Wouldnt swap a thing. The fourth line has looked great why change it?
- kevndevries

Because Kruger hurts Hoss and whoever is the LW in the offensive zone. Go back and watch the 3 on 1 he f'd up last night, without a shot or a pass. If he's on the 4th he can still kill penalties.

Because it might in fact not be good enough yet to win a Cup.
- John Jaeckel

I could see that. But as long as you are winning games, regular season or come playoff time, I don't see a reason to switch it. If they stop winning games or arent playing nearly as well then yea switch it up. But as long as its working I would keep the lines the same. Thats all I was trying to say.

I think the Hawks adjusted to the Wild over the course of the season series. So much of the Wild game plan is forecheck pressure and counter attack on turnovers/mistakes. When the Hawks D moved the puck well and the team limited the errors handling the puck, they owned the Wild for long stretches.
- breadbag

Don't fall into any traps that one team can will their second round match up, heck the first round can burst teams into flames.

Dubnyk has learned LESS running around is better, being a huge target whether he gloves the pucks is also frustrating.
Crawford and the Hawks puck possession, much better puck control and strong back side pressure is why they one. Our guys along with scoring more goals, were intense at making Wild players cough it up (Dumba, who I never ever will understand they took over Trouba was made a dumb countless times.)

I like happy endings even for nonhawks and the mid round selection of they many time concussed USA speed player Jason Tucker and the reclamation project selected in the first round by Vancouver Jordan Schroeder are just fireball mighty mites that have changed the push, and the heavy players and skilled youngsters are simply coming along.
iF the Wild were able to keep the Hawks funneled to the outside and had the breakdowns the Wild did, the score being different.
Don't fool yourself that that young defender, Gustafson Olofsson wasn't caught with his awareness and footwork (btw, his brother Fredrick a hawk draftee is coming along quite nicely at Nebraska)on that terrific play by Schmaltz.
Or that the Hawks didn't take some good licks.
That is why the home ice may loom as the difference in the series.
I simply think Dub dub dub isn't as gud gud gud and a lot of different looks, but you only get so any quality chances to score and these giant goalies are lucky bodies in lots of looks...

You wait because you are already paying Crawford $6mil and Darling will be due for a new contract this summer. You wait because Crawford has shown he can handle the pressure and take a team through the 16 wins needed to win the Cup. Unless they plan on trading Crawford before March 1 (talk about unexpected if they did), you play Crow bc he is still the #1G.

The more Wins Darling puts up and the larger his sample size for his exceptional statistics, the bigger his Cap Hit will be on his next contract.
- EnzoD

Nope you always play your BEST goaltender because he gives you the best chance to win.

Quality of opponents over that stretch is a huge reason for the improved numbers and record.

Over the last eleven games they were 7-4, had MIN twice, and stepped up both nights to win two big individual games against them. SJ L, TB L, WPG L/W, ARI W, DAL W, EDM W/L, BUF W. Most of those wins (and a couple of losses) were against teams they should beat.

Lets see how this lineup does against PIT and CBJ next month. Then ask how they would fare in a couple of long series against teams like these. Because on balance the Hawks have a pretty weak schedule the rest of the way. Sets up a false sense of security if you ask me.

As I said earlier, the West teams will not be the test. It will be the East teams. The empirical evidence suggests the team as constructed will really struggle against the cream of the East.
- Return of the Roar

Bro what are you talking about, the Hawks have played against some very tough competition lately(like you said, Sharks, Oilers(twice), Wild(twice), etc).....and almost all on the road.

So.....you don't count any of that, like going on the road to play the Sharks and Wild, and you're instead going to wait to see how we play at home against the Blue Jackets? I don't get it....

Even the Penguins by the time we face them(a week from today) are probably going to be without AT LEAST 2 of their defenseman. Might not be something that gives you any concrete information.

Btw....listening to Sirius XM hockey.....Dale Weise has ONE assist in his last 30 games for Philly. Yikes.

Bro what are you talking about, the Hawks have played against some very tough competition lately(like you said, Sharks, Oilers(twice), Wild(twice), etc).....and almost all on the road.

So.....you don't count any of that, like going on the road to play the Sharks and Wild, and you're instead going to wait to see how we play at home against the Blue Jackets? I don't get it....

Even the Penguins by the time we face them(a week from today) are probably going to be without AT LEAST 2 of their defenseman. Might not be something that gives you any concrete information.
- SimpleJack

I need to see them win another Cup and then maybe I'll be convinced.

Wiz, you know salary give-backs are not allowed under the CBA. As to tutoring TT, how? Show him a new golf swing?
- BMWChiFan

I was talking about Tazer pushing the kids here now, and I do know he can't make Cap space, just like he KNOWS they only have so much.

Not buying the Toews gets what he wants because of his concern....that's all you can believe that, but even the nicest talks with your bosses about stepping up production are just that...management listening, not panicking to solve the impossible with bandaids...inside solutions make you better in the future where Vanek types are not appeasing solutions and Cap is flat...sorry Johnny.

When you roll the dice on starting goslies you better be right, otherwise you end up like Dallas ,Winnipeg and others.
A sure thing is important ..... once the puck drops on 17-18 it will be too late to change in mid stream.

It's why I think the Hawks will move Darling at the Draft and not Crawford.

Don't fall into any traps that one team can will their second round match up, heck the first round can burst teams into flames.

Dubnyk has learned LESS running around is better, being a huge target whether he gloves the pucks is also frustrating.
Crawford and the Hawks puck possession, much better puck control and strong back side pressure is why they one. Our guys along with scoring more goals, were intense at making Wild players cough it up (Dumba, who I never ever will understand they took over Trouba was made a dumb countless times.)

I like happy endings even for nonhawks and the mid round selection of they many time concussed USA speed player Jason Tucker and the reclamation project selected in the first round by Vancouver Jordan Schroeder are just fireball mighty mites that have changed the push, and the heavy players and skilled youngsters are simply coming along.
iF the Wild were able to keep the Hawks funneled to the outside and had the breakdowns the Wild did, the score being different.
Don't fool yourself that that young defender, Gustafson Olofsson wasn't caught with his awareness and footwork (btw, his brother Fredrick a hawk draftee is coming along quite nicely at Nebraska)on that terrific play by Schmaltz.
Or that the Hawks didn't take some good licks.
That is why the home ice may loom as the difference in the series.
I simply think Dub dub dub isn't as gud gud gud and a lot of different looks, but you only get so any quality chances to score and these giant goalies are lucky bodies in lots of looks...
- wiz1901

Big ol' -4 last night. Whew, he did NOT look good.

The 'hawks have had the knack of being able to play whatever style the opponent plays when needed and switching to another when needed. They've played heavy, they've played fast. They've forechecked, they've clogged center ice. If they can continue to play everyone else's game better, they will win another SC. That's what I've been seeing lately.

I need to see them win another Cup and then maybe I'll be convinced.
- HawkintheD

Only if it's a sweep. If it takes them 5, 6, or 7 games then I'm still not so sure. Might be a fluke.

The more Wins Darling puts up and the larger his sample size for his exceptional statistics, the bigger his Cap Hit will be on his next contract.
- EnzoD

Not looking to argue whichya but answer me,
Darling would have won last night?

When you roll the dice on starting goslies you better be right, otherwise you end up like Dallas and Winnipeg.
A sure thing is important because once the puck drops on 2017-18 it will be too late to change in mid stream.

It's why I think Hawks will move Darling at the Draft and not Crawford.
- Colbyboy

I don't think the Stars or the Jets have anything close to what the Hawks have on the blueline. And that's the key when it comes to putting a certain amount of responsibility on a new starting goalie's shoulders. You've GOT to have the D-core to back him up and help take on some of that responsibility. That's why i think this Hawks team is in perfect position to make the transition without it impacting the GA.

Btw....listening to Sirius XM hockey.....Dale Weise has ONE assist in his last 30 games for Philly. Yikes.
- ILGolfer

But hey, at least he called his experience playing here a "disaster".

What a horrible acquisition that was.

Only if it's a sweep. If it takes them 5, 6, or 7 games then I'm still not so sure. Might be a fluke.
- SimpleJack

Good point SJ. Unless it's a sweep the victory will be hollow for me...3 1/2 Cup wins.

Good point SJ. Unless it's a sweep the victory will be hollow for me...3 1/2 Cup wins.
- HawkintheD

Lol

Good point SJ. Unless it's a sweep the victory will be hollow for me...3 1/2 Cup victories.
- HawkintheD

Wow, you actually count the Cup we won after the lockout shortened 2012/13 season? That's highly debatable.

If you ask me its 2 Cups, and if you're gonna call it 3 at least use the asterisk, "3***" so its fair.

But hey, at least he called his experience playing here a "disaster".

What a horrible acquisition that was.
- TommyHawk

I still think Q misused him. Oh well (frank) the Flyers and their wasted money.

He seems like a mental case.

Less than a calander week to go. Cant (frank)in wait to see the line up on 3/1 . Even if they make no deals. Let go lets roll !! Cant wait for the playoffs

Wow, you actually count the Cup we won after the lockout shortened 2012/13 season? That's highly debatable.

If you ask me its 2 Cups, and if you're gonna call it 3 at least use the asterisk, "3***" so its fair.
- SimpleJack

You know . Carter missed a wide open net in game 6 as a Flyer in 2010. Im thinking counting the 2010 cup should be debated. I mean the Flyers played that series with a shooter tutor in net.

Fake Cups ! Very sad.

You know . Carter missed a wide open net in game 6 as a Flyer in 2010. Im thinking counting the 2010 cup should be debated. I mean the Flyers played that series with a shooter tutor in net.

Fake Cups ! Very sad.
- mrpaulish

Damn MrP.....where's that red font.......I think Darth took it all.

So Brian Boyle is a wing addition, a centre addition, your face off and PK guy and you emergency in game replacement defender.

He leaves TB for a four months to only return with a hometown deal that fits with staying in the group for another run.

The only question is will thy take one of our Rockford defenders OTHER than Forsling and or a pick?

So Brian Boyle is a wing addition, a centre addition, your face off and PK guy and you emergency in game replacement defender.

He leaves TB for a four months to only return with a hometown deal that fits with staying in the group for another run.

The only question is will thy take one of our Rockford defenders OTHER than Forsling and or a pick?
- wiz1901

Id welcome Boyle happily

Damn MrP.....where's that red font.......I think Darth took it all.
- ILGolfer

I dont know how to do russian red font !

Very sad.

But hey, at least he called his experience playing here a "disaster".

What a horrible acquisition that was.
- TommyHawk

Cautious that Eaves may be a second coming

Not looking to argue whichya but answer me,
Darling would have won last night?
- wiz1901

While can't be answered definitively the odds of Darling winning would've been substantially less:

Chance Darling Is Better Than Crawford: 14.28%
Chance Crawford Is Better Than Darling: 85.72%
Goalie With Higher Chance Of Being Elite:Crawford
Goalie With Higher Chance of Being a Dud: Darling