Lines for me

Toews Smaltz Panik
AA Panarin Kane
Kero Hartman Hossa
Kruger Hayden Rasmussen

Fill inns
Tootoo Desi Jurco
- Colbyboy

I like it. Hayden is a work in progress but the kid is big and can play physical.

Even for a guy of his size and weight, Panik is deceptively strong. He is really rounding into form here. I thought he was our best player in the 7 games against St. Louis last season. Now he is on another level overall and I am really looking forward to seeing what he does with another opportunity to stand out when the games really matter.
- Ballam

This picture supports the notion that Panik is in very good shape and is quite strong.

Doughty is no saint. Does the same cheap shot stuff you are getting on Tkachuk for. Atleast the Rookie had the guts to stand up for himself. Doughty sitting watching fight from the bench after more or less causing the whole episode by opening his mouth.
- Gerk

What Tkachuk should have said: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Doughty is no saint. Does the same cheap shot stuff you are getting on Tkachuk for. Atleast the Rookie had the guts to stand up for himself. Doughty sitting watching fight from the bench after more or less causing the whole episode by opening his mouth.
- Gerk

Although I agree with the sentiments shared so far that Tkachuk needs to clean up his act and dump the dirty stuff as early as he can in his young career, I would have to agree that Doughty is no saint either. Doughty is like Kronwall: gets a lot of fanfare and credit for being one of the prominent hitters in the game but a lot of his hits are questionable and arguably dirty.

What Tkachuk should have said: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words, or the possibility of ever getting into a fight with you, will never hurt me.
- DeflatedPucks

So - a really dirty elbow to Doughty's head in one game, earning a suspension, then in the next meeting he goes after every player on the Kings (including trying to fight Muzzin on the opening face-off).

This in a game that Calgary could clinch a play-off spot by winning. Which they didn't.

And don't forget the slash to Gaudreau's hand that may have been retaliation for the mayhem.

Selfish play by a 19 year old that while it probably won't cost his team a play-off spot certainly did NOT help his team at the time.

Grow up, Mr. Tkachuk - you too Mr. Milbury - and perhaps some meathead hockey fans who think that both were correct.
- StLBravesFan

Differences in opinion, my man.

My point was that I thought Milbury broke the situation down nicely and I agreed with a lot of his points.

I (like Milbury) don't agree with the elbow or questionable open ice hit attempt, but I found it interesting that a rookie was able to essentially get into the Kings heads--through bravado and agitation.

Also, I'm not a "meathead" hockey fan. Just because someone has a difference in opinion than yours, does not make them some sort of hockey dope that only craves a savage form of the sport.

I like Kero in there on the 4th line. He's shaping up real nicely as a two-way forward. Also is pretty good on the PK. I think 40-67-11 would be a P.I.T.A. line to play against in the playoffs. Desi has played a lot better lately IMO and deserves the roster spot. Even if Hayden isn't scoring, he has shown a willingness to hit people on the forecheck.

If the Hawks win 3 of their last 5, they tie the franchise record for wins in the season with 52. The year that holds that record is 2009-10. The interesting thing about that year, is they had the third best record in the league. That's basically where they are right now.

Differences in opinion, my man.

My point was that I thought Milbury broke the situation down nicely and I agreed with a lot of his points.

I (like Milbury) don't agree with the elbow or questionable open ice hit attempt, but I found it interesting that a rookie was able to essentially get into the Kings heads--through bravado and agitation.

Also, I'm not a "meathead" hockey fan. Just because someone has a difference in opinion than yours, does not make them some sort of hockey dope that only craves a savage form of the sport.
- Hank3Henshaw

Funny how guys like Bolland and Shaw used stick tactics to drive opponents crazy, but so many Hawks fans turned the other way. Guys like Jumbo Joe don't openly slash you across the wrist after a faceoff in 2010 vs Bolland unless you are doing some shady stuff......

part of the game is agitation. Doesn't make those of us who understand it a meat head. Big difference.

The Kings inability to make Tkchauk a NON factor or settle the score, like Mayers did with Torress in 2013 a major issue. That's a team in shambles in south California.

I don't like cheap shots and the elbow to Doughty was a cheap shot. Hopefully Tkachuk can limit that stuff. There was a play in the game last night when Tkachuk tried to line up Doughty at center ice and Doughty ducked and mostly avoided the hit but it looked to me like Tkachuk launched himself at Doughty's head on that play and was going for a kill shot. If Doughty hadn't reacted as quick as he did it could have been a very ugly play.

The thing is is that Tkachuk is a good hockey player. He doesn't need to be a cheap shot out of control player. Hopefully he learns that. I'm all for playing a tough physical game and as you said he's the type of player you hate as an opponent but would love to have on your team, but don't try to hurt anyone.
- EbonyRaptor

I don't like cheap shots either, but Mr Doughty has a tendency to inflict punishing hits when a player has his head down. I've seen him do this many times, sure within the rules but many times a player not expecting the hit leads to injury.

Have a feeling if we gave the Blues in the first round we will see Hayden in the line up.

For his mistake vs the Bolts the kids has been one of the more responsible forwards on the ice.

Jurco has been more responsible with the puck last 2 games

Let's go triple H line

Hayden, Hino, Hossa

Funny how guys like Bolland and Shaw used stick tactics to drive opponents crazy, but so many Hawks fans turned the other way. Guys like Jumbo Joe don't openly slash you across the wrist after a faceoff in 2010 vs Bolland unless you are doing some shady stuff......

part of the game is agitation. Doesn't make those of us who understand it a meat head. Big difference.

The Kings inability to make Tkchauk a NON factor or settle the score, like Mayers did with Torress in 2013 a major issue. That's a team in shambles in south California.
- SteveRain

Thanks for chiming in.

I totally agree. A vast majority of the players in the league do little things to agitate and try to get an edge on an opponent(s). Majority of it is gamesmanship. You saw it last night with Tkachuk when he skated by Doughty and gave him a little slash on the leg. What did Doughty do? He put his hands in the air and barked at the ref. Tkachuk was completely in his head. Like you said, it's part of the game.

I think guys like Tkachuk scare a lot of fans because he plays the game like guys did 15-20 + years ago. He's a throwback and people today-- who are eager to tell you their firm stance on cheap shots/fighting/chirping/physicality, etc. -- don't like his style of play, or don't want to admit that their team/players do similar stuff.

I like Kero in there on the 4th line. He's shaping up real nicely as a two-way forward. Also is pretty good on the PK. I think 40-67-11 would be a P.I.T.A. line to play against in the playoffs. Desi has played a lot better lately IMO and deserves the roster spot. Even if Hayden isn't scoring, he has shown a willingness to hit people on the forecheck.

If the Hawks win 3 of their last 5, they tie the franchise record for wins in the season with 52. The year that holds that record is 2009-10. The interesting thing about that year, is they had the third best record in the league. That's basically where they are right now.
- biskit67

About Hayden, I think he provides good value as you had described. I wouldn't expect him to be an offensive force by any means, but his ability to dish out 5 or more hits a game -- especially hits that leave marks -- are crucial in the war of attrition that is the playoffs.

And if I'm not mistaken, yesterday's win in Pittsburgh ties the franchise record for road wins.

Thanks for chiming in.

I totally agree. A vast majority of the players in the league do little things to agitate and try to get an edge on an opponent(s). Majority of it is gamesmanship. You saw it last night with Tkachuk when he skated by Doughty and gave him a little slash on the leg. What did Doughty do? He put his hands in the air and barked at the ref. Tkachuk was completely in his head. Like you said, it's part of the game.

I think guys like Tkachuk scare a lot of fans because he plays the game like guys did 15-20 + years ago. He's a throwback and people today-- who are eager to tell you their firm stance on cheap shots/fighting/chirping/physicality, etc. -- don't like his style of play, or don't want to admit that their team/players do similar stuff.
- Hank3Henshaw

Panik seems to have mastered this to some level. He does some under-the-radar agitation that makes other teams go ballistic on him after the whistle. Being an offensive threat now adds another level of pissing off the other team if agitation wasn't enough.

I don't like cheap shots either, but Mr Doughty has a tendency to inflict punishing hits when a player has his head down. I've seen him do this many times, sure within the rules but many times a player not expecting the hit leads to injury.
- BetweenTheDots

The cheap shot elbow to Doughty's head stands on it's own. It is not connected in any way to what Doughty has done to other players in the past. By saying "but Mr Doughty" your comment is coming dangerously close to condoning Tkachuk's cheap shot like Doughty may have deserved it for his past transgressions. That may not have been what you meant to convey but by making that connection you're leaving open that possibility.

My point in these comments is that Tkachuk has a chance to be a very good power forward in the NHL without the cheap shots. Someone close to him should tell him that and strongly advise him to play tough but not dirty.

Differences in opinion, my man.

My point was that I thought Milbury broke the situation down nicely and I agreed with a lot of his points.

I (like Milbury) don't agree with the elbow or questionable open ice hit attempt, but I found it interesting that a rookie was able to essentially get into the Kings heads--through bravado and agitation.

Also, I'm not a "meathead" hockey fan. Just because someone has a difference in opinion than yours, does not make them some sort of hockey dope that only craves a savage form of the sport.
- Hank3Henshaw

You are correct here: I should NOT have called fans who may differ with my opinions "meatheads" - and I apologize for that.

But NOT for criticizing Tkachuk for his actions, either with the elbow in the previous game, or in precipitating potential and actual fights last nite. You could make a case that sticking up for a teammate by going after an opposing player is part of the game - OK - I can agree.

But Tkachuk wasn't sticking up for a teammate: he was selfishly sticking up for a terribly dangerous hit that he made.

As far as Doughty being a dirty player - OK - I agree - next time he does that I'll jump all over him (figuratively, altho apparently, if I did so literally, he probably wouldn't respond). Today's comments are about Tkachuk.

Panik seems to have mastered this to some level. He does some under-the-radar agitation that makes other teams go ballistic on him after the whistle. Being an offensive threat now adds another level of pissing off the other team if agitation wasn't enough.
- AEL_Fox

Oh, 100%.

Did you see how fired up he had the Panthers? Haha.

Thanks for chiming in.

I totally agree. A vast majority of the players in the league do little things to agitate and try to get an edge on an opponent(s). Majority of it is gamesmanship. You saw it last night with Tkachuk when he skated by Doughty and gave him a little slash on the leg. What did Doughty do? He put his hands in the air and barked at the ref. Tkachuk was completely in his head. Like you said, it's part of the game.

I think guys like Tkachuk scare a lot of fans because he plays the game like guys did 15-20 + years ago. He's a throwback and people today-- who are eager to tell you their firm stance on cheap shots/fighting/chirping/physicality, etc. -- don't like his style of play, or don't want to admit that their team/players do similar stuff.
- Hank3Henshaw

Here's the real deal breaker.....the good teams who win in the playoffs ignore those clowns 99% of the time. Hawks have shown a good ability to be immune to most of it. Teams like the Canucks, Sharks, Blues, Ducks all melted down trying to do those tactics to the Hawks.

What is hilariously to me is that Tkachuck is a young kid with barely a track record and how badly he's in the Kings heads you would think he was Claude Lemiuex in the mid 90s.

Most of the NHL game is all mental and when guys can expose that weakness, they will........

You are correct here: I should NOT have called fans who may differ with my opinions "meatheads" - and I apologize for that.

But NOT for criticizing Tkachuk for his actions, either with the elbow in the previous game, or in precipitating potential and actual fights last nite. You could make a case that sticking up for a teammate by going after an opposing player is part of the game - OK - I can agree.

But Tkachuk wasn't sticking up for a teammate: he was selfishly sticking up for a terribly dangerous hit that he made.

As far as Doughty being a dirty player - OK - I agree - next time he does that I'll jump all over him (figuratively, altho apparently, if I did so literally, he probably wouldn't respond). Today's comments are about Tkachuk.
- StLBravesFan

No worries, man. I get your points--they're good ones, too.

What I find interesting is that Tkachuk was sort of offering himself up to the Kings (multiple times) to settle it and they really didn't do anything.

I feel like things would have ended if that guy didn't pass on Tkachuk's initial invitation to fight, or if Doughty would have just fought him. When they passed, I think in Tkachuk's mind, he knew he had an edge on them--which he did.

So - a really dirty elbow to Doughty's head in one game, earning a suspension, then in the next meeting he goes after every player on the Kings (including trying to fight Muzzin on the opening face-off).

This in a game that Calgary could clinch a play-off spot by winning. Which they didn't.

And don't forget the slash to Gaudreau's hand that may have been retaliation for the mayhem.

Selfish play by a 19 year old that while it probably won't cost his team a play-off spot certainly did NOT help his team at the time.

Grow up, Mr. Tkachuk - you too Mr. Milbury - and perhaps some meathead hockey fans who think that both were correct.
- StLBravesFan

agree...a dirty elbow followed by susp...and the next game this 19 year old jerk is running around picking fights and targeting doughty AGAIN????...all with a smartass grin and then he and his team lose....screw him

Oh, 100%.

Did you see how fired up he had the Panthers? Haha.
- Hank3Henshaw

Yeah, the Panthers captain MacKenzie in particular was overly irritated by Panik. Same thing with Getzlaf in the last Hawks-Ducks game.

The cheap shot elbow to Doughty's head stands on it's own. It is not connected in any way to what Doughty has done to other players in the past. By saying "but Mr Doughty" your comment is coming dangerously close to condoning Tkachuk's cheap shot like Doughty may have deserved it for his past transgressions. That may not have been what you meant to convey but by making that connection you're leaving open that possibility.

My point in these comments is that Tkachuk has a chance to be a very good power forward in the NHL without the cheap shots. Someone close to him should tell him that and strongly advise him to play tough but not dirty.
- EbonyRaptor

Everything is connected, everything. First thing veterans will tell rookies were playing the Kings tonight Doughty has a tendency to blow you up when your not paying attention. Somehow the NHL will enable the player who makes the hit and say oh the player should of had his head up? Okay based on NHL rules it's legal, legal or not a team mate sees that they will come after the player eventually.

Do you remember that cheap shot Sedin made on Keith and wasn't called for it and later in the game Keith elbowed Sedin in the head. The league let the Sedin play go, but then suspended Keith? See how the two are connected. One was supposedly within the rules of the game the other was not.

Have a feeling if we gave the Blues in the first round we will see Hayden in the line up.

For his mistake vs the Bolts the kids has been one of the more responsible forwards on the ice.

Jurco has been more responsible with the puck last 2 games

Let's go triple H line

Hayden, Hino, Hossa
- BetweenTheDots

And then we'll face the Pens in the finals and reenact HBK vs. HHH

These guys can cheap shot, start fights, agitate, do whatever they want. But at the end of the day, it's the final score of that game and who hoists the cup that really matters. All the rest is noise.

There are always going to be fights as long as there are sticks and checks. They will never completely go away, for better or worse. But cheap shots need to be dealt with and eventually one of those cheap shots is going to cost more than a regular season game.

Fighters are pretty much out of the game. Fighting never will.

Lines for me

Toews Smaltz Panik
AA Panarin Kane
Kero Hartman Hossa
Kruger Hayden Rasmussen

Fill inns
Tootoo Desi Jurco
- Colbyboy

I know you don't have D in here, but think I's pair Kempny and TVR for a games and see how they work together.

Last night was the first time in a while I've been able to watch an entire game, Campbell is a bit scary back there. Not Cominskey scary, but a little scary none the less

You may be right but "this GM" did draft Shaw and Hartman.
- -Doh-

Hayden appears to be over 5'6" as well.