Good write up JJ Kind of scary and hoping none of that happens, but I see where you are coming from. One thing I would like to add is the Hawks want to be difficult to play against. Yes they have speed and more physicality ..... but difficult to play against is STAYING DISCIPLINED !!! Tough to play against teams that take the body and are fast "in your face" team with speed on the forecheck. Not hard to play against a team like that if you can force them into taking stupid penalties ... rather easily

I agree with you. Just hoping that the growing pains are not too painful along the way. They need to find the right compliment to Kane ... as you said, he drives the line no mattter who is on it. Anisimov is the big body in front of the net - Kane primarily on the perimeter. Problem at times last year, both Kane and Panarin were working on the perimeter exclusively
- chuckdahammer

Yep, and this is why I would not be surprised to see Hartman or Wingels given a chance to play with 15+88 as both are gritty guys that battle along the wall, lay the body on the forecheck, and are shoot-first players.

Good write up JJ Kind of scary and hoping none of that happens, but I see where you are coming from. One thing I would like to add is the Hawks want to be difficult to play against. Yes they have speed and more physicality ..... but difficult to play against is STAYING DISCIPLINED !!! Tough to play against teams that take the body and are fast "in your face" team with speed on the forecheck. Not hard to play against a team like that if you can force them into taking stupid penalties ... rather easily

- chuckdahammer

As far as the forwards go, I feel we are trending in the right direction toward more difficult to play against. Even with a question mark at Kane and Anisimov's LW, Q should be able to roll 4 solid lines with 2 that can score, one that can check and provide some offense, and one that can agitate the crap out of the other team. This is especially true with the additions of Wingels, Bouma, and Dauphin: the bottom-6 going into 2017-18 is much better than the 2016-17 bottom-6.

Interesting perspective about staying disciplined contributing to a "difficult to play against" persona. I generally agree: the other team can take the penalties and get worn down by a Hawks team that takes a licking but keeps on ticking. The backfired Kesler "no human can withstand that many hits" strategy comes to mind.

Toews and Kane really hit the payday with their playoff performances more so than the regular season. Taking over series, big clutch moments, scoring consistently and winning cups. Kane/Toews with 114 and 102 playoff points between 2009 and 2015. Each scoring 10 playoff GWGs. Kane scored a bit more, but Toews had been absolutely solid 2 way, wearing the C and taking the brunt of the abuse from guys like Kronwall, etc in the playoffs.

Neither guy has gotten it done well enough in the playoffs lately but at the end of the day it is two sub-par series out of how many?

For those who are into logo an uniform designs, the NBA is gradually unveiling all new Nike uniforms (the NHL unveiled all new Adidas uniforms at one time before Draft Day I believe at the NHL Awards). The Bulls unveiled their uniforms today.

http://www.csnchicago.com...ill-wear-red-jerseys-home

I noticed on theirs and a few others whose teams have won championships, there's a gold patch on the back collar with the number of titles that team has won. The patch kind of sticks out awkwardly (i.e. poor color contrast of gold against the team's primary colors) but it is a nice touch to the uniforms. Can't say the same thing about the corporate ads on the front of the NBA jerseys.

The Chicago flag on the waist of the Bulls new pants is a nice touch as well. I've always felt that the Hawks could get creative with an alternate shoulder patch somehow merging the 4 Chicago stars and the 4 Blackhawk feathers.

Yep, and this is why I would not be surprised to see Hartman or Wingels given a chance to play with 15+88 as both are gritty guys that battle along the wall, lay the body on the forecheck, and are shoot-first players.
- EnzoD

I know I'll be in the minority here but I think the preference should be that 2LW power forward (EK) over the 5,6,7 Dman. I'm worried about scoring goals and not all that confident that Sharp can be effective and healthy enough to log the ice time with Kane and AA (or Schmaltz).

With a new D coach, I'm hoping that the current D core can be an upgrade from slow, slower and softer TVR, Campbell, and Oduya. I look forward to what Kempney and Forsling should bring with another year under their belt and the other additions just may be what is needed, youth and aggressiveness. Who knows what a difference Ulf will be, but I'm sure the Hammer loft from his backhand won't be missed. That was instant possession loss but obviously not his fault playing the wrong side. Yes Hammer will be missed no doubt though.

And again, as mentioned by many...... without the Toews and and Keith comebacks, and a big year by CC, nothing else may matter.

Congrats you have three cups. You guys are done and need to rebuild and gut roster. That is what happens when u win cups. Young players want to get overpaid. Toews is overrated. He will not break 60 points and he shouldn't make Canada roster ever again. Even if they go this year. To many dead weight contracts on team with Toews and seabrook. You cant sign any free agents anymore. Start to sell house now while players still have some value. Otherwise you will be bubble team for next five years before drop off.
- hanleyaj

Well, time will tell on that bold prediction.

Hey, should I buy lottery tickets or is your thing just running NHL franchises?

Deep Down I hope I am right. Because for some reason, I need to be.
- hanleyaj

Fixed.

Nope we just thought he was better THEN Jack Eichel will EVER be, all around!

I guess you don't have much to discuss except the delusion that your team will be BETTER this upcoming season, and need to troll here...
- wiz1901

Funny, someone who was there told me that after their pre-draft interviews McDavid had floored everyone and Eichel left some teams reminded of Joe Thornton, in terms of his off-ice demeanor. As in . . . a Grade A jagbag.

True story.

Just stuff I hear.

I agree with you. Just hoping that the growing pains are not too painful along the way. They need to find the right compliment to Kane ... as you said, he drives the line no mattter who is on it. Anisimov is the big body in front of the net - Kane primarily on the perimeter. Problem at times last year, both Kane and Panarin were working on the perimeter exclusively
- chuckdahammer

History has shown that they DON'T have a hugely acute need to complement Kane, BECAUSE he generally produces no matter who is there, pretty much.

I suspect that was the thinking on the Saad/Panarin deal.

Well, time will tell on that bold prediction.

Hey, should I buy lottery tickets or is your thing just running NHL franchises?
- John Jaeckel

LOL > he was busy choking on that dry Beef Weck while chasing it with meh anchor wings... while crafting that creative crap...

I have a sneaking feeling that if Fortin is healthy, and plays like he did last preseason, he will be your starting 2LW along side AA and Kane. I think he played a preseason game last year with Kane and was actually pretty good in that game.

I like the thought of him there early and see what he can do. It moves Sharp to 3LW where he probably belongs.

I think Debrincat plays another year in minors...which is okay too.

I have a sneaking feeling that if Fortin is healthy, and plays like he did last preseason, he will be your starting 2LW along side AA and Kane. I think he played a preseason game last year with Kane and was actually pretty good in that game.

I like the thought of him there early and see what he can do. It moves Sharp to 3LW where he probably belongs.

I think Debrincat plays another year in minors...which is okay too.
- onehundredlevel

If not 2 seasons...

It is funny how fans thought Toews and Ovi were better then crosby. Now you cant give them away with their contracts. I always knew toews was the must overrated player in NHL history.

Is that you again Tanner?

He has 3 more Cups, and all of the aforementioned team and individual accolades, that the Great Ryan Johansen doesn't have.

And he's 29.

Sometimes, if you're wondering whether people think you're dumb or not, it's best to not open your mouth and thereby remove all doubt.
- John Jaeckel

He removed that doubt months ago. And since he continues to double down on the same asinine thoughts, the only conclusion is he is a troll, deserving the best troll charts to date.

Congrats you have three cups. You guys are done and need to rebuild and gut roster. That is what happens when u win cups. Young players want to get overpaid. Toews is overrated. He will not break 60 points and he shouldn't make Canada roster ever again. Even if they go this year. To many dead weight contracts on team with Toews and seabrook. You cant sign any free agents anymore. Start to sell house now while players still have some value. Otherwise you will be bubble team for next five years before drop off.
- hanleyaj

Like your team has been since inception?

Its not all bad. You can cross the lake & head up to TOR. They should make the PO.

Yep, and this is why I would not be surprised to see Hartman or Wingels given a chance to play with 15+88 as both are gritty guys that battle along the wall, lay the body on the forecheck, and are shoot-first players.
- EnzoD

If Sharp can't mix in with 15/88, Q's blender will sure stir up a Hartman or Wingels.

Next on Bowman's target: Alex Kerfoot

I have a sneaking feeling that if Fortin is healthy, and plays like he did last preseason, he will be your starting 2LW along side AA and Kane. I think he played a preseason game last year with Kane and was actually pretty good in that game.

I like the thought of him there early and see what he can do. It moves Sharp to 3LW where he probably belongs.

I think Debrincat plays another year in minors...which is okay too.
- onehundredlevel

Playing that out, Q could roll these lines:

Saad - Toews - Panik
Fortin - Anisimov - Kane
Sharp - Schmaltz - Hartman
Bouma - Dauphin/Kero - Wingels

I like that a lot. The wildcard is 2LW, of course, whether that's filled by Fortin or someone else. Then there's also the shuffling of the deck if when Hossa gets dealt (and if Anisimov gets moved as well but I'd prefer to retain him).

Next on Bowman's target: Alex Kerfoot
- walleyeb1

http://www.hockeydb.com/i...s/pdisplay.php?pid=139246

Seems to be a playmaking, pass-first player.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=139246

Seems to be a playmaking, pass-first player.
- AEL_Fox

Changed a bit when he took over as captain after Vesey.

https://www.prohockeyrumo...stening-to-all-teams.html

Changed a bit when he took over as captain after Vesey.

https://www.prohockeyrumo...stening-to-all-teams.html
- walleyeb1

Cool, thanks for sharing that article!

Funny, someone who was there told me that after their pre-draft interviews McDavid had floored everyone and Eichel left some teams reminded of Joe Thornton, in terms of his off-ice demeanor. As in . . . a Grade A jagbag.

True story.

Just stuff I hear.
- John Jaeckel

Everything I hear about Eichel is that he's got that "Duke Sophomore" type attitude. Entitled poophead.

I know I'll be in the minority here but I think the preference should be that 2LW power forward (EK) over the 5,6,7 Dman. I'm worried about scoring goals and not all that confident that Sharp can be effective and healthy enough to log the ice time with Kane and AA (or Schmaltz).

With a new D coach, I'm hoping that the current D core can be an upgrade from slow, slower and softer TVR, Campbell, and Oduya. I look forward to what Kempney and Forsling should bring with another year under their belt and the other additions just may be what is needed, youth and aggressiveness. Who knows what a difference Ulf will be, but I'm sure the Hammer loft from his backhand won't be missed. That was instant possession loss but obviously not his fault playing the wrong side. Yes Hammer will be missed no doubt though.

And again, as mentioned by many...... without the Toews and and Keith comebacks, and a big year by CC, nothing else may matter.
- Hawkytalk

Ulf is going to be very good for you guys.

You must be bored if you are here now...how about youse watch my son in law tonight NINE central and repeats later: Trailer Park Shark Sci-Fy channel?

Henry Rowengartner vs. the shark...