John Jaeckel: GameDay Preview Canucks@Blackhawks

Bring it on! The game, not the trolls.

Hey JJ,

I know you're a big Krueger fan and I'm on board. Liked his game last year and it's definitely on another level to start this season.

All things being the same, positionally where do you see him by the end of the season: Same, LW on one of the top 2 lines, Centering the 2nd or 3rd, none of the above?

I love the condensed schedule.

Hey JJ,

I know you're a big Krueger fan and I'm on board. Liked his game last year and it's definitely on another level to start this season.

All things being the same, positionally where do you see him by the end of the season: Same, LW on one of the top 2 lines, Centering the 2nd or 3rd, none of the above?
- HawkintheD

The good thing about Krueger on the 4th line is that he gives the Hawks a scoring threat on that line and as a group Q has been able play them and not worry about the match up or them being a defensive liability. There were quite a few times they were playing against the Thornton line in the San Jose game. That's huge when a coach can play the 4th line against top lines occasionally without worrying about the match up.

The good thing about Krueger on the 4th line is that he gives the Hawks a scoring threat on that line and as a group Q has been able play them and not worry about the match up or them being a defensive liability. There were quite a few times they were playing against the Thornton line in the San Jose game. That's huge when a coach can play the 4th line against top lines occasionally without worrying about the match up.
- jhawk159

Yeah, noticed that and so did Foley as he kept referring to them as the so-called 4th line. His one true weakness seems to be faceoffs but he's so solid in his own end and is showing some O to go with it.

The streak ends tonight. Go Canucks! I love when these 2 teams play each other and it is always entertaining to watch. Good luck tonight and may there be no injuries. I really hope these 2 teams meet in the Conference Finals this year.

Looking forward to a great game tonight. Always fun when these teams play. One thing about the lineup, I think David Booth will be back tonight and will likely draw in on Kesler's wing. Not sure if it'll be higgins or Kassian who gets pushed down to the fourth.

Bring it on! The game, not the trolls.
- HawkintheD

Chicago has a better team and blog site,of coarse the trolls are coming.No worries though as there are many bloggers on here who have game,go hawk bloggers.

I'm still waiting for the Canucks to try to extract payback on Keith for his elbow on Sedin last season. If this should happen I expect there to be some serious fireworks. My guess it will happen if the score gets out of hand either way.

I'm still waiting for the Canucks to try to extract payback on Keith for his elbow on Sedin last season. If this should happen I expect there to be some serious fireworks. My guess it will happen if the score gets out of hand either way.
- paulr

Meh, I think if this was going to happen, it would have last game. I think both teams have moved on, even if some Canucks fans haven't. Danny Sedin even came out and said that Keith is a good guy.

Meh, I think if this was going to happen, it would have last game. I think both teams have moved on, even if some Canucks fans haven't. Danny Sedin even came out and said that Keith is a good guy.
- nucks_94

I doubt it. Hockey players have long memories and I expect Bieksa or Burrows to be right in Keith's face if the score gets out of hand.

Yeah, noticed that and so did Foley as he kept referring to them as the so-called 4th line. His one true weakness seems to be faceoffs but he's so solid in his own end and is showing some O to go with it.
- HawkintheD

Yeah the face-off thing is unfortunate - especially since he seems to get tossed out of as many draws as he gets a chance to take.

What was really shocking ot me on Sunday - and Olczyk pointed this out - that on that final PK against the Kings - it was Kruger and Frolik out there. You'd think he'd have Toews taking that draw, with the second-best faceoff guy out there on the wing. Speaks volumes about Q's faith in that Kruger/Frolik PP unit - especially considering the weakness on the dot.

Chicago has a better team and blog site,of coarse the trolls are coming.No worries though as there are many bloggers on here who have game,go hawk bloggers.
- eagle50

Chicago sucks dink...the weather, not the team except for the Cubs and Bears.

I doubt it. Hockey players have long memories and I expect Bieksa or Burrows to be right in Keith's face if the score gets out of hand.
- paulr

If its about settling scores for past little flareups, there is one to be settled for Bieksa beating up noted heavyweight Victor Stalberg in the playoffs 2 years ago. Bollig may take a few shifts on LW when Bieksa is on the ice.

I doubt it. Hockey players have long memories and I expect Bieksa or Burrows to be right in Keith's face if the score gets out of hand.
- paulr

Contrary to your opinion, I think a lot of the "revenge" across different games - or different seasons in this case - is more of a media and fan creation than a priorirty of the players. I think it's more of an old-time hockey thing.

You'll still see it every now and again - i.e. Bruins vs. Matt Cooke, Kesler vs. Ladd a couple years back - situations where it feels organic. But a lot of the time, I think that when it happens, it's manufactured on the ice because of the outside pressures. Evne the Mayers vs. Torres bout felt contrived.

If its about settling scores for past little flareups, there is one to be settled for Bieksa beating up noted heavyweight Victor Stalberg in the playoffs 2 years ago. Bollig may take a few shifts on LW when Bieksa is on the ice.
- RickJ

I'd love it, but no way Bieksa fights Bollig.

Contrary to your opinion, I think a lot of the "revenge" across different games - or different seasons in this case - is more of a media and fan creation than a priorirty of the players. I think it's more of an old-time hockey thing.

You'll still see it every now and again - i.e. Bruins vs. Matt Cooke, Kesler vs. Ladd a couple years back - situations where it feels organic. But a lot of the time, I think that when it happens, it's manufactured on the ice because of the outside pressures. Evne the Mayers vs. Torres bout felt contrived.
- FredoXV

Q and Tippett are long time good buddies from their days in Hartford. I'd be shocked if Q didn't tell him beforehand "look Dave, we gotta do this and Mayers is gonna handle it, better put Raffi out on the ice early and get it over with".

Chicago sucks dink...the weather, not the team except for the Cubs and Bears.
- CanUSA17

A Vancouver fan living in the Chicago area?How did that happen,just curious?

Contrary to your opinion, I think a lot of the "revenge" across different games - or different seasons in this case - is more of a media and fan creation than a priorirty of the players. I think it's more of an old-time hockey thing.

You'll still see it every now and again - i.e. Bruins vs. Matt Cooke, Kesler vs. Ladd a couple years back - situations where it feels organic. But a lot of the time, I think that when it happens, it's manufactured on the ice because of the outside pressures. Evne the Mayers vs. Torres bout felt contrived.
- FredoXV

What you don't realize is the players discuss this stuff amongst themselves. Yes to a certain extent there is an outside influence but the players are just as in tune, or moreso, than the media and fans. Guaranteed this has been discussed in the Canucks dressing room, just like the Torres incident was discussed prior to the game by the Hawks.

A Vancouver fan living in the Chicago area?How did that happen,just curious?
- eagle50

He was dropped on his head as a child.

Meh, I think if this was going to happen, it would have last game. I think both teams have moved on, even if some Canucks fans haven't. Danny Sedin even came out and said that Keith is a good guy.
- nucks_94

I'd agree. It was an unusual act, by a guy who doesn't play dirty. Both teams have far too much to play for than to get caught up in the bs other teams would get caught up in.

John Jaeckel: GameDay Preview Canucks@Blackhawks
- John Jaeckel

It's go time!!
Should be a great game tonight and a close one.

I'd love it, but no way Bieksa fights Bollig.
- FredoXV

I wouldn't be so sure about that. Bieksa is a pretty tough fighter when he decides to fight but the trade off isn't worth as Bollig is a bum. I bet Juice would kick his azz anyway.

If its about settling scores for past little flareups, there is one to be settled for Bieksa beating up noted heavyweight Victor Stalberg in the playoffs 2 years ago. Bollig may take a few shifts on LW when Bieksa is on the ice.
- RickJ

Let it go. It was 2 years ago.