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

Might as well just but Pirri down for a goal every time he steps on the ice. And -2 in the box score.

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

@BenPopeCST

Colliton on goalie battle: “It's hard for them to show much in practice, so that's part of why we want to scrimmage is (it'll) allow us to evaluate the goalies.”

He added that the season will be partially used to evaluate them too, though. It won’t be cemented after camp.

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
- chuckdahammer

IMO, that Swedish line on the 3rd would be ideal but think Colliton may play Soderberg up in the top 6.

It might have shocked those who didn’t know the whole story.

The sight of Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella laying into center Pierre-Luc Dubois on the bench and Dubois dishing it right back certainly raised eyebrows Tuesday, after the spat was shown during a Sportsnet broadcast.

Taking place shortly before the third period of Game 2 between the Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs, who won 3-0 to split the first two games in a best-of-five series, the exchange got people talking.

Dubois and Tortorella, however, weren’t among them. Dubois hasn’t spoken with reporters since the incident, and Tortorella wasn’t directly asked about it Wednesday in a video conference with reporters. He was asked about Dubois, though, and his answer was a continuation of a conflict that has simmered for a while.


“It’s a process,” Tortorella said, when asked how Dubois responds to adversity during games. “He’s a young player, still learning to understand momentum swings in games, what is needed in certain situations when things aren’t going right for him or the team. … It doesn’t surprise me. It happens with all young players.”

This particular young player, however, is like his coach in one big regard. He has a strong will that isn’t easily broken. So Tortorella and Dubois have played “tug-of-war" in this regard much of this season.


Tortorella is on one end, pulling and prodding Dubois to become one of the NHL’s top two-way centers. Dubois is tugging at the other end with the resolute belief that playing so much defense in Tortorella’s system is holding him back offensively.

They had a couple of notable clashes during the regular season, played out with public comments, and Tortorella picked it back up during the Jackets’ two-week training camp to prepare for the postseason.


It’s interesting to note that Dubois was one of five Blue Jackets skaters who were caught in the Maple Leafs’ zone after Toronto captain John Tavares made it 2-0 on a breakaway early in the third period — after the verbal confrontation on the Columbus bench.

It might amount to nothing, but it’s a situation that will be watched even more closely now.
- LAHawk

My only comment about this is that Torts can make players better and I support him here one hundred percent. If this is an issue for Dubois this is not good because that tells me he is not coachable. Torts will make players better or he will destroy them, it is all up to the player and how he accepts constructive criticism. I wish I knew what really is going on.

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.
- jhawk59

We will never know how much of that was Stan's doing. It appears he has become more frugal do to who knows why?

Draft for need vs. best player available?
Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieaux?

Draft for need vs. best player available?
Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieaux?
- rpeters01

Which one is which?

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.
- Chunk

THAT'S GREAT !! I've always wanted the Hawks to get bigger, but that "little guy" Suter, can play big .... nose to the net, does not mind getting greasy. Big is good, but if you don't want to get greasy .... give me more of the little guy. Intriguing thought .... what if he turns out to be like one of the Lightnings feisty little guys, Gourde or Point ????

Draft for need vs. best player available?
Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieaux?
- rpeters01

Bobby Orr was the best of all time, if you were able to predict their careers I’d go with Orr regardless of need.

My only comment about this is that Torts can make players better and I support him here one hundred percent. If this is an issue for Dubois this is not good because that tells me he is not coachable. Torts will make players better or he will destroy them, it is all up to the player and how he accepts constructive criticism. I wish I knew what really is going on.
- joegreif17

Or option 3, talented player with confidence is going to stand up for himself and tell his coach go (frank) himself. Torts is a baby in an adult body can you imagine Torts ripping into Kane Keith Toews or Seabrook he'd be on the next bus out of town.
Times are always changing, growing and so on, Torts is past his expiration date.

THAT'S GREAT !! I've always wanted the Hawks to get bigger, but that "little guy" Suter, can play big .... nose to the net, does not mind getting greasy. Big is good, but if you don't want to get greasy .... give me more of the little guy. Intriguing thought .... what if he turns out to be like one of the Lightnings feisty little guys, Gourde or Point ????
- chuckdahammer

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. Few bigger guys had the heart of Andrew Shaw. And one of the best guys ever to be a net front presence, even though I detested him, was Dino Ciccerelli. And Ciccerelli played in an era when defensemen could use any means, short of murder, to get you out of the crease.

THAT'S GREAT !! I've always wanted the Hawks to get bigger, but that "little guy" Suter, can play big .... nose to the net, does not mind getting greasy. Big is good, but if you don't want to get greasy .... give me more of the little guy. Intriguing thought .... what if he turns out to be like one of the Lightnings feisty little guys, Gourde or Point ????
- chuckdahammer

Then the Hawks will not only be more competitive this year, but be that much closer to haveing a complete roster going forward. I'm really intrigued to see if Suter can replicate his prowess on the boards and his PK skills in the NHL. If so, the Hawks may have found yet another EU gem.

Or option 3, talented player with confidence is going to stand up for himself and tell his coach go (frank) himself. Torts is a baby in an adult body can you imagine Torts ripping into Kane Keith Toews or Seabrook he'd be on the next bus out of town.
Times are always changing, growing and so on, Torts is past his expiration date.
- BetweenTheDots

Torts gets more out of a team than most any other coach.

Torts gets more out of a team than most any other coach.
- LAHawk

But, this is the Era of Feelings!

Or option 3, talented player with confidence is going to stand up for himself and tell his coach go (frank) himself. Torts is a baby in an adult body can you imagine Torts ripping into Kane Keith Toews or Seabrook he'd be on the next bus out of town.
Times are always changing, growing and so on, Torts is past his expiration date.
- BetweenTheDots

Yes and no. As much of a loudmouth as he is, his teams are always tough to play against, and are always competitive. Especially with some of the lineups he's been given, he's done well making chicken salad.

Now, does he cross the line too often? Yes. Would he fit on any team? No. I hold nothing against Torts for running the team the way he does. I also hold nothing against Dubois for (allegedly) asking out if he doesn't like what is there. It does not make him a bad player (or apple). The team also is under no obligation to oblige. He makes a request. If they decide to move him, it is their prerogative.

Bobby Orr was the best of all time, if you were able to predict their careers I’d go with Orr regardless of need.
- paulr

Gretzky would have been picked third. Orr would be the better pick between the two.

But, this is the Era of Feelings!
- mohel

It really is, i mean you couldn't handle my minimum wage comment, so yea it is

Draft for need vs. best player available?
Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieaux?
- rpeters01

#4

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. Few bigger guys had the heart of Andrew Shaw. And one of the best guys ever to be a net front presence, even though I detested him, was Dino Ciccerelli. And Ciccerelli played in an era when defensemen could use any means, short of murder, to get you out of the crease.
- paulr

Agree. But the downsize is durability. Pius Suter 5'11" 175lbs. Andrew Shaw 5'11" 182 lbs. Can they take the NHL pounding night in and night out, especially in a condensed season. I would rather see them on the wing in the long run.

Toews 6'2" 200, Dach 6'4" 200 and adding, Strome 6'3" 200 and adding, Soderberg 6'3 210, Kampf 6'2" 190. Are more ideal size for center.

It really is, i mean you couldn't handle my minimum wage comment, so yea it is
- BetweenTheDots

That was all about you, Dots.

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. Few bigger guys had the heart of Andrew Shaw. And one of the best guys ever to be a net front presence, even though I detested him, was Dino Ciccerelli. And Ciccerelli played in an era when defensemen could use any means, short of murder, to get you out of the crease.
- paulr

I had season tickets at the old barn during the Ciccerelli North Stars era, I also hated that guy, but would have taken him on my team any day and twice on Tuesday’s.

Agree. But the downsize is durability. Pius Suter 5'11" 175lbs. Andrew Shaw 5'11" 182 lbs. Can they take the NHL pounding night in and night out, especially in a condensed season. I would rather see them on the wing in the long run.

Toews 6'2" 200, Dach 6'4" 200 and adding, Strome 6'3" 200 and adding, Soderberg 6'3 210, Kampf 6'2" 190. Are more ideal size for center.
- -Doh-

From what I've watched of Suter, he seems to be able to get in the danger areas (crease and boards) without getting hammered all that hard. Granted, I'm mostly watching highlights, but he doesn't really play the body. He uses position, quickness and his stick to get leverage and possession.

I agree that I'd prefer that the center position to be a bit bigger, but Suter has played it recently and played it well. I would guess, if he shows well, when Dach and Toews come back, he will move to wing.

I had season tickets at the old barn during the Ciccerelli North Stars era, I also hated that guy, but would have taken him on my team any day and twice on Tuesday’s.
- Angotti

Weren’t Tuesdays Bulls Days at the Stadium?

Sunday and Wednesdays - Blackhawks.

Saturday’s and Tuesday’s - Bulls.

Weren’t Tuesdays Bulls Days at the Stadium?

Sunday and Wednesdays - Blackhawks.

Saturday’s and Tuesday’s - Bulls.
- StLBravesFan

I do remember Wednesday's and Sunday's were Hawk nights. Saturday's was a road game. I remember a few times the games on Sundays used to be delayed because the train carrying the Canadiens was late (Gump Worsley had a huge fear of flying). Kind of ironic since he was one of the last to don a face mask.

From what I've watched of Suter, he seems to be able to get in the danger areas (crease and boards) without getting hammered all that hard. Granted, I'm mostly watching highlights, but he doesn't really play the body. He uses position, quickness and his stick to get leverage and possession.

I agree that I'd prefer that the center position to be a bit bigger, but Suter has played it recently and played it well. I would guess, if he shows well, when Dach and Toews come back, he will move to wing.
- Chunk

For Suter in camp right now it's not like there's a tough NHL Center for him to play against.