What can you guys tell me about Ville Pokka? Interesting the Sens got anything at all for DiDo since he was on waivers earlier this week.
- tryhard

It was an AHL talent for AHL talent trade.

Enjoy the lottery pick this year

Enjoy the lottery pick this year
- Coilers

Can you help us to understand the emotions we will go through at the draft. Its been 10 years since we have had to do so.

What can you guys tell me about Ville Pokka? Interesting the Sens got anything at all for DiDo since he was on waivers earlier this week.
- tryhard

Hawk fans are thinking the same way about Pokka. That is, surprised we got anything for him.

Enjoy the lottery pick this year
- Coilers

Tzchuk and Kane together will be fun

Enjoy the lottery pick this year
- Coilers

Can you start winning FFS to improve this pick for us.

Poor goaltending and poor back checking by the forwards (particularly centers) will make the D look worse than it really is. Missing Crow and AA for large stretches was huge.

If Crow was healthy and on top of his game it would have been a huge difference this year.

Keith is still a very good dman. But he needs a good stay at home, physical dman with him. He was at his best with a younger Seabs or with Hammer. Oesterle is not physical, floats/roams all over the place, and lingers in the Ozone. It is a terrible combination.

I would like to see the Hawks trade for a top pairing Dman. That would cost a lot both in cap space and assets. But it is needed.

I also would like them to re-sign Kempny. He makes mistakes. But I think he has the physical tools and will get better and better in his positioning.

It is hard to tell how much blame Ulfie's system should be getting, or whether some of the awfulness can be attributed to incorporating a new system and so many new faces (some of which have very little NHL/North American experience.) They probably will give it another year.

Next year:
Crow healthy and on his game
???? - Keith
Rutta - Kempny
Seabs - Forsling
extras Murphy and Oesterle is not bad top to bottom
(Remember we won a Cup in 2015 with Timonen, Runblad, Rosival, TVR and Cumisky as our 4 through 8 Dmen)

They do not have much flexibility to make changes at the TDL or next year. We have to count on one big move for a defender, Crow to return healthy and the other Dmen to get better and all Dmen to get more familiar with the system.

Poor goaltending and poor back checking by the forwards (particularly centers) will make the D look worse than it really is. Missing Crow and AA for large stretches was huge.

If Crow was healthy and on top of his game it would have been a huge difference this year.

Keith is still a very good dman. But he needs a good stay at home, physical dman with him. He was at his best with a younger Seabs or with Hammer. Oesterle is not physical, floats/roams all over the place, and lingers in the Ozone. It is a terrible combination.

I would like to see the Hawks trade for a top pairing Dman. That would cost a lot both in cap space and assets. But it is needed.

I also would like them to re-sign Kempny. He makes mistakes. But I think he has the physical tools and will get better and better in his positioning.

It is hard to tell how much blame Ulfie's system should be getting, or whether some of the awfulness can be attributed to incorporating a new system and so many new faces (some of which have very little NHL/North American experience.) They probably will give it another year.

Next year:
Crow healthy and on his game
???? - Keith
Rutta - Kempny
Seabs - Forsling
extras Murphy and Oesterle is not bad top to bottom
(Remember we won a Cup in 2015 with Timonen, Runblad, Rosival, TVR and Cumisky as our 4 through 8 Dmen)

They do not have much flexibility to make changes at the TDL or next year. We have to count on one big move for a defender, Crow to return healthy and the other Dmen to get better and all Dmen to get more familiar with the system.
- -Doh-

I would like to see a player that has the skill to insure the Manson and Kesslers of the world stop taking runs at our guys...

Embrace the tank folks. Every loss now is next season's gain.

http://www.tankathon.com/nhl

Just continuing the talk about goal scoring and the Hawks, to me, the big thing is looking at the scoring when the game is close (either trailing by 1, tied or leading by 1). This is where the Hawks struggle and it translates to losses instead of wins.

Hawks are 26th in goals for/60 when the game is close, with only Edmonton, Montreal, Columbus, Arizona, and Buffalo worse.

GF/60 2.53
GA/60 2.86
GF% 46.92%

How does it compare to previous seasons?




First time in a while that the Hawks are on the wrong side of this metric (below 50%) and it translates into losses instead of wins. This a good way to take the extra goals out of the equation.

Enjoy the lottery pick this year
- Coilers

I'm looking forward to it, see you there.

Honestly, I think our teams have been biggest disappointments this season.

Poor goaltending and poor back checking by the forwards (particularly centers) will make the D look worse than it really is. Missing Crow and AA for large stretches was huge.

If Crow was healthy and on top of his game it would have been a huge difference this year.

Keith is still a very good dman. But he needs a good stay at home, physical dman with him. He was at his best with a younger Seabs or with Hammer. Oesterle is not physical, floats/roams all over the place, and lingers in the Ozone. It is a terrible combination.

I would like to see the Hawks trade for a top pairing Dman. That would cost a lot both in cap space and assets. But it is needed.

I also would like them to re-sign Kempny. He makes mistakes. But I think he has the physical tools and will get better and better in his positioning.

It is hard to tell how much blame Ulfie's system should be getting, or whether some of the awfulness can be attributed to incorporating a new system and so many new faces (some of which have very little NHL/North American experience.) They probably will give it another year.

Next year:
Crow healthy and on his game
???? - Keith
Rutta - Kempny
Seabs - Forsling
extras Murphy and Oesterle is not bad top to bottom
(Remember we won a Cup in 2015 with Timonen, Runblad, Rosival, TVR and Cumisky as our 4 through 8 Dmen)

They do not have much flexibility to make changes at the TDL or next year. We have to count on one big move for a defender, Crow to return healthy and the other Dmen to get better and all Dmen to get more familiar with the system.
- -Doh-

If Kempny, Rutta, & Oesterle are playing regular minutes minutes next year, why would you expect some miraculous improvemt from possibly the league's weakest defense group?

I'd much rather go with Forsling and Jokiharju who have high upside so you can live with the growing pains in another "rebuilding" year which next year is looking like.

There also needs to be a contingency plan if Crow's head injuries are career threatening. Forsberg needs to play a starter workload right now to see if he has the ability to be a #1 with consistent play.

Too many issues and not enough cap flexibility to expect much different next year...barring blockbuster moves by Stan or a new GM.

I would like to see a player that has the skill to insure the Manson and Kesslers of the world stop taking runs at our guys...
- riozzo

When I see the reaction by opponents to hits by our guys vs the Hawks' reaction to hits on our guys, it is truly embarrassing.
It is like we are becoming the meek victims of school yard bullies.

I would like to see a player that has the skill to insure the Manson and Kesslers of the world stop taking runs at our guys...
- riozzo

A skilled player like Manson that is hard to find. Kessler is a cheap shot artist and antagonist. He is like Shaw or Hartman. Hayden was fearless at the beginning of the year. Murphy can be that guy. Kempny, Hartman, Seabs, Wingels, Bouma are not exactly in that mold but they are not marshmallow soft either. Saad is kind of an enigma, but at times he has shown some fire. Sometimes toughness needs to be done by committee, everyone on the team needs to be ready to take the body and respond.

One thing I like about Vegas is that even though they are a fast team they take the body up and down the lineup in all zones.

If Kempny, Rutta, & Oesterle are playing regular minutes minutes next year, why would you expect some miraculous improvemt from possibly the league's weakest defense group?

I'd much rather go with Forsling and Jokiharju who have high upside so you can live with the growing pains in another "rebuilding" year which next year is looking like.

There also needs to be a contingency plan if Crow's head injuries are career threatening. Forsberg needs to play a starter workload right now to see if he has the ability to be a #1 with consistent play.

Too many issues and not enough cap flexibility to expect much different next year...barring blockbuster moves by Stan or a new GM.
- EnzoD

You might under a new coaching staff.

I'm looking forward to it, see you there.

Honestly, I think our teams have been biggest disappointments this season.
- DarthKane

I think your right

I think your right


- Coilers

If Kempny, Rutta, & Oesterle are playing regular minutes minutes next year, why would you expect some miraculous improvemt from possibly the league's weakest defense group?

I'd much rather go with Forsling and Jokiharju who have high upside so you can live with the growing pains in another "rebuilding" year which next year is looking like.

There also needs to be a contingency plan if Crow's head injuries are career threatening. Forsberg needs to play a starter workload right now to see if he has the ability to be a #1 with consistent play.

Too many issues and not enough cap flexibility to expect much different next year...barring blockbuster moves by Stan or a new GM.
- EnzoD

Here is some data extending what I posted above that backs up your lack of confidence in some of our dmen this season.

Hawks on the ice for the most EV goals against/60 minutes when the game is close..

GA/60

Forsling 4
Gus 3.7
AA 3.4
Rutta 3.39
Oesterle 3.25

If Kempny, Rutta, & Oesterle are playing regular minutes minutes next year, why would you expect some miraculous improvemt from possibly the league's weakest defense group?

I'd much rather go with Forsling and Jokiharju who have high upside so you can live with the growing pains in another "rebuilding" year which next year is looking like.

There also needs to be a contingency plan if Crow's head injuries are career threatening. Forsberg needs to play a starter workload right now to see if he has the ability to be a #1 with consistent play.

Too many issues and not enough cap flexibility to expect much different next year...barring blockbuster moves by Stan or a new GM.
- EnzoD

We do not need miraculous.... just improvement.
- Sometimes players take a big step in between their 1st and 2nd years.
- A 2nd year under Ulfie could help. (even for Keith and Seabs)
- Bringing in a top pairing defender will slot the other dmen properly

I would like to see what Forsling and Jokiharju can do. They will definitely be given a long look. If it is a "push" between them and Rutta, Kempny, Murphy, Oesterle would it be better for them Forsling and Joki to play in the NHL or AHL. AN argument can be made for either scenario.

I totally agree about riding Forsberg from now until year end. I think his style/form is ok. He also played better with more work in the AHL.

If Kempny, Rutta, & Oesterle are playing regular minutes minutes next year, why would you expect some miraculous improvemt from possibly the league's weakest defense group?

I'd much rather go with Forsling and Jokiharju who have high upside so you can live with the growing pains in another "rebuilding" year which next year is looking like.

There also needs to be a contingency plan if Crow's head injuries are career threatening. Forsberg needs to play a starter workload right now to see if he has the ability to be a #1 with consistent play.

Too many issues and not enough cap flexibility to expect much different next year...barring blockbuster moves by Stan or a new GM.
- EnzoD

Very bad idea Enzo. Unless they are Bobby Orr or Denis Potvin, most 20/21 year old defenceman aren't even close to ready for full time duty in the NHL. They aren't physically mature and lack experience.

Text Jim Benning in Vancouver and ask him how the Leafs ruined his hockey career by trying to jam him in as a kid. Luke Schenn is another example.

Very bad idea Enzo. Unless they are Bobby Orr or Denis Potvin, most 20/21 year old defenceman aren't even close to ready for full time duty in the NHL. They aren't physically mature and lack experience.

Text Jim Benning in Vancouver and ask him how the Leafs ruined his hockey career by trying to jam him in as a kid. Luke Schenn is another example.
- RickJ

Forsling should get a shot next season. At that point he'd have split two seasons between the AHL and NHL. I wouldn't put too much pressure on the kid, maybe 15ish minutes per game with limited PK time.

Jokiharju has been fantastic in the WHL, but it's a big leap to the NHL. Give the kid lots of opportunity in training camp, but unless he's 100% ready for the NHL he will likely play in Portland again next yer.

Very bad idea Enzo. Unless they are Bobby Orr or Denis Potvin, most 20/21 year old defenceman aren't even close to ready for full time duty in the NHL. They aren't physically mature and lack experience.

Text Jim Benning in Vancouver and ask him how the Leafs ruined his hockey career by trying to jam him in as a kid. Luke Schenn is another example.
- RickJ

I see your point but Forsling played nearly half the season here this year and a good chunk of NHL action in 16/17 so I'd expect him to be ready for the NHL full time next year (or hope). He has all the tools. Jokiharju is a bigger stretch, but my hope is that he truly is an NHL talent and can get a taste of NHL action next year even if he ends up back in the OHL after the 9 game trial. My point being that Oesterle, Rutta, Kempny, Gustafson and even Murphy are what they are....borderline 3rd pair dmen. You cant have five 3rd pair dmen again next season and expect much different results. What is that quote about insanity?? Oh ya...."doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Big changes need to come on Defense, whether it is young talents with high upside in Jokharju/Forsling, or outside help via UFA/trade. and NHL quality help, not Euro guys please!

Tzchuk and Kane together will be fun
- EnzoD

I don't know, I'd like to get excited about tankathon 2018...but knowing Bowman he'll draft a speedy but physically inept smurf who plays wing (not center or D). This team needs to get bigger and harder to play against stat!

We do not need miraculous.... just improvement.
- Sometimes players take a big step in between their 1st and 2nd years.
- A 2nd year under Ulfie could help. (even for Keith and Seabs)
- Bringing in a top pairing defender will slot the other dmen properly

I would like to see what Forsling and Jokiharju can do. They will definitely be given a long look. If it is a "push" between them and Rutta, Kempny, Murphy, Oesterle would it be better for them Forsling and Joki to play in the NHL or AHL. AN argument can be made for either scenario.

I totally agree about riding Forsberg from now until year end. I think his style/form is ok. He also played better with more work in the AHL.
- -Doh-

I agree I'm very curious to see what Forsling and Jokiharju can do. I think we need both of them to take a step next year if we want to be a serious contender for a Cup in the next few years. I'd like to see Forsling get regular playing time next year for sure. Jokiharju is interesting. I would LOVE to see him come to camp make an impact and make the team and do well, but at the same time can he make the jump as a 19 year old? Possibly. Time will tell. Might be better for him and the team for him to continue to develop for another year before they really try to plan with him apart of the D-men going forward

Keith, Seabrook, Murphy, and Forsling are the only "locks" I can see to be apart of our Top 6 D-Men come next season. Oesterle will likely make the the team because he's got a great contract and has played fairly well this year. I'd like to see them acquire a guy capable of playing 15-20 minutes a night and can help lead the team. If it takes trading AA to free the cap space in order to do so I would like to explore that.

As bad as this season has been I think there are pieces on this team that can be put together to become a serious contender once again whether that be in a year or two. Bowman (if still with the team; which I don't see him getting the boot) is gonna have a lot of work to do and is going to have to correctly identify which pieces need to stay AND where to play them at. I think it's been lost on the team the value of guys playing specific roles. It seems to me this team is just a collection of talents rather than guys being developed and placed in the right spot for a specific role for them to thrive in. I think this is something that made the Hawks so great and helped them be so successful. Talent has to be there in order to do it. We'll see what happens

A skilled player like Manson that is hard to find. Kessler is a cheap shot artist and antagonist. He is like Shaw or Hartman. Hayden was fearless at the beginning of the year. Murphy can be that guy. Kempny, Hartman, Seabs, Wingels, Bouma are not exactly in that mold but they are not marshmallow soft either. Saad is kind of an enigma, but at times he has shown some fire. Sometimes toughness needs to be done by committee, everyone on the team needs to be ready to take the body and respond.

One thing I like about Vegas is that even though they are a fast team they take the body up and down the lineup in all zones.
- -Doh-

Kessler is a grade a dbag on the ice but he is also a very very good physical two way center who can still put the puck in the net. Looks like injuries might finally be taking a tole on him though at the age of 33. I'd take him on the hawks if not for that cap hit. As JJ calls them an all terrain forward. Something the Hawks don't have in there top 6 currently.

I also think Toews is taking even more subtle crosschecks this year. Other teams have figured out a little shove in Toews back when he has or is near the puck will put him out of the play and likely off his skates. Several Ducks players gave him subtle little shoves in the ozone and Toews went down easily.

Safe to say Kane is harder on the puck these days than JT. How the times have changed.