If Panarin continues at his current pace this season, he’s going to command closer to $9/$10 million.
- walleyeb1

But does he want to win? Based on the dialogue this summer, if he has interest in NYR, he will not win a damn thing. He can go to LA but they dont have the room unless they really offload a handful of contracts, and when they do, they will suck too. Chi in all reality cap number aside, will give him the best chance to win. His addition, gives your top 6 a huge bump and pushes down a guy like Schmaltz or Kahun to the third line and spreads the offense around. Not saying it's going to happen, just looking at what that addition would mean to the offense.

The only goal we scored was on one of those “wild pinches”, the problem is our forwards don’t respond appropriately to the pinch.
- walleyeb1

I know this is a huge problem last night it was Kahun. Honestly i wish they would go to a man to man defense since this group is dumb at playing hockey and (frank) the cycle play i want a forward in front of the (frank)ing net all the (frank)ing time, so when the defense gets the puck they just can't pass it to their wide open dman in front of his goalie.

At this point do you say screw secondary scoring, load up line one with 19-88-12 and make a second line of 15-24-8 and try and get the boys rolling?
- nickmo2699

No matter how you load them up, 12-19-88 aren’t going to score 3 goals per game, or even 2.

15-24-8 (your proposed second line) have two goals total in 6 games, I think; the rest of the forwards have 1 each for Kruger and Hayden - that’s it.

Not enough for 6 games.

Schmaltz and Teravainen. Were they identical twins separated at birth? (actually Teuvo is a little over a year older). They both avoid contact. The next board battle they win will be their first. Would rather pass than shoot. Can't win a draw. Have defensive skills of positioning and pickpocketing, mainly in the center ice area. Float in the defensive zone far from the net or corners. At times looks awesome and makes great plays, but that is rare. Both are RFA's after this year, and are likely to get grossly overpaid.

In my opinion they are 3rd line wingers/centers that could play some 2nd line wing minutes from time to time. Will plateau at about 60 points per year, IF they stay healthy (which they should because they quickly skate away from any opposing player that comes near them).

Anyone who gives either of them $5mil for 5 years will regret it.

Is Sikura their triplet?

No matter how you load them up, 12-19-88 aren’t going to score 3 goals per game, or even 2.

15-24-8 (your proposed second line) have two goals total in 6 games, I think; the rest of the forwards have 1 each for Kruger and Hayden - that’s it.

Not enough for 6 games.
- StLBravesFan

How about PP unit #2 - its go to the fridge time...that is a brutal unit

Random Thoughts Post Mortem

1. Crow looked very good for first game in a loooong time

2. Manning should be a pastry chef specializing in apple turnovers...it is either chip off the boards to whomever? or neutral zone stretch to traffic. He is still maybe new to system but that has no excuse for not making decisions quicker. Davidson you're up!

3. Experiment with Fortin on Kaner's line over; Kaner must be still fuming as I type

4. Calling Rick Nash to be Kaner's LW

5. Bottom 6 just are not dangerous offensively and yes Saad had spurts of flare but also looked like true bottom 6 as well; remember he was probably going against 3rd pairing many times

6. First game all year that Toews and Debrincat looked pedestrian-like average
- D2D

I think you need Fortin or Saad on the 3rd line with Anisimov and Hayden. Right now Hayden or Anisimov have to carry the puck or get in on the forecheck. Both are better cycling and playing down low. Some speed on that line would be nice. Kunitz needs to be benched or on the 4th line. Put Fortin and Kruger on the 4th line with Kampf.

The glaring holes in at wing on the Schmaltz Kake line. Could Kahun play there? Call up Sikura and try him with Cat and Toews? Really are short a Top 6 forward that has some finish.

Otherwise move Saad back with Toews and put Kahun with Kane and Scmaltz?

No matter how you load them up, 12-19-88 aren’t going to score 3 goals per game, or even 2.

15-24-8 (your proposed second line) have two goals total in 6 games, I think; the rest of the forwards have 1 each for Kruger and Hayden - that’s it.

Not enough for 6 games.
- StLBravesFan

Not only that, they will face the opponents top dline at every turn.

I would love to see one time when 2 players are battling for a puck and a Hawk player come in and just give them a body check, but no they skate up and wiggle their stick along the boards and try to guess which side the puck is going to come out of

After Kunitz's gaff. I told the guy I was watching the game with that Kunitz would not see the ice again in that game. But not only was he on the ice right after that dumb pass, but his ice time actually increased for the rest of the game. Baffling!
- 67hawks

And that inconsistency in handing out discipline and line assignments seems to be main complaint of current and former players re: Q.

Schmaltz and Teravainen. Were they identical twins separated at birth? (actually Teuvo is a little over a year older). They both avoid contact. The next board battle they win will be their first. Would rather pass than shoot. Can't win a draw. Have defensive skills of positioning and pickpocketing, mainly in the center ice area. Float in the defensive zone far from the net or corners. At times looks awesome and makes great plays, but that is rare. Both are RFA's after this year, and are likely to get grossly overpaid.

In my opinion they are 3rd line wingers/centers that could play some 2nd line wing minutes from time to time. Will plateau at about 60 points per year, IF they stay healthy (which they should because they quickly skate away from any opposing player that comes near them).

Anyone who gives either of them $5mil for 5 years will regret it.

Is Sikura their triplet?
- -Doh-

Huh? Schmaltz wins board battles and is actually pretty good defensively. He just isn't a physical player at this point. Pretty sure TT got PK time when he was here too.

Both have Top 6 talent. I'm not sure what you are watching. Just because a player isn't a banger or overly physical doesn't mean they don't have top end talent.

Not only that, they will face the opponents top dline at every turn.

I would love to see one time when 2 players are battling for a puck and a Hawk player come in and just give them a body check, but no they skate up and wiggle their stick along the boards and try to guess which side the puck is going to come out of
- BetweenTheDots

That is Q's system. And I completely agree but Q wants quick stick work and possession going back the other way. Not big hits that take you out of the play momentarily.

Also nuclear option equals power play number 1, and hows that working out.

It's really simple, no net presence equals no goals, and you can't be winning 30% on 50/50 pucks

That is Q's system. And I completely agree but Q wants quick stick work and possession going back the other way. Not big hits that take you out of the play momentarily.
- bhawks2241

Im not even saying a big hit, just enough to knock them off of it, the pucks not going anywhere when opponents trapping it on the boards

I’ll take your Manning and raise you a Rutta. Hard to imagine someone being worst than Rutta.
- Z3Hawk

On the bright side - when Forsling and Murphy return neither Rutta or Manning should be playing.

If Panarin continues at his current pace this season, he’s going to command closer to $9/$10 million.
- walleyeb1

He will and he'll deserve it, that's also why he's not a Blackhawk.

Huh? Schmaltz wins board battles and is actually pretty good defensively. He just isn't a physical player at this point. Pretty sure TT got PK time when he was here too.

Both have Top 6 talent. I'm not sure what you are watching. Just because a player isn't a banger or overly physical doesn't mean they don't have top end talent.
- bhawks2241

He's not even physical, the player has to be standing still in order for him to engage along the boards otherwise he stays away

He's not even physical, the player has to be standing still in order for him to engage along the boards otherwise he stays away
- BetweenTheDots

And most of Schmaltz's steals are from skating up behind them as they exit their zone or in center ice. Sneaky is ok. But if that is all he's got...…..

I saw this and my fiance was sitting next to me and I let out a, "What the fudge is he doing out there?!?"

I dont think this Q vs. Stan thing is over. Is playing Kunitz after a terrible turnover his way of putting his hands up and saying, "Who else am I supposed to put out there?"
- nickmo2699

"I think she said feck" -Almost Famous

From the sporting news:

"Kypreos also reports Josh Anderson isn't happy about his recent demotion to the Jackets' fourth line. He notes the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens previously expressed interest in the 24-year-old winger.

Anderson is a big (6'3”, 221 pounds), versatile forward with 20-goal potential. If he becomes available he might be a better option for the rebuilding Canadiens than the Leafs, whose defense corps remain more an area of concern."

This guy would be great for our top 9. Big body, can score and we have dealt with Columbus numerous times. Also saw on Capfriendly that the Jackets have to resign: Breadman, Bob and Werenski this off-season

From the sporting news:

"Kypreos also reports Josh Anderson isn't happy about his recent demotion to the Jackets' fourth line. He notes the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens previously expressed interest in the 24-year-old winger.

Anderson is a big (6'3”, 221 pounds), versatile forward with 20-goal potential. If he becomes available he might be a better option for the rebuilding Canadiens than the Leafs, whose defense corps remain more an area of concern."

This guy would be great for our top 9. Big body, can score and we have dealt with Columbus numerous times. Also saw on Capfriendly that the Jackets have to resign: Breadman, Bob and Werenski this off-season
- nickmo2699

4 goals in 6 games and he gets demoted? Odd.

I would take a change on Anderson, his cap hit is reasonable too. It would depend on Columbus' asking price though.

4 goals in 6 games and he gets demoted? Odd.

I would take a change on Anderson, his cap hit is reasonable too. It would depend on Columbus' asking price though.
- DarthKane

They shouldn't have leverage in an obvious demotion. Don't screw it up Bowman.

4 goals in 6 games and he gets demoted? Odd.

I would take a change on Anderson, his cap hit is reasonable too. It would depend on Columbus' asking price though.
- DarthKane

No surprise when your bench boss is Torts lol

$14M v $9.5M this year. Next year, Panarin is going to command $8+ himself. If you kept Panarin and Hjalmarsson and let them play through their contract, you're either paying $10M+ to keep them both, or walking away with nothing. Unfortunately, I think for your argument, its not as easy as $14M vs $9.5M.
- HawksHype

Based on the return, pretty much got nothing now

4 goals in 6 games and he gets demoted? Odd.

I would take a change on Anderson, his cap hit is reasonable too. It would depend on Columbus' asking price though.
- DarthKane

Saad + Gustafson for Anderson and Ryan Murray/Nuttivvarra

Oooooooooo, this is interesting

Scott Powers‏Verified account @ByScottPowers · 2m2 minutes ago

Blackhawks practice lineup
DeBrincat-Toews-Kahun
Schmaltz-Anisimov-Kane
Kunitz-Kampf-Saad
Hayden-Kruger-Martinsen
Fortin out of top 4

Keith-Jokiharju
Gustafsson-Seabrook
Davidson-Rutta
Manning-Forsling

Edit:
Scott Powers‏Verified account @ByScottPowers · 1m1 minute ago

Fortin is rotating with Martinsen on the fourth line

There is a reasonable justification for the Panarin-Saad trade, but looking at Murphy's play and cap hit vs Hammer's play and Cap Hit....it makes absolutley no sense. Last night Hammer looked like the guy who was a key piece in 3 Cups and 4 Conference Final runs. He makes $4.1mil this year, and only $5mil for 2 years after this season vs #3.5mil for Murphy who is a 3rd pair dman. It's not like Hammer was a bad locker room presence either. The guy epitomized the "warrior" mentality and true teammate of laying his body in front of every shot, every game. I don't understand the move, especially since they shouldve been trying to win NOW.