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

If the Hawks' goalies continue to have a save percentage over 95%, they will be tough to beat ....

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

I came here today specifically to say my two cents on possible defense fills.

First of all you lose one player through waviers at the beginning right?, because after you lose a guy you get to fill with a guy???
I probably need brushing up on this point... but it is certain that if the Blackhawks see any of the following players who MUST be waived if sent down,
Defenders
Kempny
Svedberg
Oesterle
Pokka
and when/if signed,
Franson
all can be claimed, along with forwards
Bouma,
Wingels,
Tootoo,
Jurco,
and
Baun.

Every other player including Forsling, Hinostoza, Rutta, Kampf, Hayden,and DeBcat can be sent down.

I honestly believe that there is a new defensive strategy for the defenseman to "play," and Ulf will get to have some say in who stays, but most certainly the preseason play gets you the job....

I think they KNOW all of the above, and there are guys they are less afraid of losing in waviers, and that in my opinion TooToo and Rosy were simply re-signed for Vegas draft purposes and they will be replaced.

I am not so sure that Jordan Oesterle gets sent down, i am also think he's you up ice guy, where Svettyballs is Ulf big mean guy.
Where Forsling and Kempny fit...well, I couldn't figure it out last year by virtue of how little they were "working in"
I see three spots and Rutta and all they above have to win jobs or go down, and
the same is true at FORWARD:

Maybe Wingels and Bouma are not locks but THEY DO illustrate the IDEA of what the team is looking for down at the bottom, so if you are young and playing like a heavy lifter, you try to unearth them.

It is pleasant when you see so many player sin preseason games swarming and fast, and I was devastated with Panarin leaving, but last night dried the tears.

[quote=wiz1901]


I was not overly impressed by Osterle, especially in his own zone. He reminds me of a Chris Campoli kind of player.

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!

Really???????

Think it's more that the Lupul situation forced their hand.

They were all set to let this quietly fade from memory until Joffrey opened his mouth.
- BINGO!

What makes you think they're not still following the same process they always had planned? Read the report from Mirtle again - the Lupul comments triggered a review for him, but all he says about Hossa is that they were always planning a Hossa one because of complaints from before. Hossa's review has nothing to do with Lupul because it was already planned.

Scott Powers even subtweeted Mirtle's report with his article from June where he talks about when they planned to do the review (close to the start of the season, like usual). He reiterated that nothing has changed on the Hossa's front because of Lupul's comments, that the NHL was never in a rush for Hossa because they knew he wasn't going on LTIR until the start of the year. He then said it's "highly doubtful [the Hawks]'ll be denied" LTIR.

I doubt it'll get ugly. I doubt the Lupul case will get all that ugly either (now that Lupul's back tracked on his comments). The last thing the NHL wants is two of it's biggest money making and most popular teams to be in a place where they can't operate.

I watched the first 50 minutes of the game late last night on NHL.TV and I had a few takeaways.....

-Nick Schmaltz looks bigger, faster, stronger and more poised. If 8+88 play together this year, Nick should easily be in the 50-60 point range.

-88 will be 70+ points again this year. Dynamic as always and like a fine wine...he seems to get better with age

-2 looked mobile and in control of the game every time he was on the ice. I excpect another 40+ point season at 24-25 minutes/game

-IMO, the Saad trade is already a huge win. It's been said already, but he is a absolute BEAST with wheels and hard on the puck. hattrick with all three goals a combined 1 foot from the blue paint. EXACTLY what the Hawks have lacked the last 2 years in their top 6.

-Snuggerud >> Osterle until he left the game with an injury. Hopefully nothing serious as he is an outstanding skater and smart player.

-Connor Murphy is not bad, but he is also not good. He is still young and he is massive, but I felt like he killed possession every time he got the puck on his blade in transition from defense to offense. First game jitters, I hope, bc he was not impressive IMO.

-Debrincat doing what he seemingly has done his entire career...not big, not fast, not flashy...just franking buries the puck.

-Crawford dialed in and looking ready for 55+ games this year

-Penalty Kill gets an A+


THANK GOD IT'S HOCKEY SEASON!!!!!
- EnzoD

1. Snuggerud, and Sikura's surprising rise helps the depth and future greatly. 5th and 6th round choice's as well.

2. Ya especially now that football season is all but officially over

What makes you think they're not still following the same process they always had planned? Read the report from Mirtle again - the Lupul comments triggered a review for him, but all he says about Hossa is that they were always planning a Hossa one because of complaints from before. Hossa's review has nothing to do with Lupul because it was already planned.

Scott Powers even subtweeted Mirtle's report with his article from June where he talks about when they planned to do the review (close to the start of the season, like usual). He reiterated that nothing has changed on the Hossa's front because of Lupul's comments, that the NHL was never in a rush for Hossa because they knew he wasn't going on LTIR until the start of the year. He then said it's "highly doubtful
- L_B_R[the Hawks]'ll be denied" LTIR.

I doubt it'll get ugly. I doubt the Lupul case will get all that ugly either (now that Lupul's back tracked on his comments). The last thing the NHL wants is two of it's biggest money making and most popular teams to be in a place where they can't operate.

They can operate just fine. They just might not have the sort of roster they otherwise could have.

I came here today specifically to say my two cents on possible defense fills.

First of all you lose one player through waviers at the beginning right?, because after you lose a guy you get to fill with a guy???
I probably need brushing up on this point... but it is certain that if the Blackhawks see any of the following players who MUST be waived if sent down,
Defenders
Kempny
Svedberg
Oesterle
Pokka
and when/if signed,
Franson
all can be claimed, along with forwards
Bouma,
Wingels,
Tootoo,
Jurco,
and
Baun.

Every other player including Forsling, Hinostoza, Rutta, Kampf, Hayden,and DeBcat can be sent down.

I honestly believe that there is a new defensive strategy for the defenseman to "play," and Ulf will get to have some say in who stays, but most certainly the preseason play gets you the job....

I think they KNOW all of the above, and there are guys they are less afraid of losing in waviers, and that in my opinion TooToo and Rosy were simply re-signed for Vegas draft purposes and they will be replaced.

I am not so sure that Jordan Oesterle gets sent down, i am also think he's you up ice guy, where Svettyballs is Ulf big mean guy.
Where Forsling and Kempny fit...well, I couldn't figure it out last year by virtue of how little they were "working in"
I see three spots and Rutta and all they above have to win jobs or go down, and
the same is true at FORWARD:

Maybe Wingels and Bouma are not locks but THEY DO illustrate the IDEA of what the team is looking for down at the bottom, so if you are young and playing like a heavy lifter, you try to unearth them.

It is pleasant when you see so many player sin preseason games swarming and fast, and I was devastated with Panarin leaving, but last night dried the tears.
- wiz1901

I've actually been thinking about this too. So Wiz are you thinking Svedberg and Oesterle make the team at least initially to avoid the possibility of losing them on waivers?

1. Snuggerud, and Sikura's surprising rise helps the depth and future greatly. 5th and 6th round choice's as well.

2. Ya especially now that football season is all but officially over
- vabeachbear

i thought the bad news Bears were still in Pre-Season

1. Snuggerud, and Sikura's surprising rise helps the depth and future greatly. 5th and 6th round choice's as well.

2. Ya especially now that football season is all but officially over
- vabeachbear

C'MON MAN... It was OVER before it ever started its the McCaskey's!!!

They can operate just fine. They just might not have the sort of roster they otherwise could have.
- BINGO!

You ignored everything I said but the end lol. Add 'properly' to the end of the sentence if it helps. The Hawks would be $5m+ over the cap and it'd be really hard to get under it, so they couldn't operate properly. If they league tried this bs, there's going to be lawsuits. That's the only way it gets ugly but they're not going to do it because it's 1) not worth the trouble of pissing off one of the highest money generating teams unless it's super super blatant they're lying and 2) Hossa's condition is apparently well documented and known and nothing has changed how the league is handling Hossa.

The title of Mirtle's report was click-baity, but the article just confirms everything is going as always planned, as Powers clarifies. Idk the follow up articles and comments from non-Leafs/Hawks fans all seem somewhat like concern-trolling.

i thought the bad news Bears were still in Pre-Season
- glennjpawlak22

No, they won games in the pre-season and played their better QB.

C'MON MAN... It was OVER before it ever started its the McCaskey's!!!
- BGKarras

"OVER !! It ain't over 'til we say it's over !!" John Blutarsky….Animal House

C'MON MAN... It was OVER before it ever started its the McCaskey's!!!
- BGKarras

Umm....anybody want to swap some hawks tix for my bears season tix...PLEASE

I am very high on Kemp and Rutta. I could not believe how good Jan was v. Columbus. First time ever on NA ice for a legit game and played a flawless hockey game. Kempny looks more confident and composed this year. I think he could be a PowerPlay stud with his shot. YES, I love the potential of both of them and YES Connor has good potential, but so far I've seen too many mistakes from him (the Hawks scrimmage where Sharp pick pocketed him was horrendous and a couple sloppy plays last night) to be overly confident. That said, its a new team and he's probably pressing....I am VERY anxious to see him in his next game. If he plays with Keith that's a good spot to have, but he'll be playing a lot of top lines.
- kwolf68

Agree 100%. Q must have liked Ruuta's game Tues as he led the D in TOI too. To me, Murphy definitely looks like he is pressing. Lots of effort with little thought. Needs to settle down in his own zone and learn.

You ignored everything I said but the end lol. Add 'properly' to the end of the sentence if it helps. The Hawks would be $5m+ over the cap and it'd be really hard to get under it, so they couldn't operate properly. If they league tried this bs, there's going to be lawsuits. That's the only way it gets ugly but they're not going to do it because it's 1) not worth the trouble of pissing off one of the highest money generating teams unless it's super super blatant they're lying and 2) Hossa's condition is apparently well documented and known and nothing has changed how the league is handling Hossa.

The title of Mirtle's report was click-baity, but the article just confirms everything is going as always planned, as Powers clarifies. Idk the follow up articles and comments from non-Leafs/Hawks fans all seem somewhat like concern-trolling.
- L_B_R

I still think you guys get the LTIR designation but League drags it out to make it as painful as possible to appease the other owners.

Does that mean possibly delaying a ruling till after season starts, thus forcing Hawks to make moves they don't want to make. Before giving them the cap space back mid year, maybe.

These are professional sports leagues, they typically can and do what every they want when it comes down to it.

I still think you guys get the LTIR designation but League drags it out to make it as painful as possible to appease the other owners.

Does that mean possibly delaying a ruling till after season starts, thus forcing Hawks to make moves they don't want to make. Before giving them the cap space back mid year, maybe.

These are professional sports leagues, they typically can and do what every they want when it comes down to it.
- Gerk

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure the league is waiting to rule/rubber stamp when the Hawks actually request to put him on LTIR when the season begins.

I've actually been thinking about this too. So Wiz are you thinking Svedberg and Oesterle make the team at least initially to avoid the possibility of losing them on waivers?
- walleyeb1

One thing to note about Svedberg, he did clear waivers last year after camp. Odds are good he'd clear again.

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure the league is waiting to rule/rubber stamp when the Hawks actually request to put him on LTIR when the season begins.
- breadbag

That's fair, keep forgetting the request is not official until reg season is about to start.

I've actually been thinking about this too. So Wiz are you thinking Svedberg and Oesterle make the team at least initially to avoid the possibility of losing them on waivers?
- walleyeb1

EnzoD thinks Jordon Oesterle has warts but I guess I don't see them and the hawks staff KNOWS guys with offensive zone presence lead to scores, and they signed him, right, for that side of his game, knowing if he is exposed to waviers he might go bye-bye.

My point is that I am not about to discount the new Czech and these two above and think the other guys young and old are locks including Franson's heavy point shot.

I think that they are trying to ADD and fill those Rosy, TvR, and Soupy spots with DIFFERENT types of defenders, so they can go heavy against teams some nights, and go with a strong attack push others.

I just watched and came to the realization, there were more TRUE candidates than I was considering and that me or you narrowing the field like we knew who , well, the obvious choices were that it was more like competition than we thought.

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.
- SoftServe

Everyone all aboard the ADB train. He's a gamer and we're all seeing it now with the prospect tourney and now preseason. I don't care where he starts, whether it's here or Rockford. Just glad to see him proving people wrong. Use that chip on your shoulder lil man

You ignored everything I said but the end lol. Add 'properly' to the end of the sentence if it helps. The Hawks would be $5m+ over the cap and it'd be really hard to get under it, so they couldn't operate properly. If they league tried this bs, there's going to be lawsuits. That's the only way it gets ugly but they're not going to do it because it's 1) not worth the trouble of pissing off one of the highest money generating teams unless it's super super blatant they're lying and 2) Hossa's condition is apparently well documented and known and nothing has changed how the league is handling Hossa.

The title of Mirtle's report was click-baity, but the article just confirms everything is going as always planned, as Powers clarifies. Idk the follow up articles and comments from non-Leafs/Hawks fans all seem somewhat like concern-trolling.
- L_B_R

Agreed however, now the local NBC affiliate is running with it so all the local fanboys can get worked up into a frenzy.http://www.nbcchicago.com...ssa-report-446839723.html

One thing to note about Svedberg, he did clear waivers last year after camp. Odds are good he'd clear again.
- breadbag

I suppose you're right, especially since he's being paid $850,000 whether he plays in the NHL or the AHL.

Agreed however, now the local NBC affiliate is running with it so all the local fanboys can get worked up into a frenzy.http://www.nbcchicago.com...ssa-report-446839723.html
- Rota's Rooter

It's all click bait.

I still think you guys get the LTIR designation but League drags it out to make it as painful as possible to appease the other owners.

Does that mean possibly delaying a ruling till after season starts, thus forcing Hawks to make moves they don't want to make. Before giving them the cap space back mid year, maybe.

These are professional sports leagues, they typically can and do what every they want when it comes down to it.
- Gerk

Keep hoping