TB is one of, if not, the smallest team in the league.
- Elbows15

Stamkos, Palat, Erne, Paquette, Killorn, Cirelli are not small.

And those that are smaller are fast and gritty.

They are the fastest and most skilled team, top to bottom.

Maybe TB doesn't have to fight for as many pucks as the hawks because they are a whole bunch faster, kinda like the hawks used to be.
- 6628

Yes.

But they also fight for every puck and are relentless on the forecheck.

Cirelli about to match what Point did his rookie year goal wise. An embarrassment of riches. For those that get a chance to watch Cirelli, he is what JJ hoped Kruger would be. Cirelli wins most draws, kills penalties, tied for first in shorties this year. Can shut guys down and also has 18 goals this season.

5th Best Goals Against in the NHL and 35 more goals than 2nd place Toronto for Goals Scored.

+100 on the season
- EnzoD

None of which changes the fact they are one of the smallest teams in the league. Which is the point I am making here. The Hawks need to get stronger as a team.

Stamkos, Palat, Erne, Paquette, Killorn, Cirelli are not small.

And those that are smaller are fast and gritty.

They are the fastest and most skilled team, top to bottom.
- TrueGrit

On average, they are. They are the 2nd shortest team and the lightest. My point has been all along that the Hawks need to get stronger as a team.

I know what TB has in players.

Maybe TB doesn't have to fight for as many pucks as the hawks because they are a whole bunch faster, kinda like the hawks used to be.
- 6628

The game still takes place around the boards a lot. Hawks had guys that were excellent at board play. Hossa, Toews, Bolland, Saad, Shaw, Healthy Kruger, Frolik, even Versteeg, Bicks, Ladd, Buff and some others all had strong board play.

This Hawks team needs a couple more guys who can do that.

Small => than soft?

They don't play soft.
- gazza53

Which is my point.

Completely untrue. Trouba 402 games played, 173 points total. Murphy has played 380 games and has a grand total of 75 points. Trouba has over double the points in only 20 more games played. And is way better on defense he'd definitely help the hawks blueline
- benjichronic

Meh. Of course he would help but he doesn't bring enough to take up the cp space it would need to sign him long term.

Most of Boqvist's goals are from 15 feet or closer to the net. He's already playing forward for all intents and purposes. I expect he'll continue his career as a defenseman and I really hope he spends another year in London and continues to improve in his own end.
- paulr

Haven’t read through all the posts yet catching up but, my thoughts on Boqvist and his four goals after looking at each one individually.

The first goal he simply followed the puck carrier in from the blue line. I have no problem with that one.

On his second goal, he’s lurking in the right circle, now there are two opponents behind him but they are adequately covered by teammates. Everything else is in front of him, he waits patiently for his opportunity and takes it when it presents itself. I have No problem with his positioning at all on this one.

His third goal is with a 2 man advantage and there are two teammates hanging back. So again I can’t find any fault with his positioning.

On his fourth goal, I had to look at it from NBC to get the full picture. He actually took the puck away from the opposing forward on the wall and skated in to score. I think that’s kinda what you like defensemen to do. That was his best goal of the four.

Besides the obvious d man that been mentioned truboa peace gardier what other likely defenseman should the hawks look to acquire via trade free agency. And what kind of trade package would it take assuming a trade happens. Remember if saad is traded that hole needs to be filled also. Also consider most of the young dman coming up are smaller more mobile being paired with big physical stay at home defense man would IMO make sense.

The game still takes place around the boards a lot. Hawks had guys that were excellent at board play. Hossa, Toews, Bolland, Saad, Shaw, Healthy Kruger, Frolik, even Versteeg, Bicks, Ladd, Buff and some others all had strong board play.

This Hawks team needs a couple more guys who can do that.
- Elbows15

Absolutely.

Yes.

But they also fight for every puck and are relentless on the forecheck.

Cirelli about to match what Point did his rookie year goal wise. An embarrassment of riches. For those that get a chance to watch Cirelli, he is what JJ hoped Kruger would be. Cirelli wins most draws, kills penalties, tied for first in shorties this year. Can shut guys down and also has 18 goals this season.
- TrueGrit

Haven't seen him much, but the other night he looked great.

[quote=6628]Maybe TB doesn't have to fight for as many pucks as the hawks because they are a whole bunch faster, kinda like the hawks used to be.
- jhawk59

The future defense IF with some of these touted prospects won't have to fight for as many pucks IF it is especially fast snart talented

That would be nice. But as Elbows said they all have to be good at the board work. And TG saying that TB's small guys play with sandpaper is right on as well. Also be nice if you typed a bit better than Wiz. Say hi to him for me. Take care.

I fear the NHL is slowly (or maybe quicker than I think) becoming the NBA. Ryan Strome just whistled for an obvious trip in the NYR vs Goone-uins game. All he does is whine about it. Does every player have to complain in such a fashion about every freakin' penalty they are whistled for, even when it's obvious??!!! i'm growing very weary of it. Anyone else??? Why don't these players just man up and behave like men instead of the pre-Madonna little boys they seemingly prefer to be!!! Thanks. i'm done now.

Meh. Of course he would help but he doesn't bring enough to take up the cp space it would need to sign him long term.
- Elbows15

Trouba's shortcomings go on full display when he is separated from Josh Morrissey which he has been for awhile due to Morrissey's shoulder injury.

He is an OK defenceman, probably best as a 2nd pairing guy on a really good team. I wouldn't pay him what he"'ll be asking for @ about $8M. But somebody will.

Yes.

But they also fight for every puck and are relentless on the forecheck.

Cirelli about to match what Point did his rookie year goal wise. An embarrassment of riches. For those that get a chance to watch Cirelli, he is what JJ hoped Kruger would be. Cirelli wins most draws, kills penalties, tied for first in shorties this year. Can shut guys down and also has 18 goals this season.
- TrueGrit

Cirelli is a nice player. Another team mate of Cat and Strome at Erie, when he was acquired mid-way through the 2016/17 season. He played a big role in their nice playoff run that season. In 22 playoff games, Cat had 38 points, Strome 34 and Cirelli 31.

Cirelli is a nice player. Another team mate of Cat and Strome at Erie, when he was acquired mid-way through the 2016/17 season. He played a big role in their nice playoff run that season. In 22 playoff games, Cat had 38 points, Strome 34 and Cirelli 31.
- EbonyRaptor

Krys picked up an apple in his first game. highlight is on the Hogs's twitter.

Chad Krys with a sweet no look assist for his first Pro Point tonight.

Krys picked up an apple in his first game. highlight is on the Hogs's twitter.
- Elbows15

Beat me to it.

Ass.

Beat me to it.

Ass.
- Ogilthorpe2

Yours was more descriptive, so better. Plus, you understand capital letters start off sentences.

Yours was more descriptive, so better. Plus, you understand capital letters start off sentences.
- I Am The Breadman

Well, he's got the capital letter to start a sentence thing down, but he's a little too liberal with capital letters in the middle of a sentence.

Yours was more descriptive, so better. Plus, you understand capital letters start off sentences.
- I Am The Breadman

va te faire foutre

Beat me to it.

Ass.
- Ogilthorpe2

Well, yeah.

Well, he's got the capital letter to start a sentence thing down, but he's a little too liberal with capital letters in the middle of a sentence.
- EbonyRaptor

Hogs- proper noun, capitalized. Highlight- starts off the sentence, not capitalized.

va te faire foutre
- Elbows15

No, I will not. Again with the poor grammar ...

Hogs- proper noun, capitalized. Highlight- starts off the sentence, not capitalized.
- I Am The Breadman

He meant Ogi.