Theo Fox: Game 5: Hawks 4, Wings 1
The Blackhawks finally got into the win column! More sustained pressure in the offensive zone, more consistency in locking it down defensively, and more steady goaltending by Kevin Lankinen were key factors leading to the 4-1 victory against the Red Wings.

First--for the first win!

After 5 games and closer to the start of the AHL season, the odds to see Beaudin or Carlsson have grown dim.

Better play since the opening game from most of the starting six on defense has been the main reason for no substitution. DeHahn probably has been the most consistent in the group. He also has an injury history which is of some concern given the compact schedule.

Minor injuries sometimes are best dealt with by taking a maintainence day off. Perhas this is an opportunity for Beaudun/Carlsson or even Kalynuk to draw in

Should one of those dmen get the nod, realistic expectations exist for their successful performance

I believe both Beaudin and Kalynuk is ajudged not quite ready. One positive for each of the members of the trioka, is that they are adept puck movers and skate well to above average

My big disappointment is that Carlsson is perhaps already viewed as they know what they have in him. Which sort of spells out not a lot of growth in terms of improvement. Carlsson however could be an excellent complimentary partner any pair; he does everything "fairy well" and can play both sides. I really like the fact that he hits and his shot is such that he has tallied power play goals.

Now this threesome could be usurped by Seabrook's return. Seabrook has the contract, the experience, and the style all which points to his likelihood for success. I am certain management wants to see how well Seabrook skates and how effective he is in his pairing.

Personally I want each of the taxi squad members to get games. Unfortunately it takes two injuries for them to get in. Maybe only a look see for Kalynuk and Beaudun end of season. I admittingly am a fan of each player and I believe each can play NHL

Hogs schedule - lots of white space, a couple of 6-8 day stretches with no games.

No Toews, no Dach, no Nylander - half of what the top six would have been - but Hawks have only 4 goals 5x5 this season (plus one 4x4). They’ve given 14. The possession stats are under water, but not disastrous (CF%=49.5%).

Strange that with the PP going so well, the EV play has been flushed.

Theo, agree with your assessment on Boqvist, but the kid was really good last night. He stood guys up at the blueline at times, he moved the puck quick on the power play, and he seemed to carry the puck more last night. This game was the most active I have seen him yet offensively. I really think he is comfortable playing with Keith. The skill is dynamic and he will learn, I for one think he is getting better and showing more confidence every game.

Question for everyone: Who comes out of the lineup when Soderberg is ready to play? I really don’t want to see a kid sit, but I doubt they want to sit a guy like Janmark who they gave a contract too for a little over $2,000,000, but he is my choice right now.

Question for everyone: Who comes out of the lineup when Soderberg is ready to play? I really don’t want to see a kid sit, but I doubt they want to sit a guy like Janmark who they gave a contract too for a little over $2,000,000, but he is my choice right now.
- ChicagoHope

Mine too. I’d put Soda on a line with Shaw and Walmart. Soderberg can play wing on that line...know he plays wing but not sure if he has a preference.

Keep Hagel in with Kampf and Carpenter.

I would sit Suter and plug Soderberg in for him. I think Suter needs to sit and watch a game or 2. Still a big jump from the Swiss league to centering Kane and ADB
.

I’ll third that, however not sure the Hawks will do that due to his contract. Hopefully he’ll accumulate some points and raise his value for TDL. So the Hawks power play is second in the league and yet they just won their first game, there’s some more proof that PK is more important than PP.

Inquiring minds want to know:

Re: Mr. Suter's first name, Pius:

If we have always known the letters to form "Pie us"

How come they are pronounced PEE-youse?

Up by 2 or 3 goals in the 3rd period i really wish the dmen would not activate in the offensive zone. Keep it simple get the puck in deep or on net.

Theo, agree with your assessment on Boqvist, but the kid was really good last night. He stood guys up at the blueline at times, he moved the puck quick on the power play, and he seemed to carry the puck more last night. This game was the most active I have seen him yet offensively. I really think he is comfortable playing with Keith. The skill is dynamic and he will learn, I for one think he is getting better and showing more confidence every game.
- ChicagoHope

One of my favorite plays was when Ian Mitchell activated up and around re-setting on the backline on the power play.

I saw Boqvist in the past looking for the money forwards in his carries, but yesterday he also seems poised and ready to want the puck creep in and shoot, Knee wasn't throwing it back over.

All the stuff I watched that as the reason NHL teams elevated Adam ant was based on many of times in junior where he activated and basically found space and shot.

Mitchell was very natural in his understanding of his push (very conservative) and maybe soon the Boqvist will get the ok and drift in and shoot.

That is what might be coming as he progresses.

We have to be patient with the jelling of the front with the young backline.

Up by 2 or 3 goals in the 3rd period i really wish the dmen would not activate in the offensive zone. Keep it simple get the puck in deep or on net.
- BetweenTheDots

But that is how the good teams get there forwards the puck...

But that is how the good teams get there forwards the puck...
- wiz1901

I suppose, but i always worry a forward won't recognize this and before you know it you have a 2 on 1 the other way.

I foresee a solid defense, maybe one of the better or minimum in the top half if the league by the late trade deadline this season. This view is based upon Mitchell and Boquist to continue to play well, an incremental steps after their performance vs Detroit

Many would hesitate to trade a dman from this group. Finally a nice deep mix on the blueline. They area big part of the success experienced this season

Should DeHahn remain healthy, logicaly DeHahn and Murphy represent two experienced dmen whom are playing well. They very well could become two of the better dmen available league - wide at the trade deadline.

The Blackhawks future already has been announced as being tied to youth. The most realistic and plausible way to improve is through the draft. A bone - of - contention in building through the draft this season, however, is not only the lower trade value as renumeration due to covid affect on team revenues.

The Expansion Draft looms, too. Nonetheless, Bowman should move present assets for future assets. Receiving middling #3 round is ridiculous. You don't have a strong likelihood a draft from that slot becomes a top player.

The solution is to overwhelm or make an offer difficult to resist

Might be hard to a accomplish. I would try very hard to pry a first round choice. I am willing to trade our #2 plus a dman. That at best gets you a mid or late #1.

Well you can think about what to do, what is worthwhile to add to such a trade scenario

You have Beaudin, Kalynuk, Carlsson in the wings plus Seabrook. Looks like a couple of more prospects could progress well.....so there is a surplus of dmen......some close to NHL ready, some farther away.

Does anyone agree that my trade idea is definitely worth pursuing? Does Bowman see this possibility?

Excellent break down and analysis of players. It's been a delight reading!👍

I Would sit Landmark for Soderstom .Nice to see the Boy's take the WIN !! . Lankinen has been good did not know he was 6.2 seems to play smaller . The kids are alright keep playing them all dam the money ..

I was out to dinner and then a bar last night in the far northwest burbs. Both were packed with people, just like the old days. Not sure why the change, but maybe we're very close to fans in the stands - which would be especially helpful for the Hogs.

Anyway, the bar had the game on, and it was a fun one to watch. I read on here last night that Murphy was bad. I agree with Theo - I thought he played a strong game. I also thought my guy Strome looked good. Happy to see that; it is best for all parties.

I think it was LAHawk who noted Toews was absent last night. That's unfortunate - I hope things work out okay for him soon.

One of my favorite plays was when Ian Mitchell activated up and around re-setting on the backline on the power play.

I saw Boqvist in the past looking for the money forwards in his carries, but yesterday he also seems poised and ready to want the puck creep in and shoot, Knee wasn't throwing it back over.
Saw that a couple times on the PP, he had his stick cocked and ready to fire for a one-timer, but Kane ever dished it to him.
All the stuff I watched that as the reason NHL teams elevated Adam ant was based on many of times in junior where he activated and basically found space and shot.

Mitchell was very natural in his understanding of his push (very conservative) and maybe soon the Boqvist will get the ok and drift in and shoot.

That is what might be coming as he progresses.

We have to be patient with the jelling of the front with the young backline.
- wiz1901

Laine and Rosy to Columbus for the whiner.

Laine and Rosy to Columbus for the whiner.
- mohel

Laine will be gone from CLB sooner than later. Torts has a new whipping boy!!

[quote=ChicagoHope]
Added to your post Wiz on what I saw too.

I was out to dinner and then a bar last night in the far northwest burbs. Both were packed with people, just like the old days. Not sure why the change, but maybe we're very close to fans in the stands - which would be especially helpful for the Hogs.

Anyway, the bar had the game on, and it was a fun one to watch. I read on here last night that Murphy was bad. I agree with Theo - I thought he played a strong game. I also thought my guy Strome looked good. Happy to see that; it is best for all parties.

I think it was LAHawk who noted Toews was absent last night. That's unfortunate - I hope things work out okay for him soon.
- mohel

Too quiet on the Toews front has me very concerned on what is going on with the Captain.

Theo, agree with your assessment on Boqvist, but the kid was really good last night. He stood guys up at the blueline at times, he moved the puck quick on the power play, and he seemed to carry the puck more last night. This game was the most active I have seen him yet offensively. I really think he is comfortable playing with Keith. The skill is dynamic and he will learn, I for one think he is getting better and showing more confidence every game.
- ChicagoHope

To use Q speak, I though Boqvist was fine in last night's game. Fairly steady and is getting better each game as you pointed out. He's more conscientious of protecting the net.

The observation I shared in the blog was really the only red flag. Boqvist can get away with that against the Wings but not against the Lightning or other better teams.

Offensively, he is showing more and more brilliant flashes with his skating and shooting. Passing could be better at times but not a glaring deficiency either.

Excellent break down and analysis of players. It's been a delight reading!👍
- BGKarras

Thanks, BGK.

Even when I was just a reader of the blog, I've always jotted down notes on players during games so it's easy and fun to share them in blog form.

I try to share a lot of little tidbits during game previews and recaps rather than focus on one topic, that way there's something for everyone while keeping y'all informed of the goings-on with the Hawks and Hogs.