wow...i don't recall craw ever making comments like this
- bogiedoc

Good for him, more out of him than our captain or anyone else,it's always blah,blah,blah.....

Start Lehner. He deserves a follow up look. Very good last nite.
- gabriel

I thought i saw him glare at 88 at the end of the game before he skated off the ice as well. If he stays the course in his program he's going to be good for this team.

I didn't bother coming here after the game, nor did I bother catching up on all the pages of post game comments this morning - I knew what the general tenor would be and I had no interest in suffering through the pessimistic miasma. I thought I would give it a day (well, more like half a day) before wondering back in here to offer a little Pollyanna optimism - too soon?

Optimism point #1 - they played better in Game-2 than Game-1 and they played better in Game-3 than Game-2. Baby steps in the right direction.

Optimism point #2 - Dach played his first professional live action game and the report I read sounded like he did pretty well. There are things he needs to improve upon but overall a pretty good first game, especially considering he hasn't played in over a month.

Thank you. This has been Public Service Announcement. Let the pessimism porn resume.

I didn't bother coming here after the game, nor did I bother catching up on all the pages of post game comments this morning - I knew what the general tenor would be and I had no interest in suffering through the pessimistic miasma. I thought I would give it a day (well, more like half a day) before wondering back in here to offer a little Pollyanna optimism - too soon?

Optimism point #1 - they played better in Game-2 than Game-1 and they played better in Game-3 than Game-2. Baby steps in the right direction.

Optimism point #2 - Dach played his first professional live action game and the report I read sounded like he did pretty well. There are things he needs to improve upon but overall a pretty good first game, especially considering he hasn't played in over a month.

Thank you. This has been Public Service Announcement. Let the pessimism porn resume.
- EbonyRaptor

Well said, ER. Now take your (frank)ing optimism outta here.

The top 3 players in the Hogs game were Sikura, Dach, and Entwistle.

Sikura was buzzing in the O zone creating numerous scoring chances and netting his 2nd goal in as many games with a wrister from the top of the circles. He's confident at cycling through the zone looking for options or just taking the shot himself.

Dach is just so silky smooth with the puck. Great stickhandler. Uses his long reach well on both ends. Like Entwistle, he's hard to knock off the puck. When the other team does knock him down, it doesn't matter because he retains the puck and just keeps on trucking. He and Sikura were making things happen nearly every shift (on separate lines).

Entwistle is very strong with and without the puck. It's hard for the other team to contain him. Both he and Dach use their large frames and long reach to their advantage in all zones. If you need to win the puck back, Entwistle is who you send on that mission.

Highmore and Hagel had their moments. Relentless little buggers who get their nose dirty to make plays.
- AEL_Fox

This is encouraging, especially about Dach, hopefully that translates with the Hawks and soon.

I thought i saw him glare at 88 at the end of the game before he skated off the ice as well. If he stays the course in his program he's going to be good for this team.
- BetweenTheDots

I missed the glare, Dots. Kane played with indifference. It happens, I guess, even to the best players. Played like he had been taken to the woodshed at some point, and didn't like hearing it. Unfair to suggest from a distance, but he looked like he was pouting. No doubt missing the glory years. Stand in line, Kaner.

There's a good chance that this team can start out to a 0-3-1 start come Monday night. Not the start that anyone was expecting just wondering what or when heads will start to roll including players being shipped out.

So Dach gets 2 weeks in Rockford or 5 games. Does that eat into his 9 games in NHL before they can send him back?
- glennjpawlak22

I believe he can be sent out on a conditioning stint for 14 days, the number of games doesn’t matter. It also doesn’t start his clock on the 9 game NHL max.

It’s clear from what they’ve said and done, since the draft, that the Hawks are hoping for Dach to make the jump directly to the NHL this season.

At least they’re better than MIN. Here’s the record of the WC teams that missed the playoffs last season.

EDM 5-0-0
ANA 4-1-0
LAK 2-2-0
VAN 2-2-0
ARI 1-2-1
CHI 0-2-1
MIN 0-4-0

#CollitonSucks

There's a good chance that this team can start out to a 0-3-1 start come Monday night. Not the start that anyone was expecting just wondering what or when heads will start to roll including players being shipped out.
- BGKarras

It will be some grand theatre if this trend continues. Colliton will outlast a boatload of players, before this thing is through. Might not be "fair", but that's the way it usually goes. I don't think Colliton is going anywhere soon. Stan will triple down on JC, just to prove his point.

Well said, ER. Now take your (frank)ing optimism outta here.
- mohel

More complaining about complaining. I am taking a different tact myself this year, but if someone feels the need to vent that's a message board. Just so it doesn't get personal I think it's fair game. These people who can't stomach "wading through pessimistic" posts may need to consider if messages boards dedicated to fans are for them. Don't like the song, then change the station.

I didn't bother coming here after the game, nor did I bother catching up on all the pages of post game comments this morning - I knew what the general tenor would be and I had no interest in suffering through the pessimistic miasma. I thought I would give it a day (well, more like half a day) before wondering back in here to offer a little Pollyanna optimism - too soon?

Optimism point #1 - they played better in Game-2 than Game-1 and they played better in Game-3 than Game-2. Baby steps in the right direction.

Optimism point #2 - Dach played his first professional live action game and the report I read sounded like he did pretty well. There are things he needs to improve upon but overall a pretty good first game, especially considering he hasn't played in over a month.

Thank you. This has been Public Service Announcement. Let the pessimism porn resume.
- EbonyRaptor

Dach said his head is clear and he’s not dealing with any concussion-like symptoms. He admitted he felt anxious going into the game, but settled in as the game went on.

“Obviously it felt pretty good. First shift, shift-and-a-half, kinda nervous for my first pro game,” Dach said. “So just tried to step back and see what it’s about. Then after that I was able to feel comfortable and make plays, but there’s things in my game I need to clean up to be better and play at the next level.”

Why wouldn't you play Saarela w/Nillson Wedin instead
of Steeger, he should be on a scoring line not a checking line
or is he there to learn how to play D?
- gazza53

That's the odd thing to me as King has had Versteeg and Nilsson form the top line at least that's what is seems as their line takes the opening faceoff each period in the first two games. The 3rd forward has been different with Hagel in the 1st game and Wedin in the 2nd game.

Honestly, Versteeg has been no good. The things that drove Hawks fan crazy about him are still happening as captain of the Hogs. He's just an older version of it coupled with extra chippiness as he's been getting under the skin of the opponent each game.

While you can like the veteran leadership he brings, Versteeg is taking a spot away from a budding prospect. Kurashev was scratched last night and Soderlund has yet to suit up.

The last time this team played D was?? 2015?

This team needs a HC that jumps up and down screaming D and effort. Don't see JC as that guy.
- z1990z

Has Colliton gotten mad at all during his tenure? At his players? Other team? Referees?

He reminds me of Lovie Smith and his emotionless demeanor. Colliton does smirk a lot, though.

It will be some grand theatre if this trend continues. Colliton will outlast a boatload of players, before this thing is through. Might not be "fair", but that's the way it usually goes. I don't think Colliton is going anywhere soon. Stan will triple down on JC, just to prove his point.
- gabriel

Unfortunately for us fans you're probably right about JC. I think Stan should be relieved first along with his coach if they keep losing. What bothers me is that they play a good decent period and that's it they coast the rest of the way. No Passion or drive to do the things needed to win and this disturbing trend has been a staple of this team for a while now.

More complaining about complaining. I am taking a different tact myself this year, but if someone feels the need to vent that's a message board. Just so it doesn't get personal I think it's fair game. These people who can't stomach "wading through pessimistic" posts may need to consider if messages boards dedicated to fans are for them. Don't like the song, then change the station.
- kwolf68

Hi Wolfie. Aren't you complaining about me complaining about others complaining?

Edit - and suggesting that people who don't like what's written here should reconsider posting here isn't really your place, is it? If we apply your rule to the pessimists, too, (which you notably did not do), there would be no one left, eh?

Also, which "optimistic" poster suggested pessimistic posters should reconsider message boards?

Hope you're well - like you posts about hockey!

That's the odd thing to me as King has had Versteeg and Nilsson form the top line at least that's what is seems as their line takes the opening faceoff each period in the first two games. The 3rd forward has been different with Hagel in the 1st game and Wedin in the 2nd game.

Honestly, Versteeg has been no good. The things that drove Hawks fan crazy about him are still happening as captain of the Hogs. He's just an older version of it coupled with extra chippiness as he's been getting under the skin of the opponent each game.

While you can like the veteran leadership he brings, Versteeg is taking a spot away from a budding prospect. Kurashev was scratched last night and Soderlund has yet to suit up.
- AEL_Fox

Like their NHL counterparts it seems as if everyone is figuring out
who belongs where.

It makes one wonder then why Steeger was brought in then, being
a leader requires one to step up their game

Kurashev and Soderlund not playing though is definitely confusing.

More complaining about complaining. I am taking a different tact myself this year, but if someone feels the need to vent that's a message board. Just so it doesn't get personal I think it's fair game. These people who can't stomach "wading through pessimistic" posts may need to consider if messages boards dedicated to fans are for them. Don't like the song, then change the station.
- kwolf68

Here’s something you need consider:

It makes zero sense to be relentlessly negative after 2 or 3 games.

It makes plenty of sense to point out how ridiculous it is for there to be such widespread relentless negativity....or as you call it “complaining about complaining”.

Hi Wolfie. Aren't you complaining about me complaining about others complaining?

Edit - and suggesting that people who don't like what's written here should reconsider posting here isn't really your place, is it? If we apply your rule to the pessimists, too, (which you notably did not do), there would be no one left, eh?

Also, which "optimistic" poster suggested pessimistic posters should reconsider message boards?

Hope you're well - like you posts about hockey!
- mohel

He is. I've tried pointing that out on an occasion or two previously. Also enjoy his hockey posts.

Unfortunately for us fans you're probably right about JC. I think Stan should be relieved first along with his coach if they keep losing. What bothers me is that they play a good decent period and that's it they coast the rest of the way. No Passion or drive to do the things needed to win and this disturbing trend has been a staple of this team for a while now.
- BGKarras

Agree with your assessment, Karras. The obvious question is why is there no drive and passion? Does everyone on the roster feel as though their jobs are secured? That's crazy, if true. No matter their personal feelings, they should attempt to go balls out on every shift. The paying public has been getting stiffed in that department. You are spot on when you imply this isn't a new development.

Here’s something you need consider:

It makes zero sense to be relentlessly negative after 2 or 3 games.

It makes plenty of sense to point out how ridiculous it is for there to be such widespread relentless negativity....or as you call it “complaining about complaining”.
- SimpleJack

I like it when others tell others how to be fans, don't like what someone posts scroll on through, can't stomach a lot of truth as someone else sees them move on.

I do believe there are bloggers on here that really aren't Blackhawk fans but trolls and that's okay to, but that's when i skim on through.

The Hawks have better talent than they did last season. Still believe they are going to be a fun team to watch. Our goalies, if nothing else, should keep us close. Have to find a way to get better each and every game as a team. Still stupid enough to believe the trajectory may be pointing upwards.

The Hawks have better talent than they did last season. Still believe they are going to be a fun team to watch. Our goalies, if nothing else, should keep us close. Have to find a way to get better each and every game as a team. Still stupid enough to believe the trajectory may be pointing upwards.
- gabriel

On paper, they replaced most of the AHL guys on the roster last year with low to middling level NHL players.

Shaw and Lehner are the above average talent additions. The problem is that they likely improve to losing more close games than getting blown out.

Dach’s own commentary suggests he isn’t comfortable with AHL tier play yet. Nylander is still very raw and a net liability. Perlini is....Perlini. No other top six forward talent visible yet in Rockford, and the young D prospects need more time in the oven. Like at least another year.

Maatta and DeHaan add some talent but not outcome shifting talent. On balance the defensive scheme is not better than last year. Still hordes of aggregate SOG against and perhaps even more HQ SOG given up.

One would have hoped from a fan perspective that things would look a lot better already.

BTW - Earth calling Captain Serious.....

I have optimism but it’s over a much longer arc. As in three years minimum. Because by then the dead weight and guys that are busts (including JC) will be gone, more cap space freed up, and bad performance will garner more talented prospects.

On paper, they replaced most of the AHL guys on the roster last year with low to middling level NHL players.

Shaw and Lehner are the above average talent additions. The problem is that they likely improve to losing more close games than getting blown out.

Dach’s own commentary suggests he isn’t comfortable with AHL tier play yet. Nylander is still very raw and a net liability. Perlini is....Perlini. No other top six forward talent visible yet in Rockford, and the young D prospects need more time in the oven. Like at least another year.

Maatta and DeHaan add some talent but not outcome shifting talent. On balance the defensive scheme is not better than last year. Still hordes of aggregate SOG against and perhaps even more HQ SOG given up.

One would have hoped from a fan perspective that things would look a lot better already.

BTW - Earth calling Captain Serious.....

I have optimism but it’s over a much longer arc. As in three years minimum. Because by then the dead weight and guys that are busts (including JC) will be gone, more cap space freed up, and bad performance will garner more talented prospects.
- Return of the Roar

Don’t most (if not all) teams have a couple guys who are not really NHL ready, or could be upgraded significantly?

I agree with most of this, although I think the cumulative effect of adding de Haan and Maatta is/will be much greater than their individual contributions. Maatta and Seabrook is a very good, solid second pair. I honestly think if de Haan was paired with KK the D would have been even better.

The early results are very concerning, but I still think this team has more to give.

That's the odd thing to me as King has had Versteeg and Nilsson form the top line at least that's what is seems as their line takes the opening faceoff each period in the first two games. The 3rd forward has been different with Hagel in the 1st game and Wedin in the 2nd game.

Honestly, Versteeg has been no good. The things that drove Hawks fan crazy about him are still happening as captain of the Hogs. He's just an older version of it coupled with extra chippiness as he's been getting under the skin of the opponent each game.

While you can like the veteran leadership he brings, Versteeg is taking a spot away from a budding prospect. Kurashev was scratched last night and Soderlund has yet to suit up.
- AEL_Fox

I get what you are saying about Versteeg, but they can’t have all prospects on the team. They (apparently) need to have some vets on the team to help everyone along, or at least that is what we hear every year.