Tyler Cameron: Blackhawks survive the weekend (barely) + Update
It was the best of games, it was the worst of games.

The only two good parts about game #4 were 1) Corey Crawford and 2) the Blackhawks won. Other than that, it looked like Vegas had a 60-minute power play… Wowza.

My thoughts on the wild weekend and game #5.

Tyler Cameron: Blackhawks survive the weekend (barely) + Update

It was the best of games, it was the worst of games.

The only two good parts about game #4 were 1) Corey Crawford and 2) the Blackhawks won. Other than that, it looked like Vegas had a 60-minute power play… Wowza.

My thoughts on the wild weekend and game #5.
- Tyler Cameron

Great game by CC!

Congrats on your new business Tyler!

On to hockey, I would like to see Dach move up and play with Kubalik and Saad. Move Toews back to play with Kane and Caggs.

I agree with Hagel coming in for game 5 and I would put him with Debrincat and Strome. Leave the 4th line alone as I think they have had a great series against Vegas

Congrats on your new business Tyler!

On to hockey, I would like to see Dach move up and play with Kubalik and Saad. Move Toews back to play with Kane and Caggs.

I agree with Hagel coming in for game 5 and I would put him with Debrincat and Strome. Leave the 4th line alone as I think they have had a great series against Vegas
- scott.jackson

I don't know about the first switch...maybe. Toews looked a bit gassed last night as well.

Nylander has been getting some playoff experience though I wouldn't mind sitting him for Hagel.

Just like I didn't have an issue sitting Boqvist for Carlsson, Hagel could possibly be on the team next season and the one game he was in, really liked what I saw.

Kind of like Highmore, he's just a relentless puck hunter and the puck seemed to always be around in that game against the Sharks.

Good luck with the new biz TC! To your point about getting heavier, Grinder mentioned it in the last blog, but an Andrew Ladd or Troy Brouwer type would look great in a Hawk uni about now.

I THINK YOU ARE SO RIGHT ABOUT NEEDING SOME SIZE UP FRONT. WE NEED HELP WINNING SOME BOARD BATTLES. WHICH IS WHY THE GAME WAS SO ONE SIDED LAST NIGHT. I THINK A GUY LIKE KYLE CLIFFORD FROM THE LEAFS IS A FREE AGENT THIS YEAR.
I MEAN IT PRETTY BAD WHEN GUYS LIKE Max Pacioretty AND William Karlsson think there tough

CROW-MY GOODNESS (to borrow a well-worn phrase from the Hawks' marketing machine). He was amazing last night. Definitely something to give the haters some pause, and hopefully remind people, that he is among the best goalies of this era (2010s etc.). He is a winner.

That puck looked more like a hand grenade last night on the sticks of pretty much every other Hawks player. Yikes!

Sit Nylander? Sure. Why not? It does not seem like he is doing much out there.

We are not the same caliber team as Vegas for sure, but we can hang with them, get a lead, hold it for a while, beat them (ok only twice, but last night has to be a confidence builder against a team that pretty much owns us), and make them sweat. Don't quit and hang in there.

Hawks stave off elimination thanks to Crow. Unfortunately I think the playoff run will end Tuesday night (Wednesday morning?). Vegas has just too much depth.

Changing topics here. Rocky Wirtz was interviewed on WSCR Chicago sports talk radio this morning. When asked about McD's replacement as President of the team, he said "it will not be a hockey retread".

TC, good luck on the new business.

One thing I have to say about Vegas is Alex Tuch is really good. He's a beast. I didn't have a clue before this series.

I have to agree with Tyler on the size issue. It would be nice to have somebody else out there cleaning clocks than Caggiula. I also want to bring up Seabs at this point. His skill set is lacking in this series. 1. hitting, 2. stretch passes, 3. a cannon from the point on the PP. They can get some bigger forwards for the hitting, but they need to find somebody that can provide those 2 pieces of the offense. A nice 100 ft pass to get Kaner behind the defense would really work to loosen up that tight Vegas forecheck. And, they have almost zero threat from the point on the PP. Vegas is able to cover the shooting and passing lanes down low. If they would have to cover the point shot, it would stretch the box and maybe give Kane that extra second to pass thru the slot.

One thing I have to say about Vegas is Alex Tuch is really good. He's a beast. I didn't have a clue before this series.

I have to agree with Tyler on the size issue. It would be nice to have somebody else out there cleaning clocks than Caggiula. I also want to bring up Seabs at this point. His skill set is lacking in this series. 1. hitting, 2. stretch passes, 3. a cannon from the point on the PP. They can get some bigger forwards for the hitting, but they need to find somebody that can provide those 2 pieces of the offense. A nice 100 ft pass to get Kaner behind the defense would really work to loosen up that tight Vegas forecheck. And, they have almost zero threat from the point on the PP. Vegas is able to cover the shooting and passing lanes down low. If they would have to cover the point shot, it would stretch the box and maybe give Kane that extra second to pass thru the slot.
- biskit67

Better - and more consistent - would be two or three short quick passes to get out of the zone and behind the defense in transition.

Better - and more consistent - would be two or three short quick passes to get out of the zone and behind the defense in transition.
- StLBravesFan

Like someone mentioned, the passing was abysmal last night and no one on the Hawks seemed capable of gathering in a pass. It just exploded off their sticks right to a Knight player and off the other way they went.

On a positive note, the shot differential got better in the 2nd and again in the 3rd period, from a Blackhawk perspective.

Mac Entwistle will be the 4C next season, and the 3C in 2021-22. Stan can go ahead and launch Strome this off-season. And send Nylander along with him.

On a positive note, the shot differential got better in the 2nd and again in the 3rd period, from a Blackhawk perspective.

Mac Entwistle will be the 4C next season, and the 3C in 2021-22. Stan can go ahead and launch Strome this off-season. And send Nylander along with him.
- scottak

This.

Haven't posted in a long time, hello everyone!

Great write-up Tyler. I agree that this team needs more players who can cycle the puck and wear a team down in that way.

A cursory look at the system says only Mac Entwistle brings that flavor of game. That means they need to get some folks. Guys like Pierre Engvall or Nick Paul could be had pretty cheap. I'd bet Sikura+Nylander gets it done for either.

I THINK YOU ARE SO RIGHT ABOUT NEEDING SOME SIZE UP FRONT. WE NEED HELP WINNING SOME BOARD BATTLES. WHICH IS WHY THE GAME WAS SO ONE SIDED LAST NIGHT. I THINK A GUY LIKE KYLE CLIFFORD FROM THE LEAFS IS A FREE AGENT THIS YEAR.
I MEAN IT PRETTY BAD WHEN GUYS LIKE Max Pacioretty AND William Karlsson think there tough
- Ging72

WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING AT US?

Haven't posted in a long time, hello everyone!

Great write-up Tyler. I agree that this team needs more players who can cycle the puck and wear a team down in that way.

A cursory look at the system says only Mac Entwistle brings that flavor of game. That means they need to get some folks. Guys like Pierre Engvall or Nick Paul could be had pretty cheap. I'd bet Sikura+Nylander gets it done for either.
- Bjm84

Hey bjm! How are you?

It's so weird you mention Nick Paul, I was playing around with CapFriendly's armchair GM tool and he ended up on one of my teams.

I think a guy like that would be a great addition.

With some small tweaks, along with the maturation of guys like Dach, Boqvist, Mitchell, etc. this team will fare better in the playoffs (yes, I'm calling it... Blackhawks will make the playoffs next year, ha.)

Congrats on your new business Tyler!

On to hockey, I would like to see Dach move up and play with Kubalik and Saad. Move Toews back to play with Kane and Caggs.

I agree with Hagel coming in for game 5 and I would put him with Debrincat and Strome. Leave the 4th line alone as I think they have had a great series against Vegas
- scott.jackson

Thanks Scott. How's everything on your end these days?

I would be 100% on board with your moves. I honestly think that Toews-Saad-Kubalik line has struggled the last couple of games because 1 or 2 of those guys are injured. No inside info, but Toews and Kubalik don't look right too me (especially #19).

We all are thinking Caggiula will be a cap casualty. To me he is doing everything we hoped Shaw would be, a pest to play against, and enough offensive ability to play top 6 in case of an injury/or shake up of lines. I hope the Hawks can resign him, imo, he is more talented than Highmore, and at worst would be a main cog on the 4th line. I love what Carpenter brings on the 4th line, but I can see why he was the 13th forward on Vegas.

Hey bjm! How are you?

It's so weird you mention Nick Paul, I was playing around with CapFriendly's armchair GM tool and he ended up on one of my teams.

I think a guy like that would be a great addition.

With some small tweaks, along with the maturation of guys like Dach, Boqvist, Mitchell, etc. this team will fare better in the playoffs (yes, I'm calling it... Blackhawks will make the playoffs next year, ha.)
- Tyler Cameron

Hey Tyler. I know Entwistle is a guy who potentially factors into the Hawks future as a bottom 6 fwd...hopefully center.

But as soon as next season?

That said, it’s also been speculated here and in the Athletic that Dach’s emergenc has made Strome expendable.

What do you think?

Hey Tyler. I know Entwistle is a guy who potentially factors into the Hawks future as a bottom 6 fwd...hopefully center.

But as soon as next season?

That said, it’s also been speculated here and in the Athletic that Dach’s emergenc has made Strome expendable.

What do you think?
- HawkintheD

I wonder if Strome has an injury. I don't remember him to be this slow last year, and supposedly he and ADB worked out together during last off season to work on his skating.

I predicted out 4 straight. They deserved to fall 4 straight.
"Crow" stole them a game.

Enjoy game 5. Don't stress.

HAWKS will be a lil better next year, and in two years should be a true playoff team.

Heading the right way, just show patience guys!!!

I wonder if Strome has an injury. I don't remember him to be this slow last year, and supposedly he and ADB worked out together during last off season to work on his skating.
- LAHawk

Pretty sure when he was out earlier it was an ankle sprain. Don’t recall if it was high or low but still could be affecting him.

We all are thinking Caggiula will be a cap casualty. To me he is doing everything we hoped Shaw would be, a pest to play against, and enough offensive ability to play top 6 in case of an injury/or shake up of lines. I hope the Hawks can resign him, imo, he is more talented than Highmore, and at worst would be a main cog on the 4th line. I love what Carpenter brings on the 4th line, but I can see why he was the 13th forward on Vegas.
- LAHawk

True, The Drake brings a lot of what Shaw can, but assuming Shaw is back next season is there room on the team for both? Shaw is the better and more experienced forward, so between the two I’d suggest that he stays if there can be only 1.

Caggiula on the 4th line would be great, but can space is tight and even if he doesn’t get a raise he’ll make double that of Highmore, that’s not a 4th line luxury the Hawks can afford. Plus, I’m sure the Hawks want to make room for some of the youngsters to step up. I’m not sold on any one particular rookie making the team next season, but I think 1-2 forwards will.

I wonder if Strome has an injury. I don't remember him to be this slow last year, and supposedly he and ADB worked out together during last off season to work on his skating.
- LAHawk

Strome?

You mean the guy skating with 2 grand pianos on his back?

Wearing #17 and also dragging along a trailer up a hill?

That guy?

Pretty sure there are plenty of guys on this board still playing that could outrace him.
Makes Brad Richards, Artem Anisimov and Michal Handzus appear lightning fast.
Loved (NOT) the play when he was just off the side of the net on the PP and had enough time/space to go right to the front for a stuff attempt and proceeds to throw the pass out.

I hope Stan ships that guy off the Blackhawk steamboat.

True, The Drake brings a lot of what Shaw can, but assuming Shaw is back next season is there room on the team for both? Shaw is the better and more experienced forward, so between the two I’d suggest that he stays if there can be only 1.

Caggiula on the 4th line would be great, but can space is tight and even if he doesn’t get a raise he’ll make double that of Highmore, that’s not a 4th line luxury the Hawks can afford. Plus, I’m sure the Hawks want to make room for some of the youngsters to step up. I’m not sold on any one particular rookie making the team next season, but I think 1-2 forwards will.
- DarthKane

I am factoring that Pius Suter makes the team (Kaner's left wing?) @ $925K, that is a top 6 savings.

I also think they should re-sign KK. Let one of Matta and Da Haan go for cap casualties. You would have Murphy, Bovquist, Mitchell and Seabrook right handed shots, Keith, Matta/ Da Haan/ KK as left handers.

17 stay or departure will depend on his contract demands while many here dislike him. I feel as young as he is it would be worth hanging on to him another year while giving him exact off season workouts to help with his skating. Dach looks quicker then before the season the stopped. It’s not like the hawks have many other players who could step up if one of 19/77 missed a lot of time. Again it’s his cost vs whatever return he may bring that will decide his future