FWIW:

Yzerman said the standings didn't really go into this thinking about the Bishop trade.

"I feel with the two goalies we have, it's going to give us a chance to win," Yzerman said. "We're going to try to continue to make the playoffs. The timing of it, I've got to make this decision now. I was prepared to make this trade last summer, I was prepared to do it throughout the course of the season whenever it came until now."

To me though it's not good asset management practices to trade a 2nd or more for say a guy like Boyle who is only a +20 in FO differential over 60 games.
- Feds91Stammer

Trust me Feds, I get your point but when you have a guy like AA who's on the PK and whose -20 to -40 on those draws and see the puck end up in the back of the net or see the PK guys on the ice for over a minute (or longer) because they can't change (especially the long change in the 2nd period), you'll see why so many of us focus on getting a good guy at the dot.

You can't just LTIR everyone then expect them to be ready for the playoffs.

Guys need to play and play regularly. LTIR isn't some loophole to use, especially the end of the season.

Kane is a ridiculous talent that can take the time off he did and still be a freak. He is not the norm

FWIW:

Yzerman said the standings didn't really go into this thinking about the Bishop trade.

"I feel with the two goalies we have, it's going to give us a chance to win," Yzerman said. "We're going to try to continue to make the playoffs. The timing of it, I've got to make this decision now. I was prepared to make this trade last summer, I was prepared to do it throughout the course of the season whenever it came until now."
- walleyeb1

He also said it was his only offer.

Vasy and Budaj are a plenty competent goalie tandem.

Getting a 19 year old RHD prospect for a guy you were losing in a few months is good asset management.

Overall yes. But face-offs do matter a lot in certain situations, like the ones Kruger has cover most of the last 2-3 years and now can't. Hawks have no one over 50% other than Toews. And Kruger who now can't take draws.
- John Jaeckel

When you have a puck possession team like the Hawks, I feel the face-offs are more important. Less time chasing.

And, like said before in many discussions, if you can win the draws, in the offensive/defensive zones, late in playoff games no matter the score (up 1, tied, down 1)... it is huge.

You can't just LTIR everyone then expect them to be ready for the playoffs.

Guys need to play and play regularly. LTIR isn't some loophole to use, especially the end of the season.

Kane is a ridiculous talent that can take the time off he did and still be a freak. He is not the norm
- PatShart

thank you

When you have a puck possession team like the Hawks, I feel the face-offs are more important. Less time chasing.

And, like said before in many discussions, if you can win the draws, in the offensive/defensive zones, late in playoff games no matter the score (up 1, tied, down 1)... it is huge.
- slarm

How long does possession really last after a FO though? And you don't get to choose when and where you win the FOs.

How long does possession really last after a FO though? And you don't get to choose when and where you win the FOs.
- Feds91Stammer

If you win a faceoff on a powerplay, you have a better chance to score, rather than chasing the puck.
If you win a faceoff on a penalty kill, you can kill off 20+ seconds by clearing the puck all the way down.

The higher the percentage, the better the odds you'll win that draw.

How long does possession really last after a FO though? And you don't get to choose when and where you win the FOs.
- Feds91Stammer

Possession lasts until you score, lose the puck, or don't score. Please stop with your argument against FO's. Any real hockey fan knows they are important.
Now, go back to eating Little Ceasar's pizza.

so should Stan trade Darling and a 5th for a prospect and a 7th round pick...versus lose him for nothing?

so should Stan trade Darling and a 5th for a prospect and a 7th round pick...versus lose him for nothing?
- PatShart

That depends on what else you have to back up the net behind CC if you lose him and what Stan is planning in the off season.

so should Stan trade Darling and a 5th for a prospect and a 7th round pick...versus lose him for nothing?
- PatShart

red font?
seems like there are other options for Darling, like resigning him. And, you know, a solid affordable backup for the playoffs.

How long does possession really last after a FO though? And you don't get to choose when and where you win the FOs.
- Feds91Stammer

It seems to last until the puck goes into the net on a PP - or gets cleared by the PK - especially close in the 3rd period.

Possession lasts until you score, lose the puck, or don't score. Please stop with your argument against FO's. Any real hockey fan knows they are important.
Now, go back to eating Little Ceasar's pizza.
- powerenforcer

Man where do I go to get my real hockey fan membership card?

if Jurco shows any chemistry with Hossa...he'll definitely get the nod over Rass

Rads doesn't do any one thing well

No speed, size but not physical, and not strong on the boards/on the puck
- PatShart

Big IF....But agree although I wouldn't bet on it.
If that's the case then the Hawks will have to hope Kruger can hold his own on draws.

I think one thing I keep overlooking is Latta. Not a bad faceoff guy... pretty even %. Maybe Q goes with a fourth line of a Kruger-Latta combo and switch up offensive or defensive zone draws, like the Kruger-Bolland combo in the 2013 postseason. Probably best to add another center, but if you can add a reliable, two way winger, that might not be as a good as a center, but might nonetheless help.

He also said it was his only offer.

Vasy and Budaj are a plenty competent goalie tandem.

Getting a 19 year old RHD prospect for a guy you were losing in a few months is good asset management.
- Feds91Stammer

Makes me wonder how much he's really moved into sellers mode.

Stamkos is back on the ice for TB so I don't think they are selling. They really wanted to move Bishop but I don't think they are giving up yet.

Makes me wonder how much he's really moved into sellers mode.
- walleyeb1

Yzerman isn't dumb. He isn't giving away players for free but he knew Bishop had no future in Tampa.

I think one thing I keep overlooking is Latta. Not a bad faceoff guy... pretty even %. Maybe Q goes with a fourth line of a Kruger-Latta combo and switch up offensive or defensive zone draws, like the Kruger-Bolland combo in the 2013 postseason. Probably best to add another center, but if you can add a reliable, two way winger, that might not be as a good as a center, but might nonetheless help.
- 93Joe

Career 49.7%, not too too bad and plays physically right? How is he otherwise?

I think one thing I keep overlooking is Latta. Not a bad faceoff guy... pretty even %. Maybe Q goes with a fourth line of a Kruger-Latta combo and switch up offensive or defensive zone draws, like the Kruger-Bolland combo in the 2013 postseason. Probably best to add another center, but if you can add a reliable, two way winger, that might not be as a good as a center, but might nonetheless help.
- 93Joe

why are they waiting to bring latta up? what is the deal with him? a post trade deadline call up/cap saver?

Possession lasts until you score, lose the puck, or don't score. Please stop with your argument against FO's. Any real hockey fan knows they are important.
Now, go back to eating Little Ceasar's pizza.
- powerenforcer

Not a cordial reply, by any means.

Career 49.7%, not too too bad and plays physically right? How is he otherwise?
- cnfan261311

In his LIMITED playoff stint with Washington, his percentage was 62.7%, for what that is worth.

He is a hard-nosed player. Maybe a bit better defensively than offensively.

Man where do I go to get my real hockey fan membership card?
- Feds91Stammer

Are you serious?

why are they waiting to bring latta up? what is the deal with him? a post trade deadline call up/cap saver?
- frafra

Probably the latter of what you stated. Probably waiting for Desi to be traded.