Hossa vs. Havlat
SAN JOSE, Calif. – By the time the Blackhawks return home from this road trip, Marian Hossa might have more goals than Martin Havlat.
Hossa is set to make his Hawks debut Wednesday night against the Sharks playing right wing on a line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
The Hossa-Havlat comparisons don’t matter much anymore, not with Havlat owning just 2 goals in 19 games with Minnesota. The Hawks signed the right free agent, choosing Hossa over Havlat, and their decision is being proved right.
Word out of Minnesota is Havlat is not competing on every shift, which is what he did do last season with the Hawks with a new contract at stake and great linemates in Dave Bolland and Andrew Ladd doing the dirty work.
But enough about Havlat – he’s Minny’s worry now.
Kane will shift to left wing to make room for Hossa on that line since Hossa prefers the right side.
"He's obviously been in the league a lot longer than I have and he's done some special things over there," Kane said. "Hopefully we're moving around in the offensive zone pretty good and we won't have to worry about sides, but it's something I'll probably have to get comfortable with.
"I should just be happy to be on his line no matter where I'm playing.”
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville has used Kane on the left side before and doesn't see it as a big deal.
"It's a situation where Marian hasn't played in a while and he likes the right side," Quenneville said. "When they're just playing hockey, their instincts will take over anyway. We'll see how it plays itself out."
Hossa's first game comes almost four months to the day he underwent shoulder surgery (July 24) to repair a damaged rotator cuff.
"It's been four months and I feel good on the ice and ready to go," Hossa said. "It's a new team and I haven't played a game yet with these guys so I'll try to blend right in, keep it simple and just use my instincts the first couple games."
given how good he's been this season. But then again it certainly seems fair to give Coach Q the benefit of the doubt.
Regarding Hossa, it's worth remembering that for the Penguins' 2008 playoff run when he was fully healthy he was a beast: 26 points in 20 games and plus-8. And as far as his having reason to produce, remember that he took a huge calculated risk after that season by signing with the Red Wings for just one year -- any number of NHL teams would have happily signed him to a megabucks guaranteed long-term deal. He did that only on the basis of where could he have the best chance of winning the Cup. Of course the move didn't end up quite working out how he'd hoped, but point is that the guy showed himself willing to risk future health and wealth in order to win.
P.S. Been to a couple games thus far and already had tickets for several more, but yesterday a buddy scored prime seats for...December 22nd against the Sharks, woot! It's good advice to enjoy this ride, hard not to stress about stuff but let's try...the two playoff games I went to last spring were my best evenings as a hockey fan since seeing them close out the Wings during that great 1992 playoff run.
P.P.S. And now I'll make you guys jealous: my girlfriend is just as into it, bwah-ha-ha-haaa....I'm one thankful Hawk fan today you betcha. ;-)
In my line of work, we call this distorted comparison a logical fallacy.
Look, Havlat was the Hawk's best player last year. He was truly fun--and sometimes breathtaking--to watch.
There's no reason to believe that Havlat wouldn't have picked up where he left off this season, and it's important to remember that the Wild are not the Hawks.
It's sad to think being passed over by the Hawks has crushed Havlat's spirit, and that fact that he twittered (and Tweeted) like a heartsick tweener during the whole off-season ordeal speaks loudly that Havlat wanted nothing more than to commit to the Indian. A little too late for some of you, and that's fine.
But I refuse to belittle Havlat simply because Hossa is great. It's a comparison that's not only unfair but also unnecessary.
No one, myself included, challenges the fact that Hossa helps the Hawks take a monster step toward a parade in June, but let's be honest with ourselves: someone in the South Side should write a twelve-bar about how the Hawks done did Havlat wrong.
The Bluesman could title the song "Jus'Bizness."
......
Hossa is here and all the pieces seem to be in place...But as a Hawks fan you know this is moment is fleeting. We all know a rash of injuries or some sort of stupid trade or breakdown on the extensions is about to happen! This is the Hawks!
because the Hawk fans have more to be thankful for than most pro sports fans.
Instead of trying to find ways to justify the Halvat launch and promote the Hossa addition, maybe we need to just let the year roll on for both.
Last season there were games when I thought Havlat willed himself scoring chances.
I cannot diss a guy who came back with a concussion he refused to acknowledge in the playoffs with only his floundering team in mind.
I think a lot of the Havlat displayed in Minny is one that has been trying to continue to play with an injury, new linemates, and a huge weight to perform his contract has brought him.
I think it will be easy to see that Hossa is an upgrade, but comparisons of players are tough when they are fairly different.
Hossa can put it in and play an effortless smart game all over the ice.
Halvat worked hard in his last Hawk season to do the same.
The season is long and you never know when another injury could befall Hossa, or any Hawk, as this season seems to have produced a more than amount so far...
We still have lots to smile about, so enjoy you next couple of days, win or lose tonight.
(Look for the bearded old guy in the black Hawk jersey in the Shark tank.)
On to my daughter's in Hollywood for Thanksgiving next.
Recalling that scouting projection in his draft year said he would be a good, solid player but maybe not a prototypical first line scorer (still a point producer). Also recall he was maybe even gold in a juniors tournament with Frolik on the line. They worked well together.
So this is sort of a lead in question to sixhandeight. First, however, thank you very much for your fairly recent review of Blue Jackets personnel etc al. Also thanks to southpaw for Avalanche review. Watching pieces of games and "on the Fly" is not going to give one the absolute best observation, sort of just some clues as to a player's ability and how the player fits in on his team.
With BlueJackets, I do not for one second believe they can't or won't be a playoff contender. Initially I wanted to blame the lack of a veteran, star puck mover among the defensemen, someone who can carry the puck up ice. Russell is ok, but not the first pair and maybe not even a second pair force -- he's just ok. I know Moore is a big hope for what he could bring, but his time is at least two years away because he is a defenseman. It takes players in that position usually at least a couple of years, and then, too, he needs another good camp and to turn pro.
I just wonder, now a couple of times this team has given up a lot of goals in one game. Brassard isn't progressing in the offensive point producing mode that he appeared to be developing into before inj last year. Still like all the young guys (Mason too). What's the future expectation this year for the young players and team's success as well? Can Blunden stick as an extra/bottom line guy? I've always like Garon, and he's great in shootouts!
One comment on Avalanche. Fun to see young players doing well. Jones and Wilson-- sort of a surprise. With Duchesne good down low I would suspect he can approach second year Stamkos numbers in his sophomore season? It's a shame that the team doesn't yet have the right mix for Statsny to become the force that he can with his scoring acumen. It is these two teams, along with the Stars, that is difficult to gauge exactly how good/how many points they will finish with. The Stars have to hope that their young defensemen play well, because the remainder of the team is pretty good (especially with Richards doing well). Turco does have his bad streaks where he plays a long stretch not in top form, ye he finally proved two years ago that he can be strong in net in the playoffs.
I would be remiss if I did not thank Boldirev and chicohawk fortheir review of canadien teams. I believe any time someone in a market outside of Chicago wants to post about the team in their market, your thoughts will definitely be of interest to everyone on this site. FillEsposito and CanadienHawks fan also have had recent coments about teams in their market -- thanks to all so much and am truly sorry if I temporarily omitted anyone that has commented on the teams in their market.
I'l go on record as saying my wish for Bowman is to acquire another tough defenseman. Good at covering if, say, a Campbell is caught up ice. Has to be at least fairly mobile --no Walker. Sopel is ok as a depth defenseman. Am willing to keep Barker and risk launching him around Entry Draft time. In favor of making a two for one deal. Would offer Versteeg and Bufuglien and see how good a player we receive. I say Versteeg because I like him a tad more than Sharp, at least on ice what he brings. The whole thing about acquiring someone due to this cap issue, is that this someone should be a core player for next year. Look at the Caps, they recall, send down, sometimes a prospect is ready and sticks. They build around their high priced star players. Wonder if Fleischman can produce 30 plus goals? The '09 draft was good for Bowman; need to keep having good drafts. Wonder if Lavin and some others are progressing -- like Birch? Olsen might be a really good one; Krueger and other '09 drats still look promising. But to those who mention Lalonde -- please, great talent, yes, but far away due to his weakneses he must improve upon. I am intrigued by Connelly and Carlson, buttime will tell if they make the next step as prospects. DenisPepin, maybe not. Fallon, Richards ? Davis bigger ?
We were all giddy when Havlat arrived, Ill reserve my cheers/jeers and hope Hossa has a lasting impact other than his contract!
Nice to see we can play without him..just in case!
Make no mistake though..im pumped!
Phil Kessel hit the ground running why can't Hossa?
Hearing (or reading) Hawk fans speaking ill of Havlat reminds me of how the White Sox spoke ill of Frank Thomas when he was gone. Let's be real, Havlat is a major talent in the league, with speed, smarts, a good shot both on the forehand and the backhand, and he is a very good passer. Maybe he is not a good defensive forward, I don't know, but I feel privileged to have seen him in a Hawk jersey.
Loved Havlat here last year, but the facts speak for themselves about this year, not only does he have only 8 points in 19 games but he is dead last on the Wild in plus-minus: minus 14! The next-worst forward on that team is only minus 7. In fact, checking...yep Havlat is currently last in the entire 30-team NHL in plus-minus. 739th out of 739 players listed.
Even taking into account a nagging injury that does not sound like exactly the kind of character that any team is happy investing a big multiyear contract on. Multiply times 5 the heartburn around here regarding the Campbell and Huet contracts and that's how Wild management and fans have to be feeling right now.
Really isnt a individual stat....there are 4 other players and a goalie out there with you!!!
Overrated stat....But you cant discount it all together either!!
Rod Brind'Amour is minus 18.
His +/- was bad last year, too. He must be done. Too bad. Great guy.
I had a long talk about him yesterday with some friends. He finished last year as -23, but still managed to put up like 53 points or something like that. In his defense, I think his plus minus was better in the second half of the year as compared to the first, if I remember correctly.
Before Tim plans the Stanley Cup parade does anyone remember last spring when Detroit as wondering what happened to Hossa? He wasn't scoring and my friends in Detroit were complaining that he wasn't even noticeable. I believe the comment was, "Was Hossa even dressed for the Finals because nobody noticed him."
This 12 year deal, even if it is for 8 is going to strangle the franchise. He will be late 30's, untradeable and with dramatically declining production. This isn't "half full" or "negative." These are facts. Look a the production of goal scoreres after 30. Typicaly 40 goals scorers become 15. Even Hall of Famers like Hull, Yzerman, Shanahan, Tkachuk, Kariya and Selanne show big declines. Hossa is not a Hall of Famer, yet.
It's very possible, like most superstars returning from injury, that he has an awesome game tonight and then goes silent for a few after the adrenaline burns off and the lactic acid builds up. They are changing the lineup of a team that has won 7 in a row. Coaches usually regret that.
As for Havlat compairsons, what a classic cheapshot from a guy who is quickly becoming an organizational mouthpiece. Havltat was injury prone here but I would not consider him a guy who took shifts off. In fact, in the playoffs, he was working hard while Ladd and Bolland were trying to find their games. Played hurt. Don't forget it was Ladd who gave up the puck to Sameuleson which lead to the Game 6 loss not Hossa, Kane, Versteeg or any of the guys who were getting attacked for not dumping it in from the redline as if that would have worked. Against Calgary Havlat single handedly carried the team. Without that guy there is no renaisance here.
Signing Havlat for a 3 year extension would have been a great move. Trading him at the deadline for picks and prospects would have been a prudent move for the future. Signing Hossa for 12? Hard to believe that is going to turn out well for the Hawks.
Tim S is a 30 year reporter who does nothing but cover the NHL and he has to rely on "word out of Minnestota?" Tim do you watch other teams play? Do you think that in a few months, since he was a dominant player in the playoffs, he has become Jeff Shantz? How about tracking down his coach or better yet asking Havlat what's going on before you blast him in a one off blog?
But I think you really missed the mark with this one. I don't think you realize just how injured Hossa and most of the Red Wings were going into the Finals last season. Datsyuk wasn't near 100%, Hossa was struggling with shoulder problems, Rafalski had serious back issues after Buff leveled him at center ice, Lidstrom was playing hurt and I seem to recall hearing about groin issues or something similar for Holmstrom. It's no surprise that the Pens won the cup after the Wings were worn down as badly as they were. Now, clearly you can't blame it all on injuries, but you also can't judge a player solely on how they perform while injured.
How about Havlat in the WCF last year? I think he has some responsibility for how the Hawks lost even though he was injured at the end. He only managed 2 assists in the series before getting injured. Also, a big part of why he was injured was because he was skating with his head down and wasn't paying enough attention to where he was on the ice. He put himself in a vulnerable position and got himself hurt when his team needed him to step up. Sure, I'm being extreme a bit, but the point is that he wasn't really a problem vs the Wings in that series, but he sure wasn't the solution either.
Signing Havlat to another contract would have been a mistake. The guy can't stay healthy and yes he did take shifts off in the first half of the season. He did it on a regular basis and a lot of people on here blasted him for it. He did do a lot here while he was playing hard but he didn't play hard for three full seasons and he wasn't nearly worth what he was paid.
You also have to consider how much Hossa's contract declines in the later years and think about how much the cap can change in another 7 or 8 years. He will likely be a bargain in the last 4-5 years of his deal, if he plays those years at all.
I don't know where you keep getting all the doom and gloom that you post over and over again, but I'll start believing you when you make a little more sense. I'm sorry if I'm rude on this one, but you often bring the things down in a bit of an extreme way, when things are looking bright for this club.
Things are the brightest in my lifetime. With this franchise that's not too difficult to accomplish. I'm 45. I have no problem with you ripping my "doom and gloom" we are all paying the same to be here. I don't think it's rude. It's nothing personal. I don't like when people make it personal to the other bloggers here. Even Scard should be ignored and not attacked.
Have you looked at the production of players in their 30's on paper? It declines. Two teams signed him to put them over the top and he didn't. Chicago signs him to put them over the top but pays him like a lottery winner choking the franchise for many years.
He is a star right now but aren't you a little mad that his signing with the others looks like it will force the Hawks to unload a younger guy maybe homegrown via the draft?
Call me old fashioned but I would love to return to the era when teams had to build through the draft, develop in the minors, tinker with trades and watch the Rangers blow it with free agent signings? I think you are 27 so you may have to read about that era but to me that is what this game is about. And the Hawks were on the verge of building a winner the right way.
I think free agent's value is overblown and it plays out in lack of chemistry on the ice.
You are a lot of fun to read so feel free to blast away.
I don't think Tim is a mouth piece for the organization.
I loved Marty. I was pro keeping him all along, and will never forget him turning a lot of people who doubted him last year, and being the Hawks best player in the postseason. The fact that the guy played after being knocked out is amazing. Granted he wasn't the same, but he knew how huge game 4 was for this team. Dave Bolland owes 95% of his current salary to Marty, and that is the contract that is going to kill this team, 3.325 for a guy with a bad back.
I'm not going to rip Havlat. I look forward to hopefully seeing him live in January.
How are they changing the lineup? Taking Bickell off the Toews-Kane line and putting on Hossa, is not an earth shattering thing? Don't think this team isn't going to get a HUGE lift getting its best all around talent out there? Come on.....
This team is arguably on the way to being the best in hockey. Lets just enjoy it, and let the guys in the KNOW worry about cap issues, trades, etc. This team is set up to take off and go on a run and lock up home ice. If they need to fine tune they will.
Nice post but i take exception to the Bolland comment...Ladd and Bolland worked the boards and forechecked like demons to get him the puck...
I for one appreciated all Marty did but didnt want to sign him due to salary concerns! Right on about him playing his best hockey in the playoffs!!!
We CANNOT one the one hand, blame the Hawks for signing a guy who is "damaged goods," so injured he can't raise his arm this summer, then ALSO wonder why he was not a factor in the finals.
My suspicion is the injury got worse in the WCF when the Hawks banged them up pretty good, and he WAS a factor in the WCF, big time.
The injury is going to be a footnote. No question. The only thing we know for sure is that a 12 year year deal to 30 year old is very risky.
Also even the best players in history go through downtimes. Jac did Gretzky make the playoffs his last few years? Messier?
This is a team game for everybody but the goalies and I'm sure Hossa will do good things but over the next 12 years there might be times where he goes 2 goals in 20 games and is minus 16.
He was injured in the Finals. Get used to it he will be injured again. There isn't a guy on the roster who hasn't missed games for injury in the past two season's and most of them are under 25.
With the possible exception of Hjalm who I still contend connects on less than 25% of his passes. I've watched his every shift since we started that debate and he is solid, very mobile, an occasional hitter but is not a good first passer.
Either is Seabrook.
Nobody fires more missed long passes which lead to icing calls then Seabrook. I wish somebody kept stats on this, because I know #7 would lead the team in this.
Shots taken that are blocked or miss the net. I'm sure they might have it somewhere but I think #5 would be high on that list this year. I remember counting 7 in one game and that was with his limited ice time.
Shots taken that are blocked or miss the net. I'm sure they might have it somewhere but I think #5 would be high on that list this year. I remember counting 7 in one game and that was with his limited ice time.
**Oops, I posted twice.*** Sorry.
I remember him being a force against the Hawks. He scored the biggest goal of the series, with his short handed goal in game 4. Funny, how people remember what they want to back up their point.
I'm sure a guy with a banged up shoulder, getting punished by Brouwer, Ladd, Burish, and Eager took its toll.
When I suggested last winter the Hawks ditch Havlat and go for Hossa in free agency (it's on my blog back in March, I believe).
I mean, it didn't take a genius (obviously) but this guy is a proven stud year after year, better defensively than Marty and less injury prone over his career.
The biggest difference? Marty is a great one-on-one, dynamic player. Hossa has much, much more hockey sense and he will make this team SO much better than Marty did. One thing they have in common: big goals at the end of games.
All we can do is hope for the next 5-6 years Hossa is the same Hossa we've seen the last 6-7 seasons. If he is the Hawks will have a great shot to win it all.
As far as Havlat goes, perhaps he'll end up with a crummy season this year but his sheer talant says that he will be a force in Minnesota eventually. Let's just hope it isn't against the Hawks in the playoffs some year.
Like the Hawks did, Minny needs to build around him and they will have more success. Havlat isn't the guy who will carry that club offensively by himself. They need to improve the guys around him and he will turn it around if he can stay healthy.
How many goals do you think Hossa would have with Minny? How many players play hard every shift, especially stars, that are stuck on bad teams. You can't help but to look like you're taking shifts off.
The guy is having a rough start and I'm not surprised to hear that he is battling injury after we have seen him do it almost every year in his career. Not competing every shift? Well, again, he wasn't competing on any shifts last year until the team was clearly off to a good start. People seem to forget the first 20-25 games last year, he was coasting a lot and was forechecking like my grandmother. In the second half his competitive spirit got going because he realized the Hawks really had a shot and he put the effort in. Not to mention it was a contract year. I think it will be the same in Minny. 50-60% effort and little willingness to compete unless they put a good team on the ice. Havlat doesn't have the heart to compete night after night unless the games really mean something. I'm sorry to say it, but it's true and we saw it in Chicago. The guy has talent you want if you are making a run into the playoffs because he will show up and play injured, as the Hawks found out. You also have to wonder a bit about the concussion he suffered from Kronwall's hit and if that has fully recovered. He might be one of those guys who could have had a wonderful career if he wasn't made of glass.
Hossa, I expect to compete hard now that he is healthy and I wouldn't be surprised to see an immediate impact from him. I'm not saying he will come out scoring, but it's entirely possible considering he is coming in very rested and probably in decent shape considering the workouts he has been through getting ready to come back. I'm also convinced he is one of those guys that maintains pretty excellent conditioning and he has spent his share of time on the stationary bike while his shoulder healed. The guy is known for his ability to use the power in his legs to get into the scoring areas of the ice and push for body position and the puck. From the comments made by coaching staff and players regarding his practicing, I think his legs are up to snuff and the game condition will come quickly. I also think since it looks likely he will start out playing with Kane and Toews, he might get off to a quick start because those guys have been playing so well. It doesn't really matter who is with them, they cycle so well that their linemates seem to get great chances.
Toews - Lately, seems like nobody on the team wants the puck more than he does. The guy is ruthless in his forecheck and seems to be the quickest and strongest I think I've seen him yet. When he takes the puck wide along the boards, most defenders can't squeeze him off the puck and he seems to fight through. I just wonder how good this kid can be if he gets even stronger.
Kane - He still isn't a big guy, but he is clearly in his best shape so far. The guy is way better at battling for the puck compared to last season and doesn't get taken out of the play nearly as much. He still isn't want I'd call a defensive forward, but compared to last season, he is much better backchecking. If he continues to improve as a 2 way player, it could be scary how good the Hawks core players are defensively.
Sorry this post is getting long, but so far I think Q deserves a lot of credit for helping these players improve their game defensively and learn to play better puck possession. This team is looking more and more like some of the Detroit teams we have seem in the last decade. They just hold the puck and wait for the opportunity to get on the attack instead of turning it over. I hope the Hawks can keep it going and get the points in the standings now so they don't have to be perfect down the stretch. It looks very likely that this is a playoff bound team and the more rounds they can hold home advantage the better and it might be the difference between winning or losing a Cup this year. Yes, I know I'm getting ahead of myself here, but I think we are all starting to feel more excited about the team as the season goes on.
If Havlat isn't still suffering effects of his injury last May.
At the time I thought it was terribly risky for home to play the next game after suffering what was pretty clearly a concussion in the Detroit series. He left that game after another solid hit, as I recall.
Hope he recovers fully and has success with the Wild.
I do wish him some good health for a change. I think he has had his share of injuries to last the rest of his career. Just as long as he doesn't knock us out of the playoffs in the future. =P
Downright giddy about this team and the possibilites. Watching them work every shift is an absolute pleasure.
reading someone putting down Havlat is like hearing someone downgrade an old girlfriend,,"she might be a cow now but in her day..." Havlat earned his stripes last year with us but Hossa is the real deal..adios amigo
Be patient with Hossa, people. The guy is going straight into the season and his timing will take some time to get back. Also, the adrenaline will carry him in the first game or two but after that he'll be sucking wind a bit. Just don't expect these amazing stats as that may not come right away.
Totally agree. Give him 20 some games or so before we start evaluating.
yeah, Loags I agree.
But I don't think it will take all that long to see he special and a player like none we have seen here.
Kane has been so great with his gift.
Toews a guy who will never stop improving his game.
But Hossa can outright bury the bisquit.
I am pretty sure they are confident that he can score soon or they wouldn't put so many eggs in one basket (line).
Kane to the left half board is to me quite a sacrifice by the kid. Unselfish in this position shift, it is gonna take adjusting to the way he works his skills. It looks like he is hoping they are in aconstant rotation so he can end up back over at right wing.
This surely is going to be fun!
Can the Hawks fit Dave Gagner in there line-up?
Just wondering...
Kane plays with Gagner
Toews plays with Hossa
Wiz , watching the oiler game the same thought was going through my head....a Kane/Gagner reunion!!
That kid has the hockey spirit through and through , must be in the genes huh?
....though he was pretty effective on a line with Brian Bellows and Brian Propp at one time....
Kane Toews Hossa
Sharp Versteeg Byfuglien
Ladd Madden Brouwer
Eager Fraser Kopecky
OR
Brouwer Toews Kane
Ladd Madden Hossa
Sharp Versteeg Byfuglien
Eager Fraser Kopecky
Either way is pretty good. Actually I like splitting Hossa and Kane, both natural right wingers. I would play Brouwer out of position on left wing and balance out the lines a little.
Ladd, Madden, and Hossa could be a top defensive line as Ladd, Bolland and Havlat were last year with plenty of scoring punch.
I would love to see the other teams' 3rd lines try to keep up with Sharp, Versteeg and Byfuglien.
Bickell, Bolland, Burish in the future.
Life is good.
A wise decision by both Hossa and Hawks management to fully repair and rehab the shoulder. Who knows, it might be better now than it's been for a long time.
Marian Hossa is a down-to-earth guy, if one can use the intensity of his play, the self-effacing nature of his comments, and his charity work as evidence.
He has deliberately played down the expectations, but it's clear he has learned some very important lessons from his time in Detroit and Pittsburgh--not to mention the bitterness of his experiences in Atlanta and Ottawa.
"Step by step," he told everyone when he was introduced. "Step by step, we're going to go up the hill."
The old saying, "Sometimes you have to learn to lose, before you can know how to win" may mean more to Mr. Hossa than most.
With Toews--a born winner--Hossa--who has tasted just how close one can be--and Madden--who overcame adversity to become a Champion--the Hawks now have at least three players who know exactly what that saying means.
If the Blackhawks bring the Cup back to Chicago, I have a feeling these three will lead the way.
Because the Hawks aren't going to be able to afford Madden next year.
I don't think Madden is playing for a big contract, he picked the Hawks because he wanted to win... I think he would come back with the same contract...just more years
I don't think Madden will look for a big contract but depending on how big these extensions are it will be interesting to see how much is left for everyone else. Unfortunately for the Hawks there just might not be enough around, especially at the $2.75 he is making this year (not that he is making more then he deserves).
"The Hossa-Havlat comparisons don’t matter much anymore, not with Havlat owning just 2 goals in 19 games with Minnesota. The Hawks signed the right free agent, choosing Hossa over Havlat, and their decision is being proved right."
I hate declarations like this one. "...their decision is being proved right." Not a damn thing has been proven yet. Not to rain on any-body's parade, but Hossa has scored exactly 0 goals so far for the Blackhawks. In fact, as everyone knows, he hasn't even skated a shift yet. Now, I too THINK that the Hawks chose the right free agent, but lets not crown his ass yet. There is a chance (however slim) that Hossa could be as big of a bust here as Havlat is thus far in Minny. Sure Havlat has no one around to help him, and Hossa will have arguably the best supporting cast in the NHL surrounding him to make sure he succeeds. However, being an eternally pessimistic, and paranoid Chicago sports fan, I just hate the absolute, and borderline cocky attitude that once the great Hossa takes to the ice, all will be well in Blackhawk land.
My "glass half empty" personality requires a little bit of actual on the ice proof before I'm ready to dance on the grave of Marty Havlat, and pronounce Hossa our savior. Let's hope that in 20 or so games, we are not as disappointed in Hossa as Minneapolis is in Havlat.
Paranoid I know, but I've been down this road too many times, like say for instance with Jay Cutler and the Bears. Show me. I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
McDonough, Bowman and salary cap line.
Recalled: Mike Broduer, goaltender, a former Blackhawk farm hand.
Rob Blake, SJ Sharks, has been inj for a while. You fear Thorton and Heatley, especially as they are on the same line. Setoguchi has scored some goals against us as well!
Don't think its fair to compare stats between Hossa and Havlat. Although I think Hossa is the better player and is definitely more durable Havlat doesn't have much help on Minny! Plus, Minny plays a defensive game which isn't going to help anyones stats!
Anxious to see Hossa in a Chicago uniform.
They are trying to move away from it with the new coach and it's not working.
The KHT line may be one of the best in the league and I can't wait to see Hossa on the power play, but lets be careful to give Hossa the keys to the city until he shows what he can do on the ice. Hossa is a world class talent, but has even less reason to produce than Havlat with his new contract.