Because golden boy who cant produce Sikura belongs on the first line with all his 7 points...let not try Kahun there.

It's a joke he is getting all the opportunities in the top 6 when he cant put the puck in the net.

Not sure what Kahun had done poorly to see his ice time go down.

Can't sit Sikura. Hell, JC had to take Kane off JT's wing to give Dylan those top line minutes
- PatShart

There is a reason(s) why Sikura dresses instead of press box. The eye test shows well lately for him. Sometimes you have to understand the talent, effort and no deer in headlights = remains in lineup. Kahun doesn''t have a lot of points either yet he is playing regularly. If Sikura slips in any of those areas, then consider healthy scratch.

If you noticed last year or so Bowman has drafted or signed many who have compete as part if their game. I mean not big tough but effort. Sikura offers skill, smarts, and is not afraid to engage physically. I want him to finally get goal #1 and see him progress. Sure needs more strength and to hit the weight room. How about we keep close tab and see if he deserves to keep playing

Exactly, I wonder about many here on the board, who I assume have boy band posters all over their walls, as they fawn over pre pubescent defense men all day long.

Some can't go 10 minutes without trading Gus and craving other Swedish meatballs.

Agree with your defense assessment, though Paul may not officially give me credit, and will likely post my linkedin resume to caution everyone so they are not misled....

He is working on a documentary of my historical posts. Its a dark and sad story....
- TrueGrit

I am much more enthused as a fan at the end of this season compared to last. The Western Conference isn't nearly as good, but I don't the the Hawks are as far off as most say. Gus is what he is; everybody knows this, including their coaching staff. Again, 2 solid Dmen could make a huge difference for their blue line next season.

ROR and Trob-

I was all about shopping Keith to Toronto. They have cap issues but they also have a core ready to win NOW and their issue is their defense. They arent' coming out of the east any time soon with that defense no matter how much the folks in Canada want to anoint Babcock as the 2nd coming.

Keith going to the hockey capital, getting a chance to bring a cup to Toronto in decades, that alone should sell him on moving there. How Toronto fits him I have no idea, but I would think if the idea was proposed by Bowman, leafs brass would get creative. I do find it hilarious they are still paying Phil Kessel. God, do I despise the leafs.

Problem is Bowman will want the farm to move him to appease the t shirt mafia who will be floored they dare trade keith as they zero clue about hockey.
- SteveRain

Ill boil it down to this - I think Keith was asked and doesn't want to leave.

So he won't.

100% agree. Toews did a fly by, Kane was also hanging high and slow to get down.

I do like Burish on the postgame as he at least is somewhat critical.

Hawks continue to give away points so all the wins against Montreal or Toronto real;y don't add up when you give 2 points to an awful Vancouver team because you mailed it in effort wise for 2 periods.

But this veteran leadership...……….
- SteveRain

Draft and develop. Also sit players for a period ir a game. Gets their attention. In a physical sport players.tend to take a period or two or entire games off! I would like to say if i was in their shoes i wouln't take time off. But perhaps players need a break now and then

100% agree. Toews did a fly by, Kane was also hanging high and slow to get down.

I do like Burish on the postgame as he at least is somewhat critical.

Hawks continue to give away points so all the wins against Montreal or Toronto real;y don't add up when you give 2 points to an awful Vancouver team because you mailed it in effort wise for 2 periods.

But this veteran leadership...……….
- SteveRain

Draft and develop and sit players for a period in a game. Gets their attention. In a physical sport players tend to take a period or two or entire games off! I would like to say if i was in their shies i wouln't take time off. But perhaps players need a break now and then

100% agree. Toews did a fly by, Kane was also hanging high and slow to get down.

I do like Burish on the postgame as he at least is somewhat critical.

Hawks continue to give away points so all the wins against Montreal or Toronto real;y don't add up when you give 2 points to an awful Vancouver team because you mailed it in effort wise for 2 periods.

But this veteran leadership...……….
- SteveRain

Draft and devrloo and sit players fir a period ir a game. Gets their attention. In a physical sport players.tend to take a period or two or entire games off! I would like to say if i was in their shies i wouln't take time off. But perhaps players need a break now and then

100% agree. Toews did a fly by, Kane was also hanging high and slow to get down.

I do like Burish on the postgame as he at least is somewhat critical.

Hawks continue to give away points so all the wins against Montreal or Toronto real;y don't add up when you give 2 points to an awful Vancouver team because you mailed it in effort wise for 2 periods.

But this veteran leadership...……….
- SteveRain

Draft and devrloo and sit players fir a period ir a game. Gets their attention. In a physical sport players.tend to take a period or two or entire games off! I would like to say if i was in their shies i wouln't take time off. But perhaps players need a break now and then

I don't think anyone can beat the bolts in a 7 game series...maybe the bruins give them a huge fight in the second round

The bolts look to finish with 60 plus wins, approach 130, a goal differential of +100, 1st in goals scored, top 2 in pk and pp, 4th in fewest goals allowed, only 4 OTL losses, they have identical home and road records...

who the hell is going to beat them 4 of 7...

I don't think anyone can beat the bolts in a 7 game series...maybe the bruins give them a huge fight in the second round

The bolts look to finish with 60 plus wins, approach 130, a goal differential of +100, 1st in goals scored, top 2 in pk and pp, 4th in fewest goals allowed, only 4 OTL losses, they have identical home and road records...

who the hell is going to beat them 4 of 7...
- bogiedoc

Their biggest obstacle would be the Hawks in the Final.

I don't think anyone can beat the bolts in a 7 game series...maybe the bruins give them a huge fight in the second round

The bolts look to finish with 60 plus wins, approach 130, a goal differential of +100, 1st in goals scored, top 2 in pk and pp, 4th in fewest goals allowed, only 4 OTL losses, they have identical home and road records...

who the hell is going to beat them 4 of 7...
- bogiedoc

a goalie that gets red hot at the right time.

There is a reason(s) why Sikura dresses instead of press box. The eye test shows well lately for him. Sometimes you have to understand the talent, effort and no deer in headlights = remains in lineup. Kahun doesn''t have a lot of points either yet he is playing regularly. If Sikura slips in any of those areas, then consider healthy scratch.

If you noticed last year or so Bowman has drafted or signed many who have compete as part if their game. I mean not big tough but effort. Sikura offers skill, smarts, and is not afraid to engage physically. I want him to finally get goal #1 and see him progress. Sure needs more strength and to hit the weight room. How about we keep close tab and see if he deserves to keep playing.
- jhawk59

Well put, jhawk.

Sikura was one of the best players on the ice last night and has been one of the better players the past few games. Yeah, he can't buy a goal right now but that's not for lack of effort or talent. He competes, makes plays, takes hits, and gets his nose dirty within reason as a 160 pounder. Sikura is not a problem on this team.

But you said Colliton is an idiot?
- TrueGrit

Wow, you assume I agree with JC’s quote, although I said nothing either way. Talk about projecting!

I could be posting JC’s positive comment on Kruger to anger up all the posters that want Kruger drawn and quartered.

I am much more enthused as a fan at the end of this season compared to last. The Western Conference isn't nearly as good, but I don't the the Hawks are as far off as most say. Gus is what he is; everybody knows this, including their coaching staff. Again, 2 solid Dmen could make a huge difference for their blue line next season.
- frafra

Yes, definitely agree. Get at least one but ideally 2 blueliners who can eat minutes, play consistent defense, and skate well. 1st pair types will be difficult to obtain so go for the next best thing aiming for 2nd pair types.

Contract terms are a factor, of course, so as to not block the D prospects from graduating to the Hawks blueline in years to come.

Their biggest obstacle would be the Hawks in the Final.
- mohel

If the Hawks make the tournament, Bettman will move the Hawks to the East just so they have to play TB in the first round.

Bettman hates the Hawks....

Wow, you assume I agree with JC’s quote, although I said nothing either way. Talk about projecting!
- scottak

Who would disagree with having a 2nd center on the ice with 20 seconds left in a game you're leading by a goal?

If the Hawks make the tournament, Bettman will move the Hawks to the East just so they have to play TB in the first round.

Bettman hates the Hawks....
- StLBravesFan

IDK why the NHL would hate the Hawks...they are a cash cow for the league.

If the Hawks make the tournament, Bettman will move the Hawks to the East just so they have to play TB in the first round.

Bettman hates the Hawks....
- StLBravesFan

I've heard he ain't big on the Hawks.

Yes, definitely agree. Get at least one but ideally 2 blueliners who can eat minutes, play consistent defense, and skate well. 1st pair types will be difficult to obtain so go for the next best thing aiming for 2nd pair types.

Contract terms are a factor, of course, so as to not block the D prospects from graduating to the Hawks blueline in years to come.
- AEL_Fox

Yea, I am not sure who is out there; I imagine that getting that caliber of player(S) will have to come via trade. It could make a huge difference though moving forward. I know it's a long shot, but I really wanna see 19 & 88 in the playoffs again soon.

IDK why the NHL would hate the Hawks...they are a cash cow for the league.
- frafra

You'll have to ask Powerenforcer, he'll explain it all. It's a bit complicated.

100% agree. Toews did a fly by, Kane was also hanging high and slow to get down.

I do like Burish on the postgame as he at least is somewhat critical.

Hawks continue to give away points so all the wins against Montreal or Toronto real;y don't add up when you give 2 points to an awful Vancouver team because you mailed it in effort wise for 2 periods.

But this veteran leadership...……….
- SteveRain

To be fair it was a broken play with a lucky bounce. It could just have easily bounced a foot over and 88 and 19 have a 2-1 the other way. 3vs3 is tough when you lose the opening draw. I'm more upset that the game got to OT, but Van were blocking shots and we just did not look engaged most of the night.

I've heard he ain't big on the Hawks.
- mohel

Makes zero sense to me, aside from the logic that teams like Chicago, LA, Pitt are bad for business when the league is trying to make it seem that "every team" has a shot until the very end. When you have 8 the last 11 cups being won by those three teams, I could see why they think it's bad for business. Hawks are a huge money maker for them though... not sure why they would have a problem with that.

I don't think anyone can beat the bolts in a 7 game series...maybe the bruins give them a huge fight in the second round

The bolts look to finish with 60 plus wins, approach 130, a goal differential of +100, 1st in goals scored, top 2 in pk and pp, 4th in fewest goals allowed, only 4 OTL losses, they have identical home and road records...

who the hell is going to beat them 4 of 7...
- bogiedoc

I think the Jets are built to possibly beat them in a 7 game series, maybe Flames?

Its like Clue....so Sikura did it, behind the net with Kruger's rolled up newspaper.
- TrueGrit

Yep. I could have sworn I saw Sikura with a candlestick holder.

To be fair it was a broken play with a lucky bounce. It could just have easily bounced a foot over and 88 and 19 have a 2-1 the other way. 3vs3 is tough when you lose the opening draw. I'm more upset that the game got to OT, but Van were blocking shots and we just did not look engaged most of the night.
- Boisy12

But none of the three red sweaters were covering between the white sweaters and Crawford - Toews was above, Kane was outside - where nothing was going to happen - cautiously moving toward Horvat.

Too late.

Yep. I could have sworn I saw Sikura with a candlestick holder.
- EbonyRaptor

The kid is the absolute lynchpin to the Hawks season.