Pahlsson update
Sami Pahlsson will report to the Hawks on Sunday, but he won't play for at least another week or two.
"He'll be out for a little bit here," coach Joel Quenneville said. "I think he'll start skating soon and once we get him on the ice we'll rehab him here.
"He's training and working off the ice and building himself up at a better pace the last few days. I spoke to him (Thursday) and he's excited about it, but I think we'll get a better indication when we get him here."
The Hawks will hold a news conference for Pahlsson prior to Sunday's game against Colorado at the United Center.
Writers who cover the Ducks say it's the mono that has kept Pahlsson out since Jan. 31 and not an abdominal strain.
Pascal Pelletier will center the third line on Saturday against Boston between Byfuglien and Versteeg, according to Quenneville.
Huet starts in goal against the Bruins. Look for Niemi to start on Sunday against the Avs.
Didn't see the game. Sounds like there's a difference of opinion as to whether Huet was to blame or not. As a Huet supporter, I will grant this: he is streaky, good and bad. Over time, his numbers speak for themselves.
I do agree with the poster about Hawks playing out of position, though not about Byfuglien. I AM SO TIRED of hearing this kid get bashed. He's played forward FOR ONE YEAR. He also started the year hurt and no one knows how long that was bothering him. You think he's got a better future at defense? Then you know more about hockey than Savard, Quenneville and Scotty Bowman. The truth is, his puck skills, shot and instincts serve him much better at forward, than at defense, where his lack of lateral mobility would limit him to a third pairing role.
If they were serious about a Cup run this year, they needed to go out and get a legit, top 4 stay at home guy to play with Campbell. They didn't. Walker's a great kid but he's a 6-7 defenseman.
HUET SUCKS
Next year support and challenge him simultaneously by plying him on a top line when he performs up to Q's expectations. Don't ride push him too hard in any way but to sit him out and make him practice the things you want to see from him. If it isn't in his nature to play a certain way, then he best show well in other areas. To be a good player most have to sacrifice time and make the practice count. Bufuglien has to not only accept this, but as fans we, too, must accept the fact that he should improve the longer he plays as a forward. The facts are that his skill set is better suited for the forward position, not on defense where mistakes can be magnified and eventually will no longer be tolerated. His salary is too big and his production too small, so remedy this as best possible by challenging his pride. Sitting out sucks.
The post below about tightening up is 100% correct. If we expect to beat someone like Vancouver, we have to play a sound game defensively. This would include Ladd hitting and being more involved, like he was earlier in the season. It means Brouwer has to be in front of the net, and parking Bufuglien in front of their goaltender can only help our PP. I am not sure how, but we have to get our best five man unit with chemistry playing with Campbell. Remeber how Coffey even as a four man on PK and the Oilers were maybe more dangerous than the other team full strength? Use Campbell to his strength! That means also finding the more suitable partner on his pairing. Also Huet has to stop letting in as many soft goals, or he doesn't play the last few games and the playoffs. Use Niemi or even Crawford; there can be no excuse if Huet continues to let in so many weak goals. We'll loose if he doesn't improve in that area -- he should be able to, but will he?
Jacukel your thoughts on Pred's seed if you don't mind? And where will Edm finish?
All those who are expecting this team to make a legit Cup run this year will be very disappointed imo - especially if they go out the first round, which very well could happen unless khabi is able to be regain his peak form he had earlier in the year.
the defense isn't good enough & like last year, Tallon not only failed to add experienced depth during the season & at the deadline, but moved an experienced depth guy out.
pahlsson, if healthy, will help, but if they are counting on him alone to turn the team's defensive game around, that is bound to fail (besides putting way too much pressure on one new guy).
the aim for the last 20 games should be to focus on tightening up their defensive game and reduce the number of good to great scoring chances they are giving up, instead of playing a run & gun type game & trading chances - might be more exciting to watch, but that type of game rarely is successful in the playoffs.
this team has a long way to go to gain the skill & experience to match detroit's cup winning teams...
Jackul---agree on Huet's streakingness. All I am saying is the "bad" goals are adding up very quickly and he needs to eliminate them. Agree on Buff, but if he doesn't progress next year then maybe you try to deal him. I do also think that he has to start showing a bigger drive to play physical. He should be punishing people but insteads pulls up and doesn't hit like he should. Only the Dallas game after being benched did he show what he's capable of.
Chico--Agree on your tallon post. he is lost, and if he lets Havlat walk this team takes a HUGE STEP BACKWARDS. They don't have that dominant forward that Havlat has shown. IF it takes dealing a Sharp at the draft so be it. They have shown they can win without this guy and honestly, I think a Versteeg could put up just as many goals playing with Kane and being set up constantly. Patrick sharp=rob brown from those Pittsburgh teams for me.
I also 110% agree on them having to tighten up defensively. THe pentaly killing has to improve as well.
and having a great season - and when he is playing well, this guy is magic, a very, very smart offensive hockey player with skill to match, but...
given his history of injury and the hawks cap situation, it is going to make it very difficult, (& imo impossible) to sign him, without jeopardizing their ability to sign their younger guys...
given his shoulder, havlat is going to want the security of a long term guaranteed deal - imo, he isn't going to do a marian hossa, which the hawks could probably work with. and given his production this year, I doubt he's too keen on taking a pay cut either.
steve from chicago made a great point about the hawks using the trade deadline as leverage to get havlat to sign if he wanted to stay in chicago, but if they did try, it obviously didn't work.
that means, the hawks would have to clear out big long term dollars to sign him - and unless they want to screw themselves like they did with huet & campbell signings this offseason, (resulting in indiscriminately waiving khabi & dumping lang), they better move out the dollars first before signing him...
I tend to agree with you about Sharp - when he's on, he's great, but too often he's not and turns into a liability - he was prematurely extended to big dollars based on a streaky first half of a breakout year last season where savard gave him a ton of pk & pp minutes in addition to a regular shift.
but who is going to take on campbelll or huet's or sharp's contracts without giving back those same dollars in a declining cap world? - and if you say well, waive these guys, you're still on the hook for half their salary IF someone claims them, which would be unlikely given the length of their deals, not to mention you risk pissing off the owner by pissing away his money.
I think Pahlsson will help the pk when he returns - getting possession off FOs & easy clears/changes alleviates the pressure and sets up the pk for improvement and I think they would play better with less pressure (same with goaltending). whether that is enough to make the difference in the playoffs, we will see.
Another game for Huet and another couple of bad goal...He his not a number one that's all.
HUET SUCKS
How about bad defense? The first 'bad' goal tweaked in but was only a shot on goal because the man was given free reign to slam a point blank shot on Cristo. Huet was in position to stop that and did the right thing. The second 'bad' goal again had more to do with loose defense than anything else. You can't allow a guy to walk right into the low slot unabaited. The mid air tip in shot could not have been stopped by the most athletic goalie. Huet was in position for the shot and with only one foot to go it was tipped up and over his shoulder. We don't have Vlad the 500 pound megagoalie from the credit card commercials a few years ago. Cristo is big but can only cover so my of the net.
You people need to learn what is a soft goal and what goals happened because the defense broke down and allowed all three forwards from the current BEST team in the league to slide into the slot without any resistance.
My biggest question about this game: what was wrong with the TD Banknorth ice surface that made everyone keep blowing out tires?
I am mostly happy that we didn't quit and came very close to tying the game with minutes to go. Very nice to see out of this 'young' team.
Come on.....You are telling me that the second goal that was scored parrell to him was a legit goal? Really? I guess Foley, Mora, every beat writer, and 99% of the fan base is wrong....
Yes, the other 3 goals were not his fault as Campbell was on the ice for all of them, but that second goal was a game breaker. Hawks were in shock and the 3rd came seconds later thanks to trying to grasp what the hell just happened.
Look, I think Huet is streaky. However, my point is over his last 4-5 games he has let in some REALLY BAD goals. The wrap around against Pittsburgh, the give away vs Anaheim, the second vs Boston, and his inability to move to move post to post vs Nashville in the 3rd period. He looks either tired, or completely out of whack technically.
I agree on the the will of this team to fight back. They had Boston on the ropes and for as bad as they played, they still were in that game vs a very good team.
Huet has to be step up and bail the defense when necessary. It is called goal tending. Meaning - he needs to make big saves at the right time and when the defense has a break down or when the team is skating poorly. Huet did not play poorly and looked sharp and i thought he had a good game besides the first two goals. Huets weakness, he doesn't cover the post well and he can't get that right pad down quick enough. He should have stopped the first two goals plain and simple. I thought he should have had stopped the Bruins fourth goal too - just a touch slow in stacking the pads and anticipating the pass. It would have been a nice save.
Brouwer - a great screen on Kane's goal. Thomas was clueless.
Ladd - wow - he played a few shifts on Versteegs line and that line was clicking.
The fourth line was weak, at least two penalties and a few give aways.
but still they fought back.
If he's the answer, we need to re-phrase the question.
HUET SUCKS
Anyone else need anymore proof that Khabibulin MUST be our playoff goalie as long as he can stand? Sweet god.
Nashville=horrible, Pittsburgh=can't control rebounds and lets in 2 soft 2nd period goals, Anaheim=gives one away, and now today......
Fine. The first one happens, not on him. The second one is just inexcusable and this is why if this SIV plays in the playoffs the Hawks will be deflated instantly. He gives up a soft one from a god awful angle that every PEE WEE can stop, and by the time the Hawks figure out what the hell just happened, it's 3-1. Nice job. Especially, after a dominating power play. Way to give back the momentum.
Save the Huet fan club posts. The guy sucks, and until he squares up the shooter and stops lifting one god damn leg in the butterfly, he will continue to give up soft tweaner goals. Everyone else can see this, so lets be realistic here and stop defending this guy. He is letting in a parade of bad goals that is killing this team. No wonder Montreal gave him up.
On a side note, can the Hawks please break up Campbell and Walker? Campbell runs around scared and coughs up the puck, and being an offensive orientated player, you think you would play him with a very defensive minded player...Both Walker and Campbell look god awful today. THe third goal how do you let one, let alone, two guys sneak behind you? Unreal.
Bad game, but Huet really needed to step up and show he can handle the job, and instead shows just how badly Khabibulin is needed.
Excited to see Niemi tomorrow.
That's my solution. Ride the kid, IF he shows anything tomorrow. Huet obviously is fighting the puck, is technically out of whack, and has very little confidence.
Let him sit and watch and get extra work with the coaching staff.
Done with the Huet bashing.
On a side note, what else does Marty Havlat have to do? he's dominating every game.
HUET SUCKS
Agreed HP I'd say Bolland is more #3 definitely, and he's benefited greatly from playing with an elite player(24) and a grinder(16). While that's kind of an unorthodox line they're fun to watch(b/c of Havlat). Looking forward though, yes that's a good thought re: trading perhaps Bolland (Buff etc.) for other top 6-9 forwards that fit those prototypes for #2 pivot, veteran grinder etc. I didn't feel much of the talk early in the season re: an enforcer was so valid but it is and Hawks would do well to get some toughness also. I won't be at Isles game but will be at all the Wed. night games from here out. Go Hawks
He competes. He doesn't hurt you in any way, unless you want to say he isn't a big point producer. But even that is misleading; he had a lot of assists as a junior, so you know he has the ability to generate some offense on that alone. Brophey likes to go to his backhand one on one against the goaltender. This is the sort of player who could be right for a third line center, but the problem is that Bolland is really better here and not as the #2 center. It is obvious why some feel Bolland can be a #2center, but so far he hasn't shown he can be a significant point producer as a #2 center. Teams rely upon their top two centers to make the offense go, and Bolland doesn't worry anyone. He has talent but the question with him is, how much talent, how good can he be? Can't judge solely by points accumulated -- that is a byproduct often of his linemates. As this team is presently constructed I have no problem with Bolland as #2 center, but this is not the player we ultimately want as our second pivot. Perhaps Bolland will be part of a trade which in our return is a legitimate # 2 center. The # 2 center on this team needs to be either a physical descent skater with some offensive capability, or a slick, skill set fast point producer. Those type of centers make a line work best. Bolland is sort of in between that description. That he fits "inbetween" means he is really a # 3 center? Agree? Hey Chuck great if you could meet at Islanders game. Since I mentioned your name, agree with Bolland thoughts?
He's what, in his first FULL season (he missed time last year due to injury) so only has about ~100 games under his belt and is around 60 total points for his career. He's put up decent nbrs this year and will continue to improve. This is a guy that seems to get better and better every game. And about the argument that his point total is due to his linemates....well, wouldn't most second line centers play with good linemates and therefore have more chances to increase their points?
I get your point in that he may not yet be a creator or make everything happen out there...yet, but I'd give this guy a chance. Remember, Thornton started slow too and was producing at a bit slower pace then Bolland was through roughly the same amt of games. Not comparing the two, only saying that we need to have patience. People were willing to give up on Joe early in his career and he turned out OK, right? Let's get expectations in line here. He is a second year player who is now playing big minutes on a playoff bound team and not only does he face the top line of opposing teams, he has started to put up some points. Pretty impressive given his relative inexperience.
Bolland doesn't really have anyone to learn from other than 20 yr old Toews too. The pivots on this team are all second year players or rooks in the NHL. Obviously they would all be better off if we already had a solid 1 or 2 veteran Center on the roster.
At this point, it seems too early to write him off as a # 2.
Bolland may suffice as a #2 and I agree with your presentation. I am not unhappy leaving Bolland in this slot for the time being. We really don't have a #2 center to be found. Versteeg and Sharp are better at wing. The question is (will) become, how good can Bolland be as a #2 center? Perhaps not as good as an exceptionally skilled, or powerful big center? As you said, Bolland has been impressive given his relative inexperience. I would guess that Bolland is not the best answer long term as the #2, but I'll admit that he may prove worthy in that slot. Much depends on the eventual make up of this team. Without doubt he is advantage to us, though, as the #3 center.
I was hoping Brophey's improvement left room to suggest he could develop into a #3 center up here. I expected to develop a firm opinion by watching in person and asking someq uestions as well. But since TheREALWiz has answered emphatically, I tend to agree Brophey is not going to be in that role if he makes it up here. It will be interesting what the beat writer for Hockeyfutures.com reports in talent evaluation/projection upon completion of the hockey season.
It is pure speculation, but I would guess that Sc Bowman and or Dudley have a lot of weight -- maybe more than Tallon himself -- and that it is a strong possibility for Sharp and or Versteeg to be dealt. I say they want another strong center of the offensive "type." If they add a f/a, it is likely to be a wing to replace Havlat. Makarov and Beach/Aliu need to make this team insofar as their development/contribution would prove that the roster is deep and ready to take a step forward. For that to happen, the goaltending has to be solid and the defense position has to work itself out. Where does a nasty better version of Walker come from? How to utilize Campbell effectively? Will Barker improve to a better level of play? Hjalmarsson ready/growing pains?
Bolland may suffice as a #2 and I agree with your presentation. I am not unhappy leaving Bolland in this slot for the time being. We really don't have a #2 center to be found. Versteeg and Sharp are better at wing. The question is (will) become, how good can Bolland be as a #2 center? Perhaps not as good as an exceptionally skilled, or powerful big center? As you said, Bolland has been impressive given his relative inexperience. I would guess that Bolland is not the best answer long term as the #2, but I'll admit that he may prove worthy in that slot. Much depends on the eventual make up of this team. Without doubt he is advantage to us, though, as the #3 center.
I was hoping Brophey's improvement left room to suggest he could develop into a #3 center up here. I expected to develop a firm opinion by watching in person and asking someq uestions as well. But since TheREALWiz has answered emphatically, I tend to agree Brophey is not going to be in that role if he makes it up here. It will be interesting what the beat writer for Hockeyfutures.com reports in talent evaluation/projection upon completion of the hockey season.
It is pure speculation, but I would guess that Sc Bowman and or Dudley have a lot of weight -- maybe more than Tallon himself -- and that it is a strong possibility for Sharp and or Versteeg to be dealt. I say they want another strong center of the offensive "type." If they add a f/a, it is likely to be a wing to replace Havlat. Makarov and Beach/Aliu need to make this team insofar as their development/contribution would prove that the roster is deep and ready to take a step forward. For that to happen, the goaltending has to be solid and the defense position has to work itself out. Where does a nasty better version of Walker come from? How to utilize Campbell effectively? Will Barker improve to a better level of play? Hjalmarsson ready/growing pains?
We can only wish evan brophy can become the palyer Bolland is developing into
Wiz - nice goal - but he was on the ice for two of Dallas goal's and a minus one. I thought the Wiz had lots of chances for many goals and assists with the Hawks- but missed the net or shot it into goalie's chest or mitt way too much. Wiz had a tendency to shoot the puck high and soft.
i saw that the hawks called up Halmer.. and Pelletier. I wonder if they play Halmer or JOhnson. Halmer was very tentative last time up and was not impressive. I did like Pelletier last time he was called up. Brent looked like he did not belong, he played ok for the first time up. I would like to see Brophey get a chance.
Tallon and management - i don't understand their game plan all year and what are they trying to do for the next two to three years. If they really want to win this year, they should have moved one of their goalies - just to free up cap space. They have 6 mil on the bench every night. Also Buff is not going to contribute anything meaningful for a 3mil a year man for the next two years, then he is a waste and even a detriment at times. Let someone else develop him. Or maybe he turns into one of those guys that plays for a contract. We should have picked up a big defensemen and another solid Veteran goal scorer. I hope Sharp comes back soon and gets his goal scoring touch back. We will need him.
Go Hawks
and he does that by the team making the playoffs for the first time in his GM career and getting Rocky at least a couple of home playoff gate receipts to help pay for the inflated contracts Tallon has handed out and to help give McDonough some fodder to drive the marketing campaign for next season.
that meant hanging on to Khabi & Havlat (and letting them walk for nothing at the end of the season) instead of leveraging their great seasons into assets that could help now and/or in the future and being otherwise reluctant to make any bold moves with a young team enjoying some success for the first time in 7 years.
the risk with that strategy imo is that if they go out the first round even with khabi, havlat & pahlsson - (the experienced leaders of this supposed Cup contending team heading in, at least according to the many kool aid drinkers), they will lose Khabi, Havlat & possibly Pahlsson to UFA with nothing to show for it (other than the loss of wiz & kontiola) and Tallon will still be faced with decisions on about 15 RFAs including bolland, versteeg, barker, brouwer, fraser, eager and their two rockford goalies.
is he going to get barker to take less than his current $2.77M when Keith is making about half that? if he doesn't, then barker is going to be taking more money away from Keith (& Kane & Toews), particularly with a declining cap.
then there are inflated contracts like sopel & byfuglien and UFAs like walker & pahlsson - what is Tallon going to do about those?
that is why Havlat won't be back either, even tho they are trying to suggest they are working on signing him. i think they are simply trying to string havlat & the fans along for as long as possible before reality hits...and if Tallon does sign him for even close to what he's making now there won't be enough money left for at least 1 of keith, kane & toews (which would however be consistent with his history of cap & contract mismanagement).
in summary, its called being an NHL GM by the seat of your pants...the only saving grace is he finally has a bona fide nhl head coach, a couple of decent assistants and the best senior advisor in the business, though none of those additions were of his own doing.
You really think the Hawks can just call up all the GMs in the league and say, "take Khabibulin and his big fat contract and give us your best center, NOW!" ?????
Good lord, the things I read on here...LOL
I saw what you described in Wiz first game. How could we also not notice the announcer remark often about Wiz patience with shots from the blueline? The example cited was when Wiz paused before following through on slapshot, therefore creating a shooting lane. He also joined the rush, using an accurate wrist shot near outside of the face to score (off circle in a passing play). Between period two and three Bob Murray was asked to review Anaheim's deadline trades; he choose to highlight players he was especially glad to acquire. Wisniewski was someone he has always liked. Same thing with two of the prospects he acquired, particularly Bonin from San Jose. No mention of Kontiola, although to be fair it was an interview where he doesn't have "time" to mention everyone. It will be very interesting to see how Kontiola does; here's a real opportunity as a # 2 center -- will he demonstrate he is NHL worthy? Jackucel post doesn't like him (we're led to believe) but several post people think he should have been given an opportunity in Chicago. First opportunity he didn't play -- have to check if Murray put him initially on farm club roster.
How about a high stick for the "Wiz".Last night in Anaheim in his debut he not only scored a goal but was voted the # 1 star. I wish him the best! Hope Anaheim makes the playoffs just for his sake. Let them play Detroit in the 1st round and soften them up for us.
my point is we have guys playing positions their not best suited for.{make a case for buff as well}
HUET SUCKS
they called up a winger to play center. reassigned brent and traded kontiola. im no prospect expert but evan brophy isnt getting a look. the hawks brass,tallon,was high on the guy. at this point pelletier is a better scorer but the rockford games ive seen i was impressed with brophy. reminded me a little of bolland. brophy flashed skill and smarts and is a really good skater. what would the reason be for not calling him up?
Last year Brophey didn't show confidance in his offensive game. Management saw his skill in junior; the Icehogs coach, Peters, had Hobson & is familiar w/Brophey from the western junior loop. Brophey has been on a checking line since joining Icehogs out of junior hockey. In fact, Dowell was switched to RW this year insofar as giving Brophey a regular turn at center. Originally Brophey was not playing in offensive roles this season, but was contributing every so often with goals. At some point after Sharp was used as a center, Brophey was moved into a top line or second line spot -- just not on a regular basis. Right now I am certain Tallon and management co. want to see what kind of transition, what potential from Charlebois (def), as well as some minor league defensemen they want to work with and see if those guys can develop (Sparrow, L. MacMillan, maybe Turner in ECHL, maybe Hambly and Brennan but not others). Denis- Pepin plan was to sign after collegiate career ends (soon). Fallon needs to show how good he is at AHL level.
Radna was a very good collegiate scorer and can score in AHL. I suspect he is like St Pierre but needs to get the top line playing time to produce. He's a skill guy, could use an extra step skating, looked good/produced in rookie scrimmages last summer. Davis and Bertram I reserve further comment until I see and hear more about them. Does anyone think J Hendry is a better player in terms of steadiness/few turnovers than A Johnson? And yes, Walker shouoldn't be paired with Campbell. But whom should? Hjalmarsson needs to be left alone, stay in lineup, not worry because he has imo more ability/control play than a Barker does. Hjalmarsson may need more time to develop. Wondering if he will need patience, as has ben the story with Barker. Patience is the key, since imo loking at the big picture one of those defensemen devlops, then gets traded for the nasty mobile experienced defenseman we desperately need. Seabrook not physical/intimidating and Walker strictly should be a third pair. Walker is a better third pair than I gave credit for earlier this season. Almost forgot...there are two small, fast centers playing college hockey...original draftees they produced under a point per game must have been veery young then, now completing 2nd collegiate season. See all prospect reviews hockeyfutures.com click on name the second list of names (vertical scroll on side). Those centers LeBlanc and Auger. I forget which one looked looked better - even making plays last rookie camp.