Not sure if this was mentioned earlier in the thread, but that was probably Stalberg's best defensive game this whole year...playing with Sharp and Kane...wow...I was speechless. Not sure if the coaches got in his ear to backcheck harder, but he forced a lot of turnovers in the neutral/D-zone...which has not been his MO this year (whereas creating turnovers in the O-zone he has been pretty consistent with). I was impressed.

That 4th line was pretty sexy. As high as everyone is on Kruger, that may be the best spot for him moving forward the rest of this year. He, Mayers, and Hayes really played well together. Mayers is a vet, but you relieve a lot of pressure on those other 2 guys by not putting them in prominent roles. They did well there I thought.
- anawrocki

Stalberg and Kruger get better every game. I don't think people give Stalberg enough credit for his D. He does turn the puck over and make costly mistakes now and then but they are becoming fewer and far between. Last year was his first full year and this is Krugers first full year.....the future looks bright for both of them.....I like a fourth line of Kruger, Mayers, and Brunette.

To everyone who thinks that Olsen will be too much of a liability in the playoffs, remember how well Hammer played during his rookie campaign, or how about Subban two years ago? I don't know what it is, but sometimes a rookie can surprise you and really play solid, and then turn to crap during his sophomore year(see Hammer and Subban).

Not sure if this was mentioned earlier in the thread, but that was probably Stalberg's best defensive game this whole year...playing with Sharp and Kane...wow...I was speechless. Not sure if the coaches got in his ear to backcheck harder, but he forced a lot of turnovers in the neutral/D-zone...which has not been his MO this year (whereas creating turnovers in the O-zone he has been pretty consistent with). I was impressed.

That 4th line was pretty sexy. As high as everyone is on Kruger, that may be the best spot for him moving forward the rest of this year. He, Mayers, and Hayes really played well together. Mayers is a vet, but you relieve a lot of pressure on those other 2 guys by not putting them in prominent roles. They did well there I thought.
- anawrocki

Yeah...he was quick and relentless on the puck. Hayes was also big and skated well. Nice play with him behind the net out to Brunette and the Kruger on the stuff follow-up.

I think if you totaled the distance from the crease for all 7 of Krugers goals it might reach 10 ft. He is tremendous down there!

Now if they could just finish their 1 on 0's and find away to score on the PP.

Four 1 on 0's in the second and at least 2 other point blankers by Sharp and they get stuffed on all of them.

final thoughts...

1. Frolik will need an open net if he is ever to score again!!!

2. Wings carried the play in the first 10 minutes..C2 was up to it vs Huddler on backhand 4 ft aways and made some real good saves through screens or wings are up at least 2.

3. Hawks PP entry consists of 3 statues in red at the blue line while a 4th turns the puck over!!

Bolland on the point =

Passing is erratic, overall play is rushed, no net presence on the first unit at all. Perimeter play and skating around and through the slot.

4. Howard 3rd star...ok...6 or 7 point blank stops in the 2nd will get you that or the Hawks win this by at least 4 goals.

5. Man possesed = Stalberg; speed+ quickness + want to = a wow fore and back check effort.

6. Pylons of the nite = Kromwell and Stuart....although Stuart did recover 2 to save the day.

7. Hmmm..that Kane at center thing again...he was good!

8. Keith 32 TOI + Scott 3.30 TOI plus PK time =

10. GA last 5 games: 3..2..1..1..1 = right direction; how about shutout vs Stars!

final thoughts...

1. Frolik will need an open net if he is ever to score again!!!

2. Wings carried the play in the first 10 minutes..C2 was up to it vs Huddler on backhand 4 ft aways and made some real good saves through screens or wings are up at least 2.

3. Hawks PP entry consists of 3 statues in red at the blue line while a 4th turns the puck over!!

Bolland on the point =

Passing is erratic, overall play is rushed, no net presence on the first unit at all. Perimeter play and skating around and through the slot.

4. Howard 3rd star...ok...6 or 7 point blank stops in the 2nd will get you that or the Hawks win this by at least 4 goals.

5. Man possesed = Stalberg; speed+ quickness + want to = a wow fore and back check effort.

6. Pylons of the nite = Kromwell and Stuart....although Stuart did recover 2 to save the day.

7. Hmmm..that Kane at center thing again...he was good!

8. Keith 32 TOI + Scott 3.30 TOI plus PK time =

10. GA last 5 games: 3..2..1..1..1 = right direction; how about shutout vs Stars!
- bogiedoc

When the Hammer returns could this mean the end of the Scott era?

Just finished watching the game and that was great win. Saw lots of players stepping up their game.

It was probably only mentioned this morning, because up until now, nobody knew the that the Avs were going to make him available. I think a lot of the Bowman apologists are missing the point here. It's not so much that Quincy is a great player, although he is pretty solid, it's that the Hawks rivals in the Western Conference are doing what they need to do to better their teams NOW. They are not waiting until the trade deadline. Their is nothing magical about that day. They are identifying the guys they want and doing what they need to do to get them regardless of the timing. Do you think Detroit gave up a #1 pick for Quincy for nothing? Based on Ken Holland's track record, I'll assume they know this guy gives them some skills they need and that he will help them now and come playoff time. I'd like to know why some people think there is going to be a ton of deals come deadline day? Do you know that for a fact? What are you basing that on? Remember last year? If I recall, there were very few deals on deadline day and definitely nothing that could be considered a big trade or a real shocker. I won't bury Bowman today, but I'm not feeling too confident in him right now. If he is unable to pull off any deals and this team loses in the first round or worse, misses the playoffs, then he deserves all the heat that will come his way. Telling the fan base that trading Campbell puts them in position to add whatever is needed at the trade deadline and then doing nothing or doing something that isn't going to help you (Morrison) is not except-able. This reminds me of when Bowman said he wasn't worried about any offer sheets last year for his players and then the Sharks made him eat those words. I think Bowman miscalculated how many teams would still be in the playoffs at this time and how much competition he'd have in making deals.
- RetiredGoalie

+1!!!!
Great, great post.
It's not that Quincy was the right guy for this team or not (for me it was Grossman... we should have top Philadelphia's offer) is that rival teams are moving forward and Chicago is watching the train go by.
I kind of have the feeling that next stop will be watching St. Louis signing Ott from Dallas...

Another hawk prospect making a name for himself that dam bowman has done nothing.

All kidding aside heres an interview with Kevin Hayes if anyone is interested.

http://www.hockeysfuture....role_with_boston_college/
- mvp0207

You need to stop gloating over a few victories (after a historic losing streak).

The power play is awful and they will not go far with it as is. They have had all season to fix it. Can't.

Your hero GM is afraid to make a move. Detroit has a great power play and made a move yesterday to get better, while taking an asset off the market that could have helped the Hawks.

And you're doing a victory dance about it?

Keep pinning all your hopes on rookies and spreading the "company line." Playoff hockey is a different beast. No power play=early exit.

It's not crazy at all. The kid is a natural left side Dman who is playing on the right side - not easy for a 20 year old in the NHL. He's a much better player than Montador already. Skates well, bangs some bodies, some nastiness. You could make the argument that Keith has started to play better paired with Olsen. The only thing to worry about is lack of experience in the playoffs.
- RickJ

And he doesn't help 5 on 4, where they need a dman to help

Keep pinning all your hopes on rookies and spreading the "company line." Playoff hockey is a different beast...
- John Jaeckel

Agree.
Staying put is to die in today’s economy. The same can be said about the NHL…

You need to stop gloating over a few victories (after a historic losing streak).

The power play is awful and they will not go far with it as is. They have had all season to fix it. Can't.

Your hero GM is afraid to make a move. Detroit has a great power play and made a move yesterday to get better, while taking an asset off the market that could have helped the Hawks.

And you're doing a victory dance about it?

Keep pinning all your hopes on rookies and spreading the "company line." Playoff hockey is a different beast. No power play=early exit.
- John Jaeckel

Tell that to Boston last year. Not saying it's a recipe for success, but just sayin.


Also, do you really think Quincey was worth a 1st round pick? Think everyone needs to take a breath here...

Tell that to Boston last year. Not saying it's a recipe for success, but just sayin.


Also, do you really think Quincey was worth a 1st round pick? Think everyone needs to take a breath here...
- FredoXV

Perhaps (and likely) not, but that's the difference between a FO that wants to win it all this year and a FO that perhaps doesn't want to pay-up for whatever reason(s).

In his 3:51 TOI he didn't hurt, except for forcing Keith to play 32:13 and Seabs 26:44
- yobwoc03

THIS is why SB is quickly gaining wuss status and why the 'Hawks will not go far in - if they make it - playoffs.

FWIW, Crawford during an interview today credited being much deeper in his net with the recent improvement in his play.
- Ogilthorpe2

But there is a balance that he hasn't really found yet, as well as he's played the past 4 games.

You need to stop gloating over a few victories (after a historic losing streak).

The power play is awful and they will not go far with it as is. They have had all season to fix it. Can't.

Your hero GM is afraid to make a move. Detroit has a great power play and made a move yesterday to get better, while taking an asset off the market that could have helped the Hawks.

And you're doing a victory dance about it?

Keep pinning all your hopes on rookies and spreading the "company line." Playoff hockey is a different beast. No power play=early exit.
- John Jaeckel

Just ask the Bruins!!

I am sure..great call...we better not play him anymore. Or any rookie for that matter...they can't help..need battle tested guys like in 2010..that will do it...Oh wait, they were all 20 then...Opportunity knocks and we have guys that are ready. With all the holes in their game they must have a magic horse shoe in their pants...
- TrueGrit

Why do you have to sound so disagreeable when disagreeing?

Tell that to Boston last year. Not saying it's a recipe for success, but just sayin.


Also, do you really think Quincey was worth a 1st round pick? Think everyone needs to take a breath here...
- FredoXV

Yes. What's a top 4 defenseman on at least 95% of teams in the league is going to come in and be our #5. Definitely worth a pick that will be one of the last 4 or 5 picks in the round.

Also, do you really think Quincey was worth a 1st round pick? Think everyone needs to take a breath here...
- FredoXV

From Detroit's point of view I think it's a great move. For this year and for next ones.
Besides, Quincey is better than probably most people that don't see many Avs games think he is.

For those ready to hang Bowman because he hasn't made a deal yet, what have you to say about the 2009/10 Hawks, who won the SC, while only dealing for Nick Boynton, and Kim Johanson (with Nick Leddy) - who never saw playoff ice due to injury. What do you say about the 2008/09 Hawks who went to the WCF, as a 4th seed, and one of the youngest teams in the league (rookies and second year players littered through the lineup), while only trading for Sami Pahlsson, in a deal that sent Wisniewski out of the lineup??

For a team with a 'bad history' of deadline pickups, they have a pretty nice recent history of playoff success.

Yes. What's a top 4 defenseman on at least 95% of teams in the league is going to come in and be our #5. Definitely worth a pick that will be one of the last 4 or 5 picks in the round.
- snipesydangle

Detroit can now roll with Lidstrom (PP and PK mins), Kronwall (PP and PK) , Stuart (PK) , White (PP) , Ericsson (PK) and Quincey (PP). Really nice.

For those ready to hang Bowman because he hasn't made a deal yet, what have you to say about the 2009/10 Hawks, who won the SC, while only dealing for Nick Boynton, and Kim Johanson (with Nick Leddy) - who never saw playoff ice due to injury. What do you say about the 2008/09 Hawks who went to the WCF, as a 4th seed, and one of the youngest teams in the league (rookies and second year players littered through the lineup), while only trading for Sami Pahlsson, in a deal that sent Wisniewski out of the lineup??

For a team with a 'bad history' of deadline pickups, they have a pretty nice recent history of playoff success.
- nathanjf

Please, check the roster and see how many players from those years are still there.

Please, check the roster and see how many players from those years are still there.
- fathermerrin

Give me a break. The only young players worth anything are the ones on those two teams? And at any rate, I'm not advocating skating a rookie lineup into the playoffs, but wow, the gloom that settles over this board as players move off the market is ridiculous.

And he doesn't help 5 on 4, where they need a dman to help
- John Jaeckel

He played a fair amount (almost 2:30) of PK time last night and didn't look terrible.

You need to stop gloating over a few victories (after a historic losing streak).

The power play is awful and they will not go far with it as is. They have had all season to fix it. Can't.

Your hero GM is afraid to make a move. Detroit has a great power play and made a move yesterday to get better, while taking an asset off the market that could have helped the Hawks.

And you're doing a victory dance about it?

Keep pinning all your hopes on rookies and spreading the "company line." Playoff hockey is a different beast. No power play=early exit.
- John Jaeckel

The Bruins went pretty far with a non-existant power play...

It has also taken the team 60 games to figure out the defense and now they've allowed 5 goals in the last 4 games, while limiting chances and especially yesterday in the last 10 minutes, they gave the Wings nothing.

60 games was also needed for the PK to show it's real potential, finally being aggressive and forcing plays.

In addition, Corey Crawford has needed virtually an entire season to reward those who stuck with him through thick and thin (mostly thin so far). He's stopped 115 of the last 120 shots faced, and made a HUGE save with 45 seconds left in last night's win. He's back to where he needs to be.

I agree that the playoffs are a different animal, and that this team's holes are a LONG way from being COMPLETELY filled, but we still have to give credit where credit is due. It would have been real easy for this to fold after that 9 game streak.

For those ready to hang Bowman because he hasn't made a deal yet, what have you to say about the 2009/10 Hawks, who won the SC, while only dealing for Nick Boynton, and Kim Johanson (with Nick Leddy) - who never saw playoff ice due to injury. What do you say about the 2008/09 Hawks who went to the WCF, as a 4th seed, and one of the youngest teams in the league (rookies and second year players littered through the lineup), while only trading for Sami Pahlsson, in a deal that sent Wisniewski out of the lineup??

For a team with a 'bad history' of deadline pickups, they have a pretty nice recent history of playoff success.
- nathanjf

so according to you bowman since bowman has not done well at trade deadline deals we should give him a pass and not expect him to make any trades. does that even sound logical to you or do you just like to take the opposite view of just about everyone to get attention?

if you havent noticed the hawks are close and with a few additions could bea favorite to win the cup. stan does not have to give up all prospects and picks just a few. he can worry about overpayment when they hes holding the cup

so according to you bowman since bowman has not done well at trade deadline deals we should give him a pass and not expect him to make any trades. does that even sound logical to you or do you just like to take the opposite view of just about everyone to get attention?

if you havent noticed the hawks are close and with a few additions could bea favorite to win the cup. stan does not have to give up all prospects and picks just a few. he can worry about overpayment when they hes holding the cup
- molly2522

I think what he's saying is that trade deadline deals don't always equal success. Sometimes standing pat IS the answer. Bowman and Q know their team and it's needs better than we do. Let them do their job and wait until they either succeed or fail to pass judgement on what they did/didn't do.