Younger, but both are AHLers.
- DarthKane

So are Sikura, Kampf, 4k, Seeler, Hagel, Gilbert, Suban.

Fun and inciteful blog Tyler. While I would love to see chicago win , looking at the big picture here. Chicago doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs and by this sheer tragedy of a pandemic it allowed the league to get creative but in doing so chicago would lose out on a top 10 pick in a deep draft should they win the 1st round.


Anything is possible. In the playoffs but this team isn't capable of making a run . Jc is a extremely weak coach and the core isn't the same physical or mental shape to cover for the rest V of the team.

I hope they get smoked in round 1.

Rangers put Sean Day on waivers. One of 7 players ever to receive an "exceptional status" designation 6'2 228lb dman. Definitely a reclamation project, but worth a shot?
- ikeane

I say NOPE...I wrote some prophetic words about him prior to his draft year;

https://www.draftsite.com...hl/player/sean-day/22430/

If you are looking for reclamation projects (even though we already have less of the 50 contract slots available than prospects to fill them), how about 5 10" Montreal 5th rounder in 2018, Cole Fonstadt a centre who still hasn't enough upper body yet but he is quick, elusive a was a point per game junior in Everett this year I think 60 assets in 60 games before they shut it down. He's got hands and is a playmaker....

https://www.draftsite.com...layer/cole-fonstad/29292/

If they left Chicago at all, I don’t think they are back already. AFAIK David Kämpf is in Chomutov, CZE right now, Michal Kempný (Washington) is back in Czech Republic, Filip Hronek (Detroit) is back here too. Dominik Kubalík and Tomáš Hertl (San José) were in Plzeň and Prague few weeks ago and I think they are still here, at home. But for example David Pastrňák, David Krejčí, Jan Rutta (Tampa) and Dominik Simon (Pittsburgh) all stayed in US for various reasons. I am not aware if it is even possible to get on a plane and land in Chicago at this moment yet?
- stonefire

Yeah, because they are focused on one thing.

The first games against Edmonton pose an interesting choice for lineup selection for Colliton. His strategy may change if the balance of prime scoring opportunities.are from the Oilers or if too many gaffes are committed by certain rookie dmen

Around the league perhaps the players in better shape or conditioning could get the call. Normally one month is enough time to get in shape. Ah but game shape with barely any practice games is not really the best game shape for who knows what percentage of each roster

With Chicago are you influenced by the quick pace and strong puck movement from Carlsson and Beaudin against Edmonton from a March home contest? Or do you want a veteran in the third pair, such as Maata.

The Oilers might try to win by using speed to generate more good scoring opportunities. Their success could influence a line up change for Chicago.

I am unsure what the best lineup should be. I was thoroughly impressed with zone exit often through passing by the Blackhawks so I wish to see that again. But this is playoff hockey baby.. Maybe the board has a strong preference about the dmen employed.

Both DeHahn getting the feel again and Maata not fleet a skate could early on be as vulnerable to being beat as rookie noinexperienced Beaudin and Carlsson.

The first games against Edmonton pose an interesting choice for lineup selection for Colliton. His strategy may change if the balance of prime scoring opportunities.are from the Oilers or if too many gaffes are committed by certain rookie dmen

Around the league perhaps the players in better shape or conditioning could get the call. Normally one month is enough time to get in shape. Ah but game shape with barely any practice games is not really the best game shape for who knows what percentage of each roster

With Chicago are you influenced by the quick pace and strong puck movement from Carlsson and Beaudin against Edmonton from a March home contest? Or do you want a veteran in the third pair, such as Maata.

The Oilers might try to win by using speed to generate more good scoring opportunities. Their success could influence a line up change for Chicago.

I am unsure what the best lineup should be. I was thoroughly impressed with zone exit often through passing by the Blackhawks so I wish to see that again. But this is playoff hockey baby.. Maybe the board has a strong preference about the dmen employed.

Both DeHahn getting the feel again and Maata not fleet a skate could early on be as vulnerable to being beat as rookie noinexperienced Beaudin and Carlsson.
- jhawk59

There's so much in question in my mind, but you don't have to answer, unless something is interesting. Last game, iirc, we were beating Edm, & there was a collapse. 4-0 nothing turned into a 4-3. Still a victory, but not the domination we held.

That can be attributed to Edm splitting up McDavid & Draisaitl. Who do we send against both? Toews & McDavid, & Strome/Dach & Draisaitl? Other? Lineups, as you mention, & matchups will be interesting.

Colliton, not just the rookies, are getting playoff experience. I want to see him handle things. Especially if calls don't turn out to his liking.

Play will be weird, as you hinted at. So much time off, who will be the more dominating team? Do our vets play back to their best & find that gear in playoff form? Edm has little playoff experience, but more than most of our guys. Who plays well in empty stadiums?

Lastly, who does Edm ride in net? Smith, who I hate, the vet netminder, or Koskinen? Does Crow stay the top netminder? Who plays if he needs to split the time & collect himself.

Goaltending & defense. Not our strong suits, but it will be an exciting series, imo.

https://twitter.com/NBCSB.../1266511422617501698?s=09

Those were the days

https://twitter.com/NBCSBlackhawks/status/1266511422617501698?s=09

Those were the days
- BetweenTheDots

Yeah - especially after those two screwed up a 2 on 1 just before.

Put me down for win -- you don't tank ever - that isn't hockey, tanking is actually culture-building in reverse. Want an example? Look at Edmonton ... not saying that they tanked, but they had a number of high draft choices and they got nowhere.

Do I think they will go far? I don't know -- I do know though back in the day a decent playoff run could make your season no matter how bad that the regular season was.


The Hawks did it a number of times in the 80's - and they usually did it at the North Stars' expense ... which was made a bit better as their fanbase at the time had a distinct hubris thing going on and it did nothing .. made for a great rivalry however.

Put me down for win -- you don't tank ever - that isn't hockey, tanking is actually culture-building in reverse. Want an example? Look at Edmonton ... not saying that they tanked, but they had a number of high draft choices and they got nowhere.

Do I think they will go far? I don't know -- I do know though back in the day a decent playoff run could make your season no matter how bad that the regular season was.


The Hawks did it a number of times in the 80's - and they usually did it at the North Stars' expense ... which was made a bit better as their fanbase at the time had a distinct hubris thing going on and it did nothing .. made for a great rivalry however.
- SC116

Back then, that was the team I hated most. Disco Dino, Shane Churla, Bobbie Smith, Basil McRae. Been a while but those are the names that come to mind immediately.

Sadly the Stars returned the favor somewhat in the 91 season (?) after the Hawks won the President's Trophy and were dispatched in the first round by the Stars.

Have said so before and to me this is a win/win. I'm with you on tanking and don't believe in that either. Would never pull for them to lose so if they win, great! If not, they get a top 10 pick or higher.

Sounds like the NHLPA is making a stink about players like Mitchell being able to play and burn a year . May be a deal breaker . Let him play

Gary Bettman's conspiracy's (according to PE) continue to push the Hawks down. How dare he put the 12th seeded and sub .500 team into the playoffs like this?

Everyone be safe out there. These are terrible times.

Sounds like the NHLPA is making a stink about players like Mitchell being able to play and burn a year . May be a deal breaker . Let him play
- oldduffman

With all that’s going on - in the world and in sports - how can that be a deal-breaker?

It won’t be.

With all that’s going on - in the world and in sports - how can that be a deal-breaker?

It won’t be.
- StLBravesFan

Well it could be as I understood it .It would be a concession on the players part ,and I don't believe the players in the mood to make any concessions at this time . Could be wrong.

Everyone be safe out there. These are terrible times.
- I Am The Breadman

With the street violence and looting occuramce the NHL is going to be very careful what cities are choosen for the hub cities. Chicago and Minnesota are unsafe right now.

I am starting to think all terrorists groups, rif raft, foreign governments, hate mongers, are going to dump on this country......it might become endless. Already the schools, workplace and shopping malls shootings continue unabated. China, civil unrest stirred is a big problem. Another virus in a few years. Trump trading tic for tac with China although China is an evil power delusional country whose leaders appear most at fault: all that to say the way sports conceivably on all levels may never be the same again. Pay per view as Ogi first suggested will be the way we watch our teams. I just wonder how much of pay per view is controlled now and the contracts involved. The NHL and it's team may have trouble recouping lost ticket revenue and concessions etc al.

*NEW* blog up: https://bit.ly/3eD72FH

Who is Matej Chalupa?