Why put Nylander on the 4th line? I suppose it is one thing to give a guy sheltered minutes, but I don't think his play style is going to work with those linemates ... as in, ever.

I'd like to think I'd be wrong about that - but I can't see how.

And of course I'd put Crawford back out there - because, well I don't know. Did Lehner hurt some feelings or something?
- SC116

I should make other predictions like this - they might not ever lose again ...

Can't help but think getting Murphy and deHaan back has cleaned up the d-zone some. Last night was enjoyable. Keith and Seabrook looked good last night. Maata is quietly a dependable D-man. ZERO issues with him (and for those keeping score, Kahun has been awful in Pittsburgh so far, though I still like him). Murphy looks like he may be taking another step this year, he doesn't improve by leaps and bounds from year to year, but the progress is still noticeable. Can't argue at all with Kubalik/Saad/Kampf grouping, they have been tremendous. Hawks are showing signs, despite nothing much from 19 or 12 so far. Those guys are NOT going to end up with 35 points so just be patient. I absolutely love having Drake Cigguila and Andrew Shaw on this team. FINALLY we got some boys that can get in the ditch and grind. Shaw and Drake bring tenacity that will eventually rub off on the rest of the guys. Only a matter of time. tending is set. Stay healthy, keep progressing and there may be something there with this team

Yeah they’re trash. McDavid is pretty much the Mike Trout of the NHL. A transcendent superstar that plays for a team that can’t even make the playoffs let alone win a championship.
- SimpleJack

Bullseye analogy.

And is there anything more ridiculous than having a dust up after Cal deHaan "bumps" McDavid? If the NHL is going to do this, they may as well just turn it into no check league. Shaw's hit, rougher, was also a clean hockey play. And what happens after that? Fisticuffs. I just don't get it.

Yeah they’re trash. McDavid is pretty much the Mike Trout of the NHL. A transcendent superstar that plays for a team that can’t even make the playoffs let alone win a championship.
- SimpleJack

Except Trout’s team didn’t have 4 overall #1 picks in the past several years.

The defense looked good too. Hopefully with more playing time together they get even better.
- DarthKane

I thought the forwards were doing a great job putting pressure on Edm in transition with active sticks, and keeping their feet moving to take away easy passing lanes.

The defensive corps looked good overall managing the puck and making good outlet passes.

Nice win but JC's usage continues to be puzzling. Saad, Toews and Kubalik all with less than 12 minutes at 5v5.

In no world should Smith and Carpenter play more than those 3. Carpenter is meh and could be part of a decent 4th line. They need someone to replace Smith to turn into a true shutdown line with Kampf being the 4C

Yeah, I know Smith had a hit but he and the puck are not friends.
- Elbows15

Best quote yet. I was there last night and that hit me like a ton of bricks. How does he wipe his ass? He has zero hands.

I havent really been following this blog, or the Hawks, so far this season but just wanted to check in on Maatta. How's he been looking?

We're not overly impressed with Kahun yet, though he has looked faster with more urgency in his game the past few.

I havent really been following this blog, or the Hawks, so far this season but just wanted to check in on Maatta. How's he been looking?

We're not overly impressed with Kahun yet, though he has looked faster with more urgency in his game the past few.
- MattStrat

Maata has been our most steady D-man so far. I'd do that trade again every day and twice on Sunday. Kahun is a nice player, but we have enough guys like him already. Kubalik, Nylander made him expendable and that's not including 2 or 3 kids on the farm that are getting close.

We needed a steady hand in the D-zone and that's what Maata is giving us. I think it was a great trade by Stan, though you guys still owe us for Rob Scuderi.

Maata has been our most steady D-man so far. I'd do that trade again every day and twice on Sunday. Kahun is a nice player, but we have enough guys like him already. Kubalik, Nylander made him expendable and that's not including 2 or 3 kids on the farm that are getting close.

We needed a steady hand in the D-zone and that's what Maata is giving us. I think it was a great trade by Stan, though you guys still owe us for Rob Scuderi.
- kwolf68

hahaha...we have two Scuds right now as it is...Maatta > Johnson or Gudbranson. Would much rather have Olli than those two.

Yeah with the emergence of some really young call up guys looking good for now, plus not having 4 of the top 9 forwards in the lineup who will return anyway, I dont think the Pens need Kahun either. Could see him playing for some other team before this season is over.

*NEW* blog up: http://bit.ly/35EHTGP

Blackhawks getting better + get their first "W".

Send Nylander to Rockford and recall Sikura.

Saad - Toews - Sikura
DeBrincat - Strome - Kane
Cagguila - Shaw - Kubalik
Smith - Carpenter - Kampf
- DarthKane

Yeah he only scored two goals in three games as a Blackhawk, compared to Sikura’s 33 scoreless games.

Not the whole story, but not insignificant:


Scott Powers‏Verified account @ByScottPowers

Kampf's line matched up with McDavid's line for much of the first period. McDavid was on the ice against Kampf for 4:57 in the first period. Kampf's line had a 5-1 advantage in shot attempts and 4-1 in shots on goal.
- Chunk

He’s a numb just JC’s fan boy!

Toews played 10 minutes and change at 5v5. That is idiotic.
- Elbows15

Unless there’s a nagging injury we don’t know about.