I'm 99.9% certain that kane's recent struggles are a direct impact on the lack of a #2 center. In fact, there are 4 things I worry about come playoff time:

1. Power play. How is this team, with this much talent, 1 for the last 31 and dropping down to the lower 3rd of the league? Kompon, cup/no cup has to be fired as soon as the season ends. PP is horrific to watch.

2. Goaltending: Emery looked bad last night. He's been for most of the year as has Crawford, but those weak goals like we saw last night can't go in come playoff time. Getting beat short side from bad angles is just as bad as getting beat on other questionable goals.

3. Size...I know they beat STL, but that was 1 game...Do we think this team can take that type of pounding in back to back to back series which it may have to do to win the cup? 2nd round vs a LA/SJ/STL, Conference final vs Anh, and Cup final vs Pitts or Boston? Yikes....

4. 2nd line center: Get bolland the hell away from Kane...now. It's obvious if you watch Kane, he's frustrated and he's forcing plays because he can't rely on linemates to help him out. Turnover was a perfect example that led to Dallas's 1st goal. Put Bolland on the 3rd line and move Shaw or Kruger up to center Kane and Sharp.
- SteveRain

Kane tried o force things last night but you can't blame him at some point...

He hasn't had the support....I haven't seen Bolland play worse and Q. still has him on PP....with Kane.

I wrote about it today...decision time coming for Q. on one of his favs....Bolland.

Blackhawks continue to roll with a 5-2 win over Dallas - Power Play Woes & What's up with Dave Bolland??-FOX Chicago:http://bit.ly/ZuL8qx

Isn't next year the only regression in the cap?

So it will go down to whatever 64.7 million? Hawks have 58 and change committed?

So buy out Montador, trade Frolik for pick(s) (he will be a RFA some value there), move Bolland for prospects / picks.

Stalberg walk or move for picks / prospects. Bickell cheap or picks.

Fill out bottom lines with piggies and/or cheap character veterans. Get really lucky and buy out happens sign Bobby the goalie for dirt cheap for 2 or 3 years and laugh hilariously at Vancouver.
___________________________________________

In 2015 Rusty's money falls off and you can use that to give Hammer his 5 or 6. Cap should go back up again with the way NHL monies seem to keep increasing and they will be in good shape. If Hossa (or Sharp) are falling apart they can buy out. If not they can have a really strong veteran presence to bring a long the hogs that get promoted.

I don't see a dire situation other than the fact they need to win this year to justify next year being a "learning year" for some of the kids that will have to fill spots.
- fattybeef

Most likely yes and it could be right back up to close to $70 mill.

Hawks are in better shape than many big mkt teams.

What will it take to get Michael Ryder in a Blackhawk jersey this Summer? I caught a few Habs games recently and was really impressed with his play.

Not with me...not yet.
- philco28

I'm done with Bolland...and the Organization could use the cap space. The draft could be very interesting this year. Players are going to be moving every which way.

For those that might care:

The Rockford Icehogs are having a pre-sale of playoff tickets. If you buy your tickets for these games before 11:59 pm tomorrow night, the tickets are buy one, get one free.

http://icehogs.com/news/icehogs/?article_id=3790

I would really, really, really like to see a 10/16/88 2nd line...
- blackhawk24

Maybe once Bolland is dealt, but for now I think we stick with 10/36/88. The third line of 29/65/25 is starting to click again so there's no point in disrupting them. If Kruger goes to the 2nd like then Bolland would go the 4th and that makes no sense.

What will it take to get Michael Ryder in a Blackhawk jersey this Summer? I caught a few Habs games recently and was really impressed with his play.
- Dieselhead

I wouldn't expect to see the Hawks as big players in the free agent market this summer. Most of our cap space will be spent re-signing our own free agents or looking at 4th line grinder type forwards.

Not with me...not yet.
- philco28

I'm not done with Bolland yet either, but I have come to the realization that he is on borrowed time in Chicago. He'll either be dealt this summer or play out his contract next season. I'd like to see Bolland healthy and to stick around, but I'm not hopeful.

Maybe once Bolland is dealt, but for now I think we stick with 10/36/88. The third line of 29/65/25 is starting to click again so there's no point in disrupting them. If Kruger goes to the 2nd like then Bolland would go the 4th and that makes no sense.
- DarthKane

I can't argue with your thoughts on the third line. It makes sense.

What's the problem with Bolland on the 4th line? If he's being relegated to a defensive role, I would think the 4th line would be a good place for him.

Anyways, shifting Bolland to the 4th line just might light a fire under his ass.

I'm done with Bolland...and the Organization could use the cap space. The draft could be very interesting this year. Players are going to be moving every which way.
- ArlingtonRob

Yup, lets dump all over Bolland because he's become inconsequential on a team setting records in a shortened regular season.

And then in the playoffs when the Sedins are scoring at will or a guy like Logan Couture gets hot we"ll all be hollering for a shutdown center to stop those guys.

There's a very long list of players in NHL history who earned their money in the tough playoff going. My opinion is Bolly doesn't give a crap about the regular season or playing dippsy doodle with #88. (And he's probably somewhat out of shape too).

But #36 will be in the lineup on opening night of the playoffs, Q will make sure of that. And I'd be more worried about #88 disappearing when the going gets mean and nasty.

>Best Power Play Percentage in a season: 31.88%, by 1977–78 Montreal Canadiens
>Coach of that Habs team? (Scotty Bowman)
>JJ, are you hearing any rumbles about Barry Smith "channeling" Scotty this week on the PP?
>Or Scotty flying in and putting the skates on himself?
>Pure speculation on my part, but even though one can argue that aspects of today's NHL game are "overcoached" -- the Hawks PP for several years looks like too much of the PP is left to "the creativity of the players">Hawks PP needs to make the goalie use his feet to make saves = creating rebounds
>Hawks pass up too many open shots in the pursuit of "the perfect shot" with max velocity>Get it on net and force the goalie to use his feet = PP rebound goals
>Fixing PP and 2nd line should be the priority of a very strong team, playing great team hockey
- SnapitUpstairs

Fixed plays should be... & is the key to our power play! We have NO timing of when to go to net because of "THE PERFECT SHOT" A fix play does not let you think, thinking is some what contrary to creativity. When the puck is loose or when it is on it`s way to it`s intended target is where the Hawks are the best, at being creative . 2nd we must dump and chase with speed, out number in the corner and come away with the puck on the power play. Pushing for position in front of the net would be a big plus as well. Do you think Bicks could be "THE BUFF" of 2010?

I was in Boston for work the last two days. The scene last night in the city was surreal, particularly the police officers who were armed with M16s on just about every street corner. Definitely an odd day. Thoughts and prayers to all the families and runners who completed and couldn't complete the race.

Yup, lets dump all over Bolland because he's become inconsequential on a team setting records in a shortened regular season.

And then in the playoffs when the Sedins are scoring at will or a guy like Logan Couture gets hot we"ll all be hollering for a shutdown center to stop those guys.

There's a very long list of players in NHL history who earned their money in the tough playoff going. My opinion is Bolly doesn't give a crap about the regular season or playing dippsy doodle with #88. (And he's probably somewhat out of shape too).

But #36 will be in the lineup on opening night of the playoffs, Q will make sure of that. And I'd be more worried about #88 disappearing when the going gets mean and nasty.
- RickJ

Yup, lets dump all over Bolland because he's become inconsequential on a team setting records in a shortened regular season.

And then in the playoffs when the Sedins are scoring at will or a guy like Logan Couture gets hot we"ll all be hollering for a shutdown center to stop those guys.

There's a very long list of players in NHL history who earned their money in the tough playoff going. My opinion is Bolly doesn't give a crap about the regular season or playing dippsy doodle with #88. (And he's probably somewhat out of shape too).

But #36 will be in the lineup on opening night of the playoffs, Q will make sure of that. And I'd be more worried about #88 disappearing when the going gets mean and nasty.
- RickJ

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for keeping the guy around after this year at a 3.5M cap hit. That said, I hope Bolland if well enough to contribute in the playoffs, I do think he's hurtin' and it's effecting his play. But to keep him around simply for an annual playoff bump...at his salary...is not worth it going forward. That's just my opinion, and if the organization thinks different...so be it.

And if Bolland doesn't want to play with Kane, then he's a fool who deserves an ass kickin' before he's sent packing.

Centering for Pat Kane doesn't strike me as a burden, and if Bolland doesn't like it the choice for the Hawks is simple....bye bye Bolly.

Should be an interesting offseason for all clubs.

For heaven's sake Bolland has been on the point since he's been back
- rollpards19

If one wants to call it that.

Dammit, another phucktard move by Kompon. I swear, I know I can get a shot off from the point quicker than Bolland. That a$$wipe, you can time his backswing with a phucking sundial -- Bolland and Keith come from the same backa$$wards school of shooting the puck.

In addition to removing #2 from PP duty, they need to do the same with #36.

Phuck Kompon. They need to pull the plug on that guy.

I still think (and hope) the real Bolland shows up for the playoffs. After that, he gets traded at the draft to help this team some more.
- EKolb13

Hope so....and....can see that scenario unfolding for sure. Bolland mentioned in interviews a few days ago that his back had been acting up causing him to miss a recent spate of games. If that's the case...how much can we get for a guy with a history of back problems ? Hopefully something good...but first LET'S WIN THE CUP AGAIN.

Hope so....and....can see that scenario unfolding for sure. Bolland mentioned in interviews a few days ago that his back had been acting up causing him to miss a recent spate of games. If that's the case...how much can we get for a guy with a history of back problems ? Hopefully something good...but first LET'S WIN THE CUP AGAIN.

- philco28

this a huge issue moving into the playoffs and next year; gmes missed the last 4 seasons: 43, 21, 6, 10.

if his back is a chronic back problem then his trade value is greatly diminished...but something is not right with him; his skating and involvement in the gme is decidedly weak

R.I.P....to the GREAT Pat Summerall
#PEACE #OUT #SIR

http://espn.go.com/blog/d...ce-of-my-sports-childhood

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for keeping the guy around after this year at a 3.5M cap hit. That said, I hope Bolland if well enough to contribute in the playoffs, I do think he's hurtin' and it's effecting his play. But to keep him around simply for an annual playoff bump...at his salary...is not worth it going forward. That's just my opinion, and if the organization thinks different...so be it.

And if Bolland doesn't want to play with Kane, then he's a fool who deserves an ass kickin' before he's sent packing.

Centering for Pat Kane doesn't strike me as a burden, and if Bolland doesn't like it the choice for the Hawks is simple....bye bye Bolly.

Should be an interesting offseason for all clubs.
- ArlingtonRob

So many capologists on this site worrying about how much a player is making as if it was really hurting Rocky Wirtz's pocketbook and by extension themselves. Last year it was Hammer's obscene wages that were so alarming.

If the Hawks win the Cup or go far in the playoffs and Bolland plays effectively are you really going to worry about his regular season statistics? I know I won't.

I'm not defending his indifferent play this year. He's just not an ideal center for Kane or Sharp or Hossa. But when the playoffs arrive, history suggests he"ll raise his game. See 2004/05 Memorial Cup and 2009/2010 Stanley Cup. Until I'm convinced he just can't do it anymore, I'll back a guy that has been to the winner's circle.

this a huge issue moving into the playoffs and next year; gmes missed the last 4 seasons: 43, 21, 6, 10.

if his back is a chronic back problem then his trade value is greatly diminished...but something is not right with him; his skating and involvement in the gme is decidedly weak
- bogiedoc

Maybe Bogie...but he's being used on the pp and getting a regular shift and honestly...i've liked his intensity A LOT in the last few games. But it's all in the eye of the beholder as we both know.

thats because they wanted "goose" to do too much. his role is 3,4 center. I wanted him last year at the deadline. he would have been perfect for this team.
I think SB could have got him cheaper than nashville did. he probably told his agent to make them over pay if they want him to stay over the summer.
Goose maybe kicking him self in the ass now for staying there.
hopefully trotz isn't the sac.lamb! would loose all respect for their org. maybe nashville doesn't have the economic resources for long term & they are the 1's to move to Quebec, yes/no?
- wonthecup10

That's an insane amount of assumptions there

McKenzie just reported that the Western conference coaches voted Toews the overwhelming MVP. Shows you how much the league thinks of him

Maybe Bogie...but he's being used on the pp and getting a regular shift and honestly...i've liked his intensity A LOT in the last few games. But it's all in the eye of the beholder as we both know.

- philco28

Me too.

And if you see David Crosscheck Backes bent over at the bench holding onto his testicles in pain, my bet would be that #36 had something to do with it.

Me too.

And if you see David Crosscheck Backes bent over at the bench holding onto his testicles in pain, my bet would be that #36 had something to do with it.
- RickJ

I'd double down on that wager Ricardo

Yup, lets dump all over Bolland because he's become inconsequential on a team setting records in a shortened regular season.

And then in the playoffs when the Sedins are scoring at will or a guy like Logan Couture gets hot we"ll all be hollering for a shutdown center to stop those guys.

There's a very long list of players in NHL history who earned their money in the tough playoff going. My opinion is Bolly doesn't give a crap about the regular season or playing dippsy doodle with #88. (And he's probably somewhat out of shape too).

But #36 will be in the lineup on opening night of the playoffs, Q will make sure of that. And I'd be more worried about #88 disappearing when the going gets mean and nasty.
- RickJ

Not saying you were directing at me but my concern is Bolland still looks hurt...

Today's article....

Blackhawks continue to roll with a 5-2 win over Dallas - Power Play Woes & What's up with Dave Bolland??-FOX Chicago:http://bit.ly/ZuL8qx