One observation on Hogs/Wolves series. Do you notice how many Wolves are over 25yo. Look at their roster. That speaks to quality of players Carolina has at the NHL level, patience with prospects, drafting, cap management and feathering in good experienced players on their AHL team.
Canes top forward $8.5 mil, top dman $5.5 mil, top goalie $4.5 mil. No long term contracts given to players over the age of 25. Maybe not a bunch of superstars. This allows for more depth. No recent Cups, but a serious contender. Underrated GM and Coach.
- Ztra

The season is waning as there appears no way that Rockford is going to get back in the series. They are outclassed by an older, more experienced team just as you point out.

Surely next blog by Theo we will read the post mortem

Now i remember why i wasn't a big fan of Panarin. $11.5 mil and he just looks like another player in the playoffs
- BetweenTheDots

Hahaha he actually came through, good for the Rangers

Kind of what Kane is famous for, score the big goal in the big game.
- LAHawk

Finally

The season is waning as there appears no way that Rockford is going to get back in the series. They are outclassed by an older, more experienced team just ss you point out.

Surely next blog by Theo we will read the post mortem
- jhawk59

The Wolves were a better team plain and simple. RFD has apparently been a one period team for most of the year. Young kids are inconsistent. Learning exp for them, and hope they grow up a bit.

You were saying?
- DarthKane

Just like the Panthers beating the Caps, i actually enjoyed those outcomes he's no Pavelski though, (frank)er just keeps producing in the post season

Yes, Theo I do not expect to hear Davidson is going.to come out soon proclaiming that both Kane and DeBrincat are staying. I would be surprised if they move along, as well as Toews

The next sound you might here is Blackhawk fans muttering "Roos."

Roos and news go together.
Apparently once Roos' season ends then announcement is made of his signing..Until I hear an update in training camp Roos is merely a prospect who might be better than Beaudin....my expectation is low...
He is a darkhorse to play pro but is sort of an intriguing prospect

I've read here that Hedman has lost a step.....

While it looked like Toronto had improved, I wonder how much of that was the result of Tampa losing their third line last off season.
- mohel

Yeah, I read that here too.

It must be the one he loses when he loses an edge, not any other time.

As far game seven, the "new" 3rd line did all the TB scoring...you need that occasionally, but you also need them to be combative heavy lifters in all upcoming series, so let's wait and see if they can meet that task...
Yeah, and as much as Nic Paul surprised the entire series with his feet hands and other gifts, and Hagel's speed, and the next future goal scorer on the Lightning, Ross Colton, they in no way are the mad dog pit bulls that little Yanni Gourde, Barclay Goodrow Out with "low body injury", and always under-rated Blake Coleman, because they are ready on every shift to pound you or threaten to drop the gloves and teams just never knew what the answer was to their disruption.

I do not think that Toronto's four lines played badly, in fact I was very surprised at the skill ad speed they had in the bottom six. I felt those two lines were up to the task at handling their end and showing success in the attack zone.

In any thoughts you might have towards mirroring Tampa to make the new Blackhawks, I would look at the way the entire defense is not only filled with different types, but paired adequately. Cernak will throw the big wall hits so hetman can keep the plays moving. Ryan McDonagh with the younger Sergachev, and

And I knew he the took Foote's kid it would be worth the wait for them...he has played 20 minutes in some games and fills or gets shifts with they sixth guy Bogosian or Ruuta

I thought that the Leaf defense one that as built for the long run but as much as I have liked Muzzin over time and Giordano, and still awaiting Enzo's prediction years ago that "Brodie was going to be a young star on Calgary's defense" I thought LYUBUSHKIN played better, blocked shots, and played harder than I think Brodie and Rielly are capable of.

So, If both Cassidy and Sullivan were let go tomorrow, who would you rather have JD sign?

The Wolves were a better team plain and simple. RFD has apparently been a one period team for most of the year. Young kids are inconsistent. Learning exp for them, and hope they grow up a bit.
- Chunk

Teply', Reichel and the enitire defense has to look back at this series and say "I have to put more work in to be an NHLer..."instead of believing Cobly Cohen's praise of Galvas and all the call ups like they are worth the price of next year's NHL tickets.
(of course, Powers thinks Teply' is an nhler waiting to happen...)

Slow and steady...maybe that is why Davidson talked like he wanted Wright and was readily ready to give the 2023 first rounder up.

I just don't see much help on the way from Rockford, hell, they took Reese, Mackenzie already and those would have been the heavy lifters against the older Wolves...

So, If both Cassidy and Sullivan were let go tomorrow, who would you rather have JD sign?
- powerenforcer

Never happen, but Sullivan all day long. I don't think he'd come back here, especially now.

Yeah, I read that here too.

It must be the one he loses when he loses an edge, not any other time.

As far game seven, the "new" 3rd line did all the TB scoring...you need that occasionally, but you also need them to be combative heavy lifters in all upcoming series, so let's wait and see if they can meet that task...
Yeah, and as much as Nic Paul surprised the entire series with his feet hands and other gifts, and Hagel's speed, and the next future goal scorer on the Lightning, Ross Colton, they in no way are the mad dog pit bulls that little Yanni Gourde, Barclay Goodrow Out with "low body injury", and always under-rated Blake Coleman, because they are ready on every shift to pound you or threaten to drop the gloves and teams just never knew what the answer was to their disruption.

I do not think that Toronto's four lines played badly, in fact I was very surprised at the skill ad speed they had in the bottom six. I felt those two lines were up to the task at handling their end and showing success in the attack zone.

In any thoughts you might have towards mirroring Tampa to make the new Blackhawks, I would look at the way the entire defense is not only filled with different types, but paired adequately. Cernak will throw the big wall hits so hetman can keep the plays moving. Ryan McDonagh with the younger Sergachev, and

And I knew he the took Foote's kid it would be worth the wait for them...he has played 20 minutes in some games and fills or gets shifts with they sixth guy Bogosian or Ruuta

I thought that the Leaf defense one that as built for the long run but as much as I have liked Muzzin over time and Giordano, and still awaiting Enzo's prediction years ago that "Brodie was going to be a young star on Calgary's defense" I thought LYUBUSHKIN played better, blocked shots, and played harder than I think Brodie and Rielly are capable of.
- wiz1901

Lybushkin played very well the entire series, tough kid and he took some heavy licks from the Lightning forwards. Will be a nice UFA pickup for somebody, as Nick Paul will be.

And for those who like the 170 lb 'puck moving' Dmen, the game in Calgary tonight would not be a friendly place for those types.

Another reminder that in 2017 the Hawks could have drafted Oettinger. Instead, SB went in a different direction.

WOW, amazing performance. Got a little sloppy at the end when out of his net, but Oettinger put the show on. Johnny Hockey with the perfect shot that FINALLY went in.

New blog! Thoughts on one way the Blackhawks could formulate the goalie tandem for next season and notes on the Jones Brothers at the IIHF World Championship.

Plus, a look at how the IceHogs offseason could shape up now that their Calder Cup drive is over.

https://bit.ly/3Lbsb9O