I was a proponent of Q giving Ehrhoff a shot... then he did and I decided he was right to not play him
- maria_wyeth

Rundblad and Ehrhoff - basically exactly the same player, they just shoot from different sides. OK on the PP and on offence but can't play behind their own blueline and like they say at the racetrack - faint hearted plugs.

But on the forward-looking good news front:

‏@frank_seravalli
Sounds like front runners for Frozen Four MOP Drake Caggiula are (in no order): CHI, EDM, PHI, VAN and OTT. I think BUF is in the mix, too.

Was impressed with what I saw of him in the FF Final.

ETA: And Motte named to US Men's National Team.
- pdx2ord

Without a first or second pick this year Stan needs to pull out all the stops to attract some decent college free agents. I watched UNDs last 4 games and there's not question that Caggiula has a boat load of talent. Given the combination of cap issues the Blackhawks will have next season and the opportunity to play with guys like Toews & Kane (among others) I would think Chicago would be an attractive destination for Caggiula.

The media's Twitter accounts currently blowing up over the Mashinter choice. Maybe they feel like they'll have to ask and seems they might have in the post-practice today.

From: Chris Hine ‏@ChristopherHine
Tomas Fleischmann on Mashinter: "He can skate and has a big body to open up more space for us with Teuvo. That’s basically what it is."

Quenneville on Mashinter being in the lineup: "You've got 3 guys that probably all deserve to start if you're going to look at one spot."

More Quenneville on forwards: "I could foresee changes as we go along here and it's nice dealing when we've got options like that."

Only thing I can think on Panik being in the box for the first game is the staff wanting him to get a picture of how much faster and more intense playoff games are. Otherwise

But. . .I know what I'm going to blame if we are one and done:

Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc
Patrick Kane on @WGNRadioSports: "I think I'm going to skip the mullet this year." #Blackhawks
- pdx2ord

Kane lost his mullet partner (Saad) in the off season....he can't grow a mullet all alone like that.

I saw this today and thought it was pretty funny and actually looks a lot like him.

So you have no qualms with Q running 3 lines tomorrow? Bc after about 10 minutes into the first period Mashinter will be lucky to have another shift
- EnzoD

Well, if you read my blogs and comments, the TT-Fleischmann-?? line is the big question mark for me.

So layer on to that, I don't think Dale Weise is all THAT much better a player than Mashinter. Better? Sure. But the difference between the two of them is not a killer. TT and Fleischmann really need to make that line go. The other winger needs to create some space.

And look at my other comments, if Weise tries to be Fleischmann and not a much more physical presence willing to do the ugly work down low and along the wall, then he will sit. Q is sending a message I believe.

I don't disagree with you. Just me, but I'd prefer Dineen as coach and Snapitupstairs as his assistant.
- 6628

>That's mighty kind of you, 66

you guys have gone way off the rails with hyperventilating over weiss vs mashinter and the trade that brought weiss/fleisch here....

Q was looking forward depth and stan got it....what has happens after the trade is out of stans control...

as jj commented the hawk's biggest issues are not 53 over 25....there are about 10 more important that...

stop focusing on a flea on an elephants ass...
- bogiedoc

^

I agree that the Hawks can still win with Mash in the lineup, and its not a make or break situation. If all else goes well, the Hawks will be fine. No doubt.

But.....BUT....

That doesn't mean its not fair to point out how incredibly stupid it is, to play Mash over Weise or even more so Panik who has been busting his tail out there lately giving his all and playing extremely well. Its seriously a very, VERY confusing decision Q, and ultimately the wrong one. Makes zero sense. Can not be explained in any way. Panik and Weise are without a doubt better options, and well, we'll just have to let this one slide because overall Q is an amazing coach and not everyone is perfect. Just really wish i knew why he thinks the way he does when it comes to 53.

^
- John Jaeckel

I would argue that calling it a flea on an elephant's ass is undermining the significance of the decision.

The Hawks strength in previous cup runs was their ability to roll 4 lines consistently. We've seen all too often throughout the course of the season one line becoming completely ineffective when Mash taters is on it. This forces Q to shorten the bench and roll 3 lines, or start double shifting guys which isn't ideal given the amount of mileage they have on their legs.

Playing Mash has a snowball effect in that way. If he's on a line, that line gets less ice time, forcing others to play more, which wears on them (I would imagine) in the playoffs since it's basically 1 game every other day.

Are we arguing forward #12 vs forward #13? Yes. Does it impact the rest of the team? I would say that it does. But what do I know?

Another thing playing Mashinter during the playoffs does is it indirectly eludes to the front office not properly addressing the teams needs at the TDL. Why add all that forward depth, if you were just gonna play 53 anyways? Really makes you wanna ask why they didn't go after another defenseman instead.

So, aside from the impact on the ice and the better players not being able to help the team because they are sitting on their asses, the concept of Mash being out there really makes you wanna question Stan. Though, as is the case with Q, he's done an overwhelmingly good job overall and a minor thing like this isn't the end of the world. But I for one would have rather added another D if we weren't planning on using Flash with Weise(preferably together on the same line), or Panik who has really impressed.

Hopefully this experiment only lasts a game or 2, and then we see the better players make the lineup.

I would argue that calling it a flea on an elephant's ass is undermining the significance of the decision.

The Hawks strength in previous cup runs was their ability to roll 4 lines consistently. We've seen all too often throughout the course of the season one line becoming completely ineffective when Mash taters is on it. This forces Q to shorten the bench and roll 3 lines, or start double shifting guys which isn't ideal given the amount of mileage they have on their legs.

Playing Mash has a snowball effect in that way. If he's on a line, that line gets less ice time, forcing others to play more, which wears on them (I would imagine) in the playoffs since it's basically 1 game every other day.

Are we arguing forward #12 vs forward #13? Yes. Does it impact the rest of the team? I would say that it does. But what do I know?
- roots_gamble

Depends. If Q still rolls that Teuvo line consistently and Mash still gets 10+mins, then we should be okay. But if Mash plays 3-5 mins and we've got Panik and Weise wasting away on the bench, then you are spot on. I really hope this lasts only another game or 2 regardless, the better players need to be out there. It only makes sense, you don't need to be a HOF coach to know the better players should be out there.

Another thing playing Mashinter during the playoffs does is it indirectly eludes to the front office not properly addressing the teams needs at the TDL. Why add all that forward depth, if you were just gonna play 53 anyways? Really makes you wanna ask why they didn't go after another defenseman instead.

So, aside from the impact on the ice and the better players not being able to help the team because they are sitting on their asses, the concept of Mash being out there really makes you wanna question Stan. Though, as is the case with Q, he's done an overwhelmingly good job overall and a minor thing like this isn't the end of the world. But I for one would have rather added another D if we weren't planning on using Flash with Weise(preferably together on the same line), or Panik who has really impressed.

Hopefully this experiment only lasts a game or 2, and then we see the better players make the lineup.
- SimpleJack

Could be a disconnect between the front office and coaching staff. As much as we all hope these guys talk at length about what moves to make to benefit the team so acquisitions aren't going to waste, we simply don't know if that's the case. Egos might come into play.

Depends. If Q still rolls that Teuvo line consistently and Mash still gets 10+mins, then we should be okay. But if Mash plays 3-5 mins and we've got Panik and Weise wasting away on the bench, then you are spot on. I really hope this lasts only another game or 2 regardless, the better players need to be out there. It only makes sense, you don't need to be a HOF coach to know the better players should be out there.
- SimpleJack

I would assume that his TOI would drop in the playoffs because they have way more meaning than any regular season game, but that's just a guess. He already has the lowest ATOI on the team at 7:30, and the only scenario I see him playing anywhere near 10 minutes is if they are up big or down big.

Well, if you read my blogs and comments, the TT-Fleischmann-?? line is the big question mark for me.

So layer on to that, I don't think Dale Weise is all THAT much better a player than Mashinter. Better? Sure. But the difference between the two of them is not a killer. TT and Fleischmann really need to make that line go. The other winger needs to create some space.

And look at my other comments, if Weise tries to be Fleischmann and not a much more physical presence willing to do the ugly work down low and along the wall, then he will sit. Q is sending a message I believe.
- John Jaeckel

I'm not trying to sit here and say Dale Weise is the next Corey Perry or (insert all-star power forward here). However, to classify Weise and Mashinter as "not much difference", I'd have to strongly disagree. Mashinter just doesn't have the speed to play RS NHL hockey, much less playoff NHL hockey. It's a mind game with Weise/Panik that Q wants more from them. Fine. It worked out last year with Vermette. But come on JJ, you don't give up Philippe Danault for a guy who is "not much better" than Mashinter. Also, have the 6 defenseman been confirmed for Game 1?

Well, if you read my blogs and comments, the TT-Fleischmann-?? line is the big question mark for me.

So layer on to that, I don't think Dale Weise is all THAT much better a player than Mashinter. Better? Sure. But the difference between the two of them is not a killer. TT and Fleischmann really need to make that line go. The other winger needs to create some space.

And look at my other comments, if Weise tries to be Fleischmann and not a much more physical presence willing to do the ugly work down low and along the wall, then he will sit. Q is sending a message I believe.
- John Jaeckel

>JJ, totally agree
>The issue for me of #53 in vs #14 is that #14 is more of a complete player (yes, he still needs to get better) -- and #14 has scored several blue paint goals and at least has the wheels to get back in coverage
>#14 was all over the ice vs the Blues in that last game against St. Louis
>Am sure Hitch will put his line 1 vs TT's line all game long -- and TT's line with #53 on it will spend their entire shift in the Hawks zone if TT loses a DZ draw
>#53 has not shown he can cover well defensively or pick up late men -- think TT's line defensively might be tough to watch
>If this is indeed line 3, Hawks better not ice the puck when they are out there

I saw this today and thought it was pretty funny and actually looks a lot like him.


- carcus

Only one more excruciating night before I can put up my Blackhawks shrine and get this party started. Can't wait to see Kane and Panarin explode out of the gate in the first period. Those two guys look motivated to dominate. Then there is Toews/Seabsy/Hammer/Crow and the rest of the core guys who know it's time to get this ball rolling. I'm taking Chicago in game 1...going away. Elliott gets chased early. 6-3 win.

>JJ, totally agree
>The issue for me of #53 in vs #14 is that #14 is more of a complete player (yes, he still needs to get better) -- and #14 has scored several blue paint goals and at least has the wheels to get back in coverage
>#14 was all over the ice vs the Blues in that last game against St. Louis
>Am sure Hitch will put his line 1 vs TT's line all game long -- and TT's line with #53 on it will spend their entire shift in the Hawks zone if TT loses a DZ draw
>#53 has not shown he can cover well defensively or pick up late men -- think TT's line defensively might be tough to watch
>If this is indeed line 3, Hawks better not ice the puck when they are out there
- SnapitUpstairs

Seriously, taking Panik out of lineup is a travesty given the way he's been playing. Replacing him with Mashinter is just unfathomable to me. I would rather have Panik out there over Weise, let alone Mashinter. I wonder what Panik himself is thinking, and why coach Q would punish him by benching him, and prefer an inferior player for a playoff game.

Question for the blog, since there is no salary cap limitations in the post-season......why not send Mash down so he can captain his Hogs again in the playoffs and bring someone else up?

Stan's the GM, do it and let Joel complain all he wants. We aren't naive enough to think that hasn't happened before are we? Well, besides George Steinbrenner and the Yanks that is.

Of course, McD wouldn't like the controversy at all. Sometimes I really think he believes winning is secondary to the "presentation" of the product and the beautiful practice rink that the inner city kids can use when the Hawks aren't using it.

Seriously, taking Panik out of lineup is a travesty given the way he's been playing. Replacing him with Mashinter is just unfathomable to me. I would rather have Panik out there over Weise, let alone Mashinter. I wonder what Panik himself is thinking, and why coach Q would punish him by benching him, and prefer an inferior player for a playoff game.
- SimpleJack

"And they call me Richard!"

(Note: you'll need to insert the "Richard" nickname, the editor didn't like it...)

- bogiedoc

Seriously, taking Panik out of lineup is a travesty given the way he's been playing. Replacing him with Mashinter is just unfathomable to me. I would rather have Panik out there over Weise, let alone Mashinter. I wonder what Panik himself is thinking, and why coach Q would punish him by benching him, and prefer an inferior player for a playoff game.
- SimpleJack

>Agreed
>One area Panik needs to work on is OZ recognition when he has the puck
>Several times recently in the OZ when #14 had the puck around the bottom circle, he attempted to stickhandle around a Dman when he had a linemate wide open to pass to for a grade A scoring chance -- think it was Ladd every time
>#14 never got a shot away, lost the puck and off the other team went
>But #14 is miles better than #53 and for his size, have not seen #53 excel along the boards, at all

>Agreed
>One area Panik needs to work on is OZ recognition when he has the puck
>Several times recently in the OZ when #14 had the puck around the bottom circle, he attempted to stickhandle around a Dman when he had a linemate wide open to pass to for a grade A scoring chance -- think it was Ladd every time
>#14 never got a shot away, lost the puck and off the other team went
>But #14 is miles better than #53 and for his size, have not seen #53 excel along the boards, at all
- SnapitUpstairs

Appreciate your well thought out posts. Definitely learn something when you chime in. Are you a former player?

Seriously, taking Panik out of lineup is a travesty given the way he's been playing. Replacing him with Mashinter is just unfathomable to me. I would rather have Panik out there over Weise, let alone Mashinter. I wonder what Panik himself is thinking, and why coach Q would punish him by benching him, and prefer an inferior player for a playoff game.
- SimpleJack

So, I'm with JJ (and others) that at least up to this point, Weise hasn't shown much more than Mashinter (granted, with way less opportunity as he has played fewer games).

However, the lineup from today has Mashinter playing instead of Panik, which seems wicked stupid to me. I wanted to know how stupid, so I crunched the numbers (you can all thank the lawyers that were late to court today, giving me the time to do this while I sat and waited for them)

overall
- Hawks have only won 37.5% of their games when Panik was scratched
- Hawks have won 69% of their games when Mashinter was scratched
- Only 1 game where they were both scratched, Hawks beat VAN
- When both Mash and Panik have played, Hawks have won 62.5% of their games

head to head
When Mashinter plays instead of Panik - Hawks won 28.5% of their games
When Panik plays instead of Mashinter - Hawks won 57% of their games

losses
41% of losses with Mashinter playing were to non-playoff teams
15% of losses with Panik playing were to non-playoff teams

Relevant stats from which I got these percentages:

Mashinter
67 games since he was called up, he played in 41

- 24/41 wins
- 18/26 wins when he's scratched
- 14 of those 24 wins were against non-playoff teams
- Of the 10 wins against playoff teams, 2 were in OT, another 2 were one goal games

Panik
Since Panik's first game, Hawks have played 38, he's played 30

- 17/30 wins
- 11/13 losses were against playoff teams
- 3/8 wins when he's scratched

both
- Mashinter played in 7/8 games when Panik was scratched
- Panik played in 14/26 games when Mashinter was scratched
- Hawks went 8/14 with Panik in and Mashinter out
- Hawks went 10/16 with both Panik and Mashinter in
- Hawks went 2/7 with Mashinter in and Panik out

According to some here (some mostly no longer here), he was the worst defenseman in history. But now we have the "underrated" Rundblad back, and Ehrhoff, so all is well.

Q has been awfully stubborn all year this year.
- John Jaeckel

Seriously. Obviously an all time great coach but wtf. The lack of adjustments and revolving door at some of the positions has really been a head scratcher.

I don't mind Erhoff with Hammer playing safety. Rundblad lol. At least play someone who has been in the NHL the last few months. A Rozy Hammer pairing is almost appealing.

I still think they roll over the blues though.