Absolutely agree. Plus I just don't like Toews and Kane together. I'd rather see Toews and Debrincat, then Kane and Saad, or Kampf and Kahun....obviously changes needed if play is stopped for a faceoff. Need a centerman for possession.
D-wise ???
The best possession guys are Gustaffson and Joki.

I would just like to see some of the younger guys given a chance since there is no way this team makes the playoffs . The only way they'll develop is if they play.
- Hawkytalk

Toews and Saad had combined for four goals in the previous 4 periods, why not play them together? Kane and DeBrincat also have some chemistry too.

in 13 strt games the hawks have coughed up 3 or more goals in regulation:

1. 1-11-1
2. 4.4 GA and thats with some pretty decent goaltending
3. 35 SOG allowed/gm
4. oh yes and outscored on the pp 12-3

december is now 1-6-1...i will be generous with a final december record of 3-10-2

this team even when play decent game will lose more often than not

With the depth of the 2019 draft class it would be great if the Hawks can somehow obtain another lottery pick. The only way I see that happening if the Hawks trade someone like Keith or Cro, if they waive, to a playoff contender at the TDL, then that team falls apart, misses the playoffs and, draws a lottery pick. I'd be happy with the 2nd and 5th pick. Wishful thinking. I know.
- boilermaker100

It is a surprise if we can get a first round choice, but possible if we move either Crawford or Keith. They would have to be playing well around the trade deadline.

Here is an assignment for Bowman;

To get another GM dreaming how a veteran playoff addition helps take his team one step farther. Most likely only a mid first round is the earliest pick imaginable. I would expect that Crawford + would probably be the price for that coveted selection. I mean in retrospect other goaltenders will be available/J Howard, maybe Quick?

What fans might realistically hope occurs, oe that Gus racks up the goals and strong offensive effort. Gus becomes a legitimate depth dman to package with MAYBE Crawford

It is too early for Keith to depart. Irregardless how many prospects on defense step up , a team needs at least one veteran as an anchor

Btw: Seabrook has a no trade clause. Does this prevent being offered compliance buyout? Et Seabrook play a reduced role next season than I bet he takes the compliance.

Toews and Saad had combined for four goals in the previous 4 periods, why not play them together? Kane and DeBrincat also have some chemistry too.
- matt_ahrens

Post game Toews said "we gave ourselves a chance to win by a solid team effort."

When Toeews plays this way then he remains a top center, albeit not the old version but still someone you can win with. We have to remember, too, that Toews never was a top ten in league scorer. Without Hossa no wing on his line is producing a lot of points.

I do believe that not only Saad, but Kahun could compile higher point totals. But if they play with Toews then just know that it is a big scoring Kane line that leads us out of the wilderness to realistic offensive production. Get Kane better linemattes first,and leave Toews as is. He is now Johny B good enough

Keith 2 goals in 116 games
Pleaae don’t shoot- and lose possession

How many assists?

Everyone is aware that an assist means that a goal was scored, right? I just want to make sure everyone is actually on the same page.

I mean I can't really imagine going to a baseball board where the only time a run is scored, is off of a home run...

Good effort from the boys last night. All around the team. Crow made many big saves. Team played with some edge and didn't let any crap pass.
Both Toews goals went in off the goalie, a sign of a very heavy shot. GREAT to see.
Hawks scored two goals in last minute of periods, but gave up one.
Would have loved a win out of that one.

How many assists?

Everyone is aware that an assist means that a goal was scored, right? I just want to make sure everyone is actually on the same page.

I mean I can't really imagine going to a baseball board where the only time a run is scored, is off of a home run...
- steve-hist-sdc

Last 116,game /46 assists

It’s a shame they didn’t let the NHL play in the Olympics.....hopefully they bring back the World Cup
Of Hockey
- EnzoD

I'm in between them playing and not playing.

I agree it makes the Olympics that much more fun to watch.
However I think they should have more time off to compensate for the grueling schedule it creates on the players not having enough time off .

If you look back to the hawks having so many players in the Olympics then to travel and come back with no rest it completely gassed them out and gave the league somewhat of a watered down version the latter half.not to mention injuries.

in 13 strt games the hawks have coughed up 3 or more goals in regulation:

1. 1-11-1
2. 4.4 GA and thats with some pretty decent goaltending
3. 35 SOG allowed/gm
4. oh yes and outscored on the pp 12-3

december is now 1-6-1...i will be generous with a final december record of 3-10-2

this team even when play decent game will lose more often than not
- bogiedoc

They are about 10 seconds away from losing 12 of 13 in regulation.

League average SOG are up this year and last to over 31 per game - the league seems to be shooting more. Doesn’t “justify” 35 per game against the Hawks (or the over-40s that they often allow.

PP - taking too many penalties - 4-4-2-4 - can’t be killing 4 times per games against teams like Winnipeg. They especially cand keep taking third period penalties when they’re trying to catch up - like three last nite - other games too that I’m too lazy to look up.

I'm in between them playing and not playing.

I agree it makes the Olympics that much more fun to watch.
However I think they should have more time off to compensate for the grueling schedule it creates on the players not having enough time off .

If you look back to the hawks having so many players in the Olympics then to travel and come back with no rest it completely gassed them out and gave the league somewhat of a watered down version the latter half.not to mention injuries.
- Taylorst1

As far as the effects on the Hawks - 2010 Cup, 2014 OT of game 7 of the WCF.

The players like it - the fans get a good hockey tournament - I favor it. The league should like it, especially if they are trying to grow the game in the Far East - not going to Korea was a mistake, I think, and missing Beijing would not be smart either.

As far as gassed players - most of them would get a 2 1/2 week break from hockey completely.

Team played hard and battled back but lost in OT. That's the kind of games we need this season to build the team while still hopefully getting a Top 3 pick

Gotta love how we were debating before the game about Toews and how good he is and get comes out with a 2 goal 1 assist game lol

Side note: Beaudin was cut from Canada's junior team. Bit of a bummer. I was hoping he would get to play there to be able to measure where he's at against some of the best young talents in the game

Thanks Nick.

I have heard a few whispers about the potential of core pieces moving (or at least they will attempt to).

I personally think you will see another move in December to send a defenceman packing to free up room.

Then in the new year, you will see the Hawks evaluate Rockford players by giving them some time in the NHL. They need to see what they have with some of these guys to determine their longer term plan.

Then (if Bowman is smart) he waits right to the deadline to move as much as he can.
- Justin Lowe

Your analysis is sensible and exactly what I was thinking.i say if Gus can pull up some points, then he could be packaged with Crawford. But it is too soon to send Keith away. He is the leader and best dman and probably remains here at least until some point next ewsin or even after next season. You need him frdpite his good and bad performance s. We need one or two kids to step uo next season. E perience means a lot, so kids need next year before Keith should go.

Now it may be too much even with a package deal insofar as to acquire a first round pick. If we did her such a pick, it would likely be closer to he end if tough d one than mid round pick.

Justin, I wish you would devote a column to the jekkyk/Hyde performances by Toews.. some nice offense lately and strong play but his effort is female dogging it sometimes. On radio broadcast I hear that complaint Often
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It is a surprise if we can get a first round choice, but possible if we move either Crawford or Keith. They would have to be playing well around the trade deadline.

Here is an assignment for Bowman;

To get another GM dreaming how a veteran playoff addition helps take his team one step farther. Most likely only a mid first round is the earliest pick imaginable. I would expect that Crawford + would probably be the price for that coveted selection. I mean in retrospect other goaltenders will be available/J Howard, maybe Quick?

What fans might realistically hope occurs, oe that Gus racks up the goals and strong offensive effort. Gus becomes a legitimate depth dman to package with MAYBE Crawford

It is too early for Keith to depart. Irregardless how many prospects on defense step up , a team needs at least one veteran as an anchor

Btw: Seabrook has a no trade clause. Does this prevent being offered compliance buyout? Et Seabrook play a reduced role next season than I bet he takes the compliance.
- jhawk59

Quick or Crow to Philly seems like a deal that makes A LOT of sense to go down. Crow more so than Quick since he's only got one year left on his deal and they have Carter Hart waiting in the wings to take the keys.

If the Hawks could get some combo of Philly's 1st or 2nd and Frost or Sanheim for Crow I would be willing make something happen.

As much as I love Crow, and appreciate what he's done for us I don't see him being apart of this teams next push to win a Cup (unless they trade him and then sign him back on a cheaper deal when his contract is up). Give Forsberg and Delia the rest of this year and possible next (could sign Nalimov or a cheap young goalie to see if he can blossom here) to see what they can do

Team played hard and battled back but lost in OT. That's the kind of games we need this season to build the team while still hopefully getting a Top 3 pick

Gotta love how we were debating before the game about Toews and how good he is and get comes out with a 2 goal 1 assist game lol

Side note: Beaudin was cut from Canada's junior team. Bit of a bummer. I was hoping he would get to play there to be able to measure where he's at against some of the best young talents in the game
- Savetheembers33

Doesn't mean he sucks. I know first hand that there's a ton of politics that goes into decisions made at those tournaments.

I liked watching the game last night. I was entertained and that's all I have a right to demand. When they work like that every game it's watchable.

You either have to buy-out Seabrook or relegate him to your 7th defensemen. No one is trading for him and that contract. And his play on the ice has gotten to the point where he is hurting the team more than helping. He is playing at a Manning level, which is no good. Are the Hawks preferring to not hurt one of their three time cup building blocks at the expense of the entire team? This is a business. And in any business where your performance does not match your work, you part ways with that employee. It might sound harsh but it is the right thing to do for the whole of the team and not to soothe one persons ego. I appreciated all he brought to the team, but Hawks have to cut bait. And god forbid he blocks one of our up and coming d-men. That would be a shame.

Doesn't mean he sucks. I know first hand that there's a ton of politics that goes into decisions made at those tournaments.

I liked watching the game last night. I was entertained and that's all I have a right to demand. When they work like that every game it's watchable.
- 6628

During much of this 13 game streak, it’s been the quick back-to-back GA that have beaten them, coupled with the quick GA after an important GF.

Games have ebbs and flows; no team dominates or controls a game for 60 minutes. But every lull for the Hawks, it seems, winds up with a goal for the opponent.

You either have to buy-out Seabrook or relegate him to your 7th defensemen. No one is trading for him and that contract. And his play on the ice has gotten to the point where he is hurting the team more than helping. He is playing at a Manning level, which is no good. Are the Hawks preferring to not hurt one of their three time cup building blocks at the expense of the entire team? This is a business. And in any business where your performance does not match your work, you part ways with that employee. It might sound harsh but it is the right thing to do for the whole of the team and not to soothe one persons ego. I appreciated all he brought to the team, but Hawks have to cut bait. And god forbid he blocks one of our up and coming d-men. That would be a shame.
- onehundredlevel

With a no trade contract you are forced to protect him for the Expansion Draft. No? He can be offered compliance buyout as late as after next season which is also to say before Seattle has played their first game. Under the current league CBA, is there a limit to the # of compliance buyout during the length of the ongoing CBA? Maybe after three horrendous seasons and he wasn't farmed out or sent anywhere far from home ,- meaning the East coast, they offer compliance and he accepts. He collected enough money from that contract earned for his past good service.

Kane, Toews and KEITH ????
No no no.
- Hawkytalk

I know the grouping is a tip of the hat to Keith’s overall standing with the team but he simply has not been good in OT in a long time. Last night was ridiculous. Gave away possession over a nothing shot attempt with no chance to score. It is so SELFISH or FOOLISH not to just take the puck out and give it to the next D coming out. OT is 100% about maintaining possession and the OT is 5 minutes long not just the first shift.

Someone was also talking about the fact that the Hawks can’t keep other teams to less than 3 goals. It is true that players continue to be out of position chasing puck carriers in their D-Zone, rather than protecting their normally assigned areas of the ice. Colliton’s aggressive System simply doesn’t work at the NHL level. Maybe in the Swedish Tier 2 and in the AHL this D-Zone aggressiveness can work as less fast thinking and less skilled players cough up the puck. At the NHL level the players are so highly fast thinking and so highly skilled they welcome this pressure and just easily pass to the open areas. NHL players are simply too talented. It is the same reason a team doesn’t just crazily chase puck carriers when on the PK, where one easy pass to vacated ice kills. This premise doesn’t change 5 on 5.

Adding to the weirdness is the fact that Hawks forwards are sometimes actually looking at opposing players, making a call that such player is not their “man” and then skating away from them. So the players are actually debating on the ice in their heads - is this a chase the puck carrier or is this a find my “man” time? Martinsen at times looks like his head might explode. Again the NHL is simply too fast to be looking for your “man”, especially when combined with risky puck carrier chasing, which seems completely at odds.

Jamal Mayers has pointed out that there is far too much thinking going on in the D-Zone and way too little natural playing because of this “System.”

Another issue that nobody seems to want to talk about is that Crawford does not seem to be able to make a save when a shooter is moving with the puck. Breakaways - seems to leave lots of net. Player moves from behind the net to in front of the net - again lots of net. These shooters are scoring easily, very easily. Luckily the Hawks are not giving up lots of these types of plays. Most of the shots against are ones which Crawford can square to or play on plane. However, every game a few of these goals are scored that arguably should be stopped. There is the difference between giving up 2 or less and giving up 3 and beyond. The bottom line is there seems to be holes in Crawford’s game.

teams in contention tend to overpay...not sure why because trade deadline deals rarely count for much during the playoff...yes there are exceptions...

it cost a #1, dano a conditional pick to get ladd...
it cost danault (a former #1) and a 2nd round pick for a done weiss and fleischman

We all remember how well those deals worked out...

If craw and/or keith want to move even with their contracts the hawks should get a nice return, but remember we are talking bowman here

*Don't mess with Mr In between' is the words I if not a title to a big band era spirited song.

Jonathon Toews is hereby nominated as the Mr In-between. He can still hurt an opponent with a nice scoring game. Toews like the song can be a mighty punch. But he female dogs it too often, hete

I know the grouping is a tip of the hat to Keith’s overall standing with the team but he simply has not been good in OT in a long time. Last night was ridiculous. Gave away possession over a nothing shot attempt with no chance to score. It is so SELFISH or FOOLISH not to just take the puck out and give it to the next D coming out. OT is 100% about maintaining possession and the OT is 5 minutes long not just the first shift.

Someone was also talking about the fact that the Hawks can’t keep other teams to less than 3 goals. It is true that players continue to be out of position chasing puck carriers in their D-Zone, rather than protecting their normally assigned areas of the ice. Colliton’s aggressive System simply doesn’t work at the NHL level. Maybe in the Swedish Tier 2 and in the AHL this D-Zone aggressiveness can work as less fast thinking and less skilled players cough up the puck. At the NHL level the players are so highly fast thinking and so highly skilled they welcome this pressure and just easily pass to the open areas. NHL players are simply too talented. It is the same reason a team doesn’t just crazily chase puck carriers when on the PK, where one easy pass to vacated ice kills. This premise doesn’t change 5 on 5.

Adding to the weirdness is the fact that Hawks forwards are sometimes actually looking at opposing players, making a call that such player is not their “man” and then skating away from them. So the players are actually debating on the ice in their heads - is this a chase the puck carrier or is this a find my “man” time? Martinsen at times looks like his head might explode. Again the NHL is simply too fast to be looking for your “man”, especially when combined with risky puck carrier chasing, which seems completely at odds.

Jamal Mayers has pointed out that there is far too much thinking going on in the D-Zone and way too little natural playing because of this “System.”

Another issue that nobody seems to want to talk about is that Crawford does not seem to be able to make a save when a shooter is moving with the puck. Breakaways - seems to leave lots of net. Player moves from behind the net to in front of the net - again lots of net. These shooters are scoring easily, very easily. Luckily the Hawks are not giving up lots of these types of plays. Most of the shots against are ones which Crawford can square to or play on plane. However, every game a few of these goals are scored that arguably should be stopped. There is the difference between giving up 2 or less and giving up 3 and beyond. The bottom line is there seems to be holes in Crawford’s game.
- Z3Hawk

you know or hear this how from watching on TV?

nobody seems to talk about it because you are wrong...but we have debated this numerous times...no more..

teams in contention tend to overpay...not sure why because trade deadline deals rarely count for much during the playoff...yes there are exceptions...

it cost a #1, dano a conditional pick to get ladd...
it cost danault (a former #1) and a 2nd round pick for a done weiss and fleischman

We all remember how well those deals worked out...

If craw and/or keith want to move even with their contracts the hawks should get a nice return, but remember we are talking bowman here
- bogiedoc

Where is Dano these days? Hawaii? Ladd trade turned out to be nothing for nothing..I'll agree the Danault trade was a bad one from the get go.

Doesn't mean he sucks. I know first hand that there's a ton of politics that goes into decisions made at those tournaments.

I liked watching the game last night. I was entertained and that's all I have a right to demand. When they work like that every game it's watchable.
- 6628

Beaudin is a great player. Team Canada tends to pick a mix on D and to quote the show Seinfeld sometimes it comes down to “sorry we have a George.” He may be the equal or superior of other D but his skill set may not be what they are looking for fleshing out the roster. Saw that some other very dominant, excellent players got cut by Team Canada.

No way, even with Karlsson having a "down" season, he'll still make more $$ than Panarin because he's a defenseman and former Norris winner....
In value, it goes:
Top line centers
1st pair defense
"Top 5-7" goalies
1st line wingers

Well, I'm not convinced true #1 centers are worth more than #1 defenseman, but I'm taking the comparable that McDavid, Crosby, Toews (in his prime) etc etc are worth more than Karlsson, Hedman, Doughty, Keith (in his prime) and Burns etc etc
- Slofire94

Really good post and like you it's hard to differentiate the value of a #1C and #1 Dman.

Where is Dano these days? Hawaii? Ladd trade turned out to be nothing for nothing..I'll agree the Danault trade was a bad one from the get go.
- Beaver-Warrior

at the time dano was still considered a solid prospect...where he is now (basically waiver fodder) 3 years later is unimportant to argument that the hawks payed alot to get ladd..a UFA