Sharp at Center

[the canadian dream]

Getting into open space is one thing. Creating open space...time and room WITH the puck, is another. He doesn't do that...watch him.

Thats because Kane has it all the time!! And he will continue to no matter who the center is unless that center is Toews.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

I think we need to ban the position of Center to improve the safety of the game.

 

[the canadian dream]

Shut up Stu me and PMX are disagreeing for once.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

And I am coming in as the voice of reason... you guys are all idiots if you disagree with me.

 

[PatrickShart]

Thats because Kane has it all the time!! And he will continue to no matter who the center is unless that center is Toews.

And if/when Kane gets someone else on the line that can create time/space with the puck...you'll see a much better 2nd line

 

[bookjones]

I think we need to ban the position of Center to improve the safety of the game.

And I am coming in as the voice of reason... you guys are all idiots if you disagree with me.

Shut up smelly!!! Let me enjoy my Hawks 2C debates!

 

[the canadian dream]

And if/when Kane gets someone else on the line that can create time/space with the puck...you'll see a much better 2nd line

Or will it be an iiiilllllusiiiiiioon?



Im not going to disagree with that and im not disagreeing about Bolland being a shitty 2nd line center and Kane deserving better..hell even Sharp deserves better if he is going to be a full time LW which by now appears is the case.



I guess what I have been NOT properly been saying is this. I highly doubt the Hawks make a move to upgrade the second line center. Because of that I have no other option but to believe that line will be fine in the playoffs just as it has been in the reg season based on Kanes capabilities to carry it. It's not that I don't want the upgrade made I just don't think it's going to happen. And I really don't care if Sharp does get moved back to center (I dont think he will) but I simply do NOT want Hayes to be a permanent fixture on lw on that line if it does happen. I also don't want the 3rd line broken up.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

I don't think the Yotes who are only 5 points out of a playoff spot would want to trade someone to the Hawks, who they could potentially play in the 1st round of the playoffs.



Biggest issue right now is there are too many teams who are still in playoff contention so outside of a small few, most teams will not be selling the team.



Bring up Pirri and put him on the 2nd line. Give the kid a shot. At least this way you can see where he is at progress wise and you at least have a skilled C on the 2nd line instead of Bolland who isn't as skilled as everyone was hyping him to be.

 

[the canadian dream]

Thats never going to happen Trev.



That would put Bolland back on the third line and Shaw dropped to the 4th (Shaw doesn't deserve that). Teams not going to mess with the 3rd line or use the 2nd line for another farm player to "try out Pirri". Having Hayes up there right now is enough adjustment. Maybe when Sharp returns. but even then I really don't think this coaching staff is going to adjust the 3rd line for a farm try out this late into the shortend season.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

I think we need to ban Bolland from the 2nd line.

 

[bookjones]

Or will it be an iiiilllllusiiiiiioon?



Im not going to disagree with that and im not disagreeing about Bolland being a shitty 2nd line center and Kane deserving better..hell even Sharp deserves better if he is going to be a full time LW which by now appears is the case.



I guess what I have been NOT properly been saying is this. I highly doubt the Hawks make a move to upgrade the second line center. Because of that I have no other option but to believe that line will be fine in the playoffs just as it has been in the reg season based on Kanes capabilities to carry it. It's not that I don't want the upgrade made I just don't think it's going to happen. And I really don't care if Sharp does get moved back to center (I dont think he will) but I simply do NOT want Hayes to be a permanent fixture on lw on that line if it does happen. I also don't want the 3rd line broken up.

Now this angle is more reasonable. I am hoping that the Hawks do something 2C-wise but basically just like you I am not counting on it. The only thing I will say is that in a slightly different change of normal TDL pace at least Stan openly stated to the press that he was looking at Cs specifically a few weeks ago. Sighs. I also don't want the 3rd line changed for shits n' giggles because you know I have loved, loved, LOVED it but I def want Bolland back to where he excels so I'd take the risk personally. I also believe that if we don't get a 2C that as Pez started this thread about that Sharp should be made to play there if they're not going to give Pirri even a look. Alas, I basically am not counting on this either. I have said before the past two seasons that I don't care what lip service soundbites he gives to the media about being willing to do whatever is asked of him for the team because I think he doesn't want to play there and might get pouty about it. In the past I wanted him back there for two reasons---one because the Hawks still haven't addressed the 2C with an actual 2C and we at least know from the Cup season he can do it and two because I've not liked the general two-way play laziness of his game at times, he's much more responsible IMO when Q is riding his ass about being a responsible C. Now I just want him back chiefly because I want anyone who can play 2C consistently decent at a minimum at this juncture.



As for the LW situation you mention alls I am gonna add is a reminder that Mo scored two more goals last night and is still playing EN FUEGO. Not that this seems to matter to the big club. . .obviously.

 

[Tater]

He does you are right. But my gutt tells me he is going to show up in the playoffs even at #2 center. Just my gutt speaking. Im trying to be the positive fan for once here. Im not throwing this team out the window because the #2 center isn't up to standard. I still look around this team and its a great team when healthy from the goalie out. I really don't see this with other teams..I really don't. Even the Pens I don't care how stacked they are up front their holes on their blueline is larger than ours at center. I just don't know why people are pointing out the Hawks holes as if they are the only team in the league with them. Every team has them and ours in comparison aren't that big. I like Bolland and always will but that has nothing to do with me thinking come playoffs that second line will be fine with him on it. Realistically I would love a better second line center but I don't want the 3rd line as is right now being fucked around with and I don't think there is anything wrong with letting Sharp take some faceoffs instead of Bolland if that is the really big deal. Im sure Q will do that. I know Sharps not a faceoff master either but he is better than Bolland. Im just not as concerned as other people are..I don't know why.



Last year my negative ass would be all over throwing Bolland to the wolves. I just don't care though for some reason right now. I have enough faith with the other 2 talented guys on that line to carry it. Bolland simply doesn't concern me.

I agree, but I don't remember him taking many faceoffs the last couple years. Maybe he has and I missed it but I think he might be rusty if just thrown in there in the playoffs for some key draws.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

Shut up Stu me and PMX are disagreeing for once.

Will you guys post the video of the make up sex?

 

[Ton]

Thats never going to happen Trev.



That would put Bolland back on the third line and Shaw dropped to the 4th (Shaw doesn't deserve that). Teams not going to mess with the 3rd line or use the 2nd line for another farm player to "try out Pirri". Having Hayes up there right now is enough adjustment. Maybe when Sharp returns. but even then I really don't think this coaching staff is going to adjust the 3rd line for a farm try out this late into the shortend season.

Why does Shaw need to play center? I'd prefer him on the wing anyway. Could always keep him on the 3rd line wing if Bolland moves down.



I don't have a problem with trying Pirri but I agree, it's not going to happen. I think the only way we truly get our depth at center is putting Sharp there, dropping Bolland back to the 3rd, put Shaw on 3rd RW and Stalberg on 2nd LW. Then again, what we had at the beginning of the year was working. This injury crap is really messing with everyone's head.



Get Hossa and Sharp back, then see how the team looks before making such drastic changes.

 

[the canadian dream]

Why does Shaw need to play center? I'd prefer him on the wing anyway. Could always keep him on the 3rd line wing if Bolland moves down.



I don't have a problem with trying Pirri but I agree, it's not going to happen. I think the only way we truly get our depth at center is putting Sharp there, dropping Bolland back to the 3rd, put Shaw on 3rd RW and Stalberg on 2nd LW. Then again, what we had at the beginning of the year was working. This injury crap is really messing with everyone's head.



Get Hossa and Sharp back, then see how the team looks before making such drastic changes.

I wish I could bold it bigger. You are 100% correct. And its not as if the Hawks have been horrible since the two injuries. A few rough periods here and there but its not as if they developed a horrible losing record over the time frame. That speaks volumes about the depth of this team and the system which hasn't been destroyed due to a couple injuries. The players on this team are all on the same page and thats going to go a far way.



My biggest concern for the playoffs is to make sure that team defense remains steady and the Hawks don't start shitting the bed infront of Craw or Emery. I strongly believe that a good defense and above average goalkeeping is more important than a stacked offense in a long playoffs. Its why I don't think the Pens will win the Cup. They could very well come out of the shitty defensive East but they aren't going to get past whoever the West rep is. I still think Boston has the better defensive system and the better goalkeeping out of those teams. Won't shock me if the Bruins take out the Pens at some point in the playoffs. Plus the Pens are fragile. Malkin and Letang have been nursing injuries all season and I doubt that changes come the playoffs. They are both fragile right now. Suppose the Hawks are too at the moment which is more reason to make sure that both Sharp and Hossa aren't rushed back at the moment. Pens have a tendency to rush their players back esp Malkin and Letang who are made of glass these days. 100 bucks says neither of them make it through a long playoffs.



I still don't see a team in the West that can match both the Hawks defensive depth and offensive talent when healthy. Ducks are close. and the Ducks are healthy and will probably remain that way.

 

[PatrickShart]

Will you guys post the video of the make up sex?

WILL we??? I can't believe this is even a question...

 

[PatrickShart]

Why does Shaw need to play center? I'd prefer him on the wing anyway. Could always keep him on the 3rd line wing if Bolland moves down.



I don't have a problem with trying Pirri but I agree, it's not going to happen. I think the only way we truly get our depth at center is putting Sharp there, dropping Bolland back to the 3rd, put Shaw on 3rd RW and Stalberg on 2nd LW. Then again, what we had at the beginning of the year was working. This injury crap is really messing with everyone's head.



Get Hossa and Sharp back, then see how the team looks before making such drastic changes.

Well, last year in the first 40gms...wasn't Kane working at center with Hossa and Carcillo at his wings? But not many like Kane at center (even though last year was one of his best seasons scoring ES points)



I would just like a 2nd line center with offensive abilities. I think the Hawks have 3 centers that can play in the bottom 6 - Kruger, Shaw and Bolland. I don't mind if the 2nd line guy doesn't play the best D...but if he can put more pressure on other teams D..create matchup problems (in the sense the other team has to match up their top D pair against them)...it will create more opportunities for the other lines.



Sharp is streaky. When hot..he can carry the team. When he goes cold - he's completely average. Some say he even plays like he doesn't have a clue where he's at. If that happens in the playoffs again (like last year)...and with Bolland as the second line center...all that play will go to Kane, and it won't be easy in a playoff series to carry the line by himself.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

WILL we??? I can't believe this is even a question...

Time to go get some special lotion then.

 

[PatrickShart]

I wish I could bold it bigger. You are 100% correct. And its not as if the Hawks have been horrible since the two injuries. A few rough periods here and there but its not as if they developed a horrible losing record over the time frame. That speaks volumes about the depth of this team and the system which hasn't been destroyed due to a couple injuries. The players on this team are all on the same page and thats going to go a far way.



My biggest concern for the playoffs is to make sure that team defense remains steady and the Hawks don't start shitting the bed infront of Craw or Emery. I strongly believe that a good defense and above average goalkeeping is more important than a stacked offense in a long playoffs. Its why I don't think the Pens will win the Cup. They could very well come out of the shitty defensive East but they aren't going to get past whoever the West rep is. I still think Boston has the better defensive system and the better goalkeeping out of those teams. Won't shock me if the Bruins take out the Pens at some point in the playoffs. Plus the Pens are fragile. Malkin and Letang have been nursing injuries all season and I doubt that changes come the playoffs. They are both fragile right now. Suppose the Hawks are too at the moment which is more reason to make sure that both Sharp and Hossa aren't rushed back at the moment. Pens have a tendency to rush their players back esp Malkin and Letang who are made of glass these days. 100 bucks says neither of them make it through a long playoffs.



I still don't see a team in the West that can match both the Hawks defensive depth and offensive talent when healthy. Ducks are close. and the Ducks are healthy and will probably remain that way.

I agree that the Ducks...or the Kings may be the toughest opponent - but I don't see a team that has the D that can skate with the Hawks forwards. Which is why I'd like to get a more offensive Centerman to put more pressure on other teams D...than some slug 4th liner that can't skate...to appease the "Hawks need more hitting" people. I'd rather see the Hawks just skate other teams into the ground. While some don't like that the Hawks get "out hit"...I want to score more than the other teams. You don't win games out hitting...you win by scoring 1 more than the other team.

 

[BiscuitintheBasket]

Why does Shaw need to play center? I'd prefer him on the wing anyway. Could always keep him on the 3rd line wing if Bolland moves down.



I don't have a problem with trying Pirri but I agree, it's not going to happen. I think the only way we truly get our depth at center is putting Sharp there, dropping Bolland back to the 3rd, put Shaw on 3rd RW and Stalberg on 2nd LW. Then again, what we had at the beginning of the year was working. This injury crap is really messing with everyone's head.



Get Hossa and Sharp back, then see how the team looks before making such drastic changes.

That might be part of the dilemma as far as the lack moves (trade or otherwise), by the 'Hawks. Seeing that Hossa and Sharp are non-contact skating now is a good sign, but only the team knows the extent of their injuries and if they are being rushed back (which I do not believe).





Honestly, if there is any move, I would just love two things.



(1) a 2nd line improvement where Kane is not the single source of line effectiveness. Not talking just scoring, but all other aspects of that line. Primarily the ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone and force the other team's D to make mistakes to give not just Kane, but the rest of the line better scoring chances. Preferably at center, and I would be fine with Bolland moving to the 3rd line roll where he has proven to be more effective for this team.



(2) 3rd/4th liner that can play puck possession, has size to use, and will play more and more effective minutes than Bollig and Carcillo..