Puke-Tastic: Blues 2, Hawks 0

by SamFels on Jan 22, 2009 1:29 PM CST

So I'm told a game thread got pretty nasty, I'm not even going to bother to look at it. I'll just thank Gametime for stoking this fire. Whatever gets you through the day, kids. I'll also apologize for the delay in getting this up, but I'm still trying to figure out if I'm hungover or still drunk (did I just blame something else on my drinking problem? Sure did! Did I just ask a question and answer it myself? You betcha. Does that make me a jackass? Yeah-huh)

But really, what did you want me to say here? You know the Hawks were awful, I know the Hawks were awful. Not only was the bus running, they played as if they were going to have to chase it down Madison. Obviously, they heard, "They need the break badly," enough that they bought into it heavily.

When am I allowed to give up on Dustin Byfuglien? I know what they see: a big winger who's a better than average skater for that size, with a big shot and occasionally good hands. But we see it all together so rarely, and most of the time he's driving me to drink (count it!) Let's see what Skille can do in that role, I guarantee he'll be more physical. and let's see what Buff looks like in Thrasher Blue or Stars green or something.

After hanging Campbell out to dry in the Indian, I thought he had a real strong 1st period, really pushing the play and jumping in. Then that went away when the rest of the team did. A flash is better than nothing, I guess.

But that's enough. We all need a break. Some point this weekend Matt and I will do a mid-term review, and in the next day or two I'll post January's Committed Indian issues. Till then, I'll need water.

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Kane, Buff, Sharp, Toews's shoulders

Buff has good trade value, and I’d put him on the block. I know it’s a lot to give up on, but I really think the magic of seeing an 8th-rounder make good has come to a close; I don’t see him scoring with the consistency that his contract demands, and if his biggest asset is playing the point on the PP, well … I’d rather see Barker there (his contract after this year will be more than manageable).

Kane needs to sit out if his ankle’s bad; if his ankle is fine, then Q has to sit him for a game so he can realize that hockey is a game where even bigger people get hit. He’d better get used to more hits, too, because teams now know it takes him off his game.

Sharp’s always been streaky, so he’ll come around, I’m sure. And Toews needs help from the team to realize that the current downturn after 9 straight wins isn’t all the captain’s fault; he doesn’t seem to be playing very loose, as if the all the Hawks’ problems are his alone, like he’s not setting a good enough example of effort. That’s all I can see that’s clearly wrong with the team over the last stretch … other than the obvious absence of Keith.

Shit, do we ever need another centre; with Kane and Sharp in bad slumps, and our first major injury, it’s been pretty easy for the opposition to concentrate on choking up the neutral zone and playing us physically … cause without the speed elements on our team scoring with that speed, we’re not as strong as our record might suggest.

by ChicoMaki on Jan 22, 2009 2:04 PM CST reply actions

Bad game for Buff, yes. Time for Skille to be called up? I hope not, I think he’s injured.

Really? You’d rather keep Barker than Buff? Barker = stinky. BAAAD defenseman. Terrible defenseman.

Trade both of ‘em. Get what we can for ’em. A rental player, I don’t care… I’m just sick of seeing half-assed efforts from the same players night in and night out.

Maybe we can a good second line center like… say… Lang?

As much as I hate Tkachuk… maybe we can rent him? He’s looked feisty lately.

Don't be afraid to take a few steps back, but you better keep moving forward.

by wlittle on Jan 22, 2009 2:55 PM CST reply actions

two things ...

I hear you, and believe me, I’m not saying Barker is a key piece of the winning puzzle overall; I just mean that as a PP quarterback, he has solid value, especially next year once the bonus cushion is back. If we could steal a trade by dangling him, then do it, but I think he has value otherwise.

As far as a 2nd line centre goes, I’d only really be willing to trade for one if it’s someone we can hold onto. I don’t think we can challenge for the Conference championship this year, and so I’d rather not waste assets on rental players. I think it’d be wiser to figure out who we really want (Staal?) and get aggressive going after him, go after someone we really want rather than just someone who will suffice because that’s who’s more readily available.

by ChicoMaki on Jan 22, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

You would rather keep buff than barker and also would have kept lang? Please take the crack cocaine out of your peace pipe. Buff’s skating is sub par, his stick handling is poor, he turns the puck over alot, he falls down when no one is around him, and it’s a crap shoot on weather or not the shots he take will even be on net. To top it off he is a big guy who doesn’t play like it. Granted he does lay down somebig hits, but I don’t think it’s because he is looking to lay the smack down. I think it’s because he can’t stop. Barker has been more physical, and I like that. Even if it isn’t clean sometimes like against the blues, but really who cares cause the blues are cellar dwelling garbage.

by Bad Ass Burish on Jan 22, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

I never said I liked Buff. I said I disliked Barker more. Then I said trade both their “half-effort asses” for something of relative value.

And Chico, I don’t care if we get nothing for them. Buff’s contract is FAR too large, so dumping it would be a plus, and Barker is going to want more than he’s ever been worth. If a rental player is all we get, so be it. Dale and the management staff can attempt to fill those holes however they please – whether it’s with free agents or prospects (Skille, Beech, Kontiola, Aliu, Hjalmarsson, Hendry, Lalonde), I don’t care. I’m sick of our “high potential” players getting free passes.

We need guys with fire, passion, will to win. Right now, I can only point to two guys who give us more “off” shifts than “on”. They’re Buff and Barker. Ship ’em. Lazy fucks.

Oh, and Sopel, too.

Don't be afraid to take a few steps back, but you better keep moving forward.

by wlittle on Jan 26, 2009 8:37 AM CST up reply actions

I don’t know when the last time the Blues and Hawks made a trade was, but I’m guessing it was a long time ago. A really long time ago.

That said, I’m sure the Blues are willing to trade Tkachuk to whomever makes the best offer at the deadline. On top of that, the Blues have a soft spot for reclamation projects and if you guys aren’t happy with Barker, I’d bet the Blues would love to give him a shot to get his game back online.

SWYD

by gallagher on Jan 22, 2009 5:11 PM CST up reply actions