Pahlsson to play Wednesday
Posted by TimS on Mon, 03/16/2009 - 12:22
Hawks coach Coach Joel Quenneville said after practice Monday that Sammy Pahlsson would make his Hawks debut on Wednesday at Columbus.
Meanwhile, Nikolai Khabibulin will start again Tuesday in New Jersey when Devils goalie Martin Brodeur goes after his NHL-record 552nd career victory.
The Hawks are actually looking forward to trying to deny Brodeur his place in history - at least for a few days.
"It's going to happen. We'd just like to postpone it," Coach Q said.
Neither Marty Havlat nor Dave Bolland practiced to rest their bumps and bruises, but they will play in New Jersey.
Patrick Sharp skated with the group but remains at least a week away from playing.
Well, this is beyond old. Another slow start and this team still doesn't get it. It's not a question of holding on to 4th place, because unless Vancouver completely implodes, it's their's to lose.
Now the question is how far will the Hawks fall? My gut says if they lose tomorrow, and don't get at least 1 point, it'll be 6th.
I have no clue what Matt Walker has on any coaching staff member, but his spot being cemented is maddening. The man is walking -3 waiting to happen. He has no clue where to go, and his positioning is horrible. The first goal was a joke. The second goal he can't even tie up a guy in front of the net.
I'm begging for Aaron Johnson. Sit Matt Walker down.
Khabibulin kept this from being a 4-6 goal loss.
The only silver lining, is that they have a very large cushion.
Somebody in that locker room has to step up and start leading this team.
With the way the Hawks have been playing, tonight's game should be a very strong test for this team. There will be a playoff like atmosphere & it will be interesting to see how this team responds to the hype.
HAS anyone noticed the very average at best play of Andrew Ladd???No skating ability, no physical presence, No shot, No fighting interest even when provoked.....What does he bring to the table to keep mhim in the line-up??oh thats right, he won a CUP, Big Deal!!!It shouldn,t give you a free pass to be in the game line-up
Keep in mind that he leads all Hawk forwards in +/-. He is currently in a slump and has not done a good job finishing scoring chances. That could be said about most of our forwards. He's a good 3rd line winger, resposible in his own end, and he limits turnovers and makes a lot of the simple plays. Plays that keep offensive possession alive. He's not one of our problems but he does need to pick his game up.
I agree... I said a few months ago that I like to know when I put a team on the ice exactly what each player brings to the table. Knowing that makes it easier for me to put pieces of the puzzle together to make sure each line has the key ingredients to be effective.
With Ruutu, I knew I had a guy who was physical, could lay bone crunching checks, could score, and had some skill with the puck. With Ladd, what do we get? Does anyone know? He doesn't really hit alot. Doesn't scrap. Rarely finishes his opportunities. Isn't a playmaker.
This team is definitely soft and I think Q (and most of Hawks management knows it). Problem is, the guys who bring that edge to the team (Beach and Aliu) aren't here. Beach I think can make it in the NHL. Aliu I'm not so sure. I've seen him play, seen clips of him on Youtube, and talked to people who've seen him play. Many people portray him as a total headcase.
Someone mentioned my fathers Blackhawks. While those days of the rough tough NHL aren't around anymore, we still need some of that intimidation and grit. Hopefully this team can get some of that going forward.
If we make it to the playoffs and advance at all it will be due to stellar goaltending and speed because that's about all we have right now. If the games end up being mega-tight checking (as they usually are this time of year and in the playoffs) we'll be out quick.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe the reason the Hawks dumped this guy was because he was earning 2 million last year and demanded a raise. With the cap issues this team already has, not sure if they could have kept him. Yes, I would take Ruutu over Buff any day of the week, so I'll save that debate right now.
Ruutu also takes a LOT of dumb pentalies, and runs people which could have gotten a Toews or kane killed. I was at the Blues game in STL last February when he ran a guy from behind, and the rest of the game the Blues took runs at keith and Kane.
I'm in partial to Ladd. I could go either way on him. He plays a very good defensive game and you can't discount what Ladd, havlat, and Bolland have done. Without that line, where would the Hawks be?
Ive noticed as well but hes a nice guy who comes from a good loving family. Hes trying. lqtm
Not to defend Ladd, but at least he will go into a corner unlike #88 Maggie Simpson. Little Maggie pulls up every time he gets near another player and gingerly reaches in with his stick.
I'm really tired of watching someone getting paid what he does to get away with less than a half game.
It lloks like he may have lost a toothe or two when he collided with Toews yet he still keeps the mouthguard as a pacifer.
Enough already. Q needs to start making some playoff moves. Have them step it up or sit 'em down.
Thank Toews for knocking Kane into his 5th year of existence , with his missing teeth he looks like hes a small child. Funny how he also plays alot like a small scared child.
What happened to this team? so many guys just arent trying or battling or just floating until the blueline and firing wide{buff}
Im starting to think that the early wins were done with smoke and mirrors{and phantoms}
or nhl teams just dont care in december about winning.
Its that or guys have been hurt and playing-ladd,buff,burish,campbell too maybe.
Ladd, has been playing at less than 100 percent for a while and is
trying to gut it out. But if his numbers continue to sag, Queenville should
give him more than a few practices off to get healthy.
I have a feeling he's got to be hiding some sort of injury. He's not hitting the way he normally does. Then again, what player isn't banged up in march in the NHL?
Agree with Chico. Tough situation for sure, but let them get healthy. All of them. If they are not ready to go, rushing them is going to screw things up worse than help. Even though the hawks are going down like an anchor in recent weeks, a quick fix might hurt in the long run. Khabbi wasn't moving like he usually does, Sharp was still limping the other day, and people who have mono take a long time. It's crunch time, but these guys are mostly kids. It would not be unusual for a bunch of kids to have to lose first to learn how to win even when healthy.
I always hope the hawks win, but I do wish a class act like Brodeur luck as he has earned it.
Definitely good to hear this bit of news. Also look forward to Sharp returning and seeing where Q puts him. Regardless of whether he ends up on the first or the second line, getting a proven goal scorer back on the ice can only help. At the moment I think I like the logic of deadboyblues and seeing Sharp interact with Havlat and Bolland and then seeing Versteeg with Kane and Toews.....although that is a pretty green line to have as your number one line in the playoffs. Need to see how the rest of the season goes before deciding.
As far as who is going to be odd man out in the playoffs I think it will depend on the opponent. Barring any further injuries it looks like the choices will be between Eager, Burish, Buff, or Brouwer. Eager and Buff have size working in their favor but I don't see Buff being a good fit for a fourth line winger and since he hasn't shown any offensive ability you can only grudgingly have him on the third line unless he raises his level of play. If Q does go with size Burish will probably be odd man out since Pahlsson will help kill penalties and Brouwer can play on the fourth line.
Just a week or so ago someone was hammering away on these boards, talking about drinking the Kool Aid, that TSN said Pahlsson also had an abdominal injury . . . probably wouldn't play 'til April IF he played . . . Tallon and the Hawks snowed us . . . Where are you? Care to admit you're a bigger conspiracy Henny Penny than Oliver Stone?
Why not reunite Versteeg with Kane and Toews?
Since they were seperated Kane stopped scoring and Versteegs production dipped noticeably. This was what 30 games ago? I believe Kane is better served being set up then setting up in the regard that Versteeg is better at carrying the puck and entering the zone and setting up the offense. He was doing this for Kane earlier and Kane was lighting it up. People think that line needs a goon, they do, when Kane needs a playmaker as well.
I think Skille would look good on a line with Sami and Ladd when Sharp returns.
versteeg-toews-kane
sharp-bolland-havlat
ladd-pahlsson-skille[buff or brouwer}
eager-fraser-burish{i feel can be effectively replaced by skille}
Alert the media! The Hawks have thier answer to this slump, another 3rd/4th line talent coming to the rescue. If coach 'Q' isn't coach of the year it would be a joke. How he has kept this team with its pathetic group of mediocre forwards in playoff contention this late in the season is a miracle! If Tallon does not get some proven, veteran 35-40 goal scorers for next season, he must be fired.
Good plan, because 35-40 goal scorers just grow on trees. You know how many guys have scored 35 goals so far this year...........6. Good luck going out and getting a couple of them.
Id be happy with a proven 25 goal scorer who plays physical.
I thought the NHL changed the rules so guys could score more. Only 6 guys have 35 or more? Im somewhat shocked. I remember Bure with 60, Mogilny with 76, Teemu was a rookie(OVERAGE 25) scored 76. Remember Joey Juneau? 35 his rookie year and also got destroyed in a fight with Verbeek(brutal beat down) This was when defenses played tough and the nuetral zone trap. This also was when guys could clutch and grab anybody on the ice.
im not sure my point other then the worlds been tipped over and even the nhl is not immune to weird idiosyncrasy
Those Don Cherry tapes are classics. I remember it all. However, I don't think it was as much clutch and grab so to speak. I can still see Gretzky waltzing through 5 guys at will.
Pahlsson's return couldn't come at a better time with this team playing so poorly. Strength up the middle is key and Tallon did a good job to get this guy from the Ducks.
Pelletier played well while he was up but somebody has to go down.
The problem with this team right now is stupid penalties. Cam Barker has taken two stupid penalties in the last two games. Both late in the second period and both resulting in pivotal power play goals for the opponent. Coach Q should sit him out a game or two to let him know this isn't acceptable.
Another problem is...this team is SOFT. These aren't your dad's Chihawks who built a well deserved reputation for attacking opponents with a relentlessly physical forecheck. With the exception of Eager and Burish...this squad lacks the necessary mentality to go deep into the post-season. If we play Vancouver or Columbus...with the way those teams hit...we'll be one and done...once again.
!00% accurate with your comments. I think Beech and Aliu (and even Skille) is a cheap way and efficient use of assets relative to the salary cap, to push our other large forwards into playing a consistent brand of physical hockey. Unfortunately those youngsters probably benefit early on from some time developing at Rockford. Ironic in that Barker has been much better, but still needs to be better. Again a way to improve the defense eventually may be from within IF Barker and Hjalmarsson play well next year. One of them then could be exchanged for a physical, yet mobile d-man who can play effectively in the Campbell pairing.
Noteworthy that we need another top center, and whom does Vanc & Columbus have waiting to help them become even better? The #1 star of the Columbus game was Voracek (a #1 who can score some points AND plays well defensivly). Voracek combined with little known yet very good Florida Panther rookie, Frolik (do not misconstrue, not Frolov from LA Kings) tore it up as linemattes in junior world two years ago. Then, too, there is Brassard... a strong contender for rookie of the year until injury. Especially quick/fast skater looking to do things at high speed, he had made an adjustment this year to NHL--- will Filatov be next? I shudder to think of Brassard, Nash and Malhotra together. Oh about Faltov - he had a hat trick in the NHL already but must satisfy Hitchcock's standard of play. He was a stud in the world juniors. So was Calgary swedish center Backlund, who was very impressive in training camp with Inginla last fall. In Vanc, Hodgson is looked upon as a steady player-- maybe very soon. Grabner (former #1) is their prospect that really intrigues. Pure scorer with great speed is developing other areas of his game. Wonder how having Jason Krog as a teammate on farm club helps him? Hodgson, though, he can set them up and score some as well. With another Sutter (the one in Carolina, not Brett in Calgary) showing up as well, there is maybe a goldmine rush of young center emerging. It sure would be nice if Tallon could bring us someone at the pivotal centerice position. Would Scotty please tell McDonough and Rocky about that? Maybe DT would listen really well?
Wondering where Sedin brothers turn up next year? HERE's the BIGGEST CONCERN: Can Queeneville push his team to play how Vanc and Columbus are doing now? It's a long season for so many young players, yet Blue Jackets aren't bereft of youngsters -- look at them! It's not their veteran leadership, I think so much (memo: Steve Rain), but more their demanding coach. The players are buying in. Exciting time for this franchise to make playoffs. Mason is really amazing, and apparently LaCosta is a good prospect (probably better than the less of an athlete type Crawford, who some say is nothing more than an NHL back up. Due to his technique, maybe a better back up than Huet?).
Sorry, but StLouis and Nashville have more good young talent coming along as well. We have to keep up with all the improving teams. Phoenix, with their latest deals they have speed EVERYWHERE UNBELIEVABLE (right, Jacukel andTheREALWiz) but they have maybe too much youth. This may not be as much by design as by necessity (ownership has $$$ concerns, yet Bettman acts like the NHL will cover for them).
RegKerr or anyone, do you agree with these comments? Whom is the post person that lives around Colombus? Is that you, swisscheese? You ought to know how excited Blue Jacket fans are about their future.
HP..good seeing you yesterday. Beach at this time would be liability, he does have meltdowns still at the wrong time and place. He would be liable to see somebody take a poke at Kane and just lose it, cost the Hawks a PP and end up putting them short like 5 minutes or more, and getting a penalty or penalties that could cost what is now a crucial point or two.
DT likes his spunk, but stressed to him he needs to channel it better, and at the right time. I like your new moniker for the Q-Queeneville, Bettman wont let x-99 be forced to the sidelines because of $$ woes. Bettman has bigger worries than keeping x-99 in the game, he should worry about them, step aside or go back to being David Stern's intern. The trade deadline is over, the Tampa TV man is back home looking for a free meal somewhere, but he will come back for the playoff's, if there is any. Hopefully the rate things are going, he will stop on his way upstairs to Rocky, J-mac's, and DT's office and visit the UC basement, and the office of Queenville, it is there where the TTV-man might do the most good.
Hockeypuck....nice rant and while i don't know enough to comment on how well other teams stack up as far as young talent...i do agree that bringing up a Beach or an Aliu right now would be a very interesting move. Remember that the Hawks brought up Jeremy Roenick late in the 88-89 season and J.R. injected some much needed flash and bash for a Hawks team that enjoyed a decent playoff that year. Therefore, i'd love to see Kyle Beach brought up ASAP but i doubt Tallon shares this view. Skille seems to have matured greatly and he might add some spark too but neither Beach or Skille look like the next J.R. to me....at least not at this time.
Instead of wasting $5.5 million on Blew-et....the G.M. should have gone out and signed hard rock free agent d-man Brooks Orpik last summer when he was available. Orpik is a beast and he would have gone a long way to instilling a more physical mindset with this speedy, finesse oriented team.
Moreover...i thought Corey Crawford played very well last year when he was with the big club and i was very disappointed that it was Niemi and not Crawford who got the callup with Khabi went down. Still wondering why that move was made?
Lastly, your point about whether Quenneville can push this team like Hitchcock has in Columbus remains to be seen. In 11 seasons as an NHL bench boss, Q has only gotten to the 3rd round once where he lost. In 5 of those 11 seasons, his teams lost in the second round and i sense that might be the fate for this year's BHawks. That's assuming they can man up and win a round which is a tall order. I hate to sound so gloomy because I LOVE THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS....but i'm also a hard-nosed realist and i calls it like I sees it.
But this team very much needs an energy boost and the return of Khabi, Sharp and Sami should go a long way to righting the ship...but there's nothing wrong with bringing up a kid like Beach right now. His swagger and fire would do wonders for this club right now.
He is not the athlete that Niemi is. Tallon and others view Crawford as NHL back up material. You will find out this is true eventually. More than Tallon believes this. I am willing to go along with that, but I also see where Crawford is a solid technique goalie, so maybe he can become a good NHL back up. Probably would play ok, but not your difference maker in long run as a goalie. Kind of similiar to what is going on in LA. Kings happy with Quick and Ersberg, and maybe Quick is golod enough to be a #1. But the big talent they like is Bernier, a former #1 playing well on their top farm club. It does take goalies longest to develop (usually: not so with Mason; P Rhinne played some yeas for Milwaukee before stealing the job away from Ellis this year).
Actually Rhinne's numbers almost identical to Mason, not as many shutouts, though. Here's an amazing stat: Last night Ovechkin had 20 shot attempts (and he was going around hitting everyone, too). About 10 (or did they say 13 on NHL ON THE FLY) were shots on net.
Was a #1 round choice. Not necessarily a number one line guy, but a really good, young player. Maybe his future is on wing, anyway.
Sorry I missed you at the Islanders game, HP. I'll be at the Sharks game on the 25th.
I couldn't figure out your reference to me in your rant, but I'll wait for further explanation.
I agree on St. Louis and Columbus. The once dormant central division is quickly rising and COULD have all 5 teams in the playoffs. Sadly, with the mismanagement of the cap I don't see how the Hawks are going to be able to match those teams young guy for young guy. It's going to take trading a legit, proven player, in hopes that a young player who has shown promise can develop.
I'm very tired of the inconsistency. I can handle losing if they play well, but when they don't even show up and get dominated by crap teams, it drives me nuts. There is a HUGE difference between having 40 shots with limited prime scoring chances, and 15 with multiple scoring chances.
I just begin to wonder if this team peaked in December. They look lost and lethargic too often, and you figure with so many home games late in the season they would be too amped up and taking aggressive pentalies instead of having the play taken to them. The past 2-3 games, the opposition has controled play right off the bat and put the Hawks on their heels. That can't happen.
Lastly, I agree 100% on Crawford. The kid played very well against Anaheim and Detroit last year. It's not his fault that Robert Lang couldn't convert on the pentaly shot. He had zero support in the blowout loss to Carolina. I have no clue who this kid pissed off, but Niemi looked lost. He had very live pads with rebounds all over the place. If the Hawks aren't going to resign Crawford, then why didn't they try to deal him? Another maddening move by the wizard.
Quenneville is going to earn his money these remaining games. This team needs somebody to show up, stop talking, and lead by example. Somebody has to be the GO TO GUY and carry this team and relieve the stress off of guys with less skill who are unable to carry this team.
Steve, in the past you have mentioned how acquiring a veteran for Chicago would help us immeasurably. That is, the young guys benefit from on ice as well as mental approach off ice when a Shanahan or Madden or other veteran can get a message across one way or another. Actually, steve, other post people were also in favor of acquiring a veteran. I was willing to consider it if we wouldn't be stuck with the veteran next year -- scarred of that salary cap. SO...when I said in the post aBOUT how it isn't necessarily veterans helping Columbus youngsters progress, I went on to say (that).... I suspect Hitchcock makes all players accountable. You do what Hitch teaches/tells or he will sit you out. Voracek has been in Hitchcock's good grace all year. Others (not always rookies) haven't fared as well. This year Filatov scored a hat trick, then sat out the next few games. To be fair, however, in this instance the decision may have more to do with the sort of line up Hitch wanted to dress. The next couple games at that time were against an experienced crew on the blueline; the first contest was the can be physical Vancouver team.
Remember only last year when we recalled Bickell against VaNCOUVER & in a team effort others were following through early and often on their checks. In this home contest the Sedin boys just quit and we thoroughly beat them that night. Makes you wonder if Tallon/Queeneville could rotate players for the third and fourth lines next year. A larger, more physical, better skater replacement for Fraser on the fourth line could be (don't laugh, it's not a permanent move): Bickell. If Bickell on 4th line brings more impact when he hits than Fraser, then a different center who is more skilled maybe helps the line score a goal, instead of buzzing around but not scoring (see this year's 4th line).
I just see where a fourth and even a third line helps turn the game in our favor with a key goal. Make players hungry/reward players from time- to -time, even game- to -game if the opposition dictates a strategic re-employment on bottom two lines. Moreover, why go to such a bother (?): if we can improve the talent/effectiveness of our current bottom two lines, we need that edge. When our top two lines are worse than the opponent, the bottom two lines can help tip the scales back to being even, or in our favor.
Since teams will start to go on the cheap with players often moving in and out to AHL/press box, there exists a real hunger for some players to get noticed by their coach when they play on the 4th line. Let's be serious and realistic about our lines; going into the playoffs and as for next year as well, we have two offensive lines: Toewes line and the Bolland/Havlat combination. If we loose Havlat, I'd chop off salaries like Huet and Bufuglien (hell, even just release them helps somewhat)....all so we can outbid for Hossa. Who can't Detroit keep aboard next year due to salary cap, anyway? Hudler? Hossa. Those older checking pair, Maltby and Draper? Well, I sure Chellios will be GONE.
Yes, i am of that belief. Look right now. What veteran on this team who actually had some sort of MAJOR role in the playoffs do the Hawks have? Khabibulin, and he said he isn't a big talker and has heard all the same crap after their team meeting.
That's why I'm not 100% surprised on how this team is playing. Only Havlat, Ladd, Huet, Campbell, and Bulin have any sort of playoff experience. They can state all they want about how some of these younger guys won juniors, college, etc all they want, but that isn't the same animal as what they are about to go against.
They desperately needed a forward who could sit there and call out guys about how they need to step it up, etc. The coach can only say so much, and I think it would mean more coming from a teammate (it did for me). Lappointe did a tremondous job tutoring Toews on how to be a leader, and Toews has responded. he never takes a shift off, and fights for every battle. Only a matter of time before he starts calling out other players.
I think him and Havlat will have a very good postseason up front. havlat, because he wants big money. Seabrook and Keith need to step up their mental game and stop falling asleep on coverages.
We can chat more about this in person.
because the hawks are desperate to do something/anything to change their recent fortunes.
are khabi & havlat fully healthy as well? i havent' seen khabi, tho from reading some of the observations of how he played Sunday, it sounds like his lateral movement is slow (reflecting that he may still be favoring his groin) & havlat can't be 100% given how he skated off vs. columbus.
hawks shouldn't be concerned about finishing 4th at all costs and risk further injury to these key guys, including pahlsson.
get them 100% healthy and ready for the playoffs & challenge the rest of the team to bear down to bring the ship safely home...
I like the following lines:
Kanes-Toews-Sharp
Ladd-Bolland-Havlat
Versteeg-Pahlsson-Brouwer
Eager-Fraser-Burish
Seabrook-Keith
Campbell-Barker
Hjalmersson-Johnson
Khabbi in net
Buff is a "healthy scratch"
and the last line says Sharp's a week and a half away.
Johnson plays with Campbell Hjammer plays with Barker.
Brouwer may be the one sitting.
Buff has NOT played with intensity. If you sit in 321 you can hear the cat calls all day long. The guy just doesn't get it. Yes, once in awhile he'll hammer somebody, but then he'll disappear for 2 games. It's a joke. It's called consistency. He should be out punishing people on his first shift EVERY GAME to give the hawks an edge in the physical play.
The only thing that he has been doing is standing in front of the net. However, with his skill level, this may be the only spot he can score because he has ZERO shot accuracy and couldn't stick handle past the young kid who shoots the puck at the end of the 2nd period.
This is a perfect example of wasted money. Again, if he blossoms into a power forward next year, I'll eat crow. But having to sit there and watch this goof live is about as maddening as it gets. Nobody pulls up and gives a half hearted hit like #33.
Yes, everyone knows all about trading a player with a world of talent, then he comes back and haunts you.
In baseball there is the famous Lou Brock example, just to name something off the top of my head that everyone likely can associate (and I know you can, Steve, even if it is a player you heard about and didn't see). But since I mentioned baseball, there is a paradox sort of. I mean, you have Cubs pitchers who probably will have to be shut down here and there. But they will be giving their best effort. Not so with Bufuglien, because he even admits its not in his nature to be a dominating brute physical forward. So then all you Bufuglien fans, ask yourself this: what is it you truly think he can become? A consistent top six forward? I don't see it. So you move him at the opportune time, trying to get something of substance from another GM who wants to gamble he can unearth talent from this player. Sure, Bufuglien can be worth keeping when he is motivated and is hitting people. I can live without his fighting. However, I really despise the idea expressed when he doesn't even push back in some gatherings/scrums. It sends a message that a smaller player can take advantage of battling for the puck against our players and can get away with taking cheap shots and the like. Bufuglien, he too often won't come out and do anything, he just skates away. If you're a big winger you better be scoring a ton, or doing somethjing to earn your paycheck. Simply put, Bufuglien's lack of physicality is a huge detriment.
If Bufuglien was makng less money, I'd be inclined to maybe challenge him often and see what happens. Don't know if Queeneville will do that challenge thing on a regular basis. You have two stubborn people (set in their ways) how they go about their business: Queeneville (refer to Colorado days) and Bufuglien (won't play physical often, needs to be pushed and even then he isn't always what you expect him to be).
I would be willing to get rid of his salary and use that money to our advantage elsewhere. Presently Bufuglien is a difference maker in a trade; you won't get much straight up for him -- not at his salary. I'd try to move him in a deal where we can exchange defensemen, us receiving a physical d-man better than the d-man we move. Or even to move up several spots in the draft (hopefully first round). Not a strong draft after first few picks. So what, I would examine trying to move up and consider the best centers available. Where else do we get another good center. Another f/a? Not enough money under salary cap even if Khabby and Havlat are gone/it will be a bidding war most likely. I say, not enough money because in the back of my mind I'm wondering if we should draw up a new deal for D Keith now and not wait until later. Invest in our best players who are here to stay...as in D Keith, not Bufuglien.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I know there are a LOT of Big Buff supporters, and I get it. The guy teased us last year with his cannon of a shot, and maybe, just maybe we had a LEGIT power forward growing here. However, what has he done this year? NOTHING!!!! The man has regressed, and how long do we wait for a guy vastly overpaid at 3 mil for the next 2 years to develop, while we lose players that are vastly better then this pile of crap?
When a guy like Havlat, Bolland, Versteeg, Ladd, Eager, Barker, or the 9000 other RFAs/UFAs walk in the next 2 years, i don't want to hear any crap from the Buff supporters because your boy is tying up money that should be given out to guys who are improving and showing some sign of talent. Not a 6'5, she-male, who looks lost. He was too slow and too much of a liability to play defense. Now, he won't even hit or use his size on offense CONSISTENTLY! What's left? Goalie?
If I'm Q, I tell Brouwer and Buff that the only that plays physical, and never takes a shift off the rest of the way is the one that will play come playoff time. If neither doesn't, then I send down Brouwer and replace him with a guy willing to go after a dump in, and knock some bodies around. You can't send down the she-male, as his 1 way deal won't allow it.
The Hawks will need guys who understand their roles in the playoffs, and when they have to dump the puck in and FIGHT to get it back....I don't see #33 getting the job done.
Shoot the Puck!!
At the Net!
Welcome to the Family, Thank You and Good Luck in that shiny new#26!!
I'm not expecting much out of Pahlsson until he finds his legs, but this is good news indeed. At the very least, he should help out at the dots.
Go Hawks!
Great, ahead of schedule
I vote Pelletier gets sent down. As for Brouwer vs Buff, man thats a toss up. I havent been pleased at all by Buff and ive said he should be sent down one way contract or not. Brouwer might be better next year, but hes also inconsistent, and cannot finish his chances. Brouwer is more consistent in hitting then Buff though. Just that when Buff hits someone its huge and people remember it, and Buff lives on that for a few games and doesnt do anything else except blow up the puck with his stick. You know what, send em both down and bring back Skille when Sharp gets back. Buff should have spent atleast half the year playing in Rockford learning his position instead of learning on the fly in the NHL and costing this team winnable games.
Skille is no worse then Buff, Brouwer, Pelletier, Bent, or Burish for that matter.
I know hes not the answer but weve lost all but one game since the deadline with the above players in uniform. Time for some new looks i think.
Hope the sickest player available at the deadline is as good as advertised.
His experience will be welcome. Maybe he can settle things down a little bit! He is a good player, look forward to watching him. Sure hope he can be 100% in the not to distant future.
Hey Tim,
Once Pahlsson and Sharp come back who will be the extra man out? This is assuming this team doesn't run into any more injuries on Tuesday.
I think Hjlarmmson has played well. Pelletier showed some spunk yesterday by winning a few battles in the 2nd period, but he's an obvious choice to be sat out. So that leaves Sharp coming back and having to replace who? Brouwer? Eager? Burish? Buff? I would say no to Eager, as although he takes some moronic pentalies he's always hustling. Brouwer and Buff is a pick your poison for me. Every game each one takes turns looking bad.
Where is Aaron Johnson? For as well as he played early on, he really must have pissed off Quenneville. I can't believe with all the struggles this team has had that Johnson hasn't gotten a chance to get back in there. Walker has done nothing the past few games to warrant the 9000 lives Quenneville continues to give him.
Another big 4 game stretch against teams all NEEDING points as badly as the Hawks. they need to find a way to get at least 2 points these next 2 games.
This is all good news!