They don't have Gretzky! They have a built in excuse.
- powerenforcer

Maybe there's something in the water in Alberta, Canada

I am just enjoying the ride.

Anyone who has questions about Bedard can get bent. Kid is putting up 11 points, 7 goals, in 12 games with 90% of those games vs top playoff teams last year. Playing with legit 3 liners and making them look goood.....dominating shifts.....kid is starting to spread his wings, and just wait until Davidson pairs him up with legit top skilled wings. Ridiculous game last night.

Korchinski should be on PP1 from here on out. Also getting better. Same with Vlassic and what a game by Kaiser.

THe culture Foligno and Perry are pushing for vs what the 2 turds on D cliched about is invaluable and very likely could fast forward this rebuild a lot quicker than anyone anticipated. Even the Hawks.

not 1 person on this board, or in the media thought they would be 5-7 through 12, with 9 of those games vs playoff teams, and 8 on the road.

Not saying they will make the playoffs, but they could very well hit high 70s/low 80s for points by years end.

Fun to watch....

While looking up something else, I was reminded that Gordie Howe played 80 games and scored 15 goals in the NHL at age 51. Crazy.

I'd also like to emphasize again how of little importance playing in the AHL prepares for success in the NHL and that Reichel should have ben in the league all of last year.
- fattybeef

Not sure about that beef, Reichel has added strength in the last year, which is helping him battle in the NHL. The kid will get it going, he has speed, hands, and now much stronger than he was a couple of years ago. I’d like to see Taylor Hall play with him going forward, hopefully Hall is not out long term, my understanding is that he was walking fine after the game.

They have to deal him if he continues this level of performance up to the deadline. Does he want to stay here during the rebuild? He's been through a lot, and getting term and playing for a contender would be hard for him to pass up at this point. With the injury risk he carries, another reason it's a sell high situation.
- 333inthe3rd

Well that's assuming you have an internal solution in goal in the system already. Recall the Hawks signed Khabibulin to help backstop a young defense the last time we went through this, and paired him up with Lalime and then Huet...until Niemi and Crawford were ready.

Not saying you are wrong, but firm believer you need a very strong guy in net when you have a young team who may make mistakes and you can't have a large portion those result in the red light going off as it will suck any confidence out of the D men, and eventually the F and team as a whole.

Not saying don't trade him....or resign him, but the offer has to be good at that point, or Soderbloom needs to get a lot more consistent.

Well if the writer really understands the game, he could of on Jones penalty that it was a weak call because Jones was caught in a bad position because Vlasic got beat on a pinch at the offensive blue line. Not blaming Vlasic, that happens to all defenseman, no one is perfect. I bet if it was the opposite, the writer would of been all over Jones for making a bad pinch and leaving Vlasic in a bad position.

You are right Dots, Jones seems to get sucked out of position at times. That is what LR keeps preaching that you have to trust your teammates and play within the system. I think Jones gets wrapped up in that he has to do everything himself which leads to the WTF moments I alluded to in the first period especially.
- LAHawk

I agree on overpaid D men...really it's a thing for me on their AAV and what skill sets they have.....some have fewer and get paid less but are just as bad as guy who has a huge salary and multi skills but is below average in some.....Case in point to me Jones and Murphy are equally as bad even though Jones gets paid more.

Maybe there's something in the water in Alberta, Canada
- BetweenTheDots

I don't know what's more hilarious....

waiting for that Oilers coach to get fired

and/or

Reading these asinine rumors that Kane is going to Toronto.....because offense is why Toronto sucks every year....right.

These clowns who are leafs (rumor breakers) paying for blue check marks is gold on Twitter.

LBR over at Second City suggested that part of the reason for this last night was that he was matched up against the Cirelli line.

This is his sophomore campaign, so regression is to be expected. And it's usually the worst time to trade a slumping prospect. Let's see how he does when they play easier opposition.
- 333inthe3rd

My gosh how poorly read is the opinion to trade or give up on Reichel.

You saw late last season in NHL action the skill and points from Reichel. Eventually he should prove to be a solid player with speed and a two way game. Just what KD wants to see. The previous GM made an investment with the Reichel draft choice. Not all prospects develop immediately, right! He is not going to fetch much now in a trade and he might vome back to.bite Chicago if we moved him. I like his style, his skill and I would wait intil the team is better - say in two years - and then see whether he turned the corner.

You know some were down on Bygield and he has now become a beast

We do not need to dump a young player and have it be analagous to when the Cubs took a temporary help for Lou Brock Remember giving up on Tony Tanti Just btw

I am just enjoying the ride.

Anyone who has questions about Bedard can get bent. Kid is putting up 11 points, 7 goals, in 12 games with 90% of those games vs top playoff teams last year. Playing with legit 3 liners and making them look goood.....dominating shifts.....kid is starting to spread his wings, and just wait until Davidson pairs him up with legit top skilled wings. Ridiculous game last night.

Korchinski should be on PP1 from here on out. Also getting better. Same with Vlassic and what a game by Kaiser.

THe culture Foligno and Perry are pushing for vs what the 2 turds on D cliched about is invaluable and very likely could fast forward this rebuild a lot quicker than anyone anticipated. Even the Hawks.

not 1 person on this board, or in the media thought they would be 5-7 through 12, with 9 of those games vs playoff teams, and 8 on the road.

Not saying they will make the playoffs, but they could very well hit high 70s/low 80s for points by years end.

Fun to watch....
- SteveRain

Bedard is so crafty on D. He made some incredible little plays to start transition. Once he fully adjust to NHL speed, he will be 2-3 plays ahead of most guys. He’s patience with the puck will improve too. Gretzky-lite like as far as his ability to think the game on ice.

Outworked Hedman for a dirty goal. Hedman is a top guy still and a force.

Reichel needs to be on Bedards wing. Someone who can make plays and the game easier for Reichel. He’s drowning out there.

Hawks have moved ahead of Nashville, and have a game in hand against MIN & ARI. The schedule has been a back breaker, and they’re holding their own. Is 82 points possible? Remember, the rookies should get better as the season progresses. By year’s end, the 3 rookie defensemen could be formidable.

Tampa’s gonna be pissed when they come to town next week. I’d guess the TB locker room might have been a little testy after the game.

Who is going to give Mrazek term? You would think the mistakes of long term contracts to Murray, Campbell, Lehner, Peterson etc. , and Mrazek's injury history that he is not going to get a long term contract offer in FA., unless he signs for a very low AAV..
- LAHawk

Overpays usually happen based on need. Who will have that need at the deadline or next summer?

Tampa’s gonna be pissed when they come to town next week. I’d guess the TB locker room might have been a little testy after the game.
- scottak

As will Florida Sunday

Hawks have moved ahead of Nashville, and have a game in hand against MIN & ARI. The schedule has been a back breaker, and they’re holding their own. Is 82 points possible? Remember, the rookies should get better as the season progresses. By year’s end, the 3 rookie defensemen could be formidable.
- scottak

They should. But they'll also hit a wall at some point.

Bedard is so crafty on D. He made some incredible little plays to start transition. Once he fully adjust to NHL speed, he will be 2-3 plays ahead of most guys. He’s patience with the puck will improve too. Gretzky-lite like as far as his ability to think the game on ice.

Outworked Hedman for a dirty goal. Hedman is a top guy still and a force.

Reichel needs to be on Bedards wing. Someone who can make plays and the game easier for Reichel. He’s drowning out there.
- bhawks2241

Agreed on both....

They should. But they'll also hit a wall at some point.
- mohel

What makes you say that? Kid played 71 games between WJ and Regina last year. Kid is a rink rat.....I don't think ANYTHING is a given/norm when comparing this kid to anyone else.

This kid is special. Loves the game, is ridiculously blessed with god given talent, hones his craft constantly, and is humble in praise.

Sorry...not going to sit here and expect to see him fall off a cliff.

Hawks have moved ahead of Nashville, and have a game in hand against MIN & ARI. The schedule has been a back breaker, and they’re holding their own. Is 82 points possible? Remember, the rookies should get better as the season progresses. By year’s end, the 3 rookie defensemen could be formidable.
- scottak

100% posssible.....fact they held a meeting after NJ shows you this team isn't accepting losing and that's where 94/17 contracts are worth their weight in gold. NO more BS cliche/spinning from the turd brothers on the back end. Great to see.

Baring a major injury to a key piece (knock on wood) I think low 80 points is extremely realistic.

As you said....98/55/44/72/27 will only get better as the year goes on...and 71 hasn't even started to contribute at a decent level yet.

Sure others will assume a drastic drop in play.....but I'm not going to sit here and assume it. Could easily say it about other teams and their veterans and teams who have been in long playoff runs.....so there's that.

Agreed that KD should be patience, plus he wouldn't get much for Reichel at this point. His best option would be to trade for another under-performing former 1st rounder and hope it works out.
- DarthKane

Is that Stanbow talking?

Has anybody heard anything about the three injuries from last night's game?

What makes you say that? Kid played 71 games between WJ and Regina last year. Kid is a rink rat.....I don't think ANYTHING is a given/norm when comparing this kid to anyone else.

This kid is special. Loves the game, is ridiculously blessed with god given talent, hones his craft constantly, and is humble in praise.

Sorry...not going to sit here and expect to see him fall off a cliff.
- SteveRain

The post I was responding to was about the rookies, not just one.

Also 80 NHL games is different than Juniors.

Nice article on how Dean is coaching up the rookie D.

https://chicago.suntimes....-wyatt-kaiser-alex-vlasic

Tampa’s gonna be pissed when they come to town next week. I’d guess the TB locker room might have been a little testy after the game.
- scottak

Ehhh so what, you gotta come out on the ice and play the game the right way. I was very pleased to see the Bolts not be on a 10 minute power play because we settled on just getting the puck out of our own zone without keeping possession. For us a style of play to build on.

Has anybody heard anything about the three injuries from last night's game?
- bjphawkfan

Off day today. Richardson had no updates. Maybe hear something Saturday.

Nice article on how Dean is coaching up the rookie D.

https://chicago.suntimes....-wyatt-kaiser-alex-vlasic
- LAHawk

Does this mean that coaching up Jones/Murphy/Tinordi/Zaitsev is not possible?

I'm glad they see the value in game experience and how it helps as opposed to just "coaching them up". I also like the statement " I do think there’s going to be some offense in his game. But that’s going to come after playing good defense."

Kinda my pet peeve with D-men, so many especially now are evaluated based on their offensive production and so many are average at best in their own end. Back when the Hawks were winning cups and competing each yr. with their 4-horseman d-men of Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson and Oduya they all had varying levels of offensive ability, but ALL of them had decent if not exceptional Defensive ability.
Let the youngsters play and learn to play in their own end first, the offense will come.

As will Florida Sunday
- LAHawk

Yes, absolutely. The next 2 games will be challenging, to say the least.