I bring up eddie because he not only local but nationally regarded and his opinion is heard and taken into account for what it is worth.
- Scott1977

He's definitely a smart and great guy.

I think in Boston? Not certain.
- I Am The Breadman

He was getting second line duty on Boston as of last week. He's now their 3C.

And to all of those praising Saad now and whipping Schmaltz, you are truly idiots. Saad is a good player, Schmaltz is a good player, shut up. Take one look at some advanced stats or go back to your 90's basement.

Honestly i loved Qs move of Schmaltz on the 3rd line, i think having 2 playmakers on 1 line actually hurts it. It's always about balance and i thought the different parts on the 2nd and 3rd lines worked very well last night
- BetweenTheDots

I think you are on to something here about 8. He is always looking for 88 in every situation. He passes up great scoring chances because he wants to feed 88 at all times. Let 8 be a great 3rd line player and a match up problem for some 3rd D pairings.

The Athletic has the Blackhawks projected to have a 93 point season after last night, with a 58% chance of making the playoffs, 23% chance of making the second round.

I'd say if Crawford is healthy, shoot for the playoffs, dump any plugs you can for picks (Kunitz, Manning, Ward, Rutta, Martinsen), and keep your First and Second round picks. You never know what can happen in the playoffs, and guys like Schmaltz, Debrincat, Jokiharju could use the experience.

He was getting second line duty on Boston as of last week. He's now their 3C.

And to all of those praising Saad now and whipping Schmaltz, you are truly idiots. Saad is a good player, Schmaltz is a good player, shut up. Take one look at some advanced stats or go back to your 90's basement.
- ObeseOprah

Does fancy stats track bailing out on the puck so he doesnt get hit....or is that a 90's thing too and doesnt matter in the game?

He was getting second line duty on Boston as of last week. He's now their 3C.

And to all of those praising Saad now and whipping Schmaltz, you are truly idiots. Saad is a good player, Schmaltz is a good player, shut up. Take one look at some advanced stats or go back to your 90's basement.
- ObeseOprah

Thanks, that's what I thought.

The Athletic has the Blackhawks projected to have a 93 point season after last night, with a 58% chance of making the playoffs, 23% chance of making the second round.

I'd say if Crawford is healthy, shoot for the playoffs, dump any plugs you can for picks (Kunitz, Manning, Ward, Rutta, Martinsen), and keep your First and Second round picks. You never know what can happen in the playoffs, and guys like Schmaltz, Debrincat, Jokiharju could use the experience.
- ObeseOprah

In our division, I wonder of 93 points would be enough to get in?

I think you are on to something here about 8. He is always looking for 88 in every situation. He passes up great scoring chances because he wants to feed 88 at all times. Let 8 be a great 3rd line player and a match up problem for some 3rd D pairings.
- Boisy12

It will help, if he's successful in a great 3rd line role, when it comes to contract extension time.

Justin Thanks for your thoughts. It was nice to see Saad show up , however he has more M.I.A games then positive games. I'm curious have you heard any rumors of any trades to upgrade this team ?

The defense since forsling was sent down and murphy is just weeks away to returning who gets moved ? Any chance both Rutta and Murphy are moved in either a blockbuster move to get a top 6 or more bottom depth ?
- Taylorst1

Justin does a great job of providing pre and post game analysis, his player analysis is detailed and he provides it without pretending to have sources or inside information.

The banger line died midway last season especially when Hayden and Bouma were sent to Rockford. Agree, a line with Kruger centering two of Hayden, Martinsen, and Kunitz would be nice.

Johnson needs more seasoning so send him back down. If someone replaces him, I'd go with Highmore or Sikura. Leaning towards Sikura to inject another offensive weapon and speed to the 3rd line with say Anisimov, Schmaltz, or Kampf centering and Fortin on opposite wing.
- AEL_Fox

Well I guess Q wants to get a little more of a look at him. I’m not entirely surprised, he was sent down to make room for Crawford, so makes some sense he’s back up now that Forsberg is down.

Heard he played pretty well for the Hogs in the two games over the weekend in Tucson. Played center & was double-shifted a lot on Saturday. Believe he ended up with one goal and one assist.

Does fancy stats track bailing out on the puck so he doesnt get hit....or is that a 90's thing too and doesnt matter in the game?
- PatShart

Schmaltz may shy away from hits, but he:
Takes more pucks away than he gives away
Draws more penalties than he takes
Keeps the puck in the offensive zone than allows it in his zone
Is on the ice for more points and shots for, than against

The two things people point towards are:
Doesn't win faceoffs
Shies away from hits

One is quantifiable and true, the other is not tracked but likely true. Even if he isn't taking hits, he's ending up with the puck more than guys who 'throw the body around'. He's a positive player in nearly every quantifiable stat, and from the eye test looks fast and skilled. I don't know how many more Martinsens or Haydens or Paniks you want, but I want as many Schmaltz's as possible in this league.

I bring up eddie because he not only local but nationally regarded and his opinion is heard and taken into account for what it is worth.
- Scott1977

He usually is trying to make a teaching point of some kind. He’s also willing to admit when he gets something wrong. Can’t remember who it was, but he said something about one of the Hawks taking a shot to quickly saying he could have waited a second or two to get a better shot.

When he saw the replay he quickly corrected himself and said he was wrong there was no time and the player was right to get the shot off quickly.

Schmaltz may shy away from hits, but he:
Takes more pucks away than he gives away
Draws more penalties than he takes
Keeps the puck in the offensive zone than allows it in his zone
Is on the ice for more points and shots for, than against

The two things people point towards are:
Doesn't win faceoffs
Shies away from hits

One is quantifiable and true, the other is not tracked but likely true. Even if he isn't taking hits, he's ending up with the puck more than guys who 'throw the body around'. He's a positive player in nearly every quantifiable stat, and from the eye test looks fast and skilled. I don't know how many more Martinsens or Haydens or Paniks you want, but I want as many Schmaltz's as possible in this league.
- ObeseOprah

Please stop trying to defeat opinions with facts.

Schmaltz may shy away from hits, but he:
Takes more pucks away than he gives away
Draws more penalties than he takes
Keeps the puck in the offensive zone than allows it in his zone
Is on the ice for more points and shots for, than against

The two things people point towards are:
Doesn't win faceoffs
Shies away from hits

One is quantifiable and true, the other is not tracked but likely true. Even if he isn't taking hits, he's ending up with the puck more than guys who 'throw the body around'. He's a positive player in nearly every quantifiable stat, and from the eye test looks fast and skilled. I don't know how many more Martinsens or Haydens or Paniks you want, but I want as many Schmaltz's as possible in this league.
- ObeseOprah

He may bail from time to time but the guy has been hit plenty...#2 on the Hawks in terms of number of times "hit" this year behind Gustafsson. When a guy is playing with the puck on his stick that much and carrying it all over the ice, they are a target. I don't feel bad when Schmaltz is going 90 MPH up the ice and avoids getting levelled. I'd rather he bail out than leave the game on a stretcher.

He was getting second line duty on Boston as of last week. He's now their 3C.

And to all of those praising Saad now and whipping Schmaltz, you are truly idiots. Saad is a good player, Schmaltz is a good player, shut up. Take one look at some advanced stats or go back to your 90's basement.
- ObeseOprah

Is this Scmaltz agent or relative or something? Again if you can't handle the opinion of others maybe you should move on. To call everyone an idiot who does not agree with your point of view is really immature.

Schmaltz is a good player and he lacks courage, no matter how angry you get it won't change that fact.

He may bail from time to time but the guy has been hit plenty...#2 on the Hawks in terms of number of times "hit" this year behind Gustafsson. When a guy is playing with the puck on his stick that much and carrying it all over the ice, they are a target. I don't feel bad when Schmaltz is going 90 MPH up the ice and avoids getting levelled. I'd rather he bail out than leave the game on a stretcher.
- breadbag

And i believe when they scout the opponent they see the same thing i do, so all the players as they hit the ice see #8 and they go after him because he plays scared and they know from time to time he'll give up possession.

Schmaltz may shy away from hits, but he:
Takes more pucks away than he gives away
Draws more penalties than he takes
Keeps the puck in the offensive zone than allows it in his zone
Is on the ice for more points and shots for, than against

The two things people point towards are:
Doesn't win faceoffs
Shies away from hits

One is quantifiable and true, the other is not tracked but likely true. Even if he isn't taking hits, he's ending up with the puck more than guys who 'throw the body around'. He's a positive player in nearly every quantifiable stat, and from the eye test looks fast and skilled. I don't know how many more Martinsens or Haydens or Paniks you want, but I want as many Schmaltz's as possible in this league.
- ObeseOprah

Schmaltz spent a lot of time hanging out / working out with Kane this summer. I am sure he wants to emulate Kane, his style shows it. Even the way he cycles with the puck. But Kane is special, Not putting Schmaltz down, but he is no Kane. If he wants to play center next year he should spend some time with Toews.

Is this Scmaltz agent or relative or something? Again if you can't handle the opinion of others maybe you should move on. To call everyone an idiot who does not agree with your point of view is really immature.

Schmaltz is a good player and he lacks courage, no matter how angry you get it won't change that fact.
- BetweenTheDots

I can handle the opinions of others just fine, I'm simply calling out idiocy when it pops up. Every week there is a new whipping boy on this message board, last week it was Saad, this week it's Schmaltz, next week it'll be someone else.

Schmaltz is an objectively good player on this team, relative to his teammates and relative to a replacement level player in the league. He is a young, cost controlled player on a team with contract and talent issues.

'he lacks courage', care to elaborate? Other than him not gladly getting laid out by guys 30 pounds heavier, wouldn't Q notice one of his guys turtling on the ice every time Parayko or OEL skates by?

I can handle the opinions of others just fine, I'm simply calling out idiocy when it pops up. Every week there is a new whipping boy on this message board, last week it was Saad, this week it's Schmaltz, next week it'll be someone else.

Schmaltz is an objectively good player on this team, relative to his teammates and relative to a replacement level player in the league. He is a young, cost controlled player on a team with contract and talent issues.

'he lacks courage', care to elaborate? Other than him not gladly getting laid out by guys 30 pounds heavier, wouldn't Q notice one of his guys turtling on the ice every time Parayko or OEL skates by?
- ObeseOprah

Btw we're you really happy with Saads play early this year?

If you can't see it, i can't help you.

All the opponents see it though that's why he's getting hit so much.

He may bail from time to time but the guy has been hit plenty...#2 on the Hawks in terms of number of times "hit" this year behind Gustafsson. When a guy is playing with the puck on his stick that much and carrying it all over the ice, they are a target. I don't feel bad when Schmaltz is going 90 MPH up the ice and avoids getting levelled. I'd rather he bail out than leave the game on a stretcher.
- breadbag

It doesn't make sense, there are cheap shot artists in the leage, not a lot or on every team, but they are out there. Ducks got a couple, that's for sure. There are already complaints about getting hit and other hawks not standing up for that player hit, but some people want Schmaltz to get hit ... on a nightly basis. For players who have more height and poundage than Schmaltz, it is safer to avoid it.

It doesn't make sense, there are cheap shot artists in the leage, not a lot but they are out there. There are already complaints about getting hit and other hawks not standing up for that player hit, but now some people want Schmaltz to get hit ... on a nightly basis.
- I Am The Breadman

Oh i don't know Kruger, Kane, Cat, Keith just to name a few don't give up on a play, all everyone here is doing is making excuses for him, that's fine, love to be wrong about him but for now i see what i see

When you got Stamkos targeting you the word is out

Oh i don't know Kruger, Kane, Cat, Keith just to name a few don't give up on a play, all everyone here is doing is making excuses for him, that's fine, love to be wrong about him but for now i see what i see

When you got Stamkos targeting you the word is out
- BetweenTheDots

The rest make excuses against him and to get rid of him. Stamkos knocked him on his ass with a high hit. I see talent but that is just me, maybe he gives up, some I know are puck dumps to change lines. His puck possession is good, he'll carry the puck in himself.

I have problems with Schmaltz don't get me wrong, but overall I like him, his game, and the fact he wears a Hawk sweater.

It doesn't make sense, there are cheap shot artists in the leage, not a lot but they are out there. There are already complaints about getting hit and other hawks not standing up for that player hit, but now some people want Schmaltz to get hit ... on a nightly basis. For players who have more height and poundage than Schmaltz, it is safer to avoid it.
- I Am The Breadman

No. Part of the game is - getting hit. Sometimes/often you have to get hit to make plays. Its hockey 101. And to be successful/cup winning team, you have to be willing to do that consistently. It's about being physical which has nothing to do with 'finishing hits' as someone claims it's what people are saying. Toews never finishes a hit, but he plays a physical game. Kruger, same thing. AA, same thing.

If you want the Hawks to go back to being a cup contender and want Schmaltz to be a part of it, he has to show that willingness. Otherwise, he'll be his 50-60pt guy that goes thru the season saying "I got my points", and never understanding why he never wins anything.

No. Part of the game is - getting hit. Sometimes/often you have to get hit to make plays. Its hockey 101. And to be successful/cup winning team, you have to be willing to do that consistently. It's about being physical which has nothing to do with 'finishing hits' as someone claims it's what people are saying. Toews never finishes a hit, but he plays a physical game. Kruger, same thing. AA, same thing.

If you want the Hawks to go back to being a cup contender and want Schmaltz to be a part of it, he has to show that willingness. Otherwise, he'll be his 50-60pt guy that goes thru the season saying "I got my points", and never understanding why he never wins anything.
- PatShart

The core of hockey is changing. Players are smaller and more talented. Banger lines, I think are fading. Kids in the draft, they aren't hulks and they don't become hulks. The teams that have bigger bodies in the lineup, are successful, but not champs.

I like hits, taking hits to make plays, I understand all of that and what you are saying, but hockey is changing quickly. It sounds like you're blaming the hawks' losses on Schmaltz, they will never be a cup contender because of him. Schmaltz is the least of their worries.

The rest make excuses against him and to get rid of him. Stamkos knocked him on his ass with a high hit. I see talent but that is just me, maybe he gives up, some I know are puck dumps to change lines. His puck possession is good, he'll carry the puck in himself.
- I Am The Breadman

If he's not going to take the step to be a complete player, people dont want to see him get 6mil a year to shy away from contact. Not excuses to 'get rid of him'. People want the team to be good and willing to compete for a cup again. That doesnt happen with 6mil dollar soft players.

What doesnt make sense, is you were upset that people have been bagging Saads lackluster play. Last game and some of TB, he did EXACTLY what everyone says he needs to do consistently- and was successful. Seems that those critical of his different play were right, and if he reverts back to that, it'll get said again. It's not a one game or just a few game stretch. 6mil means you do it every game. Cant afford to have passengers at that pay. Saw it with Toews the last 2+ years, and you saw the results.

Could it be, that others are saying this about Schmaltz because they know a thing or two about what's needed for him to take his game to the next level? And they want to see that type of commitment from him BEFORE handing him 6mil?