DK only likes crappy players like Rusty, Frolik and Regin.
- Elbows15

Hahaha.

What - in Rockford? That's not true. Fortin is the fastest of the prospects, but there are other guys in Rockford where speed is not a hindrance for them. Louis is probably the fastest guy on Rockford although he's a long shot at best. Sikura and Highmore are not speed demons but plenty fast to play in the NHL. And there are other guys too.
- EbonyRaptor

Highmore finished 2nd in the AHL skills competition last year for faster skater.

He's quicker than he looks.

- Elbows15

i am very good at this...since no one else does...

Would like to see Hayden up on one of the top lines for a few games to see what he can do. Can skate well for a big guy and both lines could use the protection. Post him up in front of the netminder and let the skill guys do their thing

I haven't noticed that he is avoiding leaving the crease in his 4 games, just that when he does get behind his net he seems more poised and is making better decisions and passing better than was his norm.
- EbonyRaptor

Good point. I can see that, too.

I like that line proposal, but my problem is you have 3 centers on 1 line. Center depth is a problem. I like Krugs on the fourth line. Kampf and Johnson can be on line 3 or 4. But that entails Schmaltz is the 2nd line center and Arty the 3rd line center, which isnt or even might not be the case. I like having more than one center on any given line. But 3 on one line isn't good. I'm not denying that can be a great shut down line, it can, they could piss off a lot of people, but I like centers spread out.
Hayden is a physical 4th liner to me, likeable when limited and hitting.
- I Am The Breadman

Get what you're saying. Putting aside positions, another perspective to consider is that the water level for Kruger, Johnson, Kampf, and likely even Highmore is 4th line. Spot duty on line 3 is fine.

But once you slot multiple of them above the 4th line then you essentially have two 4th lines and no 3rd line which is fine to get through a brief spell but not to build a contender.

Rockford Tidbits:

Forsberg starts tonight in Rockford. First "real game" of the year.

Schroeder out with injury.

Gilbert dressing as one of 7 D.

--

Grabbed this info from Chris Block. Follow him on Twitter... great guy and informative.

Get what you're saying. Another perspective to consider is that the water level for Kruger, Johnson, Kampf, and likely even Highmore is 4th line. Spot duty on line 3 is fine. But once you slot multiple of them above the 4th line then you essentially have two 4th lines and no 3rd line.
- AEL_Fox

Ahh, I got you. Reaching their ceilings on the 4th. Didn't think of that.

Ahh, I got you. Reaching their ceilings on the 4th. Didn't think of that.
- I Am The Breadman

I edited my post at the end. It's fine to slot them higher for a brief spell but not to build a contender.

I edited my post at the end. It's fine to slot them higher for a brief spell but not to build a contender.
- AEL_Fox

I understand.

Would like to see Hayden up on one of the top lines for a few games to see what he can do. Can skate well for a big guy and both lines could use the protection. Post him up in front of the netminder and let the skill guys do their thing
- Assman22

He makes Anisimov look fast and can't do much with the puck either. As far as standing front of the net, big deal. He doesn't screen the goalie properly anyway. He's barely and nhl player.

- Elbows15

Not an Archer crowd, ok, I'll stop.

I argued all summer in favor of 19 having a big bounceback year. Well here we are 10 games in and Toews is doing just fine. Now let's hope I am also right about Saad breaking his slump.
- Savoy

Everything went south last year. Poor years by most of the core, too many young guys learning the NHL, Crawford getting hurt, among other things. Didn't expect us to be this good now, but I'll take it. And with some nice prospects coming along to replace the older core, things are starting to look brighter. Now, we need to beat the blows...again!

I just heard that the Hawks are evaluating what to do with this overcrowded depth at defence and are closer to pulling the trigger on a move.

Stan Bowman is at the IceHogs game again tonight while the Hawks are in St. Louis.

The Hogs are dressing 7 D tonight.

It's all adding up but what's not clear is if they are going to make a smaller AHL move pr one that will affect the Blackhawks.

I just heard that the Hawks are evaluating what to do with this overcrowded depth at defence and are closer to pulling the trigger on a move.

Stan Bowman is at the IceHogs game again tonight while the Hawks are in St. Louis.

The Hogs are dressing 7 D tonight.

It's all adding up but what's not clear is if they are going to make a smaller AHL move pr one that will affect the Blackhawks.
- Justin Lowe

If Stan touches Forsling, I will be in jail for murder.

If Stan touches Forsling, I will be in jail for murder.
- I Am The Breadman

I'd be shocked if he did move Forsling.

If Stan touches Forsling, I will be in jail for murder.
- I Am The Breadman

What's the fascination with Forsling? If he was so good he'd have made it impossible for the team to keep him out of the NHL. I realize he was injured but he's kinda poopty in my opinion.

What's the fascination with Forsling? If he was so good he'd have made it impossible for the team to keep him out of the NHL. I realize he was injured but he's kinda poopty in my opinion.
- GPHawksfan

For me, it's giving up too early on him because his ceiling is high. He has a mental and consistency problem with the game that he has to overcome. He can become a good top 4 defenseman.

For me, it's giving up too early on him because his ceiling is high. He has a mental and consistency problem with the game that he has to overcome. He can become a good top 4 defenseman.
- I Am The Breadman

So he's a softer Michal kempny? Lol. I hate both of them.

So he's a softer Michal kempny? Lol. I hate both of them.
- GPHawksfan

Haha, Kempny has speed and a nasty shot, Forsling can move and can score, but it's not a shot like Kempny.

Everything went south last year. Poor years by most of the core, too many young guys learning the NHL, Crawford getting hurt, among other things. Didn't expect us to be this good now, but I'll take it. And with some nice prospects coming along to replace the older core, things are starting to look brighter. Now, we need to beat the blows...again!
- Matt_Foleys_bro

I'm optimistic, but at this point, I'm not convinced they're as good as their record. The last 2 games (against bottom half team) were encouraging.

Well that sucks, 1-0 Stl in 18 seconds. 5 hole.

Kane tied it on a softie/tricky looking shot. 1-1. Assists from Saad and Arty.

Well that sucks, 1-0 Stl in 18 seconds. 5 hole.
- I Am The Breadman

It might have been a blessing in disguise. Blues were fired up coming out of the gate, got their goal, and then tapered off. We'll see how they respond to Kane's goal. Hopefully the Blackhawks can take control of this game right now.

2-1 Stl. Basically empty net. Collapsed play.