1) That's a bit of a stretch. Tallon acquired: Kane, Toews, Hjalmarsson, Sharp, Kruger, Hossa, Bickell. Smith acquired: Keith, Seabrook, Crawford. That's the core of the 2013 team.
2) To win Stanley Cups, to become the DYNASTY that the Kings are going to become if Bowman doesn't improve the team. Do the math.
3) One makes minor tweaks because a few too many fans are satisfied with getting to the WCF and great commercials. The other makes big moves because its deadly serious about winning. Again, do the math.
4) Who said ANYTHING about freaking Gaborik? Nice Straw Man. My example was CARTER. Where the KINGS stepped up and paid for a guy a couple of years back that the Hawks were unwilling to pay for. And guys like I guess you were staying it was an overpay then. A guy who destroyed Stanley's boys just a few weeks ago.
5) Are you a Hawk employees? Because there is NO WAY you know that otherwise. And i will tell you, there are people reading this blog who know at least as much as you do (if not more) who will tell you that your take on that has not always been accurate.
- John Jaeckel

Carter had the advantage playing against Handzus. Interesting that when Shaw was moved up to that role, Carter was pretty much kept in check.

I thought he was pretty effective in the MN series too. His scoring dried up vs LA but he was still throwing hits consistently.

Mostly saying I have no problem with the team shopping Sharp. If there were a long line of RFD hands that could replicate #29 and what he does, then fine shop him too. But that's not the case and I also think a healthy Bickell should contribute more this next season for the regular part of it as well.
- HawkintheD

If the hawks had him at a reasonable contract i would agree with you. He is getting paid top 6 money and not producing at that level. I the playoffs he steps his game up, but he doesnt use the body, unless on a contract year, for the entire playoffs, to be worth his contract (on the Hawks). I we could get Kesler to i replace him i think they make that move because Kesler will lay the body too and can be a 2nd line center. Plus that gives Hayes more reason to come to the Hawks and we have McNeil and Johns that also lay the body coming up (if we can sign Hayes).

- HawkintheD

Sure. Soon expected though

Sure. Soon expected though
- TexasFlood

Dignity and respect for a cordial debate? I would relish i

Dignity and respect for a cordial debate? I would relish i
- TexasFlood

It

1) That's a bit of a stretch. Tallon acquired: Kane, Toews, Hjalmarsson, Sharp, Kruger, Hossa, Bickell. Smith acquired: Keith, Seabrook, Crawford. That's the core of the 2013 team.
2) To win Stanley Cups, to become the DYNASTY that the Kings are going to become if Bowman doesn't improve the team. Do the math.
3) One makes minor tweaks because a few too many fans are satisfied with getting to the WCF and great commercials. The other makes big moves because its deadly serious about winning. Again, do the math.
4) Who said ANYTHING about freaking Gaborik? Nice Straw Man. My example was CARTER. Where the KINGS stepped up and paid for a guy a couple of years back that the Hawks were unwilling to pay for. And guys like I guess you were staying it was an overpay then. A guy who destroyed Stanley's boys just a few weeks ago.
5) Are you a Hawk employees? Because there is NO WAY you know that otherwise. And i will tell you, there are people reading this blog who know at least as much as you do (if not more) who will tell you that your take on that has not always been accurate.
- John Jaeckel

1- My point was Bowman had to rebuild half of the roster after 2010..no easy task....Kruger was influenced by Bowman....as was Hossa....because Tallon wanted to resign Havlat.

2- Not doubting the ability of the Kings to become a dynasty....but you're comparing apple to oranges on the needs of one team to the other....again the Hawks have what most teams want....high powered forwards.....top dmen....so they are always operating from a position of strength meaning they don't need the high powered scoring forward like a team such as the kings needed...once with Carter...the other time with Gaborik.

3. Again do the math 4 WCF's in six years and 2 Stanley Cups....the Kings have two Stanley Cups and three straight WCF's.....is that the correct math? Because what I see is both teams are really really good......

4-????? I don't even know what this means.....Yes the Kings acquired carter a few years ago and they went out and got Gaborik this year....how is that being a straw man?....I don't remember the conversation regarding Carter was a few years ago???.....however what would they have given up????....and Carters contract goes until 2022.....and I imagine this was a concern for Bowman when he has to consider he had Keith and Hossa signed till the end of eternity and he has to five money to Kane and Toews.....do the math!......based on this it's probably a good thing we didn't acquire him.

5- No JJ, not employee....but have a good idea and know people who are within the inner workings of the organization.....and again....if McD was what you say he is....Scotty Bowman would walk away from this organization....end of story.

I no longer imbibe. But I used to be quite wine aficionado. My favorite grapes/varietals:

Pinot Noir, Barolo, Super Tuscans, zinfandels.

Best bottle of wine I EVER had though, was a $30 1997 Folie A Deux Cabernet.

The Pinots from the Willamette Valley were always amazing.

Depending on the year, pretty much all Barolos (and Barbarescos) are incredible. Some years are merely better than others.
- John Jaeckel

Some of the best wines in the states red or white come from OR.

Haven't tried too much from the Piedmont area of Italy but am a huge fan of Brunelllos.

As far as the trade front goes, do you think the Hawks have a fallback target, like a Nielsen or Eller, if they come up short on Kesler or one of the other bigger names?

Also, do you think those are guys that given playing time with Kane and Saad could be the answer for a 2nd line center?

Apparently, the World Cup soccer ball is juiced: more goals have been scored in this year's tournament than ever, and experts (?) are blaming/crediting the new ball being used - designed by Addidas to be rougher, easier to control, more aerodynamic, etc.

Apparently, the World Cup soccer ball is juiced: more goals have been scored in this year's tournament than ever, and experts (?) are blaming/crediting the new ball being used - designed by Addidas to be rougher, easier to control, more aerodynamic, etc.
- StLBravesFan

the humidity!!!

I think that is why the Hawks have a crowded executive office for checks and balances. Did it work for the Kings? Yes.... However, the Hawks don't make spur of the moment trades or big franchise changing trades because multiple people have a say. Does the Redwing model require drastic changes when making the conference finals? I don't think so. It is all about promoting form within and not trading the farm for a 2 year rental player who will be 32 at the end of his contract? Doubtful, especially with how many checks and balances the Hawks have. If he can be had for Some B level prospects and Leddy sure, but once TT becomes part of the conversation I dont think the Hawks will bite because of how much value they put into their young players that aren't about to hit waivers. I also think Sharp could be had but not sure if Vancouver will deal for him because of his age.
- BearsnHawks

It depends on where they envision TT to be...wing or center......there are some who think he will amount to nothing and others see him with a huge ceiling.....no in between

Some of the best wines in the states red or white come from OR.

Haven't tried too much from the Piedmont area of Italy but am a huge fan of Brunelllos.

As far as the trade front goes, do you think the Hawks have a fallback target, like a Nielsen or Eller, if they come up short on Kesler or one of the other bigger names?

Also, do you think those are guys that given playing time with Kane and Saad could be the answer for a 2nd line center?
- HawkintheD

Never had any from Oregon....the region is perfect for the grape.

concerning Sharp, a good player but he did not bring it this year (especially in the playoffs). For whatever reason. He is also little too streaky.

Looking closer, Sharp and Kane don't kill penalties and should be the freshest and most dangerous players on the ice. I do get tired of Sharp's shot into the crest of the goalie. At least he picked up a move for the shootout this year.
- Topshelf2010

They both play on the PP....

Kane has heavy minutes as he always seem to have the puck and a player or two chasing him.

I didn't see anything wrong with Kane's fitness this season....Not once.

1- My point was Bowman had to rebuild half of the roster after 2010..no easy task....Kruger was influenced by Bowman....as was Hossa....because Tallon wanted to resign Havlat.

2- Not doubting the ability of the Kings to become a dynasty....but you're comparing apple to oranges on the needs of one team to the other....again the Hawks have what most teams want....high powered forwards.....top dmen....so they are always operating from a position of strength meaning they don't need the high powered scoring forward like a team such as the kings needed...once with Carter...the other time with Gaborik.

3. Again do the math 4 WCF's in six years and 2 Stanley Cups....the Kings have two Stanley Cups and three straight WCF's.....is that the correct math? Because what I see is both teams are really really good......

4-????? I don't even know what this means.....Yes the Kings acquired carter a few years ago and they went out and got Gaborik this year....how is that being a straw man?....I don't remember the conversation regarding Carter was a few years ago???.....however what would they have given up????....and Carters contract goes until 2022.....and I imagine this was a concern for Bowman when he has to consider he had Keith and Hossa signed till the end of eternity and he has to five money to Kane and Toews.....do the math!......based on this it's probably a good thing we didn't acquire him.

5- No JJ, not employee....but have a good idea and know people who are within the inner workings of the organization.....and again....if McD was what you say he is....Scotty Bowman would walk away from this organization....end of story.
- UnnamedSource

Carter played great this playoffs better than I have seen him play ever...He has had ankle/feet problems. He would have to play every year about at the same level for the next 7 to justify his salary.

Lombardi is very good....He did draft Doughty but he didn't draft Quick or Kopitar.

LA scored with the trade with Philly and their defense has improved a great deal.
They have had the best group of centers from 1-4 in the NHL.
Lombardi's biggest coup, considering it wasn't an obvious choice was to hire Sutter.
IMO Sutter doesn't get enough credit.

Carter played great this playoffs better than I have seen him play ever...He has had ankle/feet problems. He would have to play every year about at the same level for the next 7 to justify his salary.

Lombardi is very good....He did draft Doughty but he didn't draft Quick or Kopitar.

LA scored with the trade with Philly and their defense has improved a great deal.
They have had the best group of centers from 1-4 in the NHL.
Lombardi's biggest coup, considering it wasn't an obvious choice was to hire Sutter.
IMO Sutter doesn't get enough credit.
- Al

Agreed......

Carter scored his 84 points in 2009...got his big contract and hasn't finished anywhere close to that....plus he acted like a baby when he was traded to Columbus....

Saying that we could've had Carter but Bowman couldn't pull the trigger, lacked the stones, or however you want to define it is not simply not the case...

If the hawks had him at a reasonable contract i would agree with you. He is getting paid top 6 money and not producing at that level. I the playoffs he steps his game up, but he doesnt use the body, unless on a contract year, for the entire playoffs, to be worth his contract (on the Hawks). I we could get Kesler to i replace him i think they make that move because Kesler will lay the body too and can be a 2nd line center. Plus that gives Hayes more reason to come to the Hawks and we have McNeil and Johns that also lay the body coming up (if we can sign Hayes).
- BearsnHawks

Hayes is no guarantee to sign. Even if he does, from what I read (mostly here), not one of the guys you mention can or likely will take Bickell's place in the lineup this season.

If Kesler did end up here I'd rather add him to a team with #29. Have said all along, though I like Sharp, he is the core guy you look to move.

It depends on where they envision TT to be...wing or center......there are some who think he will amount to nothing and others see him with a huge ceiling.....no in between
- UnnamedSource

Trade bait.

Carter played great this playoffs better than I have seen him play ever...He has had ankle/feet problems. He would have to play every year about at the same level for the next 7 to justify his salary.

Lombardi is very good....He did draft Doughty but he didn't draft Quick or Kopitar.

LA scored with the trade with Philly and their defense has improved a great deal.
They have had the best group of centers from 1-4 in the NHL.
Lombardi's biggest coup, considering it wasn't an obvious choice was to hire Sutter.
IMO Sutter doesn't get enough credit.
- Al

If anything.....this has more to do with the Hawks passing on a deal for Carter than anything else...
http://sports.yahoo.com/b...being-213643054--nhl.html

If the hawks had him at a reasonable contract i would agree with you. He is getting paid top 6 money and not producing at that level. I the playoffs he steps his game up, but he doesnt use the body, unless on a contract year, for the entire playoffs, to be worth his contract (on the Hawks). I we could get Kesler to i replace him i think they make that move because Kesler will lay the body too and can be a 2nd line center. Plus that gives Hayes more reason to come to the Hawks and we have McNeil and Johns that also lay the body coming up (if we can sign Hayes).
- BearsnHawks

Not a guarantee McNeil is one to lay the body.....not that type of player.....yet.

Trade bait.
- Elbows15

- UnnamedSource

GIF wars...

very funny.

If the hawks had him at a reasonable contract i would agree with you. He is getting paid top 6 money and not producing at that level. I the playoffs he steps his game up, but he doesnt use the body, unless on a contract year, for the entire playoffs, to be worth his contract (on the Hawks). I we could get Kesler to i replace him i think they make that move because Kesler will lay the body too and can be a 2nd line center. Plus that gives Hayes more reason to come to the Hawks and we have McNeil and Johns that also lay the body coming up (if we can sign Hayes).
- BearsnHawks

If you look at what it would have cost to replace Bickell, his contract is fine.To truly judge it, I think you have to see what 3rd liners get this off season. The term is only 4 years. I am going to guess 4 million is about what the average will bee for 3rd liners.

Apparently, the World Cup soccer ball is juiced: more goals have been scored in this year's tournament than ever, and experts (?) are blaming/crediting the new ball being used - designed by Addidas to be rougher, easier to control, more aerodynamic, etc.
- StLBravesFan

Heaven forbids.

Was watching NHL network tonight, mike Johnson and craig button both commented on sharp trade rumors and pretty much said that Chicago would be pretty much crazy to trade a top end scorer like sharp unless it meant they could not sign Toews or Kane. They went through what he has contributed to the hawks and noted that any deal the hawks would make on sharp would pretty much be a loss except for salary cap room. Just telling you what I saw...

Heaven forbids.
- Elbows15

Soccer sucks.

Was watching NHL network tonight, mike Johnson and craig button both commented on sharp trade rumors and pretty much said that Chicago would be pretty much crazy to trade a top end scorer like sharp unless it meant they could not sign Toews or Kane. They went through what he has contributed to the hawks and noted that any deal the hawks would make on sharp would pretty much be a loss except for salary cap room. Just telling you what I saw...
- Omahawk

Proving once again that you don't have to know what you're talking about to be on TV.