I'd like to know what the plan is for beating the heavy Vegas forecheck.
- bhawks2241

Honestly.....there isn't much they can do from physical stand point...

They need guys to win 50/50 battles.....behind the net by D men, and along the walls with Fs. Quick passes and counter quickly.

I watched closely last night the D system and was watching Fs chase guys below the dots as D men chased puck carriers back to the blue line. I just don't get how that is sustainable system to play with inexperienced D man (Boqvist) and/or aging guys who are a shell of what they used to be.....Keith/DeHaan/Maata.....really leaves the system to Murphy and Koekoek to navigate.

That easily could explain their inability to handle the forecheck because they have guys either way too DEEP (fs) or way too HIGH (d men).

ON a side note.....love Murphy's persistent physical play. Been fun to watch. Does a great job finishing checks and clearing the crease.....

I'm not sure. WIN really likes him and the dude is built for playoff hockey. You might have to send Strome there and hope WIN offers Lowry+ in return. They need Dmen so can they take Maatta off our hands? ha.
- Tyler Cameron

You hope Chevaldayoff would offer Lowry plus something else for Strome?

Don't think so, it would be Stan throwing in an extra pick or somebody like Entwistle or Beaudin to get Winnipeg to even think about it. Lowry would be in high demand around the league if available, he is just the type of big, nasty center any team needs in the playoffs.

I think Entwistle will get a sniff next year, but I don't think he'll be a full time guy unless he is a beast in camp and in RFD or there are a lot of injuries.

I struggle with Strome; on one hand, I don't think you'll be able to get someone of his talent for the price I think they can no get him for.

I say keep him for no more than 2-years on a bridge deal for $3M per. Any more term or AAV and I would have to think about moving him.

I also don't think Strome will ever be set up to be a strong playoff performer. I'd rather a faster, feistier, and tougher to play against centre in the mold of a Toews and - soon-to-be Dach. Can we somehow pry Adam Lowry away from WIN? I think he's a perfect guy for a 3C.
- Tyler Cameron

I know it is very early in this kid's career, but I'm getting a slight sense that he is Bickell-ish in that he doesn't show great in practice or the reg season, but when the playoffs start, he turns into this magic piece that everyone wants/needs. Granted, he has put up some nice point totals, but most of his notoriety comes from his playoff performances.

Honestly.....there isn't much they can do from physical stand point...

They need guys to win 50/50 battles.....behind the net by D men, and along the walls with Fs. Quick passes and counter quickly.

I watched closely last night the D system and was watching Fs chase guys below the dots as D men chased puck carriers back to the blue line. I just don't get how that is sustainable system to play with inexperienced D man (Boqvist) and/or aging guys who are a shell of what they used to be.....Keith/DeHaan/Maata.....really leaves the system to Murphy and Koekoek to navigate.

That easily could explain their inability to handle the forecheck because they have guys either way too DEEP (fs) or way too HIGH (d men).

ON a side note.....love Murphy's persistent physical play. Been fun to watch. Does a great job finishing checks and clearing the crease.....
- SteveRain

Agreed. I really like Murphy. I guess that's where I disagree with some here. He's a keeper IMO.

You hope Chevaldayoff would offer Lowry plus something else for Strome?

Don't think so, it would be Stan throwing in an extra pick or somebody like Entwistle or Beaudin to get Winnipeg to even think about it. Lowry would be in high demand around the league if available, he is just the type of big, nasty center any team needs in the playoffs.
- RickJ

Agreed.....I think the league knows what 17 is.......

Great hockey mind (knows where to go IF he can get there in time, and good hands) but his physical limitations and compete level don't warrant or justify any GM hitching their wagon to his guy to build around.

He needs massive power skating and even muscling up so he's heavier to play against. I think back to my favorite game as a kid....NHL94 for the genesis, and Strome would have a sub 40 speed rating. He is THAT slow.

Agreed. I really like Murphy. I guess that's where I disagree with some here. He's a keeper IMO.
- grinder10

1 month ago if you had asked me, I'd say he was expendable.....but now he is as close to a Seabrook as they have. Not as good of shot, but he is steady, and takes a hit/gives a hit to create plays. 1 of the few guys willing to engage back their.

HOnestly.....I am not sure I wouldn't trade DeHaan over Maata at this point. To me I can live with either, but not both.....see who brings back the most.

1 month ago if you had asked me, I'd say he was expendable.....but now he is as close to a Seabrook as they have. Not as good of shot, but he is steady, and takes a hit/gives a hit to create plays. 1 of the few guys willing to engage back their.

HOnestly.....I am not sure I wouldn't trade DeHaan over Maata at this point. To me I can live with either, but not both.....see who brings back the most.
- SteveRain

Has Maata helped make KKKK a little better Dman playing his offside? I don't think he has hurt the cause.

Beating a strong forecheck has been a problem for years. I think Trotz exposed them with his system when he was with Nashville.

If you watch the Hawk forwards they are always standing still or skating back toward the Hawks goal line when they receive passes from the defense. Their needs to be some movement. Receiving a pass when at a full stop is easy defend and difficult to turn into a transition attack.

Nylander sucks. He has all the skill, can skate, but just isn't willing enough to make it happen. I just don't see that winning or competitive fire in him.

Boqvist, yes, way too small and conservative back there. He needs to get stronger and he needs be set free to play his game

Strome COULD be better too. The kid has size but doesn't use it down low. Dach has already surpassed him in this area.

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

Beating a strong forecheck has been a problem for years. I think Trotz exposed them with his system when he was with Nashville.

If you watch the Hawk forwards they are always standing still or skating back toward the Hawks goal line when they receive passes from the defense. Their needs to be some movement. Receiving a pass when at a full stop is easy defend and difficult to turn into a transition attack.
- -Doh-

When did Trotz ever really beat them when he was in Nashville?

Strome is a 3C that can slide up to 2C if there is an injury to your 1C or 2C. He can also play wing in a pinch. He was only a good 2C when playing with Kane and a hot ADB. (Kane has the ability to make anyone he plays with look good.) He is weak on faceoffs. And of course he is slow. He cannot drive a line, but he is decent depth player to have on your roster. With the right forwards maybe he can put up some points and have a decent plus/minus.

I think you offer him $2,113,716 per year for 2 yrs. If anyone offers him a dollar more you take their 2nd round draft pick. Why offer him more?

If he signs he needs to fight for his job in training camp. He may have some value at the TDL next year.

When did Trotz ever really beat them when he was in Nashville?
- Chunk

He did not beat them. But he played them very tough with a roster that was significantly weaker than the Hawks because of his defensive system.

Agreed. I really like Murphy. I guess that's where I disagree with some here. He's a keeper IMO.
- grinder10

Agreed. And remember, this is Murphy's first ever playoff experience as well. He's responded really well and is a guy the Hawks desperately need.

He did not beat them. But he played them very tough with a roster that was significantly weaker than the Hawks because of his defensive system.
- -Doh-

True. I think his system works very well against everyone, not just the Hawks. It is also, for the most part, the same system that the Hawks play now. The difference is in the execution and having the entire team buy in to playing team defense not to mention having the actual ability (size/strength/determination) to do so.

I'm not as down on Nylander as some are, but I would have no problem with Hagel getting a chance tomorrow. Either him or Sikura. While Kurashev looks good flitting about the ice in scrimmages, he would be a bug splat on a windshield in these playoffs. In my opinion, he's not close to ready for NHL playoff hockey.

I agree with the 2-5 and 44-27 pairings. Give Boqvist the green light to play to his strengths which means for him to be more offensive minded.

Agreed. And remember, this is Murphy's first ever playoff experience as well. He's responded really well and is a guy the Hawks desperately need.
- Tyler Cameron

Has Mitchell been told he's with the big club next year?

I think that is the huge factor in what to do with Murphy

Where does he fall in the right side depth chart with Boqvist, Seabrook and then Mitchell?

Between Maata, Murphy and DeHaan- Murphy may get the most back in a trade rather than a bad contract for bad contract

Strome is a 3C that can slide up to 2C if there is an injury to your 1C or 2C. He can also play wing in a pinch. He was only a good 2C when playing with Kane and a hot ADB. (Kane has the ability to make anyone he plays with look good.) He is weak on faceoffs. And of course he is slow. He cannot drive a line, but he is decent depth player to have on your roster. With the right forwards maybe he can put up some points and have a decent plus/minus.

I think you offer him $2,113,716 per year for 2 yrs. If anyone offers him a dollar more you take their 2nd round draft pick. Why offer him more?

If he signs he needs to fight for his job in training camp. He may have some value at the TDL next year.
- -Doh-

A Dave Bolland type is what you want for a 3C on a SC contending team. Defensive excellence, some offensive skill, hard to play against, gets under the opponent's skin, etc. Strome isn't that guy. Mac Entwistle has a shot to be that guy.

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

Sure in an ideal word Shsw returns and in short order does not get another concussion. If one of them stays Caggs is more realistic choice.

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).


Things are going great up in your old stomping grounds. Lots of tourists as usual.

I think something is definately hindering Toews. He seems gased early in his shift and looks like he is in pain on the bench.

I was hoping that reuniting 19 and 88 might light a spark for booth guys.

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).


Things are going great up in your old stomping grounds. Lots of tourists as usual.

I think something is definately hindering Toews. He seems gased early in his shift and looks like he is in pain on the bench.

I was hoping that reuniting 19 and 88 might light a spark for booth guys.
- scott.jackson

Didn't Kubalik get run into an open bench door a game or two ago? Maybe some lingering effects there. I never saw Toews sustain any major hit that would have done damage, but who knows.

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.
- LAHawk

How do you get rid of Matta or deHaan?

A Dave Bolland type is what you want for a 3C on a SC contending team. Defensive excellence, some offensive skill, hard to play against, gets under the opponent's skin, etc. Strome isn't that guy. Mac Entwistle has a shot to be that guy.
- scottak

Bolland was a horse. Don't see that guy on the team?

Has Mitchell been told he's with the big club next year?

I think that is the huge factor in what to do with Murphy

Where does he fall in the right side depth chart with Boqvist, Seabrook and then Mitchell?

Between Maata, Murphy and DeHaan- Murphy may get the most back in a trade rather than a bad contract for bad contract
- PatShart

Trading Murphy doesn't make us better and I don't think we're rebuilding yet?

Has Mitchell been told he's with the big club next year?

I think that is the huge factor in what to do with Murphy

Where does he fall in the right side depth chart with Boqvist, Seabrook and then Mitchell?

Between Maata, Murphy and DeHaan- Murphy may get the most back in a trade rather than a bad contract for bad contract
- PatShart

The back end will be fascinating to watch.....

I think Mitchell makes the team. Variable in this is how much improvement do we see out of Seabrook with fixed hips and a shoulder, and a pretty long lay off to get "right". Can he be serviceable in the top 4, or be a + in the bottom pairing?

IMO....keith, Mitchell, Seabrook, Murphy, Maata, Boqvist and Koekkoek.

I would trade DeHaan. If Boqvist isnt' a lot better after 20 games I would move in another rookie to get some reps.