Your perogative but your preference seems to focus on whichever part of the game they're lacking in.
- HawkintheD

Also his right.

See - a logical retort that is likely correct that I hadn't taken into account.
- StLBravesFan

^^^^^^^

Yes.

You're right. 8-2 in their last 10, rolling four lines consistently, positive side corsi now consistently...but they're giving up way too many goals. Whatever. Enough indeed.
- HawkintheD

Those are all facts. StL is also still entitled to his opinion.

I'm most excited about Schmaltz. Some guys just have "it", most guys don't. Schmaltz does. Another soon-to-be star added to the Hawks' collection.
- BMWChiFan

Could be. I think the only disagreement there is on his timetable. Some say he's fully arrived. Some think he might need a bit more development (and may not be ready for a big role in the playoffs).

IMO, He has always been. Maybe for a stretch he wasn't before his time away but his problem was in his head. He was thinking way too much instead of just playing.

Toews was a classic example of the cliche fighting the game.
- TTtime

Yeah, maybe, he was also injured. "In his head" doesn't explain over a year of really subpar play. A lot of factors including a back injury in the WCH are likely contributing factors.

Out of context...

I think Bowman can't get two quality players to add to the lineup.
So if he picks defense as the need Del Zotto fits the design here and he is much more physical than Campbell. That's what I meant by all in...I think it's an either or, more offense or another dman, not both.

Del Zotto isn't better than TVR but he plays 19 mins a night and has a lot more NHL experience than Kempny. He would be good insurance and there will be teams after him.
- Al

Pierre-Eduard Bellemare at 712k and a UFA next year. Bottom 6 guy with speed, energy, physical, can play center or wing.

These college kids can't adjust to the size and the speed of the NHL game. The time to trade Schmaltz is now, before his performance plummets as we all know it will. Trade Schmaltz for a proven veteran like Vanek.
- DarthKane

College kids do need an adjustment period (all anyone ever actually said, but whatever fits the desired narrative) to the pro game. That's pretty much a given.

Or were you talking abut Motte? (there's the red font)

Pierre-Eduard Bellemare at 712k and a UFA next year. Bottom 6 guy with speed, energy, physical, can play center or wing.
- Mr Ricochet

A very NICE bottom 6 player. Hawks like him form what I've heard. Doubt the Flyers want to part with him though.

Even at $3 million Boedker isn't earning his contract. Hard pass.
- DarthKane

Your opinion, and you may be right, I have not heard his name this year. Hawks had a major hard-on for him last deadline however.

And there's your answer to why Rozy is playing. Sounds like they knew Hammer had a back issue going in.

Oh by the way, that is not good news.
- John Jaeckel

Concerns me too as back issues tend to get worse not better over time. Given the pounding his body takes from blocked shots and everything else, Hawks have the luxury to be overly cautious with him. They need him for the playoffs not to clinch the Central division title.

Pierre-Eduard Bellemare at 712k and a UFA next year. Bottom 6 guy with speed, energy, physical, can play center or wing.
- Mr Ricochet

Basically the perfect 4th line guy. Just don't expect any points. Or shots in either direction when he's out there.

Thinking of trade targets, I wonder if stan has kicked the tires on Boedker. 27, speed to burn, 3 years at $4 mil. If he could get wilson to eat even 25% of salary, that is cost effective. Having his worst year in SJ. Change of scenery may be good for him. Early morning thought
- ikeane

Eh, even retaining 25%, let Wislon keep him and his Cap hit.

Basically the perfect 4th line guy. Just don't expect any points. Or shots in either direction when he's out there.
- BINGO!

Agreed on Bellemare. Always liked this guys energy, speed, compete, IQ (great 4th line attributes) and good things seem to happen when he's on the ice. Hawks went with a pure rookie 4th line at MN and of course that's a concern in May-June. .....Bellemare at 31 provides a vet presence/insurance to a 4th line can play wing, center, averages near 3 minutes on the PK and is a UFA next year.

As good as this "stretch" has been for the Hawks there are an awful lot of rookies that would be counted on in the playoffs. Maybe that works maybe not, but insurance if it doesn't is wise IMO.

A very NICE bottom 6 player. Hawks like him form what I've heard. Doubt the Flyers want to part with him though.
- John Jaeckel

Don't know, JJ. Bellemare is 31 and a UFA next year. If there is something the Flyers covet from the Hawks, within reason of course, I think PHI sees this guy as a 4th line piece and nothing more.

They ain't going to the playoffs and Bellemare might bring something to make PHI better in a couple years.

Concerns me too as back issues tend to get worse not better over time. Given the pounding his body takes from blocked shots and everything else, Hawks have the luxury to be overly cautious with him. They need him for the playoffs not to clinch the Central division title.
- golfbard

IR him sooner rather than later from some additional cap savings?

I'm most excited about Schmaltz. Some guys just have "it", most guys don't. Schmaltz does. Another soon-to-be star added to the Hawks' collection.
- BMWChiFan

His vision has been off the charts forever his compete has always been the concern. His skills and skating are + but so are many who are on a barstool up in Canada.

How the Hawks could see he would turn around his compete level is amazing, acknowledging the jury is still out on the 1996. .....This kid is a top 6 the last 5 games in every way. Create, score, backcheck, hungry, compete.

The process, the process. Allowing the organIzational professionalism from top to bottom to produce results (Hartman, Schmaltz, Hino, Rasmussen, Kero) without panicking as they are 6-7 years into cap hell.

Helluva thing to watch and as a fan of the sport humbling.

JJ: Any more info on what the Islanders called about?

UWhat do you all think about Dominic Moore? I know he's 36, but if Boston falls out he could be a similar player to TBL Boyle. He plays C/LW and is purported to be a sort of Swiss Army knife - deployable in a lot of situations. Just looks to me like the type of low key under the radar cheap veteran UFA pick up the Hawks have liked to do in recent years.

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/dominic-moore

The five day layoff was a convenient reason for teams lacking sync and not passing well bad timing etc.

rozsival had a five week layoff and it showed when the game started, screening Crawford and getting blown by on the next, and then he gets the game winner.

It was clear they dressed seven because they were pretty sure Hammer had a pull or soreness and after six shifts couldn't go.

Anybody trading Shmaltz for a rental, or an imaginary available now Duchense?

I am not...
- wiz1901

Interesting. Hadn't thought of that........... Q rarely does this and I wondered why. Hino was solid last game and got scratched. But I'd add that against AZ, who's played well their last 10, if Hammer was gimpy in any way I'd rather sit him instead of taking even the smallest of chances with his health.

Loved watching Q insert a Kane or Panarin on the 4th line (dressing only 11 forwards) and the ability to feel the game and add as needed. Right up Q's alley.

Is this guy in the Indian Head yet? (red font)
(Hope I posted this image correctly).

Was at the game last night next to the AZ bench and I can now see why you call it "big boy" hockey. I realize they wear body armor but man, are the players big. Hanzel really stood out - he is a monster. Enjoyed the game and nice to see Kane get the hat trick.

BTW John, always enjoy your work. Keep up the good work. A big THANK YOU for alll you do.

Agreed on Bellemare. Always liked this guys energy, speed, compete, IQ (great 4th line attributes) and good things seem to happen when he's on the ice. Hawks went with a pure rookie 4th line at MN and of course that's a concern in May-June. .....Bellemare at 31 provides a vet presence/insurance to a 4th line can play wing, center, averages near 3 minutes on the PK and is a UFA next year.

As good as this "stretch" has been for the Hawks there are an awful lot of rookies that would be counted on in the playoffs. Maybe that works maybe not, but insurance if it doesn't is wise IMO.
- Mr Ricochet

I've always been of the opinion that you should do your best to stick with the guys that got you there and if you're going to make trades, do them as early as possible.

I don't know that it sends a great message to your rookies that you'll use them in the regular season but then acquire a guy to replace them for the playoffs just because that person is a vet.

Please read, consider and read agin if necessary.

There's a difference between disagreement and attempted censorship.

If you disagree with his point of view, give him a factually supported counertargument. Don't tell him what he can and can't say. Don't assail his character.

I see a lot of factual support in what he says (agreed with or not). I hear you assailing his "negativity."

You complain about bans like you're a victim. Figure it out.

ANY point of view on the game or the team is welcome. Supporting it with facts will help your cause. Assailing the poster or their tone is not. Gets old.
- John Jaeckel

Yes it does. He'a also welcome to his opnion and the right to post it, but read back a few posts where he refers to positive posters as "polyannas"...I would think that's just as bad as calling out someone for being negative.

Possible. And highly doubtful.
- John Jaeckel

Would probably cost a ransom for Hanzal and Rieder. I'd guess a roster player, 2 prospects, a 1st and a 3rd. But at least you'd be able to keep Rieder for another season at $2.25M.

UWhat do you all think about Dominic Moore? I know he's 36, but if Boston falls out he could be a similar player to TBL Boyle. He plays C/LW and is purported to be a sort of Swiss Army knife - deployable in a lot of situations. Just looks to me like the type of low key under the radar cheap veteran UFA pick up the Hawks have liked to do in recent years.

https://www.capfriendly.com/players/dominic-moore
- Marlowe

Elite faceoff man, career bottom 6 guy who understands his role. Always been a fan but have to admit haven't seen enough this year to see how much legs he has left.

http://www.sbnation.com/n...list-rumors-deadline-2016

So, this is breakdown of every trade last year. 2 things jump out at me. The cost goes down not up starting about 2-3 days out. We are in a good spot so Hold out and don't overpay. Also we basically paid the 2 biggest packages of anyone last year. a 1st and Dano and a 2nd and Danult. And coming off 2015 when we gave 2 of the top 4-5 packages in 1st and dahlback and 2 2nds for Timo.

So if you remove the hawks as overpaying for a rental. then who are the all in buyers knowing every team is going to lose a good prospect at the EXP draft. I think teams will want to hold onto there 1st even in a down draft.

After that I look at who is going to pay for rentals.
CAPS are loaded who out there would be a upgrade, IE a 2nd or 3rd line player on most teams are a 3rd or 4th on the caps.
PITT they already traded a 2nd so I'm guessing the next deal would have to be on there terms of not at all.
RAGS have been the 2nd most aggressive team (hawks) and it has not got them anywhere. I'm guessing on there terms or not at all.
COL, is so young and seems to be going in the right direction but do they really think they can get past both Pitt and the caps? the 1st wild card spot is really a good spot to be in the EAST.
everybody in the ATL is pretty Medicore and none of them are even for sure in the playoffs so how much do you give up?

WEST
HAWKS, WILD and SJ are the only buyers I see?

the way I look at it is you get the right deal do it. Hold out and let the market come to you. and not Vice versa. IMO.

Schmaltz is Faster then I thought. on his really good backhand he looked really fast with the puck. Hartman is pretty solid on his 1 timers and gets shots on goal!. Kero looks to be a solid 4th line center, Roz is slower Crawford with goalie gear on. Hino looks like the Odd man out if we add a Forward IMO. move Desi to a young team who wants some EXP in there 4th line (for very little)