Blasphemy!


Spot on Roar!
- EnzoD

I just wanted to give Saad and Toews a playmaker on their line
- SoftServe

Don't sell DCat short on his playmaking abilities. He has all the makings of a high assist guy except he's a shoot first guy, which is a good thing considering we aren't loaded with shoot first guys. Kane in the last few years has developed more of a shooter's attitude even though he is a premier playmaker - he knows when to do what the play presents and he takes it. Schmaltz still defers to the pass too much and Sikura is an unknown until he proves what he is. But DCat is more of a hybrid pass/shoot similar to Kane - just not as good, obviously.

Has anyone noticed Nick leddy STILL isn't a legit top 4 dman..........I'm not paid by an NHL team, but I did stay at a holiday Inn Express last nite.

Excuse me??

TWO GUYS making a combined $16.5MM/yr (20.75% of the team cap) can't perform without a playmaker on their line??

You know, there was a day when they both of them were THEIR OWN playmakers. Is it truly too much to ask for them to be that again?

Used to be these guys picked up whomever was on their line.

Time to stop making excuses for these chumps and ask that they earn the money or get off the train.
- Return of the Roar

There is such a thing as chemistry in hockey. No denying Saad had a bad season when it came to finishing his chances and Toews continued to drag around at least one winger who didn't belong in the top 6. Overall, it was really only the scoring numbers that suffered, and that is because of the need for a play maker. It's been the same story for a couple seasons and it is also why Toews scores fine when he has a legit playmaker on his wing.

Yup, I'm no fan of bringing in Brouwer. I just don't see the benefit. We don't need any more guys that are "just good enough to play". Since we don't have the cap room to bring in established players, we might as well use what we have and figure out how best to get them to play together.

I would really like an emphasis on team defense again.
- Chunk

I agree. This may be overly simplistic but the personnel shouldn't matter as much as long as all 12 forwards and all 6 defenders play cohesively in all zones and show an air-tight compete level siren to siren.

Puck support and support of teammates up and down the ice are critical, too. Each player should know what they need to do at every moment no matter whether they have the puck, are near the puck, or are nowhere near the puck. Be ready to play the appropriate role.

Too much to ask? Kinda but that's what fans expect of their teams. Losing sucks but not as much if your team actually plays hard each game and makes the other team earn the win.

That's reducing the argument to a single line isn't it? I didn't take the comment as they can't do anything without a playmaker, but more that line would play up to its best potential with a playmaker on it.

I agree with your sentiment that those two guys need to pull their weight (contracts), but there was more to the argument than that.
- Chunk

Good post.

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/vi...ers-fan-questions~1468439

For those who play, interesting video about Laine playing Fortnite. I personally don't play games like Fortnite but I work with college students and they're all over it.

https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-or...nal-finding-murph~1466368

TSN also did a special on Joe Murphy and where he's been since leaving hockey. He's homeless now. Sad story.

Justin Lowe: Will He Make the Team: Blake Hillman

As I re-watched the last 5 games of the Blackhawks season last year, I was focusing on each shift by Dylan Sikura for my last "Will He Make the Team" blog.

However, I was drawn to the play of another newcomer that laced them up on the backend for 4 games at the end of the year as well. I watched a 22-year old defenceman play like he was a 10-year vet out there. It was the confident and solid 2-way play of Blake Hillman.
- Justin Lowe

Great blog JL, probably your best since you started here.

I agree, Hillman likely has a bright future as a shut down defenseman. I’ve said before that Hillman has a different skill set than the rope defensive prospects (Boqvist, Jokiharju, Mitchell, Beaudin and Krys). There’s definitely a place for him on the Hawks, but I think he’ll start the season in Rockford playing top minutes. Hillman will be the first d-man to get the call and I firmly believe he’ll finish the season a regular contributor.

I think fans need to be patient, as challenging as that can be. The Hawks have some solid prospects, especially on defense. Even at forward there are some good young players on the horizon. Hopefully guys like Toews, Keith and Seabrook can transition to veteran supporters while the next wave (Schmaltz, DeBrincat, Sikura, Hillman, Jokiharju, Boqvist and Mitchell) take the lead. There’s never a guarantee of success, but it’s what needs to happen.

I hope Stan keeps these young guys and doesn’t trade them away for a quick win.

NO NO NO let Patricia play a FULL YEAR with Saad on his line

Then lets hear the cry babies of why his production is down AGAIN this year

Panarin carried lil 88

- Goalie-33

That's reducing the argument to a single line isn't it? I didn't take the comment as they can't do anything without a playmaker, but more that line would play up to its best potential with a playmaker on it.

I agree with your sentiment that those two guys need to pull their weight (contracts), but there was more to the argument than that.
- Chunk

Yes it is reducing it, because the rest of the post attempts to use stats to shape the narrative, which is yet more excuses for why our captain doesn’t carry the mail.

Remember, there was a day when he WAS the playmaker no matter who he was with. Lead by example. Captain Serious. Went to the dirty areas, won puck battles on the boards, willed the puck in the net.

That guy has been AWOL for three years.

Yes it is reducing it, because the rest of the post attempts to use stats to shape the narrative, which is yet more excuses for why our captain doesn’t carry the mail.

Remember, there was a day when he WAS the playmaker no matter who he was with. Lead by example. Captain Serious. Went to the dirty areas, won puck battles on the boards, willed the puck in the net.

That guy has been AWOL for three years.
- Return of the Roar

I'm not sure how saying "players who shoot a lot might score more if they play with guys who pass well" is all that radical or reducing anything.

And the only stat I even mentioned was shot assist (passing), which was factually down for both those guys over the last year or two. I didn't say that definitely is why Toews/Saad's numbers were down - just that shooter typically work better with passers. I mean, is it really shocking that Toews has received far less passes, esp of quality, the last two years when playing with guys like Panik and Garbutt? Kane is an elite offensive player but he still performed even better when he was getting higher quality passing (and shooting) from Panarin vs Handzus.

Anyway, I don't know how you can twist wanting a balanced line into something negative about the players. I'm not saying they need someone to carry them or that a passer/playmaker would definitely increase their numbers or that they're free of responsibility for their own results - I'm just pointing out that they should benefit if they got better passes (like most players) instead of being paired with another shooting type or grinder. That's not just numbers - that's just common sense.

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/laine-plays-fortnite-answers-fan-questions~1468439

For those who play, interesting video about Laine playing Fortnite. I personally don't play games like Fortnite but I work with college students and they're all over it.

https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-or...nal-finding-murph~1466368

TSN also did a special on Joe Murphy and where he's been since leaving hockey. He's homeless now. Sad story.
- AEL_Fox

I hate Fortnite but mostly because the pro players are almost all bumholes. Overwatch peeps are cooler.

I hate Fortnite but mostly because the pro players are almost all bumholes. Overwatch peeps are cooler.
- L_B_R

A buddy of mine who is really into these games says the same thing that Overwatch is much cooler than Fortnite and even commented on the difference between players. I wouldn't know how to compare but take both of your words on it.

Stan needs to be shown the door

Charelli then Bowman 2 worst GM's in NHL

Seabrook-Manning might be worst pairing in NHL this year

Last place looks like a lock
- Goalie-33

For all the BS you've spewed.....i actually can't argue with this post. Well.....other than SB isn't quite as bad as bottom 2. But he definitely deserves to lose his job at this point.

That's reducing the argument to a single line isn't it? I didn't take the comment as they can't do anything without a playmaker, but more that line would play up to its best potential with a playmaker on it.

I agree with your sentiment that those two guys need to pull their weight (contracts), but there was more to the argument than that.
- Chunk

How many play makers do the Hawks even have at this point? 2?

Not many playmakers to go around on a roster void of talent such as this one.

A buddy of mine who is really into these games says the same thing that Overwatch is much cooler than Fortnite and even commented on the difference between players. I wouldn't know how to compare but take both of your words on it.
- AEL_Fox

Rocket League is where its at

Depending on where the season goes, getting some experience in Rockford for all of the younger dmen is not a bad thing. If the Hawks are not going to be a playoff team near trading deadline time, then they could trade some of the regular dmen for assets, and then bring up the young guys for good.

Brouwer would be a terrible add. Skates slower than Zeus did in his late 30s and doesn't have the other tools to make up for it. He just can't get up and down the ice anymore.

Better off letting one of the kids who can skate learn on the fly.

Woof.

I'm not sure how saying "players who shoot a lot might score more if they play with guys who pass well" is all that radical or reducing anything.

And the only stat I even mentioned was shot assist (passing), which was factually down for both those guys over the last year or two. I didn't say that definitely is why Toews/Saad's numbers were down - just that shooter typically work better with passers. I mean, is it really shocking that Toews has received far less passes, esp of quality, the last two years when playing with guys like Panik and Garbutt? Kane is an elite offensive player but he still performed even better when he was getting higher quality passing (and shooting) from Panarin vs Handzus.

Anyway, I don't know how you can twist wanting a balanced line into something negative about the players. I'm not saying they need someone to carry them or that a passer/playmaker would definitely increase their numbers or that they're free of responsibility for their own results - I'm just pointing out that they should benefit if they got better passes (like most players) instead of being paired with another shooting type or grinder. That's not just numbers - that's just common sense.
- L_B_R

Fair enough.



So let's propose that Kane moves up to the line with Toews and Saad. Which I think is what they should do for three big reasons.

First, that gives the top line the balance and talent it needs to succeed. If that line can't score, then there are much bigger problems. For example, if we see Toews clinging to his recent style of passing the puck away the minute anyone is within ten feet of him, you know that he wont be much of a contributor, and you have found the real problem on that line - him and not his linemates.

Secondly, it will provide a window into Schmaltz' true market value when (a) NOT playing with 88, and (b) having to lead that line as a center should. Maybe they give him AA and ADB for some balance on that crew - vision (8), size/grit (15), and snipe (12). Also gives some situational flexibility at center for them, as AA and Schmaltz both can play wing or center.

Finally, moving AA to the second line, as a winger primarily, will make room for Kruger and Kampf to center the bottom two lines, and with a plethora of other lower end bottom six talent/potential, they certainly have options available to offer balance down there as well - grit from Hayden and Martinsen type guys, some skill from Sikura, Kahun type guys.

Brouwer would be a terrible add. Skates slower than Zeus did in his late 30s and doesn't have the other tools to make up for it. He just can't get up and down the ice anymore.

Better off letting one of the kids who can skate learn on the fly.

Woof.
- fattybeef

Not sure we know how fast Zeus was in his late 30s - but - Brouwer is only 33 (last week), so he still COULD have something left.

I just don't see what value he brings, given the chancy prospects the Hawks have of making the tournament (let alone contending for the Cup) with or without him - and all of the young players they want to evaluate and develop.

Not sure we know how fast Zeus was in his late 30s - but - Brouwer is only 33 (last week), so he still COULD have something left.

I just don't see what value he brings, given the chancy prospects the Hawks have of making the tournament (let alone contending for the Cup) with or without him - and all of the young players they want to evaluate and develop.
- StLBravesFan

I think it boils down to where the development best takes place for many of these young guys. If they are best served by time in Rockford, then you need short term vet guys to fill spots on the NHL roster until the young guys are deemed ready to go.

I think it boils down to where the development best takes place for many of these young guys. If they are best served by time in Rockford, then you need short term vet guys to fill spots on the NHL roster until the young guys are deemed ready to go.
- Return of the Roar

Both you and STL make sense. If I see anything in Brouwer it's more of a mentoring role. Maybe they could sign him to a 2 way contract and tell him at some point he's going to wind up in Rockford but he'll make the same salary either place.

And I'll add this: He should be thinking of what comes after his playing days. If he handles the role I suggested well and has a positive impact perhaps he could be groomed for some type of coaching career going forward.

Fair enough.



So let's propose that Kane moves up to the line with Toews and Saad. Which I think is what they should do for three big reasons.

First, that gives the top line the balance and talent it needs to succeed. If that line can't score, then there are much bigger problems. For example, if we see Toews clinging to his recent style of passing the puck away the minute anyone is within ten feet of him, you know that he wont be much of a contributor, and you have found the real problem on that line - him and not his linemates.

Secondly, it will provide a window into Schmaltz' true market value when (a) NOT playing with 88, and (b) having to lead that line as a center should. Maybe they give him AA and ADB for some balance on that crew - vision (8), size/grit (15), and snipe (12). Also gives some situational flexibility at center for them, as AA and Schmaltz both can play wing or center.

Finally, moving AA to the second line, as a winger primarily, will make room for Kruger and Kampf to center the bottom two lines, and with a plethora of other lower end bottom six talent/potential, they certainly have options available to offer balance down there as well - grit from Hayden and Martinsen type guys, some skill from Sikura, Kahun type guys.
- Return of the Roar

Like this reasoning

Fair enough.



So let's propose that Kane moves up to the line with Toews and Saad. Which I think is what they should do for three big reasons.

First, that gives the top line the balance and talent it needs to succeed. If that line can't score, then there are much bigger problems. For example, if we see Toews clinging to his recent style of passing the puck away the minute anyone is within ten feet of him, you know that he wont be much of a contributor, and you have found the real problem on that line - him and not his linemates.

Secondly, it will provide a window into Schmaltz' true market value when (a) NOT playing with 88, and (b) having to lead that line as a center should. Maybe they give him AA and ADB for some balance on that crew - vision (8), size/grit (15), and snipe (12). Also gives some situational flexibility at center for them, as AA and Schmaltz both can play wing or center.

Finally, moving AA to the second line, as a winger primarily, will make room for Kruger and Kampf to center the bottom two lines, and with a plethora of other lower end bottom six talent/potential, they certainly have options available to offer balance down there as well - grit from Hayden and Martinsen type guys, some skill from Sikura, Kahun type guys.
- Return of the Roar

That all sounds fine too me. Saad-Toews-Kane were clicking at the end of last season as they have in the past. I don't think it necessarily has to be Kane with Saad-Toews since Hinostroza was decent balance for them and so was Schmaltz, so maybe a Sikura could do well there, but Kane is fine too. As long as the line is balanced and not loading up on similar "types", it should work. The rest can shake out however.

I don't think Q will go this route at first (and maybe not ever) simply because he likes to spread out his stars too much and he liked Schmaltz-Kane together, but the balance of the top lines is there and on paper works.

Fair enough.



So let's propose that Kane moves up to the line with Toews and Saad. Which I think is what they should do for three big reasons.

First, that gives the top line the balance and talent it needs to succeed. If that line can't score, then there are much bigger problems. For example, if we see Toews clinging to his recent style of passing the puck away the minute anyone is within ten feet of him, you know that he wont be much of a contributor, and you have found the real problem on that line - him and not his linemates.

Secondly, it will provide a window into Schmaltz' true market value when (a) NOT playing with 88, and (b) having to lead that line as a center should. Maybe they give him AA and ADB for some balance on that crew - vision (8), size/grit (15), and snipe (12). Also gives some situational flexibility at center for them, as AA and Schmaltz both can play wing or center.

Finally, moving AA to the second line, as a winger primarily, will make room for Kruger and Kampf to center the bottom two lines, and with a plethora of other lower end bottom six talent/potential, they certainly have options available to offer balance down there as well - grit from Hayden and Martinsen type guys, some skill from Sikura, Kahun type guys.
- Return of the Roar

What you suggested as forward lines is possible, too. To spell it out more for those who need to visually see a lineup card:

Saad - Toews - Kane
Anisimov - Schmaltz - DeBrincat
Hayden - Kahun - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Martinsen

Depending on how much gas Kunitz has left in the tank, I could see him sliding up to 3LW which would be great veteran presence and experience for Kahun and Sikura. He plays physical, is smart in all zones, has finishing ability.

Then that 4th line could be a wildcard. Kruger is the fixture at center but his wingers may rotate amongst the likes of Kunitz, Hayden, Martinsen, Kampf, Highmore, etc. Maybe Edjsell down the line once he is a little more developed under Colliton. Even Fortin or Tyler Sikura if they further earn their stripes.