Everyone has to have a JvR, no?
- StLBravesFan

Mmm JVR

Q really likes Schmaltz: "He's been outstanding... It's been fun watching him." Practically putting hearts around Schmaltz's name on his roster sheet at this point.
- L_B_R

What's not to like? Every time they tell him he needs to improve in an area, he does.
His skill level is clearly evident and always has been. To me, its not an aberration. I always go back to the WJC where he was on the PP with Eichel and Matthews. He was the best/most dangerous player on the unit.

Its easy to forget last year was his first as a pro.

Ogi - I have been saying the exact same thing....Once he was hired by he league, he was retired from a player. Hossa should retire, and Rocky should say "F you Gary, prove you are that stupid".
- powerenforcer

consistency? the NHL? they screw them selves with every CBA....

lupol whines and all of sudden the NHL and bettman wake up from their hypocritic slumber....

let's see hossa has a medical condition related to medication...how the hell can some doc dictate that hossa is able to play...

What's not to like? Every time they tell him he needs to improve in an area, he does.
His skill level is clearly evident and always has been. To me, its not an aberration. I always go back to the WJC where he was on the PP with Eichel and Matthews. He was the best/most dangerous player on the unit.

Its easy to forget last year was his first as a pro.
- TTtime

I’m atill not sold on that line as a line.

As well as they played - as dangerous as AdB can be getting to the slot - as good as Schmaltz has been - and Kane is still Kane - I’d still like to see someone with 8-88 who can establish position at the net, for blinding, deflections, rebounds, etc.

It’s too hard to score on these goalies without that.

If you are talking about the play where CBJ scored, that was a tough one to blame him on, that puck was bouncing like crazy.
- breadbag

He had another giveaway in his own zone earlier, but they didn't pay for it.

Mark Lazerus‏Verified account @MarkLazerus 1h1 hour ago
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#Blackhawks send Alexandre Fortin to Rockford.

Mark Lazerus‏Verified account @MarkLazerus 1h1 hour ago
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#Blackhawks send Alexandre Fortin to Rockford.
- breadbag

Good speed but he isn't a big body and needs time to develop and adapt to attacking NHL defenseman. He tried some NHL18 dekes tonight and got denied each time. He needs to keep it simple and use that speed to get shots on goal.

I’m atill not sold on that line as a line.

As well as they played - as dangerous as AdB can be getting to the slot - as good as Schmaltz has been - and Kane is still Kane - I’d still like to see someone with 8-88 who can establish position at the net, for blinding, deflections, rebounds, etc.

It’s too hard to score on these goalies without that.
- StLBravesFan

Agreed. Hartman or Hayden would be interesting LWs with 8+88. Keep Sharp with Anisimov as they could develop some nice chemistry as a depth scoring line that is responsible defensively.

Saad-Toews Panik
Hayden-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Hinostroza-Kero-Bouma/Tootoo/Dauphin

Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Seabrook
Rutta-Franson

Crawford
Forsberg

Seabrook looks like he's got lead in his pants.
- walleyeb1

Toews was sick this week and his first game of the preseason....but he just does not seem to be moving very well. He made a couple nice passes and a solid finish from the blue paint on the PP. But, falling down in puck battles and just lacking the jump he had in his most productive years. I worry about 19 more than anything else on this team, including Seabrook and the lack of proven NHL defenseman. I simply do not see the guy we all came to know and love from 2008-2015....

Agreed. Hartman or Hayden would be interesting LWs with 8+88. Keep Sharp with Anisimov as they could develop some nice chemistry as a depth scoring line that is responsible defensively.

Saad-Toews Panik
Hayden-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Hinostroza-Kero-Bouma/Tootoo/Dauphin

Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Seabrook
Rutta-Franson

Crawford
Forsberg
- EnzoD

I know Saad is supposed to be the salvation of Toews, but I’d try Saad with 8-88 and AdB with Toews and Panik.

I think that somehow AdB is going to stick around West Madison - I’d rather he get some pro experience as an Ice Hog, but - a couple of OZ TOs aside - he’s looked pretty good.

Mark Lazerus‏Verified account @MarkLazerus 1h1 hour ago
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#Blackhawks send Alexandre Fortin to Rockford.
- breadbag

I would've liked to see him get another preseason game or two, but maybe he hasn't recovered enough from his sports hernia surgery?

If you are talking about the play where CBJ scored, that was a tough one to blame him on, that puck was bouncing like crazy.
- breadbag

Hey Bread hope you're well sir...tough play for the kid. Wondering how he does against more pro competition and less AHLers. Whereever he is he's going to play big minutes.

The other thing to note was it was in the 90s here yesterday, bad ice last night.

Also nice to see 19 find the net at the end last night.

Toews was sick this week and his first game of the preseason....but he just does not seem to be moving very well. He made a couple nice passes and a solid finish from the blue paint on the PP. But, falling down in puck battles and just lacking the jump he had in his most productive years. I worry about 19 more than anything else on this team, including Seabrook and the lack of proven NHL defenseman. I simply do not see the guy we all came to know and love from 2008-2015....
- EnzoD

Hey Enzo...share your thoughts on Toews - nice to see him score at the end there, where's the jump? Hope he's just getting his sea legs after being sick all week. But the concern is there. Let's see how he does in Bahsten Monday.

I know Saad is supposed to be the salvation of Toews, but I’d try Saad with 8-88 and AdB with Toews and Panik.

I think that somehow AdB is going to stick around West Madison - I’d rather he get some pro experience as an Ice Hog, but - a couple of OZ TOs aside - he’s looked pretty good.
- StLBravesFan

I'm sure Q will, probably by the 2nd period of the first real game

His stock going down by the minute lol
- walleyeb1

he didn't have a good game last night. On the whole his preseason has confirmed what we knew. NHL ability from the opponent's blueline in, but very shaky defensively, gets pushed off pucks easily.

The lazy stick penalty 200 feet from his own net didn't help matters either.

I’m atill not sold on that line as a line.

As well as they played - as dangerous as AdB can be getting to the slot - as good as Schmaltz has been - and Kane is still Kane - I’d still like to see someone with 8-88 who can establish position at the net, for blinding, deflections, rebounds, etc.

It’s too hard to score on these goalies without that.
- StLBravesFan

As they face more actual NHL defensemen, this need will become more apparent. For all the tire pumping of DeBrincat right now, Patrick Sharp looks like a better overall option at 2LW for a lot of reasons.

What's not to like? Every time they tell him he needs to improve in an area, he does.
His skill level is clearly evident and always has been. To me, its not an aberration. I always go back to the WJC where he was on the PP with Eichel and Matthews. He was the best/most dangerous player on the unit.

Its easy to forget last year was his first as a pro.
- TTtime

I don't think you can argue against this. He is a much more noticeable, dangerous player this year.

He had another giveaway in his own zone earlier, but they didn't pay for it.
- 333inthe3rd

The giveaway that led to the goal was still a case of panic and getting overwhelmed by the oncoming attacker.

You also don't hear Foley and Konroyd ever saying it, but he is SO easy to push off a puck . . .

Good speed but he isn't a big body and needs time to develop and adapt to attacking NHL defenseman. He tried some NHL18 dekes tonight and got denied each time. He needs to keep it simple and use that speed to get shots on goal.
- EnzoD

Needs to play straight ahead and keep it simple like you said. The talent is there for sure. A year or so in the Rock might help him out. A good guy to have in the wings and hopefully he can learn and adapt to the NHL speed.

Agreed. Hartman or Hayden would be interesting LWs with 8+88. Keep Sharp with Anisimov as they could develop some nice chemistry as a depth scoring line that is responsible defensively.

Saad-Toews Panik
Hayden-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Hinostroza-Kero-Bouma/Tootoo/Dauphin

Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Seabrook
Rutta-Franson

Crawford
Forsberg
- EnzoD

Been saying the same thing
DCat will need to wait for a call up

WE STILL ARE SCRATCHING OUR HEAD, WONDERiNG WHAT VERSION OF OUR CAPTAIN JOHNNY TURNS OUT FOR REGULAR SEASON.

YOU CAN pretend the preseason has been on auto pilot on, with the engine not yet tuned up and the revs for pedal to medal not yet........well fully engaged?

Someone knows something. That would be Q and Bowman, and not us the paying customers.

This is disconcerting. Some whispers drifted into the blog. We are basicly holding our breath.

Hey Chicago, what do you say, Jonathan Toews is going to show up today?

I recorded the game, and to this point have only watched the goals and our PK. I have to say that I'm really encouraged with how the Hawks have looked short-handed. I saw at least 4 short-handed shot attempts, and considering the only SH goal they scored last year was an empty-netter by Hossa, that looks very promising. Also, IIRC, they haven't allowed a PP goal against so far.

Berube gave up two goals that I think Crow saves, and the Columbus goalie had 50+ saves. In the regular season, I think this would be a W.

I can't speak to how well ADB played overall, but I give him a pass on the TO that led to the goal. That puck was bouncing, and on edge when he tried to clear it out of the zone. Also, the reason he had the puck was because he intercepted a pass as Columbus was entering the zone. He probably had time to settle the puck before clearing it, but all in all, I'm ok with that from a 19 year old playing his second pro game. I still think he starts in Rockford, but I wouldn't mind him getting 5 to 10 games to start the season.

Needs to play straight ahead and keep it simple like you said. The talent is there for sure. A year or so in the Rock might help him out. A good guy to have in the wings and hopefully he can learn and adapt to the NHL speed.
- 93Joe

Didn't skate much at camp due to the post op recovery so Fortin likely isn't surprised he got the bus ticket to Rockford along with a notebook of the things he needs to work on.

I expect him back this year at some point as an injury fill in or hopefully because he has played so well down there - like Saad did a few years ago.

Agreed. Hartman or Hayden would be interesting LWs with 8+88. Keep Sharp with Anisimov as they could develop some nice chemistry as a depth scoring line that is responsible defensively.

Saad-Toews Panik
Hayden-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Hinostroza-Kero-Bouma/Tootoo/Dauphin

Keith-Murphy
Kempny-Seabrook
Rutta-Franson

Crawford
Forsberg
- EnzoD

I'm pretty sure Wingels is making the club. I'm thinking Dauphin has to start in the minors, Vinny as well, just because they can get sent down.

Going to be hard for both 2-2 and Bouma to make the club. Jurco is gone

I recorded the game, and to this point have only watched the goals and our PK. I have to say that I'm really encouraged with how the Hawks have looked short-handed. I saw at least 4 short-handed shot attempts, and considering the only SH goal they scored last year was an empty-netter by Hossa, that looks very promising. Also, IIRC, they haven't allowed a PP goal against so far.

Berube gave up two goals that I think Crow saves, and the Columbus goalie had 50+ saves. In the regular season, I think this would be a W.

I can't speak to how well ADB played overall, but I give him a pass on the TO that led to the goal. That puck was bouncing, and on edge when he tried to clear it out of the zone. Also, the reason he had the puck was because he intercepted a pass as Columbus was entering the zone. He probably had time to settle the puck before clearing it, but all in all, I'm ok with that from a 19 year old playing his second pro game. I still think he starts in Rockford, but I wouldn't mind him getting 5 to 10 games to start the season.
- tvetter

The game was his first indication what he faces and what to surmount given an opponent with a semblance of an NHL roster in their lineup.

I hope that ABD took notes on how Columbus played. In Columbus post game commentary were comments from some of their players and Torts. The comments speak to how they dug down, tried harder, saw that keeping it to the basics and playing a strong road style game....had a dividend.....a road win

I am paraphrasing their coach here: with some of our veterans out we still found a way to beat a good team which had most of their veterans playing, quiped Torts.