John Jaeckel: The Other Side Of The Coin

You forgot:

6. The Replacements: Who will fill the pieces that have moved on (Bolland, Frolik in particular)? Pirri, Morin, Hayes, LeBlaaaaahhhhhh, et al. Some cream has to rise to the top from Rockford or it could be a long season. I'm not convinced the youth in the system can fill the empty spots well enough in their first year. I am actually betting it is the next generation that is two to three years away is where the real talent lies.

John Jaeckel: The Other Side Of The Coin
- John Jaeckel

me thinks you mean the power play instead of the penalty kill in the first part of #4

who is 2nd line center? maybe one position scotty b, I mean stan b forgot to fill? and curious how Crawford will do this season, they have great d and good back checkers so he should be fine, but I believe he's not the real deal

You forgot:

6. The Replacements: Who will fill the pieces that have moved on (Bolland, Frolik in particular)? Pirri, Morin, Hayes, LeBlaaaaahhhhhh, et al. Some cream has to rise to the top from Rockford or it could be a long season. I'm not convinced the youth in the system can fill the empty spots well enough in their first year. I am actually betting it is the next generation that is two to three years away is where the real talent lies.
- Return of the Roar

I agree with this statement, but they don't need studs right now.

I think you are over-simplifying if you think the rookies need to replace Bolland, Frolik and Stalberg. The roster as a whole needs to compensate for their loss. Players like Bickell, Saad, Shaw and Kruger should all be on the upswing as far as their contributions. A little improvement from each of these players could offset much of what left after the season.

Also, don't overlook the possibility that Kane and Toews could both improve. They are still young enough that taking another small step each could have a huge trickle down effect on the team.

The players who left will be missed, but don't put it all on the recent Ice Hogs to cover.

who is 2nd line center? maybe one position scotty b, I mean stan b forgot to fill? and curious how Crawford will do this season, they have great d and good back checkers so he should be fine, but I believe he's not the real deal
- kovey27

they have now won TWO cups with a 2nd line center "problem"

just saying

The money they dont dump into a high priced 2C is spread more evenly throughout the depth on forward and D

I agree with this statement, but they don't need studs right now.

I think you are over-simplifying if you think the rookies need to replace Bolland, Frolik and Stalberg. The roster as a whole needs to compensate for their loss. Players like Bickell, Saad, Shaw and Kruger should all be on the upswing as far as their contributions. A little improvement from each of these players could offset much of what left after the season.

Also, don't overlook the possibility that Kane and Toews could both improve. They are still young enough that taking another small step each could have a huge trickle down effect on the team.

The players who left will be missed, but don't put it all on the recent Ice Hogs to cover.
- NewToHockey

Winchester is one that could pitch in to cover the ones that left. I also hope Bowman brings in another center that can ride as the 14th forward.

they have now won TWO cups with a 2nd line center "problem"

just saying

The money they dont dump into a high priced 2C is spread more evenly throughout the depth on forward and D
- FourFeathers773

Very true, it would still be nice to see someone other than Toews or Handzus (or Sharp ) win a meaningful face off/put up some good offensive numbers. Not great

me thinks you mean the power play instead of the penalty kill in the first part of #4
- 47 & counting

POWER PLAY

fixed

thank you

- FourFeathers773

Love it

Can you imagine what the hawks could be next year if the pp improves. scary very scary. We are very lucky as hawk fans to watch this team the last four years, and hopefully for several more, so lets hope we witness the sports dynasty in the making.

Can you imagine what the hawks could be next year if the pp improves. scary very scary. We are very lucky as hawk fans to watch this team the last four years, and hopefully for several more, so lets hope we witness the sports dynasty in the making.
- jvanda

I'm having a hard time imagining that with Kompon around. Hopefully something changes this coming season.

who is 2nd line center? maybe one position scotty b, I mean stan b forgot to fill? and curious how Crawford will do this season, they have great d and good back checkers so he should be fine, but I believe he's not the real deal
- kovey27

I don't think they forgot to fill the 2C position. There are options for the second line centre, the only questions is which one will work best - Kruger, Saad, Pirri, Handzus or a surprise candidate (i.e. LeBlanc). Over the past few years the Blackhawks have had some surprise candidates make the team (surprised they made the team so soon) in Kruger, Shaw and Saad. Who will this year's surprise be (if any)?

- FourFeathers773

Welcome to the world Carter Seven Seabrook.

It's interesting to see these guys grow up together. I still remember Keith and Seabrook making the team. Now they are 2 time Stanley Cup Champions, married and have kids. As these guys grow up and mature together you would think their bond grows stronger (which is a good thing for the team).

Can you imagine Kane and Toews being parents one day? (not together of course)

Welcome to the world Carter Seven Seabrook.

It's interesting to see these guys grow up together. I still remember Keith and Seabrook making the team. Now they are 2 time Stanley Cup Champions, married and have kids. As these guys grow up and mature together you would think their bond grows stronger (which is a good thing for the team).

Can you imagine Kane and Toews being parents one day? (not together of course)
- DarthKane

I find the middle name fantastic and interesting. Sweater numbers don't mean anything to the players. Right.

Welcome to the world Carter Seven Seabrook.

It's interesting to see these guys grow up together. I still remember Keith and Seabrook making the team. Now they are 2 time Stanley Cup Champions, married and have kids. As these guys grow up and mature together you would think their bond grows stronger (which is a good thing for the team).

Can you imagine Kane and Toews being parents one day? (not together of course)
- DarthKane

It's the 21st century - one never knows.

It's the 21st century - one never knows.
- StLBravesFan

Saw that.

Iv heard some people say that Q mentioning Saad as a serious possibility for 2C was an indirect way of him already stating that he, and the team, have pretty much zero hope for Pirri panning out as 2C based off what they've seen from him so far. Is it just overreacting to think that they've already seen enough of him to know for sure? Or is there possibly some truth there? I hope not.

Iv heard some people say that Q mentioning Saad as a serious possibility for 2C was an indirect way of him already stating that he, and the team, have pretty much zero hope for Pirri panning out as 2C based off what they've seen from him so far. Is it just overreacting to think that they've already seen enough of him to know for sure? Or is there possibly some truth there? I hope not.
- SimpleJack

I think it just might be that Q doesn't trust him yet. Perhaps this is a way to light a fire under Pirri's ass to give it his all in training camp to win Q over.

At any rate, I think both Pirri and Saad have an uphill battle to win the #2 center spot. Q likes the guys he likes, and goes with the guys he trusts. He might like Saad, but as JJ says, he's more of a wing than anything. That could work adversely against him. Pirri is obviously going to have to preform in camp to win Q over.

In the end, I think it will be a platoon of Kruger and Handzus to start the season at the #2 center spot.

Sweater numbers don't mean anything to the players.
- Beaver-Warrior

Sure they don't.

I think it just might be that Q doesn't trust him yet. Perhaps this is a way to light a fire under Pirri's ass to give it his all in training camp to win Q over.

At any rate, I think both Pirri and Saad have an uphill battle to win the #2 center spot. Q likes the guys he likes, and goes with the guys he trusts. He might like Saad, but as JJ says, he's more of a wing than anything. That could work adversely against him. Pirri is obviously going to have to preform in camp to win Q over.

In the end, I think it will be a platoon of Kruger and Handzus to start the season at the #2 center spot.
- EKolb13

Especially with Handzus having surgery, I would be very surprised if he's in the lineup full time to start the season. If he is, I would wager it will be on the 4th line to limit his miles during the regular season.

It's the 21st century - one never knows.
- StLBravesFan

Very true...and to each their own. But with the ladies these two have been seen with I highly doubt it.

Especially with Handzus having surgery, I would be very surprised if he's in the lineup full time to start the season. If he is, I would wager it will be on the 4th line to limit his miles during the regular season.
- NewToHockey

Good point.

If Handzus isn't a 100% to start the season, they will limit his minutes.

John Jaeckel: The Other Side Of The Coin
- John Jaeckel

The boys might not be 'as hungry' now that many of them have reached the summit twice. I say might.

I'll add that i don't view the 2010-2011 season as a disappointment. 97 points with the purge that took place was a pretty good season IMO, especially considering the club was in playoff mode pretty much from mid-season on, with a very green Crawford no less.

Yes, we did sneak into the playoffs on the last day of the season, but the lads put themselves in a position to qualify, with half the roster turned over and a massive target on our back from the outset.