No one should eat those. Bi-valves yes, cow testes,
- HawkintheD

Ummm Bull not cow.

Really weird, when I think of Shelley Long, I think of Cheers Thanksgiving and she's covered in mashed potatoes.
- I Am The Breadman

Oh dear ... now I won't get anything done at work today.

Oh dear ... now I won't get anything done at work today.
- EbonyRaptor

Glad I could be of help!

Ummm Bull not cow.
- paulr

Poor guy's confused.

Poor guy's confused.
- mohel

Maybe the Bull is confused....

Fun last few weeks now I just hope they continue to lose to gain a higher draft spot.

As far as next year...….I have no clue how you fix this defense to be a legit playoff team but that's going to be IMO, the largest hurdle in Bowman's career as GM.

I understand someone had to sit when orders from high up say to play the newbies who are freshly signed. Yet had Hillman and Knott played poorly at all (or erratic performance).

Insofar as Krys' underwhelming debut goes, when YOU last saw (not read about) Krys collegiate games.....was he just the opposite....meaning engaged in the play?

Previously you have spoken of the strides in improvement in his game. He has been noted as someone whom too easily is pushed off puck early days as a collegiate..Have you noticed he is stronger or at least not a rag doll? Here is a player whom has worked hard to improve.

At the AHL level he has much more to improve before even considered for NHL. And I do realize the difference between game one AHL and last game AHL next season may be tremendous. But I am quite wary of his advancement to NHL. A case of show me

That much said about Krys, how about Tuulola. Here is an example of needing to see a guy play a few times and the difference is between early and late season. We would do well to give Krys an incomplete report card since you don't know if he might be a completely better looking prospect aftet sone necessary "seasoning."

So Tuulola your first impression was career AHL. Thought he was slow.

My initial impression on Dahlstrom was this guy can skate and he is all over the ice. But very passive. Looked like he gets a descent shot on net. Early this season he was the main man for Colliton. Eventually both coach and player graduated

Now of course I
- jhawk59[we] need to see more of this version of Tuulola. But after the report you just gave, Tuulola looks like he is worthy of a look see. Keep an eye on him too. He is a lefty.

While Krys didn't have a good first game, he was very engaged each shift. He was just forcing passes or holding on too long in the D zone. Could have been a case of trying to impress his new team in his first ever pro game rather than keeping it simple and relying on what earned him the ELC. Excited to see his 2nd game and see if there is marked improvement.

Tuulola may have a similar path as Dahlstrom: not exactly the most exciting D prospect in the system but if he shows steady growth, plays within his means, and focuses on defense first, then he could eventually earn a cup of coffee and niche as a 6/7 defender. His physicality was nice to see as it has helped separate himself from the pack (Gilbert is in that mold, too). Both Tuulola and Gilbert could be dark horse but they're still low on the depth chart and may not make it due to the numbers game.

I trust your opinion on AHL matters more. I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say you've seen a lot more than this one game. Does this one game, where most of the players were meh, kind of sum up what you've seen from them in previous games?

Also, to a comment you made about Krys, you said jitters. That, added to the fact that he's no longer playing against college kids, but grown ass guys more used to the AHL. I don't think that's news to you though.
- I Am The Breadman

For Krys, let's hope his first game is just that: a sample size of one that isn't indicative of his potential.

Same with Jokiharju as I hope last night's game was just a fluke. Overall, he's been great in his time with Rockford but last night's game was just uninspiring and quite frustrating to see him so nonchalant.

Carlsson is right where he has been most of the season as the best defender on the Hogs. He's still an unfinished product but you can see his compete level and headiness with how to defend in different ways.

The stock of Tuulola and Gilbert are both rising as they are showing a willingness to battle and play physical every shift. Their ascension has been rewarded as Gilbert is on the 1st pair with Carlsson and Tuulola sees a lot of ice time.

Hillman isn't bad, just flatlining. He still has potential as a 3rd pair/7th man and is worth resigning this summer as an RFA.

For Krys, let's hope his first game is just that: a sample size of one that isn't indicative of his potential.

Same with Jokiharju as I hope last night's game was just a fluke. Overall, he's been great in his time with Rockford but last night's game was just uninspiring and quite frustrating to see him so nonchalant.

Carlsson is right where he has been most of the season as the best defender on the Hogs. He's still an unfinished product but you can see his compete level and headiness with how to defend in different ways.

The stock of Tuulola and Gilbert are both rising as they are showing a willingness to battle and play physical every shift. Their ascension has been rewarded as Gilbert is on the 1st pair with Carlsson and Tuulola sees a lot of ice time.

Hillman isn't bad, just flatlining. He still has potential as a 3rd pair/7th man and is worth resigning this summer as an RFA.
- AEL_Fox

Okay, good to hear. I just wanted it cleared up because I know they don't have a great record. If the same culprits were coming up ... not good. Thanks.

For Krys, let's hope his first game is just that: a sample size of one that isn't indicative of his potential.

Same with Jokiharju as I hope last night's game was just a fluke. Overall, he's been great in his time with Rockford but last night's game was just uninspiring and quite frustrating to see him so nonchalant.

Carlsson is right where he has been most of the season as the best defender on the Hogs. He's still an unfinished product but you can see his compete level and headiness with how to defend in different ways.

The stock of Tuulola and Gilbert are both rising as they are showing a willingness to battle and play physical every shift. Their ascension has been rewarded as Gilbert is on the 1st pair with Carlsson and Tuulola sees a lot of ice time.

Hillman isn't bad, just flatlining. He still has potential as a 3rd pair/7th man and is worth resigning this summer as an RFA.
- AEL_Fox

Young Henri shouldn't be trying to rub guys off (is phrasing still a thing) but controlling space with his stick and foot work. Rafalski was really good at that especially when you consider his size and ok skating ability. Other then in the corners that is typically how Keith plays as well.

Maybe he was passive or maybe he was just working on what he needs to do to have success in the NHL.

Okay, good to hear. I just wanted it cleared up because I know they don't have a great record. If the same culprits were coming up ... not good. Thanks.
- I Am The Breadman

Your comment is also likely correct that Krys struggling in his first game could be chalked up to jumping from playing against college students last week to professional athletes this week. That's not an easy transition in one game, especially without having a summer to work out with other pros and go through training camp with your pro team.

While Krys didn't have a good first game, he was very engaged each shift. He was just forcing passes or holding on too long in the D zone. Could have been a case of trying to impress his new team in his first ever pro game rather than keeping it simple and relying on what earned him the ELC. Excited to see his 2nd game and see if there is marked improvement.

Tuulola may have a similar path as Dahlstrom: not exactly the most exciting D prospect in the system but if he shows steady growth, plays within his means, and focuses on defense first, then he could eventually earn a cup of coffee and niche as a 6/7 defender. His physicality was nice to see as it has helped separate himself from the pack (Gilbert is in that mold, too). Both Tuulola and Gilbert could be dark horse but they're still low on the depth chart and may not make it due to the numbers game.
- AEL_Fox

Trade him for a third.

Young Henri shouldn't be trying to rub guys off (is phrasing still a thing) but controlling space with his stick and foot work. Rafalski was really good at that especially when you consider his size and ok skating ability. Other then in the corners that is typically how Keith plays as well.

Maybe he was passive or maybe he was just working on what he needs to do to have success in the NHL.
- fattybeef

I'm not worried about Jokiharju, to be honest. His overall track record so far in the AHL has been pretty good. I give him the benefit of the doubt.

The thing that threw me off last night with his game was how he just didn't seem to be in an athletic ready stance to proactively engage the puck handler. I didn't see the competitive fire that we've seen before. His body language yesterday's game was what was uninspiring.

Maybe he was sick? Fighting a minor injury? Just focusing on what you stated?

What am I - chopped liver? Just kidding.
- EbonyRaptor

Always remember: One man’s chopped liver is another man’s pate de foie gras.

Your comment is also likely correct that Krys struggling in his first game could be chalked up to jumping from playing against college students last week to professional athletes this week. That's not an easy transition in one game, especially without having a summer to work out with other pros and go through training camp with your pro team.
- AEL_Fox

I think he'll have a great full season after camp, whatever pair he ends up on.

Young Henri shouldn't be trying to rub guys off (is phrasing still a thing) but controlling space with his stick and foot work. Rafalski was really good at that especially when you consider his size and ok skating ability. Other then in the corners that is typically how Keith plays as well.

Maybe he was passive or maybe he was just working on what he needs to do to have success in the NHL.
- fattybeef

I think that may be a bit harsh. He was an idea man. I believe it was him who thought of the idea to feed mayo to tuna fish - no one can ever take that away from him.

Jeez, that takes me back ... all the way to when I thought Shelly Long was HHHHOT!



- EbonyRaptor

Shelly was ok, but, Rhea Perlman, hubba , hubba! That Danny DeVito is one lucky guy.

While Krys didn't have a good first game, he was very engaged each shift. He was just forcing passes or holding on too long in the D zone. Could have been a case of trying to impress his new team in his first ever pro game rather than keeping it simple and relying on what earned him the ELC. Excited to see his 2nd game and see if there is marked improvement.

Tuulola may have a similar path as Dahlstrom: not exactly the most exciting D prospect in the system but if he shows steady growth, plays within his means, and focuses on defense first, then he could eventually earn a cup of coffee and niche as a 6/7 defender. His physicality was nice to see as it has helped separate himself from the pack (Gilbert is in that mold, too). Both Tuulola and Gilbert could be dark horse but they're still low on the depth chart and may not make it due to the numbers game.
- AEL_Fox

Are the Hog's playing a man to man or a more conventional zone scheme defensively?

You guys need to calm down, Tanner is getting PO'd that there are more comments about testicles here than his contributions get in a month...

Are the Hog's playing a man to man or a more conventional zone scheme defensively?
- LAHawk

More of a zone defense but some players occasionally drift too far from their zones to follow someone. Forwards do a decent job of covering a pinching D man and the defensive pairs tend to keep one of them in the slot (or rotate with one there and one hounding the puck carrier).

The Hogs also do the "push 'em back" PP strategy on the carry in. They struggled a lot setting up and this manner to enter the zone contributes to that. It's a momentum killer because it makes the 3 players up ice hesitate and be inconsequential rather than applying pressure early.

I'm not worried about Jokiharju, to be honest. His overall track record so far in the AHL has been pretty good. I give him the benefit of the doubt.

The thing that threw me off last night with his game was how he just didn't seem to be in an athletic ready stance to proactively engage the puck handler. I didn't see the competitive fire that we've seen before. His body language yesterday's game was what was uninspiring.

Maybe he was sick? Fighting a minor injury? Just focusing on what you stated?
- AEL_Fox

Could be he just didn't gaf like was eluded to. Maybe an off night if he was moving around lazily. Maybe hit that lull as a first year pro esp with how goofy the year has been and itll be up and down along the stretch. If he's looked fine for most of the games then probably not a big deal.

Maybe more of a factor of learning how to be a pro then anything else. That is a thing.

More of a zone defense but some players occasionally drift too far from their zones to follow someone. Forwards do a decent job of covering a pinching D man and the defensive pairs tend to keep one of them in the slot (or rotate with one there and one hounding the puck carrier).

The Hogs also do the "push 'em back" PP strategy on the carry in. They struggled a lot setting up and this manner to enter the zone contributes to that. It's a momentum killer because it makes the 3 players up ice hesitate and be inconsequential rather than applying pressure early.
- AEL_Fox

The systems need to be the same at all levels. That is something that needs to be implemented this off-season. I am not sure King is the right guy for Rockford but I don't know much about him. Whomever is the coach in the Rock needs to be using the same systems as the big club.

It used to be a problem when Dent was the coach.

Could be he just didn't gaf like was eluded to. Maybe an off night if he was moving around lazily. Maybe hit that lull as a first year pro esp with how goofy the year has been and itll be up and down along the stretch. If he's looked fine for most of the games then probably not a big deal.

Maybe more of a factor of learning how to be a pro then anything else. That is a thing.
- fattybeef

Agree. Likely nothing to worry about with Jokiharju.

Another thing with high-end prospects who spend time on the farm is that they're sometimes asked to focus on other fundamentals and aspects of the game since the parent club already knows that the elite skills are already there.

The little things, though, could be what can really help a prospect reach the level they need to be at in order to be a consistently effective NHL regular. So while it would be cool to see a top shelf prospect like Jokiharju play lights out and dominate every game, he may not be tasked to do that.

The systems need to be the same at all levels. That is something that needs to be implemented this off-season. I am not sure King is the right guy for Rockford but I don't know much about him. Whomever is the coach in the Rock needs to be using the same systems as the big club.

It used to be a problem when Dent was the coach.
- Elbows15

Agree that is why I asked.

The systems need to be the same at all levels. That is something that needs to be implemented this off-season. I am not sure King is the right guy for Rockford but I don't know much about him. Whomever is the coach in the Rock needs to be using the same systems as the big club.

It used to be a problem when Dent was the coach.
- Elbows15

Totally agree. Systems ran by the NHL team should be run at the minor league level as well so it's an easier transition for call ups.

IIRC, Tyler has made reference at least once that the Hawks are not sold on King being the permanent Hogs head coach either. I personally would want a new head coach, too.