Natalie Wood was a gorgeous all time natural beauty unlike today's artificial wannabes. And she was not losing much of it as she was aging.
- 67hawks

As a young ladd, I still remember a scene from the movie " The Great Race" where she leaped from a tower and fell in a guy's arms (Tony Curtis?) and her gorgeous coconuts nearly popped out of her dress....

True...but nowadays people (men and women) are getting "work" done on themselves a lot earlier than 43.
- DarthKane

Hey DK...

Question. Do the Hawks draft at 8 or do you try to trade that pick to move a bad contract like maybe 7's?? Dont think the Preds pick we got back is enough to do something like that. Hawks have to try to shed some of this salary nightmare. Or are we in the they will bounce back mindset?

(Assuming of course we dont hit the lottery and get a top 3 pick)

Hey DK...

Question. Do the Hawks draft at 8 or do you try to trade that pick to move a bad contract like maybe 7's?? Dont think the Preds pick we got back is enough to do something like that. Hawks have to try to shed some of this salary nightmare. Or are we in the they will bounce back mindset?

(Assuming of course we dont hit the lottery and get a top 3 pick)
- z1990z

Or drop down to 9 or 10 - which, I’ve read, is a better chance of happening than moving into the top 3 OR staying at #8.

Our backup goalie next year?
- 67hawks

Jonathan Bernier If he does not get his starting job somewhere,or someone like that, next year is a crucial here for the Blackhawks, I do not think they will screw around with kids in the minors especially not knowing how Corey Crawford will play out. That is just one name I am spit bawling because I think they are going to look at getting someone with a lot of NHL experience as a back up.

Hey DK...

Question. Do the Hawks draft at 8 or do you try to trade that pick to move a bad contract like maybe 7's?? Dont think the Preds pick we got back is enough to do something like that. Hawks have to try to shed some of this salary nightmare. Or are we in the they will bounce back mindset?

(Assuming of course we dont hit the lottery and get a top 3 pick)
- z1990z

We draft 7th as it stands ,with a 20% chance of moving into the top 3 and 6 % chance at number one according to tankathon . Having a great chance at Bouchard at 7 would be fine in my mind .He will be a hell of a D man .
I see Seebs bouncing back next year along with Toews .The only one I don't see coming around is Coach Q who is stuck in the past and continues to drive talent out of town ..

Our backup goalie next year?
- 67hawks

He'll be in Rockford again next year but they are really impressed with his progression.

He should only be back up in an emergency situation next year with Hawks.

I'd imagine he'll be in the mix next season. Barring a trade or free agent signing the backup role appears to be wide open.

It's interesting that Berube asked for his season to end and didn't want to go to Rockford. I wonder if his time with the Hawks is done.
- DarthKane

Hey DK - I heard it was the Hawks org. who told him his season was over. I could be wrong.

I would say Berube will be cut loose this offseason. I can see him heading overseas.

We draft 7th as it stands ,with a 20% chance of moving into the top 3 and 6 % chance at number one according to tankathon . Having a great chance at Bouchard at 7 would be fine in my mind .He will be a hell of a D man .
I see Seebs bouncing back next year along with Toews .The only one I don't see coming around is Coach Q who is stuck in the past and continues to drive talent out of town ..
- oldduffman

Unfortunately the one change we should have made (Q) looks like it won't happen. It is the primary reason why I am not envisioning a comeback year from this team.

Jonathan Bernier If he does not get his starting job somewhere,or someone like that, next year is a crucial here for the Blackhawks, I do not think they will screw around with kids in the minors especially not knowing how Corey Crawford will play out. That is just one name I am spit bawling because I think they are going to look at getting someone with a lot of NHL experience as a back up.
- wonthecup10

Bernier might be too pricey for what they want to spend but you are right, the Hawks management doesn't want to get caught in the same situation as this year so they might have to open up their wallets a bit more than they want.

I have heard they will review all options this offseason which could include:

1) keeping with Forsberg and hoping he improves under Waite.

2) looking for a more experienced backup in the FA pool to come in to be the backup, then risk losing Forsberg on waivers.

3) get creative (I've heard Ben Scrivens name as an example) to come in on a try-out to push for a back up spot or a spot in the org. even it is with Rockford to act as a safety net. (Remember how Ray Emery joined this team everyone?)

The thought process I've heard is to see how they can improve the defence in short order this summer and then see how comfortable they are to pulling off that "retool" to review how they should move forward with the goaltending situation.

Finally, I've heard evem though they are reviewing all of the options above, Stan might be a bit stubborn with the Forsberg situation as he was involved in such a bold trade. I personally would like to see the kid improve as I think he has the tools however of Crawford's future is in qusstion, they may have to make a tough decision though.

Hey DK...

Question. Do the Hawks draft at 8 or do you try to trade that pick to move a bad contract like maybe 7's?? Dont think the Preds pick we got back is enough to do something like that. Hawks have to try to shed some of this salary nightmare. Or are we in the they will bounce back mindset?

(Assuming of course we dont hit the lottery and get a top 3 pick)
- z1990z

I fully expect the Hawks to move at least one of their first round picks for more draft picks. The Nashville pick (plus a little extra) might be enough to move Hossa’s contract.

In the 0.000000001% chance the Blackhawks don’t win the draft lottery I could see them packaging their pick for multiple picks. The Rangers, Flyers and Islanders all have multiple first round picks after the Hawks. The Rangers and Islanders are only a couple picks down so depending on how the draft goes it’s certainly possible.

Bernier might be too pricey for what they want to spend but you are right, the Hawks management doesn't want to get caught in the same situation as this year so they might have to open up their wallets a bit more than they want.

I have heard they will review all options this offseason which could include:

1) keeping with Forsberg and hoping he improves under Waite.

2) looking for a more experienced backup in the FA pool to come in to be the backup, then risk losing Forsberg on waivers.

3) get creative (I've heard Ben Scrivens name as an example) to come in on a try-out to push for a back up spot or a spot in the org. even it is with Rockford to act as a safety net. (Remember how Ray Emery joined this team everyone?)

The thought process I've heard is to see how they can improve the defence in short order this summer and then see how comfortable they are to pulling off that "retool" to review how they should move forward with the goaltending situation.

Finally, I've heard evem though they are reviewing all of the options above, Stan might be a bit stubborn with the Forsberg situation as he was involved in such a bold trade. I personally would like to see the kid improve as I think he has the tools however of Crawford's future is in qusstion, they may have to make a tough decision though.
- Justin Lowe

Crawford spent a good chunk of time in the A before coming up. Think Forsberg and Delia should spend the whole year in Rockford and go get a legit (ready to play) guy to back up CC. And pray to god that 7, 2, and 19 find some return to form drink over the summer.

We draft 7th as it stands ,with a 20% chance of moving into the top 3 and 6 % chance at number one according to tankathon . Having a great chance at Bouchard at 7 would be fine in my mind .He will be a hell of a D man .
I see Seebs bouncing back next year along with Toews .The only one I don't see coming around is Coach Q who is stuck in the past and continues to drive talent out of town ..
- oldduffman

Agree with all but don't believe Seabrook will be much better. Review that story on the dmen over at therink then maybe you will agree with their assessment.

Bernier might be too pricey for what they want to spend but you are right, the Hawks management doesn't want to get caught in the same situation as this year so they might have to open up their wallets a bit more than they want.

I have heard they will review all options this offseason which could include:

1) keeping with Forsberg and hoping he improves under Waite.

2) looking for a more experienced backup in the FA pool to come in to be the backup, then risk losing Forsberg on waivers.

3) get creative (I've heard Ben Scrivens name as an example) to come in on a try-out to push for a back up spot or a spot in the org. even it is with Rockford to act as a safety net. (Remember how Ray Emery joined this team everyone?)

The thought process I've heard is to see how they can improve the defence in short order this summer and then see how comfortable they are to pulling off that "retool" to review how they should move forward with the goaltending situation.

Finally, I've heard evem though they are reviewing all of the options above, Stan might be a bit stubborn with the Forsberg situation as he was involved in such a bold trade. I personally would like to see the kid improve as I think he has the tools however of Crawford's future is in qusstion, they may have to make a tough decision though.
- Justin Lowe

Forsberg has potential but he was thrust into a starter role (albeit temporarily) too early in his development. Ideally Forsberg would have been the backup for at least two seasons while gradually increasing his workload. As we know that didn’t happen because of Crawford’s injury and he wasn’t ready. I expect to see Forsberg in camp next season, but after that who the heck knows. I would also expect another Berube type goalie to be signed as an insurance policy (especially is Berube is done with the Hawks).

Crawford spent a good chunk of time in the A before coming up. Think Forsberg and Delia should spend the whole year in Rockford and go get a legit (ready to play) guy to back up CC. And pray to god that 7, 2, and 19 find some return to form drink over the summer.
- z1990z

Delia will probably be the starter in Rockford next season, but Forsberg would have to pass through waivers. It’s possible the Hawks take a chance and expose Forsberg to waivers, but they’ll have to have a solid backup in place first.

Agree with all but fon't believe Sement.abrook will be much better. Review that story on the dmen over at therink then maybe you will agree with their assessment.
- jhawk59

Q really needs to change up the system to cover up the D issues. Don't know what moves can be made to bring in D help, but damn this team was bad last year on the blue line. I will duck the rocks but I would 100% go to a trap system until we can get mobility and consistency back on D. Cant win giving up 35-40 shots a game and have zero control in front of your net.

Game #2 wolves at Rockford. Don't understand logic of how the AHL formats this playoff. Icehogs won the openor at Wolves last night.

Game $2 wolves st Rockford. Don't understand logic of how the AHL formats this playoff. Icehogs won the openor at Wolves last night.
- jhawk59

It's the Ping-Pong format!

Forsberg has potential but he was thrust into a starter role (albeit temporarily) too early in his development. Ideally Forsberg would have been the backup for at least two seasons while gradually increasing his workload. As we know that didn’t happen because of Crawford’s injury and he wasn’t ready. I expect to see Forsberg in camp next season, but after that who the heck knows. I would also expect another Berube type goalie to be signed as an insurance policy (especially is Berube is done with the Hawks).
- DarthKane

Agree with this post.

Q really needs to change up the system to cover up the D issues. Don't know what moves can be made to bring in D help, but damn this team was bad last year on the blue line. I will duck the rocks but I would 100% go to a trap system until we can get mobility and consistency back on D. Cant win giving up 35-40 shots a game and have zero control in front of your net.
- z1990z

That's right.
Stan, your comments please....
Talk to me after the draft, after free agency, after training camp

Crawford spent a good chunk of time in the A before coming up. Think Forsberg and Delia should spend the whole year in Rockford and go get a legit (ready to play) guy to back up CC. And pray to god that 7, 2, and 19 find some return to form drink over the summer.
- z1990z

That's cuz they made him change styles and go butterfly. People rag on his glove, but he was right there with Waite and Pang as far as quickest gloves I've seen when he got here as a rookie. In the butterfly the skate edges are not on the ice. This might take up more space, but it weakens the core and the arm and shoulder don't have the foundation & leverage to move as quickly.

Sorry, wasn't trying to yell. Don't know what happened there, but I was referring to Crawford.

Delia will probably be the starter in Rockford next season, but Forsberg would have to pass through waivers. It’s possible the Hawks take a chance and expose Forsberg to waivers, but they’ll have to have a solid backup in place first.
- DarthKane

This!

They will be worried about losing him but that tough decision may have to be made.

Forsberg has spent his time in the AHL like Crawford did. He's won at the highest level there.

The NHL makes the most sense for him but might need to refine his game and confidence in the AHL if possible next year.

Forsberg has potential but he was thrust into a starter role (albeit temporarily) too early in his development. Ideally Forsberg would have been the backup for at least two seasons while gradually increasing his workload. As we know that didn’t happen because of Crawford’s injury and he wasn’t ready. I expect to see Forsberg in camp next season, but after that who the heck knows. I would also expect another Berube type goalie to be signed as an insurance policy (especially is Berube is done with the Hawks).
- DarthKane

Agreed DK. Forsberg was put in a tough spot with an average team and a defence that qas learning on the job for the most part.

If they can improve the backend... maybe they feel like that will be enough support for Forsberg moving into next year.

Q really needs to change up the system to cover up the D issues. Don't know what moves can be made to bring in D help, but damn this team was bad last year on the blue line. I will duck the rocks but I would 100% go to a trap system until we can get mobility and consistency back on D. Cant win giving up 35-40 shots a game and have zero control in front of your net.
- z1990z

No. Look at the play-offs this year. There are teams that seem to have the following combination of positives game in game out - free flowing aggressive team offence without ever giving up odd-man breaks against. Other teams still do idiotic pinching and give up odd-man breaks. You can be one of the good teams simply by eliminating idiotic, untimely pinching. Under Ulf last year the team basically had no D Plan. Pinching, joining the play, creating an additional outlet - all D strategies that only work if they are done in a safe, timely matter not stupidly. Seabrook had to be at odds with Ulf all year, as he tried to mind the D end first. He actually got benched for not pinching blindly. Next game when he was put back in the line-up where was Seabrook - well he was crazily pinching down deep in front of the other teams goal. For sure Seabrook was thinking “this is insane”.

How Ulf is still a Coach with the team I have no idea. Just as he was as a player he is dumber than a bag of pucks. That Q went along with this idiocy was equally ridiculous. The Hawks gave up more odd-man breaks per game than other properly responsible teams were giving up in weeks, months.

To play stupid by design is the definition of insanity.

Hey DK...

Question. Do the Hawks draft at 8 or do you try to trade that pick to move a bad contract like maybe 7's?? Dont think the Preds pick we got back is enough to do something like that. Hawks have to try to shed some of this salary nightmare. Or are we in the they will bounce back mindset?

(Assuming of course we dont hit the lottery and get a top 3 pick)
- z1990z

Tankathon confirms we draft 7th. Seabrook isn’t going anywhere. The team sees him as very valuable and doesn’t wish to trade him, and his contract has too much term to move in any event.

There are many players in this year’s draft who have big holes in their profiles. Tkachuk, for one, is a very dangerous pick as he has given no indication that he has any elite offensive skill. Can’t potentially waste a high pick on him. The insanely high skilled sleeper in the draft is Merkley. First draft choice of OHL - Rookie of the Year OHL. Stock has fallen because he might be cocky and may try to take over games because his team is bad. Holy a very young teen-ager with a few issues - staggering. The ONLY draft list to follow is Bob McKenzie’s from TSN. He talks to elite scouts. He ranked Merkley high saying has top 5 skill. I would never draft someone whose given skill level I wondered about. You can teach many things you can’t teach given skill level. DeBrincat had skill level that should have easily placed him in Round 1. Thankfully other teams just stupid - lunkheads saying at meetings “he too small”.