Hawks' Problem Is Chemistry, Not Talent

[icehogfan08]

Yeah, good luck getting a 100% effort from Bickell every game.

If he doesn't give 100% every game then he needs to be replaced with someone who will.

 

[Captain Iago]

I don't have the statistical analysis for this, but I'll bet the overwhelming majority of Cup champions have a solid mix of young and veteran players.

It's a very difficult formula to develop, though. And, sometimes, you just have to get lucky on a few young players that out-perform their expectations.

That's the key.

 

[DMelt36]

That's the key.

Doesn't even have to be young players.

Show me a championship team that didn't have someone playing either above their expectations or beyond any level that they'd played earlier in their career. I don't believe it exists. That's what it takes to be a championship team.

 

[DewsSox79]

That's the key.

sure thats great and all but how many of these guys are doing this on stanley cup finals type teams? look at the matchup now, its not like these teams are getting a lot of young infused players that are playing at or above their ceiling.

 

[HawkWriter]

That's the key.

Especially in the salary cap era. Getting a player on their ELC to perform in a big way for your team goes a long way for obvious reasons. Definitely a big key. Hopefully Shaw, Kruger, and others (if needed) can contribute in a way that exceeds the expectations that their current contract brings.

 

[DMelt36]

sure thats great and all but how many of these guys are doing this on stanley cup finals type teams? look at the matchup now, its not like these teams are getting a lot of young infused players that are playing at or above their ceiling.

Playing a lot of young players doesn't exactly build confidence for a Cup run, sure.

If the Hawks go with some of their youth guys and they run to the conference finals in 2013, that's at least something I could live with. Would I love them to win the Cup? Sure. But a successful season with some younger guys in 2013 could set them up for another Cup title in 2014. I'd have no problem waiting another year for that.

If it's chemistry this team is chasing, throwing money at several free agents is not the way to achieve that, imo. You add a guy or two and fill the rest of the spots with players that you've been bringing up in your system.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

Isn't a lot of it luck anyway? In order to win the cup?

Like I know the Kings were good and I thought they would be. But there was a lot of luck involved in them barely making the playoffs. And then they just ran with it and everybody played well.

The Hawks just need everyone to give 100%. And a little goaltending help.

 

[Captain Iago]

sure thats great and all but how many of these guys are doing this on stanley cup finals type teams? look at the matchup now, its not like these teams are getting a lot of young infused players that are playing at or above their ceiling.

Playing at or above their ceiling was not how I meant. I can think of two for each team this Finals off the top of my head who are not playing like the 21 or 22 year olds that they are. They're playing much better.

 

[Captain Iago]

Especially in the salary cap era. Getting a player on their ELC to perform in a big way for your team goes a long way for obvious reasons. Definitely a big key. Hopefully Shaw, Kruger, and others (if needed) can contribute in a way that exceeds the expectations that their current contract brings.

Yes, that'll help get ya in the playoffs, but since there is no salary cap in the playoffs, it's all about performance then.

 

[HawkWriter]

Yes, that'll help get ya in the playoffs, but since there is no salary cap in the playoffs, it's all about performance then.

Correct and for the most part the same salary cap team in the regular season is going to be the same team in the post-season. Not many teams have players waiting in the wings (because of cap issues) that come in and help out.

The last player who did that which I can remember was Satan.

 

[DewsSox79]

Playing at or above their ceiling was not how I meant. I can think of two for each team this Finals off the top of my head who are not playing like the 21 or 22 year olds that they are. They're playing much better.

yeah i mean clifford and voynov are really the only babies on the team. both have made an impact to an extent. i like voynov though.

 

[DMelt36]

Still can't believe how badly the Jackets got worked in that Jeff Carter trade.

 

[DewsSox79]

Still can't believe how badly the Jackets got worked in that Jeff Carter trade.

ehhh. tough call.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

I think Carter is overrated. He's good, but he's not as good as a lot of people think.

 

[Captain Iago]

yeah i mean clifford and voynov are really the only babies on the team. both have made an impact to an extent. i like voynov though.

Isn't Nolan a kid, too? I haven't checked.

 

[DewsSox79]

Isn't Nolan a kid, too? I haven't checked.

yeah

 

[Capt. Serious]

I think Carter is overrated. He's good, but he's not as good as a lot of people think.

Hmm sounds like #36 here.

 

[tbo41fan]

Hmm sounds like #36 here.

still watching

 

[DMelt36]

Isn't Nolan a kid, too? I haven't checked.

Sorta adding to that, saw this tweet today:

Incredible stat: 14 of the 20 #LAKings likely for Game 4 were added in the 8 days (June 23-30) prior to July 1. 10 via draft, 4 via trade.

 

[LonghornBob]

I think Penner, Stoll and Fraser (to a much, much lesser extent) are the only UFAs on that team and they have something like 17 mill under the cap for next year. They could resign all three of those guys and STILL have the money to go pick up Parise or Suter.

Jesus...