I thought Murphy looked a little nervous. He is a big body that can skate which is nice to see. Murphy is not afraid to throw the body around and block shots either, but I just thought he seemed a bit tentative.
- ChicagoHope

With Samuelson guidance and support on and off ice from veteran leaders on defense, Murphy will have more good moments and slowly gain confidance to do what he can. Q would do well to be encouraging like Pully could be as a coach.

I recall once when Pully stepped behind the bench he approached a lot of players and complimented or encouraged them . Then stay with them, keep playing them. Be aware to work on and improve weaknesses.

Pully told Daze, you're a goal scorer.

Just whom might say to Murph (Q or Samuelson):"you're our guy, we're sticking with you."

At this time in his career he probably swims, not sinks. Long season to be ready for playoffs

Ladies and Gentlemen, you're 7th (or 8th) defencemen, Jordan Oesterle.

"I liked him. A lot". That's high praise from Q.

He looked reallly good to me at times. He's the type of dman the Hawks tend to love. Small in stature, mobile and good instincts.

With that being said, he had some serious gaffs last night too. I guess nothing too crazy as Q really liked what he saw.

I said since his signing he's had a good chance to make it. Mainly for the reasons above and the style he plays, plus he is versatile and can play LD and RD.
- TyCamScore

He sticks around for a while. FORSLING TO ROCKFORD.

But darn it Q probably sits Kempny or Ruuta not Franson in favor of Oesterle. I could imagine Q tries this substitution, picking certain opponents and will see how it goes. If Oesterle makes the team.

Q might like how he can do a little of everything fairly well. And can play either side. A la TVR.

We'll see if he does, indeed, perform fairly well

Anyone want to see Athanasiou traded to the Hawks? Looks like Detroit is offering $1.8M per and he wants $2.5M. I think I'd give up Forsling for him if that is what it would cost.

Could not stream the game bc of WGN and NHL Network broadcasts. Anyone care to provide an overall reaction/analysis?
- EnzoD

EnzoD...not much to dislike last night. 4 things stood out for me (all positive):
1. PK was tested often, was wayyyyy better than last year.
2. Crawford was stellar. mid-season form.
3. DeBrincat was not out of place at all. Quite noticeable in a good way. Can't see him spending the whole year in Rockford. Just a small sample, but the guy got skills.
4. Saad was a BEAST....nothing more need be said.!!!!!

Anyone want to see Athanasiou traded to the Hawks? Looks like Detroit is offering $1.8M per and he wants $2.5M. I think I'd give up Forsling for him if that is what it would cost.
- Dannyboy

I would take that if i was Detroit.

I bank more on what Forsling could be than what Athanasiou will ever be.

Especially good move when a valued position player is the dman.

With Samuelson guidance and support on and off ice from veteran leaders on defense, Murphy will have more good moments and slowly gain confidance to do what he can. Q would do well to be encouraging like Pully could be as a coach.

I recall once when Pully stepped behind the bench he approached a lot of players and complimented or encouraged them . Then stay with them, keep playing them. Be aware to work on and improve weaknesses.

Pully told Daze, you're a goal scorer.

Just whom might say to Murph (Q or Samuelson):"you're our guy, we're sticking with you."

At this time in his career he probably swims, not sinks. Long season to be ready for playoffs
- jhawk59

Before or after he extinguished his cigarette?

A lot of interesting roster decisions to come. Top three lines look set. Fourth line has about 8 candidates. Top three d-men set than after that another logjam. Will be interesting to see what happens.

Also, 80% of the Wings team yesterday are guys that won't be in the NHL in a couple weeks....so take that game with a bit of grain of salt.

I really think Cat makes the roster. I know there's still some pre-season games to go, but Q doesn't just leave him on a line with Kane and Schmaltz even in practice since the start of pre-season for no reason. I know it's a small line, but who cares, the 3 of them together are just so fluid entering the offense zone, and that's somthing the 2nd line last year with AA and Panarin had some issues with, especially against Nashville. I think Q really likes the idea of the what that line can be capable of with all the playmaking and hockey sense/hockey IQ it potentially posseses. ADB Grabbing that spot allows Q to keep the 3rd line how it is, which is a damn fine 3rd line. So will see, but imo Q wants that line to work and ADB isn't doing anything to hurt his chances, keep it up Cat!!

The thing that looked nice tonight,if you added up the distance from the crease he (Saad)was standing on all his goals, I bet it would be less than a foot. Yes, 1 game, but nice to see that happening already.
- powerenforcer

Thanks, I don't have to post. You said just what i ws going to say.

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself after
- TommyHawk[another meaningless] pre-season game, but I think the one moment that stood out for me today was the 'Cat's goal. I watched it on replay probably 6-8 times now, and quite frankly, it's not the goal itself that is impressive, it's how he went about scoring it.

If you watch the replays carefully, DeBrincat catches the puck from Panik (terrific vision by the way), waits a split second, and fires the puck to the emptier side of the net. While it may appear to be a very basic play, what grabbed my attention was how calm he was in that moment. He didn't just fire off a blind one-timer the minute the puck comes his way like most players too. He doesn't shoot it as hard as he could either, but rather he focused on placement of that shot.He essentially slowed that play down to his own speed. Kind of like the way 88 does. That's terrific awareness by the kid knowing he had time. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I really do see a resemblance to Kane in his game. Not necessarily 88's skills, but the way Kane slows the game down and with his awareness. I think they are natural compliments to each other.

Which leads to the next point of how big that Saad acquisition was. I still don't think people have a complete understanding of how important this acquisition was. Quite frankly, this might go down as Stan's best move yet trade-wise.

On a side note, I think Panik is due for another career season this year. Again, don't want to get ahead of myself, but his confidence seems even higher than it was last season, and he has the skill set to improve. 20+20 last season, but I think he can hit 50-55 points this year. I really do.

If Schmaltz can play like he has night in and night out, and Sharp has just enough in the tank this season, then this forward group is as good as any in the league. I don't envision any kind of regression.

Cat also did a good job of positioning himself in an open area of the ice in grade A scoring position. That's how goal scorers move about the offensive zone.

Cat also did a good job of positioning himself in an open area of the ice in grade A scoring position. That's how goal scorers move about the offensive zone.
- scottak

That kid has a clue

bringing back saad was a brilliant move. I can't wait to watch him, toews, and panik this season. they could be a "thing" real fast.

the hawks need to just say NO to svedberg. not a fan.

Saad trade already looks like a BOOM. Hawks got a terrific goalie of the future and likely current backup and we traded out a mostly perimeter player for a guy who is willing to get to the dirty areas. First game...hat trick. The first line is already light years ahead of last year AND...

I think Line 2 is going to be JUST AS GOOD as last year, if not better, because of Nick Schmaltz. He is positively electric. Vastly superior play maker to AA. Just gotta figure out the 2nd Line Left Wing. I believe the candidates are ADB, Hayden with Jurco and Sharp being long shots. DeBrincat has immense hockey instincts. So far he is more than acquitting himself to being a candidate and last year I predicted he'd make the big club this year and believe he should, but I wouldn't complain if he didn't make the team (like I will if Hayden doesn't make it), because maybe Q sends him down to see if he shows maturity like Schmatlz did last year.

Line 3 looks set and looks damn good. AA centering Sharp and Hartman. Sharp can take important draws for the draw-deficient Anisimov.

So fourth line is among Hayden, Jurco, Dauphin, Kero, Kampf, Wingels, Tutu, Bouma. So 7 players (assuming one of those are on line 2) for 3 spots. I suppose all those guys save one make the team, but 3 players a night are in the box.

Defense? I liked Osterle last night. I liked Luc, but he's out now. Still think Rutta and Kempny both were better than anyone not named Seabrook or Keith. Murphy did some good things, but so far not impressed. Sloppy at times and walked wide twice in game. I fear that trade will hurt, BUT Hawks have tons of depth options to cover for him if he falters. It was just 1 game so we'll see how he settles in. Victor...sorry I don't see it. Again, does some OK things, but then gets turned around.

Defense I think will be Seabs/Keith ... after that who the hell knows? But the next two best in my mind are Kempny and Rutta. Franson is almost assuredly making this team given lack of veteran options after top two. Murphy will also make the team. So there is 6. I think your #7 may be Osterle and he'll rotate in and out. I'd take him over Gus at this time.

Ulf has already paid dividends. The PK system way better than whatever that crap was last year. The PowerPlay should also be better as players like Franson, Sharp, Saad, and Schmaltz will add to the established guys. Though I picked on Connor Murhphy a bit above, I think he does look like a useful PowerPlay option. I suspect Osterle as well as that kid really has a strong offensive focus.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/...ski-to-stop-by-jets-camp/

alot of yapping about rule enforcement...frankly many of us have been screaming for the refs to enforce the rules for a couple of year; the reg season vs playoffs dichotomy has to go...

they are calling any stick around the hands at this point...this will change the way the way the game is played and increase offensive chances..

not sure i still understand the faceoff infraction...any care to explain this

If AA moves down to 3C, how long before people start complaining about our 3C making over $4M a year?
- tvetter

When Schmaltz gets a raise that makes AA our third highest paid C

I personally don't see an issue with:
1A line: Saad - Toews - Panik
1B line: ??? - Schmaltz - Kane
2 line: Sharp - AA - Hartman

Totally agreed, Bowman has really done a great job of re-building the depth from the bottom 6 down.

Gotta tell you guys, the hawks didn't play pretty the other night but they played wth more pushback and more physical engagement than I have seen in a long time.

Ditto on the earlier comment about challenging the points on the PK.

Lots of big, willing kids who can skate like Hayden, Rutta, Dauphin, Knott. And even some of the smaller guys like Hinostroza and Highmore were tough AF to play against and going hard to the net.
- John Jaeckel

Looks like a total re-haul in Rockford and a total shift away from the mess it clearly was under Dent the last few years (not all his fault). Colliton is an interesting pick as coach but could be a serious fit considering the amount of Scandi's the Hawks draft and sign. It will be interesting to watch how things go down there this year.

The Wings need some help at D. SB should package Svedberg, Pokka or Gus plus to get Athanesiu. The speed in our top 9 would be scary.

Saad trade already looks like a BOOM. Hawks got a terrific goalie of the future and likely current backup and we traded out a mostly perimeter player for a guy who is willing to get to the dirty areas. First game...hat trick. The first line is already light years ahead of last year AND...

I think Line 2 is going to be JUST AS GOOD as last year, if not better, because of Nick Schmaltz. He is positively electric. Vastly superior play maker to AA. Just gotta figure out the 2nd Line Left Wing. I believe the candidates are ADB, Hayden with Jurco and Sharp being long shots. DeBrincat has immense hockey instincts. So far he is more than acquitting himself to being a candidate and last year I predicted he'd make the big club this year and believe he should, but I wouldn't complain if he didn't make the team (like I will if Hayden doesn't make it), because maybe Q sends him down to see if he shows maturity like Schmatlz did last year.

Line 3 looks set and looks damn good. AA centering Sharp and Hartman. Sharp can take important draws for the draw-deficient Anisimov.

So fourth line is among Hayden, Jurco, Dauphin, Kero, Kampf, Wingels, Tutu, Bouma. So 7 players (assuming one of those are on line 2) for 3 spots. I suppose all those guys save one make the team, but 3 players a night are in the box.

Defense? I liked Osterle last night. I liked Luc, but he's out now. Still think Rutta and Kempny both were better than anyone not named Seabrook or Keith. Murphy did some good things, but so far not impressed. Sloppy at times and walked wide twice in game. I fear that trade will hurt, BUT Hawks have tons of depth options to cover for him if he falters. It was just 1 game so we'll see how he settles in. Victor...sorry I don't see it. Again, does some OK things, but then gets turned around.

Defense I think will be Seabs/Keith ... after that who the hell knows? But the next two best in my mind are Kempny and Rutta. Franson is almost assuredly making this team given lack of veteran options after top two. Murphy will also make the team. So there is 6. I think your #7 may be Osterle and he'll rotate in and out. I'd take him over Gus at this time.

Ulf has already paid dividends. The PK system way better than whatever that crap was last year. The PowerPlay should also be better as players like Franson, Sharp, Saad, and Schmaltz will add to the established guys. Though I picked on Connor Murhphy a bit above, I think he does look like a useful PowerPlay option. I suspect Osterle as well as that kid really has a strong offensive focus.
- kwolf68

I am not yet on the Cat bandwagon. He needs more time and that line will NEED someone who is willing and able to get down low and score dirty goals in front of the net. People forget that other than Kane/Panarin chemistry, AA's ability to play that style created some space for them to work.

All this being said, I think Hayden is best candidate for the 2 LW. He looked absolutely fantastic is the first game; a little quicker, just as strong, and more than willing. Decent hands too! What is more, he's a leader, willing to do whatever role is asked.

May as well dampen the mood around here, hearing it may be possibility Hossa's to LTIR will be rejected by league. League is doing independent investigation and using their own doctor. This would be a disaster.

May as well dampen the mood around here, hearing it may be possibility Hossa's to LTIR will be rejected by league. League is doing independent investigation and using their own doctor. This would be a disaster.
- kwolf68

Some owners likely complained and wanted the league to look into the Lupul thing. They can't look into Lupul and not look into the other guys on LTIR like Hossa too.

Good chance Hossa clears, but this might get ugly.

I am not yet on the Cat bandwagon. He needs more time and that line will NEED someone who is willing and able to get down low and score dirty goals in front of the net. People forget that other than Kane/Panarin chemistry, AA's ability to play that style created some space for them to work.

All this being said, I think Hayden is best candidate for the 2 LW. He looked absolutely fantastic is the first game; a little quicker, just as strong, and more than willing. Decent hands too! What is more, he's a leader, willing to do whatever role is asked.
- Bjm84

Oh count me in as one of the Hayden camp guys. Been raving about him for years and he is awesome this year. I think he could be the perfect compliment to Schmaltz and Kane. Hayden can just replace what AA does, but Hayden is far more physical than AA. So I think that's a net gain. While Schmaltz isn't the sniper Panarin is, he's a far better 200 foot player and an elite playmaker. Kane will have chemistry with anyone. Panarin and Kane were not magic...Panarin was a good player, made great by being with Kane. Schmaltz and Kane will make us quickly forget about Panarin and Kane. Remember Kane carried around Handzus and Richards for a few years. Only difference now is Kaner may actually score more goals as Schmaltz is a true setup center, probably the best Kane has ever played with. And thank God we won't see that same freaking powerplay where the Hawks obsess with getting it to the left circle for a Panarin one timer. Now they can run a system for whatever the best shot is.

Other than defense this team is ready to roll. Defense still has me worried.

...can't get the image of Veruca Salt (or Gilligan) out of my head when they show close ups of those red blouses... is it insignificant, yes. is it still a distraction, yes.

Some owners likely complained and wanted the league to look into the Lupul thing. They can't look into Lupul and not look into the other guys on LTIR like Hossa too.

Good chance Hossa clears, but this might get ugly.
- BINGO!

I agree. I don't think the Hawks would have pursued this unless they knew it was true. Honestly I'd love to have Hossa playing. The guy was still playing at a very high level last year and making a run at a fourth Cup would be enticing. We'll see how it plays out.

Cat's awareness on that play where he scored speaks to his high Hockey IQ. You just can’t teach that. DeBrincat has it and the more he works with Kane and Schmaltz the better it will get. This kid’s the real deal, no Rockford stints are needed imo.

May as well dampen the mood around here, hearing it may be possibility Hossa's to LTIR will be rejected by league. League is doing independent investigation and using their own doctor. This would be a disaster.
- kwolf68

Doubtful. Hossa diagnosis was not a single opinion and they took significant time to test and evaluate. They knew what they were doing. Though I am certain the howling from the female doges in Anaheim, St Louis and Nashville was deafening... The league probably just wants sufficient independent support for the ruling.

Doubtful. Hossa diagnosis was not a single opinion and they took significant time to test and evaluate. They knew what they were doing. Though I am certain the howling from the female doges in Anaheim, St Louis and Nashville was deafening... The league probably just wants sufficient independent support for the ruling.
- tredbrta

Hope so man. I was one of the few upset Hossa was going on LTIR, because he's still a damn good hockey player. Love that guy. Wanted him to go out on the ice, not on some LTIR skin condition thing. But it is what it is.