Blackhawks Blogger Roundtable

by McClure on Jan 11, 2011 3:28 PM CST

It's been a while since we've done one of these, but given the couple days off that the Hawks have, and that they're approximately midway through the season, I figured we'd get to the bottom of some issues with some throbbing hockey minds. Being represented this go around are Forklift of HockeeNight, John of the Fifth Feather, Jeff Bartl of Blackhawk Up, Chris Block of The Third Man In, and some guy named Sam who does Madhouse Enforcer for NBC.

And if you wanna find hell with me, I can show you what it's like...

What do you see as being wrong with Duncan Keith to this point in the season, and can it be fixed?

Fork: I'm hoping it's something as simple as him being a little overwhelmed at being paid $8 million, and is trying to do too much. You can see where he's just not simplifying his game - looking for that one extra pass, shooting where there's no lane, playing with the puck too much. All things that are not part of the Duncan Keith game.

I'm envisioning the solution being R. Lee Ermey walking into the Hawks' dressing room and yelling at him "What's the matter with you, boy? You're DUNCAN KEITH!!! Start playing like you're DUNCAN KEITH!!! Do you understand me???"

John FF: At this point in the season, other than blasting shot after shot off shin guards, he's been alright. His start to the season is what everyone remembers now, but the mistakes Keith has been making lately (poor angles, firing the puck away without looking, etc.) are all things he's been doing his whole career. So I'm not sure those things will ever be wholly rectified.

The difference between last year and this year was his shot finding the back of the net with a bit more regularity and his mistakes weren't as glaring because when he did make them, it was Huet's fault or the opposition didn't capitalize on them.

Bartl: I'm inclined to side with The Feather here, because a lot of his mistakes are things we've seen before. The difference seems to be they're happening a lot more frequently than last season. Maybe he's over-thinking, trying to anticipate the opponent's forecheck rather than than reacting to what it gives him to work with. The blind passes are more frequent, and when he does hold possession, he seems to be holding it too long. Far too many times he's been caught dilly-dallying with the puck as the opposition moves on in him force a turnover or at least slow down the 'Hawks attack. Then there's the obvious blind shots without finding a lane before firing. Whether or not it can be fixed depends on him dealing with the mental side of getting over his mistakes, in my opinion.

Sam: I heard Barry Rozner on the Score say something to the effect of he's thinking too much out there. So because it's Rozner I have to go 180 degrees on this and say he's not thinking at all. Everything seems in such a rush with Keith, he's gotta make this pass RIGHT NOW or rush this puck around the boards instead of taking the extra second to make a better decision. It's the same in the offensive zone, where instead of walking a d-man it's just fire it now. He's trying to play at such a high speed, instead of playing at a normal speed that would be faster than most everyone else's game anyway. I thought his offensive numbers last year were a bit of an anomaly, so that'd doesn't bother me, but I wish he would just breathe in his own zone. I think it can be fixed though, he hasn't this prolonged a slump in a long time but it was just a couple weeks ago he was very good in that four game winning streak.

Block: I know this is a tough sell and hard to do logistically given other limited options, but I’d like to see Keith taken off the power play. Save his energy for the tough matchups 5-on-5 and the penalty kill. For the good of the team, recent failures of that PK unit is something the reigning Norris Trophy winner needs take ownership of. I’m tired of Toews being the only consistent (at least vocal) stand-up guy in that room. His game really began to tail off before the halfway point of last season, but for various reasons, Keith’s mistakes stand out more obviously this year. What strikes me is a total lack of enthusiasm in protecting the front of his goal. Also missing are the defensive reads and one-on-one defensive stands resulting in takeaways and the odd-man chances-for in transition which makes a big difference in that team-worst -7 plus/minus ranking not to mention the team’s win/loss record. As far as the power play, there’s a misconception of Keith being a huge contributor to that unit. Only 23 percent of his points came on the power play last year as opposed to 42 percent this year as he’s on pace to see better than a 20 point drop in overall production this season. Keith has been on the ice for 6 of the last 14 goals scored by way of the power play (one being an empty-netter) and it’s the Seabrook and Sharp tandem that have taken over first pairing responsibilities. On the short-handed side of things, Keith has been involved in 9 of the last 14 power play goals scored against the Hawks. Head up; stick on the ice. Keith needs to simplify things. Get defensive.

Based on the season thus far, is Corey Crawford a long-term solution in net? And if so, will his price tag being a problem?

Fork: Based on the season this far, Corey Crawford is a much better goalie than anyone I've ever seen named Corey Crawford. Part of the credit has to belong to Stephane Waite, as this is two years in a row you've seen big improvement from a young goaltender under his tutelage. He has the same misfortune as Antti Niemi had last year, being an RFA in a summer where there will be a glut of UFA goalies hitting the market. He won't be able to get above the $3 million mark, which won't be that tough for the Hawks. They will have money to spend next summer. For under $3 million? Sure, I'd sign him.

John FF: I don't think anyone can truthfully answer that. Goalies are incredibly unpredictable and one good first half doesn't promise a decade worth of quality. That being said, Crawford is a bit different than most other first-year starters thrust into the number one role. He spent a lifetime in the AHL and at 26, he's probably a bit better to handle adversity than someone like say, Carey Price, who's had to deal with his failure at the most elite level and ridiculous expectations. As for his price tag, if Antti Niemi couldn't get more than $2 million with a Stanley Cup under his belt, I don't think we have to worry about him demanding anymore than that.

Bartl: Not only is it waaayy too early to tell, you never know when it comes to goaltenders and the Blackhawks' mentality when it comes to paying for them. The 'Hawks are trying to do goaltending on the cheap since the Huet Debacle, and I'm not sure that will change. The only thing that will differ from the Niemi situation is that they don't seem to have a true Plan B behind Crawford. If the money isn't too much of a stretch (about $2 million), he'll be locked up depending on the years. Not only are the 'Hawks going to be frugal with their goaltender money, they're going to be stingy on length, too. But as I said, unless something develops through an offseason trade or a bargain UFA, the 'Hawks will realize they're not going to do much better in terms of age, money and talent and lock him up.

Sam: Lifetime? We won't know that for two to three years. But he's appearing to be every bit the solution that Antti Niemi would have been. This question can't be answered until we see how he finishes the season, but I really can't see how he could make more than 2-2.5 mildo.

Block: Well, based off of 21 starts, sure. But before I give him a lucrative long term commitment, I’d prefer to see how he does if and when he’s actually getting the majority of the starts. Crawford’s status at this point is similar but not identical to Niemi’s of a year ago. Crawford is too a RFA, one year away from unrestricted status. However, with Niemi, Tomas Vokoun, Ilya Bryzgalov, Jimmy Howard, J.S. Giguere and Craig Anderson all set to hit the market, there will be more teams potentially seeking cheaper options in goal this summer. If Crawford was willing today to take $1.25 next year and $1.5M the year after, I’d sign him right now because that’s not unreasonable back up money if he turns out to be just that. If he’s willing to take his chances, I would be too. I ultimately don’t see him getting more much more than $2M unless he leads the Hawks to a back-to-back Cup. Without unloading a big contract, the Hawks won’t be in line to lure any of the top free agents. Before this first half, I wasn’t convinced Crawford could do the job, but honestly, he’s been playing at this level for two and a half years now. So I’m confident he can be at least this good in split-duty moving forward.

While he's been great since returning, as both the numbers and eye-test show, can Brian Campbell keep up this high a level of play for the remainder of the year?

Fork: As long as he stays healthy, there's no reason to believe he shouldn't. He's playing to his contract, and is currently one of the best defensemen in the NHL.

John FF: If his first two years here are any evidence, we can probably expect a lull in his play at some point. It would be lovely if he could keep up this play for the rest of the year, but if you're looking at it realistically, his play is probably going to drop off for a couple weeks. Then you'll hear from the usual places about what a waste he is.

Bartl: I still feel one of the main reasons we're asking this question is simply because of his contract. While I understand the amount of money a player makes will determine a decent level of evaluation, Campbell has been mainly solid since he's been here, save for a few publicized moments. Even so, those moments are amplified because of the dough he rakes in. Short answer: Yes, I believe so, simply because he's playing solid enough to shut up the meatballs, but not outstanding enough for us to start gushing. He's playing well, and I can see that continuing.

Sam: Don't see why not. This is kind of the thing he did for like five years in Buffalo which made him so expensive in the first place. If anything he can be better as his offensive numbers aren't quite where you'd like them, as good as he's been.

Block: As long as Campbell’s playing alongside a partner who allows him to do what he does best, there is no reason he can’t. If Hjalmarsson’s play were to drop off for a stretch, I’d switch the pairings and put Campbell with Seabrook right away because Campbell is far too important to what is intended to be a puck possession offense to have his efforts fatigued in any other way. Not to beat on Keith, but when Duncan Keith is on the bottom and Brian Campbell is on top of your team in the plus/minus category and there’s 26 +/- points separating the two, there’s no denying the former isn’t taking his defensive responsibilities seriously enough.

Since returning to the Hawks after the WJC, what have your impressions of Nick Leddy been, and do they differ at all with what you saw in the first 5 games of the year?

Fork: Goddamn, this kid is fast. You can see that he's going to be good - really good. Seeing him paired with Jordan Hendry is actually been pleasing to the eye, especially since their speed allows them to recover from whatever mistakes they've made. For the first time all season, you get the feeling there isn't a defenseman playing who is a liability. Now excuse me while I pat myself on the back, as I have liked Leddy since the Hawks got him in the Cam Barker deal - before that, actually. I will not call any doctors for the boner I will have for more than 4 hours at the prospect of a future pairing of Leddy and Dylan Olsen.

John FF: The latest Leddy audition seems like a last-ditch effort by the Hawks to see if they can avoid acquiring a veteran d-man with hopes that Jordan Hendry and Leddy can carry the load. He looks a lot more patient now and his play has at least resembled an NHL player. Then there are times when he looks like a 19 year-old playing against men.

Another thing to keep in mind with Leddy is how his presence has reminded Jordan Hendry what made him so successful here during his first couple stints. Few recall now, but when Hendry debuted with the Hawks with in '07-08, he was a Hjalmarsson-lite, providing steady defense and making the correct decision with the puck almost 100% of the time. After being partnered with the likes of Nick Boynton and Brent Sopel the past couple seasons, Hendry was trying to be someone he wasn't, i.e. a puck-moving defenseman. If Leddy continues to let Hendry play a simple game, then it's only going to help the Hawks that much more.

Bartl: Leddy has been up-and-down, which is actually a compliment for a 19-year-old kid thrust onto a team maybe a year too early because of lost players and, more alarmingly, poor play from the guys we hoped would produce even minimally. His adventures are less threatening than what we were getting from Nick Boynton on a nightly basis. Having a 19-year-old kid fuck up every once in awhile compared to Boynton fart away pucks twice a game is easier to deal with. And as both Fork and the Feather said, he seems to make Hendry better. This seems like it's going to be the best third pairing we role out this season, baring any moves by Bowman.

Sam: To be honest I haven't noticed him all that much, which is probably a good thing. He's definitely playing with more confidence as some rushes up ice would attest, as to the non-panic in his own zone. But Wednesday is the last game he can play without starting his contract clock, and I don't know if he's the answer to the third pairing problems. And if you're not sure, then he should probably go down.

Block: Not really. Considering Jordan Hendry was carrying most of the load on that pairing, we don’t have much to go on. Also, you can’t base much off of home games against two of the worst teams in the Eastern conference. Leddy is remarkably composed for a 19-year old and if Stan Bowman manages him the right way, Leddy should be a very good NHL defenseman one day. And that day is probably expedited to next fall after Bowman trades Hjalmarsson in the upcoming off season. But I don’t see Leddy as the missing piece now, so why burn a year on his entry-level if you don’t have to? If they choose to, it speaks to the larger problem right now; and that’s bad general managing. Leddy played 30 games last year in the WCHA. What is he going to look like come game 65, 75 or 90? We don’t know and I’d rather learn that by watching him in Rockford. He’s been fine and he’s the darling of a lot of fans because in their minds the unknown is greater than the ‘knowns’, but a great GM wouldn’t hedge his bets on a 19-year old kid during such a playoff endangerment the Hawks find themselves in currently. We knew Bowman was making a mistake when he wasted cap space on John Scott instead of securing a real defenseman and the fact that Jassen Cullimore was an understated savior in the first half is all you need to write in Stan Bowman’s summer performance review.

Lastly, how nice of a guy is Sam for giving away copies of the Indian for free on Sunday?

Fork: My love for Sam knows no bounds (pause). In fact, he was the second most benevolent soul this weekend, after Dean Lombardi...thanks Dean, for signing Jack Johnson for less than $5 million/year. This will go a long way toward setting Seabrook's price

John FF: Considering his heat was just shut off and he hasn't electricity in two years, I'd say the guy is preparing to sit in his throne at the right hand of God.

Bartl: What a swell fella. I had my money out and ready to go before I walked into the UC. I guess I should feel even more lucky that one of his Craigslist fellons didn't just try and take my money anyway, only to see the bold FREE TONIGHT! in the corner when I sat down.

Sam: Considering he only did it so everyone would tell him what a nice guy he is, that makes him a total asshole.

Block: I’d double up what Sam wrote.

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Comments

I really like what I've seen from Leddy so far (and what I haven't seen)

With Cullimore and Boynton on the 3rd pairing, it seemed like we couldn’t generate/sustain any offense because 1) they (mainly Boynton) couldn’t get the puck out, and 2) they seemed out of sorts in the offensive zone. With Hendry and Leddy, we can sustain pressure in the offensive zone. That puts less pressure on the Top 4 to generate all the offense and allows Q to rest them a little more.

What is the plan for Leddy anyway? He can be exposed in the defensive zone, although he has been better than what I expected him to be this early in his career, and we know Q hates defensive rookie mistakes. He is at 8 games played, so are we likely to see a Morin situation here or is he staying for the long haul?

As for Crawford, I think it would be best if the Hawks don’t anoint him the franchise starter just yet. I would like to see them bring in a solid veteran next year, while locking up Crow for a couple years, and have them compete for the starting job. Although Crawford has been great so far, I think its too early to say if he is THE long-term solution.

BTW, I like this feature, keep it coming

The first testicular guard was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

by LanceFister3 on Jan 11, 2011 4:03 PM CST reply actions

Bowman has until saturday's game to trade for a third pairing defenseman

If he does, then I think leddy is sent down for the year. If bowman doesn’t get a trade done, and leddy plays well again on wednesday, he might actually be up for the rest of the year.

I’ve got to assume that leddy is in the middle of a 3 game tryout to make the big club, and that’s why he’s up right now.

Second City Hockey
I'm Abe Froman, and I approve this message.

by Hack on Jan 11, 2011 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

Haha, love your sig

Was it really as late as 1974? I know Mikita (kind of) invented it, but I thought it was earlier in his career than that.

Because a blog of alcoholics just isn't complete without a Scot.

by Germware on Jan 11, 2011 4:20 PM CST up reply actions

I stole it from here. I didn’t fact-check. Everything on the internet is true anyway.

The first testicular guard was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

by LanceFister3 on Jan 11, 2011 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

Well, the general point is definitely still valid

Because a blog of alcoholics just isn't complete without a Scot.

by Germware on Jan 11, 2011 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

I'd have to quit writing things for the rest of my life if I found out that the internet lied to me.

Hating Nick Boynton since 2010.

by AirTrafficAJ on Jan 11, 2011 10:11 PM CST up reply actions

It just shows where men place their priorities

Confusion will be my epitaph.
The Cup is ours until someone takes it from us.
It needs more cowbell.

by krome on Jan 11, 2011 4:47 PM CST up reply actions

Cullimore and Boynton were more productive then last season’s 3rd liners in terms of points. Their +/- wasn’t bad either. But alas, Hendry has played fairly well, which has surprised the living shit out of me.

I don’t imagine that Leddy will be up for long. He has things to work out at the A. He’s super young and he’s a defenseman. That he’s even in the NHL right now is pretty telling of the kid’s potential.

Perhaps they give Lalonde and Olsen a few games to see where they stand at this stage of their careers?

by aeroplane on Jan 11, 2011 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

I like the speed he brings

He hasn’t been terrible and I like the offensive zone work he has done. He gets shots on net. He has been a “work-in-progress” in our zone but what would a trade do? We might get someone higher cap hit. I wonder with the cap they keep him up and decide to send down Scott (i know wishful thinking) since he is on a 2 way contract and if someone grabs him let that be their problem. I dont know what we pay on that but I would hope it’s a better alternative that trying to pay more for someone else.

by Jrs23 on Jan 11, 2011 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

o/t but

here’s a story from SI on the discussion between Milbury, McGuire, et.al, from an earlier thread, and an analysis of Rule 48.

For what it’s worth.

Our Cup.

by 334Rules on Jan 11, 2011 4:09 PM CST reply actions

reviewing the NHL's rules about headshots make my brain hurt

According to Gary Meagher of the NHL, who handles communication on hockey operations matters, it’s not the position of the puck carrier that determines whether a hit is north-south, but the checker, so this hit didn’t violate Rule 48. Kostopoulos is skating north-south, and regardless of where Stuart is facing — even if he can’t see the checker coming — that hit is OK according to Rule 48.

So its a legal hit unless the checker is skating sideways?

The first testicular guard was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

by LanceFister3 on Jan 11, 2011 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

It pains me to say it, but I have some degree of sympathy for Milbury's position

I don’t agree entirely – but, I have trouble understanding how this is 6 games given the other stuff we’ve seen that got less. Marginally illegal hit with bad result shouldn’t get more suspension than blatantly dirty hit with little injury.

Confusion will be my epitaph.
The Cup is ours until someone takes it from us.
It needs more cowbell.

by krome on Jan 11, 2011 5:20 PM CST up reply actions

That's my big problem with one of the factors in making it 6 games:

Colin said part of the reason that he got the 6 games is because of the resulting injury. As long as the league continues to make decisions based on the result of the hit instead of the actual hit itself, I don’t think there will be any consistency to how they are penalized or the injuries sustained. It shouldn’t matter who did the hitting (or who was hit) and what happened after, the penalties should be based on the hit itself. And the rules need to be laid out a lot better so its clearly black and white.

by justforkicks on Jan 11, 2011 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

make that

consistency to how they are penalized and the reduction of injuries sustained by the plaers.

by justforkicks on Jan 11, 2011 5:31 PM CST up reply actions

this was part of the issue

with Hjalmmerson’s suspensio earlier, wasn’t it? Or that phantom penalty the Hawks took a few games back (on Hendry) where niether offical called a penalty while the puck was in play, but only after the one who got hit writhed on the ice for a few minutes, and then sent us on the PK?

The REALLY BAD implication of this, in my opinion, is that it encourages the development of FIFA-style diving by the players. And as fans of a hard-hitting sport, I don’t think anyone wants to see that.

happy ninja may seem happy, but may have to kick your ass if you don't get it in gear.

by puppetmasterp on Jan 11, 2011 5:31 PM CST up reply actions

yeah i had a huge beef with that when it happened

you let play go on…with the hawks in possesion and don’t blow the whistle…that tells me they didn’t think it was a penalty…then cause he’s hurt and bleeding you give him a 4 minute that they score twice on giving away the game

when did you run into will smith!?

by desertindian on Jan 12, 2011 1:56 AM CST up reply actions

Based on how things are being called in mid-season

I’m having trouble understanding why Hjammer got 2 games earlier in the year. Was it because it was “fashionable” back then?

My Father's name is Jack, and my Mother's name is Daniels...

by Joe Banks on Jan 11, 2011 10:48 PM CST up reply actions

it was early in the season

Colin Campbell wanted to make an example of someone as the first big suspension of the year…..

happy ninja may seem happy, but may have to kick your ass if you don't get it in gear.

by puppetmasterp on Jan 11, 2011 10:52 PM CST up reply actions

I totally agree

My Father's name is Jack, and my Mother's name is Daniels...

by Joe Banks on Jan 11, 2011 10:56 PM CST up reply actions

I don't get what Block's saying about Hjammer

He makes a good point about Leddy re: number of games played, but why would StanBow trade a stay-at-home D-man in order to make room for Leddy on the 2nd pair*?

*I think that’s what he’s suggesting, anyway. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Because a blog of alcoholics just isn't complete without a Scot.

by Germware on Jan 11, 2011 4:25 PM CST reply actions

Block likes to take the opposite angle.

To be controversial. It’s his thing.

by Ban on Jan 11, 2011 5:32 PM CST up reply actions

I get that

But he’s a smart guy. Proposing Leddy-Campbell? Really?

Because a blog of alcoholics just isn't complete without a Scot.

by Germware on Jan 11, 2011 5:42 PM CST up reply actions

If you listen to the third man in radio link I posted

you’ll hear him talk a little bit about it.

I don’t think he’s necessarily saying that Campbell leddy is going to happen, but he kind of implies that one or two of the good young defensemen we have in the system will be up next year because we need money for seabrook, a goaltender, and better forwards in some spots.

I like Hammer, but if Olsen is really going to be what people think, there might not be a spot for hammer in the future D corps.

Another feature of the TTMI radio link, extreme stan bowman bashing.

Second City Hockey
I'm Abe Froman, and I approve this message.

by Hack on Jan 11, 2011 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

God forbid, but if Hjammer goes is there anyway to change tags?

"My nipples! They hurt! They hurt when I twist them!"

by HjammerTime on Jan 11, 2011 6:18 PM CST up reply actions

he wont really be gone if we find a way to remember him

— Star Trek II (almost)

The first testicular guard was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

by LanceFister3 on Jan 11, 2011 6:24 PM CST up reply actions

You clever bastard

"My nipples! They hurt! They hurt when I twist them!"

by HjammerTime on Jan 11, 2011 6:54 PM CST up reply actions

sort of

it’s like in the second matrix movie. You have to find The Architect, which is not easy, and then listen to his spiel and then he’ll change it for you.

Second City Hockey
I'm Abe Froman, and I approve this message.

by Hack on Jan 11, 2011 6:26 PM CST up reply actions

God, I hope

the Architect does not turn out to be Q. I have a feeling he’d be like "well lets see here, lets just randomly mix a who bunch of letters and numbers together. Here ya go “fhdjlahjfldhajkvbyrlafb759njl” is your new name. It’s brilliant i tell you! I use the same method for line changes!"

Bug Chucker Fly Fishing
Supreme Most Holy Pontiff, and Chief Prophet of JeHossa's Witnesses

by BigCSouthside on Jan 11, 2011 6:29 PM CST up reply actions

Then after that, Bowman turns out to be Techno-Christ

And nobody watches the Matrix ever again.

Hating Nick Boynton since 2010.

by AirTrafficAJ on Jan 11, 2011 10:14 PM CST up reply actions

Joe Banks II

We like our people.

by cliffkoroll on Jan 11, 2011 6:36 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Wait. Woot?

My Father's name is Jack, and my Mother's name is Daniels...

by Joe Banks on Jan 11, 2011 10:16 PM CST up reply actions

um

living down your erstwhile handle?

We like our people.

by cliffkoroll on Jan 12, 2011 7:55 AM CST up reply actions

By the time that happens ...

Hammer will be well into the 2nd half of his contract (and assuming there is no cap “correction”) he will look like an absolute steal at that money. So it’d take the offer from God to move him.

Just win the next game...!

by blackhawk24 on Jan 12, 2011 7:36 AM CST up reply actions

I'm confused

I thought the future was supposed to be hjammer-leddy. I’m all for bringing up young guys but if hjammer continues to work out why get rid of him, if it’s not broke why fix it

by joedl42 on Jan 12, 2011 10:09 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Not at the price they were forced to pay Hjalmarsson

They’ve always been high on Dylan Olsen, and entry level deals are a lot cheaper than $3.5 mildo per.

Second City Hockey
Things have changed forever, we're the Ramblin' Boys of Pleasure

by McClure on Jan 12, 2011 10:40 AM CST up reply actions

Dylan Olsen really needs to improve his skating skills if the ’Hawks envision him making the leap to the NHL.

Too many times I noticed Olsen getting beat to the outside during the WJHC with a couple of times him being turned inside-out.

One day Olsen will be a #4 defenceman on this team, just not next year as he needs further development.

It's January and we're still awaiting the arrival of the defending Stanley Cup Champions who have apparently arrived to the party drunk unwilling to consistently be competitive ... nor care to change.

by hawks61 on Jan 12, 2011 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

I envision you guys

sitting around smoking cigars like the old “sports writers on TV” (god they were good).

But seriously, a little less testosterone would be fantastic. Surely there is a female ’hawks blogger you guys could include :)

Halfway through the season and halfway to the cliff.

by hawkeytalk on Jan 11, 2011 4:31 PM CST reply actions

Can I be Bill Jauss?

Second City Hockey
Things have changed forever, we're the Ramblin' Boys of Pleasure

by McClure on Jan 11, 2011 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

aren't you already?

On your way I mean.

Halfway through the season and halfway to the cliff.

by hawkeytalk on Jan 11, 2011 5:23 PM CST up reply actions

Whoa - were you just "Jauss-sting"?

My Father's name is Jack, and my Mother's name is Daniels...

by Joe Banks on Jan 11, 2011 10:52 PM CST up reply actions

Dibs

on Ben Bentley!

I think I'm an honorary Slovakian. I'm starting to learn (the language). I know all the swear words now, anyway. Patrick Sharp

by Zookarama on Jan 12, 2011 12:48 AM CST up reply actions

I guess I should feel even more lucky that one of his Craigslist fellons didn't just try and take my money anyway

hilarious!

Puckin' Hostile
-Matt Cooke is a turd burglar. He burgles ALL the turds.-
-At least he's not Cam Janssen. What a bag of dicks that guy is.-

by G8K33P3R on Jan 11, 2011 5:22 PM CST reply actions

haven't watched that

is it a good show?

by Jrs23 on Jan 11, 2011 5:31 PM CST up reply actions

I would love to be a CI seller for a night.

Is that weird? Sam sometimes posts on Facebook when he needs sellers for the evening, and I always either can’t make it or see it too late to volunteer.

by Katherine215 on Jan 11, 2011 7:28 PM CST up reply actions

you really don't wanting be walking the streets

Sure, Hollywood makes it seem sort of glamorous – but it anything but the reality of that sordid business

Confusion will be my epitaph.
The Cup is ours until someone takes it from us.
It needs more cowbell.

by krome on Jan 11, 2011 7:34 PM CST up reply actions

but...but...

I’ll meet a handsome rich guy, fall madly in love, get an expensive wardrobe and live happily ever after! What’s wrong with that?

by Katherine215 on Jan 11, 2011 7:37 PM CST up reply actions

Or you meet Nick Boynton looking to kill some time.

Hating Nick Boynton since 2010.

by AirTrafficAJ on Jan 11, 2011 10:15 PM CST up reply actions

Boynton never looks to kill time

he just happens to be in Time’s vicinity, and well, you know…

Tiger got to sleep, bird got to land; Man got to tell himself he understand.

by hairhelmet on Jan 11, 2011 10:22 PM CST up reply actions

lol

by Skags on Jan 12, 2011 9:43 AM CST up reply actions

Probably the pre-nup.

My Father's name is Jack, and my Mother's name is Daniels...

by Joe Banks on Jan 11, 2011 10:53 PM CST up reply actions

If he didn't ask people already

This would be a fun contest prize…

by VerStig on Jan 11, 2011 8:28 PM CST up reply actions

Really good stuff-

Except the parts where you’re all full of shit.

We like our people.

by cliffkoroll on Jan 11, 2011 6:39 PM CST via mobile reply actions 4 recs

The idea of taking Keith off the Power Play both intrigues and revolts me

Something tells me thats probably not going to happen

"My nipples! They hurt! They hurt when I twist them!"

by HjammerTime on Jan 11, 2011 7:45 PM CST reply actions

I really like it

What’s the worst that can happen? That second unit just doesn’t seem to work…

by VerStig on Jan 11, 2011 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldnt mind seeing Leddy get some PP time

Although if you just replace Keith with him, you have Campbell and Leddy on the 2nd unit, which is repetitive. If Keith comes off, I would like to see Campbell with Sharp (if Q insists on having a forward back there) on the 1st unit, and Leddy and Seabs on the 2nd. But I doubt that will happen any time soon considering we have one of the best PP’s in the league right now.

The first testicular guard was used in hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

by LanceFister3 on Jan 11, 2011 11:11 PM CST up reply actions

I'd say that

Leddy-Campbell is no more repetitive than Dunc-Campbell

Second City Hockey
I'm Abe Froman, and I approve this message.

by Hack on Jan 12, 2011 9:55 AM CST up reply actions

Regarding D2K

I disagree that he sucks or is tired or whatever. He blew up last year and was pretty kick ass the year before. Maybe teams watch video and figured out how to stop him and he hasnt figured out how to adjust since word is out he is real good at hockey.

Campbell is a veteran and has shown the ability adjust to whatever pressure comes his way and simplify his game if needed, especially after his first season here. Keith will figure it out.

Leddy can pass and skate. I am a fan of both things. We will know by Sunday if he is deserving of a roster spot or not but Q has a huge man crush so even if he biff’s a game I doubt he will go away.

by TurdFurgeson on Jan 11, 2011 8:31 PM CST reply actions

We have to take matters into our own hands because

the teams above us almost never fucking lose.

"Yet you skate like you think wearing it is enough."

LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!!

by ballyb on Jan 11, 2011 9:25 PM CST reply actions

Next four games are against teams directly above us in the standings.

Time to kick some fucking ass.

"My nipples! They hurt! They hurt when I twist them!"

by HjammerTime on Jan 11, 2011 9:29 PM CST up reply actions

Correct me if I am wrong

but at this point, as long as we are in the top 8, we would prefer teams ahead of us to win rather than have teams behind us catch us. At least that’s been my reasoning. At some other point we can worry about which position within the top 4-8, assuming we are not going to catch Scum.

Halfway through the season and halfway to the cliff.

by hawkeytalk on Jan 11, 2011 10:00 PM CST up reply actions

yeah, i've been cheering for Scum a lot lately

vs. western conference teams: the Avs, the Nucks.
It feels dirty, but it makes the most sense.

happy ninja may seem happy, but may have to kick your ass if you don't get it in gear.

by puppetmasterp on Jan 11, 2011 10:48 PM CST up reply actions

ditto

for Hawkeytalk. I am showering a lot lately.

Halfway through the season and halfway to the cliff.

by hawkeytalk on Jan 12, 2011 8:12 AM CST up reply actions

I've started cheering for both Scum and Scum Junior (the talented ones, not the Blues)

I’d like it if Vancouver didn’t get the President’s Trophy so we don’t have to hear about how wonderful they are, but I’d much rather they take every possible point off every Western Conference team (apart from us) if it meant we got into the playoffs.

Unclean, so very unclean.

Because a blog of alcoholics just isn't complete without a Scot.

by Germware on Jan 12, 2011 9:20 AM CST up reply actions

I can’t believe the Leafs actually helped us this week.

L.A., then SJ? Break up the Leafs?

by hawks61 on Jan 12, 2011 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

also

The Sharks sucking lately is a big help. hopefully, they keep it (whatever it is they’re doing or not doing) up.

happy ninja may seem happy, but may have to kick your ass if you don't get it in gear.

by puppetmasterp on Jan 11, 2011 10:50 PM CST up reply actions

Unless he's playing the Hawks, Niemi = Rex Grossman

My Father's name is Jack, and my Mother's name is Daniels...

by Joe Banks on Jan 11, 2011 10:55 PM CST up reply actions

Solid after a rough start, but with almost no support from the rest of the team?

Funny, that’s not how I remember Rexy.

by The_FFF on Jan 12, 2011 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

also

We know that one team in the other WC divisions are going to take one of the top 3 spots. So I’ve been cheering for Dallas and ’Nucks lately along with Scum to beat other WC teams.

Halfway through the season and halfway to the cliff.

by hawkeytalk on Jan 12, 2011 8:52 AM CST up reply actions

You have my sword

I’ve been reading this feature for a while. Love it.

Which one would be who in the Fellowship?

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. - Wayne Gretzky"
- Michael Scott

by eightyseven on Jan 12, 2011 12:19 AM CST reply actions

Pierre McGuire would be the measurer of swords

and, thank Ilúvatar, the first to die.

Tiger got to sleep, bird got to land; Man got to tell himself he understand.

by hairhelmet on Jan 12, 2011 1:01 AM CST up reply actions

Not gonna lie, I went back and read that thread from last spring

after seeing this pic…

by VerStig on Jan 12, 2011 3:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I was bored last night

and working on my Kop hat trick drawing (I think I may have figured out how to draw a whiff!) when I started wondering who coined the phrase (ElHoju gets that honor, btw) and then just reading that thread where it came up…oh man, hilarious.

by ahnfire on Jan 12, 2011 5:23 PM CST up reply actions

Link please? :)

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. - Wayne Gretzky"
- Michael Scott

by eightyseven on Jan 12, 2011 6:25 PM CST up reply actions

I think VerStig was talking about

this thread

by ahnfire on Jan 12, 2011 8:46 PM CST up reply actions

so did I

it was SUCH a good thread! such awesome memories!
The East is still wasteland, and Sauron is still the flaming vagina in the sky.

happy ninja may seem happy, but may have to kick your ass if you don't get it in gear.

by puppetmasterp on Jan 13, 2011 12:23 AM CST up reply actions

If it wasn't for all the references to the Sharks....

Read the four main points/headings on this list.. Sounds a wee bit familiar, no?

happy ninja may seem happy, but may have to kick your ass if you don't get it in gear.

by puppetmasterp on Jan 12, 2011 12:48 AM CST reply actions

first of all, "wee bit familiar"? when did you become Germ? ;)

and secondly, Q must’ve given McLellan a line generator for Christmas. How nice of him!

by ahnfire on Jan 12, 2011 1:33 AM CST up reply actions

don't be silly

If I were Germ, I would have put “aye?” at the end of my sentance.
Plus, between the “wee bit of” time in Scotland and Indian colloquialisms from my family, there will probably always be a few Britishisms in my vocabulary.

Funny story: I’m driving my mother and we’re stopped at some tracks by a passing freight train. She says “there’s goords! …In Indian we would calls those a goords….” so I stopped and thought about it, and I suspect it’s some Indianism of the English word “goods”….and in a passing cargo train that would transport goods…..

happy ninja may seem happy, but may have to kick your ass if you don't get it in gear.

by puppetmasterp on Jan 12, 2011 9:38 AM CST up reply actions

McClure

Nice caption on the photo.

As long as Campbell stays healthy and keeps it fairly simple, I see no reason why he can’t sustain this level of play.

I like the idea of taking Dunc of the PP, because despite all the rumors about his superhuman powers, he is just a man. Let him focus on the PK and 5v5.

by Delta0ne1 on Jan 12, 2011 10:48 AM CST reply actions

Gandalf?

I might be old, but I’m sure as hell not a wizard.

HOCKEENIGHT.COM...home of FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS and the HOCKEENIGHT PUCKCAST!!!

by Forklift14 on Jan 12, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions

Hammer trade

I may be a bit slow on commenting on the Hjalmarsson trade idea, I am new to the whole posting thing… Did Bowman Sr not recently “bet his career” that Hammer would be one of, if not the best defensemen in the league? I would think he was not so subtly referring to lidstrom. I do not capitalize the names of the enemies.

by Michael Calvert on Jan 12, 2011 5:21 PM CST reply actions

Wassup Michael. Since this thread was from yesterday, I don’t know if many people will be around to read new comments (like yours) anymore. I would post this comment again tomorrow morning in one of the brand new threads so it gets more exposure.

Really, nobody wants to hear about your fantasy league team. Honest.

by K_Dog on Jan 12, 2011 5:58 PM CST up reply actions