The one line i keep hearing from Q is we have to be better on 50 50 pucks. Over and over and over again, to me that says he does not believe all his players are giving it their all
- BetweenTheDots

Effort and hunger........ That's why I'm interested to see what speed demon Fortin will bring to the Kane-Schmaltz line. Win a race, poke a puck lose, keep a play alive, get to a rebound. Hungry hockey to keep a puck alive with a world class finisher on the ice like Kane is a good thing.

To comment on Justin's point on how the club feels "different" this yr IMO it's small things, not splashy signings, that has made the difference and Kruger is one of them.

Freeing Toews up and saving his legs from taking heavy Dzone faceoffs is huge.

Giving Toews a responsible skilled 2 way "pro" with IQ in Kahun to skate with can't be underestimated. Add Dcat to that line and Toews has stability on his line he hasn't gotten along with not having to do everything, taking D zone draws, has freed his legs and mind up. 9 in 5 speaks volumes but the eye test even more so. Toews looks fresh and hungry and proper slotting/linemates/allocation has helped in that regard.
- Mr Ricochet

Welcome back! Was wondering where you were. I'm sure other posters did as well. Glad to see you posting again.

Agree with your comments about the less monumental moves paying some early dividends. Hopefully long term dividends will pay out as well in addition to some other lower-end moves in the near future.

Yup.... that just means they'll be good for 8 goals against the Hawks on Thursday.
- DarthKane

I really hope Corey has a better debut than that.

Effort and hunger........ That's why I'm interested to see what speed demon Fortin will bring to the Kane-Schmaltz line. Win a race, poke a puck lose, keep a play alive, get to a rebound. Hungry hockey to keep a puck alive with a world class finisher on the ice like Kane is a good thing.
- Mr Ricochet

I know it was pre-season and just one game but the way Athanasiou used his speed to be disruptive and create scoring chances for Vanek and other Wings players (Athanasiou had 4 points that game) is a good example of what Fortin could be if he can parlay his speed into offensive chances. I know the fear is players like him and Hinostroza or even Louis being super fast but really not able to do anything productive with it.

I really hope Corey has a better debut than that.
- BetweenTheDots

Four former Hawks on Yotes, excluding Hossa...s/b a fun night

I really hope Corey has a better debut than that.
- BetweenTheDots

Don't worry, Corey won't let in all 8 goals... he'll be pulled after 5, the rest will be on Ward.

Is that right 3 Goals in 4 games for the Yotes? Ouch
- BetweenTheDots

It is actually only 2 goals. They got the 3rd goal as the "shootout" winner.

Don't worry, Corey won't let in all 8 goals... he'll be pulled after 5, the rest will be on Ward.
- DarthKane

It is actually only 2 goals. They got the 3rd goal as the "shootout" winner.
- breadbag

Wow, that's half a goal a game, damn that's bad

Don't worry, Corey won't let in all 8 goals... he'll be pulled after 5, the rest will be on Ward.
- DarthKane

Oh, that makes me feel much better

I know it was pre-season and just one game but the way Athanasiou used his speed to be disruptive and create scoring chances for Vanek and other Wings players (Athanasiou had 4 points that game) is a good example of what Fortin could be if he can parlay his speed into offensive chances. I know the fear is players like him and Hinostroza or even Louis being super fast but really not able to do anything productive with it.
- AEL_Fox

Athanasiou has a chance to be a legit freak. He has rare blinding speed but has size at 6ft 2in 190lbs to go along with it.

Thing about speedy guys like Stahlberg and maybe Hino is they skate themselves out of position with that speed. Get 10 of them and if one with world class speed gets it, doesn't have to put up 60 points, he can help in winning pucks, causing turnovers and defensive breakdowns creating chances for a Kaner.

Wow, that's half a goal a game, damn that's bad
- BetweenTheDots

Panik has gotten 15 shots on goal in those 4 games and I think we'll have to keep an eye on him wanting to prove something. I mean, he seems to find that spot at times to just bang in a rebound. I'm gonna wager he gets a goal vs us.

It is actually only 2 goals. They got the 3rd goal as the "shootout" winner.
- breadbag

and i believe one of the two is a shorty - still counts but wow.....brutal

and i believe one of the two is a shorty - still counts but wow.....brutal
- glennjpawlak22

You are right...I remember that, Hammer got an assist on that one I think.

Welcome back! Was wondering where you were. I'm sure other posters did as well. Glad to see you posting again.

Agree with your comments about the less monumental moves paying some early dividends. Hopefully long term dividends will pay out as well in addition to some other lower-end moves in the near future.
- AEL_Fox

Thanks, Mr Fox. Oh, I've been reading. For me Justin is a must read as are many posters. Just not much for me to offer after free agency and the draft as I made my thoughts known.

Speaking of, Pronman at The Athletic did a thing on 1 prospect from each team after seeing them this yr. Here he is on Boqvuist. As a Hawks fan I don't think there is a better spot than playing for Hunter in London to develop the kid. Big minutes in what will be big games this yr.

CHICAGO: Adam Boqvist, D, London-OHL

I watched one of Boqvist’s games with London and thought he was good. Not amazing, but good, and the coaching staff is leaning on him in a significant manner. I saw him deployed on both power play units for London in a stretch. His skill and particularly hockey sense shine. However, he hasn’t been perfect and his defensive play still needs sharpening.

You are right...I remember that, Hammer got an assist on that one I think.
- breadbag

It don't matter the Hawks are who they are so i say 3-3 OT game again

They might as well throw in unlimited Punch and Pie.
- breadbag

And his mom's pie cake and ice cream...

It don't matter the Hawks are who they are so i say 3-3 OT game again
- BetweenTheDots

I can't think about the Yotes and not remember the first game we had with them last year. I remember the Hawks took a ton of penalties at one point and gave up a stupid long 5-3.

I had to go back and check to refresh my memory. Wingles and Bouma each took a penalty on the same play. 33 seconds into the 5-3 Rutta got a penalty. 72 second later Domi took a penalty. Capped off by Seabrook taking a penalty 23 seconds later.

I remember this sequence because OEL and the Yotes were so awful on the PP that the Hawks came through without giving up a goal in that mess.

Thanks, Mr Fox. Oh, I've been reading. For me Justin is a must read as are many posters. Just not much for me to offer after free agency and the draft as I made my thoughts known.

Speaking of, Pronman at The Athletic did a thing on 1 prospect from each team after seeing them this yr. Here he is on Boqvuist. As a Hawks fan I don't think there is a better spot than playing for Hunter in London to develop the kid. Big minutes in what will be big games this yr.

CHICAGO: Adam Boqvist, D, London-OHL

I watched one of Boqvist’s games with London and thought he was good. Not amazing, but good, and the coaching staff is leaning on him in a significant manner. I saw him deployed on both power play units for London in a stretch. His skill and particularly hockey sense shine. However, he hasn’t been perfect and his defensive play still needs sharpening.
- Mr Ricochet

I seen him on Saturday and he played all the power play time (both units) on all power plays. On thing I noticed is his play recognition is outstanding. He sees the play well in advance. His first three strides are explosive. He has a sneaky, quick wrist shot.

One of the negative things I noticed is he had a hard time moving guys from his crease area and he does need some work on the his side of the blue line.

I seen him on Saturday and he played all the power play time (both units) on all power plays. On thing I noticed is his play recognition is outstanding. He sees the play well in advance. His first three strides are explosive. He has a sneaky, quick wrist shot.

One of the negative things I noticed is he had a hard time moving guys from his crease area and he does need some work on the his side of the blue line.
- scott.jackson

Thank you, very jealous! Don't get much better than watching Major Junior... Boqvist has always shown a super quick release and a kinda heavy shot. Few question his offensive upside, just a matter of how high, and skating while questioning his defensive play, conversely just how bad it will be.

Again very glad he landed in London, great fit. I'm all for being patient with the kid as he matures, especially physically. A yr in London and a yr, maybe 2, in Rockford would be just fine.

Remember if he was paired with Regula?

Thanks, Mr Fox. Oh, I've been reading. For me Justin is a must read as are many posters. Just not much for me to offer after free agency and the draft as I made my thoughts known.

Speaking of, Pronman at The Athletic did a thing on 1 prospect from each team after seeing them this yr. Here he is on Boqvuist. As a Hawks fan I don't think there is a better spot than playing for Hunter in London to develop the kid. Big minutes in what will be big games this yr.

CHICAGO: Adam Boqvist, D, London-OHL

I watched one of Boqvist’s games with London and thought he was good. Not amazing, but good, and the coaching staff is leaning on him in a significant manner. I saw him deployed on both power play units for London in a stretch. His skill and particularly hockey sense shine. However, he hasn’t been perfect and his defensive play still needs sharpening.
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks for sharing that brief analysis of Boqvist's early goings at London. Sounds about right as far as what to expect at this point in time.

Playing on both PP units may help his development but hopefully there is no burnout factor. Thankfully there is no equivalent of Tommy John surgery for a young hockey player who is overworked like there is for a young pitching ace. Or is there?

I seen him on Saturday and he played all the power play time (both units) on all power plays. On thing I noticed is his play recognition is outstanding. He sees the play well in advance. His first three strides are explosive. He has a sneaky, quick wrist shot.

One of the negative things I noticed is he had a hard time moving guys from his crease area and he does need some work on the his side of the blue line.
- scott.jackson

What I love about Boqvist is the combination of his quick strides and sneaky shot which he will fire from anywhere and at any moment. Awesome weapon to have as it surprises the other team and keeps them on their toes.

Contrast that with Keith who likes to double or even triple pump while gliding across the blueline looking for a perfect seam which still often ends up in to an opponent's shin pads. Telegraph city.

He won't be playing in Rockford, he'll keep playing in Hamilton where he appears to be doing well.
- DarthKane

Plus he isn't eligible to play in the AHL due to the NHL deal with the CHL,he is a fourth year player but not an overage one so pretty sure that deal is valid here.

What I love about Boqvist is the combination of his quick strides and sneaky shot which he will fire from anywhere and at any moment. Awesome weapon to have as it surprises the other team and keeps them on their toes.

Contrast that with Keith who likes to double or even triple pump while gliding across the blueline looking for a perfect seam which still often ends up in to an opponent's shin pads. Telegraph city.
- AEL_Fox

Shin Pads or Net or Wall......

I seen him on Saturday and he played all the power play time (both units) on all power plays. On thing I noticed is his play recognition is outstanding. He sees the play well in advance. His first three strides are explosive. He has a sneaky, quick wrist shot.

One of the negative things I noticed is he had a hard time moving guys from his crease area and he does need some work on the his side of the blue line.
- scott.jackson

He can improve on those things, especially if he wants to bad enough. I would like to athet promote someone els who has improved at Rockford and not rush our prize #1. Nothing wrong young kid spends one year or less in AHL