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.
- John Jaeckel

13 defenceman still in the big camp, seems like too many at this stage.

Too many guys playing well and making it very hard for Q and Ulfie to decide? Trade(s) coming?

Q even had praise for Pokka post game.

13 defenceman still in the big camp, seems like too many at this stage.

Too many guys playing well and making it very hard for Q and Ulfie to decide? Trade(s) coming?

Q even had praise for Pokka post game.
- RickJ

Pumping up that value

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

Much more aggressive - and effective - PK - allowed only one SOG on 3 CBJ PPs last nite and had 5 SH SOGs (most, I think, on the last one when they were down 2 and needed to be aggressive, but still...).

Oh, I think there are a couple of those 13 they'd love to move and the "high praise" is about creating a perception of value.

One of the things about Kempny and Forsling so far is both are keeping their games super basic, so while neither is terribly noticeable, that's not such a bad thing.

The only guys I think you can say make the team at this point with any certainty are 2,7,5, and probably 6. After that it's a crap shoot, but in spite of the "projections" some put out or what they might roll in a preseason game versus CBJ's AHL team, I don't see Q going with Forsling and Rutta as a third pair on a regular basis.

You can pretty much bet dollars to donuts, Q will want a veteran presence somewhere from 5-7.

After that, anyone's guess.

13 defenceman still in the big camp, seems like too many at this stage.

Too many guys playing well and making it very hard for Q and Ulfie to decide? Trade(s) coming?

Q even had praise for Pokka post game.
- RickJ

I was at the game and kept a close eye on Pokka . I thought he looked great. MUCH FASTER than in previous years and always seemed to be in the right spot. Moved the puck crisply to the forwards and no glaring turnovers from what I saw. I did not see him get beat wide by the Columbus forwards like in years past. If waived I bet he gets claimed (IIRC, I think he has to clear waivers). I would keep him on the roster til after the season starts because even though Ruuta also looked impressive, I believe he doesn't need to clear waivers. Tough choices for Q.

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.
- John Jaeckel

Very true about Sharp, he's looking years younger. However, Sharp has looked good with Anisimov. In the interest of creating depth would it be better to keep Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman together? The 2LW spot would still be open, but there are options Q can try.

I like how Hayden has played, hopefully he sticks on the team (likely on the 4th line).

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 . . .
- John Jaeckel

We could also say that Kane was even more irrelevant on defense the first three years of his career. Wouldn't you say so?

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?
- jhawk59

It sounds like someone is hearing whispers in their head, not in the blog.