And, I know he's not a prospect, and I don't expect him to keep putting up these numbers, but Vinnie has been great since his return. He also didn't cost anything, and he's got 7 points in 8 games. I'd like to see him signed to a cheap one year contract to see if he can do it again next season.
- tvetter

I would agree. Vinnie has looked really good.

I would agree. Vinnie has looked really good.
- SaskHawkFan

Vinny looks like he is using his speed effectively as opposed to the first time around where he was buzzzing around the ice with no purpose ala Ken Yaremchuk

Stan did a good job plucking two legit prospects from other teams in Hagel and Kalynuk. It’s hard to admit, but the timing for signing both of these guys was spot-on.
- DarthKane

But the question still remains, was the decision his or did Daddy or even Uncle Dale push him into the signings?

Vinny looks like he is using his speed effectively as opposed to the first time around where he was buzzzing around the ice with no purpose ala Ken Yaremchuk
- LAHawk

He’s playing like he wants to earn a position. And like ADB a small guy who doesn’t mind playing in tough areas on the ice.

was that report by Dreger true or wishful thinking? I hope it's true, but you would think this kind of update would of come from the club first. I can't see Toews granting a journalist (although a well connected one) approval to give an update about his condition before the club.
- LAHawk

I think someone posted on yesterday's blog, or the previous one, that Bowman mentioned on a podcast that he expects Toews back next year. An official announcement from the club or Toews would be welcome. We'll probably hear something during the off season. I guess we can wait a few more months.

I would agree. Vinnie has looked really good.
- SaskHawkFan

Yes he's playing like he wants to stay in Chicago to be close to the new born baby. Probably could get him to sign for the around the same amount he's making this year, $1M.

So when is JC going to realize the 1st PP unit needs Hagel on it. Cat is the only player on the PP that can consistently win a board battle right now.

Pope wrote an article the other day saying how well Kalynuk is playing basing it on points, to me that's a great bonus, but his work in his own end is so impressive.

Could it begin again, with the start of getting a player that Philly once drafted?

Wow, whatta win.

My loving of Hagel and Vinnie continues. They both go to the net and play hard. Hagel has just good hockey sense and knows where to be. Vinnie has speed.

The D corp is a mess. They are all often out of position and cough up the puck a lot. That said, for the 3 quick goals, we used speed and pretty passing to get the usually steady Nashville D out of position. I also like how Wyatt and Boquist skate with the puck up the ice, with confidence. Mitchell does the same with lesser results. I'm in favor of the future D over the veterans.

All Hawks goals seem to result from players going to the inside rather than the outside as so often occurs. I like it and want to see more of it.

But the question still remains, was the decision his or did Daddy or even Uncle Dale push him into the signings?
- paulr

Come on. You can't blame him for all the bad and deflect all the good. If you are going to criticize the moves that don't pan out, you can't deny credit for those that do.
(And Uncle Dale, much as I love the guy, isn't connected to the franchise).

Wow, whatta win.

My loving of Hagel and Vinnie continues. They both go to the net and play hard. Hagel has just good hockey sense and knows where to be. Vinnie has speed.

The D corp is a mess. They are all often out of position and cough up the puck a lot. That said, for the 3 quick goals, we used speed and pretty passing to get the usually steady Nashville D out of position. I also like how Wyatt and Boquist skate with the puck up the ice, with confidence. Mitchell does the same with lesser results. I'm in favor of the future D over the veterans.

All Hawks goals seem to result from players going to the inside rather than the outside as so often occurs. I like it and want to see more of it.
- Popsghostly

I'll add that Kurashev has been playing quite well lately as well. He has learned how to work the boards much better and very often comes out with the puck.

Come on. You can't blame him for all the bad and deflect all the good. If you are going to criticize the moves that don't pan out, you can't deny credit for those that do.
(And Uncle Dale, much as I love the guy, isn't connected to the franchise).
- jam10sugar

His comment was sarcastic. Ongoing joke that none of Stan's good moves are of his own volition.

I'll add that Kurashev has been playing quite well lately as well. He has learned how to work the boards much better and very often comes out with the puck.
- Chunk

Totally Chunk.

There was a period 5 or so games ago where I wanted to bench Kurashev but these past few games he's been winning the battles and playing harder, being positively noticeable out there.

https://twitter.com/MarkL.../1385058915906424834?s=01

https://twitter.com/BHTVe.../1385063633361661954?s=01

But the question still remains, was the decision his or did Daddy or even Uncle Dale push him into the signings?
- paulr

Come on, can't we talk about something positive and exciting this morning - like the Maple Leafs on a 5 game losing streak heading into the playoffs with 2 minor league goalies playing badly?

Come on, can't we talk about something positive and exciting this morning - like the Maple Leafs on a 5 game losing streak heading into the playoffs with 2 minor league goalies playing badly?
- RickJ

Rick gets POST of the Day!!!

Come on, can't we talk about something positive and exciting this morning - like the Maple Leafs on a 5 game losing streak heading into the playoffs with 2 minor league goalies playing badly?
- RickJ

And a big game tonight at 6 Central - TOR at WPG. Go Jets.

Wow, whatta win.

My loving of Hagel and Vinnie continues. They both go to the net and play hard. Hagel has just good hockey sense and knows where to be. Vinnie has speed.

The D corp is a mess. They are all often out of position and cough up the puck a lot. That said, for the 3 quick goals, we used speed and pretty passing to get the usually steady Nashville D out of position. I also like how Wyatt and Boquist skate with the puck up the ice, with confidence. Mitchell does the same with lesser results. I'm in favor of the future D over the veterans.

All Hawks goals seem to result from players going to the inside rather than the outside as so often occurs. I like it and want to see more of it.
- Popsghostly

The Hawks really do give up so many opportunities around the net. You just can't have long term success doing that. I still think it is due, at least in part, to the system. Talent is not there but this system makes it so easy for opposing forwards to capitalize on a mistake.

If there is bad communication or uncertainty regarding who should take the puck carrier (especially down low) it leads to a wide open net or leaves the Hawk scrambling to cover.

You also asking young smaller puck moving type d-men to win one on one battles along the boards and down low. If a forward comes to help it leaves an opposing player wide open b/c everyone else is in more or less man coverage. Usually, its an opposing forward crashing to the net wide open.

I just don't like a system where if one player does something wrong or one player misreads something the entire system implodes and the Hawks just run around their own zone for a minute plus.

He’s playing like he wants to earn a position. And like ADB a small guy who doesn’t mind playing in tough areas on the ice.
- paulr

True, but not in the same class. ADB might be short, but he has more mass and much more strength. Vinnie has played well since his return, he is giving them quality effort and minutes and playing smart. All that being said, it's not like the Hawks are going to protect him for the expansion draft.

True, but not in the same class. ADB might be short, but he has more mass and much more strength. Vinnie has played well since his return, he is giving them quality effort and minutes and playing smart. All that being said, it's not like the Hawks are going to protect him for the expansion draft.
- TheTrob

And odds are he won't be taken. He will be a good signing for $1 mil., he can provide some offense, which the Hawks desperately need on the bottom lines. I can also see Vinny and Hagel as one of the 2 PK units next year, better than the plodding Carpenter, and the "good" face-off man Kampf that seems to always get beaten on a defensive zone draw on the PK.

I wonder if the only player not feeling so great about the comeback win is Strome? Be curious to see if he draws back in next game or not.

I wonder if the only player not feeling so great about the comeback win is Strome? Be curious to see if he draws back in next game or not.
- Ogilthorpe2

I would guess JC still goes with seven defenseman, Mitchell in for Da Haan

I would guess JC still goes with seven defenseman, Mitchell in for Da Haan
- LAHawk

LA do you think DeHaan's poor play of late is due to injuries? He's just not very good. I'd rather start a young D over him.

LA do you think DeHaan's poor play of late is due to injuries? He's just not very good. I'd rather start a young D over him.
- Popsghostly

Yes and no. He has been indecisive with the puck all year, so in that aspect no. I do think it has affected how he defends. Case in point the last minute of the Carolina game where he just backed in, I think deathly afraid of getting beat wide.