I think the Hawks man-to-man defensive scheme is flawed. The Islanders were one of the worst teams in the league defensively, and when Barry Trotz became coach and instilled his version of man-to-man defensive scheme, with very little or no personal changes, they are near the top of the league defensively. What could be so radically different in the Hawks scheme, that they are just as bad as when Colliton took over ? It all comes back to basic fundamentals. The Hawks need to stress the fundamentals and get better defensively as a team. It will help the kids progress and also help young goaltender trying to establish himself
- chuckdahammer

One thing for sure stands out, the neutral zone defense is outstanding, same goes with Hurricanes, Preds and Bolts, Blackhawks are terrible in the neutral zone, another thing is Trotz says he wants his dmen to clear out the crease? How can they do that if they are chasing someone, he also says the 1st 7 seconds, i think, are critical.

1 thing is in common for all those teams when they are effective they steer you right into the boards and suffocate you

One thing for sure stands out, the neutral zone defense is outstanding, same goes with Hurricanes, Preds and Bolts, Blackhawks are terrible in the neutral zone, another thing is Trotz says he wants his dmen to clear out the crease? How can they do that if they are chasing someone, he also says the 1st 7 seconds, i think, are critical.

1 thing is in common for all those teams when they are effective they steer you right into the boards and suffocate you
- BetweenTheDots

Three other things those teams have in common, none of them are rebuilding, none are breaking in five or six rookies and they all have a lineup that allows them to compete at a high level.

Three other things those teams have in common, none of them are rebuilding, none are breaking in five or six rookies and they all have a lineup that allows them to compete at a high level.
- paulr

Well Hynes tried to in NJ. Funny they fire Trotz and, years later, they hire Hynes who runs the same system

I should add

Calgary has 8 games left, 4 against Vancouver and 1 against Ottawa. There’s definitely an opportunity to slot down to 11th pick, of course it would be nice to slide down even more with the bouncing balls.

(frank) I’m glad he didn’t want to share war and peace with us.
- paulr

That is next week!

When you spend time looking at 500 players you want to share and get people to read them or I have to quit doing this...

How many rounds are there?
- rpeters01

seven minus the Arizona first round punishment.

That is next week!

When you spend time looking at 500 players you want to share and get people to read them or I have to quit doing this...
- wiz1901

Lots of people read . Including people who make their own list. Like from The Athletic.

Feel free to comment on the impact of any centers...their ceiling and fit if Chicago drafted them

Three other things those teams have in common, none of them are rebuilding, none are breaking in five or six rookies and they all have a lineup that allows them to compete at a high level.
- paulr

Farging details......

I thought I read here - often - that the beer league coach was the only one who had a man-to-man system. Now I hear it is all over the place. Farging ice hole internet jockeys.

I did not say anyone gave up on Zadorov I would say Colorado traded from a position of strength that is a pretty stacked blue line .I said Florida gave up on Stillman and the rewarding him a 3 contract reminds me of the Delia signing more hope then sense .We shall see how Boqvist works out I hope for the best but hate to see the kid being rushed for no good reason and suffering injuries that will no doubt affect his progression
- oldduffman

You said a pretty good team in FL gave up on Stillman. COL does have a pretty stacked blue line and dealt from a postition of strength...but being a former first round pick and the main piece acquired from BUF for O'Reilly and McGinn?

He's a 26 yo 6'6" dman who like Stillman in FL saw his ice time reduced in COL. Sounds to me like they gave up on him.

Idk what the issue is with Stillman or Delia's deal. Neither of them break the bank or put the Hawks in jeopardy of having Cap issues.

Edit - You mentioned good teams were trying to acquire Z at the TDL. Don't you think that was mostly out of necessity and he was available? BOS's had injuries and WPG hasn't really replaced the dmen who all left town last season.

Colliton says he doesn't think Boqvist will need surgery on his wrist, which is good news.
- Chunk

What does he know? He can’t even coach...now he’s a doctor?

You said a pretty good team in FL gave up on Stillman. COL does have a pretty stacked blue line and dealt from a postition of strength...but being a former first round pick and the main piece acquired from BUF for O'Reilly and McGinn?

He's a 26 yo 6'6" dman who like Stillman in FL saw his ice time reduced in COL. Sounds to me like they gave up on him.

Idk what the issue is with Stillman or Delia's deal. Neither of them break the bank or put the Hawks in jeopardy of having Cap issues.

Edit - You mentioned good teams were trying to acquire Z at the TDL. Don't you think that was mostly out of necessity and he was available? BOS's had injuries and WPG hasn't really replaced the dmen who all left town last season.
- HawkintheD

The list is long on D-men Q jettisoned who turned out "ok." Odds are in our favor.

What does he know? He can’t even coach...now he’s a doctor?
- Ogilthorpe2

And he flies planes.

You said a pretty good team in FL gave up on Stillman. COL does have a pretty stacked blue line and dealt from a postition of strength...but being a former first round pick and the main piece acquired from BUF for O'Reilly and McGinn?

He's a 26 yo 6'6" dman who like Stillman in FL saw his ice time reduced in COL. Sounds to me like they gave up on him.

Idk what the issue is with Stillman or Delia's deal. Neither of them break the bank or put the Hawks in jeopardy of having Cap issues.

Edit - You mentioned good teams were trying to acquire Z at the TDL. Don't you think that was mostly out of necessity and he was available? BOS's had injuries and WPG hasn't really replaced the dmen who all left town last season.
- HawkintheD

If you can't female dog about what Stan does nobody would be here.

You said a pretty good team in FL gave up on Stillman. COL does have a pretty stacked blue line and dealt from a postition of strength...but being a former first round pick and the main piece acquired from BUF for O'Reilly and McGinn?

He's a 26 yo 6'6" dman who like Stillman in FL saw his ice time reduced in COL. Sounds to me like they gave up on him.

Idk what the issue is with Stillman or Delia's deal. Neither of them break the bank or put the Hawks in jeopardy of having Cap issues.

Edit - You mentioned good teams were trying to acquire Z at the TDL. Don't you think that was mostly out of necessity and he was available? BOS's had injuries and WPG hasn't really replaced the dmen who all left town last season.
- HawkintheD

The timing.

The list is long on D-men Q jettisoned who turned out "ok." Odds are in our favor.
- rpeters01

Never thought of that angle.

New blog! A preview to the Blackhawks last series with the Panthers and look at options for the starting lineup.

Plus, a recap of the IceHogs loss to the Griffins in the first of a 3-game set.

https://bit.ly/3gOsBqX