@BenPopeCST

Final in the Blackhawks' 2-period, 50-minute scrimmage:

Red Team - 4
Goals: Suter, OG, Morrison, Quenneville
Goalies: Subban, Lankinen

Black Team - 2
Goals: Strome, Pirri
Goalies: Delia, Tomkins

(I'm having a mental lapse but can't figure out who OG is unless that's you Ogi)
- Theo Fox

I was wondering the same thing. Own Goal?

Own goal.
- Chunk

And here I am looking at the roster trying to figure it out....

And here I am looking at the roster trying to figure it out....

- Rota's Rooter

I did the same thing......

@BenPopeCST

Final in the Blackhawks' 2-period, 50-minute scrimmage:

Red Team - 4
Goals: Suter, OG, Morrison, Quenneville
Goalies: Subban, Lankinen

Black Team - 2
Goals: Strome, Pirri
Goalies: Delia, Tomkins

(I'm having a mental lapse but can't figure out who OG is unless that's you Ogi)
- Theo Fox

I asked Ben, OG is Own Goal

Chunk and PowerEnforcer for the win...er, tie!

From Powers and Lazerus in The Athletic’s article regarding MacIver leaving the Hawks for the Kraken:

But multiple sources said Maciver felt that he had been cut out of the inner circle by Bowman and Al MacIsaac in recent seasons as the internal push and pull between rebuilding and trying to squeeze one last Cup run out of the core intensified. One of the few occasional voices of dissent in the front office, Maciver was marginalized and, according to one team source, eventually ignored altogether.

“They iced him out,” the source said. “They thought he was too negative.”

This is the icing on the cake. We thought that it was McD that was trying to milk every drop out of this core, and that with him finally out of the picture it allowed Stan to truly focus on rebuilding. But looks like we were wrong. It was Stan that was too stubborn to admit change was needed. And now he’s starting this rebuild at least a year late. I have zero faith in him getting this right. It’s a shame that the Wirtz’s are so committed to the Bowmans and even upped Stan’s involvement with the team. Not looking forward to seeing what puppet Stan picks to be his yes-man. Fresh input from outside the organization is badly needed. But we’ll likely see a promotion from within. This reeks.

What sense does this make? Isn't the idea of an AHL team to develop players into the teams systems and ways? So now a rival will have these players and mess up what you are trying to teach them?
- powerenforcer

I am surprised they didn't have 2 AHL teams use one rink. It would lower costs in many ways. They would create mini-bubbles.

@BenPopeCST

Murphy says Mitchell and Kalynuk have really impressed him. The question was about Mitchell, so the Kalynuk mention in noteworthy.

"Those guys right off the bat seem to have a coolness to them."

Video of Kalynuk with a strong rush up ice (courtesy of Scott Powers):

https://t.co/239yBPT7jr

I am surprised they didn't have 2 AHL teams use one rink. It would lower costs in many ways. They would create mini-bubbles.
- -Doh-

If I recall a tweet from yesterday, a few AHL teams will be using the practice rinks of their parent clubs for their home ice (or at least a local rink, not an arena). Definitely would save on costs.

From Powers and Lazerus in The Athletic’s article regarding MacIver leaving the Hawks for the Kraken:



This is the icing on the cake. We thought that it was McD that was trying to milk every drop out of this core, and that with him finally out of the picture it allowed Stan to truly focus on rebuilding. But looks like we were wrong. It was Stan that was too stubborn to admit change was needed. And now he’s starting this rebuild at least a year late. I have zero faith in him getting this right. It’s a shame that the Wirtz’s are so committed to the Bowmans and even upped Stan’s involvement with the team. Not looking forward to seeing what puppet Stan picks to be his yes-man. Fresh input from outside the organization is badly needed. But we’ll likely see a promotion from within. This reeks.
- TommyHawk

It read to me like McIver was the one wanting to continue retooling around the core, since that is a skill he was lauded for bringing to the table. Was he a McD acolyte? If so, makes sense he'd be on that side of the coin rather than rebuild faster.

"He was a key voice in the retooling of the Blackhawks roster around the core."

What leads you to believe he was actually the one fighting for an earlier rebuilding effort? I'm just curious (not challenging you) because he's heading to what will be my second team out here in the PNW.

I asked Ben, OG is Own Goal

Chunk for the win!
- Theo Fox

Chunk and I posted at the same time.....I want a recount!

Chunk and I posted at the same time.....I want a recount!
- powerenforcer

Sorry, PE! I'll amend my post and declare a tie

From Powers and Lazerus in The Athletic’s article regarding MacIver leaving the Hawks for the Kraken:



This is the icing on the cake. We thought that it was McD that was trying to milk every drop out of this core, and that with him finally out of the picture it allowed Stan to truly focus on rebuilding. But looks like we were wrong. It was Stan that was too stubborn to admit change was needed. And now he’s starting this rebuild at least a year late. I have zero faith in him getting this right. It’s a shame that the Wirtz’s are so committed to the Bowmans and even upped Stan’s involvement with the team. Not looking forward to seeing what puppet Stan picks to be his yes-man. Fresh input from outside the organization is badly needed. But we’ll likely see a promotion from within. This reeks.
- TommyHawk

I suggest that Stan will not make drafting mistakes. I predict his trading record will be better when he doesn't feel pressured to keep the team competitive to the extent of challenging for playoffs. Bowman probably ok for the task of rebuild.

Naysayers focused too much on Bowman trying to stay competitive. Like you would not have been bitter if rebuild started after the last Cup. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Sure some gambling on players to help did not work out. No GM has a perfect track record. Yes someone out there might be a better choice for GM.

But I look at Bowman and think he will be ok on the rebuild. Covid effect on all sports though makes a GM job tougher. I AM NOT A BOWMAN APOLOGETIC. I do think it is convenient for fans to blast him and not altogether fairly.

Interestingly enough the comment about McDonough gumming things up is summarily challenged by Bowman's conservative waiting out until he can see changes are necessary. Just glad that he appears to understand compete level needs revamping and he has worked toward that end.

Of course Bowman paid out too much term and dollars to some players. I have to ask, could someone else at that time have prudently kept the core together and won two more Cups.

Bowman has some plus and minus marks. I don't say he is the best choice to continue as GM. But I believe he will do ok with the draft and ok with trades.

And btw the Sharp trade was not so bad. He had to pare dollars per salary cap and we got the best years from Sharp. Couldn't hold his big contract in the budget any longer. Disappointed with the return price but I suspect that Bowman tried to trade Sharp for a #1 and failing that, he then made the trade. That is my guess not based on evidence.

It read to me like McIver was the one wanting to continue retooling around the core, since that is a skill he was lauded for bringing to the table. Was he a McD acolyte? If so, makes sense he'd be on that side of the coin rather than rebuild faster.

"He was a key voice in the retooling of the Blackhawks roster around the core."

What leads you to believe he was actually the one fighting for an earlier rebuilding effort? I'm just curious (not challenging you) because he's heading to what will be my second team out here in the PNW.
- pdx2ord

I read it the same way as you.

@BenPopeCST

Murphy says Mitchell and Kalynuk have really impressed him. The question was about Mitchell, so the Kalynuk mention in noteworthy.

"Those guys right off the bat seem to have a coolness to them."

Video of Kalynuk with a strong rush up ice (courtesy of Scott Powers):

https://t.co/239yBPT7jr
- Theo Fox

Theo, any word if any of the goaltenders are standing out?

@BenPopeCST

Murphy says Mitchell and Kalynuk have really impressed him. The question was about Mitchell, so the Kalynuk mention in noteworthy.

"Those guys right off the bat seem to have a coolness to them."

Video of Kalynuk with a strong rush up ice (courtesy of Scott Powers):

https://t.co/239yBPT7jr
- Theo Fox

It will be very interesting to see if the Hawks find enough confidence in some of the young guys to ship out one or two of the vets.

Highmore looks like he's got a fire lit under him today as well. I'm still liking Walmark's steadiness on the ice. Color me cautiously optimistic about him.

Theo, any word if any of the goaltenders are standing out?
- LAHawk

Tomkins seems to be showing quite well today. Stopped a breakaway from Kubalik and had a number of saves from in close. with traffic.

Theo, any word if any of the goaltenders are standing out?
- LAHawk

Honestly, it's hard to tell in brief clips of drills and scrimmages. I've been jotting down notes as I view clips but nothing of note on goalies.

Tomkins seems to be showing quite well today. Stopped a breakaway from Kubalik and had a number of saves from in close. with traffic.
- Chunk

Yeah, from the few clips on Delia and Tomkins (didn't see much on Subban, Lankinen, or Morris), I didn't see a noticeable difference. Tomkins looks sharp.

It will be very interesting to see if the Hawks find enough confidence in some of the young guys to ship out one or two of the vets.

Highmore looks like he's got a fire lit under him today as well. I'm still liking Walmark's steadiness on the ice. Color me cautiously optimistic about him.
- Chunk

Highmore has speed to burn. He does look energized out there.

Yeah, from the few clips on Delia and Tomkins (didn't see much on Subban, Lankinen, or Morris), I didn't see a noticeable difference. Tomkins looks sharp.
- Theo Fox

There is one clip of Pirri blasting a shot past Lankinen, so he obviously should be launched at once.

Pius Suter on the ice for the first time with Hawks. He’s playing centre with Kubalik and Shaw on his wings.

Wonder if he stays at C or will he move to wing once Soderberg makes it to the team?
- Tyler Cameron

I like this line. If Suter can have some of that offensive bite he had in Europe, maybe gain some chemistry with Kubalik, this could be a good second line for scoring. The third line should be really good with some secondary scoring there as well. Hawks have many players with history of double digit goals, which would bring on balanced scoring attack

I like this line. If Suter can have some of that offensive bite he had in Europe, maybe gain some chemistry with Kubalik, this could be a good second line for scoring. The third line should be really good with some secondary scoring there as well. Hawks have many players with history of double digit goals, which would bring on balanced scoring attack
- chuckdahammer

If you have a second, check Powers feed for the Suter goal. He camps right in front of the goalie and boxes out the defender. Stays there, finds the puck and jams it home. I'm on board for more of that.

My guess is Soderberg will slot in at 2C bumping Suter to wing unless Pius impresses.

That line of Suter centering Shaw and Kubalik is intriguing. If they click, keep them together:

DeBrincat - Strome - Kane
Shaw - Suter - Kubalik
Janmark - Wallmark - Soderberg
Hagel - Kampf - Highmore

I know, it's only Day 2 so let's can happen to shake things up.
- Theo Fox

Those three Swedes on line three, might be the best third line the Hawks have had in long time. If you recall, Colliton had Kampf there last year and Strome. Kampf does not have the offense, Strome does not have the defense. Those three guys are all good defensively and all of them have had years in double digit goals. That would be excellent complimentary secondary scoring and defense would not suffer. Soderberg- size Wallmark - smarts Janmark - speed

From Powers and Lazerus in The Athletic’s article regarding MacIver leaving the Hawks for the Kraken:



This is the icing on the cake. We thought that it was McD that was trying to milk every drop out of this core, and that with him finally out of the picture it allowed Stan to truly focus on rebuilding. But looks like we were wrong. It was Stan that was too stubborn to admit change was needed. And now he’s starting this rebuild at least a year late. I have zero faith in him getting this right. It’s a shame that the Wirtz’s are so committed to the Bowmans and even upped Stan’s involvement with the team. Not looking forward to seeing what puppet Stan picks to be his yes-man. Fresh input from outside the organization is badly needed. But we’ll likely see a promotion from within. This reeks.
- TommyHawk

You don't know this it's a total assumption.

There is no doubt Dubois could help any team he plays for. The Hawks have nothing that would interest the Jackets in trade. Dubois just wants to move on from Columbus. He is an extremely hard worker, good team mate and the trade request is just a personal thing which he has a right to. I do believe something is not be said but knocking Dubois is absurd. The kid can do it all. Also I really do not think the Jackets will accomodate him in a trade unless they get a number one center plus back. Laine and Roslovic is a real possibilty.