Interesting article on Darling. Sad to see him go but his days as a backup were always limited.

http://www.tsn.ca/talent/...ling-makes-sense-1.821508
- hankscorpio

I hope he has a great season. BTW, that's a pretty accurate goaltender ranking they've got there.

Lazerous had an interesting line combination.....

http://chicago.suntimes.c...ok-like-on-opening-night/

Brandon Saad-Jonathan Toews-Richard Panik
Patrick Sharp-Nick Schmaltz-Patrick Kane
Ryan Hartman-Artem Anisimov-John Hayden
Vinnie Hinostroza-Tanner Kero-Tommy Wingels
Extras: Jordin Tootoo, Tomas Jurco, Lance Bouma

- EnzoD

Laz's lineup may be interesting but not necessarily good.

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

Interesting article on Darling. Sad to see him go but his days as a backup were always limited.

http://www.tsn.ca/talent/...ling-makes-sense-1.821508
- hankscorpio

Also interesting that the "much overrated" Corey Crawford leads the league in quality start percentage.

Yeah, he's not worth $6M a year (red font).

Brandon Saad-Jonathan Toews-Richard Panik

book it

Patrick Sharp-Nick Schmaltz-Patrick Kane

If Sharp is the road grader/puck retriever, this line is in trouble, because the other two aren't. Not inconceivable, but I don't see the logic of swapping out AA for Schmaltz—unless you dealt AA for some nice return—at all)

Ryan Hartman-Artem Anisimov-John Hayden

Except Hartman is a natural right wing, Hayden more of a left wing and Anisimov should be with Kane.

Vinnie Hinostroza-Tanner Kero-Tommy Wingels

Meh, ok, whatever. They aren't paying Bouma $1 million per to be in the press box. At least not to start. If he goofs his way out of a job, different story. But . . . I also think, like it or not, they will give Jurco a long look. Finally, I would not rule Dauphin out of this equation, and he might be better suited to a lower line/PK role than Hinostroza. Just goes to show, Dauphin was drafted high second round, Hino was like a 5th or 6th rounder, both are still young players, but the "comfort of fmamliarity" logic takes over . . .

Extras: Jordin Tootoo, Tomas Jurco, Lance Bouma

Overall, I think Laz needs to go back to the "drawing board" after the first line.
- John Jaeckel

it should be noted this wsa labeled as his "my ideal, not necessarily what the Blackhawks will do" lineup. He also said the same thing about Bouma you did, suggesting he would likely supplant Hino.

Laz's lineup may be interesting but not necessarily good.

Saad-Toews-Panik
Fortin-Anisimov-Kane
Sharp-Schmaltz-Hartman
Bouma-Dauphin-Wingels
Extra:Kero/Jurco
- EbonyRaptor

If Fortin doesn't make the NHL this year, I think line 2 should be AA-Schmaltz-Kane. Kero can be 3C between Sharpie and Hartman.

I hope he has a great season. BTW, that's a pretty accurate goaltender ranking they've got there.
- scottak

I hope so too!

I wonder, if the two were in the same contract situation, would Chicago have traded Crow or Darling?

My money is still on Darling given Crawford's track record, but one wonders...

I hope so too!

I wonder, if the two were in the same contract situation, would Chicago have traded Crow or Darling?

My money is still on Darling given Crawford's track record, but one wonders...
- BINGO!

Sounded like they wanted to keep Darling over Crawford for $ reasons

I hope so too!

I wonder, if the two were in the same contract situation, would Chicago have traded Crow or Darling?

My money is still on Darling given Crawford's track record, but one wonders...
- BINGO!

Without the NMC, I bet they keep Darling for the cap savings alone. And he proved himself.

Sounded like they wanted to keep Darling over Crawford for $ reasons
- FeartheFeathers

Cost-value, yes, but that was assuming they could get Darling for $3 million a season—which they couldn't.

Cost-value, yes, but that was assuming they could get Darling for $3 million a season—which they couldn't.
- John Jaeckel

Didn't mean to spark up this debate again.

This is why I had stated "If their contract situations were the same"... to try and take the $ out of the equation and just go strictly based on performance/potential.

Still think the Hawks keep Crow, but it's probably a close call.

Didn't mean to spark up this debate again.

This is why I had stated "If their contract situations were the same"... to try and take the $ out of the equation and just go strictly based on performance/potential.

Still think the Hawks keep Crow, but it's probably a close call.
- BINGO!

If Crow and Darling had the same salary issues, you take Crawford hands down, and it's not even close. Much easier spot starting as a goalie in the NHL than actually carrying the mail toward 2 Stanley Cups. Even though I'd have been fine moving Crow and going with Darling, Scott has still never ever done it over any long period of time at the NHL level. I think the Hawks also have a superb tending coach who has done wonders for numerous goalies in Chicago, so I think Forsberg is going to be a nice backup.

If Crow and Darling had the same salary issues, you take Crawford hands down, and it's not even close. Much easier spot starting as a goalie in the NHL than actually carrying the mail toward 2 Stanley Cups. Even though I'd have been fine moving Crow and going with Darling, Scott has still never ever done it over any long period of time at the NHL level. I think the Hawks also have a superb tending coach who has done wonders for numerous goalies in Chicago, so I think Forsberg is going to be a nice backup.
- kwolf68

Yes, at both the same salary and the body of work they had, Crow is the choice.

2015 Jonathan Toews was awfully good. Like, EPICLY, good in the 2015 WCF.

Not sure I buy the "peaked early" theory.

Clearly, he seems to thrive with certain players around him, and it's interesting that you cite Kane and Byfuglien. I also recall Q loading up Toews with power wings in the 2009 WCF, and his chemistry with Hossa and Saad was pretty great for 2 1/2 seasons to the tune of 2 Cups when they were maybe the best line in hockey.

Conversely, doesn't seem to matter AS much who Kane plays with or what style but i will say he also does a lot better with at least one road grader on his line (Handzus, Byfuglien, Brouwer, Bickell, Anisimov).

With Saad back, and Panik seeming to thrive with Toews and vice versa, the pieces seem to be there for Toews to have a bounceback year. We'll see.
- John Jaeckel

Eh, there's been a slide the last 3 full seasons. Especially in terms of driving play and that started when Saad was still on the roster. Take aways down and give aways up.

He was also a dominating physical presence his first 5 years, both in terms of exploding up the ice and man handling guys in the corner. I think he's looked more worn down lately.

Last year would be easier to ignore if there wasn't already a trend.

However, to be fair, in 09-10 there was Madden, Bolland, Sharp up the middle. And then 12-13 there was Kooga, Bolland, Zeus. And then in 14-15 there was Kooga, Vermette, Richards.

Last year(s): some guy, Kooga (who hasn't been right since the wrist surgery IMO), AA

This year, some guy, some guy and AA. Drives me crazy.

If Crow and Darling had the same salary issues, you take Crawford hands down, and it's not even close. Much easier spot starting as a goalie in the NHL than actually carrying the mail toward 2 Stanley Cups. Even though I'd have been fine moving Crow and going with Darling, Scott has still never ever done it over any long period of time at the NHL level. I think the Hawks also have a superb tending coach who has done wonders for numerous goalies in Chicago, so I think Forsberg is going to be a nice backup.
- kwolf68

My only concern would be age, I think. Crow's 4 years older than Darling, but you're right, Darling has never really been the guy at the NHL level. Of course, he's never had a chance to be, so we'll see how it goes.

I agree that you probably stick with the experienced hand, especially given the sort of window the Hawks have left anyway.

If Fortin doesn't make the NHL this year, I think line 2 should be AA-Schmaltz-Kane. Kero can be 3C between Sharpie and Hartman.
- tvetter

Yeah, I keep seeing people penciling him in much like Motte last offseason. Big jump from juniors to NHL. If they feel he's ready in camp to break with the big club then great, but plenty of other guys will get a shot at 2LW.

I'd personally would like to see Wingels/Jurco there. JJ is right, Bouma didn't get a $1 mil to be in the press box more often than not so he's likely on the 4LW/4RW. They brought Jurco back and he'll get a look. He's not a grinder, he's a finesse guy so he'll either work at 2LW adequately or he'll be in the press box/fill in for injuries and if that's the case trade him or waive him.

Let Fortin/Hayden/DeBrincat get big mins/experience at Rockford and allow them to develop. Dauphin too if he doesn't seem ready and have Kero backfill 4C for the time being but for cripes sake let Schmaltz center and keep him there for at least the first couple months!

Saad/Toews/Panik
Wingels/AA/Kane
Sharp/Schmaltz/Hartman
Kero/Dauphin/Bouma

Yeah, I keep seeing people penciling him in much like Motte last offseason. Big jump from juniors to NHL. If they feel he's ready in camp to break with the big club then great, but plenty of other guys will get a shot at 2LW.

I'd personally would like to see Wingels/Jurco there. JJ is right, Bouma didn't get a $1 mil to be in the press box more often than not so he's likely on the 4LW/4RW. They brought Jurco back and he'll get a look. He's not a grinder, he's a finesse guy so he'll either work at 2LW adequately or he'll be in the press box/fill in for injuries and if that's the case trade him or waive him.

Let Fortin/Hayden/DeBrincat get big mins/experience at Rockford and allow them to develop. Dauphin too if he doesn't seem ready and have Kero backfill 4C for the time being but for cripes sake let Schmaltz center and keep him there for at least the first couple months!

Saad/Toews/Panik
Wingels/AA/Kane
Sharp/Schmaltz/Hartman
Kero/Dauphin/Bouma
- Assman22

Wingels is 3 seasons removed form any meaningful point production, and even that was just 36 points. I don't see him at 2LW.

Eh, there's been a slide the last 3 full seasons. Especially in terms of driving play and that started when Saad was still on the roster. Take aways down and give aways up.

He was also a dominating physical presence his first 5 years, both in terms of exploding up the ice and man handling guys in the corner. I think he's looked more worn down lately.

Last year would be easier to ignore if there wasn't already a trend.

However, to be fair, in 09-10 there was Madden, Bolland, Sharp up the middle. And then 12-13 there was Kooga, Bolland, Zeus. And then in 14-15 there was Kooga, Vermette, Richards.

Last year(s): some guy, Kooga (who hasn't been right since the wrist surgery IMO), AA

This year, some guy, some guy and AA. Drives me crazy.
- fattybeef

I don't think there's much of a trend for Toews being physically worn down... Last season just looks very different than most other years.

His career per year averages are 47 hits, 24 blocked shots, 57 Takeaways and 25 giveaways.

Last season he had 43 hits, 32 blocked shots, 37 takeaways and 37 giveaways.

He also shoots more than he used to.

All signs point to last year being about an average season for him, just with less luck or finish from himself or his linemates.

I don't think there's much of a trend for Toews being physically worn down... Last season just looks very different than most other years.

His career per year averages are 47 hits, 24 blocked shots, 57 Takeaways and 25 giveaways.

Last season he had 43 hits, 32 blocked shots, 37 takeaways and 37 giveaways.

He also shoots more than he used to.

All signs point to last year being about an average season for him, just with less luck or finish from himself or his linemates.
- BINGO!

When Schmaltz came back up from the AHL, both of those guys took off averaging a PPG or more. With Saad back, I bet Toews game gets a boost

Laz's lineup may be interesting but not necessarily good.

Saad-Toews-Panik
Fortin-Anisimov-Kane
Sharp-Schmaltz-Hartman
Bouma-Dauphin-Wingels
Extra:Kero/Jurco
- EbonyRaptor

This was mine early on, although I had Hayden as the #2LW.

Bottom 6 sooo much better than last year

Roll.......4................lines!

Just read about hockey websites being shut down because the creator was hired by a team:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com...o-more-now-what/177/86758.

I wonder how long before LBR creates a site. She is amazing at using a combination of stats + eye test. She would probably have an NHL job before the 2018-19 season!

If no more is added to the forward group from now and until the start of the regular season possible line combinations could be:

saad towes panik
sharp/smaltz AA kane
wiggles/sharp daupin/smaltz Hartman
bouma kero/daupin jurco/tooto/hino

Defense is another story possible pairings:
keith murphy
kempney seabrook
d man from vegas (hoping merril) rutta/ pto vet
rosie 7th d man

If fortin, forsling, and hayden have really good camps then changes things but it is a wait and see. Plus we don t know if bowman has trades already line up for the second day of the regular season when hossa is put on LTRI. Here is a question or trade proposal hino and 3rd for john morre from new jersey jersey gets a young forward with a lot of speed and offensive upside we get a solid d man value for value.

Just read about hockey websites being shut down because the creator was hired by a team:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com...o-more-now-what/177/86758.

I wonder how long before LBR creates a site. She is amazing at using a combination of stats + eye test. She would probably have an NHL job before the 2018-19 season!
- tvetter

I actually thought that same thing when I read that last night.

If no more is added to the forward group from now and until the start of the regular season possible line combinations could be:

saad towes panik
sharp/smaltz AA kane
wiggles/sharp daupin/smaltz Hartman
bouma kero/daupin jurco/tooto/hino

Defense is another story possible pairings:
keith murphy
kempney seabrook
d man from vegas (hoping merril) rutta/ pto vet
rosie 7th d man

If fortin, forsling, and hayden have really good camps then changes things but it is a wait and see. Plus we don t know if bowman has trades already line up for the second day of the regular season when hossa is put on LTRI. Here is a question or trade proposal hino and 3rd for john morre from new jersey jersey gets a young forward with a lot of speed and offensive upside we get a solid d man value for value.
- Scott1977

To me, Schmaltz is more of a play maker than AA, and AA has a lot more experience playing LW. Neither is any good at faceoffs, but I don't see AA improving, where Schmaltz may get better with more experience.

I don't think there's much of a trend for Toews being physically worn down... Last season just looks very different than most other years.

His career per year averages are 47 hits, 24 blocked shots, 57 Takeaways and 25 giveaways.

Last season he had 43 hits, 32 blocked shots, 37 takeaways and 37 giveaways.

He also shoots more than he used to.

All signs point to last year being about an average season for him, just with less luck or finish from himself or his linemates.
- BINGO!

Eh, not if you've watched the games.

Keith put up a bunch of points last year and looked fine on paper but pretty much sucked the whole season.

Eh, not if you've watched the games.

Keith put up a bunch of points last year and looked fine on paper but pretty much sucked the whole season.
- fattybeef

Well, tbf that's pretty subjective. Ignoring stats, imo Toews looked off to start but obviously was playing really well in the second half of the season. I totally understand not liking his play to start, but I do not get ragging on how he performed toward the end of the rs, especially from the All-Star weekend onward. Go back and read threads during those games - people were really excited to see the 'real' Toews back. Again, subjectivity at it's finest but his play didn't seem to be an issue for most people until the playoffs after a certain point (and thus I wonder if those negative feelings towards him are tainted by how he was powerless against Johansen). To each their own and all that, but you could watch the games and think Toews was fine/good at points last season.