I think it was rumored they were looking to swap him for a left handed dman of similar age and ability.
- GPHawksfan

Ahhh. Was that the him for Nurse swap idea?

I had thought I heard they were now looking for scoring

It actually is true.

Kane makes every player he plays with better. There's open ice on his line because he draws 2 dmen every time he has the puck - and has the ability to get the puck to the open man.

Put Schmaltz on the 3rd line and let me know if he drives the line, or gets smothered because hes incapable and or unwilling to take hits to make plays on a consistent basis to create open space for linemates.

Schmaltz is good in open ice with room to operate (like most all NHL players). But in a tight checking game...hes invisible.

It's good to have speed and skill when no one is around you. But do it when theres tight checking. He cant
- PatShart

Kane gets swallowed up and coughs up the puck like anyone else. Unwilling to take hits spans beyond Schmaltz. Kane does make players around him better, I won't argue that.

How about agree to disagree, you're set on Schmaltz one way and I'm set the other way?

Any player with a stick in their hand has "chemistry with Kane" - because of Kane.

Away from Kane, Schmaltz will be lucky to get 40pts. Lucky.

He's not worth the 3mil max I'd offer him. That 3mil would only be if Kane wants to keep him here/on his line.
- PatShart

Didn’t work so well for Brandon Saad!

Kane gets swallowed up and coughs up the puck like anyone else. Unwilling to take hits spans beyond Schmaltz. Kane does make players around him better, I won't argue that.

How about agree to disagree, you're set on Schmaltz one way and I'm set the other way?
- I Am The Breadman

Kane gets double shifted and doesnt get swallowed up by one player or says away simply to avoid contact.

Sure, others do it. And I dont want them paying those players 4-6mil per year either. Saad appears to be coasting and inconsistent since getting his money and I think Schmaltz will as well - and probably worse.

I have no problem disagreeing and bantering. It's kind of the point in message boards

You stated it was system based- which it is. It takes time to learn a system and once again, they have a lot of turnover. Its going to take time - probably this whole season - and then trying NOT to have to add 7-8 new players to the roster, but maybe only 2-3. Then, there will be that consistency.

It takes time, and not just a few games.
- PatShart

There is some truth to it being system based, but i also believe systems need to evolve, i just don't believe Qs system is evolving as I've said before, they have so much trouble getting the puck out of their own zone because of the system. Every game i watch players are in no man's land, constantly caught inbetween the plays, or in better words constantly chasing

Didn’t work so well for Brandon Saad!
- walleyeb1

Because Saad got his money and doesnt want to go to the net/corners consistently.

If Q put him there and didnt move him all year, he'd get 20g/20a easily.

But he's paid big boy money to bring the physicality/skate to the tough areas all the time...and he hasnt since his return. That's why hes not there and shouldnt be...until he shows his willingness on a consistent basis.

There is some truth to it being system based, but i also believe systems need to evolve, i just don't believe Qs system is evolving as I've said before, they have so much trouble getting the puck out of their own zone because of the system. Every game i watch players are in no man's land, constantly caught inbetween the plays, or in better words constantly chasing
- BetweenTheDots

Probably because the players are thinking versus reacting - which happens with new and young players trying to learn the game at this speed.

Everyone wants "young fast players" - but they cant think the game fast yet (or never can) - which causes 1) players to be in 'no mans land' and 2) players that know/have success in the system, to sometimes now be out of place trying to cover for others mistakes (Seabrook and Keith, notably)

Toews line looks better this year, not just because JT finally decided to stay in CHI and train all summer, but ADB and Kahun think the game fast. Joki too with Keith. Hes a pretty smart player.

Seems they have much more hockey IQ this year versus some of the players jetted out.

It's just going to take time and repetition...but they'll get there.

You stated it was system based- which it is. It takes time to learn a system and once again, they have a lot of turnover. Its going to take time - probably this whole season - and then trying NOT to have to add 7-8 new players to the roster, but maybe only 2-3. Then, there will be that consistency.

It takes time, and not just a few games.
- PatShart

I think it is that people have figured out Q. Its been the same thing the last few years regardless of the players. This "system" hasn't worked since 2015.

Wow, more idiots on here calling for Schmaltz's head.

Newsflash: Schmaltz is a young player still on his ELC while this team struggles through more cap issues. He had as many points as Toews last year, led the team in takeaways, and has great qualities for a young player (speed, defensive responsibility, great passing).

If your biggest issue is you're bad at faceoffs... you're likely a good player. Schmaltz could shoot more and be more physical, but he's still one of the most dynamic 'new NHL' guys we have on the team.

Folks calling for a trade of one of our top young players (Panarin, Saad, Terravainen anyone?)... you are hilariously stupid.

Kane gets double shifted and doesnt get swallowed up by one player or says away simply to avoid contact.

Sure, others do it. And I dont want them paying those players 4-6mil per year either. Saad appears to be coasting and inconsistent since getting his money and I think Schmaltz will as well - and probably worse.

I have no problem disagreeing and bantering. It's kind of the point in message boards
- PatShart

Then don't say things like "Actually it is right/true," it comes off as condescending.

Kane getting double shifted means he's a great player, but two different lines and only able to produce on one every so often puts your anyone with a stick theory to rest. Saad was at least paid for playoff heroics, but we didn't pay him. He had 2 decent years with the blue jackets.

I think it is that people have figured out Q. Its been the same thing the last few years regardless of the players. This "system" hasn't worked since 2015.
- fattybeef

Agree

Lightening Blogger Assessment of Last Night:


Lightning Set Record in Drubbing of Blackhawks
October 22, 2018, 12:02 PM ET [0 Comments]
Sam Hitchcock - Tampa Bay Lightning Blogger • RSS • Archive • CONTACT

Hockey is a zero-sum game. There is value in a team demonstrating they can go into an opponent’s barn and pummel them without mercy. Nevertheless, the second period of last night was unique; the Lightning slung 33 shots on goal—27 of which were at 5v5—in a period that looked as uneven as the USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago game in Mighty Ducks 2. It was the most shots accrued in the NHL in one period since shots by period became an official statistic. It was remarkable that the Blackhawks held the Lightning to four goals through two periods, and only outstanding goaltending by Cam Ward prevented the score from ballooning to 9-1 or 10-1.

Everyone on the Lightning played well. Tampa Bay was the faster team to loose pucks, and inflicted a ravenous cycle on a helpless Blackhawks squad. The outside lane was always open, and too often there was little resistance when the Lightning puck-carrier cut to the inside. Tampa Bay recorded the most shot attempts and Scoring Chances of any game this season, and one reason was that instead of hesitating and looking for the perfect pass, the Lightning shot from all angles and stopped forcing east-west passes. Even those high numbers understate the dominance of the Lightning’s first two periods, which was when they tallied most of those shot attempts and chances.

Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli led the Lightning in 5v5 Scoring Chances with 7 each, and their propensity to shoot from anywhere led to them posting ugly goals. On Cirelli’s goal, he kept jamming away until he found pay dirt. Point did not kick the puck out despite being at an awkward angle to swat in the goal.

Tampa Bay had the speed to create rush chances at will. They consistently found room transporting the puck and were able to manufacture mini odd-man opportunities on the cycle and in transition. On Yanni Gourde’s power-play goal, Point’s poise to shepherd the puck down low despite being under pressure and find the option with Ondrej Palat was magnificent. The inability of the Blackhawks to keep pace with the Lightning puck-carriers or to strip them of possession opened up passing lanes.

It was the best passing game the Lightning have had all season. There were nice saucer passes, like Palat’s to Tyler Johnson that sprung Johnson’s breakaway. There was the stretch pass, like Victor Hedman finding Nikita Kucherov, who slipped behind the Blackhawks defense for the first goal. There were area passes, shot-passes (like the superb Gourde to Point attempt), and pocket passes. It is hard to envision the forecheck being played better, and partially that is because the F1 was a buzzsaw. If the F1 did not win the race, he would force a turnover. When the F1 claimed possession, there was always a Lightning forward cutting to the net ready to whip a shot on goal.

The Lightning dominated along the walls. The F2 sealed the boards nicely, and the strong-side defenseman unapologetically pinched at every opportunity. And the vise was tightened in the neutral zone, where the Lighting’s defensemen pounced on lazy passes and stepped up to snatch away possession. Tampa Bay’s defensemen were aggressive and rarely penalized for it.

The Blackhawks are slower and less talented than the Lightning. That much is clear. I am not sure if there’s a team in the NHL that has less to offer than Chicago in terms of young, under-25 talent. Against the other 29 teams, the Lightning’s skaters won’t be able to carry and pass the puck with impunity through the neutral and offensive zone or have the puck readily surrendered to them at the mere suggestion of pressure. But that doesn’t take away from the scale of the beat down.

The Lightning have four lines that can score, and suddenly their defense is looking much less problematic. Mikhail Sergachev has strung together multiple good games. Braydon Coburn has far surpassed expectations this season. And Dan Girardi is not sabotaging the team’s success. Partly, this is due to the Lightning identity, and how they need all 18 players to embrace it. Last night, they bear-hugged their aspirational self: Kill with speed, shoot at every opportunity, and use your defensemen’s aggression as a launch pad.

Scott Powers
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Anton Forsberg is placed on waivers

Scott Powers
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Following Following @ByScottPowers
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Anton Forsberg is placed on waivers
- riozzo

Thank you for the update, cross your fingers, guys.

Lightening Blogger Assessment of Last Night:


Lightning Set Record in Drubbing of Blackhawks
October 22, 2018, 12:02 PM ET
- glennjpawlak22[0 Comments]
Sam Hitchcock - Tampa Bay Lightning Blogger • RSS • Archive • CONTACT

Hockey is a zero-sum game. There is value in a team demonstrating they can go into an opponent’s barn and pummel them without mercy. Nevertheless, the second period of last night was unique; the Lightning slung 33 shots on goal—27 of which were at 5v5—in a period that looked as uneven as the USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago game in Mighty Ducks 2. It was the most shots accrued in the NHL in one period since shots by period became an official statistic. It was remarkable that the Blackhawks held the Lightning to four goals through two periods, and only outstanding goaltending by Cam Ward prevented the score from ballooning to 9-1 or 10-1.

Everyone on the Lightning played well. Tampa Bay was the faster team to loose pucks, and inflicted a ravenous cycle on a helpless Blackhawks squad. The outside lane was always open, and too often there was little resistance when the Lightning puck-carrier cut to the inside. Tampa Bay recorded the most shot attempts and Scoring Chances of any game this season, and one reason was that instead of hesitating and looking for the perfect pass, the Lightning shot from all angles and stopped forcing east-west passes. Even those high numbers understate the dominance of the Lightning’s first two periods, which was when they tallied most of those shot attempts and chances.

Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli led the Lightning in 5v5 Scoring Chances with 7 each, and their propensity to shoot from anywhere led to them posting ugly goals. On Cirelli’s goal, he kept jamming away until he found pay dirt. Point did not kick the puck out despite being at an awkward angle to swat in the goal.

Tampa Bay had the speed to create rush chances at will. They consistently found room transporting the puck and were able to manufacture mini odd-man opportunities on the cycle and in transition. On Yanni Gourde’s power-play goal, Point’s poise to shepherd the puck down low despite being under pressure and find the option with Ondrej Palat was magnificent. The inability of the Blackhawks to keep pace with the Lightning puck-carriers or to strip them of possession opened up passing lanes.

It was the best passing game the Lightning have had all season. There were nice saucer passes, like Palat’s to Tyler Johnson that sprung Johnson’s breakaway. There was the stretch pass, like Victor Hedman finding Nikita Kucherov, who slipped behind the Blackhawks defense for the first goal. There were area passes, shot-passes (like the superb Gourde to Point attempt), and pocket passes. It is hard to envision the forecheck being played better, and partially that is because the F1 was a buzzsaw. If the F1 did not win the race, he would force a turnover. When the F1 claimed possession, there was always a Lightning forward cutting to the net ready to whip a shot on goal.

The Lightning dominated along the walls. The F2 sealed the boards nicely, and the strong-side defenseman unapologetically pinched at every opportunity. And the vise was tightened in the neutral zone, where the Lighting’s defensemen pounced on lazy passes and stepped up to snatch away possession. Tampa Bay’s defensemen were aggressive and rarely penalized for it.

The Blackhawks are slower and less talented than the Lightning. That much is clear. I am not sure if there’s a team in the NHL that has less to offer than Chicago in terms of young, under-25 talent. Against the other 29 teams, the Lightning’s skaters won’t be able to carry and pass the puck with impunity through the neutral and offensive zone or have the puck readily surrendered to them at the mere suggestion of pressure. But that doesn’t take away from the scale of the beat down.

The Lightning have four lines that can score, and suddenly their defense is looking much less problematic. Mikhail Sergachev has strung together multiple good games. Braydon Coburn has far surpassed expectations this season. And Dan Girardi is not sabotaging the team’s success. Partly, this is due to the Lightning identity, and how they need all 18 players to embrace it. Last night, they bear-hugged their aspirational self: Kill with speed, shoot at every opportunity, and use your defensemen’s aggression as a launch pad.

Doesn't that just crap on this cheery and sunny Monday morning?

Wow, more idiots on here calling for Schmaltz's head.

Newsflash: Schmaltz is a young player still on his ELC while this team struggles through more cap issues. He had as many points as Toews last year, led the team in takeaways, and has great qualities for a young player (speed, defensive responsibility, great passing).

If your biggest issue is you're bad at faceoffs... you're likely a good player. Schmaltz could shoot more and be more physical, but he's still one of the most dynamic 'new NHL' guys we have on the team.

Folks calling for a trade of one of our top young players (Panarin, Saad, Terravainen anyone?)... you are hilariously stupid.
- ObeseOprah

But but but but he doesn't hit, he's too small and he's made a few mistakes. May as well trade Schmaltz and Boqvist (another smurf who won't be physical) for a big, tough player .... I hear Loooooooocchhhh is available

Justin - I have a non-hockey question. How do I get the page back that is all Blackhawk and shows all the blogs? I re-downloaded the site to try to get rid of a few glitches and now I can’t seem to find that page. Thanks.
- Z3Hawk

This page Z3Hawk?

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/team/Chicago-Blackhawks

But but but but he doesn't hit, he's too small and he's made a few mistakes. May as well trade Schmaltz and Boqvist (another smurf who won't be physical) for a big, tough player .... I hear Loooooooocchhhh is available
- paulr

I like Schmaltz and will defend him until I die. I like his game and his growth, slow but still there. I'm saying he can get a good bridge deal or long term depending on if his offense increases from last year, or if his faceoff% increases, but that is mainly as a center. I'm with Justin, if he's a winger and stays a winger, his aav will be lower.

If Schmaltz isnt going to take a 2-3yr bridge deal for no more than 3mil...I'd say move him.

Dude is Kyle Turris at best - but cant play center and plays baby poop soft.

I'd wonder if he could be moved for the D man Ritsolinen in Buffalo. They need offense and he was rumored to be on the block before the season started...was signed by the previous GM
- PatShart

I will have a Schmaltz article coming up.

I have been less-than-inspired by his play and have some thoughts on his future with this team.

Lightening Blogger Assessment of Last Night:


Lightning Set Record in Drubbing of Blackhawks
October 22, 2018, 12:02 PM ET
- glennjpawlak22[0 Comments]
Sam Hitchcock - Tampa Bay Lightning Blogger • RSS • Archive • CONTACT

Hockey is a zero-sum game. There is value in a team demonstrating they can go into an opponent’s barn and pummel them without mercy. Nevertheless, the second period of last night was unique; the Lightning slung 33 shots on goal—27 of which were at 5v5—in a period that looked as uneven as the USA vs. Trinidad and Tobago game in Mighty Ducks 2. It was the most shots accrued in the NHL in one period since shots by period became an official statistic. It was remarkable that the Blackhawks held the Lightning to four goals through two periods, and only outstanding goaltending by Cam Ward prevented the score from ballooning to 9-1 or 10-1.

Everyone on the Lightning played well. Tampa Bay was the faster team to loose pucks, and inflicted a ravenous cycle on a helpless Blackhawks squad. The outside lane was always open, and too often there was little resistance when the Lightning puck-carrier cut to the inside. Tampa Bay recorded the most shot attempts and Scoring Chances of any game this season, and one reason was that instead of hesitating and looking for the perfect pass, the Lightning shot from all angles and stopped forcing east-west passes. Even those high numbers understate the dominance of the Lightning’s first two periods, which was when they tallied most of those shot attempts and chances.

Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli led the Lightning in 5v5 Scoring Chances with 7 each, and their propensity to shoot from anywhere led to them posting ugly goals. On Cirelli’s goal, he kept jamming away until he found pay dirt. Point did not kick the puck out despite being at an awkward angle to swat in the goal.

Tampa Bay had the speed to create rush chances at will. They consistently found room transporting the puck and were able to manufacture mini odd-man opportunities on the cycle and in transition. On Yanni Gourde’s power-play goal, Point’s poise to shepherd the puck down low despite being under pressure and find the option with Ondrej Palat was magnificent. The inability of the Blackhawks to keep pace with the Lightning puck-carriers or to strip them of possession opened up passing lanes.

It was the best passing game the Lightning have had all season. There were nice saucer passes, like Palat’s to Tyler Johnson that sprung Johnson’s breakaway. There was the stretch pass, like Victor Hedman finding Nikita Kucherov, who slipped behind the Blackhawks defense for the first goal. There were area passes, shot-passes (like the superb Gourde to Point attempt), and pocket passes. It is hard to envision the forecheck being played better, and partially that is because the F1 was a buzzsaw. If the F1 did not win the race, he would force a turnover. When the F1 claimed possession, there was always a Lightning forward cutting to the net ready to whip a shot on goal.

The Lightning dominated along the walls. The F2 sealed the boards nicely, and the strong-side defenseman unapologetically pinched at every opportunity. And the vise was tightened in the neutral zone, where the Lighting’s defensemen pounced on lazy passes and stepped up to snatch away possession. Tampa Bay’s defensemen were aggressive and rarely penalized for it.

The Blackhawks are slower and less talented than the Lightning. That much is clear. I am not sure if there’s a team in the NHL that has less to offer than Chicago in terms of young, under-25 talent. Against the other 29 teams, the Lightning’s skaters won’t be able to carry and pass the puck with impunity through the neutral and offensive zone or have the puck readily surrendered to them at the mere suggestion of pressure. But that doesn’t take away from the scale of the beat down.

The Lightning have four lines that can score, and suddenly their defense is looking much less problematic. Mikhail Sergachev has strung together multiple good games. Braydon Coburn has far surpassed expectations this season. And Dan Girardi is not sabotaging the team’s success. Partly, this is due to the Lightning identity, and how they need all 18 players to embrace it. Last night, they bear-hugged their aspirational self: Kill with speed, shoot at every opportunity, and use your defensemen’s aggression as a launch pad.

thatsa a pretty strong unsubstantiated assertion...but at least for that game the young guys were not very good

Because Saad got his money and doesnt want to go to the net/corners consistently.

If Q put him there and didnt move him all year, he'd get 20g/20a easily.

But he's paid big boy money to bring the physicality/skate to the tough areas all the time...and he hasnt since his return. That's why hes not there and shouldnt be...until he shows his willingness on a consistent basis.
- PatShart

So not just any player with a stick can score consistently with Kane. It has to be a player with the ability and willingness to go to the corners/net consistently too.

I’d add a couple other things myself, like the ability to find the open ice, good stick handling/shot, good passer/receiving passes.

I will have a Schmaltz article coming up.

I have been less-than-inspired by his play and have some thoughts on his future with this team.
- Justin Lowe

He has been underwhelming this season.

He has been underwhelming this season.
- riozzo

the talk of Schmaltz getting 5 x 5 or 5 x 6 before this season was a bit much. I'm still not sold on him being a long term part of this team - that being said, I'm sure StanBo is putting the final touches on an extension as we speak...NMC, NTC, etc, etc

Anton Forsberg on waivers.

He has been underwhelming this season.
- riozzo

21 goals and 51 pts was a very good 2nd year for him. He needs to get there again.

Keep him at wing...they are ruining this 22 year old at center: he doesn't have the tools, size or want to for the center position...terrible at faceoff's

let him play where he belongs and can develop