Really, I would have liked to have seen LaBarbera get a start when he was in Rockford.

I'd like to see LaBarbera get a couple of starts and go from there. If he can't cut it, pack him on the bus to Rockford.
- EKolb13

I think 2-3 starts would be enough to see if he can cut it or not.

Either way I agree you want Crow playing the bulk of the games and it won't do Raanta any good to sit on the bench up here. If we do wind up needing him in the playoffs (he should be the backup going in if Crow is healthy) he wouldn't be sharp riding the pines here. Granted the quality of play isn't the same in the minors but you can bring him up for the final 2 weeks of the season and throw him a few games to find his pace again.

Longer term is where you have the issue of what to do. I can't see them tying up $8-9M on the goalie position even with the cap going up.

I think 2-3 starts would be enough to see if he can cut it or not.

Either way I agree you want Crow playing the bulk of the games and it won't do Raanta any good to sit on the bench up here. If we do wind up needing him in the playoffs (he should be the backup going in if Crow is healthy) he wouldn't be sharp riding the pines here. Granted the quality of play isn't the same in the minors but you can bring him up for the final 2 weeks of the season and throw him a few games to find his pace again.

Longer term is where you have the issue of what to do. I can't see them tying up $8-9M on the goalie position even with the cap going up.
- blackhawks30

What if Rockford is charging for the playoffs like last year? What if they make it in? Do you yank Raanta out from their goal at the end of their regular season?

What if Rockford is charging for the playoffs like last year? What if they make it in? Do you yank Raanta out from their goal at the end of their regular season?
- NewToHockey

In my opinion Yes because the goal is to win the Stanley Cup not make the AHL playoffs. Granted for the players down there getting them playoff experience of any kind is a good thing but there is a window up at the big club and you want your best players primed and ready heading in the playoffs that really matter.

Raanta being ready to backup Crow in the NHL playoffs > Rockford making the playoffs.

I think so, too.

But - a concern.
- StLBravesFan

He did out play Quick, Rask and Howard to win the Cup. Just saying.

In my opinion Yes because the goal is to win the Stanley Cup not make the AHL playoffs. Granted for the players down there getting them playoff experience of any kind is a good thing but there is a window up at the big club and you want your best players primed and ready heading in the playoffs that really matter.

Raanta being ready to backup Crow in the NHL playoffs > Rockford making the playoffs.
- blackhawks30

Normally, NHL clubs do not recall their "Black Aces" until their respective AHL teams are done for the season. Teams will recall their AHL players as needed if their farm club is in the playoffs.

Judging from what I've seen in the stands in Rockford, I'd be surprised if the IceHogs make the playoffs.

Normally, NHL clubs do not recall their "Black Aces" until their respective AHL teams are done for the season. Teams will recall their AHL players as needed if their farm club is in the playoffs.

Judging from what I've seen in the stands in Rockford, I'd be surprised if the IceHogs make the playoffs.
- EKolb13

Racist.

Happy New Year!

Racist.

Happy New Year!
- Elbows15

You're a real (frank)ing beauty...

Happy New Year to you too.

A well rested Crawford could turn into a rusty Crawford. I'm not a fan of that idea. Crawford got a nice fat contract to start, and that's what he should do. He should get the occasional game off (especially during back to back games), but Crawford needs to start the majority of games in order to stay sharp.

Look, Raanta has shown that he can handle the job. I get that. The point I'm trying to make is that the Hawks need to find out what LaBarbera can and can't handle. I'd hate to see another situation where both goalies are on the shelf and all the sudden one of the league's best teams are relying on untested replacements, just like last month.

If LaBarbera is good enough to spell Crawford for a start or two every couple of weeks, then why not let LaBarbera stay in Chicago for the rest of the season while Raanta gets the majority of the playing time in Rockford? Raanta can come back when the playoffs start and be the back up then. If LaBarbera can't handle the job, it's better to find out now rather than going into the playoffs and finding out that LaBarbera can't cut it.
- EKolb13

When you put it that way, it makes sense, thanks. But I think I agree with some others who say LaBabs should have a very short rope. Have you looked at his numbers this year in Edmonton? (Edmonton!). Khabby-esque. I guess we'll see how the FO and Q decide to play it...

He did out play Quick, Rask and Howard to win the Cup. Just saying.
- Elbows15

LOL. He did, or he didn't, but had great D in front of him, and it opens up the whole "CC is Chris Osgood" can-o-worms again... But I agree with you, and Osgood just might be a Hall of Famer in a few years.

When you put it that way, it makes sense, thanks. But I think I agree with some others who say LaBabs should have a very short rope. Have you looked at his numbers this year in Edmonton? (Edmonton!). Khabby-esque. I guess we'll see how the FO and Q decide to play it...
- Tugboat

Yeah, it all depends on the powers that be, doesn't it?

Honestly, I have my doubts about LaBarbera (...and that stupid goalie mask of his) being able to stick it out for the long haul. Given his play in his other stops in the NHL, anyone is going to have those questions. However, there isn't going to be the Edmonton blue line corps in front of him. He'll have a much much better team playing in front of him. Perhaps that will be enough for him to succeed? All the Hawks need out of LaBarbera is about 10 solid starts from him, give or take a few games. If the Hawks can get that out of him, that gives Raanta the rest of the season in Rockford to get in as much playing time as he can.

Normally, NHL clubs do not recall their "Black Aces" until their respective AHL teams are done for the season. Teams will recall their AHL players as needed if their farm club is in the playoffs.

Judging from what I've seen in the stands in Rockford, I'd be surprised if the IceHogs make the playoffs.
- EKolb13

Once they got rid of Beach all playoff hopes were lost

LOL. He did, or he didn't, but had great D in front of him, and it opens up the whole "CC is Chris Osgood" can-o-worms again... But I agree with you, and Osgood just might be a Hall of Famer in a few years.
- Tugboat

Meh, let everyone else worry about who is better than who Tug. When it counted he made the saves he needed to and get his name engraved in that big beautiful Cup. And aside from one game in the Final, he was pretty (frank)ing good.

Yeah, it all depends on the powers that be, doesn't it?

Honestly, I have my doubts about LaBarbera (...and that stupid goalie mask of his) being able to stick it out for the long haul. Given his play in his other stops in the NHL, anyone is going to have those questions. However, there isn't going to be the Edmonton blue line corps in front of him. He'll have a much much better team playing in front of him. Perhaps that will be enough for him to succeed? All the Hawks need out of LaBarbera is about 10 solid starts from him, give or take a few games. If the Hawks can get that out of him, that gives Raanta the rest of the season in Rockford to get in as much playing time as he can.
- EKolb13

The real question, to me anyway, is does playing in the Rock benefit Raanta more than practicing with the big boys. He sure looks like his team mates enjoy his attitude and him being around. Who knows what value that has, if any.

Yeah, it all depends on the powers that be, doesn't it?

Honestly, I have my doubts about LaBarbera (...and that stupid goalie mask of his) being able to stick it out for the long haul. Given his play in his other stops in the NHL, anyone is going to have those questions. However, there isn't going to be the Edmonton blue line corps in front of him. He'll have a much much better team playing in front of him. Perhaps that will be enough for him to succeed? All the Hawks need out of LaBarbera is about 10 solid starts from him, give or take a few games. If the Hawks can get that out of him, that gives Raanta the rest of the season in Rockford to get in as much playing time as he can.
- EKolb13

Why does there seem to be such a push to hustle Raanta back to Rockford and what makes anyone think that Lababera is going to be any better than what he has proven to be so far, a mediocre at best goaltender. Raanta is your only viable option as your backup. Khabby will not be coming back and unless your going to deal for another it's the way it is.

Once they got rid of Beach all playoff hopes were lost
- blackhawks30

Actually, I think their chances improved. For a couple of weeks it seemed like Beach and Winchester were having a contest as to who could be the biggest floater on the ice.

TT with 7 assists so far...

Totally excited with the Hawks depth...

IMO Hossa I love the guy but I don't see him playing for more than another two years and with his frailty he's just keeping the seat warm for Saad.

If Stanbow doesn't goof up there's dynasty potential in this lineup...

Bickell - Toews - Kane
Sharp - TT - Saad
McNeil/Danault - Hartman - Versteeg
Shaw - Kruger/Nordstrom - Smith

Keith/Seabs
Hammer/Leddy
Johns/Clendenning
Kostka

Craw/Raanta

A well rested Crawford could turn into a rusty Crawford. I'm not a fan of that idea. Crawford got a nice fat contract to start, and that's what he should do. He should get the occasional game off (especially during back to back games), but Crawford needs to start the majority of games in order to stay sharp.

Look, Raanta has shown that he can handle the job. I get that. The point I'm trying to make is that the Hawks need to find out what LaBarbera can and can't handle. I'd hate to see another situation where both goalies are on the shelf and all the sudden one of the league's best teams are relying on untested replacements, just like last month.

If LaBarbera is good enough to spell Crawford for a start or two every couple of weeks, then why not let LaBarbera stay in Chicago for the rest of the season while Raanta gets the majority of the playing time in Rockford? Raanta can come back when the playoffs start and be the back up then. If LaBarbera can't handle the job, it's better to find out now rather than going into the playoffs and finding out that LaBarbera can't cut it.
- EKolb13

Your argument is getting old, give it up. Labarbera was just a cheap back up plan in case Raanta struggled. Labarbera lost his back up jobs in Phoenix and in Edmonton the past year so what does that tell you. Why mess around with a kid like Raanta who is 24 and not 18. He has played in the pro leagues in Finland. He stays to back up Crawford and Labarbera is sent on his way. If Crawford struggles use Raanta, simple as that.

Why does there seem to be such a push to hustle Raanta back to Rockford and what makes anyone think that Lababera is going to be any better than what he has proven to be so far, a mediocre at best goaltender. Raanta is your only viable option as your backup. Khabby will not be coming back and unless your going to deal for another it's the way it is.
- rtang415

Totally agree, Labarbera does not have the pedigree to even wear a Hawk Jersy

Your argument is getting old, give it up. Labarbera was just a cheap back up plan in case Raanta struggled. Labarbera lost his back up jobs in Phoenix and in Edmonton the past year so what does that tell you. Why mess around with a kid like Raanta who is 24 and not 18. He has played in the pro leagues in Finland. He stays to back up Crawford and Labarbera is sent on his way. If Crawford struggles use Raanta, simple as that.
- flyerdude17

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your special brand of wisdom with us

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- Elbows15

He does have a point about LaBarbera.

Your argument is getting old, give it up. Labarbera was just a cheap back up plan in case Raanta struggled. Labarbera lost his back up jobs in Phoenix and in Edmonton the past year so what does that tell you. Why mess around with a kid like Raanta who is 24 and not 18. He has played in the pro leagues in Finland. He stays to back up Crawford and Labarbera is sent on his way. If Crawford struggles use Raanta, simple as that.
- flyerdude17

Agreed 100%. Not sure why we "need to know" what we have in a 32 year old journeyman who at best was a marginal NHLer. Give Raanta 1 in 3 starts and call it a day.

The bottom line is come next week we'll have a healthy proven goalie and a backup with talent, pedigree and a high ceiling who might be able to handle the duties down the stretch. Which is much better than a 2 mill$ dud for a backup to start the season.

Every point matters - so we want to ice the best we have every game. Because in the west, we could easily end up slipping to 4th or even 7th with 100 points.

He does have a point about LaBarbera.
- faustus1500

More a matter of how than what Faust.

He was the major difference in the Sharks series....I heard that from people with both clubs.

An efficient performance as Raanta blanks the Kings 1-0. Saad-Shaw-Bickell and more: On The Blackhawks-Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eTmf50
- Al

That is what I agree with....the SJ series, hats off to Nemo...but against Nashville,Vancouva and Philly he was nowhere near spectacular....good yes, but not spectacular

Said it when they won the first time, will say it again.

When this team is rolling the guy between the pipes is inconsequential and they can win with anyone who is mostly competent
- fattybeef

Have to say I agree

You're in Canada? If so I envy you to be able to catch the coverage of the WJC up there. We get little to none here except for Chris Peters who does a fantastic job covering all USA teams. Guess he used to work for The National Team Development Program and is fed a lot of scoop. A link to his site for US fans: http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/

And Ferraro is light years better than listening to Starman do color, which you guys get up in Canada. Ferraro laughed has he mentioned in juniors he played with Hextall and that one year Hextall had 15 assists, 125 PIM and was their toughest player and he played goal!!

Also worth mentioning to any fans diggin this incredible tournament that 22 of the 23 kids on the US roster played in the USHL. You could have seen all 22 of them in Bensenville play the Steel.


One more thing, how in the hell could Sutter not start Fucale from Day 1? Kid is a 1st rate goalie but more importantly has it between the ears (Corey Crawford) to win big under pressure. Kid is a Memorial Cup winner and he's gonna start this tournament with Patterson in goal?!?!

Watch out for Canada now that they have a goalie who will allow that team to play without worrying about 2-3 softies a game as they've done for the last 3-4-5 years......
- Mr Ricochet

Not in Canada...in Europe...just using hockeystreams.com....they have the tsn and tsn2 streams for these games...best site for streaming hockey games...puts NHL center ice to shame imo