I know you're frustrated but this is absurd. Nashville sweeping Chicago is a nightmare for the NHL.
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs
I know you're frustrated but this is absurd. Nashville sweeping Chicago is a nightmare for the NHL.
One win would be nice, can I has win?
Four straight games without a Blackhawks' goal in the first period. :doh:
I would be very disappointed if the Hawks part ways with Crawford in favor of Darling.
And of course right after... Whatever
Never thought I'd see this Hawks team ever get out "every-thinged" in this series. Out hustled, out played in every aspect. Disappointing doesn't even begin to describe this series.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
Welp. That was something.
Earlier in the year, I thought the Hawks were a bit of a paper tiger. But they kept winning and winning and finally convinced me otherwise. I was completely certain they'd make the SC finals fairly easily.
So, two first rounds exits in a row. Is it time to do a major roster shuffle? Or just some tweaks?
So, two first rounds exits in a row. Is it time to do a major roster shuffle? Or just some tweaks?
IMHO just some adjustments. Maybe try the Spurs method and just build for the playoffs, rest some key guys a bit during the season, not just near the end. Risky, but necessary IMO.
Hawks looked slow, a bit lethargic even. To be fair, the core group of guys have played something like the equivalent of an extra season to season and a half due to their prolonged playoffs runs these past several years, not to mention olympics and World Championships. This wear and tear gets to you eventually.
Sooo.... I've stayed out of here cause it's pretty much a Blackhawks thread and that's enemy territory, but my blues just advanced 4-1 against Minnesota.
I really think they better up their game vs Nashville because IMO Minnesota out played us the whole series. A hot goaltender, timely offense, and a little puck luck goes a long way, but I never felt comfortable the entire series. The Wild forecheck was outstanding. Thank God for Jake Allen.
I really think they better up their game vs Nashville because IMO Minnesota out played us the whole series. A hot goaltender, timely offense, and a little puck luck goes a long way, but I never felt comfortable the entire series. The Wild forecheck was outstanding. Thank God for Jake Allen.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
Habs :tape:
You're not the only Blues fan on here. #LETSGOBLUES
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I'm not sure how much cap space that would free up. Crawford's hit is $6 million, and I've got to believe Darling could get at least $4 million to start for someone else in free agency, so the Hawks would have to at least match that. I think I would trade Crawford to simply maximize the return on your assets. Trade Crawford for some draft picks and/or young players, sign Darling as the starter, instead of just losing Darling for nothing. However, I do believe that Crawford is still a good goalie and is the least of the Hawks "problems."
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I'm a little surprised at the free pass Quenville is getting after the Hawks have been eliminated in the first round now two years in a row, and this time embarrassingly so. I see they fired Mike Kitchen today. Wow, that will make a big difference. The Hawks in general have had poor special teams ever since Q has been there. How a group this talented has never been able to get a good power play started is beyond me. Obviously beyond Quenville as well. The Hawks are paying now for the Cups they have won in the past. They have overpaid some of the veteran core group to keep them around (Seabrook is the most egregious). However, you are also paying Toews $13.8 million a year for about 25 goals and 65 points a year. More than Crosby. More than Ovechkin. You can at least argue that Kane has produced at a level that warrants his $13.8 million. Unfortunately, I don't think Bowman has a lot of wiggle room to change much considering how much of the cap is devoted to 6-7 players all with no-trade clauses.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
I'm not too sure many teams are gonna offer $4 million to a guy who has never been a starting goal tender. I could be wrong, but I think the Hawks could lock him up for $3 million or less.
I see Mike Kitchen got canned today, the PK was bad most of the year.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
#Smashville
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Well that's a moot point now that Darling is a Hurricane. Obviously Crawford won't be moved. I don't know what can be done now as far as any big moves unless it is trading Panarin or Hjarmalsson (sp.?). Not advocating that but the other vets with big contracts are almost unmovable without their consent.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
It's not totally a moot point, as Darling was going to be an unrestricted free agent either way. Although unlikely, they still could resign Darling and trade Crawford.
While I'm obviously disappointed by today's result for the Blues, with losing Backes, Brouwer, and Ott after last season, and having a lot of youth in key positions on this team, and with how this team looked in the middle of the season, it's nothing short of impressive that the Blues even made it this far.
Having Mike Yeo on the bench was huge for this team as well and I feel that the team is in good hands going forward.
Having Mike Yeo on the bench was huge for this team as well and I feel that the team is in good hands going forward.
Who ya got?
Since most of the posters in this thread appear to be Blackhawks or blues fans, and with both teams now out, I thought I'd pose two questions:
Who do you think will winthe Stanley Cup?
Who are you rooting for to win the Cup?
I am thinking Pittsburgh repeats if they hold off Washington. Talent, experience wins out.
I am rooting for an Edmonton-Ottawa Final. Would be cool for the game IMHO to have an all Canada final. Not sure yet who I'd root for. My son, for some reason, is an Ottawa fan( after Hawks of course) , however, I share a surname with an Oiler, though no relation.
Since most of the posters in this thread appear to be Blackhawks or blues fans, and with both teams now out, I thought I'd pose two questions:
Who do you think will winthe Stanley Cup?
Who are you rooting for to win the Cup?
I am thinking Pittsburgh repeats if they hold off Washington. Talent, experience wins out.
I am rooting for an Edmonton-Ottawa Final. Would be cool for the game IMHO to have an all Canada final. Not sure yet who I'd root for. My son, for some reason, is an Ottawa fan( after Hawks of course) , however, I share a surname with an Oiler, though no relation.
It may be cool for the game but the ratings in the U.S. would be terrible if that happened. The ratings in Canada would probably be through the roof though.
You're probably right, but there is the novelty of an all Canada final, which might draw many fans.