Let’s not forget Justin that Brandon Saad is going on 11 months of poor play. This isn’t just a 6 game sample size. Q is more than justified to demote and/or scratch this guy who is paid to be an impact player. 35 points last year, and a non-threat to score again this year. Like fattyBeef said, yes there are bigger problems....like all of the Dmen behind 2+28, but depth scoring is an issue and that’s where Saad and Schmaltz are needed. No goals combined from both isn’t gunna cut it.

What does the Kunitz signing tell us about perceived leadership shortcomings in the locker room?? Aren’t 19,2, 7 and 88 enough veteran leadership? Kunitz should be playing men’s league on Friday’s at 11pm with beer in the water bottles on the bench.

Fortin hasn’t scored but he creates and disrupts with his speed. Hayden has been nearly as big a waste of space as Kunitz.

I'll be traveling thru Chicago on Sunday, just in time to catch the Tampa game.
Is there a preferred website/method for getting tickets at a discount?
Stubhub/marks tickets/direct from the Blackhawks, whats the best way to avoid fees?
- Slofire94

Yeah, you're not going to avoid fees from any ticket broker. Best bet is to check for tix on StubHub (there's one close to arena should you need to pick up the physical tickets) a few hours before game time (like now), since people selling will have dropped their prices if they were going to. Not sure if the Blackhawks resale would be same, but worth a check.

I've had similar thoughts lately that Saad might end up back with Toews. Kahun has been good, but it really is Toews/DeBrincat driving the top line. Kahun might do well on the second line or he might possible do well on 3rd line where he won't face as much tight checking opposition. Nothing against Kahun, but I think they might need to give Saad a shot in the arm after sending him the message. Not a prediction, but they could go even farther out there and try to boost the 3rd line while giving guys a chance to get back into the top 6.

DeBrincat - Toews - Saad
Fortin/Highmore - AA - Kane
Schmaltz - Kampf - Kahun
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden

The thing that seems clear...we still miss Hossa...what a difference it would make if you could put vintage Hossa into this lineup.
- breadbag

Glad you had similar thoughts and really like the lineup, BB. Same, I like Kahun, but it's Adb and Toews, Kahun is a beneficiary and great kid, but can spread the wealth through the lineup. Couldn't be more right on the Hossa button.

Nm. Looks like Fortin stays in and Hayden is out up front.

Nm. Looks like Fortin stays in and Hayden is out up front.
- Justin Lowe

Well damn, I don't like that. Is Fortin a sweetner in a Rutta trade or something? Showcasing him?

"I call that a bargain, the best I ever had."- The Who

Nm. Looks like Fortin stays in and Hayden is out up front.
- Justin Lowe

Nice blog, Justin. Thank you for the refresh of the message board.

Hayden needs to show a lot more given his skill set and size. While he has a few flashes of impact, he's just not consistent enough and is a non factor most of the game.

Not saying do it now but it would be good to see what the Hawks have in bottom 6 checking forwards (besides Johnson) like Knott, T Sikura, and possibly Noel. Could they bring more than Hayden?

I think Knott could be on par or better. While his minor league resume says no for T Sikura, he has been one of their best players last season and so far this year as he consistently crashes the net, creates space, and is a decent skater. Noel is scrappy but not very skilled at the pro level. If it's between Johnson and Noel, go with Johnson.

Q is pretty consistent, but maybe not always fair.

History matters with him. He'll allow veterans a bonehead play here and there whereas with younger guys he has a shorter leash and he might sit them after a screwup.

With Saad, the message has been clear: Saad needs to play better! He gets moved to the lower six but doesn't respond, so he gets a white jersey for practice, etc. I hope the message received turns into improved play on the ice ASAP. Maybe going back to Columbus will help motivate him.

Well damn, I don't like that. Is Fortin a sweetner in a Rutta trade or something? Showcasing him?

"I call that a bargain, the best I ever had."- The Who
- I Am The Breadman

I've been thinking that too about Fortin: is he being showcased for a potential trade down the line that includes one of the bubble blueliners like Rutta or maybe even Gustafsson or Forsling?

While I could see both Gustafsson and Forsling on the team for the balance of this year once Forsling is fully recovered, I see just one of them on the roster after this season especially with Jokiharju playing well and just going to get better and Boqvist on the cusp a year from now.

I've had similar thoughts lately that Saad might end up back with Toews. Kahun has been good, but it really is Toews/DeBrincat driving the top line. Kahun might do well on the second line or he might possible do well on 3rd line where he won't face as much tight checking opposition. Nothing against Kahun, but I think they might need to give Saad a shot in the arm after sending him the message. Not a prediction, but they could go even farther out there and try to boost the 3rd line while giving guys a chance to get back into the top 6.

DeBrincat - Toews - Saad
Fortin/Highmore - AA - Kane
Schmaltz - Kampf - Kahun
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden

The thing that seems clear...we still miss Hossa...what a difference it would make if you could put vintage Hossa into this lineup.
- breadbag

While you're at it, let's add vintage Bobby Hull, Al Secord and Chris Chelios.

I've had this assumption that the Blackhawks front office was in a sort of "wait and see" mode heading into this season. See how well the core bounce back, especially Toews and Crawford, and if the younger guys make another step in their development, then perhaps make some investments in this year's club.

Saad and Schmaltz haven't been great, and maybe this is as good as Seabrook is going to get, but he is better than he was the first half of last year. On the other hand, Toews looks to be back. Crawford had a solid first outing. DeBrincat, Kahun, Joki, Kruger, and even AA are doing what they need to do. Patrick Kane is going to be Patrick Kane. Why not add some pieces? The Blackhawks have some cap space. They have some expendable guys with some cap hit. How about Matt Duchene for Kane's line? Either C or LW. I wouldn't mortgage the future by trading a top prospect but some younger guys aren't looking like long term fits.

I'm curious to see if AA and Schmaltz alternate face-offs based on side.

I've been thinking that too about Fortin: is he being showcased for a potential trade down the line that includes one of the bubble blueliners like Rutta or maybe even Gustafsson or Forsling?

While I could see both Gustafsson and Forsling on the team for the balance of this year once Forsling is fully recovered, I don't see them on the roster together after this season especially with Jokiharju playing well and just going to get better and Boqvist on the cusp a year from now.
- AEL_Fox

Yeah, I agree to your second point, I don't see them together either. D we're stacked for a time to come. That is something Bowman and draft company did well. I would hate to lose Fortin if all he needs is more time to curve and carve himself out. Look at Hino ... he made us pay.

I'm curious to see if AA and Schmaltz alternate face-offs based on side.
- matt_ahrens

Could see that happening. AA and Kane have played well together in the past. Maybe moving Schmaltz to wing gets him jump started scoring wise. The guy has a good shot and can snipe. Definitely needs to let it rip more.

If Crawford continues to show that he's back, any chance the Blackhawks trade or release Cam Ward?

Agree on Mike Judge!

There are women characters, the CEO's, Gilfoyle's gf (the hot AT&T girl). I was saying SV is like GI based on the 7 deadly sins premise. Each character is one. GI would have ended if they left the island like if SV found a way to change the internet, both heavy orders to fill, so badically your second point. Erlich yells Jin Yang, Skipper yells Gilligan. I know I had another point, can't remember at the moment.
- I Am The Breadman

Forgot about the 7 Deadly Sins thing but how could I forget about Monica? Her boss, Suzanne Cryer’s a great character too. Gavin may be my favorite though.

I've had similar thoughts lately that Saad might end up back with Toews. Kahun has been good, but it really is Toews/DeBrincat driving the top line. Kahun might do well on the second line or he might possible do well on 3rd line where he won't face as much tight checking opposition. Nothing against Kahun, but I think they might need to give Saad a shot in the arm after sending him the message. Not a prediction, but they could go even farther out there and try to boost the 3rd line while giving guys a chance to get back into the top 6.

DeBrincat - Toews - Saad
Fortin/Highmore - AA - Kane
Schmaltz - Kampf - Kahun
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden

The thing that seems clear...we still miss Hossa...what a difference it would make if you could put vintage Hossa into this lineup.
- breadbag

For this season at least, we will see a number of line combinations with players not being properly slotted but the team has to make do with the hand dealt. Hopefully in the near future, players will settle into their proper lines and position:

Saad is a top 6 player and needs to work his way back to a permanent spot there.

Kampf is okay as a 3rd liner today but think he is best as a 4th liner, maybe replacing Kruger after this year. Johnson is in that mold as well. Can't have them both there so think one will be dealt or not re-signed once their contract is up.

Fortin would be great as a 3rd line shift disturber with his speed and forechecking. If he can bring finish to his game, he'll be on a new level. Don't think that's top 6 level but a pretty darn good 3rd liner capable of secondary scoring.

Highmore has an endless motor, speed, and good offensive instincts. I think he could top out at 3rd line but may excel more as a 4th liner.

Schmaltz is a top 6 player IMHO. Not sure yet if he's best at center or wing. I think the pivotal factor is more so on who his linemates are. As a playmaker who doesn't shoot, he needs a shooter. It would also help to have a linemate who can win draws and be a physical presence for he and likely Kane.

If Crawford continues to show that he's back, any chance the Blackhawks trade or release Cam Ward?
- matt_ahrens

Doesn’t he have an NMC, and say they released him, how much money do they save?

Forgot about the 7 Deadly Sins thing but how could I forget about Monica? Her boss, Suzanne Cryer’s a great character too. Gavin may be my favorite though.
- HawkintheD

Mine is Erlich, but he left after the rape allegations.

Nm. Looks like Fortin stays in and Hayden is out up front.
- Justin Lowe

I haven't paid close enough attention, so I ask: has Fortin gotten any PK minutes?

For this season at least, we will see a number of line combinations with players not being properly slotted but the team has to make do with the hand dealt. Hopefully in the near future, players will hopefully settle into their proper lines and position:

Saad is a top 6 player and needs to work his way back to a permanent spot there.

Kampf is okay as a 3rd liner today but think he is best as a 4th liner, maybe replacing Kruger after this year. Johnson is in that mold as well. Can't have them both there so think one will be dealt or not re-signed once their contract is up.

Fortin would be great as a 3rd line shift disturber with his speed and forechecking. If he can bring finish to his game, he'll be on a new level. Don't think that's top 6 level but a pretty darn good 3rd liner capable of secondary scoring.

Highmore has an endless motor, speed, and good offensive instincts. I think he could top out at 3rd line but may excel more as a 4th liner.

Schmaltz is a top 6 player IMHO. Not sure yet if he's best at center or wing. I think the pivotal factor is more so on who his linemates are. As a playmaker who doesn't shoot, he needs a shooter. It would also help to have a linemate who can win draws and be a physical presence for he and likely Kane.
- AEL_Fox

To your ill-properly slotted point, I know it's coming but as to how well this team has played so far, I'm happy. I know Fors and Murph coming back will help the d, which will help Crow, which will help the forwards. I'm too optimistic, and too much weight and change on them, but they will help tremendously.

Doesn’t he have an NMC, and say they released him, how much money do they save?
- HawkintheD

Yes, you're right, he has an NMC.
I think they could save $1.025m, same as last year.

Saw your predictions Justin, I’ll go out on the limb and say Brandon Davidson place better than most people give him credit for if he gets a chance and winds up sticking. Don’t know how you feel but I feel that Bowman miss judged and overpaid for guys like Gustavsson and Ruutta, I base my thought and premise and that when I always ask the question, with guys like that how many other NHL teams could these guys make? And I think the answer is not a one. Both of them are probably very good AHL defensemen and that is it. I think they are being force fed to the coach.Otherwise they would’ve been playing a while ago. I am pulling for Davidson because people are writing him off, I’d like to see Brandon Manning get it together, And going to be interesting to see when Forsling and Connor Murphy come back,

If Crawford continues to show that he's back, any chance the Blackhawks trade or release Cam Ward?
- matt_ahrens

i believe he has a NMC...they can out right release but his contract of mil is still owed...

they overpaid for him to sign a year deal...

just get (frank)n win in regulation...0-6 in regulation wins is not good..fine they got points...but they need get a lead and hold it for once...

To your ill-properly slotted point, I know it's coming but as to how well this team has played so far, I'm happy. I know Fors and Murph coming back will help the d, which will help Crow, which will help the forwards. I'm too optimistic, and too much weight and change on them, but they will help tremendously.
- I Am The Breadman

Don’t get seduced by the points - 8 out of 12 - they are a .500 team - 3 up and 3 down.

Could have been 0-6, yeah - could also have been 5-1 - or anything in between.

A .500 team.