John Jaeckel: The Best Line In Hockey?

That line was unbelievable last night. They looked so fluid and played as if they have been on the same line for years.

Nonetheless, it would be nice to see that kind of performance against a more potent threat, like the Blues, Kings, or Ducks for example.

Ottawa's MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line has 49 points (16 G, 33 A) and is collectively +34. They also have very strong Corsi and Fenwick numbers.

(Not that they're necessarily better than Sharp-Toews-Hossa... but they're definitely one of the best lines in the East right now)

JJ said: the defending Stanley Cup champs—who have been rocketing up the standings since Joel Quenneville loaded these players together a couple of weeks ago.

Not sure you can say they've been "rocketing up the standings" - they've been piling up points, but have stayed in relatively the same place for weeks because all the other competitive Central teams - Avs, Blues, Wild - have also been piling up points - especially against the East.

Hawks have needed to get 2 each night to avoid LOSING ground.

Even Chicagos 4th line will look like the best line in the NHL against the oilers tonight. And this is coming from an Oilers fan.

The game last night was a classic case of a team that has played in so many big games over the last few years that they just flat out know how to win. The Hawks don't panic, they just play the game, and they have some serious world-class talent that can burn you when another team has to take chances against them. I used to say the same things about Detroit when they were in their dominating years. it is so nice to say that about the Hawks being that team now.

JJ said: the defending Stanley Cup champs—who have been rocketing up the standings since Joel Quenneville loaded these players together a couple of weeks ago.

Not sure you can say they've been "rocketing up the standings" - they've been piling up points, but have stayed in relatively the same place for weeks because all the other competitive Central teams - Avs, Blues, Wild - have also been piling up points - especially against the East.

Hawks have needed to get 2 each night to avoid LOSING ground.
- StLBravesFan

Hi Saint,

You can only contol what you do and the Hawks seem to be focused on that. There is that old saying that water seeks it's own level and I believe that will be the case with some of the teams in the West that are on a tear now.

Hope the Hawks win and make up for the Bears. I can only imagine how angry Phil is right now.

Hope the Hawks win and make up for the Bears. I can only imagine how angry Phil is right now.
- prd797

Sit back and have a Balvenie on me and enjoy the game.

Hope the Hawks win and make up for the Bears. I can only imagine how angry Phil is right now.
- prd797

How the frank could Tressman leave Cutler in there in the 2nd half when he clearly had reinjured that groin. McCown takes them down the field at the end - I'm a Tressman fan but that was pathetic.

Crawford tonight again or does Khabby get off the bench?

How the frank could Tressman leave Cutler in there in the 2nd half when he clearly had reinjured that groin. McCown takes them down the field at the end - I'm a Tressman fan but that was pathetic.

Crawford tonight again or does Khabby get off the bench?
- DK002

JJ is calling for Crow.

Ottawa's MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line has 49 points (16 G, 33 A) and is collectively +34. They also have very strong Corsi and Fenwick numbers.

(Not that they're necessarily better than Sharp-Toews-Hossa... but they're definitely one of the best lines in the East right now)
- nuclearjazz

Bobby Ryan is so underrated... Would love to have him in Chicago

I would agree that it's the best line in the league IF that slouch Toews wasn't on it. Imagine how much better it would be with a guy like Mikko Koivu.... any takers?

I don't know JJ. I'd like to see them play against Perry-Getzlaf-Penner before rendering judgement.

Bobby Ryan is so underrated... Would love to have him in Chicago
- CBHawks88

I am glad he finally found a home. It seemed like the Ducks didn't know what to do with him.

The best line in hockey is easily Leino-McCormick-Stafford

I would agree that it's the best line in the league IF that slouch Toews wasn't on it. Imagine how much better it would be with a guy like Mikko Koivu.... any takers?
- SotaPopinski

I'd take Toews over Koivu any day. I wouldn't mind having Koivu centering Kane and Saad.

The best line in hockey is easily Leino-McCormick-Stafford
- doppelthat

Just reading this has made me depressed

JJ is calling for Crow.
- rtang415

With absolutely no first-hand information, I'm thinking Bulin.

You have to get him in the sometime, and the Hawks (a) should he able to score on Dubnyk, and (b) should be able to shut the Oilers' offense down and protect Bulin.

I'd take Toews over Koivu any day. I wouldn't mind having Koivu centering Kane and Saad.


- EKolb13

Well if you change your mind, we would be more than happy taking that loser off of your hands

With absolutely no first-hand information, I'm thinking Bulin.

You have to get him in the sometime, and the Hawks (a) should he able to score on Dubnyk, and (b) should be able to shut the Oilers' offense down and protect Bulin.
- StLBravesFan

Blistering post on Dubnyk on the Oil's blog. It's bad situation all around.

Well if you change your mind, we would be more than happy taking that loser off of your hands
- SotaPopinski

Who, Toews? Not happening.

Speaking of losers, isn't Dany Heatley still in the Twin Cities drawing an enormous paycheck for doing nothing?

Yes, they are the best line in hockey. Since they got put together against the Lightning 8 games ago, they have combined for 31 points and a +20 combined rating. That's in less than half the season so far. Plus, great puck possession.

Just reading this has made me depressed
- SotaPopinski

I have already had severe depression for over a month watching this team and I still have many more months to go.
Thanks Darcy for putting out the most competitive team possible. You have done such a great job being a NHL GM.

Who, Toews? Not happening.

Speaking of losers, isn't Dany Heatley still in the Twin Cities drawing an enormous paycheck for doing nothing?


- EKolb13

He may go down as the greatest 4th line sniper that has ever played the game. Not to brag or anything...