My beef is that the Olympics suck, and I want real hockey back.
- Ogilthorpe2

that USA-Russia game on Saturday rivals just about any NHL game I have seen in the past 4 years.

I don't get the hate for Olympic hockey, but I'll take this over regular season NHL all day.

It's always been the case with Team Canada..but there's TOO MUCH PHUCK'N ANALYSIS internally...just find some guys that play well together and GO GET IT.

Bab'dink phuck'n with every Tom, Dic'k and Harry line combo....
Phhhhhhhhhhhh offffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff with that shhhhhhhhhit already.
- philco28

He's a helluva coach though...

Canada could lose to the Swiss and the US could go down as well if not very patient.

For all those who still believe Olympic hockey is like watching the Oilers of the 80's isn't watching what I'm seeing.

The Slovaks and others retreat to the blue line and wait...They are the worst to watch as they don't play in the neutral zone at all. Players like Chara and Hossa are elite and can play great defense.

The other Countries who play a solid structure defend the neutral zone and keep things on the perimeter.

One bad turnover, or bad line change and those clubs pounce...

Both the US and Canada need to be careful.

That said the US would have been better off not playing Canada before the medal round but under the circumstances I wouldn't want to play Russia until the Gold Medal game.

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo
- Al

I agree. Russia got a huge break avoiding USA and Canada until a potential gold medal game. Their toughest game may be in round 2 against Finland. I don't see them losing to Sweden IF they can beat Teemu and company.

It's always been the case with Team Canada..but there's TOO MUCH PHUCK'N ANALYSIS internally...just find some guys that play well together and GO GET IT.

Bab'dink phuck'n with every Tom, Dic'k and Harry line combo....
Phhhhhhhhhhhh offffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff with that shhhhhhhhhit already.
- philco28

What else would you expect with Babcock, Julien and Hitchcock on the same coaching staff? Those 3 guys are so afraid of getting outnumbered in the men's washroom they probably are showing the player's video on how to pull their pants down very carefully.

I"d rather lose 9-7 and get it over with than watch this Olympic hockey crap. Every game is like watching New Jersey Devil's intra squad games.

He's a helluva coach though...
- SteveRain

He is, but he's part of that insular kiss a s s group of Hockey Canada boyz and seems to be the prodigal choice as head coach in this era.

What else would you expect with Babcock, Julien and Hitchcock on the same coaching staff? Those 3 guys are so afraid of getting outnumbered in the men's washroom they probably are showing the player's video on how to pull their pants down very carefully.

I"d rather lose 9-7 and get it over with than watch this Olympic hockey crap. Every game is like watching New Jersey Devil's intra squad games.
- RickJ

Agreed.....ENOUGH WITH THE X AND O crrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrap and just phuck'n play hockey.

that USA-Russia game on Saturday rivals just about any NHL game I have seen in the past 4 years.

I don't get the hate for Olympic hockey, but I'll take this over regular season NHL all day.
- SteveRain

I wouldn't know, I was asleep...as was most of the western world.

Meaningless games between two teams that I couldn't give a $hit about, ending in a shootout with the same person shooting repeatedly is not my idea of a good reason to wake up before the sun.

Wake me when this farce is over.

I think Captain Stairwell's ( Kevin Hayes) numbers are a little misleading as he's on a line with the best player in college hockey. Gadreau is pretty much going straight to the Flames and Being on a line with him kind of inflates Hayes stats.

Not necessarily if he is playing with high end talent at the NHL level. I've got no problem with a guy that can make all that much for himself but is able to be productive when paired with other talent.

Does anyone have an updated scouting report on Hayes?

that USA-Russia game on Saturday rivals just about any NHL game I have seen in the past 4 years.

I don't get the hate for Olympic hockey, but I'll take this over regular season NHL all day.
- SteveRain

If you watched the majority of the games, NHL hockey would be your choice.

That said Saturday's game was great and had everything, but that has been about the only so far that was great viewing experience. ...And I don't mind a 2-1 game...

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo

Eklund is claiming that the Hawks are "in" on Erik Cole and Jagr.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...-the-Trade-Freeze/1/58041

Here's my other beef....why is it Babcock's responsibility to find somebody to play with Crosby? That's all I am seeing on twitter feed.....shouldn't Crosby make whoever is on his wing BETTER? Isn't that what great players do?I think the only team 100% guaranteed at a shot at a medal is Sweden. I don't see them losing to Slovenia or Austria unless they don't show up.

The other 3...Finland, USA, Canada.....don't have easy games lurking. Especially USA and Canada. Swiss or Slovakia/Czech aren't push overs. Yes, I am assuming the Swiss beat Latvia.
- SteveRain

I guess Crosby is the greatest player in the world - that's what everybody keeps saying, so it must be true isn't it?

For me, Mario Lemieux was the the greatest player to play in an era that encompassed NHL and International Hockey, big and small ice. If he was playing with bunch of Clydesdales, he just won the game for his team by himself. I remember a game in the World Championships that ended Lemieux 3 - USSR 1. The Ruskies couldn't figure out what happened to them.

Crosby ain't in that class.

I agree. Russia got a huge break avoiding USA and Canada until a potential gold medal game. Their toughest game may be in round 2 against Finland. I don't see them losing to Sweden IF they can beat Teemu and company.
- SteveRain

Yes only problem is having to play an extra game....And it could be tough.

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo

He's a helluva coach though...
- SteveRain

Crosby, Sharp and St. Louis is the line combo they need to go with.

Toews line is fine,

Getzlaff fine..

Benn, Bergeron and Tavares...Solid.

I guess Crosby is the greatest player in the world - that's what everybody keeps saying, so it must be true isn't it?

For me, Mario Lemieux was the the greatest player to play in an era that encompassed NHL and International Hockey, big and small ice. If he was playing with bunch of Clydesdales, he just won the game for his team by himself. I remember a game in the World Championships that ended Lemieux 3 - USSR 1. The Ruskies couldn't figure out what happened to them.

Crosby ain't in that class.
- RickJ

Dude named Gretzky was pretty good too.
Most unselfish player i've seen AND the greatest goal scorer EVER.

I guess Crosby is the greatest player in the world - that's what everybody keeps saying, so it must be true isn't it?

For me, Mario Lemieux was the the greatest player to play in an era that encompassed NHL and International Hockey, big and small ice. If he was playing with bunch of Clydesdales, he just won the game for his team by himself. I remember a game in the World Championships that ended Lemieux 3 - USSR 1. The Ruskies couldn't figure out what happened to them.

Crosby ain't in that class.
- RickJ

Crosby is a once a decade or 15 year player....Still great.

Mario and Gretzky were once in a lifetime players although they came at the same time.

No one on an individual basis was more dominate than Lemieux.

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo

Crosby, Sharp and St. Louis is the line combo they need to go with.

Toews line is fine,

Getzlaff fine..

Benn, Bergeron and Tavares...Solid.
- TrueGrit

Babcock can't touch the Toews line that's been the offense.

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo

He is, but he's part of that insular kiss a s s group of Hockey Canada boyz and seems to be the prodigal choice as head coach in this era.
- philco28

All that said, and I agree on the Old Boy Network in Hockey Canada, not to mention US national hockey as well, but who is a better choice to coach Canada?

I can pretty much guarantee you if he were available and Q wasn't, Scotty would have tabbed him to coach the hawks.

I will concede that Scotty was never a great GM, but I know of few better hockey coaches ever, anywhere.

Not necessarily if he is playing with high end talent at the NHL level. I've got no problem with a guy that can make all that much for himself but is able to be productive when paired with other talent.

Does anyone have an updated scouting report on Hayes?
- Bjm84

Hayes[bRealWiz has said his skating is an issue just like his brother. What you see with younger Hayes is just like his brother ....there is ability, he can score. But with his size is he looking to play physical brand of checking or does he need to be motivated to do so. Whatever the case be, surely he spends time in a AHL because Q only wants players who are ready to contribute in each phase of the game. This is realistic when you have a deep roster. Reportedly fwiw the younger Hayes is a tad more talented.

On Clendenning first of all although a few people have chimed in who see Icehogs, I know Eli does see a lot of AHL and I really appreciate his Icehog input. I am curious where on the PP does Clendenning appear to contribute or be the biggest offensive threat. It has been said before, that eventually Clendenning with his pro and con, good and weak part of game....will play on a third pair and you take (accept) that good and bad with his game. I just would like to know how dangerous he could be on PP. Of course we need front of net presence for everyone to stand out on the PP.

I have to guess, too, that a Johns could be used in front of net or on point on PP. Curious to see how he is employed should he go to Rockford.

Bowman really needs to be certain of one very important issue when it comes to player development: is Dent the ideal coach to train all the young talent. IMHO I guess that Dent's asst' coach sounds like the better choice.[/]

Dude named Gretzky was pretty good too.
Most unselfish player i've seen AND the greatest goal scorer EVER.
- philco28

Gretzky has all the records and I did not purposely omit him. But based on comparative natural talent only, Lemieux much better than Gretz. He played on some sh$tty teams and sometimes didn't give a crap.

I guess Crosby is the greatest player in the world - that's what everybody keeps saying, so it must be true isn't it?

For me, Mario Lemieux was the the greatest player to play in an era that encompassed NHL and International Hockey, big and small ice. If he was playing with bunch of Clydesdales, he just won the game for his team by himself. I remember a game in the World Championships that ended Lemieux 3 - USSR 1. The Ruskies couldn't figure out what happened to them.

Crosby ain't in that class.
- RickJ

Gretzky—best ever from the neck up. Orr—best ever from the neck down. Either is the best player in hockey today. Without question.

Mario enters the conversation as well.

Gretzky—best ever from the neck up. Orr—best ever from the neck down. Either is the best player in hockey today. Without question.

Mario enters the conversation as well.
- John Jaeckel

And if I get ONE GUY to build my team around today, it is a 20 year old Bobby Orr. Then I debate between Gretzky, Mario and Patty Waaaaahhhhhhhhh.

All that said, and I agree on the Old Boy Network in Hockey Canada, not to mention US national hockey as well, but who is a better choice to coach Canada?

I can pretty much guarantee you if he were available and Q wasn't, Scotty would have tabbed him to coach the hawks.

I will concede that Scotty was never a great GM, but I know of few better hockey coaches ever, anywhere.
- John Jaeckel

Hard to critique Babcock's resume....He has won at every level.

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo

Gretzky has all the records and I did not purposely omit him. But based on comparative natural talent only, Lemieux much better than Gretz. He played on some sh$tty teams and sometimes didn't give a crap.
- RickJ

Gretzky was great and made others better ...

But as a dominant player goes the only debate is between Mario and Orr.

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo

Hayes: RealWiz has said his skating is an issue just like his brother. What you see with younger Hayes is just like his brother ....there is ability, he can score. But with his size is he looking to play physical brand of checking or does he need to be motivated to do so. Whatever the case be, surely he spends time in a AHL because Q only wants players who are ready to contribute in each phase of the game. This is realistic when you have a deep roster. Reportedly fwiw the younger Hayes is a tad more talented.

On Clendenning first of all although a few people have chimed in who see Icehogs, I know Eli does see a lot of AHL and I really appreciate his Icehog input. I am curious where on the PP does Clendenning appear to contribute or be the biggest offensive threat. It has been said before, that eventually Clendenning with his pro and con, good and weak part of game....will play on a third pair and you take (accept) that good and bad with his game. I just would like to know how dangerous he could be on PP. Of course we need front of net presence for everyone to stand out on the PP.
I have to guess, too, that a Johns could be used in front of net or on point on PP. Curious to see how he is employed should he go to Rockford.
Bowman really needs to be certain of one very important issue when it comes to player development: is Dent the ideal coach to train all the young talent. IMHO I guess that Dent's asst' coach sounds like the better choice.
- jhawk59

Dude, you're killing me with all the bold font...

As for Johns, why would you use a defenseman in front of the net? Let the kid play his position. There are other kids on the team that can stand in front of the net who play up front.

Hard to critique Babcock's resume....He has won at every level.

The road to Gold for Team USA and Team Canada:My Fox Chicago:http://bit.ly/1eGCLyo
- Al

Detroit should not have challenged the Hawks like they did in round 2 last year. He knows system hockey. And he knows how to adjust the system to get the most out of the talent he has.

He knows how to get the most out of the rules.

How to work the refs.

You might not like it, but he wins.