There's always Malkin.
- paulr

The Germans wore gray, you wore blue.

Add joki and vet d man from free agency or through a trade a 3 rd line 200ft shutdown center and another one or two physical defensive forward that play a gritty game and can help on the pk hawks are back in the mix. Plus need to find out about crow and is delia ready to a full time backup. I go back to a trade mention on previous blog about acquiring miller or mcnabb and eakin from vegas would great add tanev or someone like that and hawks are back.
- Scott1977

Bowman has yet to draft with an early choice anything resembling a power forward. There isn't much available in a buyers market for a top one even top two pair dman. What do we have that YOU would want ....ok......would we trade our first? Gus? After that whom has value .....DeBrincat? I just cannot fathom us getting a quality dman. I suggest we will be forced to develop our own

I hope our system next year will result in better team defense. Strome, DeBrincat must have better results defensively.....not saying they have to become great defensively, just try more and be accountable.

I am curious what positiin player Stan drafts. I do think Gus and a prospect (or no prospect) is enough to get an earlier pick....just don't know if we can find a willing team to switch picks. I want that aggressive compete skill forward with an early pick. That is all i believe could get accomplished

They will likely use Ward/Delia again. They may draft a goaltender round two or later. You hope one of the goalies does develop and could be really good. But there is a better opportunity for that when you have another added to the mix we have already (Gravel, Laakinen etc al). It is difficult to get a quality goaltender but there is always a Ward or some descent back up who you could target. It would probably be an overpay too.

I thought there was documentation that at a practice Scotty was pissed at what Savard was doing.

Here is a link that states it was McD's idea with input from Scotty - so I am not making this up.

https://slapshot.blogs.ny...enneville-new-head-coach/
- powerenforcer

Again it's all speculation and conjecture. If a GM hires/fires, signs/loses a player or coach that move should go on that GMS's resume period. The good moves, the bad moves.

Tallon is no god that's for sure, but he did some damn good things for the Hawks. Only a fool wouldn't admit that. But there were also guys who came before him that deserve credit. As far as the 2010 Cup, that one is on Smith, Tallon and others. Then Stanley has some fingerprints on the 13 and 15 Cups.

Bowman has yet to draft with an early choice anything resembling a power forward. There isn't much available in a buyers market for a top one even top two pair dman. What do we have that YOU would want ....ok......would we trade our first? Gus? After that whom has value .....DeBrincat? I just cannot fathom us getting a quality dman. I suggest we will be forced to develop our own

I hope our system next year will result in better team defense. Strome, DeBrincat must have better results defensively.....not saying they have to become great defensively, just try more and be accountable.

I am curious what positiin player Stan drafts. I do think Gus and a prospect (or no prospect) is enough to get an earlier pick....just don't know if we can find a willing team to switch picks. I want that aggressive compete skill forward with an early pick. That is all i believe could get accomplished

They will likely use Ward/Delia again. They may draft a goaltender round two or later. You hope one of the goalies does develop and could be reslly good. But there is a better opportunity for that when you have another added to the mix we have already (Gravel, Laakinen etc al). It is difficult to get a quality goaltender but there is always a Ward or some descent back up who you could target. It would probably be an overpay too.
- jhawk59

Good points imo bowman needs build a playoff team not a regular season team physical defensive type players are important if a team wants to go far in the playoffs Bowman has neglected that to far to long so time will tell what bowman does he is .making the calls now lets see what happens.

Good points imo bowman needs build a playoff team not a regular season team physical defensive type players are important if a team wants to go far in the playoffs Bowman has neglected that to far to long so time will tell what bowman does he is .making the calls now lets see what happens.
- Scott1977

Might be a preresiquite two defensively responsible forwards and one physical forward on both #3 and #4 lines for Colliton system to work well.

There were seasons where Q had the team review and.practice like it was a freshman level introductory course.......but I am referring to his system and tightening it up.....this happened at least one year for something like a couple weeks of practice early that new year. (Jan - Feb).

This is what Colliton needs to do if the team's forwards are too much adrift. Training camp and a major re-emphasis MAY lead to a.few good weeks of winning hockey. It could propel them into the playoff race. Ultimately they will fade

There is hope NOW that 1) Seabrook could be oh be even a tad better (?) If he does this Toews like summer - a- thon training; 2) A prospect on defense plays well [Jokiharju] and another prospect [Beaudin/Mitchell/Gilbert/Carlsson) steps up and is competent should a regular dman be felled by injury; and 3) Colliton is willing to sit out players whom he watches be lazy and or irresponsible. I would even staple both DeBrincat and Strome to bench for half of a game (except pp) just to send a message.

I said there is hope now. We shall see how it all "plays out."

Yessir! Jokiharju will be a big improvement in the Top 4. Strome could also improve from his nearly PPG scoring pace with the Hawks. Improvement on the PK also is nearly 1 less goal alllowed per game. they will be a wild card team next year with the right moves.
- EnzoD

I'd be happy if Strome doesn't improve his point pace but finds a game away from the puck. Would be great to have him develop more of a 2 way game.

So AEL_FOX
Re: Icehogs lineup second game back -to -back road contest vs Texas this weekend

That big Russian Anisov (? Correct name) was re-signed and played the second game whereas BOTH Hillman and Tuulola did not suit up. Wonder what the thinking was and how it was/was not affected by Gilbert recall. Gilbert and Anisov both play tough/commit hits. And is there anything to the type pairs and.their style desired for the weekend tilts? Ainisov plays what side defense?

So AEL_FOX
Re: Icehogs lineup second game back -to -back road contest vs Texas this weekend

That big Russian Anisov (? Correct name) was re-signed and played the second game whereas BOTH Hillman and Tuulola did not suit up. Wonder what the thinking was and how it was/was not affected by Gilbert recall. Gilbert and Anisov both play tough/commit hits. And is there anything to the type pairs and.their style desired for the weekend tilts? Ainisov plays what side defense?
- jhawk59

I didn't see the game and I don't know what side he plays but I assume you are talking about Dmitri Osipov. Russian dman with some size. 22 year old they called up from Indy Fuel.

With the Hawks season wrapped up, I was glad to hear Bowman state they will be looking at trades and signings to change the make up of the team to fill holes. While he admitted they will still have some young players playing roles, it seems like they won't stand pat in the off-season.

Add joki and vet d man from free agency or through a trade a 3 rd line 200ft shutdown center and another one or two physical defensive forward that play a gritty game and can help on the pk hawks are back in the mix. Plus need to find out about crow and is delia ready to a full time backup. I go back to a trade mention on previous blog about acquiring miller or mcnabb and eakin from vegas would great add tanev or someone like that and hawks are back.
- Scott1977

That is generally a good summary of roster needs. It's a LOT of needs but still a solid review.

They will likely use Ward/Delia again. They may draft a goaltender round two or later. You hope one of the goalies does develop and could be reslly good. But there is a better opportunity for that when you have another added to the mix we have already (Gravel, Laakinen etc al). It is difficult to get a quality goaltender but there is always a Ward or some descent back up who you could target. It would probably be an overpay too.
- jhawk59

Overpaying for a backup goalie is not an option. Honestly, just stick with Ward then if other goalies are asking too much whether AAV and/or term.

I didn't see the game and I don't know what side he plays but I assume you are talking about Dmitri Osipov. Russian dman with some size. 22 year old they called up from Indy Fuel.
- breadbag

Yes, correct. He was released or sent back earlier this season. Big burly mean dmen are always welcome so there must be something singular or plural missing from his game. Yet what he does bring is what Rockford wanted in the lineup over the weekend. At the expense of both Tuulola and Hillman! Difficult to understand their thinking on that. Both Tuulola and Hillman had been descent lately - right?

Overpaying for a backup goalie is not an option. Honestly, just stick with Ward then if other goalies are asking too much whether AAV and/or term.
- AEL_Fox

Oh i agree. The team is ok with the same goaltending. If you did replace Ward, i say you overpay in dollars and in compensation if via trade route. And while Crawford health is precarious, he is expected to carry the load.

So AEL_FOX
Re: Icehogs lineup second game back -to -back road contest vs Texas this weekend

That big Russian Anisov (? Correct name) was re-signed and played the second game whereas BOTH Hillman and Tuulola did not suit up. Wonder what the thinking was and how it was/was not affected by Gilbert recall. Gilbert and Anisov both play tough/commit hits. And is there anything to the type pairs and.their style desired for the weekend tilts? Ainisov plays what side defense?
- jhawk59

Osipov is a RH player but played LD with Carlsson at RD (LH player) in the last game.

Gilbert - Jokiharju
Osipov - Carlsson
Krys - Campbell

Hillman was paired with Krys on Friday night but then sat out Saturday. Carlsson and Campbell were partners on Friday.

Tuulola sat out both games.

Not sure what the coaching strategy was for these D pairings and healthy scratches. Could just simply be trying to work players in a rotation so they get ample ice time without getting rusty.

Besides depth to have an 8th defender, I still wonder why Osipov was reacquired after being released. Can't remember either if Dahlstrom and Forsling were added to the Hogs playoff roster like Sikura was. If they are on the Hogs roster, then Osipov could be released again now that the Hawks season is done.

Yes, correct. He was released or sent back earlier this season. Big burly mean dmen are always welcome so there must be something singular or plural missing from his game. Yet what he does bring is what Rockford wanted in the lineup over the weekend. At the expense of both Tuulola and Hillman! Difficult to understand their thinking on that. Both Tuulola and Hillman had been descent lately - right?
- jhawk59

Tuulola has been playing pretty well the latter part of the season. Definitely improving. Like his grit and compete level. He doesn't let the other team push his mates around and he protects his goalie.

Hillman kind of the opposite as he has been stagnating. He and Krys try to do too much rather than play fundamental hockey. Smart, simple plays. The talent will then shine through naturally, especially for a really gifted player like Krys.

An excerpt from Rozner's column in the Herald the other day...

Colliton also didn't excuse great offensive players from their defensive assignments, though it was obvious even over the final weeks of the season that some players would still rather cheat with a step the wrong way if it meant the chance to pick up some cheap points.

The young head coach says that thinking responsibly on the ice will be a focus in the fall.

"It's just a habit, and just because you're doing that doesn't mean you're giving up offense," Colliton said. "In fact, I believe you get more offense from defense.

"You get the puck back quicker, you force turnovers, and then you have transition opportunities.

"If you're slow on the way back, then there's no back pressure. Then the defense can't hold the gap. Then it's a clean entry. Then you're playing in the defensive zone. And then you waste your shift.

An excerpt from Rozner's column in the Herald the other day...

Colliton also didn't excuse great offensive players from their defensive assignments, though it was obvious even over the final weeks of the season that some players would still rather cheat with a step the wrong way if it meant the chance to pick up some cheap points.

The young head coach says that thinking responsibly on the ice will be a focus in the fall.

"It's just a habit, and just because you're doing that doesn't mean you're giving up offense," Colliton said. "In fact, I believe you get more offense from defense.

"You get the puck back quicker, you force turnovers, and then you have transition opportunities.

"If you're slow on the way back, then there's no back pressure. Then the defense can't hold the gap. Then it's a clean entry. Then you're playing in the defensive zone. And then you waste your shift.
- HawkintheD

That was just about the only comment from about 45 minutes of Bowman / Colliton videos that meant anything. I hope Colliton can enforce that, and that the likes of Kane, DeBrincat, Strome, Perlini abide.

But - I don’t expect more than the usual blather from these kinds of pressers - and I’m ok with it - as long as the results appear after the summer.

That was just about the only comment from about 45 minutes of Bowman / Colliton videos that meant anything. I hope Colliton can enforce that, and that the likes of Kane, DeBrincat, Strome, Perlini abide.

But - I don’t expect more than the usual blather from these kinds of pressers - and I’m ok with it - as long as the results appear after the summer.
- StLBravesFan

To become a contender, playing the right way is as important as talent. I have seen teams with weaker lineups be successful because everyone plays the right wa, as I have seen teams with lots of talent fail because they don't. Some posters disliked Quenneville, but until the last couple of years, the players played the right way for Q, the players were accountable, they played just as hard without the puck as they did with it. They didn't cheat defensively for a scoring chance, they worked to get the puck from the opposition all game. That's why it's imperative that all players, ADB, Kane, Perlini, Strome, Gus etc focus on playing correctly. I am very interested to see. if as you say it's "blather" or if Colliton is going to implement and demand that game from the team.

They made it official.

*NEW* blog up: https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=98801

They made it official.


- pdx2ord

To use Mike Commodore's catch phrase - Brent Seabrook and/or Duncan Keith *PackYourSh!t.

Maybe, just maybe, Q wants some vet D he's familiar with and that vet D will waive their NMC to play for a coach they're familiar with.