So Game 20 tonight. Won't be able to see the first half (son has a game), so hopefully the Hawks can do well. I want to see full reports tonight. The offense is looking great, shot suppression is a still a concern, but I like the potential of our D. DeHann has actually made Seabrook a serviceable D-man again. Murphy will also help of course. Nylander is a true talent, hope he continues to develop. Kampf and Kubalik have been impressive pretty much all year. Very happy with both those guys.
- kwolf68

It would be a hoot if Alex Nylander ultimately turned out to be a much better player than his overpaid turnover machine brother Wee Willie.

Well I think hockey players will always be hockey players and shoot to score or assist on a goal. I have my doubts they are purposely doing things on the ice to make their Corsi or Fenwick #'s look bettter. Agents, on the other hand will use any positive stat however meaningless to squeeze more money out of a GM.

Interesting rumour (as yet unsubstantiated) put forth by Elliott Friedman last night on HNIC about Tyson Barrie - he and his agent supposedly approaching the Leafs about a trade. He is a UFA after the season and his offensive numbers are so poor compared to previous seasons with Colorado that he is worried about the impact it will have on how much he will be offered on a new contract. It is all the fault of Mike Babcock and his system of course. It has nothing to do with the fact that Barrie plays defence in his own end like an ECHL reject.
- RickJ

You're probably right, but i do prefer our method of the forwards if they gain entry and are met with opposition try to stop and set up a play to me this is a much more effective brand of hockey to try to set up a scoring play, they can have their one and done. In a way, just my opinion, i think it hurts their possession stats if they can't get the rebound or the goalie freezes the puck.

Another game the Captain engages along the boards and he just plays so much better the entire game playing with some physical contact

So the key to Gusto playing better in his own end is pissing him off. He's played great since the penalty to CC.

And how about Dach coming back 200 feet and lifting the stick of the forward preserving at the time the 4 goal lead we had, what a treat to see a kid with skill who understands defense is as important as offense

And how are the Hawks creating all these shots in the middle of the ice 20 feet and in from the goalie.

One last thing, well probably not, whatever training Kampf did, Seabrook and Toews should do the same, he looks great on his skates this year, he looks so much quicker, faster, stop and starts so much better, harder to get off the puck, he might be on to something

One last thing, well probably not, whatever training Kampf did, Seabrook and Toews should do the same, he looks great on his skates this year, he looks so much quicker, faster, stop and starts so much better, harder to get off the puck, he might be on to something
- BetweenTheDots

DeBrincat, too - he seems stronger on his skates, quicker, and involved in all areas of the play - not “just” getting to his scoring spots. A much more complete game.

His goal scoring has suffered - on pace for only about 20, although that could change going forward, his shot % is about one-half of what it’s been - but his assists are up dramatically so someone is scoring.

I’m not sure the coach / FO prefer their soon-to-be $6MM man this way, or more the 40-goal scorer....maybe he can get to be both.

Ek reporting there's a "Come to Jesus " type meeting taking place in Toronto regarding Babs.

Ek reporting there's a "Come to Jesus " type meeting taking place in Toronto regarding Babs.
- boilermaker100

Now i can believe this, that's a really dysfunctional organization

Ek reporting there's a "Come to Jesus " type meeting taking place in Toronto regarding Babs.
- boilermaker100

So, he's safe.

Ek reporting there's a "Come to Jesus " type meeting taking place in Toronto regarding Babs.
- boilermaker100

Is McDonough leading it?

DeBrincat, too - he seems stronger on his skates, quicker, and involved in all areas of the play - not “just” getting to his scoring spots. A much more complete game.

His goal scoring has suffered - on pace for only about 20, although that could change going forward, his shot % is about one-half of what it’s been - but his assists are up dramatically so someone is scoring.

I’m not sure the coach / FO prefer their soon-to-be $6MM man this way, or more the 40-goal scorer....maybe he can get to be both.
- StLBravesFan

DeBrincat trained with Paul Goodman this summer, and with Kane's skills coach, Keene, and at the Belfry camp (at minimum). He's a streaky player but he seemed to have found his scoring [goals] touch right before he was reunited with Kane. Believe one of you said that he hasn't scored a 5-on-5 goal since then.

Kampf, at least, has a cross-fit trainer at home with his wife. Seems, based on his social media, that they're both into that. I think Toews said spending a summer doing that and too many weights actually hurt *his* game, so who knows what the magic potion is.

More from Versteeg from Dietz at Daily Herald:

The turning point came after Versteeg reinjured his abductor against the Chicago Wolves on October 18. He sat out for three weeks, came back and played two more games on November 8 and 10, then decided enough was enough.

"I felt like it was a disservice to the kids if I couldn't bring everything I had every night, especially if kids are sitting out and they've worked their whole lives to make the NHL," Versteeg said in a phone interview Saturday morning. "If I'm in their spot and I'm not bringing everything I can, then I didn't feel it was right."

Another reason Vetsteeg made this decision was his realization that the way the game is played in the minors is a whole lot different from it is in the NHL. The father of three kids -- who are all 4 or younger -- felt his long-term health was at risk playing in a league where big, nasty hits are doled out on a nightly basis.

"It's not even close, the physicality compared to the NHL," Versteeg said. "It is much, much more physical down here. Kids are fighting for their lives to get called to the NHL.

[...]

"I look at what the Blackhawks have done for me for over a decade -- winning Stanley Cups, making me financially comfortable and always being there for me when I needed them -- I'm really at a loss for words about what they've really meant to me."

As for the future, Versteeg hopes to go into broadcasting.

=====
Raises question again if it's the right development environment for the highly-skilled players.

Is McDonough leading it?
- StLBravesFan

Zawaski with the scoop any minute.

I don't know someone tweeted GA with Murphy in the line up 2, without 4, and Preds only scored 2? Coincidence?
- BetweenTheDots

So they are definitely better with Murphy on ice, not denying that. They have a winning record with Murphy on ice, and losing record without Murphy since start of last year. BTD, that being said they are not two goals better defensively with Murphy on the ice, there is some coincidence there. Looking forward to the rest of the season, as we are seeing some exiting hockey, and would like the young guys to get a taste of playoffs.

More from Versteeg from Dietz at Daily Herald:

The turning point came after Versteeg reinjured his abductor against the Chicago Wolves on October 18. He sat out for three weeks, came back and played two more games on November 8 and 10, then decided enough was enough.

"I felt like it was a disservice to the kids if I couldn't bring everything I had every night, especially if kids are sitting out and they've worked their whole lives to make the NHL," Versteeg said in a phone interview Saturday morning. "If I'm in their spot and I'm not bringing everything I can, then I didn't feel it was right."

Another reason Vetsteeg made this decision was his realization that the way the game is played in the minors is a whole lot different from it is in the NHL. The father of three kids -- who are all 4 or younger -- felt his long-term health was at risk playing in a league where big, nasty hits are doled out on a nightly basis.

"It's not even close, the physicality compared to the NHL," Versteeg said. "It is much, much more physical down here. Kids are fighting for their lives to get called to the NHL.


- pdx2ord[...]

"I look at what the Blackhawks have done for me for over a decade -- winning Stanley Cups, making me financially comfortable and always being there for me when I needed them -- I'm really at a loss for words about what they've really meant to me."

As for the future, Versteeg hopes to go into broadcasting.

=====
Raises question again if it's the right development environment for the highly-skilled players.

He was one of my favorite players & I'm not going to dissect or look beyond his comments. It's sad & I got a lot of respect for him. I can't wait for him before/after/in between periods. Classy guy & I know that was tough. His name was the first I ever owned on a hawks shirt.

He was one of my favorite players & I'm not going to dissect or look beyond his comments. It's sad & I got a lot of respect for him. I can't wait for him before/after/in between periods. Classy guy & I know that was tough. His name was the first I ever owned on a hawks shirt.
- I Am The Breadman

Didn't mean to imply Kris was questioning AHL as a development league. I am based on his comments about the physicality (others have said that for a while) and how our top skilled players seem to do there vs. in NHL. Jury still out on Boqvist and we'll never know on Dach.

More from Versteeg from Dietz at Daily Herald:

The turning point came after Versteeg reinjured his abductor against the Chicago Wolves on October 18. He sat out for three weeks, came back and played two more games on November 8 and 10, then decided enough was enough.

"I felt like it was a disservice to the kids if I couldn't bring everything I had every night, especially if kids are sitting out and they've worked their whole lives to make the NHL," Versteeg said in a phone interview Saturday morning. "If I'm in their spot and I'm not bringing everything I can, then I didn't feel it was right."

Another reason Vetsteeg made this decision was his realization that the way the game is played in the minors is a whole lot different from it is in the NHL. The father of three kids -- who are all 4 or younger -- felt his long-term health was at risk playing in a league where big, nasty hits are doled out on a nightly basis.

"It's not even close, the physicality compared to the NHL," Versteeg said. "It is much, much more physical down here. Kids are fighting for their lives to get called to the NHL.


- pdx2ord[...]

"I look at what the Blackhawks have done for me for over a decade -- winning Stanley Cups, making me financially comfortable and always being there for me when I needed them -- I'm really at a loss for words about what they've really meant to me."

As for the future, Versteeg hopes to go into broadcasting.

=====
Raises question again if it's the right development environment for the highly-skilled players.

That would be cool. Steeg definitely has some personality and could possibly be a great color guy. Has to be room in someone's booth after listening to the two clowns doing the Trashville game last night.

That would be cool. Steeg definitely has some personality and could possibly be a great color guy. Has to be room in someone's booth after listening to the two clowns doing the Trashville game last night.
- HawkintheD

I guess he did color commentary for Calgary when he was on LTIR and was very well received.

I was thinking about this last night and from the sounds of it you guys watch more overall hockey then i do.

Who has the best backhand shots in the NHL

Crosby
Kane

I can't really think of any others? I mean back hand shot where you get veered away by dman and have to place a perfect top near side corner shot.
- BetweenTheDots

After last night Seabrook has to be in this conversation.

DeBrincat trained with Paul Goodman this summer, and with Kane's skills coach, Keene, and at the Belfry camp (at minimum). He's a streaky player but he seemed to have found his scoring
- pdx2ord[goals] touch right before he was reunited with Kane. Believe one of you said that he hasn't scored a 5-on-5 goal since then.

Kampf, at least, has a cross-fit trainer at home with his wife. Seems, based on his social media, that they're both into that. I think Toews said spending a summer doing that and too many weights actually hurt *his* game, so who knows what the magic potion is.

Watching Kampf to me i see why they traded AA, he looks so much smoother on the ice. I think Cat is much stronger on his skates but i think he did something that affected his hands as the season goes on they are getting better probably because he isn't doing as much as the training he did over the summer, my guess is too much in the lifting weights dept.

As far as it not working for Toews i know all cross training programs are different and to me it looks like Kampf has the right formula, to bad Hawks didn't sign him to a 3 year contract. Endurance and core work is my guess.

It would be a hoot if Alex Nylander ultimately turned out to be a much better player than his overpaid turnover machine brother Wee Willie.
- RickJ

We need to remember that Alex is a rookie, this season will likely be filled with ups and downs as his learns the ropes. AN has shown lots of positive signs and if he finished with 35-40 points I think that will be a decent season.

William may be overpaid but he’s been one of the better Leafs as of late. Maybe that’s part of the Leafs’s trouble (along with the Marner injury).

After last night Seabrook has to be in this conversation.
- SimpleJack

Hahaha, doesn't hurt when 7 does it Rinne appears to be momentarily screened, but man that couldn't happen to a better goalie

Is McDonough leading it?
- StLBravesFan

Hey we could trade McD to Toronto! Problem solved!

We need to remember that Alex is a rookie, this season will likely be filled with ups and downs as his learns the ropes. AN has shown lots of positive signs and if he finished with 35-40 points I think that will be a decent season.

William may be overpaid but he’s been one of the better Leafs as of late. Maybe that’s part of the Leafs’s trouble (along with the Marner injury).
- DarthKane

Would you trade Debrincat for Nylander based on similar contracts going forward?

Going back to last Christmas (about 70 games total) and about when Nylander came back after his contract hold out, the Leafs are slightly above .500. Its not all on him, but when the better teams meet the Leafs, Willie is pretty much AWOL.

He will be the first of the big contracts the Leafs trade.

Would you trade Debrincat for Nylander based on similar contracts going forward?

Going back to last Christmas (about 70 games total) and about when Nylander came back after his contract hold out, the Leafs are slightly above .500. Its not all on him, but when the better teams meet the Leafs, Willie is pretty much AWOL.

He will be the first of the big contracts the Leafs trade.
- RickJ

No way, not even close. My hope is that ADB is a Blackhawk for a long time.