Cool. Cut bait with a top 6 talent on a team short on high end talent. Wonder why Q sends him out on the PK if he is just so flipping awful and an ice fairy. We should probably just cut Schmaltz he is the reason this team is bad!!!!
- bhawks2241

PK role makes some sense for him as he is fast and good at retrieving lost pucks, but he has not proven he is true top six talent. Sorry.

I am confident there will be players out there with a far more well rounded game that will be worth far more for the dollar than a $5-6MM per year Nick Schmaltz will be.

This!
- paulr

Someone needed to do something. Martinsen took a run at the Bolts young Russian defenseman a couple minutes later.

Par for the course for the Hawks. Teammate gets run and Hawks don't respond physically or by driving play and scoring.

How many times are opposing forwards just going to blow through a stick check when one of our D could just have laid a nice body check and separated the player from the puck?

Instead its stick check while not moving feet and if that doesn't work its a free path to the net for the opposing forward. Joki might be our most physical D-man.

Cool. Cut bait with a top 6 talent on a team short on high end talent. Wonder why Q sends him out on the PK if he is just so flipping awful and an ice fairy. We should probably just cut Schmaltz he is the reason this team is bad!!!!
- bhawks2241

Agreed. Stan should be able to trade Schmaltz for Ryan Reaves or Matt Martin. The Hawks need someone with some truculence and guys like this would put them over the top. Stan might need to thrown in a 1st round pick or maybe even Boqvist or Beaudin. Even so, it's still totally worth it to get those hits.

PK role makes some sense for him as he is fast and good at retrieving lost pucks, but he has not proven he is true top six talent. Sorry.

I am confident there will be players out there with a far more well rounded game that will be worth far more for the dollar than a $5-6MM per year Nick Schmaltz will be.
- Return of the Roar

Like Brandon Saad? Schmaltz has top 6 talent and he is 22 years old but we should cut bait with him......

He's fast, good with his stick, and good at stripping pucks. So 50-60 pts with PK time isn't top 6 talent these days?

No shame last night - they were playing a top cup contender.

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.

Wow the Lightning seem unbeatable. Sadly for this guy when their season ends Cooper will again be a Coach WITHOUT a Cup.

Agreed. Stan should be able to trade Schmaltz for Ryan Reaves or Matt Martin. The Hawks need someone with some truculence and guys like this would put them over the top. Stan might need to thrown in a 1st round pick or maybe even Boqvist or Beaudin. Even so, it's still totally worth it to get those hits.
- DarthKane

I don't see where I am advocating trading guys like NS for goons. But I do feel like a guy like Matt Duchene for example would look a heck of a lot better centering Kane's line than NS.

Like Brandon Saad? Schmaltz has top 6 talent and he is 22 years old but we should cut bait with him......

He's fast, good with his stick, and good at stripping pucks. So 50-60 pts with PK time isn't top 6 talent these days?
- bhawks2241

And since returning Saad has done......nothing. Add him to the list of castaways.

The lack of production and game in these two guys are a big reason why this team is what it is.

The Tampa blogger said what no Chicago blogger or sports writer would ever say - the truth. Anyone who does not see that piece as a spot on accurate across the board assessment of the Blackhawks is truly in denial.

At best their true NHL level forwards are Toews, Kane, AA (third line), Kruger (fourth line), and to my surprise, ADB and Kahun. On the D side you have Keith, Seabrook and Jokiharju (with upside left to realize).

Schmaltz and Saad are not as advertised (and likely never will be), and as a result Kane is left by himself with guys who can't allow him to play his game.

The rest are has beens or wannabes that never will be, because no top prospect or free agent in their right mind would come here now.

This is all on Bowman and the scouts. They have a vision for the team that appears to specifically omit the quality of toughness as a selection criteria. Even Toews in his post game interview last night commented that many players on the team are not willing to go to the dirty areas, take a hit to make a play, or be willing to pay the price to hold and advance the puck.

Makes me wonder if they do get a lottery pick at the end of this season if we really want Bowman to be the one making that choice.
- Return of the Roar

I'd disagree with that. They're both fast 50ish point players that are good in secondary roles but probably not primary scorers. Kane and Toews are those. They could use one more game breaker at forward and it is looking more and more like that will be Debrincat.

Most of their struggles are stopping plays before they start in the neutral zone and exiting their own. Some of that is because Rutta, Manning and Davidson are not very good hockey players and unless he is carrying the puck out Gus struggles as well.

Their slow set up for breakouts and their lack of urgency in transition are 100% coaching. Even teams bereft of talent can chip, skate and get a change with out getting hammered for +50 shots in a game. 48 shots at 5v5 is a preposterous number.

Lack of talent is an excuse exacerbated by a system \ style that the NHL has figured out and needs to be adjusted. This isn't new, its been a thing for the last 3 seasons.

No shame last night - they were playing a top cup contender.
- Garn.

Thanks for coming out of the woodwork, guys defending Saad. I was all on my own yesterday, haha.

This page Z3Hawk?

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

Exactly that page Justin. Thank you very much.

I'd disagree with that. They're both fast 50ish point players that are good in secondary roles but probably not primary scorers. Kane and Toews are those. They could use one more game breaker at forward and it is looking more and more like that will be Debrincat.

Most of their struggles are stopping plays before they start in the neutral zone and exiting their own. Some of that is because Rutta, Manning and Davidson are not very good hockey players and unless he is carrying the puck out Gus struggles as well.

Their slow set up for breakouts and their lack of urgency in transition are 100% coaching. Even teams bereft of talent can chip, skate and get a change with out getting hammered for +50 shots in a game. 48 shots at 5v5 is a preposterous number.

Lack of talent is an excuse exacerbated by a system \ style that the NHL has figured out and needs to be adjusted. This isn't new, its been a thing for the last 3 seasons.
- fattybeef

But you leave out the part where neither Saad nor Schmaltz can initiate or maintain meaningful O zone possession for Kane to capitalize on. It's one and done play on that line - fast break or nothing.

And that lack of aggressive forecheck is the fatal flaw in the Hawk offense across the lineup.

I don't see where I am advocating trading guys like NS for goons. But I do feel like a guy like Matt Duchene for example would look a heck of a lot better centering Kane's line than NS.
- Return of the Roar

In case you missed it, I was being sarcastic (I know, its so unlike me).

I get what you're saying, but the Hawks are building for the future. I'm not suggesting Schmaltz can't be dealt, but would Stan really trade him for a forward who is a few years older and a pending UFA? Duchene will look for an increase on his current salary, is he really worth $7-$8 million?

In case you missed it, I was being sarcastic (I know, its so unlike me).

I get what you're saying, but the Hawks are building for the future. I'm not suggesting Schmaltz can't be dealt, but would Stan really trade him for a forward who is a few years older and a pending UFA? Duchene will look for an increase on his current salary, is he really worth $7-$8 million?
- DarthKane

Ha. Point taken on sarcasm.

The sad fact is there are no top six centers in the pipeline. Do you give NS $6M or Duchene $7M? Easy choice for me.

In case you missed it, I was being sarcastic (I know, its so unlike me).

I get what you're saying, but the Hawks are building for the future. I'm not suggesting Schmaltz can't be dealt, but would Stan really trade him for a forward who is a few years older and a pending UFA? Duchene will look for an increase on his current salary, is he really worth $7-$8 million?
- DarthKane

That was one of a few points I tried to make yesterday in the first place of a Duchene trade, and it turned into a Saad debacle. Thank you.

This team will be up and down all year long. What will be key is if the Hawks have the right coaching staff to mold these young kids into future NHL contributors and if the Hawks have the right hockey ops to surround this core with legit talent.

I am unsure on both fronts.

Their defense is an absolute dumpster fire. 28 has some promise but I just can't fathom how 2 continues to be on the PP with the tendency of having shot after shot blocked. I just don't get it....and for all the offseason work 7 put it, his best days are long behind him. He's a 5/6 on a contending team. At best.

Good starts by 19/12/88....some of the younger kids look good. Kunitz looks finished and is taking up a spot a younger kid should have. Saad is an enigma. Guy hasn't shown much since being paid in Columbus, and if you go back and read the Columbus athletic guy's post they were eager to move on from him.

Season is early but playoffs would be a huge over achievement given the flaws on this team.

I don't see where I am advocating trading guys like NS for goons. But I do feel like a guy like Matt Duchene for example would look a heck of a lot better centering Kane's line than NS.
- Return of the Roar

Yeah Duchene would look great, and his less than 50 pts and -34. Let’s trade a 22 year old kid on his ELC for a older player with similar production.

The way the opinions on this board sway with each and every game is comical. It goes from Saad stinks, bench him, trade him, etc. to Saad should be in the top 6 after he has a strong game. Schmaltz shies away from contact, and now he should be dumped for someone more physical.

The Hawks already have a bottom 6 of players that will struggle to score consistently, so let’s package up any of our skilled players and get some more guys who are “tough to play against”. Who needs goals, they can lead he league in hits and 3-1 losses.

Yeah Duchene would look great, and his less than 50 pts and -34. Let’s trade a 22 year old kid on his ELC for a older player with similar production.

The way the opinions on this board sway with each and every game is comical. It goes from Saad stinks, bench him, trade him, etc. to Saad should be in the top 6 after he has a strong game. Schmaltz shies away from contact, and now he should be dumped for someone more physical.

The Hawks already have a bottom 6 of players that will struggle to score consistently, so let’s package up any of our skilled players and get some more guys who are “tough to play against”. Who needs goals, they can lead he league in hits and 3-1 losses.
- TheTrob

It's as much a lack of high end talent throughout the lineup as it is a lack of effort and compete level. The last 3 games should have been 3 losses, but Craw absolutely robbed CBJ of 2 points on Saturday. They simply don't have the talent to go through the motions and win games.

EDIT: I would only trade Schmaltz for a 25 or younger high end defenseman.

It's as much a lack of high end talent throughout the lineup as it is a lack of effort and compete level. The last 3 games should have been 3 losses, but Craw absolutely robbed CBJ of 2 points on Saturday. They simply don't have the talent to go through the motions and win games.

EDIT: I would only trade Schmaltz for a 25 or younger high end defenseman.
- EnzoD

they need to use that cap space and maybe a roster player to get a at least a competent 2-3 dman...

that record is a mirage...they could score 300 goals and still be in the bottom 8 with their D and poor effort

Darth, I shot you a pm.

Yeah Duchene would look great, and his less than 50 pts and -34. Let’s trade a 22 year old kid on his ELC for a older player with similar production.

The way the opinions on this board sway with each and every game is comical. It goes from Saad stinks, bench him, trade him, etc. to Saad should be in the top 6 after he has a strong game. Schmaltz shies away from contact, and now he should be dumped for someone more physical.

The Hawks already have a bottom 6 of players that will struggle to score consistently, so let’s package up any of our skilled players and get some more guys who are “tough to play against”. Who needs goals, they can lead he league in hits and 3-1 losses.
- TheTrob

Agreed but Re Saad he looks contempt way too often. I guess I expect more out of him based on what I saw during that 2015 cup run when he was a beast. Since then.....not so much.

I have no issue with Schmaltz. I think he will be fine.

But you leave out the part where neither Saad nor Schmaltz can initiate or maintain meaningful O zone possession for Kane to capitalize on. It's one and done play on that line - fast break or nothing.

And that lack of aggressive forecheck is the fatal flaw in the Hawk offense across the lineup.
- Return of the Roar

Meh, that is secondary and Saad looked much better last night. Flipping the ice so they can at least generate opportunities in transition - where Kane is his best - is the biggest problem.

It's as much a lack of high end talent throughout the lineup as it is a lack of effort and compete level. The last 3 games should have been 3 losses, but Craw absolutely robbed CBJ of 2 points on Saturday. They simply don't have the talent to go through the motions and win games.

EDIT: I would only trade Schmaltz for a 25 or younger high end defenseman.
- EnzoD

I don't think they're not trying -- they're certainly not productively working towards the same objective.

Crawford and Kane have been hiding a lot of this and its the same problems that got them bounced in 15-16 and 16-17 and then suck real hard last year.

Will Stan with his next draft pick,, select a big mean defense men who will knock someone on there ass.
And Joel it may be time to sit Kruger in Favor of a four line of Martinsen , Kampf and Hayden ( they played well in the preseason) and tell them to hit everything that moves .
Those 2 penalties Kruger took last night were killers at least Martinsen want to get things going with one of the Lightening players and change some momentum.
Maybe the hawks need to get Big Buff Back , Dont expect the Jets to bite on that