I just went and watch shalunov's goal on @byscottpowers twitter and it is actually one of the worst Goal tending I have seen in a while. I wonder if putin has told the KHL they want shalunov to score every game or they are in the siberain league'

https://twitter.com/byscottpowers?lang=en

i
- kmw4631

Powers has a borderline unhealthy obsession with Shalunov.

Ben Pope updates from the optional practice:

Optional practice today for the Blackhawks, getting underway now.

Most of the team out here. Mike Hardman looks a little like Toews and I was really thrown for a second there.

Colliton on Toews: "I don't have anything new to report... We hope that's the case
- Chunk[he returns next season.] But there's a lot of time still."

Colliton on scratching Strome last night: "He was a victim of circumstance where we felt we needed 7 defenseman... I've got no problem with Stromer. He's playing hard and trying to do what we're asking him to do."

Calvin de Haan is considered day to day, Jeremy Colliton said.

Boqvist, matter-of-factly: "I'm feeling good. I was in concussion protocol and now I'm not there."

"Just because I was in concussion protocol doesn't mean I had a concussion."

And from Powers:

Beaudin, Boqvist, DeBrincat, Gaudette, Hagel, Hardman, Hinostroza, Keith, Kurashev, Mitchell, Stillman, Strome, Suter, Zadorov are on the ice for the Blackhawks optional practice.

Shalunov has 12 goals and 18 points in 20 playoff games. He has scored a goal in eight of his last 10 games.

Re Shalunov: maybe he's really coming over!!

Murphy not at the optional skate? He must be getting fitted for a new helmet.

I just went and watch shalunov's goal on @byscottpowers twitter and it is actually one of the worst Goal tending I have seen in a while. I wonder if putin has told the KHL they want shalunov to score every game or they are in the siberain league'

https://twitter.com/byscottpowers?lang=en

i
- kmw4631

Looked like Colin Delia was in the net!!

Generalizing that even more is it's insane when 2 (or even 3) Hawks players cover the puck carrier. Simple eye test: my teammate is covering the puck carrier, I should cover someone else or at least cover another area...like the slot.
- Theo Fox

Do you think the scheme calls for that? Or is it poor execution.

Murphy not at the optional skate? He must be getting fitted for a new helmet.
- boilermaker100

Off at Doctor getting one side of the Velcro sewn into scalp.

Looked like Colin Delia was in the net!!
- LAHawk

it actually looks like he is afraid and is trying to get out of the shots way!

any chance if subban plays well down the stretch he gets protected? there save % is the same. Subban is better on PP and does not let in softies. Lankinen is better on SC and HD SC but must let in more soft goals.

Do you think the scheme calls for that? Or is it poor execution.
- mohel

My guess as a fan is its poor execution. Don't see why any scheme or system would require 2 players to cover the puck carrier. Lacks common sense even in rat hockey.

My guess as a fan is its poor execution. Don't see why any scheme or system would require 2 players to cover the puck carrier. Lacks common sense even in rat hockey.
- Theo Fox

Agreed.

Murphy not at the optional skate? He must be getting fitted for a new helmet.
- boilermaker100

Ha ha. A good chuckle indeed. What are the chances of that happening two games in a row?

Lukas Reichel 2 primary Assists and 1 goal thru 2 periods today.

[quote=kmw4631]I just went and watch shalunov's goal on @byscottpowers twitter and it is actually one of the worst Goal tending I have seen in a while. I wonder if putin has told the KHL they want shalunov to score every game or they are in the siberain league'

https://twitter.com/byscottpowers?

Right now SHALUNOV IS ON FIRE. This will be Maxime’s last chance to try make it in the NHL. If Maxime brings his butt over during the summer and works hard with Kane, Debricat and some of our young bucks, in my opinion he will make the team next September. Done’ kid yourself , Stan got his main European scout watching every step Maxim takes right in the KHL FINALS.

it actually looks like he is afraid and is trying to get out of the shots way!

any chance if subban plays well down the stretch he gets protected? there save % is the same. Subban is better on PP and does not let in softies. Lankinen is better on SC and HD SC but must let in more soft goals.
- kmw4631

As opposed to what the "book" was on Subban before he came to Chicago was that he was mentally weak and that he couldn't play in big games, or make the big stops, he has proven otherwise with the Hawks. However, I don't see Seattle picking Subban up, there are way too many other goaltenders available for Seattle to choose from: Holtby, Jake Allen, Cam Talbot, Merzlekins or Korposalo, Khudobin, none with outrageous salaries.

As opposed to what the "book" was on Subban before he came to Chicago was that he was mentally weak and that he couldn't play in big games, or make the big stops, he has proven otherwise with the Hawks. However, I don't see Seattle picking Subban up, there are way too many other goaltenders available for Seattle to choose from: Holtby, Jake Allen, Cam Talbot, Merzlekins or Korposalo, Khudobin, none with outrageous salaries.
- LAHawk

. I hope you’re right. Subban looked a bit lost early in the season. He seemed to always be looking back in his net after a shot which made me wonder about his confidence. Lately he’s looked pretty strong. His positioning is better, his athleticism is very good and his confidence seems to be there. I’d hate to see him lost for nothing in the expansion draft.

Generalizing that even more is it's insane when 2 (or even 3) Hawks players cover the puck carrier. Simple eye test: my teammate is covering the puck carrier, I should cover someone else or at least cover another area...like the slot.
- Theo Fox

I'd be curious to know where the players are being instructed to rotate or move because their execution or lack there of doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Doing that isn't taught on purpose at any level that I've seen. Maybe you want to double team a guy with his ass to the ice to try to force a turnover along the boards but other than that - it is pretty confusing.

. I hope you’re right. Subban looked a bit lost early in the season. He seemed to always be looking back in his net after a shot which made me wonder about his confidence. Lately he’s looked pretty strong. His positioning is better, his athleticism is very good and his confidence seems to be there. I’d hate to see him lost for nothing in the expansion draft.
- paulr

Agreed, he was swimming in net earlier in the year, not so much lately. I’m not saying that we have SC type goaltending, but that is the least of our worries. We obviously need the young D to develop and improve their strength, but we really need a #1 line. If Toews does indeed come back, then we need to add a top six winger or two(maybe Reichel is one). Kurashev, Suter, and Kubalik would make a good 3rd line, and Dach, Kane, and Dcat would form line 2.

Next season promises roster changes. We cannot predict whom we loose in The Expansion Draft, nor can we guess with certainty any trades

I will take a stab at some of it.

Expanding Draft: Connelly. Not surprised if Zadorov is left unprotected. if claimed the rationale may be that teams are looking at Zadorov. Could there be a conditional trade where Zadorov goes to Boston, Winnipeg or elsewhere (two teams whose interest reportedly expressed at this season's's trade deadline). The Kraken of course agrees not to select such and such, and then moves Zadorov for a nice haul

Trades: At some point new faces propel some players exit. While I will not ponder trade partners, I do suggest Strome will have a new address. Glad and don't let the door hit you as you leave.

I will also suggest that Carpenter moves along. The main reason is not so much he can't be a useful player and a cheap re-sign. No, it is more about newbies

First though just clarifying that Z Smith, Shaw are finished

And a host of power forward candidates may get in a game, but belong in the AHL..Such as recent signings and the presently injured Morrison. Furthermore, I suggest three possible newcomers remain for at least half an AHL season: Altybarmakian, Barret, Soderlund.

I would like to see Sodetlund given responsibility to play center as this may hasten his familiarity of the defensive responsibilities and challenge him to be a complete center. He may eventually get to the NHL as a LW but this strategy could be a key for his development.

I will guess that Slaggert returns for his sophomore collegiate campaign

Au Revoir: Toews, Slavin, Entwhistle.

I foresee each adding a new dimension to the team. Toews may or may not navigate between a L2 and L3. I would wish Barret later in season is recalled and can handle L3 and Toews L2. This also means Kurashev maybe on wing and is Hinostroza on the team

Kampf may go but either Kampf or R Johnson could center for Slavin and Entwhistle. I know that Entwhistle can play center, too. This would be a heavy line, a physical pounding checking line.

The wild card is if Soderlund advances. I simply love his skill and speed and want to utilize it. Kampf is one dimensional and can go as soon as we can deduce whom would take the #4 center role. Because R Johnson is more a depth guy and Entwistle more a LW.

Next season promises roster changes. We cannot predict whom we loose in The Expansion Draft, nor can we guess with certainty any trades

I will take a stab at some of it.

Expanding Draft: Connelly. Not surprised if Zadorov is left unprotected. if claimed the rationale may be that teams are looking at Zadorov. Could there be a conditional trade where Zadorov goes to Boston, Winnipeg or elsewhere (two teams whose interest reportedly expressed at this season's's trade deadline). The Kraken of course agrees not to select such and such, and then moves Zadorov for a nice haul

Trades: At some point new faces propel some players exit. While I will not ponder trade partners, I do suggest Strome will have a new address. Glad and don't let the door hit you as you leave.

I will also suggest that Carpenter moves along. The main reason is not so much he can't be a useful player and a cheap re-sign. No, it is more about newbies

First though just clarifying that Z Smith, Shaw are finished

And a host of power forward candidates may get in a game, but belong in the AHL..Such as recent signings and the presently injured Morrison. Furthermore, I suggest three possible newcomers remain for at least half an AHL season: Altybarmakian, Barret, Soderlund.

I would like to see Sodetlund given responsibility to play center as this may hasten his familiarity of the defensive responsibilities and challenge him to be a complete center. He may eventually get to the NHL as a LW but this strategy could be a key for his development.

I will guess that Slaggert returns for his sophomore collegiate campaign

Au Revoir: Toews, Slavin, Entwhistle.

I foresee each adding a new dimension to the team. Toews may or may not navigate between a L2 and L3. I would wish Barret later in season is recalled and can handle L3 and Toews L2. This also means Kurashev maybe on wing and is Hinostroza on the team

Kampf may go but either Kampf or R Johnson could center for Slavin and Entwhistle. I know that Entwhistle can play center, too. This would be a heavy line, a physical pounding checking line.

The wild card is if Soderlund advances. I simply love his skill and speed and want to utilize it. Kampf is one dimensional and can go as soon as we can deduce whom would take the #4 center role. Because R Johnson is more a depth guy and Entwistle more a LW.
- jhawk59

I think you might need some help with your French there buddy.


My way too early prediction on the prospects:
Alty will be the best of the bunch currently in Rockford. Followed closely behind by Slavin.
Soderlund is going to be the guy that "should" be really good, but never gets there.
Hardman is going to tease for a year, then fade away (no puns or innuendo there at all).

My misguided guesses on who leaves:
Carp
Big Z
de Haan
Connolly
Nylander

Boqvist, just because i was in concussion protocol, doesn't mean i had a concussion????

Don't know the over/under on the TOR WPG game but it's 3-2 Leafs 13 minutes into the 1st period. Halleybuck just pulled from the Jets net.

Boqvist, just because i was in concussion protocol, doesn't mean i had a concussion????
- BetweenTheDots

Well, he took a puck to the jaw, so he had headaches. Given his history, they erred on the side of caution and put him in concussion protocol. The headaches (just using this symptom as an example) may or may not have been due to a concussion. Therefore, just because he was in concussion protocol doesn't mean he had a concussion.

After 40+ games watching Zadorov as a 'Hawk, it is obvious he is not good at playing defense. Yes he brings an element to the game the Hawks desperately need, but the back end isn't it. What is everyone's thoughts about moving him to wing? Does he skate well enough? Work hard enough ? Big Buff did it with some success for a while.
Stick him in front of the net on the PP. Let him crush some opponents D-men on the forecheck. If he doesn't get selected by the Kracken, maybe this is a way to make lemonade out of a lemon......just spit balling.

I think you might need some help with your French there buddy.


My way too early prediction on the prospects:
Alty will be the best of the bunch currently in Rockford. Followed closely behind by Slavin.
Soderlund is going to be the guy that "should" be really good, but never gets there.
Hardman is going to tease for a year, then fade away (no puns or innuendo there at all).

My misguided guesses on who leaves:
Carp
Big Z
de Haan
Connolly
Nylander
- Chunk

My next season predictions....

Shaw and Toews still on LTIR.

I can see Strome traded this summer. Carp either waived or buried in Rockford. Agree Connolly goes via expansion. deHaan probably traded at the TDL. Z hopefully too over the summer or at TDL.

Nylander given another chance. Hinostroza re-signed for a year. Maybe flipped at the TDL. One more cheap veteran forward signed to provide some glue who will also be flipped at the TDL

Maybe Hardman and Gaudette as 13th-14th forwards, or maybe one AHL promotion among Alphabet, Barratt, or Entwistle. Slavin still another year away.

Maybe Kampf expendable at TDL if one of the kids shows he can be a 4C and a PKer.

Edit - forgot about Reichel and Borgstrom. I say they sign and come across the pond. Who knows if they crack the lineup. Maybe mid-season call ups at the expense of Kampf, Hardman or Gaudette.

After 40+ games watching Zadorov as a 'Hawk, it is obvious he is not good at playing defense. Yes he brings an element to the game the Hawks desperately need, but the back end isn't it. What is everyone's thoughts about moving him to wing? Does he skate well enough? Work hard enough ? Big Buff did it with some success for a while.
Stick him in front of the net on the PP. Let him crush some opponents D-men on the forecheck. If he doesn't get selected by the Kracken, maybe this is a way to make lemonade out of a lemon......just spit balling.
- Gary0301

It always sounds good in theory, but I think we can count on one hand how many players have ever done it with any modicum of success. If he's not good enough to play responsibly on D, I don't have any faith that he would do any better as a wing. We've had John Scott, Brookbank, and Mashinter on the team before. Big guys that hit, but can't play hockey. If you exchange those guys for someone even like Stillman, I think they come out ahead.

Well, he took a puck to the jaw, so he had headaches. Given his history, they erred on the side of caution and put him in concussion protocol. The headaches (just using this symptom as an example) may or may not have been due to a concussion. Therefore, just because he was in concussion protocol doesn't mean he had a concussion.
- tvetter

I'm just surprised that he came out and admitted it. Which indicates to me maybe the team was more concerned then Boqvist.

Trade proposal on my part.

CBJ looking for a center. Strome and Z for one of their firsts and a prospect ?