asq2 wrote: davetherave wrote: asq2 wrote:The 'Hawks have certainly been lifted this season, but my personal, less informed opinion is that it hasn't really been Campbell's doing.
I haven't been impressed when I watch him, and a lot of Hawk fans over at HF haven't been either.
Don`t get me started on a Campbell debate LOL.
How many Hawks games have you watched?
:KJK:
Fewer than you have.
But, I've watched quite a bit of Campbell.
EDIT: Anyway, I'm not going to pretend my opinion is as informed as yours. But I feel that the rise of the 'Hawks has more to do with Toews, Versteeg, Keith, Kane, Havlat, Seabrook, etc. etc. etc. before coming to Campbell as a factor.
ASQ, not trying to lord anything over you BTW cool) ...and as you know I watch
every Hawks game...saw them play in Montreal...and am even going to Helsinki to see them in October. Somewhat obsessive, yes I know...LOL
And you are absolutely correct when you say the Blackhawks' success is not due to any ONE player--but to the chemistry and work ethic, not to mention the talent, of the TEAM.
But to be honest, a LOT of so-called 'Hawks fans' have been whining all year about Campbell.
These so-called 'fans' love the sound of their own whining, unlike the true Hawks fans, who applaud and appreciate--while being informed and properly critical--the renaissance of this great franchise, and the emergence of this exciting young team.
These so-called 'fans' complain every time the Hawks have a brain fart, and have already traded every player who has committed one sin or another in their eyes...
Fortunately, these so-called 'fans' don't run the team.
Fact is, Tallon brought Bryan Campbell in for a very specific reason. The Blackhawks are a speed oriented team, and he felt Campbell--who on his best nights has to be one of the slickest, fastest players, let alone defensemen, in the NHL--would give the team an extra offensive dimension.
It was necessary, in Tallon's view, to add that dimension as he had the 'defensive' defenseman roles covered with Keith, Seabrook, Barker et al.
Tallon knew he would have to 'overpay'.
Campbell has delivered exactly what Tallon wanted, and more. He has the most assists of any Hawk defenseman in over ten years.
Yes, he has some defensive coverage liabilities--and some of them have been glaring at times--but that's a risk with this kind of player. Joel Quenneville--certainly no slouch as a defenseman in his time--has worked with Campbell on those shortcomings, and finding the right defensive partner for him.
With Niklas Hjalmarsson, that pairing seems to have been found.
Incidentally, the Blackhawks have continued to improve their team defense, and as they approach the playoffs, have allowed just 8 goals while going 4-0-1 in April.
Finally, when you bring in a high ticket UFA, it works only if that player does add an extra dimension, and if they are a 'fit'.
Could the Wings win without Marian Hossa, for whom they paid $7.45MM? Sure they could. But is Hossa that 'extra element' who can give them an additional competitive edge? Of course. Is he the reason they succeed? No, it's again, a function of the team's excellence--as you know.
Campbell has earned his pay cheque with the Blackhawks so far...but the real test will come in the playoffs.
I prefer to defer judgement on him until we see the results of the second season.
And that, dear friend, is my two cents.
cool)
Home
Publications
Fair enough.
