GAA is down for 2 reasons:

1. Outstanding play by the 2 goaltenders. CC &. Robin are top 5 among all goaltenders in ‘Goals Saved Above Expectation’ (Charting Hockey)

2. The addition by 2 NHL quality defensemen, by Stan, to replace the flotsam & jetsam that was Forsling, Davidson, Dahlstrom, et. al.

JC has done nothing to put in a system that reduces the opponent’s scoring opportunities. What he did screwed up the team for the 1st 15 games. I’m not so sure giving up 40+ shots a game is sustainable over the entire season.

Tyler great write up, and hope your enjoying yourself in mexico.

Imo I don't think anyone has given Lehner enough credit. Lehner has been outstanding in all his starts and those few games where he was peppered with 50 plus shots the teams outcome could have been worse.

Crawford struggled in the beginning and maybe that was due to the amount of time off due to his concussions.


I liked how you pointed out JC and the coaching staff making changes , I'm sure the losses , how the team looked so dysfunctional and the voices from the team created enough heat at the top that I'm sure the word came down from the FO to listen and adjust their system.


Just curious on everyone's take regarding Zach Smith, I think he has played great in the role given and pairing him with carpenter and Dach has really given Chicago a solid 4th line that's effective.


Where do you see drake when he returns from concussion protocol?
- Taylorst1

Do you know you can delete your duplicate posts? In the upper right hand corner of your post is a trash can. Go to the duplicate and click the trash can.

GAA is down for 2 reasons:

1. Outstanding play by the 2 goaltenders. CC &. Robin are top 5 among all goaltenders in ‘Goals Saved Above Expectation’ (Charting Hockey)

2. The addition by 2 NHL quality defensemen, by Stan, to replace the flotsam & jetsam that was Forsling, Davidson, Dahlstrom, et. al.

JC has done nothing to put in a system, that reduces the opponent’s scoring opportunities. What he did screwed up the team for the 1st 15 games. I’m not so sure giving up 40+ shots a game is sustainable over the entire season.
- scottak

The real reasons:

1. Their opponents were slumping.
2. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.

GAA is down for 2 reasons:

1. Outstanding play by the 2 goaltenders. CC &. Robin are top 5 among all goaltenders in ‘Goals Saved Above Expectation’ (Charting Hockey)

2. The addition by 2 NHL quality defensemen, by Stan, to replace the flotsam & jetsam that was Forsling, Davidson, Dahlstrom, et. al.

JC has done nothing to put in a system that reduces the opponent’s scoring opportunities. What he did screwed up the team for the 1st 15 games. I’m not so sure giving up 40+ shots a game is sustainable over the entire season.
- scottak

We’ve been getting outshot but the high danger scoring chances have been much closer during our 6-1-1 stretch. And if 2 teams are trading chances the game is almost always going to go in favor of the team with the superior goaltending, which in most cases will be the Hawks. This is why I like the current formula. Play to your strengths: Goaltending and forward firepower.

If someone was willing to give a good deal for Maatta, I would move him right now. He is getting slower by the game. Though, he has been slightly better with the return of Murphy but he had a stretch of about 10 games where he was woof worthy.
- Elbows15

Hawks aren’t trading Maatta. He was brought here to be a stabilizing force in his own end and he’s done just that. He’s exactly what we needed. Same with de Haan. If anything trade Gus, but ONLY if Boqvist will replace his role. Gus has been better of late though so I’d keep things as they are for now.

IF (big if) the Hawks are in the playoff picture at the TDL, who (or what position) would you target?

GAA is down for 2 reasons:

1. Outstanding play by the 2 goaltenders. CC &. Robin are top 5 among all goaltenders in ‘Goals Saved Above Expectation’ (Charting Hockey)

2. The addition by 2 NHL quality defensemen, by Stan, to replace the flotsam & jetsam that was Forsling, Davidson, Dahlstrom, et. al.

JC has done nothing to put in a system that reduces the opponent’s scoring opportunities. What he did screwed up the team for the 1st 15 games. I’m not so sure giving up 40+ shots a game is sustainable over the entire season.
- scottak

I have no facts to support this, but I think I’m seeing much better clearing the puck away from the goalie by all 5 skating positions.

They give up a lot of shots, and Lehner and Crawford both at least periodically give up a lot of rebounds - but as a team, not too many second chances at the net.

The real reasons:

1. Their opponents were slumping.
2. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.
- DarthKane

... but Stan has never won a trade?!

IF (big if) the Hawks are in the playoff picture at the TDL, who (or what position) would you target?
- LAHawk

A forward with a really strong 200 foot game, plus some scoring ability, to play alongside 20 & 19.

I think long term, that guy is Kubalik, but I’m not sure he’s ready for that this season.

... but Stan has never won a trade?!
- Slofire94

He won the Hossa trade. I never see Hossa’s name on the ARI scoresheet.

IF (big if) the Hawks are in the playoff picture at the TDL, who (or what position) would you target?
- LAHawk

No one.

Let’s not over-calculate based on the last 10 games - if they make the tournament they’re like out in the first round - even with a TDL addition.

There is certainly not a likely available player that will turn them into Cup contenders.

And certainly not worth giving up a pick or a quality prospect.

A dazzling place I never knew. Duh.

Hawks aren’t trading Maatta. He was brought here to be a stabilizing force in his own end and he’s done just that. He’s exactly what we needed. Same with de Haan. If anything trade Gus, but ONLY if Boqvist will replace his role. Gus has been better of late though so I’d keep things as they are for now.
- SimpleJack

You might want to look at the cap situation for next season. Someone on the defense is gonna have to go. I would keep Murph and de Haan cause they are better. Maatta spends too much time in his own zone.

Trading Gus has no impact on next season's cap.

Who had Gustafson in the first fight of the year pool?

Didn't think he had it in him...

... but Stan has never won a trade?!
- Slofire94

Or hired a good manager, they just win inspite of coaching, quite the phenomenon

You might want to look at the cap situation for next season. Someone on the defense is gonna have to go. I would keep Murph and de Haan cause they are better. Maatta spends too much time in his own zone.

Trading Gus has no impact on next season's cap.
- Elbows15

Finally get 2 quality NHL dmen and you can't get rid of one fast enough

GAA is down for 2 reasons:

1. Outstanding play by the 2 goaltenders. CC &. Robin are top 5 among all goaltenders in ‘Goals Saved Above Expectation’ (Charting Hockey)

2. The addition by 2 NHL quality defensemen, by Stan, to replace the flotsam & jetsam that was Forsling, Davidson, Dahlstrom, et. al.

JC has done nothing to put in a system that reduces the opponent’s scoring opportunities. What he did screwed up the team for the 1st 15 games. I’m not so sure giving up 40+ shots a game is sustainable over the entire season.
- scottak

JC has made this team play 200 feet of hockey, learn how to dump the puck when doing a line change or protecting a lead at the end of the game. Tying up the forwards stick and trying to create a clear lane for the goalie to stop the initial shot. Sticks and bodies all over the shooting lanes. But yea really hasn't done anything

Also notice breakaways and 2 on 1s are way down this year.

No one.

Let’s not over-calculate based on the last 10 games - if they make the tournament they’re like out in the first round - even with a TDL addition.

There is certainly not a likely available player that will turn them into Cup contenders.

And certainly not worth giving up a pick or a quality prospect.
- StLBravesFan

If a trade is made, it has to include a young player coming back with a low cap hit, a player that will contribute to the Hawks not only this season, but more importantly the next couple of seasons. I agree, we are not yet cup contenders.

No one.

Let’s not over-calculate based on the last 10 games - if they make the tournament they’re like out in the first round - even with a TDL addition.

There is certainly not a likely available player that will turn them into Cup contenders.

And certainly not worth giving up a pick or a quality prospect.
- StLBravesFan

Likely out in the first round even with an upgrade at the TDL?

How can you be so certain there’s zero chance we can contend? To the point where you wouldn’t even attempt a trade to further improve our chances?

With the goaltending and core experience this team has I think it’s rather ignorant to write us off so easily.

Oh hell. They play the Canes tomorrow and we all know what that means. That clown BINGO! will be here all day tomorrow.
- Elbows15

How's it going, Jerky?

You might want to look at the cap situation for next season. Someone on the defense is gonna have to go. I would keep Murph and de Haan cause they are better. Maatta spends too much time in his own zone.

Trading Gus has no impact on next season's cap.
- Elbows15

Then wait for the offseason. And hopefully we’ll get lucky and Seabrook will retire.

No one.

Let’s not over-calculate based on the last 10 games - if they make the tournament they’re like out in the first round - even with a TDL addition.

There is certainly not a likely available player that will turn them into Cup contenders.

And certainly not worth giving up a pick or a quality prospect.
- StLBravesFan

Definitely don't want to be buyers at the TDL. Let's see where we are at in 40 something games? Sellers, yes if we are bordering playoff team.

IF (big if) the Hawks are in the playoff picture at the TDL, who (or what position) would you target?
- LAHawk

Big power forechecking forward loke a simmons or maroon type player.

Likely out in the first round even with an upgrade at the TDL?

How can you be so certain there’s zero chance we can contend? To the point where you wouldn’t even attempt a trade to further improve our chances?

With the goaltending and core experience this team has I think it’s rather ignorant to write us off so easily.
- SimpleJack

Maybe an expiring free agent (Gus) for an expiring free agent ?

IF (big if) the Hawks are in the playoff picture at the TDL, who (or what position) would you target?
- LAHawk

I'd rather not mortgage the future that I've been excited to watch. We also need our picks.