Didn’t Lovie get them to the playoffs 3 consecutive years and to the Super Bowl?
- scottak

Was it 3 years in a row? Let's say they did he relied on a great pass rusher and speed demon hall of fame LB, peanut punch happened because peanut was so frustrated playing soft ass zone. Problem with his defense was it struggled against franchise QBs, unless they got pressure on them. You really think Lovie was a good coach? At least he was able to keep the room, that defense played too the whistle

And on a different note every gm that was worth his salt since Halas has moved on have done a really good job drafting defensive players, but offensive players have frankly been offensive. And when it comes to the most important position still no franchise QB.

And honestly getting there is not the same as winning it.

COVID and a self imposed payroll CAP. He got an under achieving offense and a poor bullpen to the playoffs. Well done fir his 1st season.
- scottak

I still think since MLB raised the strike zone it really hurt these Cub hitters, none of them can get on top of the high fastball

Hey Theo, Ill pile on and reiterate the fantastic job you are doing with each and every blog. They seem to get better and better each time out. Great work - cant wait for you to actually dissect a game or stretch of games for us. Stick TAP!!!!
- glennjpawlak22

Thanks, glenn! Happy to help fill the void as we wait for the games to start up again.

Once the NHL and NHLPA hammer out the details and approve everything, the floodgates to trades and free agent signings will also commence so that's more fodder right there.

Hopefully some involve the Hawks especially to loosen the bloated roster.

I saw on another message board a rumor from someone with connections to the Vegas front office who said there's a Tuch + prospect for Strome trade offer supposedly on the table.

The impasse is the Hawks want a high-end prospect but Vegas is offering up a mid-range or lower-end one.

If this rumor is true, good on Bowman to not cave. Wait for teams to give up the higher-end futures.
- Theo Fox

Don't tease me like that😁

Unlike others I'd rather hold on to Strome, give them something out of the trash bin

Yea i love his tenacity

I saw on another message board a rumor from someone with connections to the Vegas front office who said there's a Tuch + prospect for Strome trade offer supposedly on the table.

The impasse is the Hawks want a high-end prospect but Vegas is offering up a mid-range or lower-end one.

If this rumor is true, good on Bowman to not cave. Wait for teams to give up the higher-end futures.
- Theo Fox

Tuch is big and fast but I'm not sure he's worth his cap hit of $4.75M for another 6 years. He's scored 106 pts in 200 NHL games - a 0.5 ppg. He's not really a top-6 caliber player so having him for 6 more years at nearly a $5M cap hit doesn't seem like a good deal to me.

I'd rather work a deal where we take Pacioretty off their hands and get Peyton Krebs in the deal. Maybe something like Strome and Zack Smith for Pacioretty and Krebs.

Tuch is big and fast but I'm not sure he's worth his cap hit of $4.75M for another 6 years. He's scored 106 pts in 200 NHL games - a 0.5 ppg. He's not really a top-6 caliber player so having him for 6 more years at nearly a $5M cap hit doesn't seem like a good deal to me.

I'd rather work a deal where we take Pacioretty off their hands and get Peyton Krebs in the deal. Maybe something like Strome and Zack Smith for Pacioretty and Krebs.
- EbonyRaptor

I see Tuch as Bickell like. Solid playoff performer with his heavy style and goal scoring but is inconsistent in the regular season.

It's tough to say if 2018-19 was his water level (50+ points) or if last season was (30+). His cap hit for 6 more years may be risky to find out and perhaps guess wrong.

If the Hawks are to pursue Tuch in a Strome deal, then definitely ask for Krebs, Brisson, or maybe even Glass.

I do like your proposed trade, too. It's a trade off: Pacioretty at $7M for 3 years or Tuch at $4.75 for 6 years.

I see Tuch as Bickell like. Solid playoff performer with his heavy style and goal scoring but is inconsistent in the regular season.

It's tough to say if 2018-19 was his water level (50+ points) or if last season was (30+). His cap hit for 6 more years may be risky to find out and perhaps guess wrong.

If the Hawks are to pursue Tuch in a Strome deal, then definitely ask for Krebs, Brisson, or maybe even Glass.

I do like your proposed trade, too. It's a trade off: Pacioretty at $7M for 3 years or Tuch at $4.75 for 6 years.
- Theo Fox

I doubt Vegas would give up their three top prospects - I'd be happy just getting Krebs. I watched those 2 Canadian Jr team scrimmage games before they were shutdown for Covid and Krebs was easily one of the top players in both games. He's a high skill and non-stop motor guy who challenges the puck all over the ice. He kind of has a similar profile as Reichal as a player who has enough skill to be a top-6 player but also is a high energy guy who is always engaged in all areas of the ice.

Then - to belabor my latest trade proposal - do the Kane for Cozens deal and the Hawks would have (4) top-6 forwards under 20 with Dach, Cozens, Krebs, and Reichal. That's a pretty good start on the rebuild.

New blog! A breakdown of how the Blackhawks can improve their passing game which hasn’t been a strong suit and limits their offensive chances.

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=108644

I saw on another message board a rumor from someone with connections to the Vegas front office who said there's a Tuch + prospect for Strome trade offer supposedly on the table.

The impasse is the Hawks want a high-end prospect but Vegas is offering up a mid-range or lower-end one.

If this rumor is true, good on Bowman to not cave. Wait for teams to give up the higher-end futures.
- Theo Fox

If it’s a good deal, take it - don’t hold out for something just because the other team has to make a deal - that just lets another team get in on the deal.

I never understood “don’t do them any favor” (or other maxims like “don’t deal within your division”) - make deals that help your team before someone else steps in and you’re on the outside.

I doubt Vegas would give up their three top prospects - I'd be happy just getting Krebs. I watched those 2 Canadian Jr team scrimmage games before they were shutdown for Covid and Krebs was easily one of the top players in both games. He's a high skill and non-stop motor guy who challenges the puck all over the ice. He kind of has a similar profile as Reichal as a player who has enough skill to be a top-6 player but also is a high energy guy who is always engaged in all areas of the ice.

Then - to belabor my latest trade proposal - do the Kane for Cozens deal and the Hawks would have (4) top-6 forwards under 20 with Dach, Cozens, Krebs, and Reichal. That's a pretty good start on the rebuild.
- EbonyRaptor

I like this.

ER...there’s an upcoming GM opening with the Bears. How are your FB chops?

Was it 3 years in a row? Let's say they did he relied on a great pass rusher and speed demon hall of fame LB, peanut punch happened because peanut was so frustrated playing soft ass zone. Problem with his defense was it struggled against franchise QBs, unless they got pressure on them. You really think Lovie was a good coach? At least he was able to keep the room, that defense played too the whistle

And on a different note every gm that was worth his salt since Halas has moved on have done a really good job drafting defensive players, but offensive players have frankly been offensive. And when it comes to the most important position still no franchise QB.

And honestly getting there is not the same as winning it.
- BetweenTheDots

Well yes, but Buffalo did have some really great teams and some really bad luck. Any one of those Buffalo teams would have beaten the Urlacher Hester Bears.