Justin Lowe: Hawks v. Flames Teaser: Hometown Heroes and Rotating Defence Who we got tonight: Calgary Flames

Season Matchup: 1st of the season

18-16-4 = 40 points
5th in Pacific Division
Last game: LOSS vs. Anaheim (2-1) December 29th
GF: 102 / GA: 108
PP% = 17.4% (20th in NHL)
PK% = 77.6% (26th in NHL)
Sniper: Sean Monahan – 17 goals
Producer: Jonny Gaudreau – 41 points
Tough Guys: – Troy Brouwer – 44 PIMs & Michael Ferland - 71 hits
Expected Starter: Mike Smith

First!

The one who should take a seat is #19.

Let's hope for a better overall effort!

He gave me the ol' classic Chicago sunroof

I hope Mr. Glass’ rebound control is under control tonite....

I'm tired of hearing about the Toews contract. Its on Management not him. Do I wish he was playing better-Yes.
Do I wish Hossa was still playing - Yes

If Toews was making 8 Million would we be happy about his play? No.


I'm thankful for the Cup contributions in 10-13 & 15 and yes it appears the Toews and Seabrook contracts are not of any value moving forward.

Lots of ugly contracts in the NHL- It goes with the Territory.

https://www.sbnation.com/...salary-cap-2017-18-season

4th goalie in less than half a season...when is the last time that happened with the hawks...

forsberg has gotten little support defensively from his mates and has seen alot of shots and high quality chances...but that been the story all year even with craw...

both fors and glass get caught out of position and flopping around in the crease...

lets just see if glass can put positve BTB games together...

flames are desperate for a win just like the nucks were the other night...

hawks should be keen and desperate with every game now...but should and needs to happen with this team and what does happen are not always the same...

glass may need to stand tall again vs an early flame push...

The contract is secondary to the real issue - 19 is not playing his game, for whatever reason.

However, the contract is an issue because it is not moveable, and due to its size, other players cannot be brought in.

So we as fans are stuck with mediocre hockey and are expected to accept it because of past performance?

Again, if it is an injury, then go on IR and get better. If he can never play close to his level again, then he should retire for the benefit of the team. If he does not do that then it is only supremely selfish of him to drag this on.

If he wont give the effort, then he should take a seat until he does.

Off topic, but what is Dylan Sikura’s position? LW, C or RW?

, then he should retire for the benefit of the team. If he does not do that then it is only supremely selfish of him to drag this on.

If he wont give the effort, then he should take a seat until he does.
- Return of the Roar

There isn't a man alive who would leave 55 million dollars on the table for "benefit of the team".

Off topic, but what is Dylan Sikura’s position? LW, C or RW?
- onehundredlevel

Been playing a lot of LW this year but played all forward positions growing up.

I agree with you 100%. If Toews regression is due to permanent health issues which only will get worse... Than Toews should retire. Why continue at a mediocre pace and tarnish 6 1/2 years of greatness. Who knows, maybe Toews and management already have set the date .

Thanks for posting the lines in the correct order.

There isn't a man alive who would leave 55 million dollars on the table for "benefit of the team".
- PoketheBear

He woen't leave 55 million on the table if he is forced to retire because of hockey related health issues. He will get all of his money and move on to another career and the Hawks will have 10.5 million of cap space.

Thanks for posting the lines in the correct order.
- Dieselhead

I was waiting for someone to comment on that.

Off topic, but what is Dylan Sikura’s position? LW, C or RW?
- onehundredlevel

Also, this is "on topic" because Sikura and Team Canada just won the Spengler Cup.

It might seem insignificant but that would have been an amazing experience for the kid.

Also, this is "on topic" because Sikura and Team Canada just won the Spengler Cup.

It might seem insignificant but that would have been an amazing experience for the kid.
- Justin Lowe

hey Justin. For fun let's assume Hawks were a contender. Do you think AA would survive a long playoff run? I don't and for that reason you have to strongly consider moving him. Injury prone

The best tonic for playing better hockey happens when the defensemen - each pairing - plays better. This may include better support from the forwards. The crux of the issue however, has to be few brain farts by Keith and a more involved, challenging Ruuta - Forsling. The rookies and soft players playing together [Ruuta- Forsling] surely, logicly should be altered so that one defenseman who is a capable physical player is on their pairing. So Forsling and Ruuta separated and match with (the choices are) Seabrook, Murphy, Kempny. Even Franson who is smart and can use his big frame wisely.

If Ruuta and Forsling are in, Osterle is out. I favor Kempny because we could use some nastiness occasonally from him and he skates ok. Actually Oesterle could be in a rotation with Ruuta and Forsling. Whomever plays best among Ruuta/Forsling/Oesterle avoids the press box seat

If the ENTIRE Bears coaching staff isn't given their pink slips immediately following this game then something is wrong. Absolutely the dumbest bunch of chit ever...get rid of the over "thinking" coaching staff.

Scouting the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins …

Murray Pam: Teams listed to scout the Senators and Bruins: Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils.

Ryan Pace needs to draft a difference maker and this means do not trade down the very early #1 pick

Usually NFL team success is predicated off strong line play, offense and defense. You can get away with less than the best at the LB, secondary and glamorous RB., WR position. But you must use free agency to obtain at least two speed guys, one a starter at WR. Strong line play can mask or help players at other positions. On defense it buys an extra amount of time in coverage and can force rush decisions by their QB. On offense good blocking enables whomever is at RB, WR to accomplish more, gain yardage, make a play not otherwise able to make without that superior blocking.

I am admittingly not anywhere close to a football guru but that is my take.

In hockey and baseball I call being strong down the middle an important key for success. I suppose you could say the same for basketball - guard play and center being positions "down the middle." Oh i really do not like basketball. The best thing in that sport is seeing teams or players rise to the occasion, the extra gear they may not have ever shown, in NCAA final 64.

One other thought.....mine if not your first love...hockey
If the defense is not going to improve much and I mean each pairing has to be much better in the playoff chase, then it is foolish to trade even mid round draft choices for a band aid approach to PERHAPS winning a few more games. I would wager everything that they still miss the playoffs.

I prefer holding on to as many draft choices as possible. You can gamble on sleepers, works in progress, draft for a position need, and the more picks the more likely an extra pick develops into a good player. Draft another D Sinkula, for example. Keep an eye on signing free agent euro Sweden Finland guys, too. We have some of those now - Kampf the latest guy.

If the ENTIRE Bears coaching staff isn't given their pink slips immediately following this game then something is wrong. Absolutely the dumbest bunch of chit ever...get rid of the over "thinking" coaching staff.
- kwolf68

Ain't that the truth!!!!

Ryan Pace needs to draft a difference maker and this means do not trade down the very early #1 pick

Usually team success is predicated off strong line play, offense and defense. You can get away with less than the best st the LB, secondary and glamorous RB., WR position. But you must use free agency to obtain at least two speed guys, one a starter at WR. Strong line play can mask or help players at other positions. On defense it buys an extra amount if time in coverage and can force rush decisions by their QB. On offense good blocking enables whomever is at RB, WR to accomplish more, gain yardage, make a play not otherwise able to make without that superior blocking.

I am admittingly not anywhere close to a football guru but that is my take.

In hockey and baseball I call being strong down th middle an important key for success. I suppose you could say the same for basketball - guard play and center being positions "down the middle." Oh i really do not like basketball. The best thing in that sport is seeing teams or players rise to the occasion, the extra gear they may not have ever shown, in NCAA final 64.

One other thought.....mine if not your furs t love...hockey
If the defense us not going to improve much ad I mean each pairing has to be much better in the playoff chase, then it is foolish to trade even .I'd round draft choices for a band aid approach to PERHAPS winning a few more games. I would wager everything that they still miss the playoffs.

I prefer holding on to as many draft choices as possible. You can gamble on sleepers, works in progress, draft for a position need, and the more picks the more likely an extra pick develops into a good player. Draft another D Sinkula, for example. Keep an eye on signing free agent euro Sweden Finland guys, too. We have some of those now - Kampf the latest guy.
- jhawk59

Two areas of dire concern for the Bears are

-league worst receivers. I like Shaheen as a prospect a heck of a lot at TE, but the receivers are either pedestrian (Wright, Inman), totally not dependable (White) or otherwise replacement level talent.

the 2nd area is the Bears have among the league's worst coaching staff. Only a goddamn idiot would challenge a play that ends a the 6-inch line, which is then found that the OTHER team would get the ball. Fox should have been fired immediately following that game, that play is literally ON PAR with the "Miracle of the Meadowlands" play for absolute idiocy. Only difference is the 1970s play resulted in an immediate loss for the Giants while, per usual for Bears fans, the death for us was slow and painful.

Clean house and get someone who can groom the young QB, who I think has a bucketload of potential.

I didn't expect to beat the Vikings, they are a really good team, especially that defense, but the play calling inside the 10 in the last 2 minutes was straight out of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. The announcers were even baffled. Go away Fox, just go away.

Justin say the hawks lose the next 3 games and continue to play inconsistent. Are changes going to be made to try and salvage the season or make those changes in the offseason? One other thing if the hawks miss the playoffs do you think they clean house completely? Sorry if i have asked this question before.

Also, this is "on topic" because Sikura and Team Canada just won the Spengler Cup.

It might seem insignificant but that would have been an amazing experience for the kid.
- Justin Lowe

If Sikura does well in a late season cameo appearance, then in the off season Bowman can decide if Schmaltz, DeBrincat, Sikura is one too many smallish players. He could therefore look to make a one for one as primary players in a trade. Similar to Panarin for Saad. But thus time I suggest a return as a #2 center who wins face offs and is a physical player. I would include Anisimov for next to nothing ...as a sweetener.