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

It is now two games where Murphy has cost his team a goal with his helmet issues. This is 100% his fault and self-centered for not having his helmet/chin strap on tight enough. All one has to do is look at his chin strap to see that it is barely even functional. It is a conscious decision for him to not have it on tight enough and if he does not feel like that he can play well without having a loose chin strap, then there are much larger issues at play. Every player wants to be comfortable in their gear, but this is very easily avoidable. While I only play in beer leagues (an am currently looking for a scotch league), I have never noticed my chin strap. Perhaps Colliton should use his great communication skills to talk to Murphy about it.

[quote=Theo Fox]Theo Fox: Game 47: Hawks 5, Preds 4

I don't have any idea of how to post this on here but there is a really good podcast with Bruce Boudreau on a site named Maple Leafs Hotstove. The media guys ask him excellent questions covering stuff like PP's, NHL refs, goalies he has had as an NHL coach, dealing with veteran players past their prime, top coaches in the league, losing the Anaheim - Hawks playoff series. It runs about 55 minutes.

That’s fine. I’d rather the kids have something to play for. The key to that though is letting the kids play. I think it’s past time to get Beaudin and Mitchell back in the lineup. I don’t ever need to see Zadorov or deHaan again.
- Ogilthorpe2

Throw in Murphy as well he sucks!

[quote=Theo Fox]Theo Fox: Game 47: Hawks 5, Preds 4

I don't have any idea of how to post this on here but there is a really good podcast with Bruce Boudreau on a site named Maple Leafs Hotstove. The media guys ask him excellent questions covering stuff like PP's, NHL refs, goalies he has had as an NHL coach, dealing with veteran players past their prime, top coaches in the league, losing the Anaheim - Hawks playoff series. It runs about 55 minutes.
- RickJ

Just post the link to the web site page the podcast is on:

https://mapleleafshotstov...e-12-with-bruce-boudreau/

Scroll down and start the podcast.

Watched the first period live and picked up the game about an hour later off the dvr. Was ready to delete the recording after I saw Nashville go up 4-1, but just couldn’t do it; thought this might be the one I regret. Sure enough, the Hawks made it entertaining. The OT win was great, but it would have helped getting it in regulation and gaining 2 on Nashville instead of just one and picking up a crucial regulation win in the tiebreaker.

Keith looked better than the previous game, which was the worst I think I even saw him play. Murphy was a disaster. Vinnie is playing like he recognizes he is playing for his hockey life. I’d keep him if he keeps this up. As important as Hagel’s goal was, I was more impressed with how he kept his composure behind his own net immediately prior to the simple pass to Vinnie that started the GWG. Very impressed with his overall play.
- Spec41971

Hagel's poise with the puck in OT was something I noticed, too. No panic to skate the puck out of the offensive zone to buy time, even going as far back as behind his own goalie.

While it may be easier to do in OT with more space due to 3 vs 3, Hagel held onto the puck and didn't rush a pass or skate himself into danger.

Just post the link to the web site page the podcast is on:

https://mapleleafshotstov...e-12-with-bruce-boudreau/

Scroll down and start the podcast.
- boilermaker100

Thankyou sir.

Hagel's poise with the puck in OT was something I noticed, too. No panic to skate the puck out of the offensive zone to buy time, even going as far back as behind his own goalie.

While it may be easier to do in OT with more space due to 3 vs 3, Hagel held onto the puck and didn't rush a pass or skate himself into danger.
- Theo Fox

Theo....great blog and analysis as always. I think this team has a chance to make significant strides from this year to next. There are quite a few rookies on this team getting their first exposure to all phases and situations of the NHL game. This hopefully translates into each of these rookies evaluating their game and working on it this summer (strength, skills, etc). The jump in most players is typically from Yr 1 to Yr 2 and we have a boatload of Yr 1 players. Plus this group will have some cohesion as StanBo seems to be building a mini core of newbies. Glass is definitely Half Full in my opinion.

Fun game! Well, the third period anyway. Hawks just refused to go away. Would be nice if there was another Hagel or two in the system somewhere.
- HawkintheD

Altybarmakian, Barratt, Soderlund, and McLaughlin have the tools to be similar to Hagel but not the same although they may show value in other ways.

Altybarmakian just needs to make his speed, shots, and passes count toward something productive yet his hustle is on par with Hagel. He's also more feisty.

Barratt has a similar aggressiveness in all zones as Hagel but not as fast. Definitely more sandpaper, too. Underrated playmaking.

Soderlund has all the gifts as Altybarmakian and Barratt but needs to play a team game and be less selfish with the puck.

McLaughlin is likely the most refined of these four prospects. Just fundamentally sound, smooth, and smart. His relentlessness is there but not at Hagel's unreal level.

Theo,

Has your opinion of Barret changed at all since he started playing in Rockford. He is a player whom reportedly might play wing or center and could play even on the second line. What about his skating?
- jhawk59

I've honestly been more impressed with Barratt each game. He had a slow start to his pro career but has grown incrementally better over time.

His skating is fine and the criticisms are overblown, IMO. He's not going to burn anyone with speed but he's agile enough to be effective.

Barratt's offensive numbers are trending to be a little better than Hagel's first full season in Rockford so that's a plus.

We got a glimpse of him that last game (last season vs the Sharks) before everything shut down and he stood out in his one appearance. Beaudin played well that game too.

Other than that game and what Theo wrote, didn't really know much about him.

I know Theo billed him as a Highmore type with more offense (while not a bad appraisal at the time), though I think in hindsight that might be selling him a bit short.
- HawkintheD

Yeah, my assessment of Hagel as a Highmore clone with better offense looks silly right now. If Highmore had continued to trend in the right direction then he wouldn't have played himself off the team. Oh well, no big loss.

I've honestly been more impressed with Barratt each game. He had a slow start to his pro career but has grown incrementally better over time.

His skating is fine and the criticisms are overblown, IMO. He's not going to burn anyone with speed but he's agile enough to be effective.

Barratt's offensive numbers are trending to be a little better than Hagel's first full season in Rockford so that's a plus.
- Theo Fox

Theo, Slavin looks like he got off to a nice start in the pros, any chance he could make the big squad next year, or still more seasoning? Also, there is not enough room for all these type of players, even if you jettison Carpenter, Kampf, Strome. You have Nylander still here, and Reichel maybe knocking at the door by the end of next year. Forgot Gaudette.

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'm liking Hinostroza more and more since his return. Agree with others that he's likely easy to re-sign at or slightly more than what he's presently making given his desire to stay close to home.

Hinostroza at his current playing level would be a good asset in the bottom 6 with potential to ratchet up to middle 6. If the Hawks have an opportunity to upgrade, by all means go for it. Yet, not a bad thing at all if Hinostroza is retained.

He is doing what many of the speedy prospects need to do, i.e. leverage those wheels for productivity with and without the puck. Be disruptive.

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

Agree with your take on Boqvist and Kalynuk. I have more confidence in them defending than the veterans right now and they'll keep getting stronger.

The youngsters will make mistakes as to be expected but they learn from them. Veterans are making mistakes that they should have purged from their system years ago.

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.
- bhawks2241

Good post.

Another perspective to add is that all defensive systems will inevitably break down at various points of a game. The key is what do the players do during those times as they try to regain structure.

Players that can still apply defensive fundamentals without a system will do much better than those that don't know what to do, panic, and pile slop upon slop.

IMO, fundamentals come first, then systems. You need both, of course, but fundamentals can be applied no matter the system. The vice versa is not only tougher but doesn't make sense.

It is now two games where Murphy has cost his team a goal with his helmet issues. This is 100% his fault and self-centered for not having his helmet/chin strap on tight enough. All one has to do is look at his chin strap to see that it is barely even functional. It is a conscious decision for him to not have it on tight enough and if he does not feel like that he can play well without having a loose chin strap, then there are much larger issues at play. Every player wants to be comfortable in their gear, but this is very easily avoidable. While I only play in beer leagues (an am currently looking for a scotch league), I have never noticed my chin strap. Perhaps Colliton should use his great communication skills to talk to Murphy about it.
- MileHighHawks

Murphy's whole helmet ordeal last night was just unfortunately comical and embarrassing.

IIRC, when he first broke into the league, Hayden kept adjusting his helmet during game play. It took him several games to adjust it so it fit snugly.

Not sure if that was a preference or comfort thing but hopefully the equipment managers can help secure equipment not only for safety reasons but also to minimize the unnecessary distraction of adjustments during shifts.

Theo....glad blog and analysis as always. I think this team has a chance to make significant strides from this year to next. There are quite a few rookies on this team getting their first exposure to all phases and situations of the NHL game. This hopefully translates into each of these rookies evaluating their game and working on it this summer (strength, skills, etc). The jump in most players is typically from Yr 1 to Yr 2 and we have a boatload of Yr 1 players. Plus this group will have some cohesion as StanBo seems to be building a mini core of newbies. Glass is definitely Half Full in my opinion.
- glennjpawlak22

Thanks, glenn.

Yes, the fact that most of the rookies are swimming rather than treading water or even sinking bodes well for their subsequent years in the bigs.

Having Mitchell, Beaudin, and Kalynuk spend time in Rockford is good for their long-term development so it's hard to call that time on the farm as a demotion.

If they can parlay that training in the AHL into growth, then I'm all for it especially if it poises them to be regulars on the Hawks blueline next season.

Theo, Slavin looks like he got off to a nice start in the pros, any chance he could make the big squad next year, or still more seasoning? Also, there is not enough room for all these type of players, even if you jettison Carpenter, Kampf, Strome. You have Nylander still here, and Reichel maybe knocking at the door by the end of next year. Forgot Gaudette.
- LAHawk

Slavin has a pretty good chance of cracking the Hawks lineup next season or at least being in the mix during training camp then being a mid-season callup.

His big body and composure to battle along the boards, crash the net, and be responsible defensively would be a welcome addition. He and Entwistle play similar styles and could be a lethal combo with a speedy winger like Hinostroza.

There will be a numbers game at forward as you pointed out. Lots of decisions for Bowman to make on who stays and who goes so spots are opened up.

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

I'm thinkin' Vinnie is a better fit with Colliton's system with the way he plays. He and Hagel are really similar players: Wheels, high motor, a nuisance on the forecheck, with some touch and finish to boot. A good example of coaching playing to player's strength and getting the best out of them.

The back end on the other hand....

Murphy's whole helmet ordeal last night was just unfortunately comical and embarrassing.
- Theo Fox

I'll be looking for a SNUG chin strap on Friday.

It is now two games where Murphy has cost his team a goal with his helmet issues. This is 100% his fault and self-centered for not having his helmet/chin strap on tight enough. All one has to do is look at his chin strap to see that it is barely even functional. It is a conscious decision for him to not have it on tight enough and if he does not feel like that he can play well without having a loose chin strap, then there are much larger issues at play. Every player wants to be comfortable in their gear, but this is very easily avoidable. While I only play in beer leagues (an am currently looking for a scotch league), I have never noticed my chin strap. Perhaps Colliton should use his great communication skills to talk to Murphy about it.
- MileHighHawks

Ahhh, reminds one of Leddy, who to this day spends as much time adjusting his helmet as anything else. Get a helmet that fits and wear it correctly for (frank)s sake

I wouldn't be surprised Hagel plays himself into a top 6 forward.
- BetweenTheDots

Hagel is not a top six player but in case of an injury could fill the hole of top six player short term but not as a regular top six forward imo. The hawks need bigger more physical version of hagel someone like a miles wood in jersey. Like hagel a lot his work habits and compete level are great examples for the rest of the team to follow and what is surprising is his is offensive game which i did not see coming a pleasant surprise.

Agree with your take on Boqvist and Kalynuk. I have more confidence in them defending than the veterans right now and they'll keep getting stronger.

The youngsters will make mistakes as to be expected but they learn from them. Veterans are making mistakes that they should have purged from their system years ago.
- Theo Fox

Only excuse I have for the vets struggling with JC's defensive system is that in sports, players are most effective when they are reacting not thinking. Years of playing a certain way has ingrained in them how they should react. Now, they are being expected to do things differently, it's not that they can't do it, it's that it takes a fraction more time because they have to think as opposed to just react. That slight delay is why they get beat to some spots, or are a fraction late to cover or break up passes. It's also why the younger guys may be able to ingest the concepts of it quicker since there is a lot less to re-learn.

None of it is an excuse for the bad fundamental mistakes though.

Good post.

Another perspective to add is that all defensive systems will inevitably break down at various points of a game. The key is what do the players do during those times as they try to regain structure.

Players that can still apply defensive fundamentals without a system will do much better than those that don't know what to do, panic, and pile slop upon slop.

IMO, fundamentals come first, then systems. You need both, of course, but fundamentals can be applied no matter the system. The vice versa is not only tougher but doesn't make sense.
- Theo Fox

Agreed. That is why the Hawks struggles on D is a mixture of both. It looks like guys are out there thinking versus relying on defensive instincts/fundamentals.

I can't count how many times I have seen both D go down low to get a puck carrier and leave the net wide open. If that is a player making a bad read then said player needs to be benched for a game or period. It happens so many times each game.

If it is the system and a forward is supposed to drop down and cover then its a bad system b/c then that puck goes to the point and the Hawks in turn scramble to cover the point and chaos ensues and more often then not someone is wide open for a cross ice pass or easy rebound goal.

I'd rather see a system that allows for errors or lost puck battles that won't implode on itself.

In this system, I don't see any premium on keeping guys to the outside. Why do we need a d-men to aggressively chase the puck carrier along the wall by the dot or down low in the corner and leave the middle of the ice wide open?

If guys are just consistently screwing up Colliton's system and making bad reads then their needs to be some accountability. It has been 2 years in the system and I see zero improvement or changes.

Only excuse I have for the vets struggling with JC's defensive system is that in sports, players are most effective when they are reacting not thinking. Years of playing a certain way has ingrained in them how they should react. Now, they are being expected to do things differently, it's not that they can't do it, it's that it takes a fraction more time because they have to think as opposed to just react. That slight delay is why they get beat to some spots, or are a fraction late to cover or break up passes. It's also why the younger guys may be able to ingest the concepts of it quicker since there is a lot less to re-learn.

None of it is an excuse for the bad fundamental mistakes though.
- TheTrob

Does the system require players to make decisions that their instincts tell them is bad fundamentally? I feel like guys get stuck in between do what Colliton is coaching versus what their hockey instincts are telling them to do. This results in slow reaction times and indecisiveness, i.e. pucks in the back of the net.

If that makes sense.... definitely not a hockey expert.

Edit: I haven't played much organized hockey but enough other sports to know that if you are out there thinking on defense when you should be reacting you already lost.