Let's you and him fight....
- StLBravesFan

No.

I have no problem with Ogie. I really like the guy.

We were spoiled last year with our 4th line, Kruger and Frolik are not 4th liners. So whomever fills those voids they may be unfairly judged. I'd like to see some more speed on that line, we still could see Kruger on the 4th line if Saad gets the 2C role permanently.
- DarthKane

Day dreaming a little there, are we?

Day dreaming a little there, are we?
- EKolb13

Just a bit......

I think the one thing we'll see different than last year is the stability of the lines. I think Toews, Kane, Sharp and Hossa will remain top 6 and likely Bickell too. But other then that we could see a lot of mix and matching until 6 finds a combination he likes.

Kent Simpson's Mask:


- DarthKane

Oh yeah! The kid just went up in my book.

Canucks fans everywhere are pouting today:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=431652

Canucks fans everywhere are pouting today:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=431652
- DarthKane

Those kool-aid drinking (frank)s will say otherwise.

Those kool-aid drinking (frank)s will say otherwise.
- EKolb13

I know that Canucks fans love Kassian, but that was such a terrible trade. Hodgson isn't an all star, but he's a decent 2C and Gillis trades him for a guy who'll barely make it as a 4th liner?



Edit: Hodgson's deal was 6 years, $4.25 AAV.

I know that Canucks fans love Kassian, but that was such a terrible trade. Hodgson isn't an all star, but he's a decent 2C and Gillis trades him for a guy who'll barely make it as a 4th liner?



Edit: Hodgson's deal was 6 years, $4.25 AAV.
- DarthKane

Couldnt agree more. It put a smile on my face every time Hodgson scored a goal last season.

Those kool-aid drinking (frank)s will say otherwise.
- EKolb13

Stan Bowman in another lifetime?

I'd prefer to see Danault at 4C too, but I'm not expecting that until next season (or maybe 3C).

That top 6 was great, but I'd rather spread around the talent a bit more. The third line is still good but the 4th is lacking a bit.

Saad or Pirri may start the season as the 2C, but I agree with Eli that it will be Kruger and Handzus platooning the position for most of the year.
- DarthKane

Yeah I agree about spreading the talent around the top 3 lines. Even 4 lines in a year or 2 when Danault, McNeill, and Hartman become regulars. Having 3 lines that can score is what separates the Cup teams from good teams

Yeah I agree about spreading the talent around the top 3 lines. Even 4 lines in a year or 2 when Danault, McNeill, and Hartman become regulars. Having 3 lines that can score is what separates the Cup teams from good teams
- tomcat24

Another option would be to move Bickell to the third line if Saad takes the 2C spot. I know most people will say "no way" because of his new contract, but if Bicks plays like he did last year he'll get 20 goals on the 3rd line.

Another option would be to move Bickell to the third line if Saad takes the 2C spot. I know most people will say "no way" because of his new contract, but if Bicks plays like he did last year he'll get 20 goals on the 3rd line.
- DarthKane

Then who plays(effectively) with Toews and Kane/Hossa? There are small holes in every possible combination it seems.....which is why i wouldnt mind adding someone, or having Pirri prove his doubters wrong.

Another option would be to move Bickell to the third line if Saad takes the 2C spot. I know most people will say "no way" because of his new contract, but if Bicks plays like he did last year he'll get 20 goals on the 3rd line.
- DarthKane

He can still end up on the 3rd line. We know Bickell has been inconsistent his whole career, but he showed great chemistry with Kane and Toews. Of course the year before the line of Bolland, Bickell, and frolik looked great, too. I just don't see Saad staying at center if he even starts there at all. I agree about Kruger being there eventually

Then who plays(effectively) with Toews and Kane/Hossa? There are small holes in every possible combination it seems.....which is why i wouldnt mind adding someone, or having Pirri prove his doubters wrong.
- SimpleJack

This would be the best option, and I'm sure even the biggest Pirri doubters (I'm looking at you Eli) would probably gladly eat crow (the bird not Crawford) if Pirri proved them wrong and became a legit 2C. I'm not holding my breath on it happening, but it would be nice.

Then who plays(effectively) with Toews and Kane/Hossa? There are small holes in every possible combination it seems.....which is why i wouldnt mind adding someone, or having Pirri prove his doubters wrong.
- SimpleJack

...which Q is his biggest doubter, and he'll have to go through camp without even so much as making a mistake to have a shot at making the team . Even then, he may not win Q's confidence.

This would be the best option, and I'm sure even the biggest Pirri doubters (I'm looking at you Eli) would probably gladly eat crow (the bird not Crawford) if Pirri proved them wrong and became a legit 2C. I'm not holding my breath on it happening, but it would be nice.
- DarthKane

It isn't me. Look at Q.

...which Q is his biggest doubter, and he'll have to go through camp without even so much as making a mistake to have a shot at making the team . Even then, he may not win Q's confidence.
- EKolb13

Yeah not exactly the person you'd wanna have as ur biggest doubter......the head coach. Sadly, i trust Q's intuition over my own high hopes.

Another option would be to move Bickell to the third line if Saad takes the 2C spot. I know most people will say "no way" because of his new contract, but if Bicks plays like he did last year he'll get 20 goals on the 3rd line.
- DarthKane

There is a serious drop off in speed in the bottom 6 this year.

They are setting up Saad to fail. He is probably expected to pick up some real penalty killing duties for Frolik and now 2c as well?

Pirri showing something will grant them some real flexibility. Not counting on it though.

It would be nice if they could move some of this system depth for quality - particularly some speed to replace Frolik and Stals. A lot of tweeners with Morin, Hayes, Smith, Pirri....

Chris Kuc‏@ChrisKuc2m
#Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said Brandon Saad will start camp at center.
- Sconnie

...and he'll finish camp at wing.

...and he'll finish camp at wing.
- ArlingtonRob

I agree. I think Pirri will get a look at 2C, but not for long.

There is a serious drop off in speed in the bottom 6 this year.

They are setting up Saad to fail. He is probably expected to pick up some real penalty killing duties for Frolik and now 2c as well?

Pirri showing something will grant them some real flexibility. Not counting on it though.

It would be nice if they could move some of this system depth for quality - particularly some speed to replace Frolik and Stals. A lot of tweeners with Morin, Hayes, Smith, Pirri....
- tredbrta

Agreed. Which is why i wanted Raymond....

Agreed. Which is why i wanted Raymond....
- SimpleJack

Me too, I was pumping his tires for a while. Signing Raymond is still a possibility, remember we signed Sopel when he was at the Wings camp.

I'd still only want Raymond on a 1 year low cost deal. He'd provide speed and defensive awareness in the bottom 6. Although he does fall down an awful lot.

The Hawks finally getting some love from air traffic control...



...had a few intersections on one of the O'hare arrival procedures re-named in their honor.
- Ogilthorpe2

Being a commercial pilot that flies ourt of ORD you might already know these charter flight numbers..

Hawks: SWQ801, SWQ 802, SWQ737 and SWQ 767

Cubs: UAL1804

White Sox: UAL 1803

Bears: UAL 1834

What do you guys think the lineup will be opening night against Washington? I'm interested in the number of different looks people will have. With almost the whole team returning from last year, and the departures (Bolland, Frolik, Stalberg) being replaced by prospects ready for the next step more than likely. I don't believe there will be too many surprises, unless someone absolutely lights up training camp and makes Stan's eyes even buggier. My guess at the lineup is...


Bickell/Toews/Kane

Sharp/Pirri/Hossa

Saad/Handzus/Shaw

Bollig/Krüger/Smith

Keith-Seabrook
Hjalmarsson-Oduya
Rozsival-Leddy

Crawford

I'm pretty sure Brookbank and Winchester will be healthy scratches. I think this will be a tough lineup to crack early on unless there are injuries. There really are a number of different variations and players you can mess around with in this roster (Morin, Hayes, LeBlanc, and Teuvo ~ if only 20lb heavier ). The good thing is the Hawks will be in for another long run into June.

There is a serious drop off in speed in the bottom 6 this year.

They are setting up Saad to fail. He is probably expected to pick up some real penalty killing duties for Frolik and now 2c as well?

Pirri showing something will grant them some real flexibility. Not counting on it though.

It would be nice if they could move some of this system depth for quality - particularly some speed to replace Frolik and Stals. A lot of tweeners with Morin, Hayes, Smith, Pirri....
- tredbrta

If you think skating or lack of descent skaters on bottom lines may be an issue, then hope a Danault and Nordstrom can play here by the playoffs. Pirri maybe if he can modify his approach? I can live with Smith but I would prefer Danault and Nordstrom could be ready. Other than that, Morin is a weapon you may occasionally be able to substitute in the lone up. Because he could be invisible or just on pp. then last minute of game he wins it with a nice shot. I like his willingness to be mean and will battle, not just a prima Dona skill guy.

You think Beach could be a Burrish role in playoffs? Need extra players with injuries and long grind just getting into playoffs. Just a possibility, not betting it happens.