Nor will he win a cup again either...
- hawks2010

I guess Detroit will never win another cup again either. Bowman knows the long term success of this franchise is to use the Wings blueprint. Detroit wont win the cup every year but they will always be in the mix. Chicago has a very talented and young core, there is no reason to sell off the potential for long term success for a short term solution.

I'd like to see the Hawks bring up Bollig and waive Scott.
- jhawk159

Amen!
- EKolb13

We may have to start a petition drive on this.

You really believe Frolik is going to be here at his level of contract to play 4th line mins??

Also I hope you are not including Olesz in the mix with your cap numbers...So your numbers could be off by over $5 mill.

If Bowman was high on Olesz at all he should have been here weeks ago.

Also you are considering adding two $4 mill players which most liikley isn't going to happen.
- Al

Olesz is not part of the Cap numbers for next year, he is in the minors, if you add him in we are at 17 and 57 mill. Olesz is not tradable but could be bought out, but my guess is welcome to the AHL. Huet comes off the books next year. I think Frolik could be a good third liner, he has all the potential. Three contracts that could be moved to get another Dman could be Frolik, Bickell and Lepisto.

Olesz is not part of the Cap numbers for next year, he is in the minors, if you add him in we are at 17 and 57 mill. Olesz is not tradable but could be bought out, but my guess is welcome to the AHL. Huet comes off the books next year. I think Frolik could be a good third liner, he has all the potential. Three contracts that could be moved to get another Dman could be Frolik, Bickell and Lepisto.
- hawksbuzz

Or they could actually try Lepisto as a D-man. The fact that this option has not ever been seriously considered by Q, while John Scott continues to get regular starts, is further indictment of a lousy head coach.

Or they could actually try Lepisto as a D-man. The fact that this option has not ever been seriously considered by Q, while John Scott continues to get regular starts, is further indictment of a lousy head coach.
- Ogilthorpe2

See we do share the same opinions!

Or they could actually try Lepisto as a D-man. The fact that this option has not ever been seriously considered by Q, while John Scott continues to get regular starts, is further indictment of a lousy head coach.
- Ogilthorpe2

Did you know that in two games against the Nucks this year Lepisto was a plus 3? But Q decided to dress Scott for 4 min. and go with 5 D for the whole game and overtime. If that wasn't bad enough he dressed him again against the speedy and skilled Oilers. You wonder why the D was burned out against the Flames playing 3 in 4 nights on the road. Briliant coaching!!! Oh almost forgot sitting Frolick for three straight in favour of Bickell, talk about demoralizing a player, no wonder he has no idea what his role on the team is!

And the Devils are now winning 6-0 in Philadelphia. It is a Blackhawk-like implosion.
- AL SEC0RD

It's amazing how that franchise always seems to be lacking a solid goalie.

It's amazing how that franchise always seems to be lacking a solid goalie.
- Al

Six goals is a problem deaper than goaltending.

It's amazing how that franchise always seems to be lacking a solid goalie.
- Al

Didn't they think they signed one in Bryzgalov?

Olesz is not part of the Cap numbers for next year, he is in the minors, if you add him in we are at 17 and 57 mill. Olesz is not tradable but could be bought out, but my guess is welcome to the AHL. Huet comes off the books next year. I think Frolik could be a good third liner, he has all the potential. Three contracts that could be moved to get another Dman could be Frolik, Bickell and Lepisto.

- hawksbuzz

I think like you, no buyout yet for Olesz but possibly welcome to parts in a far away place.

Just remember the cap hell that you cited happened not because of one or two bad signings. It took more than that and also had a lot to do with a cluster of young players all getting good at the same time and having a Cup on their resume.

The Hawks have about as much flexibility as anyone could ask for going into next year.

Eight contracts + Huet coming off and only Emery in line for a raise if he stays.
Trading Bickell doesn't matter much but Frolik could open up some space.

But I am of the opinion the Cap will at worse stay the same and at best could go up by about $3 mill.

How hurt does Toews remain?

He seems not to be able to hold the puck like he usually does, and his shot and face-offs seem off.

Six goals is a problem deaper than goaltending.
- hawksbuzz

Not to mention losing Pronger...

But the Flyers haven't a true number 1 that fans could cling to forever.

How hurt does Toews remain?

He seems not to be able to hold the puck like he usually does, and his shot and face-offs seem off.
- StLBravesFan

Not sure....my guess is he isn't 100%...

Didn't they think they signed one in Bryzgalov?
- StLBravesFan

Problem is Brysgalov didn't bring the Coyotes defencive system with him.

Did you know that in two games against the Nucks this year Lepisto was a plus 3? But Q decided to dress Scott for 4 min. and go with 5 D for the whole game and overtime. If that wasn't bad enough he dressed him again against the speedy and skilled Oilers. You wonder why the D was burned out against the Flames playing 3 in 4 nights on the road. Briliant coaching!!! Oh almost forgot sitting Frolick for three straight in favour of Bickell, talk about demoralizing a player, no wonder he has no idea what his role on the team is!

I find it interesting that Scott and Lepisto have very similar cumulative TOI totals so far this year...only Lepisto has his in half as many games!

John Scott
22GP, 0G, 1A, +0, 28PIM, 28 Hits, 7:44 TOI/G

Sami Lepisto
11GP, 0G, 0A, +4, 4PIM, 9 Hits, 12:14 TOI/G

If, when on the rare occasion Lepisto gets to play, Q trusts Lepisto with almost twice as much ice time per game as Scott, why the F does he only trust him to play in half as many games? Coaching failure.

I think like you, no buyout yet for Olesz but possibly welcome to parts in a far away place.

Just remember the cap hell that you cited happened not because of one or two bad signings. It took more than that and also had a lot to do with a cluster of young players all getting good at the same time and having a Cup on their resume.

The Hawks have about as much flexibility as anyone could ask for going into next year.

Eight contracts + Huet coming off and only Emery in line for a raise if he stays.
Trading Bickell doesn't matter much but Frolik could open up some space.

But I am of the opinion the Cap will at worse stay the same and at best could go up by about $3 mill.
- Al

Mayers? Maybe? Slightly?

Mayers? Maybe? Slightly?
- Ogilthorpe2

Agree....A little extra is deserved.

I think like you, no buyout yet for Olesz but possibly welcome to parts in a far away place.

Just remember the cap hell that you cited happened not because of one or two bad signings. It took more than that and also had a lot to do with a cluster of young players all getting good at the same time and having a Cup on their resume.

The Hawks have about as much flexibility as anyone could ask for going into next year.

Eight contracts + Huet coming off and only Emery in line for a raise if he stays.
Trading Bickell doesn't matter much but Frolik could open up some space.

But I am of the opinion the Cap will at worse stay the same and at best could go up by about $3 mill.
- Al

I watched the three draft classes that contributed to their cup, either being developed by the Hawks or traded for other pieces. There were a lot of late rounder that turned out pretty good. I think Bowman knows the formula to get back to the cup again, draft well and develope, with maybe a few trades here and there. Hawks fans, don't understate the importance of drafting and developing prospects for the long term success of the franchise. I have been a Hawks fan for over 50 years, and I remember the lean times. I like what Bowman is doing, it will give stability to the organization for years. I don't have many years left, I can't wait 50 again.
Frolik could be moved but only for a solid D man. If not, going forward Frolik is only 22 and has a good skill set and works hard. His contract is quite respectable for a third liner that can kill penalties. We could let him try to develope his game the same way we are with Staulberg, Leddy, Kruger, Shaw and Hayes.

I'd like to see the Hawks bring up Bollig and waive Scott.
- jhawk159




We may have to start a petition drive on this.
- grinder10

Agreed ....Bollig is a beast and nasty as they come

I watched the three draft classes that contributed to their cup, either being developed by the Hawks or traded for other pieces. There were a lot of late rounder that turned out pretty good. I think Bowman knows the formula to get back to the cup again, draft well and develope, with maybe a few trades here and there. Hawks fans, don't understate the importance of drafting and developing prospects for the long term success of the franchise. I have been a Hawks fan for over 50 years, and I remember the lean times. I like what Bowman is doing, it will give stability to the organization for years. I don't have many years left, I can't wait 50 again.
Frolik could be moved but only for a solid D man. If not, going forward Frolik is only 22 and has a good skill set and works hard. His contract is quite respectable for a third liner that can kill penalties. We could let him try to develope his game the same way we are with Staulberg, Leddy, Kruger, Shaw and Hayes.
- hawksbuzz

I too remember the lean years but let's not forget those draft picks weren't Bowman's and didn't happen with the club picking at bottom of the draft.

Bowman has a tough job and I don't envy him, I just don't think anyone can time winning the Cup. It happened once when theings were loaded up here to the hilt and two low round picks emerged in short time to be impact players.

I agree not to get desperate but to not take a on a reasonable contract with a year or two remaining is going to make improving for this season very very difficult.

Stalberg speed bought him time in the NHL and it appears to be payig off.

Frolik is a usueful player but they gave him a nice raise and I have a feeling he was pencilled in for 25 goals.

You bring up the 3rd line...I wonder if Frolik can re-establish his position there cuz that line needs to matter.

[quote=hawksbuzz]Did you know that in two games against the Nucks this year Lepisto was a plus 3? But Q decided to dress Scott for 4 min. and go with 5 D for the whole game and overtime. If that wasn't bad enough he dressed him again against the speedy and skilled Oilers. You wonder why the D was burned out against the Flames playing 3 in 4 nights on the road. Briliant coaching!!! Oh almost forgot sitting Frolick for three straight in favour of Bickell, talk about demoralizing a player, no wonder he has no idea what his role on the team is!

I find it interesting that Scott and Lepisto have very similar cumulative TOI totals so far this year...only Lepisto has his in half as many games!

John Scott
22GP, 0G, 1A, +0, 28PIM, 28 Hits, 7:44 TOI/G

Sami Lepisto
11GP, 0G, 0A, +4, 4PIM, 9 Hits, 12:14 TOI/G

If, when on the rare occasion Lepisto gets to play, Q trusts Lepisto with almost twice as much ice time per game as Scott, why the F does he only trust him to play in half as many games? Coaching failure.
- Ogilthorpe2

Q has painted himself into a corner with Lepisto. If I'm not mistaken his last "stint" in the lineup was a grand total of one game. He looked rusty and not up to game speed. Big surprise. So next game he's back in the press box. I want to see Lepisto play a stretch of 10-15 games before passing judgement on him. I thought he was a decent bottom pair signing at the time. And I wish I watched more Eastern Conference games so I could have skewered Bowman for the Montador signing when it happened.

I too remember the lean years but let's not forget those draft picks weren't Bowman's and didn't happen with the club picking at bottom of the draft.

Bowman has a tough job and I don't envy him, I just don't think anyone can time winning the Cup. It happened once when theings were loaded up here to the hilt and two low round picks emerged in short time to be impact players.

I agree not to get desperate but to not take a on a reasonable contract with a year or two remaining is going to make improving for this season very very difficult.

Stalberg speed bought him time in the NHL and it appears to be payig off.

Frolik is a usueful player but they gave him a nice raise and I have a feeling he was pencilled in for 25 goals.

You bring up the 3rd line...I wonder if Frolik can re-establish his position there cuz that line needs to matter.
- Al

Agree, but the contract has to be a player at a definite organizational weakness, and hopefully still restricted. That fills the need now and for the future. Trading prospects for this type of player is a win win. Sharp for can't remember, and Versteeg for Brandon Borshinski, the type of trades that can put you back in the Cup.

I would love to see bollig get a shot on our team...maybe he could be the power forward that Bickell can't seem to be....and bollig can play center ....but I don't think he will ever see a indian head sweater

this year is quickly becoming the titanic and nothing seems to be in the offing that will right the sinking ship. too many core players that aren't delivering, not enough depth, below average goaltending.
giving up on this year because goaltending just isn't up to par, partly due to the D but the majority rests on Craw.

A lot of folks like to point to Cup champs as the "team" to be measured against and they are right...the correct mix of skill, toughness, grit, D, goaltending, youth and the right contracts - but can't go thru the same purge every 3 years due to cap

by adhering to the current core, they will always be trying to patch in players on a wing and a prayer looking to get back to the promised land and I don't have much faith in Stanbo to pull it off.

Whats the alternative? bust up the "core" - its too big. what's the purpose? land the holy grail. If they aren't going to reach for the brass ring each year, what's the point? This is Chicago. This is the Blackhawks. Original 6.

The team is too small, too finese, too cute. Partly on the players, partly on the coaches.

Havi is ready to take the lead - time to turn it over to him...jettison Q and Kitch. There is far too much talent on this team to have the PP & PK be as dreadful as they are - that falls squarely on the coaches. A fish rots from the head down - now Havi and Kitch could be working within the parameters laid out by Q and handcuffed - but Kitch just seems to turn gold into hay no matter what.

The true core of this team is Toews, Hoss,and Seabs. The up and comers to hang on to appear to be Shaw, Kruger, Leddy, & Stalberg - maybe Hayes. Every "core" player can't be a $6m contract - there are youngsters that can be identified as long term players that can have reasonable contracts but they also need an exit strategy for each player....other than JT...he better retire as a BHawk!!!!!

Players I would hate to see go...Sharp, Hammer, and dare I submit to the court...Carcillo

The rest are open game. Kane, Keith, Bolland, Crow, prospects, picks, in addition to the usual suspects.

Players to pinpoint? Perry or Getzlaf and Sbisa. Corey Schneider. Okposo & Matt Martin. Luke Schenn, Smid, Bogosian & Kane?????

You build from the goaltender out. Protect the house. The Hawks have done just the opposite and we are seeing the results.

A snarl and cocky attitude, net crashers, in your face would be nice to watch as opposed to the product we've been watchin for a year and a half.

JJ if you are having a tough time comming up with a title and theme for your blog today how about, Blackhawk Down!