de Haan is a LHD... not sure how comfortable he is on the right-side.

Keith and Murphy didn't work that well a couple years ago, but could be re-explored if they wanted to shake things up.

I still think it's going to be:

Keith - Gus
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Seabrook


I did hear over the weekend, that if these pairings don't produce the results that the Hawks were hoping for when they brought in guys like de Haan and Maatta... then you might see Boqvist up sooner than expected.
- Tyler Cameron

Finding a proper slotting for Gus is the main problem for the defense. He does not deserve 1st pair minutes based on his lack of defensive skills. As many others are pointed out, he should be playing the PP and sheltered 3rd pair minutes. But Maatta/Seabrook look like the proper 3rd pairing. So that leaves 2nd pair partnering with De Haan even though his TOI won't be reduced much than if he was 1st pair.

And if things don't pan out, who does Boqvist replace on the roster? Koekkoek? Then who sits? Definitely not Boqvist since you won't bring him up to observe things from the pressbox. Maatta or DeHaan the major off season acquisitions? Murphy a decent RD? Maybe Seabrook once a while on the 2nd game of back to backs? Gus would be the logical odd man out. But instead of scratching him, I hope Stan is looking for trade partners.

DK looked exactly like a 36 year old Dman who once had the speed to make up for any mistakes.
- Beaver-Warrior

I think DK is a very smart hockey player, I'm going to give him a few games to get acclimated to his diminished skill set and play accordingly

Most disconcerting about game 1 - they really seemed not ready for the opening drop, although the had an ok 1st period - and certainly weren’t ready for the second period. The only “domination” the whole game came at the end of the third.

If not for three nice to excellent plays by Kane, they’d have been shut out.

Colliton needs to turn this aspect of the game around.

Most disconcerting about game 1 - they really seemed not ready for the opening drop, although the had an ok 1st period - and certainly weren’t ready for the second period. The only “domination” the whole game came at the end of the third.

If not for three nice to excellent plays by Kane, they’d have been shut out.

Colliton needs to turn this aspect of the game around.
- StLBravesFan

Isn't that the MO of this team, they have a long lay off and play like poop? 6 days off, it's not going to be pretty Thursday night.

Most disconcerting about game 1 - they really seemed not ready for the opening drop, although the had an ok 1st period - and certainly weren’t ready for the second period. The only “domination” the whole game came at the end of the third.

If not for three nice to excellent plays by Kane, they’d have been shut out.

Colliton needs to turn this aspect of the game around.
- StLBravesFan

If.

If not for an incredibly fortuitous bounce off of Koekkoek, a ridiculously nonsensical delay of game call, and a stupid retaliatory penalty taken by the person most likely to do such stupid things, they’d have likely won...or at least gone to OT.

We can play the IF game all day.

de Haan is a LHD... not sure how comfortable he is on the right-side.

Keith and Murphy didn't work that well a couple years ago, but could be re-explored if they wanted to shake things up.

I still think it's going to be:

Keith - Gus
de Haan - Murphy
Maatta - Seabrook


I did hear over the weekend, that if these pairings don't produce the results that the Hawks were hoping for when they brought in guys like de Haan and Maatta... then you might see Boqvist up sooner than expected.
- Tyler Cameron

Really? Why not Gusto really sucks defensively. But they will have to baby him like they did Leddy.

Really? Why not Gusto really sucks defensively. But they will have to baby him like they did Leddy.
- BetweenTheDots

I know Gus drives a lot of offense, but I think JC should start being more strategic with his deployment once Murphy and de Haan return.

Duncan Keith looks like a guy that's been paired with Gustafson for 1.5 years.

He also looks like a guy that is trying to play a rat hockey system after playing in a disciplined system for his entire career

Isn't that the MO of this team, they have a long lay off and play like poop? 6 days off, it's not going to be pretty Thursday night.
- BetweenTheDots

But isn't this a different team? I thought I read in an earlier blog that there has been about a 40% turnover in the roster.

It's time to make hay during the upcoming 7 game home stand. Every point is important in the quest for a playoff spot. This team needs to develop a sense of urgency and come out fast of the gates. They must take advantage of the first two home games against SJS and WPG who have gotten off to lousy starts. Then they play EDM and CBJ, both beatable teams.

Duncan Keith looks like a guy that's been paired with Gustafson for 1.5 years.

He also looks like a guy that is trying to play a rat hockey system after playing in a disciplined system for his entire career
- PatShart

Yep... and looks about as good as Seabrook did schlepping Forsling around the ice. Keith’s not superman - who he plays with matters.

Yep... and looks about as good as Seabrook did schlepping Forsling around the ice. Keith’s not superman - who he plays with matters.
- Chief4Feathers

I'd pair Keith with Murphy when he returns, and Gus with De Haan.

#2 is as overrated as it gets ( cue the outrage). Said it before, say it again. Not the only one with a poor game ( crow, gus, etc, etc) but its a broken record with him. directly responsible for 2 goals and, as a previous post put it best, looking like a 36(?) year old who used to be able to cover up his mistakes with speed. mistakes have always been there. now with no speed its even more glaring.

#2 is as overrated as it gets ( cue the outrage). Said it before, say it again. Not the only one with a poor game ( crow, gus, etc, etc) but its a broken record with him. directly responsible for 2 goals and, as a previous post put it best, looking like a 36(?) year old who used to be able to cover up his mistakes with speed. mistakes have always been there. now with no speed its even more glaring.
- Nmbr1

Might or might not be true now, but in the past, no way Hawks win 3 cups without DK.

Hey Tyler, thanks for that intel on Boqvist - however, i dont think its a puck moving D man that is the issue, so far its been overall D (D + F group) - just no solid structure. If the team had overall solid structure with both the D and F group, i think we could be fine with Gus. Somehow this team needs to commit to a D first team mentality.
- glennjpawlak22

This is the key, imo. To me, that starts first with the guys in the room.

This is the key, imo. To me, that starts first with the guys in the room.
- mohel

AND the coach holding all players accountable.

Isn't that the MO of this team, they have a long lay off and play like poop? 6 days off, it's not going to be pretty Thursday night.
- BetweenTheDots

6 days off plus the bugaboo of jet lag. The first period might find them struggling to discover their legs. Wait for it!!! SJS in NSH tomorrow nite. If SJS loses, their record will sink to 0-4-0. If they win, they still aren't going to be an amenable bunch. Should potentially make Thursday a nite to remember. Go Hawks!

Hey Tyler thanks for the response and insight most appreciate the breakdown.

Glad to hear you share some news that was on the down low.

From your perspective how would you grade boqvist pre season and would you consider him ready or a year out still?

Everyone has heard that patience is a virtue

The Colliton defense sure does conjure that reminder along with (again I am sure) a lot of swearing or at a minimum some head scratching by Blackhawk fans.

I am.concerned that there is too less effort from players for the system to work.

Keith is still at out of syn withoit the past good Seabrook along side. I just question if the players privately embrace the new system and yes too often veterans do not give 100% effort. Or just aren't contributing in a meaningful way to the outcome on the ice.

Yes Toews the leader and.highly paid star is not a force like he once was. I know he changed his style
He had a good year statisticly.but too often he avoided contact. He is what he is nowadays which most would say 'aint bad" but he is not savior able.

Should this sloppy defense rear its ugly head and we continue falling behind in points for a playoff spot come game #20 you can expect some tough love from Colliton. Maybe too soon for.Bowman to follow suite

It is not rocket science. Yes old habits die hard - i can buy that excuse only so.much. Ever heard the expression " you got to want it to win it?" because i truly believe the talent level is better on this roster and the competition should drive the team to becoming a serious contender for the last playoff spot.

Both Bowman and McDonough expect a team possibly gaining that last spot. You can expect benching top players and plenty of media criticism on the players and the system if this team struggles. Perhaps a trade.and Rockford recalls too - how soon?

I suggest some other veteran capable of performing as a descent #1 would be desirable instead of Keith. Don't expect it to happen. Alright Murphy and DeHahn will join forces and Gilbert style would probably play well at some future time

I also suggest that Mitchell and a highly touted one or two Rockford dmen better equiped skill wise is desirable. Only Mitchel probably is ready and that is for next season. I sure hope that Beaudin and Boqvist develop fast and that the forwards get their act together. Some tough love by Colliton and a trade would get attention. Too bad it takes that to shake up SOME veterans.
.

Winnipeg could be in some trouble this season. While they still have loads of talent on their roster they've taken a hit on defense (Trouba, Myers, Byfuglien) and Hellebuyck has taken off where he left last season, which isn't good. Plus Little is out with a concussion to make matters worse.

I'm not a fan of trading Gus... yet. But if Stan makes a move it seems that Winnipeg could be a good trade partner.
- DarthKane

Good afternoon Darth, your right I think this was enivitable in the off season with all the major losses on defense and the icing on the cake was buff.

I was reading a earlier report Winnipeg has been in talks with the islanders on a potential trade.

Good afternoon Darth, your right I think this was enivitable in the off season with all the major losses on defense and the icing on the cake was buff.

I was reading a earlier report Winnipeg has been in talks with the islanders on a potential trade.
- Taylorst1

Hickey? He assigned to AHL. I suggest it is more to do with his.salary and team cap than anything else. Lamorello or the coach.(whomever).said as much and expected Hickey to return maybe even back with the NHL team

#2 is as overrated as it gets ( cue the outrage). Said it before, say it again. Not the only one with a poor game ( crow, gus, etc, etc) but its a broken record with him. directly responsible for 2 goals and, as a previous post put it best, looking like a 36(?) year old who used to be able to cover up his mistakes with speed. mistakes have always been there. now with no speed its even more glaring.
- Nmbr1

Totally.

This is the key, imo. To me, that starts first with the guys in the room.
- mohel

For sure.

6 days off plus the bugaboo of jet lag. The first period might find them struggling to discover their legs. Wait for it!!! SJS in NSH tomorrow nite. If SJS loses, their record will sink to 0-4-0. If they win, they still aren't going to be an amenable bunch. Should potentially make Thursday a nite to remember. Go Hawks!
- gabriel

Great point mohel.. I think the culture that has been created over the years if we all remember when Chicago was winning they at many times cane out flat or shortly after drifting through periods only to turn things around late in the games and win.

Toews , Keith, Seabrook, Kane all have winning pedigrees however I'm just wondering if their past habits have crept into the lockeroom


Also who does Chicago have in the lockeroom that can truly speak out that is normally quiet but brings truth to his voice.

6 days off plus the bugaboo of jet lag. The first period might find them struggling to discover their legs. Wait for it!!! SJS in NSH tomorrow nite. If SJS loses, their record will sink to 0-4-0. If they win, they still aren't going to be an amenable bunch. Should potentially make Thursday a nite to remember. Go Hawks!
- gabriel

Great point mohel.. I think the culture that has been created over the years if we all remember when Chicago was winning they at many times cane out flat or shortly after drifting through periods only to turn things around late in the games and win.

Toews , Keith, Seabrook, Kane all have winning pedigrees however I'm just wondering if their past habits have crept into the lockeroom


Also who does Chicago have in the lockeroom that can truly speak out that is normally quiet but brings truth to his voice.

AND the coach holding all players accountable.
- StLBravesFan

The traditional form of accountability lies in reduced playing time. The Hawks, like many teams operating under the cap, don’t have the luxury of stapling a key player to the bench to hold him accountable for his play - let alone calling up a new player entirely.

So, how else is a player held accountable? Private conversations, then perhaps in front of the team, then maybe with the media? It’s a slippery slope that could backfire on any coach, particularly a new one with a team filled with accomplished veterans.

I think JC is going to have to find a source of motivation/inspiration in some non-traditional format. Hell, maybe he needs to go the Maddon route and start bringing in jugglers and zoo animals into the locker room?