Def watching. Playoff hockey is the best. That VGK v LA game last night was great hockey. VGK just never quits. What the Hawks use to be like.

Get over it, he did not show up last year. This year is a different story. As for the trade, who knows after one season.

Agreed. He didn't show up then said..."I'm tired". Then goes to the worlds and becomes leading scorer. Good riddance. Russians for ya....

Def watching. Playoff hockey is the best. That VGK v LA game last night was great hockey. VGK just never quits. What the Hawks use to be like.



Agreed. He didn't show up then said..."I'm tired". Then goes to the worlds and becomes leading scorer. Good riddance. Russians for ya....
- thepld

Can’t say “good riddance” to a point per game offensive threat like Panarin - he truly is an offensive power, with or (as proven this year) without a Patrick Kane on his line.

The problem with the trade was that Saad didn’t hold up his end. If he comes back strong - 25 plus goals, 50 plus points - plus 200 foot all around play - for the next three years, the trade will be looked at as a good one for the Hawks.

Can’t say “good riddance” to a point per game offensive threat like Panarin - he truly is an offensive power, with or (as proven this year) without a Patrick Kane on his line.

The problem with the trade was that Saad didn’t hold up his end. If he comes back strong - 25 plus goals, 50 plus points - plus 200 foot all around play - for the next three years, the trade will be looked at as a good one for the Hawks.
- StLBravesFan

SBF you bring up a key point, I am sure no one thought Saad would post Panarin's offensive number, but would make up for it with his 200' game.

I am watching some but not with the same passion as in the past 10 years. I am hoping that Q and Bowman are watching too.
As other posters have noted, the things standing out for me are:
-the finishing of checks. When you touch the puck the other team makes you pay almost every time
-the war zone in front of the net at both ends

And what really stands out for me is, as this current Hawks roster is comprised, there is no way that we are capable of playing this type of game. It would be a disaster.

It's been awhile since we could watch the playoffs and not be emotionally invested in it or have mini heart attacks, kind of nice for a change.. That being said I hope we are in the mix next year, a little "luck" in this years draft lottery wouldn't hurt, wish they'd show the process live. Also, Panarin is pretty much a mirror image of Kane for that CBJ team, every time he's on the ice he's either creating a scoring opportunity or backchecking and breaking up a play defensively. Such a beaut.

Can’t say “good riddance” to a point per game offensive threat like Panarin - he truly is an offensive power, with or (as proven this year) without a Patrick Kane on his line.

Maybe...but to me saying that, that's laziness and not giving 110%. And that can spread. Not that this team was all effort this year anyway. Even if he were a Hawk this year would we be in the playoffs? I'm gonna say that's a big no still. So what good is a point per game player then? Panarin would not have saved this team. Granted Saad did not nearly live up to his end of the deal and if he did...this debate wouldn't be happening. I'm just not a fan of that Russian mentality...a lot of excuses and giving up too easily. Would I still like to have Panarin, yes. Am I longing for him to come back. Not really. I'd rather have other pieces we need. That's all I'm saying.

It's been awhile since we could watch the playoffs and not be emotionally invested in it or have mini heart attacks, kind of nice for a change.. That being said I hope we are in the mix next year, a little "luck" in this years draft lottery wouldn't hurt, wish they'd show the process live. Also, Panarin is pretty much a mirror image of Kane for that CBJ team, every time he's on the ice he's either creating a scoring opportunity or backchecking and breaking up a play defensively. Such a beaut.
- ifaughtthelaw

True about Panarin.
The talk about him not being a playoff performer was over-stated. The problem all along was that the Hawks did not provide him (and Kane for that matter) the environment to excel in the playoffs last year.

I am watching some but not with the same passion as in the past 10 years. I am hoping that Q and Bowman are watching too.
As other posters have noted, the things standing out for me are:
-the finishing of checks. When you touch the puck the other team makes you pay almost every time
-the war zone in front of the net at both ends

And what really stands out for me is, as this current Hawks roster is comprised, there is no way that we are capable of playing this type of game. It would be a disaster.
- 67hawks

3 months ago Stanbo said publicly that 'he liked this team'. Wonder what he thinks now?

Based on all of the playoff hockey I've watched to date, I doubt the Hawks could win one game against any of the 16 teams still playing. Major roster re-construction is in order, pronto!

And no. Not watching. Simply no interest.
- Cmonalready

Then you aren't a hockey fan. Just because the Hawks aren't in the playoffs doesn't mean there aren't some amazing games to see. The NHL doesn't revolve around the Hawks and what they were. That window is closed shut.

I for one will be overjoyed when the scores of bandwagon Hawks fans fall off the wagon this off-season. I was at the Hawks games when I was going for $8 on a high school ID and sitting in our 100 level season ticket seats because we knew the usher and he didn't care where we sat. That level of hockey was pathetic, and yet we still went. There is some genuinely good hockey being played by other teams and players right now. If you can't get up for that, then you're watching the wrong sport.

True about Panarin.
The talk about him not being a playoff performer was over-stated. The problem all along was that the Hawks did not provide him (and Kane for that matter) the environment to excel in the playoffs last year.
- 67hawks

Really, the environment? Padded boards so they would get in the greasy areas? (Been the knock on Kane his career). More excited for M/T net bonus goal and playing in the worlds than the playoff's? His admission...

casually checking in...end of games or OT...catching highlights...
did watch quite a bit of G2 CBJ/Caps...

can you imagine the incredible angst and vitriol if the hawks of 2009 - 2015 put in playoff performances and results like the caps: they just can't get it done in the playoffs year after year. One of the top regular season with HOF scorer and still find ways to lose...

I don't see the caps coming back in this series...

The jets, preds and knights continue to impress...

the jets/preds round 2 will be one helluva barnburner...

knights will come out of the pacific but the sharks may give them a run

3 months ago Stanbo said publicly that 'he liked this team'. Wonder what he thinks now?

Based on all of the playoff hockey I've watched to date, I doubt the Hawks could win one game against any of the 16 teams still playing. Major roster re-construction is in order, pronto!
- RickJ

i agree..at best 4-1 vs all 16 teams...

Then you aren't a hockey fan. Just because the Hawks aren't in the playoffs doesn't mean there aren't some amazing games to see. The NHL doesn't revolve around the Hawks and what they were. That window is closed shut.

I for one will be overjoyed when the scores of bandwagon Hawks fans fall off the wagon this off-season. I was at the Hawks games when I was going for $8 on a high school ID and sitting in our 100 level season ticket seats because we knew the usher and he didn't care where we sat. That level of hockey was pathetic, and yet we still went. There is some genuinely good hockey being played by other teams and players right now. If you can't get up for that, then you're watching the wrong sport.
- Budi1782

That is just not a true statement. I am not a fan of Bettman, so I do not want to line his pocket with cash. I will not watch the playoffs. I will also enjoy watching games again when I can have a section to myself.

Maybe...but to me saying that, that's laziness and not giving 110%. And that can spread. Not that this team was all effort this year anyway. Even if he were a Hawk this year would we be in the playoffs? I'm gonna say that's a big no still. So what good is a point per game player then? Panarin would not have saved this team. Granted Saad did not nearly live up to his end of the deal and if he did...this debate wouldn't be happening. I'm just not a fan of that Russian mentality...a lot of excuses and giving up too easily. Would I still like to have Panarin, yes. Am I longing for him to come back. Not really. I'd rather have other pieces we need. That's all I'm saying.
- thepld

The hawks were only 10 wins away from being a lower seeded playoff team. I mean who knows what #s Panarin would have put up as a Hawk but probably still 30-40 more points than Saad did this year. Could argue that adds 10+ wins to the season, also wouldn't hurt to have a goaltender. The breadman will be making a lot more dough after next season, and we wouldn't have been able to afford it. That's the way we have to look at it, Saad/Forsberg + a 5th a decent return for him? Meh I think Stan was blinded by the 2-time Stanley Cup winning man-child.

how could you not watch playoff hockey? Games have been great

The hawks were only 10 wins away from being a lower seeded playoff team. I mean who knows what #s Panarin would have put up as a Hawk but probably still 30-40 more points than Saad did this year. Could argue that adds 10+ wins to the season, also wouldn't hurt to have a goaltender. The breadman will be making a lot more dough after next season, and we wouldn't have been able to afford it. That's the way we have to look at it, Saad/Forsberg + a 5th a decent return for him? Meh I think Stan was blinded by the 2-time Stanley Cup winning man-child.
- ifaughtthelaw

I think the blinded by 2-time Cup winning man child thing needs shelving. It’s not like he went to CBJ and his offensive output vanished. If memory serves, as great as Hossa is/was, I don’t recall him being part of the original trade that sent Saad to OH.

Another team that impressed me physicality-wise has been the Lightning. Great googly moogly they were laying the body in the 1st period of the game of theirs I watched!!
For every Kane, DeBrincat and Schmaltz, I'm hoping the 'Hawks will field a Martinsen type like we saw from Martinsen during his call up period. With three or four of those types, who knows, maybe opponents won't be able to pitch a tent and roast marshmallows in the 'Hawks crease next year!

True about Panarin.
The talk about him not being a playoff performer was over-stated. The problem all along was that the Hawks did not provide him (and Kane for that matter) the environment to excel in the playoffs last year.
- 67hawks

Reminds me of the Oilers ditching my main man jordan Eberle b/c he didn't 'show up' in the playoffs. Of course they got in return a guy who doesn't show up in the reg season or playoffs.

Playoff hockey is always a different beast but fun to watch.

Blackhawks will need to get that extra gear going if or when they get back to the postseason. Last spring they failed to step it up vs Nashville (who was the much hungrier team).

Personally I still question if the core guys have the desire to lay it all on the line again.

Playoff hockey is always a different beast but fun to watch.

Blackhawks will need to get that extra gear going if or when they get back to the postseason. Last spring they failed to step it up vs Nashville (who was the much hungrier team).

Personally I still question if the core guys have the desire to lay it all on the line again.
- breadbag

I think the core has what it takes its the supporting cast that is lacking. When the hawks were a powerhouse they 4 lines deep and one if those lines was a shutdown line they do not have that do not have 3 lines deep of scoring and hardly any offense from the d somethin that has been missing. I been watching the playoffs the hawks are long way from being a cup contender for reasons i stated before plus. The want to didn't see enough of that in this year's team and continuity and playing for each other as a family more as individuals. Bosto pitt tampa Winnipeg phily l.a. etc.. All these teams seem to want to play for each other thats whats lacking hawks had that now need to regain that to contend for the cup again. In my opinion hawks need top 4 d man top d man that is physical and plays with a edge 2or 3 physical players that will take the body go to front of the net and forecheck a shutdown center a another top 6 forward with speed size and edge to their game. Now some of these players could be already in house others through drafting and smart creative trades. Bowman and company have their work cut out for them. I would explore trading smaltz the reason in the playoffs i think he would turtle and hide. Thoughts JL and panel?

Can someone explain the Haula/Kopitar hit?

I watched, it looked like an instinctive reaction by Haula. I couldn't see him trying to butt end Kopitar. The amount of pain and anguish from LA is epic.

The thing is it looks like Haula hits the right side of Kopitar's face when he is trying to get up with Kopitar on his back, yet Kopitar is seen holding the left side of his face on the bench.

Can someone tell me if they see this differently?

(frank) the Kings btw.

Can someone explain the Haula/Kopitar hit?

I watched, it looked like an instinctive reaction by Haula. I couldn't see him trying to butt end Kopitar. The amount of pain and anguish from LA is epic.

The thing is it looks like Haula hits the right side of Kopitar's face when he is trying to get up with Kopitar on his back, yet Kopitar is seen holding the left side of his face on the bench.

Can someone tell me if they see this differently?

(frank) the Kings btw.
- kwolf68

Is there a link to the hit?

Is there a link to the hit?
- powerenforcer

Here ya go, complete with heavy dose of wine from King coach.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/...aula-butt-end-on-kopitar/

Here ya go, complete with heavy dose of wine from King coach.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/...aula-butt-end-on-kopitar/
- kwolf68

Stevens, your right, your guy should not be allowed to cross check the opponent?

Can’t say “good riddance” to a point per game offensive threat like Panarin - he truly is an offensive power, with or (as proven this year) without a Patrick Kane on his line.

The problem with the trade was that Saad didn’t hold up his end. If he comes back strong - 25 plus goals, 50 plus points - plus 200 foot all around play - for the next three years, the trade will be looked at as a good one for the Hawks.
- StLBravesFan

In Saad's case, does it take players a year to recover after playing for Torts? I've thought this for awhile, that playing for Torts can really mess with someone's head, and the aftermath can be an adventure. Even the year the Rangers went to the finals, which was the first year post-Torts, saw them get 96 points in the regular season. And Brad Richards, he still seemed to have shell shock when he showed up at the convention.