Tyler Cameron: A whole new world Live from Mexico, I have some thoughts.

What a satisfying weekend for Hawks fans.

The real talk is that the Chicago Blackhawks are 6-1-2 in their last 9 games.

First. Go Hawks.

First

First
- RaleighHawk

Not fast enough!

To answer a post by Savetheembers33 in the last blog:

I like the lines as they are. When the Hawks are behind in the third period, I can see JC shortening the bench and playing Dach with Shaw and Kubalik. I can also see Dach seeing time on PP2, I guess for Nylander, because you aren't going to take that time away from Toews. As currently constructed, I see Caggiula, Carpenter and Smith rotate (and maybe sit Dach if he looks tired or needs a press box session). Of course any injury or a few losses in a row and everything will change.

Having watched most games, the big difference I see is #77. Murphy helps too but it's incredible how much confidence this kid has gained in a month.

It’s been fun watching this team as of late. Particularly to see youngsters like Dach and Nylander find more confidence in their play.

Give JC and his staff credit - the season was turning into a dumpster fire and they had the wherewithal to find a different approach. This run will probably come to an end soon, but then it becomes incumbent to ensure any downturn is quickly addressed before we witness another 7-8 game losing streak like last year. That will kill any chance this team sniffs the playoffs as a wildcard.

Marian Hossa, although not officially retired, eligible to be inducted in the HHOF next year.

Dach is ALREADY a very good player. At 18.

In 3-4 years he’s going to be one of the best centers in the NHL. I truly believe this.

His line is always dangerous in the Ozone. He’s already good enough to carry a line by himself using his freakish combination of size and skill.

So now if you’re the opposition you’ve got that to worry about plus the dominant Kane line AND the rejuvenated Toews line. 20-19-92 has been flying lately and generating tons of chances.

Shaw, Kampf and Kubalik are also very solid depth scoring options.

As long as the youth continues to grow and improve our forward depth come playoff time is going to be among the best in the NHL

Combine that with elite goaltending and an improved blue line. Murphy looking great. Maatta and de Haan have been stabilizing forces. Boqvist will be back at some point.

Very excited about the potential we have.

Tyler great write up, and hope your enjoying yourself in mexico.

Imo I don't think anyone has given Lehner enough credit. Lehner has been outstanding in all his starts and those few games where he was peppered with 50 plus shots the teams outcome could have been worse.

Crawford struggled in the beginning and maybe that was due to the amount of time off due to his concussions.


I liked how you pointed out JC and the coaching staff making changes , I'm sure the losses , how the team looked so dysfunctional and the voices from the team created enough heat at the top that I'm sure the word came down from the FO to listen and adjust their system.


Just curious on everyone's take regarding Zach Smith, I think he has played great in the role given and pairing him with carpenter and Dach has really given Chicago a solid 4th line that's effective.


Where do you see drake when he returns from concussion protocol?

Tyler great write up, and hope your enjoying yourself in mexico.

Imo I don't think anyone has given Lehner enough credit. Lehner has been outstanding in all his starts and those few games where he was peppered with 50 plus shots the teams outcome could have been worse.

Crawford struggled in the beginning and maybe that was due to the amount of time off due to his concussions.


I liked how you pointed out JC and the coaching staff making changes , I'm sure the losses , how the team looked so dysfunctional and the voices from the team created enough heat at the top that I'm sure the word came down from the FO to listen and adjust their system.


Just curious on everyone's take regarding Zach Smith, I think he has played great in the role given and pairing him with carpenter and Dach has really given Chicago a solid 4th line that's effective.


Where do you see drake when he returns from concussion protocol?

Kinda seems like to core group that were "upset" and began making it public, were able to convince the front office coaching staff to convince th behind the bench coaching staff to stop with their ridiculous "system", and let them use their skill and ability

So let's see...

First part of the season, the line combos were a joke. JC says lines/chemistry do not matter. Players then get slotted much more aligned to their skills...and the puck possession/passing and confidence began to improve

Then, the whining core had enough with the "system" JC had kept force feeding the square peg in a round hole. JC didnt listen/see it...so it took the front office coaching staff to lay an ultimatum to change or they may "make a change". The chains came off and now the good feelings are back, offensively at least

They still give up a ton of chances, but at least now have a chance to score some goals and at least be watchable and much more entertaining

If JC wants to have a positive impact without trying to create some made up/chase the puck system then dump it in when you finally get control, he should just really focus/learn how to match lines and put the players in advantageous positions.

Comes the expansion draft and if Seabtook retired with term left on bus contract, he still has to be placed on protected list for the draft? Chicago couldn't circumvent the process by giving him a contract to scout for the same money had he not retired?

Can't do this (I am guessing).

Dach reminds me of Joe Thornton at the same age...

He's going to be a good one, I envision Dach taking over #1 center in 3-4 years at the very most when he is 22-23 years old..

The Hawks got a really good role of the dice getting the opportunity to snag him.. And if he can keep it up Dach certainly has a shot at the Calder...

When Caggulia gets back, it will probably go back to a Drake/Smith/Nylander/Carpenter rotation as one will be an 'odd man out'

Kinda seems like to core group that were "upset" and began making it public, were able to convince the front office coaching staff to convince th behind the bench coaching staff to stop with their ridiculous "system", and let them use their skill and ability

So let's see...

First part of the season, the line combos were a joke. JC says lines/chemistry do not matter. Players then get slotted much more aligned to their skills...and the puck possession/passing and confidence began to improve

Then, the whining core had enough with the "system" JC had kept force feeding the square peg in a round hole. JC didnt listen/see it...so it took the front office coaching staff to lay an ultimatum to change or they may "make a change". The chains came off and now the good feelings are back, offensively at least

They still give up a ton of chances, but at least now have a chance to score some goals and at least be watchable and much more entertaining

If JC wants to have a positive impact without trying to create some made up/chase the puck system then dump it in when you finally get control, he should just really focus/learn how to match lines and put the players in advantageous positions.
- PatShart

sooooooo basically 5 paragraphs to say fire the coach? You should be a leafs blogger

sooooooo basically 5 paragraphs to say fire the coach? You should be a leafs blogger
- Udogs

They were trending that way for sure, dont you think? Seems like someone upstairs saw the same thing

JC's strength last year was improving their offense and specifically zone entries. With that philosophy...they lacked scoring in the bottom 6 - and it was addressed by adding Shaw, Kubilak, Nylander, Dach along with Carpenter

They also upgraded their D from last years roster.

JC should continue coaching to his strength which was clearly pushing pace of the game and it was a dumpster fire from his splitting of Strome and ADB (and putting Strome at a wing on the 4th line, nonetheless) to playing Gus 25min a night to line juggling from period to period.

When Caggulia gets back, it will probably go back to a Drake/Smith/Nylander/Carpenter rotation as one will be an 'odd man out'
- PatShart

Why Nylander? I don't think Toews would be happy with a rotating left winger.

Dach is ALREADY a very good player. At 18.

In 3-4 years he’s going to be one of the best centers in the NHL. I truly believe this.

His line is always dangerous in the Ozone. He’s already good enough to carry a line by himself using his freakish combination of size and skill.

So now if you’re the opposition you’ve got that to worry about plus the dominant Kane line AND the rejuvenated Toews line. 20-19-92 has been flying lately and generating tons of chances.

Shaw, Kampf and Kubalik are also very solid depth scoring options.

As long as the youth continues to grow and improve our forward depth come playoff time is going to be among the best in the NHL

Combine that with elite goaltending and an improved blue line. Murphy looking great. Maatta and de Haan have been stabilizing forces. Boqvist will be back at some point.

Very excited about the potential we have.
- SimpleJack

He's 19.

He's 19.
- Elbows15

Dach is only 18, Elbows.

He will be 19 in January.

Tyler great write up, and hope your enjoying yourself in mexico.

Imo I don't think anyone has given Lehner enough credit. Lehner has been outstanding in all his starts and those few games where he was peppered with 50 plus shots the teams outcome could have been worse.

Crawford struggled in the beginning and maybe that was due to the amount of time off due to his concussions.


I liked how you pointed out JC and the coaching staff making changes , I'm sure the losses , how the team looked so dysfunctional and the voices from the team created enough heat at the top that I'm sure the word came down from the FO to listen and adjust their system.


Just curious on everyone's take regarding Zach Smith, I think he has played great in the role given and pairing him with carpenter and Dach has really given Chicago a solid 4th line that's effective.



Where do you see drake when he returns from concussion protocol?
- Taylorst1

Smith has been far from great. Let us try to stay in reality. Has he been useful the last 3 games and played well? Yes, he has. He still doesn't handle the puck very well. Yeah, yeah he made a nice pass or two but he is in the NHL and should be able to get the puck to an open guy.

Dach is only 18, Elbows.

He will be 19 in January.
- Tyler Cameron

FINE. He is closer to 19 than 18. lol

mea culpa

If someone was willing to give a good deal for Maatta, I would move him right now. He is getting slower by the game. Though, he has been slightly better with the return of Murphy but he had a stretch of about 10 games where he was woof worthy.

Oh hell. They play the Canes tomorrow and we all know what that means. That clown BINGO! will be here all day tomorrow.

Tyler great write up, and hope your enjoying yourself in mexico.

Imo I don't think anyone has given Lehner enough credit. Lehner has been outstanding in all his starts and those few games where he was peppered with 50 plus shots the teams outcome could have been worse.

Crawford struggled in the beginning and maybe that was due to the amount of time off due to his concussions.


I liked how you pointed out JC and the coaching staff making changes , I'm sure the losses , how the team looked so dysfunctional and the voices from the team created enough heat at the top that I'm sure the word came down from the FO to listen and adjust their system.


Just curious on everyone's take regarding Zach Smith, I think he has played great in the role given and pairing him with carpenter and Dach has really given Chicago a solid 4th line that's effective.


Where do you see drake when he returns from concussion protocol?
- Taylorst1

I’m just going to put this out here:


With a stronger defense, more depth among the bottom six forwards and superior goaltending, when training camp arrived he (Colliton) switched from last season’s approach that worked so well to one he felt would be better defensively and still able to produce goals.

Instead of waiting until mid-December, Colliton and the coaching staff already have returned to the adjustment from last season that led to Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Alex DeBrincat having career years and resulted in the Hawks being in a playoff spot for a brief period before faltering over the last month.

Interesting read: https://www.google.com/am...ory.html%3foutputType=amp