Brian Bickell - Playoff Hero

[Maiden]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="R K" data-cid="199625" data-time="1370658691">
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I'm guessing Stalbergs being benched was a precursor of his future to come.  Although they players really do love him in the locker room we've seen that doesn't matter much when it comes to the money needed.</p>


 </p>


Trading Bolland would be a huge move to have any flexibility they would need.</p>
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BINGO........read back your numbers. For those of you who think Kruger is a 4th line center go back and watch the games where he centered Kane and Sharp. A thing of beauty.</p>

 

[Maiden]

I believe Bickell was very close to signing a 3 yr. 8 mil contract just before the playoffs started.</p>


Now if some moronic team offers him 12 mil for 3 years you shake hands and wish him well.</p>

 

[IceHogsFan]

It is always interesting to see who rises during the playoffs.</p>

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="IceHogsFan" data-cid="199677" data-time="1370701425">
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It is always interesting to see who rises during the playoffs.</p>
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 </p>


Exhibit A: Dustin Byfuglien</p>

 

[IceHogsFan]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Grimsonov" data-cid="199678" data-time="1370701473">
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Exhibit A: Dustin Byfuglien</p>
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 </p>


Exactly!</p>


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The same could be said for those who do NOT show up for the playoffs.</p>

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="IceHogsFan" data-cid="199679" data-time="1370701699">
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Exactly!</p>


 </p>


The same could be said for those who do NOT show up for the playoffs.</p>
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 </p>


Remember when Kane would score 5 or 6 goals per series against Vancouver?</p>


 </p>


Tonight is HUGE for Toews/Kane... imagine if they get their shit together tonight rolling into the Finals.</p>


 </p>


Kaner does have 8 assists... but most have been secondary.  Quite phenomenal what this team has been able to do with their big guns not contributing offensively.</p>


 </p>


The depth of this team is better than the Cup winning team... however, their opponent is more formidable this time around.</p>

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Seriously though.... IF.... Bickell has a big Finals and scores a couple goals AND the Hawks win...</p>


 </p>


Does he get serious consideration for the Conn Smythe????</p>

 

[IceHogsFan]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Grimsonov" data-cid="199683" data-time="1370702262">
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 </p>


Kaner does have 8 assists... but most have been secondary.  Quite phenomenal what this team has been able to do with their big guns not contributing offensively.</p>


 </p>
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 </p>


The depth is quite impressive and has gotten the team this far.</p>

 

[R K]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Grimsonov" data-cid="199683" data-time="1370702262">
<div>


Remember when Kane would score 5 or 6 goals per series against Vancouver?</p>


 </p>


Tonight is HUGE for Toews/Kane... imagine if they get their shit together tonight rolling into the Finals.</p>


 </p>


Kaner does have 8 assists... but most have been secondary.  Quite phenomenal what this team has been able to do with their big guns not contributing offensively.</p>


 </p>


The depth of this team is better than the Cup winning team... however, their opponent is more formidable this time around.</p>
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Actually Kane set up most of the first goals against Minny.  Since then he's just not been hitting it, until the last game of course.</p>


 </p>


He did start out on fire though.  4-5 assists in 3 games.   </p>


 </p>


JT has been pretty much MIA, BUT in Round #1 he had the best D man on him EVERY shift, RND two he and Kane were shadowed by Igor and Zetterberg almost every shift.</p>


 </p>


Teams have been keying on those to so OTHERS are the ones who've had to step up. But the National Media isn't really smart enough to either see it, and or actually report it.  For them it's easier to report their lack of production verses actually explaining partially why that is.</p>


 </p>


Anaylysts = Anal</p>

 

[R K]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Maiden" data-cid="199668" data-time="1370697018">
<div>


I believe Bickell was very close to signing a 3 yr. 8 mil contract just before the playoffs started.</p>


Now if some moronic team offers him 12 mil for 3 years you shake hands and wish him well.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


 </p>


There is a very good chance he is resigned before July 1st before offers can be thrown at him.  He did sign for the league minimum to stay when he could have gotten more elsewhere.  Not as much as he'll get now, but more.</p>


 </p>


Funny people like living and playing in Chicago.  Now if like you suggest he doesn't and it's a LOT of money, more luck to him.  See ya. </p>

 

[R K]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="bookjones" data-cid="199649" data-time="1370668471">
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Yup. </p>
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Either that or Stan has some serious work to do so that he can ensure this team has SOME draft picks in the upcoming, PACKED FULL OF TALENT, Draft.  Right now I think we have a first, no second, no third.... ect ect...</p>

 

[CLWolf81]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Grimsonov" data-cid="199686" data-time="1370702584">
<div>


Seriously though.... IF.... Bickell has a big Finals and scores a couple goals AND the Hawks win...</p>


 </p>


Does he get serious consideration for the Conn Smythe????</p>
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</blockquote>


 </p>


IF we win it all and Bickell keeps up the pace, I'd say yes.


Otherwise, its Crawford's to lose. </p>

 

[Variable]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Grimsonov" data-cid="199686" data-time="1370702584">


Seriously though.... IF.... Bickell has a big Finals and scores a couple goals AND the Hawks win...


Does he get serious consideration for the Conn Smythe????</p></blockquote>


Sure, why wouldn't he? Up to now its probably him or Crawford. But Crawford can't score you goals.

 

[Rex]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Variable" data-cid="199709" data-time="1370709023">
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Sure, why wouldn't he? Up to now its probably him or Crawford. But Crawford can't score you goals.</p>
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 </p>


though he has been playing more physical than the top line, and setting up plays on the rush lol</p>

 

[Maiden]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="CLWolf81" data-cid="199697" data-time="1370705337">
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IF we win it all and Bickell keeps up the pace, I'd say yes.


Otherwise, its Crawford's to lose. </p>
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100% accurate.</p>

 

[bookjones]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="R K" data-cid="199695" data-time="1370703570">
<div>


Either that or Stan has some serious work to do so that he can ensure this team has SOME draft picks in the upcoming, PACKED FULL OF TALENT, Draft.  Right now I think we have a first, no second, no third.... ect ect...</p>
</div>
</blockquote>


 </p>


Eh, I don't like that as it stands right now the Hawks have no 2nd and 3rd but all I have really been advocating for all season is that they therefore make a really astute choice with the 1st. . .and of course now we know it's going to be the 30th pick so still even more imperative. But as I have also prefaced all year this is just where they stand at the moment and there is still the opportunity for Stan & Co. to get some more picks during Draft weekend. In the latest Blackhawks Insider podcast from Wed. Stan actually says as much himself re maybe being able to pick some up. </p>


 </p>


While I worry a bit about the disadvantage I can't say I've really panicked about them not having the 2nd and 3rd though or even panicked at the thought of them not being able to secure more at the Draft because it's not like the Hawks over the past several years have just handed out their picks like candy on Halloween (I LOVE it that Stan is not the GM who likes to deal away his 1sts at the drop of a hat!) and ALSO because I can't really gripe too much considering the fucking haul of picks they had in 2010 and 2011---10 kids in 2010 and 11 in 2011 which was a nice shoring up from the standard 7 they had been averaging the few years prior. As y'all know, I like to think that the Hawks got (5) freakin' 1st Rders over the last 3 Drafts because I never considered Saad a "true" 2nd Rder---this achievement weighs in their favor in the long run IMO. </p>


 </p>


Here's a little SC factoid for ya: Were you aware that the Hawks are the only team of the 4 Conference Finals teams who have retained their 2013 1st Rder?  #WINNING!</p>

 

[Shantz My Pants]

Kruger a career 4th liner? No chance.  I wouldn't doubt either him or Pirri get a shot at 2nd line C next season.</p>


 </p>


I'm also not so sure the new Anttii is going to be a backup unless he plays 30-40 games in the NHL. </p>


 </p>


It will be interesting to see how much Bickell commands on the open market. I could see him getting 4 million due to the rarity of his skill set (Physical/Scorer) lately.  Still, is he playing great due to his ice time and need for a contract, or has he hit his original potential?  Tough to say especially due to the small sample size of his great play to his mediocre play.</p>

 

[Variable]

Well maybe teams will learn their lesson with the contracts handed out to  guys like Leino after big playoff performances. But, probably not.</p>

 

[Rex]

Corey Crawford MVP</p>

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Kane's back.</p>