's radar for a while. Kicking stuff around is all..

Can see your point JR but don't you think this regime has that "we will worry about tomorrow, tomorrow" view? Stan has said that on numerous occasions regarding bonuses, etc.
- ILGolfer

I agree, that's just the only thing I could come up with. He may not want to be taken to the cleaners a la Sharp.

I can see them standing pat, but then the other question is, they have about $3 million in cap space. Why not use it to add as much as they can?

I guess the only counter argument to that is it will cost a rookie and/or prospect and/or draft pick.

My answer is, that's never stopped them before, even in 2013 when they were probably better at this point and they went out and got Zus.
- John Jaeckel

It would cost them cap space that could be used or later applied elsewhere. Plus it could disrupt team chemistry and momentum. Why change what's working well, and indeed improving each game?

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

The poster said 'contribution' - as in, Kruger contributed to the goal, not that he was the one that scored it. That 4th line of Kruger-Bolland-Frolike was really good in 2013.

Nah meta....only DarthKane and I have lost our soul's.....(red font)....
- ILGolfer

No red font needed for me....that happened a LONG time ago.

It's great to see Toews finally playing with confidence and looking like he is really having fun. We haven't seen that much lately, but in the game last night he was feeling it and I think this will have a positive effect on him for some time. He got the monkey off his back, he called it a cab and sent it packing.

The reaction on his face when he forked/shoveled that feed from Schmaltz into the net, that was priceless.

I know I've been pumping Schmaltz's tires all year because I like what I see in him and I'm really glad to see him becoming a more dangerous player week over week lately. These last few games, he has really started to cut to the middle and attack a lot more. There was a lot of talk lately about the current rookies and comparing them to the hawks core, but I think Hartman and Schmaltz could be core pieces in the next 1-3 years.

I can see them standing pat, but then the other question is, they have about $3 million in cap space. Why not use it to add as much as they can?

I guess the only counter argument to that is it will cost a rookie and/or prospect and/or draft pick.

My answer is, that's never stopped them before, even in 2013 when they were probably better at this point and they went out and got Zus.
- John Jaeckel

To be fair, C is more important in this system than a W. That team had a real need for a 2C and he was needed badly (at the time).