Yea but Toews was great again tonight, i wonder if he's been playing hurt the last 2 years, honestly that's impressive, i imagine something happened to his spine when he ran into the wall with the door open against the Blues a couple of years ago.
- BetweenTheDots

Toews had a pretty solid game. I thought DeBcincat was more just "okay" until late in the game. Kahun was okay, but I think the only knock on him is that sometimes he can get cancelled out easily by defenders who overpower him. He has some good skill when he gets some open ice though.

There were 4 forward pairings on the ice for the Hawks in OT before Debrincat set foot on the ice. Is there any explanation for WHY he isn't one of the top 4 in OT. Kane , Toews, DeBrincat and Schmaltz should be the first 4 forwards to attack in OT. Anisimov should NEVER see the ice 3 on 3 unless we have possession and he's replacing a tired forward.

And anybody have a Saad sighting in the 3rd period ? He definitely did not see 3 on 3 time.
- Hawkytalk

Anisimov was on the ice in OT first for the D zone faceoff and then on the goal. Also had a nice goal. He had a very good game

The Hawks give up 2 PPG and which will put their PK near the bottom of the league. They PP is near the bottom as well.

While it's very exciting their underlining stats and play isn't sustainable... but hell it's exciting. Did I say that already?
- Justin Lowe

The team has numerous major flaws, particularly behind the blueline, but most of the guys are busting their butts and 50 SOGs tonight means there is some high end pressure offence there. And that's with getting nothing so far from Saad and Kristi Yamaguchi Schmaltz.

I think Fortin is here for an extended look, which puts Kunitz, Hayden and Saad on notice. Deliver or your ice time melts into single digits.

And a goaltender that doesn't give up one or 2 softies a game is essential to bail out a mistake prone defence group. But Q is getting what he wants - standings points early in the season.

Toews had a pretty solid game. I thought DeBcincat was more just "okay" until late in the game. Kahun was okay, but I think the only knock on him is that sometimes he can get cancelled out easily by defenders who overpower him. He has some good skill when he gets some open ice though.
- breadbag

I'm liking Kahun more than I did. He gets a pass now because I know he's transferring from big ice to nhl ice. He does get pushed a lot, but his skating ... come on, good stuff. Needs a little more accuracy on passing. I thought Adb was great, not just because of 2 goals, 1 an awesome snipe. He moves around a lot, plays decent enough d. Great chemistry and earned that top line spot. Toews ... he's Toews, what more is there to say? Kane had more jump to his game playing with Fortin, who couldn't buy a goal, but damn did he generate a lot on solo efforts. I liked his promotion, and I liked Saad's demotion. Great with Kruger and Kampf. 3rd line, okay, was clicking here and there. Hope they stick together. Arty got a goal, good stuff. Goal race between Kane, Toews, and Adb.

Anisimov was on the ice in OT first for the D zone faceoff and then on the goal. Also had a nice goal. He had a very good game
- PatShart

Anisimov has been solid since preseason.

He's quietly fitting into that 3C role nicely. If he gets some linemates with a little creativity on his wings, the Hawks might have some nice depth.

The team has numerous major flaws, particularly behind the blueline, but most of the guys are busting their butts and 50 SOGs tonight means there is some high end pressure offence there. And that's with getting nothing so far from Saad and Kristi Yamaguchi Schmaltz.

I think Fortin is here for an extended look, which puts Kunitz, Hayden and Saad on notice. Deliver or your ice time melts into single digits.

And a goaltender that doesn't give up one or 2 softies a game is essential to bail out a mistake prone defence group. But Q is getting what he wants - standings points early in the season.
- RickJ

Ha. Nice reference.

With his entire family in the crowd and playing his brother for the first time ever in the NHL... I thought Schmaltz would have had a better game. He did not look good out there to me.
- Justin Lowe

Agree 100%. He is so hot and cold but does have the speed and talent to dominate at times. Maybe he really does belong on the wing ? So again Stan. ....we're a good solid 2C and a 4D to actually contend again. Is this Saad thing going to linger JL or might there be something in the works to move him ?

Saad + to Carolina for Faulk and a center prospect ??? They have many but Janne Kuokkanen (spelling) is their best I believe.

Remember when JJ spouted debrincat would be nothing special on the NHL level?

Pair that with trade Crawford for Craig Anderson for less than $2 mil in cap savings And you have some real gems
- Stan_Bowman

The team has numerous major flaws, particularly behind the blueline, but most of the guys are busting their butts and 50 SOGs tonight means there is some high end pressure offence there. And that's with getting nothing so far from Saad and Kristi Yamaguchi Schmaltz.

I think Fortin is here for an extended look, which puts Kunitz, Hayden and Saad on notice. Deliver or your ice time melts into single digits.

And a goaltender that doesn't give up one or 2 softies a game is essential to bail out a mistake prone defence group. But Q is getting what he wants - standings points early in the season.
- RickJ

Great line.
Agree with the post. I'll add after being there tonight that Schmaltz is the biggest wussy I've seen in years. He had repeated chances to be the first man to the puck but bailed every time. I know he's good at stripping the puck from an opponent, but why let the opponent have the puck in the first place. If there is a surprise trade this year my guess is he's involved.

Agree 100%. He is so hot and cold but does have the speed and talent to dominate at times. Maybe he really does belong on the wing ? So again Stan. ....we're a good solid 2C and a 4D to actually contend again. Is this Saad thing going to linger JL or might there be something in the works to move him ?

Saad + to Carolina for Faulk and a center prospect ??? They have many but Janne Kuokkanen (spelling) is their best I believe.
- Hawkytalk

When anybody watches Schmaltz in isolation he looks very impressive with his speed and figure skating around the perimeter. But playing winning hockey as a 2C in the NHL requires much more than that, especially in the Central Division where there is plenty of excellent centers and big, mobile, tough Dmen. He will get his points as long as he plays with Kane, but when the going gets really tough Nicky doesn't get his nose too dirty.

We were owed one after an even more blatant tackle by Eric Staal and 2 seconds later he put it in the net last game.
- EnzoD

This game accumulated a lot of layover penalties. When we play Arizona Thursday, all of the blown calls and bad calls against us equates to Hammer sitting a period or two.

Saad very quickly carving out a spot in the doghouse.

@MarkLazerus
Q, on why he didn't play Brandon Saad in overtime: "Decisions are made based on performance over the course of a game, and that’s what we elected to do."

More detail on the Saad situation here:

https://theathletic.com/5...ult-for-joel-quenneville/

For a more honest look at Saad’s performance in the past year, you have to look outside the insular world of the Blackhawks organization. I called up former Blackhawks forward Greg Gilbert, who played 14 seasons in the NHL, won two Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders, and coached Saad in his final season with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit.

Gilbert, who does radio work for TSN-1050 in Toronto, has been watching Saad with a frustration that Blackhawks fans know well.

“When he’s had success, he’s played like he wants to be an influence on the ice, like he wants to be the difference,” Gilbert said. “Now when you watch him a little bit, there’s spurts of that — spurts where he starts to take control — but they’re very few and very far between. He’s at his best when he’s a real dominant player and forces himself on the opposition. What we’re seeing now is, he’s too often playing on the outside and not doing what got him that contract in the first place. You can’t step away from how you are, or what makes you an effective player, just because of the contract. You’ve got to perform night in and night out.”

Gilbert was less concerned with the contract the Blue Jackets (and now the Blackhawks) have given Saad, but rather the unspoken contract that Saad gave them. He’s not getting paid $6 million a season to play for the Blackhawks. He’s getting paid $6 million a season to be an absolute beast for the Blackhawks.

“You have to address it sometimes,” Gilbert said. “You don’t have to yell and scream. That’s not what happens anymore, anyway. It’s about taking a guy aside and having a coffee and getting him to look at himself in the mirror. It could be a confidence thing — he hasn’t played that way in so long that he might not feel the confidence is there. But ultimately, it comes down to the player doing what he’s shown he can do and performing the way he’s shown he can perform. Once he shows you how good he can be and that he can be an effective player night in and night out, he’s written YOU a contract. And when a player gets away from it, you have to hold that player to that contract. It’s not the money contract they both signed. It’s the contract that he put in front of the coach saying, ‘I’ll be an impact player night in and night out.’”

And, yet, he skips the optional skate this morning, immediately after his demotion. Maybe he was meeting with Q 1:1, since Q was absent, too.

The Hawks give up 2 PPG and which will put their PK near the bottom of the league. They PP is near the bottom as well.

While it's very exciting their underlining stats and play isn't sustainable... but hell it's exciting. Did I say that already?
- Justin Lowe

The good news is that they are winning while their special teams really suck. If - and it is a big if - they can figure out special teams, the winning could be sustainable. (that's the positive spin.)

I really don't think he likes playing hockey. Something about his body language
- BetweenTheDots

something is not right with that guy. I don't know what it is, but this seems like more than just a hockey funk.

The good news is that they are winning while their special teams really suck. If - and it is a big if - they can figure out special teams, the winning could be sustainable. (that's the positive spin.)
- matt_ahrens

I have a feeling when Crawford comes back, and stays healthy - that's when the "defensive problems" will all but disappear.

I am TIRED of hearing about Ward playing well - giving up 4+ goals a game!!!!

In today's game - that is not good - no matter who the team is!!!!!

Remember when JJ spouted debrincat would be nothing special on the NHL level?

Pair that with trade Crawford for Craig Anderson for less than $2 mil in cap savings And you have some real gems
- Stan_Bowman

No, I don't remember that.

What I do remember is that JJ advised against penciling in DeBrincat for 30+ goals per year for the next decade before he had ever played a game in the AHL.

In the meantime, he's proven himself to be the real deal and it's awesome! I think JJ would say the same.

I know that Dahlstrom is the only dman in Rockford whom could help us right now. The other oridpects need to play and develop more, and this probably includes Forsling.

As we know, Forsling was pushed into an NHL job last year. His bigh St attribute may have been the ability more than anyone else last year on the blueline crew to play and react at speed. With Davidson here, however, I am perfectly happy to try him and let Forsling play Halo a season at Rockford. Then re- evaluate. Even with no injuries presently, I would find some games for Davidson.

Thank Q sounded anxious to get Forsling back is interesting. Maybe you can read some things into his sentiment, or perhaps you could over tract to his enthusiasm with Forsling.

I choose to believe that Q is looking for more skill and offensive brilliance from his dmen. It could be relatedyed to Keith's decline (offensively) and or the excitement witnesding the introduction of better offense during training camp by rookie prospects. Either way, more speed and better offensive ability is akin to receiving s shot (injection) when you are sick. The offense needs this. The offense needs this moreover when the powerplay hsd been bdicly fruitless.

I just want to add ........wondering about progress of dmen in Rockford. Carlsson and Tuulola in particular because they might add skating & possible shut down type defense from Carlsson and offensive game from Tuulola. ....,have to see if they trend this way once they put in theiir due diligence (development).!

I wonder if anyone knows. Colliton I rjCollitojrge

Dahlstrom is probably NHL able although he is too soft for my liking. We have too much softness among our skill 7 here and among top prospects. Therefore it would be nice if a Gilbert or Hillman develop and be instead of Dahlstrom usage.

Right now it looks like an issue getting playing timef for each prospect on defense for Rockford. And tj
Thet Krys just needs a year AHL then evaluate. Snuggerud is third pair offensive type ll he develops. G

Clearly there is going to be addition and subtraction in the blueline in the next couple years.... Jokiharju just the beginning.

No, I don't remember that.

What I do remember is that JJ advised against penciling in DeBrincat for 30+ goals per year for the next decade before he had ever played a game in the AHL.

In the meantime, he's proven himself to be the real deal and it's awesome! I think JJ would say the same.
- matt_ahrens

No you are absolutely wrong. I know I debated JJ concerning Cat. He was very arrogant. I said Cat would make the team out of training camp and would have an impact. He said he wouldn’t - he was very negative about Cat saying his stats in Jr didn’t mean anything and wouldn’t translate. I said no AHL needed. I was completely right on all counts - about everything. He couldn’t have been more wrong - as arrogant as he was trashing Cat you’d think he would have apologized.

What offense is Gus providing when it costs you a goal or 2 a game, that just doesn't make sense to me unless he becomes a number 5dman otherwise no deal, hopefully he gets hot and they can get a nice draft pick for him
- BetweenTheDots

Gus struggled mightily for much of tonight but great last play.

Has Foley been calling Edmundson, Edmonton or do my ears just suck?
- I Am The Breadman

.

Funny my Wife asked “Did he just say Edmonton?”

I know that Dahlstrom is the only dman in Rockford whom could help us right now. The other oridpects need to play and develop more, and this probably includes Forsling.

As we know, Forsling was pushed into an NHL job last year. His bigh St attribute may have been the ability more than anyone else last year on the blueline crew to play and react at speed. With Davidson here, however, I am perfectly happy to try him and let Forsling play Halo a season at Rockford. Then re- evaluate. Even with no injuries presently, I would find some games for Davidson.

Thank Q sounded anxious to get Forsling back is interesting. Maybe you can read some things into his sentiment, or perhaps you could over tract to his enthusiasm with Forsling.

I choose to believe that Q is looking for more skill and offensive brilliance from his dmen. It could be relatedyed to Keith's decline (offensively) and or the excitement witnesding the introduction of better offense during training camp by rookie prospects. Either way, more speed and better offensive ability is akin to receiving s shot (injection) when you are sick. The offense needs this. The offense needs this moreover when the powerplay hsd been bdicly fruitless.

I just want to add ........wondering about progress of dmen in Rockford. Carlsson and Tuulola in particular because they can add skating & possible shut down type defense from Carkssin and offensive game from Tuulola. This assuming they develop. Dahlstrom is probably NHL able although he is too soft for my liking. We have too much softness among our skill dmrn here and among too prospects. Therefore it would be nice if a Gilbert or Hillman develop instead of Dahlstrom usage.

Krys just needs a year AHL then evaluate. Snuggerud is third pair offensive type if he develops.

Clearly there is going to be addition and subtraction in the blueline in the next couple years.... Jokiharju just the beginning.
- jhawk59

In last night's Hog's game, Sikura and Highmore stood out most as far as forwards. Both are actively creating opportunities. Sikura had a goal plus an assist on his brother's PP goal for the second straight game. Highmore assisted on Sikura's first ever pro goal.

Sikura and Highmore's linemate Nilsson really isn't that good and doesn't deserve to be paired with them. He and Noel are both scrappy but not very skilled.

Although destined to be career minor leaguers, Schroeder and Broadhurst had several shifts where they forechecked like the Richardens and kept the puck in the O zone time after time, even when the Stars were within inches from clearing the zone.

Knott is not flashy but is a solid, dependable checking forward. Good on the PK. May be worth a look on the Hawks 4th line later in the year.

Hillman and Gilbert finally played their first games and looked fine. Gilbert is noticeably big like Dahlstrom yet both skate fluidly. Hillman is pretty heady making simple, smart plays.

Dahlstrom is by far the steadiest defender. He made a few defensive plays where he used his huge frame to body off the puck handler. If he physically asserted himself like this on a regular basis, it would help him not only differentiate himself from the other blueline prospects but also have staying power if ever called up.

Saad very quickly carving out a spot in the doghouse.

@MarkLazerus
Q, on why he didn't play Brandon Saad in overtime: "Decisions are made based on performance over the course of a game, and that’s what we elected to do."

More detail on the Saad situation here:

https://theathletic.com/5...ult-for-joel-quenneville/



And, yet, he skips the optional skate this morning, immediately after his demotion. Maybe he was meeting with Q 1:1, since Q was absent, too.
- pdx2ord

Q hates practice more then the players ..lol

I do admit for many of their mistakes last night or even over the course of 5 games at least they aren't giving up 2 to 3 odd man advantages a period.

24 minutes last night for Joki, stil early but he sure doesn't look overwhelmed, able to put the puck on net, nice building block, and he gets it, if the pass isn't there skate it up and shoot it in, it's not rocket science

The most pleasant surprise of this year is the captain and his play, he has been so good in every aspect of the game, reborn again, healthy, all the greens he's eating, whatever it is, it is wonderful to see again. 9 points in 5 games. Toews thriving again gives us 2 lines and most nights we'll compete.

I do admit for many of their mistakes last night or even over the course of 5 games at least they aren't giving up 2 to 3 odd man advantages a period.

24 minutes last night for Joki, stil early but he sure doesn't look overwhelmed, able to put the puck on net, nice building block, and he gets it, if the pass isn't there skate it up and shoot it in, it's not rocket science
- BetweenTheDots

You're right about the odd man rushes. The Hawks have come together as a team and are supporting each other more in that regard.

Where they are getting beat is more breakdowns in the defensive zone, specifically right in front pf the net and down low.