I've been watching the Bolts during the playoffs and it appears Cooper can make adjustments from game to game but he doesn't appear to be able to make in game adjustments. If that is indeed the case, he's going to have his hands full trying to match wits with Q.
- paulr

Tampa has a matchup problem. They are top heavy in the top two lines and CHI has at least two defensive shutdown line, you can argue 3. Tampa doesnt really have one big shutdown line

Their bottom 6 provides virtually nothing, and if this continues, Chicago should win easily, because I have confidence that Toews/Kruger lines along with Keith/Seabrook/Hammer/Oduya can shut down the johnson and stamkos lines

Callahan 19 games played, 4 points
Boyle 19 games played, 2 points
JT Brown 18 games played, 1 point
Pacquette 18 games played, 1 point
Namestikov 12 games played, 1 point
Morrow 18 games played, 1 point

She is an absolute joke, and the home telecasts where they slowly zoom in on her in the press box look like one of my nightmares.
- nickmo2699

I am no Mike Milbury or Keith Jones, nor am I Dan Rosen or an analytics machine spitting out facts. Just what my eyeballs have seen.

Over the core of the last seasons under Yzerman’s supervision they have done things the right way.
They used their Syracuse Crunch AHL farm to develop their youngsters.

They were more than willing to select and wait for Russian prospects that were left on draft boards well pass where they ranked, due to the Russian factor. (“I don’t like it here or can’t wait to play so bye bye back to USSR”, or “Can make more in KHL.”) That let them take arguably the best goalie of the 2012 draft at 19 overall, and Niki Kucherov three picks before the end of the second round in 2011.

Like the hawks they were lucky enough to draft first overall when there was a true star quality player available and second over all when there was a giant fluid defenseman to develop.

Size wasn’t an issue, when they drafted since traded Radko Gudas, a well under six foot tough defender, under six foot Nikita Kucherov, Jonathan Droiun, or the signing of underrated Tyler Johnson who is at best 5 foot 7 and half, no matter what the NHL Guide says.

I could write a couple paragraphs on Tyler Johnson alone. He’s an American from the town where he played Junior with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL.
He wasn’t drafted, told his size was the issue, and instead of putting his chin on his sweater and giving up all he did was persevere, get stronger, faster, and on ice smarter.

Let me admit, like most of us on the hawk board, I come from past generations and phases of how the game was played, and although even some of the toughest NHL original six defenders stood 5 foot 9 inches (Bobby Baun), none played in the high paced, big hit, world of giants of today where forwards and defenseman could come as big as ‘bolts Brian Boyle at 6’ 7”, and will make contact with the smaller skilled players with reckless abandon.

So while sitting six rows from the ice and saw Tyler Johnson’s size, I admittedly scoffed that sure, thinking, “Sure, he was really quick and handles the puck well, but he is gonna get caught where he gets hit, and besides, he’ll wear down in a 84 games season.” He got like 50 points last season, his first.
So this year, I had him already “judged” and tried to focus on other guys and what happened is he simply stood out. He really seems to have that gift they say the great players have where they slow the ice down and see the options. And this pistons he has for legs, well, remind me of Louie Angotti (who never could play full speed, but on that occasionally short shift seemed to be faster than the entire ice…man… if the short shift was part of the 60’s game, that might have changed things…ah, but that’s another post…)

Johnson is patient but deadly and get the jump on opponents with the strong low center of gravity
And the rookie linemates, well just remember they saw some ice together in Syracuse (and with Namestnikov and Killorn…) and Palat maybe six foot and thick is also pretty smart and at times strong on the puck. He is more of a lunchpail player who understands “layering” and gets in position and not only works his bags off, places the puck to the right place.
Niki Kucherov is a freaking wild card. His draft year I really liked his hands and release, but figured he would have to wait until early second because of his birthplace.
You better beware because he can get moving and pick a top corner like nobody’s business. He is downright scary and (I know over-used term) can change a game with one shot.
Stamkos has had moments of re-igniting but he has “struggled” in his 43 goal season I think due to nagging injuries. He still has that greta one-timer and quick hands from anywhere inside the attack zone.

It is easy to undervalue the contribution of former Red Wing Vallteri Filppula, a thick six footer who has nicely been a sort of glue at the pivot position. He was well schooled in the system they play and is a pretty good leader who plays to the strengths of his linemates and the situations. When Stamkos was made a wing on his line, he was the grease and oil for the line’s engine.

And Ryan Callaghan? I think all here know what he brings (and some of wish there would have been room for him to bring it to Chicago) and there simply is no need to spend more than a line to say he will do what he has to to win and provide solid leadership to his team.
Brian Boyle was part of the down low game that scored on darling in the game in Tampa I believe. (If not he sure provided enough muck and grease to make me think this Lightning team has such terrific balance and ways to bring in the attack.

It has taken awhile but Victor Hedman at times looked like he finally was playing with the kind of results a top two pick should. (We are quick to castrate a year old Rundblad, but the NHL is a tough league to be on the job trained in.) It became exceedingly clear that on many an occasion, Hedman was comfortable on the rush whether he was part of a two man, three man, or as the fourth man, and you see see him even lead it ala Nashville’s Mattias Ekholm, Jones and Josi.
Over the last years he has scored more than one goal on the Hawks from in close, or was part of the numbers leading to them.

The rest of the Lightning defense?
Yeah, i saw the praises heaped on Stralman here, but I probably can say with confidence he and Matt care and Jason Garrison, and Braydon Coburn and Andrj Sustr are big bodies who can lean in, they are a bit slower afoot than a team might like have back there. They are for the most part,smart and have good sticks but they get into to trouble.

The Blackhawks have in regular season games had some problems with the speed of Montreal, Minnesota, even Tampa.
That just means they cut the chances of odd man breaks and work their way through and set up the attack.

I don’t think that this will be a short series, though I think it could go South for the younger team.

You know you have another Hawk fan expert here too, who maybe instead of arguing with you need to consider his thoughts....Dominc / True Grit

I am done praising the opponent.
- wiz1901

Hey Wiz, nice writup. If you get to a game in the finals do us a favor and stay on your feet, those stairs can be dangerous

The Q is a clueless bum who doesn't understand modern hockey.
- Beaver-Warrior

So we've been told.

I just read that Tampa plays 11 forwards and 7 defensemen? I guess that means even more ice time for Stamkos,The Triplets and Valteri...could work in their favor

Also,I know this narrative has been beaten to death...but is anyone worried about the Hawks D? I mean it was a grueling 7 game series for them...And now they will play a team that plays at a much faster pace...I wonder if JJ will have sny news,opinions,etc for us?

Points wise? It's possible.

McNeill has some of the inconsistencies Bickell has in relation to bringing a physical game. However, McNeill has become an effective PK'er in Rockford, and can slide over and take face-offs.
- EKolb13

At about 1/4 of Bickell's price tag. I can live with a few physical inconsistencies when the player is making closer to $1 mil as opposed to $4 mil to not score and seldom hit people. McNeill looks like he is being groomed with Ross and Danault for form a decent 3rd line. While I don't see the Hawks using an all rookie line like that, I could see Something like this:

Saad-Toews-TT
Panarin-#2C-Kane
McNeill-Danault/Kruger-Hossa
Desi-Kruger/Danault-Shaw
13th Forward: Baun

Keith - Seabrook
TVR - Hjalmarsson
Oduya-Johns
7th dman: cheap vet that actually knows how to play still...

My Guess is Sharp heads to Buffalo for a package including Griegenko who would fill 2 needs, potential #2 center and a Russian player to assist Panarin's transition.

She is an absolute joke, and the home telecasts where they slowly zoom in on her in the press box look like one of my nightmares.
- nickmo2699

She's dubbed the Blackhawks insider. Don't you need to provide inside information to get that designation?

I just read that Tampa plays 11 forwards and 7 defensemen? I guess that means even more ice time for Stamkos,The Triplets and Valteri...could work in their favor

Also,I know this narrative has been beaten to death...but is anyone worried about the Hawks D? I mean it was a grueling 7 game series for them...And now they will play a team that plays at a much faster pace...I wonder if JJ will have sny news,opinions,etc for us?
- captainserious

They went to that I believe in game 2 of the ECF and it allowed them to double shift Johnson and Stamkos and put them on different lines which caused confusion among the Rangers coaching staff.

Hey Wiz, nice writeup. If you get to a game in the finals do us a favor and stay on your feet, those stairs can be dangerous


- Cup-Bearer

YOU saw me fall down those stairs at the Hawk Lightning game?
I put those black panst on the other day and it had a hole in the knee.
It kinda was like the video, maybe a little shorter...got right up, showed no pain, shrugged it off, lol!

I so want to be there and the Hawks are winning in the final minutes and see the bolts fans start exiting to their cars so i can yell the classic, RATS! Rats on a sinking ship pointing to them all....

I just read that Tampa plays 11 forwards and 7 defensemen? I guess that means even more ice time for Stamkos,The Triplets and Valteri...could work in their favor

Also,I know this narrative has been beaten to death...but is anyone worried about the Hawks D? I mean it was a grueling 7 game series for them...And now they will play a team that plays at a much faster pace...I wonder if JJ will have sny news,opinions,etc for us?
- captainserious

No worries, they've got 3 days off and the SCF have more rest time than the every other night of the Conference Finals.

At about 1/4 of Bickell's price tag. I can live with a few physical inconsistencies when the player is making closer to $1 mil as opposed to $4 mil to not score and seldom hit people. McNeill looks like he is being groomed with Ross and Danault for form a decent 3rd line. While I don't see the Hawks using an all rookie line like that, I could see Something like this:

Saad-Toews-TT
Panarin-#2C-Kane
McNeill-Danault/Kruger-Hossa
Desi-Kruger/Danault-Shaw
13th Forward: Baun

Keith - Seabrook
TVR - Hjalmarsson
Oduya-Johns
7th dman: cheap vet that actually knows how to play still...

My Guess is Sharp heads to Buffalo for a package including Griegenko who would fill 2 needs, potential #2 center and a Russian player to assist Panarin's transition.
- ikeane

Could have wheels if Sharp waives to go there....

I'll say this..........it's pretty much time to stop worrying about regular season games when it comes to this team and this core group of players. I don't think A. They really care about the regular season and B. Have proven the past few years that when it comes time for big games, they show up.

Home ice advantage? For the hawks they seem to thrive on it, but they are just as dangerous on the road. Remarkable how they can adjust their play for both types of games.

IT's also time to admit that while we can sit here and criticize Q (game 3 scratches) or Bowman (Timonen trade), again this core is strong enough and talented enough to overcome most blunders by the management/coaching staff. I'm not saying we discount what Q does for this team, because he deserves a lot of credit, but I do think this core has no problem going with the flow of what role guys are surrounding them or who is playing. Regardless of what people think "destroy the room" in regards to role guys being scratched.

There is also NO WAY IN HELL Keith, Seabrook, Toews, Kane, Hammer, or Saad will be moved. That is your core. Hossa, Sharp, and Crawford are close but with hossa's age and huge deal he could be move. Same with Sharp, and the Bowman philosophy has shown the ability to win multiple cups with multiple goalies.

I'll also say this about injuries.

Before we give 29 a free pass for his 0 goals in 17 games because he's hurt, and I dont' question that he is given the fact he took 1 shift from the 2nd-games end on Saturday......

Go back 2 years ago when they won the cup in 2013, and Bickell had a badly sprained MCL, and still produced. So I have a hard time justifying that he's hurt as an excuse for his lack of productivity playing top 6 minutes. I respect his ability to dress, and use his size as an asset to create a physical presence, but I will NOT give him a free pass for his lack of productivity on the stat sheet, which is exactly what Bowman signed this guy for to produce this time of year.

Nice article here by Mike Zeisberger, from the Sun.

http://www.edmontonsun.co...become-modern-day-dynasty

Side note I loved Kane's comments after the West Final - '"we haven't done anything yet" - speaks volumes about this team...

I'll say this..........it's pretty much time to stop worrying about regular season games when it comes to this team and this core group of players. I don't think A. They really care about the regular season and B. Have proven the past few years that when it comes time for big games, they show up.

Home ice advantage? For the hawks they seem to thrive on it, but they are just as dangerous on the road. Remarkable how they can adjust their play for both types of games.

IT's also time to admit that while we can sit here and criticize Q (game 3 scratches) or Bowman (Timonen trade), again this core is strong enough and talented enough to overcome most blunders by the management/coaching staff. I'm not saying we discount what Q does for this team, because he deserves a lot of credit, but I do think this core has no problem going with the flow of what role guys are surrounding them or who is playing. Regardless of what people think "destroy the room" in regards to role guys being scratched.

There is also NO WAY IN HELL Keith, Seabrook, Toews, Kane, Hammer, or Saad will be moved. That is your core. Hossa, Sharp, and Crawford are close but with hossa's age and huge deal he could be move. Same with Sharp, and the Bowman philosophy has shown the ability to win multiple cups with multiple goalies.
- SteveRain

With the recapture penalty (I think that is what it is called) for early retirement that Hossa would cause the Hawks should they trade him, I think no way Hoss is moved. Better to move him down lines then pay na empty roster spot for years to come.

I'll also say this about injuries.

Before we give 29 a free pass for his 0 goals in 17 games because he's hurt, and I dont' question that he is given the fact he took 1 shift from the 2nd-games end on Saturday......

Go back 2 years ago when they won the cup in 2013, and Bickell had a badly sprained MCL, and still produced. So I have a hard time justifying that he's hurt as an excuse for his lack of productivity playing top 6 minutes. I respect his ability to dress, and use his size as an asset to create a physical presence, but I will NOT give him a free pass for his lack of productivity on the stat sheet, which is exactly what Bowman signed this guy for to produce this time of year.
- SteveRain

Looked 100% in game 6 when he rail roaded five guys on one shift.

Nice article here by Mike Zeisberger, from the Sun.

http://www.edmontonsun.co...become-modern-day-dynasty

Side note I loved Kane's comments after the West Final - '"we haven't done anything yet" - speaks volumes about this team...
- DK002

Agreed.

Tampa celebrated on Friday like they won the cup.

The Hawks celebrated Saturday like they beat Phoenix in January.

Tampa very well could be just happy to be there........we will see..........they are a good fast, skilled team. Hedman has really developed. Bishop always seems to give the Hawks trouble.

however, experience this time of year is invaluable.

Looked 100% in game 6 when he rail roaded five guys on one shift.
- nickmo2699

Agreed....that was in the 1st period.

That's why I just won't buy the "he's hurt" crap. We should expect more from this guy and when the numbers get tight this summer, we thank him for his play, and wish him well wherever he gets dumped....

She (Tracey Myers is an absolute joke, and the home telecasts where they slowly zoom in on her in the press box look like one of my nightmares.
- nickmo2699

Yeah, think about that...there is a stoppage in play and they pan to here upstairs and all she really does is repeats a quote by a Blackhawk player. What insight.

I started follwing here on Twitter because I kept pursuing the fact she broke that Kevin Hayes was NOT signing in Chicago, and then the Blackhawks basically told her they were gonna cut her access if she said any more.
Well I continued everyday to pursue the subject, and she never answered commented or brought Hayes up again.
I basically asked her, were you chastized for that earlier tweet, or were you incorrect, or what? Nope...no "quote" from her lips.

I would have loved her to stand by here earlier scoop,maybe the only true one she will have in her career, but she "meowed" under...

I never unfollowed her so I see her tweets, and I guess she doesn't understand hockey folk are not following here to hear about the great egg sandwich she had or the weather, or songs that are in her head....

With the recapture penalty (I think that is what it is called) for early retirement that Hossa would cause the Hawks should they trade him, I think no way Hoss is moved. Better to move him down lines then pay na empty roster spot for years to come.
- ikeane

I don't disagree......I just don't think he's "untouchable".

Those other guys I listed I believe are.

I'll also say this about injuries.

Before we give 29 a free pass for his 0 goals in 17 games because he's hurt, and I dont' question that he is given the fact he took 1 shift from the 2nd-games end on Saturday......

Go back 2 years ago when they won the cup in 2013, and Bickell had a badly sprained MCL, and still produced. So I have a hard time justifying that he's hurt as an excuse for his lack of productivity playing top 6 minutes. I respect his ability to dress, and use his size as an asset to create a physical presence, but I will NOT give him a free pass for his lack of productivity on the stat sheet, which is exactly what Bowman signed this guy for to produce this time of year.
- SteveRain

I hated the $4 mil a year extention to reward one good playoff performance and have been a big advocate of shipping him off since based on his Casper the friendly ghost effort during the majority of the season. I know he had the one monster playoffs but has not repeated that since IMO. With the looming cap sale I was hoping he produced to make him enticing to another team but at this rate I think he goes to another team with a promising player similar to the Gilmour deal (Gilmour and Dumont for Grosek for those unfamiliar).

Yeah, think about that...there is a stoppage in play and they pan to here upstairs and all she really does is repeats a quote by a Blackhawk player. What insight.

I started follwing here on Twitter because I kept pursuing the fact she broke that Kevin Hayes was NOT signing in Chicago, and then the Blackhawks basically told her they were gonna cut her access if she said any more.
Well I continued everyday to pursue the subject, and she never answered commented or brought Hayes up again.
I basically asked her, were you chastized for that earlier tweet, or were you incorrect, or what? Nope...no "quote" from her lips.

I would have loved her to stand by here earlier scoop,maybe the only true one she will have in her career, but she "meowed" under...

I never unfollowed her so I see her tweets, and I guess she doesn't understand hockey folk are not following here to hear about the great egg sandwich she had or the weather, or songs that are in her head....
- wiz1901

That's the McDonough world...........control the release of information regarding your team.

I'm sure Josh Mora would love to buy Tracey a glass of wine and listen to her tremble over the threats she got for that Hayes information.

Agreed.

Tampa celebrated on Friday like they won the cup.

The Hawks celebrated Saturday like they beat Phoenix in January.

Tampa very well could be just happy to be there........we will see..........they are a good fast, skilled team. Hedman has really developed. Bishop always seems to give the Hawks trouble.

however, experience this time of year is invaluable.
- SteveRain

Apples to oranges in some respects as far as different guys but Dubnyk had been an unsolvable riddle for them too. Not saying sweep or that this series won't be tough for the Hawks.

I don't disagree......I just don't think he's "untouchable".

Those other guys I listed I believe are.
- SteveRain

Completely agree with your listed "core"

You know who was just as excited the hawks won Saturday?

Ron Hextall.

He got 2, 2nd round picks for Timonen now that the Hawks have made the Cup Final.