The thing with Chicago's streak, the only downside is if the streak becomes the goal and then there is a let down when it counts. I have seen it happen before, and not just in hockey.
That said it is at the start of the year not the end. In my opinion Chicago might be best served if they are not on a streak at the end of the year. Winning yes. But winning someting more like 60 or 70 percent of their games. These streaks can drain a team and they have little left when the games count in the playoffs.
Honestly I wouldn't be worried about that with the core the Hawks have
Guys have won before and wont be complacent with a regular season accomplishment
Some interesting rumors in there. Also, that the avs were trying to trade ROR to the rangers...wanted kreider , del zotto, and a 1 in return.
Also, the " many GMs think the penguins will make a deal for Iginla " . Hope that doesn't mean " we never even had a discussion with Calgary " , after he's traded somewhere else.
I hate the idea of trading for a rental Iggy given what the price will undoubtedly be. Hossa turned out to be a rental, but Shero thought he had a good chance to keep him. Almost zero chance in this case. I would rather those assets be used to actually address the wing issue for longer than a few weeks. As things stand now, if we keep with Bylsma's system, we will still bow out after a round or two at most, lose all of our wing aquisition assets, and have nothing to show for the Iggy trade.
I hate the idea of trading for a rental Iggy given what the price will undoubtedly be. Hossa turned out to be a rental, but Shero thought he had a good chance to keep him. Almost zero chance in this case. I would rather those assets be used to actually address the wing issue for longer than a few weeks. As things stand now, if we keep with Bylsma's system, we will still bow out after a round or two at most, lose all of our wing aquisition assets, and have nothing to show for the Iggy trade.
Would no doubt be a risk. I wouldn't want to lose a top prospect and a pick either if I thought it was a given that Iginla wouldn't re-sign. However , I think he would...just from listening to Calgary fans and other rumors on the situation. He wouldn't bolt right back to Calgary right after the season if he truly wants to win a cup. He would stay with the team he's traded to( obviously the team of his choice to begin with) for a few years and then go back. And you're right , I wouldn't want to give up what we would have to just for a rental. I'm basing it on him staying here for 2 years or so.
A lot of hypotheticals in there right now, we will know more this month. It'll start heating up soon. I agree with your last sentence the most...but I'd certainly trade a 1st, Maata, Kennedy for Iginla this year and 2 more. I wouldn't want to go the route you mentioned in your last point you made. I don't think shero would either.
Iginla is the obvious acquisition . We could still see Shero get really creative and pull a totally unexpected trade...like he did for Neal ( wouldn't have to be on that level). Regardless, any winger we do add, we also need to get rid of a 3rd rounder or so for a physical dman .
Obvious statement but doesn't it suck that Sid had the concussion? You see its impact in so many small places. Saw the clip of Alf cross checking Rinaldo in the head after another dirty hit. Not saying Alf is tougher than Sid, or the shining example of a tough captain.
But in some of the games where we need a response, and we need that leadership on the team, I see Crosby being much less in the thick of it than he used to be. It is my opinion that teams with that tone setting leadership are almost always the better for it.
Obvious statement but doesn't it suck that Sid had the concussion? You see its impact in so many small places. Saw the clip of Alf cross checking Rinaldo in the head after another dirty hit. Not saying Alf is tougher than Sid, or the shining example of a tough captain.
But in some of the games where we need a response, and we need that leadership on the team, I see Crosby being much less in the thick of it than he used to be. It is my opinion that teams with that tone setting leadership are almost always the better for it.
Team looks like it could use more camaraderie
This is your second sort of... questioning Sid comment I've seen (the first came after the Carolina game, when you said something like Sid can't carry a team like Geno or something).
So first, what's your issue?
Second, you know what happened when Sid was getting involved after every whistle? People were telling him to stop. They were saying that's not his job. Don Cherry said that's why he got concussed, because he got involved in stuff he didn't need to!
Scary thing is, this even applies among the Penguins' own fanbase. It just used to be other fanbases that went out of their way to criticize Crosby every chance they got.
I agree, it's like Sid gets criticized either way. If he shows "emotion", he gets ripped for not showing enough maturity and allowing the other team to get him off his game. If he remains "passive", he's not showing enough leadership and passion.
The guy is leading the league in scoring. In 99% of the games, he's the hardest working player on the ice. And to be honest, I'd rather he continue to play a safe, clean game, than take unnecessary chances with his health by getting involved in scrums and after-the-whistle activities.
