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
- Al

Interesting debate. And i will grant that 100% healthy, Sid is a notch above everyone else. I love Toews but although he is the total package with his leadership, Sidney is a better all around "player."

But do I put Sidney up there with Mario, Orr, Gretzky? No.

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

Just recalling last Olympics how Toews was part of a line that was very successful in cycling the puck. Toews was the MVP, correct?

If Babcock gets it how to best get the most out of the Toews and Crosby lines, it will be hard to stop them. Still, I really like the mobility of Team USA blueline corps. But mobility alone is not a great enough asset if other part of game is suffering.

Anyone care to predict the outcome of a USA vs Canada match? Could a goaltender make the difference. Absolutely. Doughty has been really good. Kane's not been as big a threat as he should be with all the talent on board. Finding the combinations to click in a short duration of time within the Olympic schedule is quite the challenge. Kane SO FAR is not on the top line. The honor goes (deservedly based on play) to Pavelski and the two Maple Leaf players.

Hmm...I recall JJ and RealWiz commentary whether JVR could duplicate his WJC production in an NHL career. Remembering too that a physical down low player like Bobby Ryan had to prep in the AHL and did not make the Olympic cut.

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

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...-the-Trade-Freeze/1/58041
- EKolb13

I wouldnt mind Erik Cole, hes a big body that can skate and hit. But the laughable part is what it would most likely take to get him

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

Scotty spanned several hockey eras and he adjusted to whatever players he had to operate with, although he rarely stuck around with teams that weren't going to win because they lacked talent.

Scotty and Al Arbour - no 2 better coaches.

I wouldnt mind Erik Cole, hes a big body that can skate and hit. But the laughable part is what it would most likely take to get him
- BlazinMike

What prospect would they take?

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

Babs is outstanding. Just sick of the endless tinkering and analysis.

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.
- John Jaeckel

Agreed.

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.
- John Jaeckel

Yes....From what I hear, not unlike other coaches, a control freak.

That said he would be on my short list.

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

I wouldnt mind Erik Cole, hes a big body that can skate and hit. But the laughable part is what it would most likely take to get him
- BlazinMike

I find it funny that Eklund connects the Hawks with high priced forwards, but not one of them is a center.

I guess the way I view it is that if Bowman were willing to deal for some salary, and he would have to trade a roster player (or two). If it came down to that, I'd believe that he'd be looking to fill the #2C hole rather than bring in another wing.

What prospect would they take?
- jhawk59

Better question - how much salary would the Stars be willing to retain in order to help fit Cole under the cap for the rest of the season and next season?

I find it funny that Eklund connects the Hawks with high priced forwards, but not one of them is a center.

I guess the way I view it is that if Bowman were willing to deal for some salary, and he would have to trade a roster player (or two). If it came down to that, I'd believe that he'd be looking to fill the #2C hole rather than bring in another wing.
- EKolb13

Meh. David Legwand might be available? This could be a much better rental option at 2C.

What prospect would they take?
- jhawk59

I have no clue, im just assuming it would be significant

Scotty spanned several hockey eras and he adjusted to whatever players he had to operate with, although he rarely stuck around with teams that weren't going to win because they lacked talent.

Scotty and Al Arbour - no 2 better coaches.
- RickJ

Hard to take the other side of that argument.
Al Arbour is one of the most underrated NHL coaches ever....And had a great GM back then also.

I heard a comment on Bill Torrey from a player in the dynasty years...

When the team slumped and lacked focus Torrey would come in the room and simply say...

If you want to play the way you have been I will find a place for you to go. Because you won't play that way here....

Scotty didn't have to stick around and always would have his pick....Like Phil Jackson.

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

Interesting debate. And i will grant that 100% healthy, Sid is a notch above everyone else. I love Toews but although he is the total package with his leadership, Sidney is a better all around "player."

But do I put Sidney up there with Mario, Orr, Gretzky? No.
- John Jaeckel

I can't put him up there yet but wouldn't dismiss the idea. Crosby, if injury free could play many years more. Then we will see what he has accomplished.

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

Meh. David Legwand might be available? This could be a much better rental option at 2C.
- Bjm84

Isn't he about as slow as Handzus? If that's the case, where's the upside in dealing for a piece this team already has?

Better question - how much salary would the Stars be willing to retain in order to help fit Cole under the cap for the rest of the season and next season?
- EKolb13

Impossible.....

Any big money trade can't happen now....Cole makes $8 mill per !!!!

Actually as of today the Hawks can't afford Jagr either.


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

Impossible.....

Any big money trade can't happen now....Cole makes $8 mill per !!!!

Actually as of today the Hawks can't afford Jagr either.
- Al

Agreed. I knew that when I originally posted it.

Isn't he about as slow as Handzus? If that's the case, where's the upside in dealing for a piece this team already has?
- EKolb13

I thought he had some decent wheels, i could be wrong though

Impossible.....

Any big money trade can't happen now....Cole makes $8 mill per !!!!

Actually as of today the Hawks can't afford Jagr either.


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

$8mill per?!?! Thats insane. Hes no spring chicken either

Just recalling last Olympics how Toews was part of a line that was very successful in cycling the puck. Toews was the MVP, correct?

If Babcock gets it how to best get the most out of the Toews and Crosby lines, it will be hard to stop them. Still, I really like the mobility of Team USA blueline corps. But mobility alone is not a great enough asset if other part of game is suffering.

Anyone care to predict the outcome of a USA vs Canada match? Could a goaltender make the difference. Absolutely. Doughty has been really good. Kane's not been as big a threat as he should be with all the talent on board. Finding the combinations to click in a short duration of time within the Olympic schedule is quite the challenge. Kane SO FAR is not on the top line. The honor goes (deservedly based on play) to Pavelski and the two Maple Leaf players.

Hmm...I recall JJ and RealWiz commentary whether JVR could duplicate his WJC production in an NHL career. Remembering too that a physical down low player like Bobby Ryan had to prep in the AHL and did not make the Olympic cut.
- jhawk59

It's not a question of who we call a #1 line...It is matter of who draws #1 coverage and Kane has had more than his share.

He still hasn't hit his best level and the 2 days off should help a lot.

The US can beat Canada if they get the goaltending no doubt...

The best of Canada is better than that of the US but so far both teams haven't reached their best level.

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

$8mill per?!?! Thats insane. Hes no spring chicken either
- BlazinMike

Cap hit of $8.25 for two more seasons after this one...

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

$8mill per?!?! Thats insane. Hes no spring chicken either
- BlazinMike

No merit to Cole or Jagr as the Hawks do not need wingers. If the Hawks look to splash, they'll splash with David Legwand.

I thought he had some decent wheels, i could be wrong though
- BlazinMike

Good wheels when drafted. Many years later are the wheels as good?
A player who never had that so called "career year!"

Good wheels when drafted. Many years later are the wheels as good?
A player who never had that so called "career year!"
- jhawk59

By all accounts a good guy but one of the most overpaid players throughout his career.

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

Watching Backes park his large frame in the front of the net, I start to ponder who on the Hawks will move him out of the way this spring IF they meet in the central divisional finals. Keith? Leddy? NO. It's Seabrook or bust.

I'm a lighting a candle that STL doesn't make a move for a goalie by March 5th.