Did you watch the Nashville game? Schmaltz was backchecking and stealing the puck a la Marian Hossa that game. I counted 4 strips that turned in to shots (and a goal) that game. If you think he sucks base don one game you're filling your own confirmation bias.
- JRoenick97

Defending on the backcheck and going to one player to strip them on a backcheck are two different things...

Defending on the backcheck is picking up and playing assignment hockey. He has missed the boat on this quite a bit. Not to mention he is all speed and no strength and is not ready to pivot an NHL team at this point in his career.

I wish you all the best as the new kid in town I'm in Ontario as well...Just outside Sarnia(hometown)

I wish you all the best as the new kid in town I'm in Ontario as well...Just outside Sarnia(hometown)
- RIDELIKEHELL

Nice. Forest, eh? I know it.

Thanks for the note, sir!

Don't be a stronger on the message boards.

Cheers Scott!

Not hearing anything on the trade front right now. Then again, I'm still in the process in making some fresh rounds with my contacts so we'll see.

My take is that the Hawks know they can stay above average until they get some of these coaching adjustments made and new players adapted. From there, they are looking to take it up a notch to get rolling and see if they can make another (or a better) run.

If they lose control into a massive slump, then a deal will be made. If they keep their head above water in the West then they will keep that Hossa "slush fund" rolling in the background.


Justin I apologize for Justine and not Justin

I'll always keep you guys posted though when I hear a peep from my people.
- Justin Lowe

welcome, J-Lo! looking forward to reading your blogs!

the last few years this blog has been obsessed with the Duchene/Hawks possibility. I w ill admit, I at once point thought he would be a nice piece. Would Gabriel Landeskog ever be a possibility?

No doubt in my mind the Hawks will at some point make a move(s). This team is still to talented to not be a playoff team. Lots of new faces, and trying to figure out what their best pairings on the back end are. They need more time, and I believe they will get there. They def. need help though and I think a move for sure will be made!

Where's our new post? It's after 10am!

Where's our new post? It's after 10am!




- resqmed99

Game day blog coming out tomorrow AM.

Judge Judy will have to wait.

38 points/year average over the last 4 seasons but yes there is not a "quick fix" for this team. Many areas that need improvement, but adding Ryan McDonagh to this team would greatly improve their chances of competing for a Cup the next 2 seasons.
- EnzoD

Nah. Doesn't matter if they can't exit the zone, force turnovers and transition the puck from one end of the ice to the other or sustain meaningful pressure.

Most of their problems start at forward 200 ft away from Crawford and they are exacerbated by the defenders playing too casually and not transitioning the puck quickly from one end of the ice to the other which is largely a forward problem but also a coaching issue because they haven't adjusted their system while the rest of the league has adequately adapted to them.

RE: Toews, he is not what he was from around the '08-'13 seasons, which is a lot of years and thousands of hard-played shifts.

Everyone remember this?

insane Toews goal

This was an exciting Toews.

I think we can all agree that he has declined from elite and his 10.5M contract, for what he brings is tough to swallow.

Toews has never been a Kane, jaw-dropping type player, but he frequently used to dominate games with his elite hockey IQ, clutch scoring and strength down low.

We have to accept that that Toews is going to be more sparse moving forward but his leadership and intangibles are undeniable.

The NHL has changed an insane amount in a short span to a faster-paced and young person's game, which has left Toews (and so, so many more vets wondering where the "good ol' days" of their career has gone).

Based on recently comments this off-season Toews has been very dedicated to become a "quicker" and craftier player. At times, I can see sings that his adjustments are paying off.

Toews is still a vital part to this Blackhawks team in 2017, but the type of player he nets out to be in the next few years could be interesting.
- Justin Lowe

However, if he continues to force turnovers in the neutral zone and create chances in transition - like his goal the other night - then the whole he lost it narrative probably disappears.

Q will be able to send Hayden to Rockford to make room for Tootoo.

Quenneville said Tootoo was getting closer to returning.

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 3, 2017

Quenneville said Forsling is out tomorrow but could play Sunday

— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) November 3, 2017

Q will be able to send Bouma to Rockford to make room for Tootoo.

Quenneville said Tootoo was getting closer to returning.

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 3, 2017

- DarthKane

Q will be able to send Hayden to Rockford to make room for Tootoo.

Quenneville said Tootoo was getting closer to returning.

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 3, 2017

- DarthKane

I laugh because you never know with Q. It could happen.

Q will be able to send Hayden to Rockford to make room for Tootoo.

Quenneville said Tootoo was getting closer to returning.

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 3, 2017

- DarthKane

There is no reason this team should have TooToo Bouma and Wingels on it.

I laugh because you never know with Q. It could happen.
- z1990z

I was originally being sarcastic (*shocker*) but then I quickly realized that Hayden for Tootoo is a legit scenario....now I am depressed.

There is no reason this team should have TooToo Bouma and Wingels on it.
- bhawks2241

There's not reason they should have both, but there is a reason they will have both - Q.

Blackhawks lines
DeBrincat-Toews-Panik
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Bouma-Wingels-Hartman

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 3, 2017

Game day blog coming out tomorrow AM.

Judge Judy will have to wait.
- Justin Lowe

Judge Judy can afford to wait - she makes (I didn’t say “earns”) $47 million per year.

That’s Steph Currie money.

Blackhawks lines
DeBrincat-Toews-Panik
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Bouma-Wingels-Hartman

— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) November 3, 2017

- DarthKane

I like the Saad-Schmaltz-Kane combination. Same 6 Dmen dressing tomorrow?

I like the Saad-Schmaltz-Kane combination. Same 6 Dmen dressing tomorrow?
- EnzoD

It appears that way, Forsling won't play until Sunday at the earliest. I definitely think Forsling should be in the top 4 D once he's healthy, but I wouldn't rush him back just yet if he's not 100%.

Defensive pairs in drills: 2-11, 44-7, 6-5, 42-82. #Blackhawks

— Tracey Myers (@TramyersNBCS) November 3, 2017

Q on Anisimov: "Way, way better. He's been way more effective having the puck more, carrying the puck more. Has more speed to his game."

— John Dietz (@johndietzdh) November 3, 2017

Nah. Doesn't matter if they can't exit the zone, force turnovers and transition the puck from one end of the ice to the other or sustain meaningful pressure.

Most of their problems start at forward 200 ft away from Crawford and they are exacerbated by the defenders playing too casually and not transitioning the puck quickly from one end of the ice to the other which is largely a forward problem but also a coaching issue because they haven't adjusted their system while the rest of the league has adequately adapted to them.
- fattybeef

Watched the Flyers/Notes last night and the difference of how both played compared
to how we play was highly noticeable. Notes moved on transition with at least 4 men
acting as one, Philly did the same, IOW the D moves with the puck, very little D to D
which Q seems to love.

The league has passed Qs system goodbye and Q doesnt have the talent he had in
10 let alone 13 let alone 15. The team still has talent but not nearly as deep as in
the cup years, so the system needs changing or the coach needs to be changed.

Q on Anisimov: "Way, way better. He's been way more effective having the puck more, carrying the puck more. Has more speed to his game."

— John Dietz (@johndietzdh) November 3, 2017

- DarthKane

Would have to agree with The Stache's assessment. Not just finishing with a few goals, but making plays with the puck, being responsible defensively/PK, and not committing defensive zone turnovers like we saw two weeks ago. I'm very impressed with Hayden's puck possession ability down low and along the boards. He's using that large frame to shield the puck and make plays towards the net. Would like to see more from Sharpie than we have thus far.

Judge Judy can afford to wait - she makes (I didn’t say “earns”) $47 million per year.

That’s Steph Currie money.
- StLBravesFan

She's not a nice person, personal knowledge on that.

Would have to agree with The Stache's assessment. Not just finishing with a few goals, but making plays with the puck, being responsible defensively/PK, and not committing defensive zone turnovers like we saw two weeks ago. I'm very impressed with Hayden's puck possession ability down low and along the boards. He's using that large frame to shield the puck and make plays towards the net. Would like to see more from Sharpie than we have thus far.
- EnzoD

I like the third line, but Sharp is definitely the weak link (sadly). I think Vinnie would look good in that spot, at least as part of a rotation with Sharp.