I'll probably get chastised for this, but am I the only one who wants to see Kimmo play? Yes, he is a gigantic defensive liability, but I do not think there is anyone out there who wants to see him end his career in a suit and tie in the locker room. Do we know if Q is dressing him at least? How much damage can the guy really do at 37 seconds of ice time a game?
- BURDA13

If the hawks go up 3-0 maybe we him get time over a 12th FWD.

Let 23/29 sit and roll 7 d-men so KT can finish his career on ice. It would be a nice touch...

but that said... if we arent up 3-0 or 3-1, i doubt he is on ice.

I can see the argument for TVR if he is ready to handle the pace. He's just a lot steadier than Rundblad, IMO.
- John Jaeckel

But how do you know if he's ready for an NHL Final pace? That's a lot to ask of a kid who hasn't played since November. What if they put him in and he costs them a couple of goals? You might really crush his confidence.

Not defending Rundblad by any means, but I'd be inclined to leave him in for his 5-7 minutes as long as they keep winning.

I have not seen TB play enough to know where that game ranks in terms of what their ceiling may be, but they pressed hard early

I've watched the Bolts probably the most aside from the Hawks these playoffs. They're ceiling is pretty much right up there with the Hawks'. They'll dominate puck possession and just continually come in offensive waves until the puck hits the back of the net.

However, since the start of the playoffs, they've always had a problem with turnovers in their own zone. That problem was readily apparent in game 1 as that is how the Hawks won. Forecheck the hell out of them and sooner or later they will cough one up.

I'll probably get chastised for this, but am I the only one who wants to see Kimmo play? Yes, he is a gigantic defensive liability, but I do not think there is anyone out there who wants to see him end his career in a suit and tie in the locker room. Do we know if Q is dressing him at least? How much damage can the guy really do at 37 seconds of ice time a game?
- BURDA13

Getting ahead of our selves
.. lets say Hawks up 3-0 ..... if thenHawks get to a 3-0 series lead I bet KT dresses for game 4 ... plays a power play shift or two and then becomes Cup eligable.

This is a huge maybe.

But how do you know if he's ready for an NHL Final pace? That's a lot to ask of a kid who hasn't played since November. What if they put him in and he costs them a couple of goals? You might really crush his confidence.

Not defending Rundblad by any means, but I'd be inclined to leave him in for his 5-7 minutes as long as they keep winning.
- MartiniMan

I see that argument too. I mean, they'd have to try to get a read from how he scrimmages.

Getting ahead of our selves
.. lets say Hawks up 3-0 ..... if thenHawks get to a 3-0 series lead I bet KT dresses for game 4 ... plays a power play shift or two and then becomes Cup eligable.

This is a huge maybe.
- mrpaulish

I agree, this is absolutely conversation for Wednesday/Thursday of next week. Just saying it would be a nice tip of the cap if we benched a 12th forward and ran 7 defensemen so he could "die on his feet" for the lack of a better term

I can see the argument for TVR if he is ready to handle the pace. He's just a lot steadier than Rundblad, IMO.
- John Jaeckel

most definately see your point...but the obvious question: he has not played an NHL game since Nov 26? Ad reports were his AHL rehab was not going great before the wrist injury....

can he just fit right in the SC finals on the road.....seems he would also see limited minutes....appears to be high risk low reward to me

Getting ahead of our selves
.. lets say Hawks up 3-0 ..... if thenHawks get to a 3-0 series lead I bet KT dresses for game 4 ... plays a power play shift or two and then becomes Cup eligable.

This is a huge maybe.
- mrpaulish

Isn't KT already cup eligible?

No need to play him. Even Rundblad is a better option IMO. RB made at least 1-3 decent outlets the other night. KT cannot handle the speed of TB.

He damages the rest of the team by only playing 37 seconds.
Always give yourself the best chance to win.
KT is not it.

Excellent breakdown JJ, a great way to start the morning.

The Hawks were physically and emotionally "tired" in game one, and still found a way to win. Come Saturday, we will see the Hawks rolling on all four cylinders, relentlessly coming at Tampa in endless waves. With a healthy Versteeg coming off of a strong effort, Q will go back to trusting in his 4 lines, which will make the Toews line all that more dangerous with less ice time.

The fact is, every single Hawk can now taste the Cup, and they know the quickest way between two points is a straight line. In this case, a straight line is 3 consecutive wins to close things out! After a 3 day layoff, the Hawks top 4 DMen are all going to see a lot of ice time which will allow TVR to gradually find his game, no pressure.
- MexicoHawk

I personally felt like the Hawks had dialed up the tempo a notch by the second period of the Game Wednesday. They are quite capable of playing THEIR game at that speed, not just because Tampa dictates it.

A question no one has asked—chicken or the egg—was Tampa laying back merely by choice, or because the Hawks had clicked up their tempo? Or more likely a bit of both.

I just don't buy the idea that Tampa had everything in their control and then decided to "let" the Hawks back in.

We have seen these 10-15 minute blitzkriegs before—against Nashville and Anaheim and in years past. Teams come out flying in their building and absolutely overwhelm the Hawks for a while.

To think that adrenaline has nothing to do with that is foolish. To assume that you can ride adrenaline like that for 60 minutes is also foolish.

That said, the game the other night could have been 4-2 if not for Crawford. Toews line, and maybe that was in part because Kane replaced Hossa there, allowed a lot of opportunities for Tampa forwards, especially Stamkos.

Completely agree though, I don't see Tampa catching the Hawks off-guard like that in game 2. And Q just might have an answer somewhere around center ice in the person of #20 or #88 waiting for the stretch outlet.

Isn't KT already cup eligible?

No need to play him. Even Rundblad is a better option IMO. RB made at least 1-3 decent outlets the other night. KT cannot handle the speed of TB.
- tredbrta

Agreed on the speed comment.

The only way I see him on the ice is in a Game 4 scenario where the Hawks can clinch. And only then because Q wants KT to be able to hold the Cup. It's one thing to get your name on it but it's another to skate around with it raised over your head.

All that being said, the Hawks won't be up 3-0 and Q wouldn't go that route because playing a lesser player "just because we want him on the ice to hoist the Cup" is A, bad luck, and B, somewhat disrespectful to the game. The Hockey Gods would not view that positively.

most definately see your point...but the obvious question: he has not played an NHL game since Nov 26? Ad reports were his AHL rehab was not going great before the wrist injury....

can he just fit right in the SC finals on the road.....seems he would also see limited minutes....appears to be high risk low reward to me
- bogiedoc

I think Q will dress the guys he thinks will give him the best chance to win.........nothing more........it's way too hard to get here. It doesn't mean he's always right as we saw last series but nobody will be dressed for a feel good moment....this ain't bean bag..........he obviousely sees a lot of good in tvr's game and #5 is the devil he knows in real time......big decision for the guy I'm glad is making it

Isn't KT already cup eligible?

No need to play him. Even Rundblad is a better option IMO. RB made at least 1-3 decent outlets the other night. KT cannot handle the speed of TB.
- tredbrta

The rule is 41 regular season games or 1 SC final game. The Hawks could petition the league and get his name on the cup, just like they did with Jamal Meyers.

If the hawks go up 3-0 maybe we him get time over a 12th FWD.

Let 23/29 sit and roll 7 d-men so KT can finish his career on ice. It would be a nice touch...

but that said... if we arent up 3-0 or 3-1, i doubt he is on ice.
- gnosox1986

NO WAY

we are in the business of WINNING, no sympathy

Q will do what he needs to do to win the cup because you cant afford to blow any single game and shift the series

They will ask for an exception for him to get on the cup like they did Jamal Mayers

Agreed on the speed comment.

The only way I see him on the ice is in a Game 4 scenario where the Hawks can clinch. And only then because Q wants KT to be able to hold the Cup. It's one thing to get your name on it but it's another to skate around with it raised over your head.

All that being said, the Hawks won't be up 3-0 and Q wouldn't go that route because playing a lesser player "just because we want him on the ice to hoist the Cup" is A, bad luck, and B, somewhat disrespectful to the game. The Hockey Gods would not view that positively.
- DMCsPulledHammy

I personally felt like the Hawks had dialed up the tempo a notch by the second period of the Game Wednesday. They are quite capable of playing THEIR game at that speed, not just because Tampa dictates it.

A question no one has asked—chicken or the egg—was Tampa laying back merely by choice, or because the Hawks had clicked up their tempo? Or more likely a bit of both.

I just don't buy the idea that Tampa had everything in their control and then decided to "let" the Hawks back in.

We have seen these 10-15 minute blitzkriegs before—against Nashville and Anaheim and in years past. Teams come out flying in their building and absolutely overwhelm the Hawks for a while.

To think that adrenaline has nothing to do with that is foolish. To assume that you can ride adrenaline like that for 60 minutes is also foolish.

That said, the game the other night could have been 4-2 if not for Crawford. Toews line, and maybe that was in part because Kane replaced Hossa there, allowed a lot of opportunities for Tampa forwards, especially Stamkos.

Completely agree though, I don't see Tampa catching the Hawks off-guard like that in game 2. And Q just might have an answer somewhere around center ice in the person of #20 or #88 waiting for the stretch outlet.
- John Jaeckel

I think it was 60-40 Tampa going into their shell / Hawks pressure. As has been previously said, they used that tactic successfully against the NYR in Games 5 and 7. Cooper even alluded to it. The difference was their fore check didn't extend past the red line in Game 1. That, I believe, was a function of the Hawks pressure. They didn't want to get caught with their forwards too high because of the quickness of the Hawks. You can still generate an odd man play from the red to blue line.

By doing that, they allowed the Hawks to get to their blue line without much pressure and the puck entered their zone way too easily.

If they get up again and try this tactic, their forwards will extend, which should lead to some stretch pass opportunities. That is what should concern Cooper if they get a lead.

I think Q would play TVR just to get his name on the Cup, because they like the kid and are throwing him a bone... And cause Runbad is just that bad!

I think Q would play TVR just to get his name on the Cup, because they like the kid and are throwing him a bone... And cause Runbad is just that bad!
- moots

Yeah but Rundblad played in Game 1 so based on previous comments, his name would make it.

Yeah but Rundblad played in Game 1 so based on previous comments, his name would make it.
- DMCsPulledHammy

Yep.

Isn't KT already cup eligible?

No need to play him. Even Rundblad is a better option IMO. RB made at least 1-3 decent outlets the other night. KT cannot handle the speed of TB.
- tredbrta

No he is definitely Cup eligible, but my point was to have him actually out there on the ice and not hidden away. Again, just me having some wishful thinking for the old vet

If it were me I would try to not play Runblad much if at all in the 2nd period where it is harder to change lines. Him being on the right side means he's on the opposite side of the ice from the bench in the 2nd.

NO WAY

we are in the business of WINNING, no sympathy

Q will do what he needs to do to win the cup because you cant afford to blow any single game and shift the series

They will ask for an exception for him to get on the cup like they did Jamal Mayers
- FourFeathers773

Agreed 100%

I was just answering for the previously stated question

I think Q would play TVR just to get his name on the Cup, because they like the kid and are throwing him a bone... And cause Runbad is just that bad!
- moots

Not to mention what it shows the future college FAs

They can point at TVR and say "look, we signed him as a college FA, we had roster room, like we do now. We played him and he won a cup as a rookie"

Kids would bust through their zipper trying to sign fast enough

No he is definitely Cup eligible, but my point was to have him actually out there on the ice and not hidden away. Again, just me having some wishful thinking for the old vet
- BURDA13

As of now KT is not automatic . Hawks would have to petition for his name to be added or he has to make the game roster for 1 Final game.

I can see the argument for TVR if he is ready to handle the pace. He's just a lot steadier than Rundblad, IMO.
- John Jaeckel

Plus he has the RH shot to boot. Figure he'd do just fine with the soon-to-be Conn Smythe Trophy winner on his LH side.