Politics these days are pretty simple. Either you are a globalist or a nationalist.

It is perplexing watching many genuflect at the alter of globalism as some virtue. They love the idea of a bunch of "elites" sitting around eloquently waxing poetic in some coffee shop. Moving them around like pawns on a board. Waiting for a pat on the head as if their life has more noble meaning because they "care" more.

They find no irony that the pooptiest places to live (literally with SF) have had the same leadership philosophy in place for almost a century.

And the depth of intellect (lack of) is clearly on display, when, again ironically enough, some, who have risen to positions of power and success in this country respond to any intellectual challenge to their positions, with charges of racism etc... Here is a little clue, if your first and only argument is RACISM, etc... you have no argument.

How does such insanity get a foot hold on so many people? This board often is a microcosm of that psychosis. That is if everything is not perfect now, go nuclear and destroy everything. As if we are entitled to happiness or instant gratification.

I lived in South Chicago as a young person. My grandmother took every precaution to protect herself, her family and what little material possessions she had on this earth. That is her first obligation, just like it is the first obligation of the Federal Government to protect its citizens. There are no 100% fail safes, there are risks to living every day. Nothing will change that, but it does not stop you from taking common sense actions to minimize negative impacts of certain activities. Locking your door in your home or car is now a form of racism.

Before the ORange man took over, as many call him. We had a sham government cast from hollywood. Moron dems and douche Repubs stoking emotions trying to make us all think they care about what we care about. Meanwhile, their goal has been to appease us all, while behind the curtains the country has been sold out to global interest. AS a reward, they have been given a seat at the table and or some stake in the global world order.

Now we have someone in there who is not part of the script. A Nationalist. We do not have to argue or debate. IF you are all for surrendering sovereignty to global governance, you are free to make that decision. Many others are not. The fact that many average American do not understand that is what he represents, whether you agree or disagree, shows clearly a lack of any intellectual curiosity.
- TrueGrit

The minute you define the debate as limited to only two choices is the minute polarization begins, and you feed the discourse problem. It is also by definition intellectually non-curious.

Until we can agree to be an adult nation again, open to the free discussion of ideas, and acceptance of facts as facts we will continue the sad slide downward. Both poles are equally responsible for the mess we are in.

I think it was a good test given to Forsling last night. I might not be as gifted as others who "knew" right off the bat that he wouldn't have that great of a game. I like the rotating of defensemen to see what we have along with who excels/needs work with what. Give Forsling the task of playing against a tough team, sounds like a good challenge. I saw him engage in hits and take hits to make plays. He didn't do it every time, but I wouldn't classify him as a shy player.

To hang last night's game on him, knowing he would drown against the Bruins forecheck ... that's just ridiculous. Our pp had several opportunities to put the game out of reach early, or help get the game in reach. We took stupid penalties, how many high sticks? Gus got lucky after throwing an elbow. How many turnovers, just first period alone. Yes, that damn Forsling.

I'm giving credit, Seabs was an animal last night. That 5 on 3. Yes he's slow, yes his contract is bad ... I loved watching him play last night. He was doing a bunch of great things. I like him paired with Keith.
- I Am The Breadman

Nice post man. I think you might be up for the hockey buzz comment Calder.




What do you think Forsling's future will hold?

Not sure how you could go into next season with Crawford and just one proven backup. Quite the dilemma. Maybe if no one else wants him, Ward would agree to sign another one year deal MINUS the NMC. Doubtful, but I think counting on Crow for a full year is too risky.
- pdx2ord

There are a lot of goaltender UFA's next year (including Ward). Some will be calling looking for a job after the big ones (Bobrovsky, Varlemov) are signed.

Well, draft position doesn't guarantee anything, however odds are you're going to get a superstar with a top 5 pick. Of course it depends on the draft - some drafts are deeper than others.. A guy who went 7th overall in one draft may have gone first overall in the next draft at the same age and potential..

This is why I would like to see Bowman try to trade up for the 1st overall pick.. I do believe Jack Hughes could fill Kanes role... Hughes is very similar to Kane and I think it would be worth it to move up and snag him...

Yea, the Hawks don't have any superstars in the system but they have several players that could be legitimate top 6 forwards or top 4 defenseman which is why I think targeting Hughes at the draft should be a priority...

Also, if it matters, you can certainly find superstars later in the First Round or in later rounds in general... I mean the majority of stars and superstars playing today were not top 5 picks.... Look at Duncan Keith, he was a 2nd round pick -- er look at the Hawks core over the last 10 years -- the only top picks there were Kane & Toews and everyone else was drafted outside of the top 10... I suppose my point is that where you're drafted plays little role after you've been drafted....

I mean DeBrincat was taken in the 2nd round and at 20 years old, in his sophomore season he's playing at a PPG pace and will probably hit the 40 goal mark this season.. So much for the sophomore slump eh?... I think this kid has 50 goal potential and presently is a star with superstar potential...I mean being a perennial 40 goal scorer with 50 goal and PPG+ potential makes you young superstar - but Debrincat is going to need players his age to compliment his play, I think Strome is that guy right now, however adding some security wouldn't hurt and trading up in this draft for as close to a "sure thing" as you can get is absolutely worth it..

Also, Jake Wise, Nordgren and Kurashev are no slouches either - all three are legitimate top 6 prospects and Kurashev could really turn into not only a steal but a real super-stud.... So sure, the Hawks don't have any forward "high draft picks" but the Hawks do have plenty of talent in the pipeline and if these player pan out and meet their potential the Hawks will be fine.... I mean wise was actually projected to go top 15 in the draft until he got injured, so the Hawks got a steal on him in the 3rd at 69th overall - it was almost like teams forgot about him... Ideally Wise would be the Hawks long-term 3rd line center ..

But yea, I do agree that the Hawks could really use a top forward draft pick and I think this is the draft to make a move like that and if Bowman can manage to get another first in a trade that 3 first round picks would be enough to get such a trade done depending on the team, their needs and strengths drafting first overall.
- Savard2Secord

How many 1st round picks do we currently have this year?

STFU
- BMWChiFan

Phuck dis politics talk... We be talking playoffs... Wait that was last week.. Lol

Politics these days are pretty simple. Either you are a globalist or a nationalist.

It is perplexing watching many genuflect at the alter of globalism as some virtue. They love the idea of a bunch of "elites" sitting around eloquently waxing poetic in some coffee shop. Moving them around like pawns on a board. Waiting for a pat on the head as if their life has more noble meaning because they "care" more.

They find no irony that the pooptiest places to live (literally with SF) have had the same leadership philosophy in place for almost a century.

And the depth of intellect (lack of) is clearly on display, when, again ironically enough, some, who have risen to positions of power and success in this country respond to any intellectual challenge to their positions, with charges of racism etc... Here is a little clue, if your first and only argument is RACISM, etc... you have no argument.

How does such insanity get a foot hold on so many people? This board often is a microcosm of that psychosis. That is if everything is not perfect now, go nuclear and destroy everything. As if we are entitled to happiness or instant gratification.

I lived in South Chicago as a young person. My grandmother took every precaution to protect herself, her family and what little material possessions she had on this earth. That is her first obligation, just like it is the first obligation of the Federal Government to protect its citizens. There are no 100% fail safes, there are risks to living every day. Nothing will change that, but it does not stop you from taking common sense actions to minimize negative impacts of certain activities. Locking your door in your home or car is now a form of racism.

Before the ORange man took over, as many call him. We had a sham government cast from hollywood. Moron dems and douche Repubs stoking emotions trying to make us all think they care about what we care about. Meanwhile, their goal has been to appease us all, while behind the curtains the country has been sold out to global interest. AS a reward, they have been given a seat at the table and or some stake in the global world order.

Now we have someone in there who is not part of the script. A Nationalist. We do not have to argue or debate. IF you are all for surrendering sovereignty to global governance, you are free to make that decision. Many others are not. The fact that many average American do not understand that is what he represents, whether you agree or disagree, shows clearly a lack of any intellectual curiosity.
- TrueGrit

You can also STFU.

There are a lot of goaltender UFA's next year (including Ward). Some will be calling looking for a job after the big ones (Bobrovsky, Varlemov) are signed.
- LAHawk

Ah good to know. Stanley just has to hold firm on the no NMC idea.

Bowman has to think about the long term future of this organization. Picking up a cuple of deadline moves does not make this team Stanley Cup contenders. A first round loss does not do anything for the organization, but inflate the ego of McDonough who believed we were a playoff team this year. If you can trade some veterans for picks and prospects, you do it. Any kind of cap relief is an added bonus for dealing certain players that are no part of the future here.

The era of Stanley Cups is over for this core. The Hawks need to get back to the level that thinks Cups every year, not just hoping to get in to the dance. The Hawks have no chance to win the Cup, so we need to look at getting back to that level not worrying about being the 7 or 8 seed. I don't want to hear, all you need to get in and anything can happen in the postseason. Sorry folks, pipe dream for this Hawks team.
- ChicagoHope

What do you expect McDonough to say? "this isn't a playoff team folks so stay home and save your money?"..

The expectations of some are just stunning.

This team is a few players away from contending.. Bowman for this first time in his career as a head GM will have cap space this summer - let's see what he does with that..

I mean if you bother to look at the numbers, they will tell you everything you need to know that's wrong with this team.

If this team had better defense it would be without question a playoff team... How many times has this team scored 3 or more goals but failed to secure a point this season?? 19 times they scored 3 goals and walked away with ZERO points, I mean if you score 3 goals in a game with decent defense that should be enough to at least get you a point.. So assuming this team had some decent defense and they got 1 point out of each of those games on average (they lose some and get 2 out of others) they would be sitting in 2nd place in the Central (tied for 2nd in the Conference) with 74 points - one point behind Winnipeg & San Jose for the Division/Conference lead, that and we wouldn't be having this discussion... Also, those 19 games/points don't count for all of the times the Hawks have scored 3 goals in a game and lost.. I mean the Hawks have scored 3 or more goals 40 times this season, their record when they score 3 or more? 21-19... Basically if the Hawks score 3 goals they only have a 50/50 chance to walk away with a point.. That is just not acceptable at all.. I mean the Hawks put up 6 goals once and 5 goals twice and still failed to get a point in those 3 games...

So it's clear that the problem with this team is defense.. And Bowman will have plenty of cap flexibility this summer for the first time in his GM career to address that issue...

I suppose my point is that as long as the Hawks are scoring goals they're competent defenseman or 2 away from contending again and yet pseudo-fans are screaming "tear it down"...

I would bet the farm if defense is addressed this summer and the Hawks get something resembling a legitimate NHL caliber top 4 this team without question will be a playoff team a year from now and will be buyers, not sellers..

The minute you define the debate as limited to only two choices is the minute polarization begins, and you feed the discourse problem. It is also by definition intellectually non-curious.

Until we can agree to be an adult nation again, open to the free discussion of ideas, and acceptance of facts as facts we will continue the sad slide downward. Both poles are equally responsible for the mess we are in.
- Return of the Roar

Getting away from hockey, which I grudgingly do. Agree with this.

It's more as the far left barking and far right barking and the rest of us in the middle repulsing the extremes.

The far rights really are racists, they don't want non-whites or non-Christians in the country. The far lefts are cry-babies pushing weird green policies.

Make America Great Again? We have military bases on every region in the world. McDonald's, Starbucks, Disney, Star Wars and Lady GaGa have conquered every society.

At the same time are we tyrants and colonizers? Hell no, we keep order and participate in this world.

How many 1st round picks do we currently have this year?
- glennjpawlak22

Kane, Toews, Seabrook, (not ours)Strome , Perlini, Murphy

You can also STFU.
- BMWChiFan

LOL... 😅

Phuck dis politics talk... We be talking playoffs... Wait that was last week.. Lol
- BGKarras

Ha ha. This has been one Hell of a season to discuss, lots of fun. I think our hearts want us to make the playoffs for that long shot but our minds know that a high pick is better for us.

Nice post man. I think you might be up for the hockey buzz comment Calder.




What do you think Forsling's future will hold?
- breadbag

Thanks, hahaha! I'd hate to see Bowman move him, but I think he goes. Injuries are a problem, that could weigh in the decision process.

Ha ha. This has been one Hell of a season to discuss, lots of fun. I think our hearts want us to make the playoffs for that long shot but our minds know that a high pick is better for us.
- Popsghostly

Agree with everything you stated. We all have more than enough material here to turn on each other. Seriously no need for this political bovine scatology. Good post 👍

Kane, Toews, Seabrook, (not ours)Strome , Perlini, Murphy
- LAHawk

I meant in the upcoming DRAFT?

I meant in the upcoming DRAFT?
- glennjpawlak22

At this point in time one!

And down goes Rutta ...... what was he up for, a game?

And down goes Rutta ...... what was he up for, a game?
- I Am The Breadman

I don't even think he played a game...

[Insert Lightning trade rumor here]

The minute you define the debate as limited to only two choices is the minute polarization begins, and you feed the discourse problem. It is also by definition intellectually non-curious.

Until we can agree to be an adult nation again, open to the free discussion of ideas, and acceptance of facts as facts we will continue the sad slide downward. Both poles are equally responsible for the mess we are in.
- Return of the Roar

Politics is a dirty business and within the sports world there are problems as well. John Q Public is lied to or misled and exploited. Nowadays.different methods not as open or as easily traced. It is all about power and evil. Been that way since the beginning.

I don't even think he played a game...


- Popsghostly[Insert Lightning trade rumor here]

Hahaha, that sucks for TB.

Agreed. 5 on 3 coverage requires ZONE defense. Play to what strengths your guys have and not to their weaknesses. Man to man D requires speed, and time in that system to play it properly.

I personally think man to man is too hard in the NHL. Players at that level are far too fast.
- Return of the Roar

Thanks for the breakdown.

I like this post, too, particularly your 2nd paragraph. The draft is only one of several methods to rebuild a contender. Stock up on as many picks as you can, draft well in every round, and have a solid development system.

Finding the next elite player isn't relegated to the 1st round only. Look at DeBrincat, Gaudreau, Kucherov, Point, Panarin, Marchand, Aho, Stone, etc. Later rounds or not drafted at all. Yes, it would be awesome if the Hawks got a top 3-5 pick this year and say even in 2020 but not the end of the world if they don't.
- AEL_Fox

You're an agreeable kind of guy, haha. I'm sure there are lots of other good examples, but don't compare to 1st round success (I don't need to tell you that.) It's a gamble, fun to watch and track, but there are no guarantees.

The minute you define the debate as limited to only two choices is the minute polarization begins, and you feed the discourse problem. It is also by definition intellectually non-curious.

Until we can agree to be an adult nation again, open to the free discussion of ideas, and acceptance of facts as facts we will continue the sad slide downward. Both poles are equally responsible for the mess we are in.
- Return of the Roar

Hey, waddaya know...we agree on something. Maybe someday on hockey too, but gotta start somewhere.

Love Kane Toews et al, we did not win another cup after they signed 10.5 Mil each: I was hoping for a home town discount. that set a trend and precedent to reward our Cup warriors. it may explain bckells deal,AND Seabs rich deal. anyway we are paying the price for awhile yet and we won't get a top 5 pick this year. normally a half full guy but someone pissed in my All bran this morning

Nice post man. I think you might be up for the hockey buzz comment Calder.




What do you think Forsling's future will hold?
- breadbag

2nd pairing in one of the Euro leagues.