thanks Wiz for responding to that article. i was hoping you'd comment on that. appreciated!

Classless comment.
Glad you don't represent all Hawk fans.
- quackup

I didn't know there was an ambassador. If there were one I guess JJ would be that here and you and your friends came here to attack on day 1 of his prediction blog. He's the ambassador. I do the wet work.



On to some real hockey! Enough with the rugby on skates (hopefully).

Interesting timing.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...-could-return-to-the-nhl/
- scottak

Thanks for posting that, ST.

Very interesting. If Nilsson comes over..... Could spell the exit of Raanta or Crow.

I doubt they would agree to guarantee him NHL time though. He would probably have to waive that demand (if it is even still there). Could also mean he gets a look here and the guarantee of a trade if he doesn't stick.

The KHL is a real mess. Going to need a bail out from Putin.

Thanks for posting that, ST.

Very interesting. If Nilsson comes over..... Could spell the exit of Raanta or Crow.

I doubt they would agree to guarantee him NHL time though. He would probably have to waive that demand (if it is even still there). Could also mean he gets a look here and the guarantee of a trade if he doesn't stick.

The KHL is a real mess. Going to need a bail out from Putin.
- tredbrta

Spots in Chicago are earned, not given. Nilsson could be part of a draft day package. No way will he get a free pass over Darls or Raanta, two guys who are willing to pay their dues.

If Nilsson thinks he could come in and take a job and is willing to accept the consequences of the competitive results I'd love to have another iron in the fire. Either way, I do believe some goalie on this roster among Crow, Darls and Raanta will be part of a trade package.

First of All - Congratulations to the Blackhawks - they are the better team.. no question about it - Deeper / smarter / more skilled / speedier -
I thought it would go 7 .. It did / Brad R. was much better than I thought he would be -
I thought Anderson would be a little better than Craw - He wasn't -
Q just had more options to mix and match his forwards than Bruce did -
the thing is - when you keep the Hawks top players off their A game you must win those games... because when they have their A game you won't beat them - Ducks were able to do that 3 times ... Ultimately though - Hawks were able to capitalize on their opportunities more often ....
Duncan Keith is the closest thing to Scott Niedermayer that I have seen with his timing, and uncanny ability to control flow, avoid punishing hits, just a great player - How the hell the NHL gave a Norris to Subban & Karlsson over him is a GIANT injustice - That's east coast bias !
Hoss / Shaw / TT and to a lesser extent the other forwards really got going in the latter part of the series and Ducks could not match that depth -
Beauchamin was bad the last few games -- he has played his last game as a Duck I would think - I thought Bruce would go with Fowler / Lindholm in 6 & 7 when it was apparent that the speed was becoming a huge factor in favor of Hawks -
As a duck fan I like the future D but they need a wing sniper and better goal tending as Anderson was abused and let in some vanilla soft goals in latter stages of series -
I Like the Hawks in 6 over Tampa - for the same reasons they beat the Ducks -
I didn't like the fact Perry did not meet the press after the loss - A very weak move - you got beat - stand and answer the questions -
- dozerD10

Great break down. Have to say I'm interested in what Murray does with Freddie or Gibson. Nice trade chips to have in the current market if he chooses to do something.

Spots in Chicago are earned, not given. Nilsson could be part of a draft day package. No way will he get a free pass over Darls or Raanta, two guys who are willing to pay their dues.

If Nilsson thinks he could come in and take a job and is willing to accept the consequences of the competitive results I'd love to have another iron in the fire. Either way, I do believe some goalie on this roster among Crow, Darls and Raanta will be part of a trade package.
- kwolf68

I said I doubt they would guarantee him NHL time but they did do that for Paliotta and Baun so it is a possibility. We all know they won't guarantee him a spot.

They will not sign Nillsen to trade him unless he is unreasonable. Better chance he gets signed and they move Raanta. Nillsen numbers were really solid in the regular season but he had a rough post season. Probably not in a position to make demands. I hope they sign him though. Great to have the chips.

I said I doubt they would guarantee him NHL time but they did do that for Paliotta and Baun so it is a possibility. We all know they won't guarantee him a spot.

They will not sign Nillsen to trade him unless he is unreasonable. Better chance he gets signed and they move Raanta. Nillsen numbers were really solid in the regular season but he had a rough post season. Probably not in a position to make demands. I hope they sign him though. Great to have the chips.
- tredbrta

Agree, agree. The chips you speak of will be important.

If we keep Crow, then we have a goalie or two that would be of interest and we could move them in deals.

If we move Crow, then you have 3 goalies, none proven yet all with varying degrees of potential, vying for spot as team starter.

I'd lean against moving Crawford IF the team believes it will be able to compete in the post-season next year. Awful risky to move a guy so proven in the playoffs for an unknown.

Agree, agree. The chips you speak of will be important.

If we keep Crow, then we have a goalie or two that would be of interest and we could move them in deals.

If we move Crow, then you have 3 goalies, none proven yet all with varying degrees of potential, vying for spot as team starter.

I'd lean against moving Crawford IF the team believes it will be able to compete in the post-season next year. Awful risky to move a guy so proven in the playoffs for an unknown.
- kwolf68

Agree. I can see them going back to a "try out" situation with Nillsen, Darling, and Raanta if they think the kids will need a year and the return for Crow is major. Big risk though. I'd be watchful of Darling knowing his past. Big game players like Crow do not grow on trees.

Loved this from that piece posted earlier (thanks to whomever linked it).

Perhaps the biggest surprise to opponents is how successful Chicago’s been at recruiting intriguing young prospects.

“They are going after everyone,” one rival exec said. “And they are getting them. It’s clear they are telling these players there will be room to play.”

They need to keep it up.

Tell you what. I don't see the demise of the Hawks with the salary dump coming that many are anticipating....at least not if Stan does it correctly.

We have several young guys who can pick up some slack next year. We will almost certainly retain a core that includes: Toews, Kane, Hossa, Keith, Seabrook, Hjmarsson, Saad ....those guys are going nowhere. We COULD lose 2 or 3 of Crawford, Bickle, Sharp.....but that in itself....with nothing back but picks and prospects still wouldn't kill us. Teravainen can replace Sharp. McNeil and Danault could see some big club action. I look at this team, and I see options to shed some salary, and STILL ice a Cup contending team.

Time will tell....but for me....the PRESENT and the FUTURE look REAL bright!!!
- hawk35

Actually, my buddy Ryan Wilson touches on this in his latest blog. They'll basically be swapping out parts of the second and third tiers.

The "core" today is: 19, 88, 81, 20, 4, 27, 7, 2, 16, 65, 86.

7 forwards, 4 defenseman. You'll note pretty much all of these guys are either signed long term (bold) or up for new contracts this summer, or next.

These are the guys they will build around. They know all they have to get is solid, serviceable players in addition to these guys,and that includes the goalie position, and they are going to be a very, very good hockey team, year in and year out.

If you're not on this list, you could be expendable the summer. I think they would like to have Desjardins back and even Richards at a bargain.

Panarin, Johns, Baun, Danault, Hartmann, Nordstrom all have a shot with this club next year

Sharp, Bickell, Versteeg, even CC, all guys who are higher priced . . .

TB 3rd and 4th liners...:
Morrow 18 GP.....0 points
Boyle 19 GP......2 pts
JT Brown 18 GP.....1 pt
Paquette 18 GP.....1 pt
Callahan 19 GP.....4 pt (and some of that time with Stamkoes)

ALL their damage from the TOP 6 of Johnson, Kucherov and Palat (55 points)
and Stamkos, Killhorn, Fillipa ( 44 points)

The rest of their forwards have FOUR points or less....ouch!
- hawk35

That is a serious matchup problem for them.

Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks. So very glad they were able to push past the Ducks last night, not so much because I love the Hawks - which I do - but more because I don’t appreciate the kind of play the Ducks bring. Their fixation on ‘wearing down’ the Hawks d-parings turned out to be futile, to the extent that puck possession became secondary which ultimately brought them to their knees. The Hawks dominated at the dot during the 1st period, allowing Q to control matchups - he has become the master at that.

Let’s face it, the Hawks play beautiful hockey, the Ducks play rugby on skates. Maybe Kesler is giving his career decision a second thought this morning.

I appreciate this blog a ton; I have a much better appreciation of the game and its many subtleties.
- Wagsman999

Thx Wags

Actually, my buddy Ryan Wilson touches on this in his latest blog. They'll basically be swapping out parts of the second and third tiers.

The "core" today is: 19, 88, 81, 20, 4, 27, 7, 2, 16, 65, 86.

7 forwards, 4 defenseman. You'll note pretty much all of these guys are either signed long term (bold) or up for new contracts this summer, or next.

These are the guys they will build around. They know all they have to get is solid, serviceable players in addition to these guys,and that includes the goalie position, and they are going to be a very, very good hockey team, year in and year out.

If you're not on this list, you could be expendable the summer. I think they would like to have Desjardins back and even Richards at a bargain.

Panarin, Johns, Baun, Danault, Hartmann, Nordstrom all have a shot with this club next year

Sharp, Bickell, Versteeg, even CC, all guys who are higher priced . . .
- John Jaeckel

Thanks for expanding JJ. Actually, we have been along the same train of thought often lately. That scares me a little. I gotta change that up How about Corey perry for Conn Smythe???? You with me on that one???

First of All - Congratulations to the Blackhawks - they are the better team.. no question about it - Deeper / smarter / more skilled / speedier -
I thought it would go 7 .. It did / Brad R. was much better than I thought he would be -
I thought Anderson would be a little better than Craw - He wasn't -
Q just had more options to mix and match his forwards than Bruce did -
the thing is - when you keep the Hawks top players off their A game you must win those games... because when they have their A game you won't beat them - Ducks were able to do that 3 times ... Ultimately though - Hawks were able to capitalize on their opportunities more often ....
Duncan Keith is the closest thing to Scott Niedermayer that I have seen with his timing, and uncanny ability to control flow, avoid punishing hits, just a great player - How the hell the NHL gave a Norris to Subban & Karlsson over him is a GIANT injustice - That's east coast bias !
Hoss / Shaw / TT and to a lesser extent the other forwards really got going in the latter part of the series and Ducks could not match that depth -
Beauchamin was bad the last few games -- he has played his last game as a Duck I would think - I thought Bruce would go with Fowler / Lindholm in 6 & 7 when it was apparent that the speed was becoming a huge factor in favor of Hawks -
As a duck fan I like the future D but they need a wing sniper and better goal tending as Anderson was abused and let in some vanilla soft goals in latter stages of series -
I Like the Hawks in 6 over Tampa - for the same reasons they beat the Ducks -
I didn't like the fact Perry did not meet the press after the loss - A very weak move - you got beat - stand and answer the questions -
- dozerD10

Very good post.

Despite the series win i was wrong about the Ducks. U guys are/were a much better team than i expected, and i could down a lengthy list of players that all exceeded what i thought they would bring to the table, Maroon and Lindholm to name a few. Very bright future.

Very good post.

Despite the series win i was wrong about the Ducks. U guys are/were a much better team than i expected, and i could down a lengthy list of players that all exceeded what i thought they would bring to the table, Maroon and Lindholm to name a few. Very bright future.
- SimpleJack

Their future will be brighter with a brighter coach who does more than open the gate to let the players on and off the ice and who's on ice strategy involves more than hitting an opponent.

Their future will be brighter with a brighter coach who does more than open the gate to let the players on and off the ice and who's on ice strategy involves more than hitting an opponent.
- paulr

Agreed, but as a Hawks fan I hope BB has a lengthy tenure behind the Ducks bench. I'm absolutely giddy the Blues re-upped Hitch

Really impressed by the Hawks bottom 6 right now, and i think that might be the key to this series, especially the 11-16-65 line. Desjardins has been SOOOOO much better than any of us Hawks fans probably anticipated.

I think we can use that "4th" line and maybe a 20-19-81/88 line to matchup against their top 6...and then our other 2 lines might do some serious damage, especially with the flexibility we have using Kaner. Very pleased by how Richards and Hossa have looked together as well, we'll see whats up with 29.

Very, VERY interested to see how we look against a mostly finesse team that relies on speed, instead of a physical force. Though from what I have seen TB does posses underrated grit and still has a few players that can lay you out. Still overall this is a skill vs skill matchup, and that really hasn't been seen by these Hawks in any of their playoff runs.

Interesting to see how this plays out, but in the end i think the Hawks take it in 6 games, winning it at home. Both goalies will have their moments(both good and bad). But the Hawks will have too much depth with the forwards, one of the few teams in the league that can match Tampa's pace, and i really think the top 4 on D will be a force and WONT "wear down" as the series progresses, rather they will most likely get even better(bottom pair will have to hold up, not be great, but just be good enough and eat up just enough minutes like games 6 and 7 against the Ducks). 2, 7, 4, and 27 much like the Hawks forward depth and forward star power will be an asset that the Bolts haven't quite seen yet...not to mention the coaching/experience factors that will kick in.

Agreed, but as a Hawks fan I hope BB has a lengthy tenure behind the Ducks bench. I'm absolutely giddy the Blues re-upped Hitch
- Ogilthorpe2

agreed

I've got 2 tickets for Wednesday night that I cannot use............305 row A
I'm offering them at my cost which is $1,048.....that's all in.....happy to send copy of invoice and all that stuff......these are thru ticketmaster.........lemme know as I won't relist until tomorrow.............and saturday night....have 3 in row A, sect 328......those are $1,763 for the 3 .........only will sell as 3

I'd sure like to be there

Actually, my buddy Ryan Wilson touches on this in his latest blog. They'll basically be swapping out parts of the second and third tiers.

The "core" today is: 19, 88, 81, 20, 4, 27, 7, 2, 16, 65, 86.

7 forwards, 4 defenseman. You'll note pretty much all of these guys are either signed long term (bold) or up for new contracts this summer, or next.

These are the guys they will build around. They know all they have to get is solid, serviceable players in addition to these guys,and that includes the goalie position, and they are going to be a very, very good hockey team, year in and year out.

If you're not on this list, you could be expendable the summer. I think they would like to have Desjardins back and even Richards at a bargain.

Panarin, Johns, Baun, Danault, Hartmann, Nordstrom all have a shot with this club next year

Sharp, Bickell, Versteeg, even CC, all guys who are higher priced . . .
- John Jaeckel

I would like to see Richards brought back if they can get him to agree for around 1M or maybe even less. He doesn't need the money and the chance to keep playing for a cup might be enough. 80 will be interesting too in the off season. If they win it all, does he take a one year deal below market to try and win again? Center is where they will have the biggest need I think.

Agreed, but as a Hawks fan I hope BB has a lengthy tenure behind the Ducks bench. I'm absolutely giddy the Blues re-upped Hitch
- Ogilthorpe2

In the sixth game the look on Boudreau's face said it all, he was in wayyyy over his head and was being schooled by Quenneville. The next series against Tampa will see a very good coach in Jon Cooper who has shown he can adapt however it seemed to me he wasn't able to make in game adjustments but rather made them between games. I think this is an area that Qunneville has the advantage. prediction is Hawks win on Home ice in game 6.

I would like to see Richards brought back if they can get him to agree for around 1M or maybe even less. He doesn't need the money and the chance to keep playing for a cup might be enough. 80 will be interesting too in the off season. If they win it all, does he take a one year deal below market to try and win again? Center is where they will have the biggest need I think.
- blackhawks30

If the Hawks are thinking of going for it next season perhaps but if the 2015-16 season is being set up as a retooling year than they are better off breaking in some kids.

If the Hawks are thinking of going for it next season perhaps but if the 2015-16 season is being set up as a retooling year than they are better off breaking in some kids.
- paulr

I think we'll know by the end of the draft which way management is leaning for next year by who stays and who goes. It's a good position to be in.

First of All - Congratulations to the Blackhawks - they are the better team.. no question about it - Deeper / smarter / more skilled / speedier -
I thought it would go 7 .. It did / Brad R. was much better than I thought he would be -
I thought Anderson would be a little better than Craw - He wasn't -
Q just had more options to mix and match his forwards than Bruce did -
the thing is - when you keep the Hawks top players off their A game you must win those games... because when they have their A game you won't beat them - Ducks were able to do that 3 times ... Ultimately though - Hawks were able to capitalize on their opportunities more often ....
Duncan Keith is the closest thing to Scott Niedermayer that I have seen with his timing, and uncanny ability to control flow, avoid punishing hits, just a great player - How the hell the NHL gave a Norris to Subban & Karlsson over him is a GIANT injustice - That's east coast bias !
Hoss / Shaw / TT and to a lesser extent the other forwards really got going in the latter part of the series and Ducks could not match that depth -
Beauchamin was bad the last few games -- he has played his last game as a Duck I would think - I thought Bruce would go with Fowler / Lindholm in 6 & 7 when it was apparent that the speed was becoming a huge factor in favor of Hawks -
As a duck fan I like the future D but they need a wing sniper and better goal tending as Anderson was abused and let in some vanilla soft goals in latter stages of series -
I Like the Hawks in 6 over Tampa - for the same reasons they beat the Ducks -
I didn't like the fact Perry did not meet the press after the loss - A very weak move - you got beat - stand and answer the questions -
- dozerD10

I think what impressed me the most about the Ducks was how they could possess the puck forever at times.

I thought their third line was outstanding, also.

Patrick Maroon makes you pay if you concentrate too much on Getzlaf/Perry.

In the case of Andersen, he's going to have to use this as a learning experience, much as Crawford had to do after the 2012 playoff loss to the Coyotes.

I really underestimated what the Ducks brought to the table. That they fielded this team while being way under the cap is a testament to the front office. Next year could be a huge year for them, for sure. The summer upgrades should be interesting.

Actually, my buddy Ryan Wilson touches on this in his latest blog. They'll basically be swapping out parts of the second and third tiers.

The "core" today is: 19, 88, 81, 20, 4, 27, 7, 2, 16, 65, 86.

7 forwards, 4 defenseman. You'll note pretty much all of these guys are either signed long term (bold) or up for new contracts this summer, or next.

These are the guys they will build around. They know all they have to get is solid, serviceable players in addition to these guys,and that includes the goalie position, and they are going to be a very, very good hockey team, year in and year out.

If you're not on this list, you could be expendable the summer. I think they would like to have Desjardins back and even Richards at a bargain.

Panarin, Johns, Baun, Danault, Hartmann, Nordstrom all have a shot with this club next year

Sharp, Bickell, Versteeg, even CC, all guys who are higher priced . . .
- John Jaeckel

Hope so. Those two have been good for the Hawks...the rest of the holes can likely be filled from within--which is in stark contrast to the 2010 purge.

I would like to see Richards brought back if they can get him to agree for around 1M or maybe even less. He doesn't need the money and the chance to keep playing for a cup might be enough. 80 will be interesting too in the off season. If they win it all, does he take a one year deal below market to try and win again? Center is where they will have the biggest need I think.
- blackhawks30

No way in hell Richards signs for 1 mil or less, especially with the way he's been playing. But in other scenario's i wouldn't mind him returning either, though i doubt he does.

Agreed on the general importance of the center position, and they cant just rely on TT and Shaw going into next year to hold down 2/3C. So with 91 and 80 most likely leaving id love for them to add another option there, maybe in a package coming from the offloading of Versteeg, Bickell, Sharp, possibly CC, etc. Most likely they'll have to take a roster player back, be smart about it and get a legit center for a decent cap hit. Use that player and Panarin to do the best they can at replacing Sharp and Richards/Vermette. Resign Nordy and Desjardins for cheap, a vet defenseman for cheap, Saad for 4.5ish, Kruger for 2-2.5ish, and Oduya for 4-4.5ish. Should add up to right around 70-71mil.

Saad - Toews - Hossa
Panarin - 2C - Kane
XXX - Shaw/TT - Shaw/TT
Desjardins - Kruger - Nordstrom
XXX = any one of Baun, Hartman, Danault, McNeil, Ross, etc...

Keith - Seabrook
Oduya - Hjalmarsson
TVR/Pokka/Johns - cheap vet that actually knows how to play still...

Darling
Raanta


BOOM! Still a very, VERY exciting fast and skilled team that will only improve as the cap rises and the prospects develop over the next 3-5 years. And i truly believe they will eventually improve to the point of being consensus favorites again for a few years down the line before Kane, Toews, and Keith exit their primes.