frankgrimes

Of course captain serious with the dagger. Wings simply aren't a match for that Hawks machine right right now, hard to admit but it simply is the truth. at least the goaltending battle is settled for the next little while Howard deserves a chance if he doesn't play well go with whoever has played better. but right now there isn't a clear cut number one I wouldn't be opposed to missing the playoffs because the team might finally get a top 10 pick although it would require a serious tank job for the last games.

Time to give Howard some starts now Hawks are just too much right now at least make it close ...

Yzerman has been as complete as a player as their is. Guy would have received even more awards if it weren't for the two megastars known as Gretzky and Super Mario Lemieux. But man finding a guy like him again, will be next to impossible. As great as Toews is - and he is unbelievable - the guy still has some ways to go in order to become as great as Stevie but the sad thing is...he is well on his way. Seabrook for sure is one of the leaders on that team and thanks to all their starpower he is so underrate. Easily a top 10 defenseman in this League and yet Blackhawks fans were complaining when he received his much deserved extension some months ago.

Fair is fair Howard got benched because of a bad stretch and Mrazek played well now it's vice versa and therefore Howard's part to take the net. The funny thing is, the excuses used for Mrazek weren't used when Howard had his early struggles.

LOL Till they are doing that I don't believe it.

The rematch in Chicago might even be worse. Playoffs are going to be the same as always, whoever is coming out of the west is going to win the cup. The east is absolutely no match for the Hawks, Kings, Ducks or Blues. Time to give Mantha a shot and let's see if Howard can replicate his amazing performance. The good thing is I didn't expect much so I'm not mad but man this Hawksteam is something else. No freaking weakness, thanks to Crawford having himself a career year

From a pure offensive standpoint of course Kane. In terms of leadership, complete game and being a great person it's Toews. Most underrated player on their team: Brent Seabrook

McDavid and Eichel were the reason why some teams wanted to skip the season and just get to the draft. These two are unreal talents it's unfair to compare generational players to Larkin. So far McJesus has lived up to the hype and even more. Kid is unreal

Well I would love to be wrong but look at their freaking team and what Scotty added to their depth.

I don't think this is going to be a pretty game, the Hawks are so loaded. A point would be a huge success in my mind.

Why do people always assume praising Toews means Pasha is less? They are totally different players , Pasha in his prime was according to his fellow NHL hands down the most purely skilled guy. Toews is a great leader coming through when it matters, he will never lead the league in points but he does everything well. So why is pointing that out a problem? There are tons of great players doesn't mean Pasha isn't elite and ridiculously skilled

there is something called intangibles something one can't measure you either have it or you don't. Captain serious does and in terms of leadership there is no one better not even Sid the kid

Keith is an interesting choice guy is due for his first Norris, other than Weber, Suter and Doughty there aren't any defenders I'd take over him. Kopitar has to be one of the most underrated centers, guy does it all (he can crush people, score, assist) such an outstanding player sadly, he will retire as a LA King. Crosby is the obvious choice because he is the best player in the game but Kane, Ovechkin and Malkin? They'll score a lot of points for sure but I don't think they have the same leadership qualities - and yes that's very important - as captain serious. Malkin is unstoppable when he is on but when he is of nobody is going to notice him. It's different with Toews even if he has a bad game he will hardly quit.

It's incredible Pasha missed a lot of team and is still in the mix so if he can stay healthy it's gotta be him.

Same here, to be honest I'm just neutral against such a matchup. I consider games against the Hawks, Leafs, Bruins, Habs and a few years ago the Pens a rivalry but even that has really gone down. It'*s a good deal getting something for someone who has been put on waivers two times now is really nice (like I've mentioned in the tdl thread).

happy birthday LGW, great job Matt thank you for creating the best hockeyplace

The problem I have with this, is boxscores and points aren't telling the whole story all the time. Do people honestly believe, anyone of the Canadian or Hawks braintrust cares about what Toews does in the regular season? I honestly don't and why should do, when the game is on the line JT is more often than not coming through with a great game and that's what leadership is all about. Does he have a lot of help? For sure he does, I mean who wouldn't take Keith - Seabrook as their top pairing? 2 absolute studs that can provide offense and in terms of Seabrook also some physicality. Kane may be the better player in terms of production but Toews is by far the better leader and 1.000x times the person Kane will ever be. I'm very sure Bowman and especially Scotty - probably the best coach and GM of all time - didn't just look at boxscores when deciding to give him that massive contract, they're looking at the total package and boy oh boy is that a fantastic one. There is not one player I wouldn't trade for such a "low production" superstar on this team. I agree with the AAV thing, yes, the guy is the highest paid player but only because the new CBA put in further limits to sign contracts. I'm sure Toews would have loved to sign a Crosbylike 114 million contract, which would have paid him less on a AAV basis but much more in the longterm. Maybe it's personal preference but I'd rather take someone who is "just" good in the regular season but explodes in the playoffs and is known as captain serious because if your best player is also the hardest working one, it keeps everyone else in check. Guy is the Hawks version of Stevie Y

I like the tenacity Loooch can bring, I don't like his yapping and other stuff of him too. But I've said countless times in terms of what he can bring he would be a great addition Antics I don't like are over the top celebrations, the blatant cross check in the back of Goose..

Pasha was by far the most gifted player during his prime, period he was the better scorer, takeaway machine and whatever there is no denying but if the game is on the line and I can choose one player right now to come up big, his name is captain serious, Jonathan Toews. Other than Crosby, Stamkos there isn't a player I would take over him

Find a way to score against King Henrik and then play defense just don't get into a scoring race with the Rangers that would end badly

where does the notion that Subban is available come from? Far from being a fan of his on ice antics and celebrations but this season he has improved his defensive game, so credit where it's due. That being said other than Price he is the most untouchable player in that team. Moulson would overrule Bergegin for sure. The mentioned package has 2 solid pieces (Mantha, First rounder) that's not enough. I would try to do separate trades Maybe a contender offers us a first for Quincey

There are ways to do that without looking intentional and if the NHL thinks this will be scare other players from appealing they better think again. Macramella just said that the information is irrevelevant and I fully agree http://www.tsn.ca/radio/toronto-1050/macramalla-wideman-s-text-message-is-irrelevant-1.439644 It's exactly situations like this why I would never ever use a cloud service. I'm still sure the suspension will be reduced by the neutral arbitrator but by that time he will have lost more than 10 games already.

Wideman isn't dumb he should have just accidentally smashed his phone and back up all the important data to an offline PC. The whole notion of needing to give up your privacy if a player appeals is wrong and scary.

finally time for Howard this is your chance now to reclaim the net

yeah looked forward to the game but man this is tough to watch. someone in this team has to energize his teammates by either fighting or throwing a huge clean open ice hit. you simply can't outskill the Pens anymore. yeah the game isn't over but a comeback would have them play a lot better. Wasn't a fan of the green signing back then and for sure aren't right now. If Green doesn't have Danny D. covering up for his mistakes he is basically useless