Ahhh, political bickering - the lifeblood of hockey message boards, or so it would appear. The notion that perhaps some things should be cancelled seems reasonable. I know I could get behind cancelling political discussions on this hockey site. Wouldn't everyone agree?
- EbonyRaptor

This topic is different though. This isn’t petty politics or election/Covid/presidential discussion.
When the team in question on the hockey board crosses over from making News on the sports page to making news on the the editorial pages, I think it can/should be discussed.

But that’s just me.

Here is a novel thought for you. Have you ever thought maybe some things need to be cancelled?
- Elbows15

Like Keith on the power play. Smith on the roster.

You really should come up with a new derisive retort, that one has worn a little thin.
- EbonyRaptor

If I said what I was thinking, I’d get banned for years...again.

Then stop talking about it.
- StLBravesFan

Tried that. It doesn't work. Some people are too weak to control themselves and silence from others doesn't have the desired effect.

If I said what I was thinking, I’d get banned for years...again.
- Ogilthorpe2

Good point - stick with the simple but witty repartee.

Charting Hockey has their Bubble Playoff Predictor out, and they're looking for some upsets.

TOR over CLB in 5
MTL over PIT in 5
FLA over NYI in 4
CAR over NYR in 4
CGY over WPG in 5
EDM over CHI in 5
MIN over VAN in 4
ARI over NSH in 4

The Blackhawk - Oiler series is a coin flip. EDM is at 50.11% to win, Hawks at 49.89%

Some of Sean's comments:
-WPG's 5v5 play is horrid, so CLG is favored, but Hellebuyck exists
-CHI vs. EDM will be so fun to watch, edge to EDM's star power
-MIN is a really good team that just needs some (any) saves
-I just don't trust NSH this year
- scottak

Sorry Minnesota is not a really good team. Suter plays too much, Brodin never has become a solid #2 dman, Parise has his back or other part of body which prohibits his ever returning to the star he once wss. Staahl is old. Granlund fizzled qnd was shipped out Although Andersson Ek could be a really solid player and good complement...maybe even along side the newbie Russian whom is supposed to be the real deal.

They have just enough talent and experience to upset someone. But Dubnyk must be strong in net..Certainly not a real good team. Their new GM needs to infuse young talent.

When the team in question on the hockey board crosses over from making News on the sports page to making news on the the editorial pages, I think it can/should be discussed.

But that’s just me.
- Ogilthorpe2

OK - you got me on a technicality.

Like Keith on the power play. Smith on the roster.
- mohel

2 PP goals last night say a little different but whateves..its always gonna be he hits shinpads from some.

I hope Smith can recover fully from his back issues. AFTER next season.

Like Keith on the power play. Smith on the roster.
- mohel

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

OK - you got me on a technicality.
- EbonyRaptor

Normally I’d agree with you on the political talk (even though I’m guilty of it from time to time)but this particular topic fits on this board as it is team related...IMO

Like Keith on the power play. Smith on the roster.
- mohel

Keith on the power play wouldn't be so bad if he would just keep his pop gun in the holster.

Keith on the power play wouldn't be so bad if he would just keep his pop gun in the holster.
- EbonyRaptor

But doesn’t the defenseman-QB of the PP need to be able to get the puck on net?

Keith on the power play wouldn't be so bad if he would just keep his pop gun in the holster.
- EbonyRaptor

Or if he stopped telegraphing his shot so blatantly. Here’s an idea, shoot without the big wind up every now and again.

But doesn’t the defenseman-QB of the PP need to be able to get the puck on net?
- StLBravesFan

Traditionally, you'd want that low hard shot that gets through on net. Otherwise I think you want mobility and playmaking to get the pK moving and opening up some passing seams. The nice thing about Keith playing the PP, he is smart with the puck at the line and will rarely bobble it or just straight turn it over in that dangerous area. He is one of the Hawks best options at holding the zone and keeping the pressure on. It would be nice if he could get some more shots through and on net. Maybe he needs to go for the shot-pass more often or get a bit more creative, but hard to find a better dman on this team for the PP.

Apparently Barry Melrose has said we’re the dark horse to look out for in the West.

I was on the fence before...but now I’m officially sold.

I just want some homegrown talent to get a chance. I really have grown to like Carlsson from watching him in his brief stint but also from catching some Hog games the last couple of seasons.
- Elbows15

Me too. As high as I am on Mitchell, and knowing Boqvist's ability, I actually am most intrigued by Beaudin. To have a guy that plays a smart, calm game with offensive ability to go along with it is very intriguing. My biggest concern about him is strength.

[quote=jhawk59]Sorry Minnesota is not a really good team. Suter plays too much, Brodin never has become a solid #2 dman, Parise has his back or other part of body which prohibits his ever returning to the star he once wss. Staahl is old. Granlund fizzled qnd was shipped out Although Andersson Ek could be a really solid player and good complement...maybe even along side the newbie Russian whom is supposed to be the real deal.

They have just enough talent and experience to upset someone. But Dubnyk must be strong in net..Certainly not a real good team. Their new GM needs to infuse young talent.

I believe they selected a very good wing last draft. But Donato is? They traded their big wing Coyle who pummels Keith - the BC or BU kid.
CURIOUS TO SEE HOW OUR DRAFT WISE TURNS OUT. ONCE WAS HERALDED a BIG TIME NATURAL SCORER. NOW I sense AEL_FOX guessing that he could become a solid second or third line. That Vlasic kid if he develops and can use his reach and skill set might become similar to Seabrook but that reach for a big guy means he could be hard to get past. His nastiness is meh for a big size kid.

Apparently Barry Melrose has said we’re the dark horse to look out for in the West.

I was on the fence before...but now I’m officially sold.
- SimpleJack

I think there is something wrong with your logic here.

Lone Ranger: We’re surrounded by Indians on the warpath, Tonto - we can’t escape.

Tonto: What you mean “we”, white man....

Somehow I don’t recall Marx commenting on the Blackhawk logo, but I may have missed it somehow....
- StLBravesFan

Comrade,

I believe it's mentioned in section IV

https://www.marxists.org/...ownload/pdf/Manifesto.pdf

Comrade,

I believe it's mentioned in section IV

https://www.marxists.org/...ownload/pdf/Manifesto.pdf
- Beaver-Warrior

Tovarish - thanks, but I have a first edition that I had Karl sign when I ran into him at JLM (Jewish Lives Matter) several years ago.

I think there is something wrong with your logic here.
- Chunk

Not really.

Melrose is a sharp guy. We may not really agree with his assessment. But what is the logic behind Melrose assessment.

Don't see it now but Chicsgo might just be deep in forwards. Don't see it now but Chicago might be better defensively than you think.

A lot has to do with 1) no one is taking us too seriously and 2) we have four warriors who have been there, done it all. They could rise up. They would need to have support from A Kubslik, a Saad amd.timely input from a Strome, a Nylander, some kids on bottom line.

I could imagine Toews combining with Kubalik or Saad. I could imagine Kane helps someone score some goals. The offense comes from not a chisel in stone #1 line, but from two or three lines with glorious scoring opportunities each game

The defense with Murphy and DeHahn strong; moreover, Keith can have a superstar strong series including some bone rattling checks and uses his skating like he did so often when he and Seabrook were a great pair.

Oh BTW Crawford is huge. Almost forgot: the hidden gem Boqvist could have a few moments where his elite skill set results in goals.

Our Stanley Cup veterans are augmented to reiterate by Saad and Kubalik. Role players and extra players step in and play well. Strome chips in too. Nobody is expecting us.....we are a true dark horse

Elbows will faint if Special K is special. I am not going that far. But let us just see how it turns out.

Tovarish - thanks, but I have a first edition that I had Karl sign when I ran into him at JLM (Jewish Lives Matter) several years ago.
- StLBravesFan

Heard the secret police busted a lot of heads that night, glad you made it out alive.

That’s tanking - the definition of it - not putting your best team or effort out there in the hopes (12 1/2 % chance) of getting something for the future.
- StLBravesFan

With your logic you would play all your starters in an exhibition season which is totally what this is. There's a big difference between the 2nd, 3rd, 5th whatever pick instead of the ninth or worse. I'm not talking about the first pick.

Enjoy your ban Ogie. I accidentally reported you.

With your logic you would play all your starters in an exhibition season which is totally what this is. There's a big difference between the 2nd, 3rd, 5th whatever pick instead of the ninth or worse. I'm not talking about the first pick.
- rpeters01

The Hawks have no chance at the picks you mentioned. Its the 1st or 9/10 if they lose. This is not an exhibition season no matter how many times you say it. Someone will be winning the Cup at the end of this.