NHL Trade Deadline: Impact On The Western Conference Race
Now that the dust has settled from the trade deadline, how did teams in the Western Conference help (or hurt) their chances of getting to the Stanley Cup Final?
Here are the additions and subtractions from each team’s NHL rosters over the last couple days:
1. Chicago Blackhawks – added center Michal Handzus.
2. Anaheim Ducks – added center Matthew Lombardi.
3. Minnesota Wild – added forward Jason Pominville.
4. Vancouver Canucks – added center Derek Roy
5. Los Angeles Kings – added defenseman Robyn Regehr. Traded away defenseman Davis Drewiske.
6. San Jose Sharks – added Raffi Torres. Traded away defenseman Douglas Murray and forward Ryane Clowe.
7. Detroit Red Wings – nothing.
8. St. Louis Blues – added defensemen Jordan Leopold and Jay Bouwmeester. Traded away defenseman Wade Redden, forward Matt D’Agostini
9. Nashville Predators – traded away forward Martin Erat and defenseman Scott Hannan.
10. Edmonton Oilers – added forward Jerred Smithson.
11. Columbus Blue Jackets – added forwards Marion Gaborik and Blake Comeau and goalie Michael Leighton. Traded away forwards Derek Dorsett and Derick Brassard, defenseman John Moore and goalie Steve Mason.
It probably should be noted that the Kings lost Willie Mitchell for the year as well. This really made the Regehr trade a must for them.
Barring any more injuries, the Hawks will be just fine, thank you…
not expecting huge contribution from Handzus, but he will add solid depth at centre, whatever minutes he provides will be a plus, especially if he can help at the dot. Pretty sure he will not be here next season. Liked what I saw briefly from the Rockford kids, bodes very well for the future.
I applaud SB for sticking to his plan and not making unneccesary moves. The organizations depth is very strong and there really wasnt anyone out there worth moving a quality prospect for and screwing the cap situation that is coming next year.
These are just the moves in the WC…there absolutely were a number of players at REASONABLE prices that we could have, and likely should have gone after that would have helped us a lot!
For those applauding Stan Bowman at this point, I respectfully submit that you have been busy drinking the cool aid. Ultimately we don’t know that standing pat was the right thing or the wrong thing to do…but we will in the next 2 months. For almost 4 years now, we have gone without a legitimate 2nd line centre…and still Bowman has not addressed the situation, and there is NO INDICATION that anyone on the current roster, or in the organization will be able to step up and take over that role legitimately. That doesn’t mean that Bowman hasn’t drafted well, or that we don’t have good talent in the system…its just hard to develop top 6 forwards, and usually takes time…so going out now and signing someone (even for say 2 years) doesn’t hurt the development or futures of anyone in our organization.
With current injuries to Hossa and Sharp, and the recent chronic health issues with Hossa, Sharp, and Bolland (even the concussion history with Toews) to proceed past the trade deadline with just 60 year old Handzus as the only other Centre on the roster that can win a face-off with any consistency is RECKLESS to say the least. Will it pan out? Let’s hope so, but it’s a risky move…and really says a lot about Stan Bowman’s ego…he has put the immediate future of the franchise at risk because he was unwilling, again, to part with some of his treasured prospects…the same treasured prospects that don’t even get called up over the likes of Jamal Mayers, Dan Carcillo and Brandon Bollig…that’s not saying tons about their abilities in my opinion (especially for someone like Brandon Pirri, who has done everything right in the minors, and can’t get a lick)…and how many of these prospects will even be given a chance at roster spaces over the next 2 years??? The answer? Not many!
No, Bowman didn’t make a significant move at the deadline for a 2nd line centre, because if he had, it would have drawn a lot of attention to the fact that he should have taken this need seriously 3 years ago when he attempted to plug in Ryan Johnson and amongst others. Stan has done many things well as GM, but not this situation…and if we don’t win the Cup, or at least get to the finals, Bowman’s job should be on the line.
For Bowman to say that getting Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp back at the deadline (Sharp still isn’t ready BTW) is like making a big trade or addition, is a faulty premise and simply not true…they are on your team, except that they are injured (again).
And then this afternoon he pulled out Montador and Olescz as 2 more reasons why no trades were made…that they are playing outstanding hockey in the AHL and how many teams can boast of this??? You’re joking, right…Stan? NO OTHER ORGANIZATION would allow 2 washed up, broken talents like these 2 characters take up precious developmental space in the AHL…and pay them both around $3 million dollars a year to do it…contracts that Bowman either gave out or accepted…and in Olescz’s case we only had to give up our All Star DMan to get this wondrous deal…
Again, Stan has done a lot of good things here, but in the case of the 2nd line centre issue, he is letting his ego get in the way of the team, and what’s best for it…
Applaud Sr. Brad
Sr Brad, right on. It does seem odd that guys like Pirri have not played their minimum games on the Hawks. I see no reason why Morin, Pirri, St Pierre & Clendening could not get even 5 games at the NHL level to this point.
Might it be that the prospects are staying in Rockford rather than being called up because the Icehogs are making a playoff push?
Might it also be that they don’t get called up over Bollig and Carcillo because those two are there for physicality and pretty much everyone agrees that we lack a physical element? Besides, I think the organization is counting on Bollig and Carcillo to pick up their games a little, and there’s some evidence in recent weeks that they are improving.
But yes I think the line about Montador and Olesz was contrived.
You’re high on something if you think Bowman doesn’t want a better 2C because he would be admitting he is wrong. And what is he supposed to say about Montador and Olecsz? That they are horrible players and he can’t wait to cut them? They have to pay them either way and they are below the cap, your best bet is to hope they get healthy and get something in return for them. So yeah, Bowman is an idiot for talking them up… right.
Again Brad, who was traded or available that is an upgrade over the current roster? And who have you spoken with on these teams that claims that Bowman is unwilling to trade Pirri or Olsen?
I know you’re upset that you don’t think he’s “going for it”, but to say that he hasn’t acquired a 2C because of his ego is just ridiculous.
SrBrad is right on. To not make a move for a true 2c or a skilled PF puts our pursuit of the cup in jeopardy. Each year you have a shot at the cup you need to go for the gusto. Who knows what happens to Toews in the future. Hoss will be more and more prone to injuries (much like his years immediately proceeding his joining the Hawks.) Further, I have read in multiple sources that the word in the league is that StanJr lacks the authority and/or gumption to make deals and is conservative by both his nature and by force of these restrictions. Other blogs have characterized league GM’s bemoan the fact they had a “deal framework” in place with Jr and then after consulting with his higher-ups comes back with new terms effectively killing the deal.
Admittedly, I am NOT a fan of this guy. As such, while I give him credit for picking Saad and getting talent into the farm, either the league doesn’t share the Koolaid view of the overall talent level of the kids, or we’re just stuck with Jrs sitting pat/smug in hopes we have enough for the playoffs.
Nobody wants an impulsive GM. Look where Tallon and his team are now. Bowman is doing an excellent job. Everybody questioned signing Emery and everyone was calling ready to cut him loose after season 1-SB resigned him and he has the best season of his career. Everybody is crying that Frolik is washed up and he became the grittiest hungriest penalty killer the league has. When athletes are given a little time and confidence, they often rise to the challenge. A perfect team on paper doesn’t necessarily translate to reality. It doesn’t translate heart and soul and overcoming adversity. That’s what makes teams great. I wouldn’t even write off Montador and Olecz just yet.
Here is my take on the western teams. STL and Minny got much better. Van & LA got better, and Nashville pulled over the biggest heist of all by trading Erat to Washington for a blue chip top 25 prospect. Filip Forsberg is a legit prospect and is nearly NHL ready, as a matter of fact if Nashville makes the playoffs they could easily add him to their roster. Martin Erat is good but when I read that move I was shocked; hands down the best move of the day!
Wire reports have Roy playing 2C for the ‘nucks. It would be interesting to know if SB made a play for him and who was he asked to give up.
JW, I agree with most of what you say….except Monty and especially Olecz. Just doesn’t seem like the right fit and there is little chemistry. I am sure SB wants to trade them or let them sit until he can BO their contracts.
Mike, the online rumors were that SB had tried dealing with Joe Nieuwendyk on potential trades for Roy & Jagr but Nieuwendyk tried charging SB a premieum for these players. According to most internet rumors these 2 GM’s have an ICY relationship.
Well since no one knows what any of the teams the Hawks talked to asked for it seems pretty preposterous to make an assumption that anything was missed out on.
There were numerous discussions with Dallas last year as well which amounted to nothing. There are rumors abound that Dallas wanted Saad, Danault or Teräväinen + pick as a part of any deal. Roy is not worth that. Sharp > Roy at center.
Obviously by dealing a 2nd and 3rd for Oduya show that the Hawks are willing to “pay” for players they feel they need.
Not dealing Saad last year was a good decision.
They obtained their faceoff winning utility center. They still have the best player in the league. They have the best defensive unit top to bottom in the league. They have a glut of cheap young players with high upside they will be able to fill the roster with the next two years.
This organization will be a force in the Western Conference the next 10 years as long as Kane and Toews are still around.
JW, Tallon’s farm system is loaded with talent and is ranked 2nd. Now as I’ve said 75-80 percent of those players will not make the NHL, but the ranking of his talent is way higher then the Hawks.
And issue whyTallon isn’t still here is he didn’t get the paperwork on his RFA’s in on time and he had to over pay guys and it cost him his job.
Hopefully SB’s decision not to make any big trades works in his favor and it’s possible if the rumors are correct about higher ups controlling his strings that even if he doesn’t make the CF he keeps his job.
Only time will let us know that.
Someone please tell me…who the fuck is this magnificent 2LC that was available, that we could have picked up through a trade, what would it have cost us in return, would the player be here after this season, would he be an improvement over the centres we have now, etc…Brad, I have agreed with you for the most part this entire season regarding the Hawks, I wanted Bowman to improve the team as much as the next guy, but I honestly didnt see a guy out there to be had without giving up too much and resulting in a net negative going forward. Please dont remind me about the importance of seizing the moment, only being able to win the cup one season at a time, not worrying about next year while you have a shot to go all out now, etc… I am fully aware of all that, and agree with it, but I am not quite sure the right guy was out there this time. The current roster as it stands , barring any more injuries (which applies to all teams) is one I can live with provided everyone plays up to their potential, including the Rat. I dont think he is the answer at 2C, would have preferred Kruger there myself, but , again , I am just a Kool-Aid drinker ;)
If not Kruger, then Sharpie goes to 2C…still an upgrade over Bolland.
The relationship between Chicago and Rockford should be solely to develop players. Not to be trying to win some minor league playoff spot or trophy. Everything should be about
whats best for the parent club. Always. SrBrad, did SB really say that crap about Sharp and Hossa returning? The GM? Seriously? I wonder if mox knows this? I hope he sees it since he was predicting such a ridiculous claim to come from someone here. But no, SB stands up to steal the thunder!! UnFReal
It looks like Sr. Brad has been busy drinking the crazy-aid. Bowman has been excellent at both drafting and cap management. I don’t think its possible to argue Bowman is bad at drafting when players like Saad and Shaw are already contributing heavily to the Blackhawks. In terms of cap management, Bowman took a team that had to trade away almost all of its secondary players to fit under the cap and brought it to the point where we have room to resign most of our young up-and-coming players next offseason even with the cap going down (i.e. Stalberg, Leddy, Kruger). Those are two of the most important responsibilities of a general manager, along with signing free agents and trading. Signing free agents he has mostly missed on. If you build from within, however, this is the least important responsibility of a general manager. Ideally, you would only sign role players to fill out the roster, while the core players come from within the system. With good drafting, Bowman has put the Blackhawks in a position to do this. In terms of trading, I would actually argue that Bowman is good at trading as well. Bowman has made lots of good trades including Barker for Leddy, Versteeg for Stalberg, 2nd round pick for Jimmy Hayes, 2nd and 3rd round picks for Oduya, and John Scott for a 5th round pick (lol). Sure he hasn’t been fleecing teams with his trades, but he’s made good trades. All things considered, I’d be pissed if the Blackhawks fired Bowman.
Ryan – Does the team competing for a playoff spot in the minors not help their growth?
Bovada has the Hawks as the second best odds to win the Cup. And more than twice as likely from the next team in the West.
Pens have gotten rocked two games in a row. I’m wondering if their fanbase is bitching that the GM didn’t make enough moves/the right moves to put them in contention for the Cup. Oh, they have an injured star, you say? Not sure what that’s like.
I would agree Tails….and Greek, such language.
Bowman has done good to very good job overall. Maybe a 7.5 out of ten. Managing the cap, resigning key players, trading for good prospects, drafting. He seems to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. Mistakes, for sure. But we only see and concentrate on SB’s mistakes. Other GM’s also wish they could rewind the clock on some of their trades etc. Bowman gets a 7.5 for regenerating a Cup challenging team in 2 years and laying the groundwork of a playoff team for many years to come.
Mike, lol…thanks. Just tired of reading and hearing that we need this and want that, etc…Of course we ALL want the perfect team, 4 lines super deep, full of insane talent that nobody can outskate, outshoot, outscore every night, but, you know what? Thats a pipe dream. Not possible in todays NHL. We are VERY fortunate to be in the position we find the team in- a position of strength. There is NO OTHER TEAM in the league, including the Pens who carries the talent and depth from top to bottom that we currently have, NO ONE. PERIOD.
Every “major” deal that was made this year seemed to revolve around one thing… HIGH prospects or Draft picks. All of us agree we dont want to get rid of TT, Danualt, or Saad. And guess what we didnt have… DRAFT PICKS. we used those to get Oduya.
I would guess that Dallas would have taken a lesser prospect if we had a 2nd round pick to offer. The fact was we didn’t … so it was a 1st or one of the top guys. we didnt want to give that up. No deal made. We move on.
We still have the top team in the west, so lets keep going and finish this one off like we did in 2010!
JS I kinda expected that after I posted ha.Good point. Mine was just a broad brush statement really, from an NHL pov I don’t feel big clubs cater to the whims of the farm too much when they’re assessing their own needs. …thats all….cheers
Again, I like Bowman in many regards, but I have the luxury of seeing things without the built in bias. I have not said that Bowman hasn’t drafted well, or can’t make trades, or that he is awful, rotten or horrible. I am simply saying that he has had almost 4 years to deal with the 2nd line centre issue and he hasn’t…it’s that simple. Michael Handzus is another in a long line of inadequate additions to deal with the myriad of issues created by not having this player (see Ryan Johnson, Brendan Morrison, etc…).
Come on, take a step back, breath in some air and see the elephant in the living room. Here is a championship calibre team, with cap space to add…in fact, Bowman’s exact words after he dealt Campbell for Olescz were this was necessary to create freedom in cap space so that we could make a play for players at the trade deadline that could help put us over the edge and win a championship…
We are still waiting Stan…
Greek (who is a great contributor on this site) wonders who was out there that could of helped us? LOTS…because the prices turned out to be quite reasonable. Not making a play for Pominville, especially considering what he went for was irresponsible…he’s a great player and a TEAM CAPTAIN…these are the players you add. We could have moved Sharp to Centre, and what would a line of Sharp, Kane and Pominville have looked like??? Bolland could have slid back to the 4th line for DEPTH. Iginla, Roy, Ribeiro all could of helped us…and Maloney in PHO said his entire roster was up for grabs…how much was the cost for Antoine Vermette when you compare what the others got??? The fact is guys, that a number of players didn’t move because Bowman stood down. Even if we had to give up a pick, and 2 top prospects for Vermette, it would have been worth it, as he would have perfectly fit a need we will still have for at least another season past this one.
My position on this matter is purely logical. We have a glaring, important need that EVERYONE in hockey sees and knows. Bowman has now had 3 full seasons to deal with it, and he hasn’t in any meaningful way…and if we have one major injury down the stretch to a top 6 player or a centre, we will be hard pressed to win in the playoffs. Adding Pominville, Iginla, Roy, Ribeiro, Vermette, Ott, etc…gives you options and depth. Q can say all he wants for Handzus giving him options, and he does, but they are VERY LIMITED options.
Many of you have taken the time to point out Bowman’s strengths and successes…which is great, as he has done many good things here…so why the brain cramp with the 2nd line centre issue? He struck gold twice with centres in the 5th round who came out (miraculously) right away and contributed…why push them more than you have to? Kruger is doing a great job as our 4th line centre…Shaw is doing an amazing job as our 3rd line centre…Bolland was given every chance in the world to be our 2nd line centre…it hasn’t worked…and asking Shaw or Kruger to fill this role is unfair, especially right now…so solve the F$CKING problem by “renting” Roy for a year…or going out and trading for Vermette as a 2/3 year solution. Standing pat with the 2nd line centre issue is a great risk, and unecessary.
A first and a second, plus two high grade prospects isn’t a lot for Pominville? He’s not a RW, not a center. He also comes with a 5.3 cap hit that might make the Hawks lose out on re-signing Leddy, Stalberg, Kruger, Shaw.
Unless you live under a rock you should know that Iginla picked the Pens. Stan could have offered Toews and it wouldn’t have mattered. Derek Roy is barely an upgrade over a Bolland that is playing the worst hockey of his career. Washington was BUYING not selling. Ribiero was never on the market. Ott is not a 2C, he is also going to be the Captain in Buffalo next year.
Do you know Bowman didn’t make an offer for Vermette? Do you know what the asking price is for Vermette? Hawks aren’t the only team looking to upgrade in the middle, since he didn’t move, I’m assuming his asking price is too high. What if they wanted picks? Only thing Hawks can offer is a 1st and is Vermette worth a 1st and a prospect? No.
The top 3 centers from the Stanley Cup team are STILL ON THE HAWKS and Handzus seems to be eerily similar to John Madden (just twice the size).
There seems to be a pretty simple fix in my mind.
20-19-81
25-10-88
29-36-65
16-26-67
You are in denial mode JS…anyone can find flaws in any player and any deal…the fact of the matter is that this problem has existed for 3 full seasons…if you don’t like the players available this trade deadline, then what about the previous one…or the one before that…or the one before that…what about last summer, or the one before that…
Sorry, but you can’t defend Stan on this issue…I am not sure why you are even attempting to do so…and what’s done is done…these are cards we are dealt with, so let’s move forward with what we have got…and that’s a great team…it just needs to stay healthy…I think more than anything Q’s decision to break up the D pairings, and promote Leddy, may become the thing that puts us over the top.
Oh I’ve said he missed out on Vermette last year. Would have been a nice addition.
It’s pretty obvious with the contract they gave Bolland they were expecting him to continue to grow into the eventual 2C. Not giving him a chance wouldn’t have been fair. He has been awful this year, but he deserved the chance.
Obviously Bowman was hoping he had the fix for the 2C on the roster. Maybe he was wrong, maybe Bolland pulls his head out of his ass. But giving away the farm to fill a position that Sharp can fill doesn’t make sense. Bowman has a plan and he is sticking to it. He doesn’t want to spend big money on free agents when he KNOWS that the more consistently succesful teams in the NHL build from within.
This is still the best team in hockey and it can only get better when they have their roster at full strength.
I’m still wondering when/where this 2nd line center is? I’m not buying Sharp as a long term answer @ center. Recent updates I’ve read see TT as a winger, and Danault as a 3rd line center and a top 9 forward not top 6 and McNeil as more of a bottom 9 player. That’s the rub on the Hawks farm system. Lots of talent but lacking Blue chip prospects. Which is why I wouldn’t have minded the Hawks moving someone for Iggy or someone for Ott, Bassard and to a lesser extent Roy.
FYI Saad has moved up significantly from the beginning of the yr until now as far as overall value. He and TT are the only 50 prospects according to NHLfutures.
That’s true JS…this team is still undefeated with Sharp and Hossa in the lineup. And you are right, Bolland was paid 2C money and did deserve the chance…he just needed to have a plan of action if it didn’t work out.
I like Handzus…I know that he is going to help this team win games…winning faceoffs for a puck possession team is THE most important additive…if he plays 4th line and PK every game, then it will be a good addition…the only issue that remains with this team is the 2nd line…when they don’t win faceoffs, they are small and they chase, and they give up a LOT of scoring chances..come playoffs this could kill us.
That’s why I like Stalberg with Kane and Sharp. He isn’t great in his own zone, but he creates so many turnovers in the offensive zone and neutral zone with his speed that you don’t really have to worry about the defensive zone.
I love the idea of Handzus playing the pivot on the 4th line and being on your second PK unit (maybe first if Kruger doesn’t get a little better at the dot). Less PK time for Toews the better.
Will the lines I suggested happen? Probably not. So lets just get religious and pray that Bolland figures it out.
I do not want the face Edmonton in the 1st round, that would be a bad match up. I would much rather face STL, Nashville, or Det.
@ Sr. Brad
Do you really think Bowman should be fired for not getting a good number 2 center, despite doing almost everything else well? That isn’t being logical in my opinion.
Brad I love how you bring up all the bad signings Bowman has made with little to no mention of the good trades or signings like: Nick Leddy, Viktor Stalberg, Johnny Oduya, Michael Frolik, Rozy and Emery, also Car Bomb and Brookbank aren’t really bust signings either. Hopefully I am not missing any quality trades or signings. I think Zeus will fit in just fine.
We are going to be humping the salary cap next year…without adding a new #2 center. Every team has holes. I still haven’t heard anyone propose a legit (outside the org) solution for #2 center that was available for the rest of this year on a rental basis or if not a rental, fits within the cap after this year.
For everyone who wants a #2 center, the solution would be to not have signed Hossa or resigned Sharp or Oduya…your wishes do not work in a vacuum.
As the team stands right now, we will likely have the $ to (if we want) bring back Roszival and Emery and resign Kruger and Leddy (ie Bickell and Stalberg will be gone) for next year. Hopefully Rockford guys like Morin, Smith, Shaw could step up to replace them. While our 3rd line has been good, they’ve been playing against the weak competition and if its a choice between 3rd line wingers or 3rd pairing D, I’m choosing the D, who play more and aren’t as easily replaceable.
Tails…yes, if the Hawks go out early, there needs to be a hard look at Bowman, he’s had 4 years to fix the 2nd centre issue…
Ryan..anyone will tell you here, I do a lot of pimping for Bowman especially on his drafting, and some of his trades…as I have said ad nauseum, Bowman has done a lot of things very well…I just don’t understand his handling of the 2C situation over the last 4 years…hopefully getting Handzus’ faceoff prowess will be enough.
Ozzie…there is no way that Rozy comes back unless the Hawks trade Oduya this summer…we have 2 DMen in Rockford that are coming…Clendening and Stanton are ready and have to be given a shot…Brookbank (whom I don’t like at all) is under contract so he likely stays as the 7th DMan…Emery is lkely gone as well if he asks for more money…plus the Goalie we got from Calgary Henrik Kharlsson is ready to be our backup…Bowman will NOT let Stahlberg go, even if he has to overpay for him, trust me, Stahlberg is staying…I think the Hawks will also sign Bickell, but he may have to go…the bulk of the money goes to Stahlberg, Leddy, Kruger and Shaw….they are all staying…the only real spot open for forwards on the Hawks next year is 2nd line centre…so who takes that…that one is the big question…more Dave Bolland? Kruger? Danault? Pirri?
One last thing, our 3rd line takes on tough matchups most nights…that is one reason why their numbers are lights out…their +/- against the oppositions best is incredibly impressive…Shaw has done what Bolland normally does BETTER than Bolly ever did.
BTW…a lot of people say that our organizational talent is good, but bottom six…I disagree…we have in Rockford alone, 6 kids that will make good Blackhawks…they may not become superstars, but we don’t need superstars to win more Cups…good, 2 way players with character win championships. Hayes, Morin, Smith and Pirri will all make good forwards…and Clendening and Stanton good NHL DMen…Clendening is the one who could become a star…because as good as Leddy has become this season, Clendening has been better than Leddy ever was in Rockford. This doesn’t even include players like TT, Danault, McNeil, Hayes, Garrett Ross, etc…
This is a very good crew, because they are all high character kids that will help us win.
Brad, thats exactly what SB is banking on. That was my whole point earlier. You did hit everything pretty much on the head, we just disagree on the 2C non trade.
Good points everyone.
My question is if they resign stalberg, kruger, leddy and maybe bickell. Where are all these prospects playing?
If these guys are resigned then you have only two spots open on the 4th line and a dman, unless they trade Bolland or someone else.
So why I agree it’s great to have talent in the minors they can’t keep all of these guys, they have no room for all them. So at some point over the last three years they could have and I think should have traded some to get the one piece they needed.
That is all Im saying.
Based on Brad’s comments, you’d think the Blackhawks are in 7th, barely ahead of 10th and didn’t do anything at the deadline. Oh wait, that’s the Red Wings…
With all due respect to Brad’s comments, the crazy train is full. The Blackhawks are on top of the Western Conference for a reason, and have shown the ability to beat anyone when they’re fully healthy. If you want to fill the back of your pants because, without a 2nd or 3rd round pick already in this year’s draft, Bowman didn’t mortgage the farm for a rental, that’s your choice. But reality sees the Blackhawks in a completely different light than Brad. Sorry folks.
That’s a ridiculous statement Tab. I don’t appreciate it in the least. The game tonight completely bore out everything I have said, including the Hawks recent trend to collapse in the 3rd. Bolland 3 for 13 at the dot and the Kane line chasing all night, and giving up the 3rd goal in the 3rd period…this team does not have a 2nd line centre, and its an important position to be strong at.
Crawford had a bad game. I question Shaw as the third shooter in the shootout. If Hossa goes there we get the extra point.
Brad Zeus couldn’t have skated on the 2nd line? He certainly didn’t look slow, infact he made some very responsible plays.
Zeus as 2nd line center Wall and I already said as much to boo’s and jeers. Hopefully a lot of second guessing Bowman haters saw how good Zeus was tonight in and out of the box score. Move Bolland to 4th line wing.
When healthy:
Saad Toews Kane
Sharp Zeus Hossa
Should be the top 6
Frankly, Its been so long since we beat a good team I can’t tell where this team is at. Are we doomed to mediocrity until the playoffs begin? Possibly. And will the #50 roller coaster hit the critical stage at the same time? Are these the concerns of one residing, or riding, on said Crazy Train.? If so…. I have to admit it’s a fun ride here!
Brad, I agree w/ most of what you have been saying-
but, I think Shaw has been MIA since he took a big hit about 2 weeks ago…
Ryan- Tab was wrong about Zeus… He is a lot faster than Bruno (Stalberg fast – no, but not Scott or Bruno slow)… he could play 2nd or 3rd line Center… does win Face-offs, and will go behind our net and win a board battle… (which that 2nd line needs from time to time… like Brad said- we don’t want Kane chasing the puck in D-zone).
Keith looked like Monty- he fell down w/ no one around him a few times…
Blues hounded us like Coyotes last year… we may have out shot them… but they pounded us , and the quality of shots were pretty even. Just add the Blues to the Kings and Ducks as teams we will struggle to beat in Play-offs due to lack of size.
Does anyone else wish we would put Ray in for shootouts, even in games when Crawford was the tender? Maybe I’m not seeing it right, but I haven’t felt Crawford is strong in the shootouts
Brad, check the stats, 3rd line has amongst the easiest relative QOC. Or check your eyes, last night thy were out there against the 4th line most of the game (and did not fare well).
Whether you want to keep Roszy or Stalberg, the fact is ther is zilch cap space left over to bring in a 2C.
Wanted to save it for the wrap up…. but the Hawks dominated that game. Crawford didn’t play his best, but if Rozy doesn’t make a stupid turnover and Keith doesn’t blow out a tire, or one of the Hawks buried one of their golden opportunities, everyone is talking about how they are back.
Powerplay looked better, but not good. Why is Leddy not on the first power play unit? Such a better QB than Keith. Also, I liked that the point men switched it up for one of the shifts and they were able to get a nice one timer.
People happy after watching Handzus? 10-2 on faceoffs, had a couple scoring chances, plays responsibly.
I’m so excited for Patrick Sharp to be back so Kane can play with linemates that aren’t awful. Maybe then he can stop trying to skate by 5 defenders and actually pass the puck to someone. He needs someone on his line that understand where to go to score goals. I assume Bolland only lost faceoffs and got off the ice, because I never noticed him.
How good is the chemistry between Saad and Toews? Saad knows how to go to the front of the net and Toews knows how to feed him. I definitely think it’s time to put Kane on that line just so they can poop on teams.
I hate shootouts. I hate shootouts.
Handzus is not a 15-18 minute/game player. He serves this team best as a 3C-4C w/ spot time as a wing on one of those lines.
With that being said, this team needs Sharp back. Can one player be the remedy to all of the team’s issues? No. But the impact on every aspect of the roster – from Sharp replacing Rozsival on PP to Frolik back on the 4th line – couldn’t be more obvious than last night.
Agree on Sharp, Tab…
When Kane skates by himself on that 2nd line… against guys who play the BODY and not the puck… he stops skating/trying like most of last year!!!!!
Sharp can skate w/ him-
Bollie can trail and finish Kane’s passes…
On the other Hand – Zus might be able to win a board battle/face-off so Sharp/Kane can play O and not D!!!
Either way- Sharp would help-
But My big fear is/was… the Shoulder- I said when it happened that it will later rather than sooner… mine is still F’d up and it is going on 11 weeks… and Sharp’s looked to be worse!!!!
Good points everyone, and I agree that Hanzus looked strong, and very good…he was dominate at the dot, moved well on the ice (he isn’t slow at all), went to the net, and plays positionally responsible hockey…I agree, at this point he should be given a shot as the 2nd line centre…Bolland has fallen apart…he was 1 for 11 at the dot midway through the 3rd period…he does not help Patrick Kane in the least.
I agree with Tab that Sharp’s presence means the world for the Hawks…Frolik is a good hockey player, and on the 4th line, he makes that line dominant when they are on the ice (no more Bollig please, he was awful once again)…Kruger, Frolik, Carcillo, or Kruger, Frolik, Handzus, or even Kruger, Frolik, Bolland make us dangerous.
JS is quite right, that two defensive blowouts (Rozy and Keith) cost us 2 goals, and likely the game, but with OT and the shootout Crawford only faced a total of 26 shots and let in 7…how many times did we score in the shootout? And we still didn’t win?
For 2 years we have struggled with no 2nd line centre and inadequate goaltending…tonight, those 2 things killed us. Bolland can’t be allowed to skate anything more than 4th line mintues until he shows he has earned it…and Emery should be given a shot to become the #1 goalie…because as much as the injuries to Hossa and Sharp have contributed to this elongated stretch of .500 play, Crawford’s goaltending has been an equal contributor.
JS…Leddy should be on the first PP unit…right now Leddy should be on the first everything.
Wall…you are right, Shaw has not been the same since that elbow in Colorado, but I think his health has been behind that as well…in the last 3 or 4 games Shaw has been robbed of goals and assists by some incredible goaltending…which is becoming a CONSTANT trend with the Hawks, we are being outplayed by the opposition goalies game in and game out.
Ryan…Handzus should get that shot at the 2nd line centre this weekend…a big, strong, positionally sound centre who wins faceoffs is exactly what Kane needs, and now. I worry that a weekend of Bolland with Kane against Nashville will mean goals against.
Hoot, you Dang Right. (for statement below)
Stinky says:
April 4, 2013 at 9:01 am
Well since no one knows what any of the teams the Hawks talked to asked for it seems pretty preposterous to make an assumption that anything was missed out on.
There were numerous discussions with Dallas last year as well which amounted to nothing. There are rumors abound that Dallas wanted Saad, Danault or Teräväinen + pick as a part of any deal. Roy is not worth that. Sharp > Roy at center.
Obviously by dealing a 2nd and 3rd for Oduya show that the Hawks are willing to “pay” for players they feel they need.
Not dealing Saad last year was a good decision.
They obtained their faceoff winning utility center. They still have the best player in the league. They have the best defensive unit top to bottom in the league. They have a glut of cheap young players with high upside they will be able to fill the roster with the next two years.
This organization will be a force in the Western Conference the next 10 years as long as Kane and Toews are still around.
“This organization will be a force in the Western Conference the next 10 years as long as Kane and Toews are still around.”
That seems to be a theme all over the league, not just among most Chicago fans. However, what is it going to take for the organization to continue being a force for the next decade in the new cap world of the NHL? Quality depth coming from inside the organization and continued quality coming from the draft. If you dump all of your draft picks, and unload prospects for rentals, every season, you find yourself backed into a top-heavy roster with limited options (see Capitals, Washington). The Hawks have drafted well over the last few years and have done well to not overpay for free agents/rentals in either dollars via free agency or in assets via trade.
Keep that in mind while saying the front office is nuts not to unload “whatever it takes” to get a guy like Derek Roy or Mike Ribeiro.