The key for tonight's game will be watching Christian Erhoff's game. It may take him some time to adjust, but Q's style of play, especially for DMen, fits Erhoff like a hand to glove. He should do well in CHI, which was where he wanted to sign this summer.

Soon Weiss and Hoss will be back, and at that point, they may choose to keep Rasmussen centring the 4th line, but that would mean Panik wouldn't dress. This will put a lot of "good" pressure on the Moose to continue his solid play because Q has a lot of ways he can lineup that bottom six. Panik, IMO, is too good to keep out of the lineup, but we will see...good "problems" to have for the Hawks.

Also, when Hoss returns to the "1st line" with Toews and Ladd, it should coincide with another productive run for the Kane line.
- MexicoHawk

he is a huge wild card...he was never great defensively when he was with the nucks and got the big contract with the sabres...yes he does bring dman push the puck offensive game...

are his physical/concussion problems behind him or has that become to much to overcome...

I would also be careful to get overly excited or disappointed with his play after 1 game tonight...tough position to be in...

"If Erhoff is here to replace Gus they should send the kid down to Rockford for mins and confidence. Bring him back before the playoffs IMO." (quotes not working again)

I've said this previously: too late.

Q's already mind-(frank)ed Gustafsson. Doesn't matter whether he is sent down and plays his ass off or not because when he comes back, he'll have the same doubts in the back of his mind. Those doubts = hesitation on the ice instead of reacting to the play.

Once you're in the mindset of questioning your decision making each time, wondering whether you're going to be relegated to Q's doghouse (maybe never to escape), it's over.

I know no one wants to think this -- but Gus is done in Chicago. He will never regain (if he ever had his trust to begin with) and won't be part of Q's circle of trust. Book it.

The key for tonight's game will be watching Christian Erhoff's game. It may take him some time to adjust, but Q's style of play, especially for DMen, fits Erhoff like a hand to glove. He should do well in CHI, which was where he wanted to sign this summer.

Soon Weiss and Hoss will be back, and at that point, they may choose to keep Rasmussen centring the 4th line, but that would mean Panik wouldn't dress. This will put a lot of "good" pressure on the Moose to continue his solid play because Q has a lot of ways he can lineup that bottom six. Panik, IMO, is too good to keep out of the lineup, but we will see...good "problems" to have for the Hawks.

Also, when Hoss returns to the "1st line" with Toews and Ladd, it should coincide with another productive run for the Kane line.
- MexicoHawk

Hopefully, not too many secondary assists and empty net points for Panarin. Have to at least keep him out of the top 10.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 3m3 minutes ago
Christian Ehrhoff will be on the right side of the third pairing with Trevor van Riemsdyk. #Blackhawks

So I guess TVR is fine

We'll see how Q likes Ehrhoff's game but his debut will be at #4 with Seabrook. Wouldn't it be nice if he plays well enough to hold down that position. Wishful thinking, I know, but why not be optimisitc until really slaps you in the face?

EDIT: OOPS - seeing the above post ... nevermind. I got the incorrect info from a tweet from one of the beat writers.

"If Erhoff is here to replace Gus they should send the kid down to Rockford for mins and confidence. Bring him back before the playoffs IMO." (quotes not working again)

I've said this previously: too late.

Q's already mind-(frank)ed Gustafsson. Doesn't matter whether he is sent down and plays his ass off or not because when he comes back, he'll have the same doubts in the back of his mind. Those doubts = hesitation on the ice instead of reacting to the play.

Once you're in the mindset of questioning your decision making each time, wondering whether you're going to be relegated to Q's doghouse (maybe never to escape), it's over.

I know no one wants to think this -- but Gus is done in Chicago. He will never regain (if he ever had his trust to begin with) and won't be part of Q's circle of trust. Book it.
- savvyone-1

I disagreed before on this, I will continue to now.

Looks like Ehrhoff makes his Hawks debut tonight. D-pairings at practice were:

2-4
Ehrhoff-7
52-32
.
- EbonyRaptor

Fingers crossed on Erhoff meshing with Seabrook or Hammer before playoffs begin

TVR sits?

If Erhoff is here to replace Gus they should send the kid down to Rockford for mins and confidence. Bring him back before the playoffs IMO.
- tredbrta

Just my best guess.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 3m3 minutes ago
Christian Ehrhoff will be on the right side of the third pairing with Trevor van Riemsdyk. #Blackhawks

So I guess TVR is fine
- tcmoritz

Well there ya go

It has been amazing how the Hawks have avoided the injury bug all year. Second to last in man games lost. Amazing.

I read a post game thread for the Jets specifically looking for fan reaction regarding the pay of Dano.
Comments included 'invisible", "conservative", "not impressed". The fans also noted his performance in Columbus late last year and expectations for the same in the near future for them.
All of this sounds very familiar.
- 67hawks

I am becoming more firm in my belief that until they move him to the right side, expect more of the same.

It has been amazing how the Hawks have avoided the injury bug all year. Second to last in man games lost. Amazing.
- Gerk

Don't have the numbers, but I would say true mostly going back to the beginnings of this core - especially come tournament time.

Give em hell! And do it in regulation.

It has been amazing how the Hawks have avoided the injury bug all year. Second to last in man games lost. Amazing.
- Gerk

Not amazing. An organization from the top down to the bottom dedicated to being in both mental and physical shape. Players that continue to work hard, coaches that know when to rest players, front office that supports proper training and nutritional regimens.

Read back some of the comments of players that came here and how they were amazed at how hard the Hawks worked and how dedicated the players were to the "goal"

Yeah, at that point you would have Rasmussen and Panik pushing for playing time. Talk about quality depth at forward...
- MexicoHawk

When I look at that lineup Mexico, I can't help but be intrigued by the matchup problem a 3rd line of Weiss-TT-Shaw could create. Grit on the wings. playmaker at center and the two gritty guys can bury the puck. A real, real problem for teams in a 7 game series when they already have two stellar lines to worry about!!!!

wonder how they will handle krugs....

full recovery from wrist surgery like he had can take longer than 4 months
may be less of an issue for him because he is not a puck handler or shooter; but faceoffs thats another issue
playoff ready after missing almost the whole season?? thats tough
- bogiedoc

Been thinking this myself for awhile. Glad they have Moose as a backup plan and hope TT can improve at the dot.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 3m3 minutes ago
Christian Ehrhoff will be on the right side of the third pairing with Trevor van Riemsdyk. #Blackhawks

So I guess TVR is fine
- tcmoritz

Woof.

TVR on his offside with a guy who is acclimating to a new system does not sound like a recipe for success.

I think Hammer could carry either of those guys better and Rozy and Gus could probably get through 10-12 minutes of calamity free hockey with appropriate matchups and zone starts.

"If Erhoff is here to replace Gus they should send the kid down to Rockford for mins and confidence. Bring him back before the playoffs IMO." (quotes not working again)

I've said this previously: too late.

Q's already mind-(frank)ed Gustafsson. Doesn't matter whether he is sent down and plays his ass off or not because when he comes back, he'll have the same doubts in the back of his mind. Those doubts = hesitation on the ice instead of reacting to the play.

Once you're in the mindset of questioning your decision making each time, wondering whether you're going to be relegated to Q's doghouse (maybe never to escape), it's over.

I know no one wants to think this -- but Gus is done in Chicago. He will never regain (if he ever had his trust to begin with) and won't be part of Q's circle of trust. Book it.
- savvyone-1

Gus is not Runblad, so I hope you're wrong. But I'm not betting either way.

Woof.

TVR on his offside with a guy who is acclimating to a new system does not sound like a recipe for success.

I think Hammer could carry either of those guys better and Rozy and Gus could probably get through 10-12 minutes of calamity free hockey with appropriate matchups and zone starts.
- fattybeef

Agree

Yes, Forgot Kruger for a second. Sweet.
Ladd-Toews-Hossa
Panarin-Anisimov- Kane
Weiss-Terravainen-Fleishman
Desjardin-Kruger-Shaw

FIXED



- hawk35

I am becoming more firm in my belief that until they move him to the right side, expect more of the same.
- John Jaeckel

Also a 21 year old kid that has bounced around pretty good since this summer...
That might have an affect on his game...

Not amazing. An organization from the top down to the bottom dedicated to being in both mental and physical shape. Players that continue to work hard, coaches that know when to rest players, front office that supports proper training and nutritional regimens.

Read back some of the comments of players that came here and how they were amazed at how hard the Hawks worked and how dedicated the players were to the "goal"
- TheTrob

True but fluke things happen. Hawks have just been on the right side of the fence as of late.

Gus is not Runblad, so I hope you're wrong. But I'm not betting either way.
- 6628

No he's not 66.
And he wasn't who I was thinking of.
Have seen this play out re Q's circle of trust before and IMO, it's a 1 way trip.

Once you're out -- you're out. And you can expect to find yourself in another uniform at some point in the near future. With 3 Cups, doubt Q feels any pressure on himself re any particular player. Rather, the only thing he (rightfully) cares about is whether he believes any player can further the team's (and his) aspirations for another Cup.

So, I'm not berating him for this. Only trying to point out what I believe is going on.

I read a post game thread for the Jets specifically looking for fan reaction regarding the pay of Dano.
Comments included 'invisible", "conservative", "not impressed". The fans also noted his performance in Columbus late last year and expectations for the same in the near future for them.
All of this sounds very familiar.
- 67hawks

Let's remember with Dano that deservedly or not, he's been through a lot of experiences this season that have undermined his confidence, not boosted it. How would you be feeling right now in his shoes? 3 teams in 6 months, 2 concussions, the minors, playing exclusively on your wrong side, consumed by trade talks...yikes.

Dano had a good first game in WPG, but his last one was invisible...what a shocker. What this young man needs is for the season to end, to get away for awhile, clear his head and then work on his skating style. Dano has a low skating style and he keeps his head down...and by going into areas where there is a lot of contact, that's a dangerous style of skating. He needs to adjust and the Jet need to be patient with him. But in my mind, there is zero doubt that once he begins to experience some confidence again, it will grow, and when it does, he will begin to produce in a manner consistent with his skills and abilities. Those that are judging him right now, are holding a stacked deck of cards.

Not amazing. An organization from the top down to the bottom dedicated to being in both mental and physical shape. Players that continue to work hard, coaches that know when to rest players, front office that supports proper training and nutritional regimens.

Read back some of the comments of players that came here and how they were amazed at how hard the Hawks worked and how dedicated the players were to the "goal"
- TheTrob

Most under rated from an attention standpoint on the entire turnaround here is the strength and conditioning coach Paul Goodman.