I've said NOTHING personal about JJ. I like him. I follow him on Twitter. He brings great insight, he and I share a love of Bob Probert. But on this one issue I happen to think he's not being fair and objective. If you (or he) can't handle that, then information exchange may not be your best avenue of entertainment.
- kwolf68

Great snipe for a goal. Not one, but two egregious turnovers that could have led to goals.

Call 'em like I see 'em. Work in progress.

You're being way too defensive, man.

Good points I still think when Schmaltz comes back a 3rd line with ADB, 10 and AA has the potential to do a lot of good things.
- HawkintheD

Could be. Sharp and ADB have some chemistry for sure.

I think DeBrincat has had few turnovers sure....but overall he's been impressive, there is no denying that, and i also don't understand JJ's attitude towards him. Seems like he's being harsh and its silly to act that way just because you personally predicted success/failure for the player in question and want to appear to be correct. I see this theme with him every now and then, as i do with the reminding people every time he gets something right. Thats not a good look IMO. Comes off as petty.

Having said all of that.....nobody is perfect, we all have our favorites and tend to get emotional or side towards certain aspects of things(in all debates, not just sports)....so its tough to really be too critical when you know we're all human and have been there before too.

More often than not i feel like he has solid opinions and puts together solid statements and the occasional flaws(like reminding people he was right and the obvious bias he has towards certain players) are worth getting used to/getting over.

If anything it only creates more room for debating!
- SimpleJack

Ohh, thanks for those (backhanded) compliments!

Uneasy rests the crown, I guess. This is the whole issue (and one that I have gotten used to). A lengthy, mixed personal evaluation of me. Thanks for that. Also not necessary, nor the point.

I have been and can be wrong at times.

Butt here is NO ONE here without bias, especially those who shoot the messenger of facts and opinions contrary to theirs.

So let's keep it to facts. Not make it personally about me, mmm-kay?

But someone, anyone, please tell me how it is unfair or inaccurate to say that ADB had a really nice goal—that showed off what I have often described as his obvious talent—and also had a really bad turnover (he actually had two of them) on a power play that almost led to a goal?

Is that not factual? Does that not suggest a work in progress?

Seems to me that having an issue with that or "you're always downgrading ADB" (whatever) is shooting the messenger. There are certainly blogs and message boards where you will get ADB Love 24/7, same places you get unabated full-on love for this prospect or that, year after year.

Don't like my opinion, turn the (frank)ing page. Keep your personal evaluations of my sincerity and veracity (and those of other posters out of it). We'll all get along better and be smarter for it.

I like the kid. I also think he's definitely a work in progress. Sorry.

JJ-
For what it's worth, I'm profoundly appreciative you're here in the arena providing a forum for us Blackhawks fans.
As for ADB, my $0.02 says he is far more self-critical than any critiques here will ever be. And THAT is what gives him a chance to be a big-leaguer. (That, and non-stop watching, learning and implementing what he sees on tapes of Hossa on the back check.)
Thanks again-
Steve R

I like the kid. I also think he's definitely a work in progress. Sorry.
- John Jaeckel

First time I can recall you ever saying you "like the kid." So do a lot of us, because his skills, junior stats, youth and size make him/his development a compelling story to follow.

As to ADB being "a work in progress", I've never heard anyone (on this board or anywhere else) claim the 19 year old was a finished product.

#8 probably out tonight. Q said they are hoping for Saturday.

JJ-
For what it's worth, I'm profoundly appreciative you're here in the arena providing a forum for us Blackhawks fans.
As for ADB, my $0.02 says he is far more self-critical than any critiques here will ever be. And THAT is what gives him a chance to be a big-leaguer. (That, and non-stop watching, learning and implementing what he sees on tapes of Hossa on the back check.)
Thanks again-
Steve R
- 35Tony0

For years I knew stuff that I couldn't share and had a great time reading people speculating about all that stuff. These days I don't know squat. I just enjoy the forum. There's no question you'll get more knowledge about the game reading here than reading the "expert" beat writers. So some people disagree with one another, so what. There's a lot of different ways to see the same thing depending on where you are in the building or if wtching on tv. If you love the game then this is a good site to hit up every day. Great mix of characters.

First time I can recall you ever saying you "like the kid." So do a lot of us, because his skill, junior stats, youth and size make him/his development a good story to follow.

As to ADB being "a work in progress", I've never heard anyone (on this board or anywhere else) claim the 19 year old was a finished product.
- BMWChiFan

I've said I like him, here and elsewhere. And even if I didn't, is that worth getting upset about? No, it isn't.

I think he has talent. I am also on the fence about where he should be playing this year.

I hear people talk about how hard it is for a teenager to make it playing for Q–for sure, and to his credit "he made it." Which I HAVE said here, by the way.

So again, the "exhaustive inventory" of what I've said or haven't is a bit unfair, because you're also inaccurate. And not the point.

I will just say this, the turnovers he's made are the kinds of things that gets a guy down the bench with Q, and then stapled to it, and then down in Rockford. Question is, will he learn, or will it continue? I'm certain, they're watching that, as they should. And if he is sent down, doesn't (at all) mean he won't be back at some point.

Not sure why that sentiment, which I HAVE expressed pretty consistently, is so offensive.

My other point, that I think some took umbrage to, is the "obsession" with ADB obscures the discussion about the team, which also appears to be a mixed bag.

3-0-1, which is great, but WAY upside down in shots the last couple of games. Sound familiar? It should, same problem as the last two years. "But, but . . . regular season wins, first in the West." And out of the playoffs in the first round.

THAT to me is the story, not the endless tire pumping of ADB. Or my being "unfair."

For years I knew stuff that I couldn't share and had a great time reading people speculating about all that stuff. These days I don't know squat. I just enjoy the forum. There's no question you'll get more knowledge about the game reading here than reading the "expert" beat writers. So some people disagree with one another, so what. There's a lot of different ways to see the same thing depending on where you are in the building or if wtching on tv. If you love the game then this is a good site to hit up every day. Great mix of characters.
- 6628

^^^^^^

JJ-
For what it's worth, I'm profoundly appreciative you're here in the arena providing a forum for us Blackhawks fans.
As for ADB, my $0.02 says he is far more self-critical than any critiques here will ever be. And THAT is what gives him a chance to be a big-leaguer. (That, and non-stop watching, learning and implementing what he sees on tapes of Hossa on the back check.)
Thanks again-
Steve R
- 35Tony0

One of the things I like about him. Said so on last week's Shoutcast. Some of you guys should LISTEN.

For some reason, the JJ bashing has started again and is a little out of control in my opinion.

I'm new to the board but lurked for several years, and I've always appreciated JJ's knowledge. I think it's safe to say he knows more about the game than the large majority of us.

I'm a little surprised at the vitriol, considering the amount of (free) entertainment he's providing
- Hawkjet

What makes you think he knows more than anyone else about hockey? Just because he writes a blog and talks about sources doesnt mean he knows more than anyone else.

His views are being taken to task and rightfully so. I vividly remember reading right here about ADB's supposed faults, ALL of them having to do with his character, lazy, disinterested in D, etc. oh yea he's also small and can't skate for poop.

ALL of that was typed here. I saw him in Erie and saw no evidence and still see no evidence of any of that (other than the fact he's small, which you can figure that out by going to his profile page), so the other stuff JJ wrote has so far proven to be in question. If JJ wishes to double down on that fine, but he damn well should be man enough to face the attacks of his comment from the point of the gun and doesn't need you to come here as Chief Apologist. Support his contentions about ADB, don't lecture people who have legitimate disagreements with him. At some point it'd be nice to see something other than cold water tossed all over this kid. JJ is a blogger, he doesn't need to be unequivocally homering every player we have, but a 19 year old kid who earned a roster spot and has acquitted himself pretty nicely so far deserves a bit more of the benefit of the doubt.

I don't acquiesce to anyone just because of their supposed lofty position and I have not said anything "personal" about JJ....and if Connor Murphy becomes a stud and I don't retract what I've said about him, feel free to bash away at me.
- kwolf68

Nicely put

#8 probably out tonight. Q said they are hoping for Saturday.
- rickboardman

I am hoping that this doesn't linger, but with a possible concussion you never know. Very unfortunate because Schmaltz has started out so well!! Hopefully, he is back Saturday and good to go because the Hawks are very dangerous and fast when he is in the lineup.

I've said I like him, here and elsewhere. And even if I didn't, is that worth getting upset about? No, it isn't.

I think he has talent. I am also on the fence about where he should be playing this year.

I hear people talk about how hard it is for a teenager to make it playing for Q–for sure, and to his credit "he made it." Which I HAVE said here, by the way.

So again, the "exhaustive inventory" of what I've said or haven't is a bit unfair, because you're also inaccurate. And not the point.

I will just say this, the turnovers he's made are the kinds of things that gets a guy down the bench with Q, and then stapled to it, and then down in Rockford. Question is, will he learn, or will it continue? I'm certain, they're watching that, as they should. And if he is sent down, doesn't (at all) mean he won't be back at some point.

Not sure why that sentiment, which I HAVE expressed pretty consistently, is so offensive.

My other point, that I think some took umbrage to, is the "obsession" with ADB obscures the discussion about the team, which also appears to be a mixed bag.

3-0-1, which is great, but WAY upside down in shots the last couple of games. Sound familiar? It should, same problem as the last two years. "But, but . . . regular season wins, first in the West." And out of the playoffs in the first round.

THAT to me is the story, not the endless tire pumping of ADB. Or my being "unfair."
- John Jaeckel

I think this is getting blown a bit out of proportion. What I've seen on here are generally 2 views of ADB: One is generally positive while acknowledging his faults. The other is more critical while acknowledging his positives. There's definitely both sides of the spectrum, and some are extremes to one side or the other, but I don't think either is technically a wrong view, it just depends on personal opinion. I think JJ tends to be more to the generally critical but acknowledges his positives side, but he's not an extreme of that. I, myself, tend to be generally positive and acknowledge his mistakes. Neither is really the correct way to be, it's just personal preference on how you look at rookies and prospects.

What makes you think he knows more than anyone else about hockey? Just because he writes a blog and talks about sources doesnt mean he knows more than anyone else.
- BlazinMike

What makes you think you know anything about me or "sources" I 'talk about.' What gives you the right to make me the topic, and not hockey?

Oh wait, I forgot. It's never about you.

Maybe you should stop defaming people with your firm's computers and network. You're a smart guy, figure that one out.

I think most of us appreciate JJ, his knowledge, and his work on this blog. (I know I do.) That doesn't mean we can't disagree with him.
- BMWChiFan

You can, but make it about hockey and facts. Not "You hate ADB." "You're too negative."

Those defending my character, appreciated but not necessary. Those attacking it, please stop, or you'll be dealt with.

Please keep it to hockey. And if you're gonna say something about someone HERE, try to say something nice.

What makes you think you know anything about me or "sources" I 'talk about.' What gives you the right to make me the topic, and not hockey?

Oh wait, I forgot. It's never about you.

Maybe you should stop defaming people with your firm's computers and network. You're a smart guy, figure that one out.
- John Jaeckel

To be fair, blazinmike wasn't the one pushing this, he was simply asking why the other poster is assuming other people know less.

To be fair, blazinmike wasn't the one pushing this, he was simply asking why the other poster is assuming other people know less.
- JRoenick97

Ehhh, OK, but I inferred some other stuff, too.

Being fair is cool. Being an a--hole isn't.

No one's knowledge should be assailed, FWIW.

I've said I like him, here and elsewhere. And even if I didn't, is that worth getting upset about? No, it isn't.

I think he has talent. I am also on the fence about where he should be playing this year.

I hear people talk about how hard it is for a teenager to make it playing for Q–for sure, and to his credit "he made it." Which I HAVE said here, by the way.

So again, the "exhaustive inventory" of what I've said or haven't is a bit unfair, because you're also inaccurate. And not the point.

I will just say this, the turnovers he's made are the kinds of things that gets a guy down the bench with Q, and then stapled to it, and then down in Rockford. Question is, will he learn, or will it continue? I'm certain, they're watching that, as they should. And if he is sent down, doesn't (at all) mean he won't be back at some point.

Not sure why that sentiment, which I HAVE expressed pretty consistently, is so offensive.

My other point, that I think some took umbrage to, is the "obsession" with ADB obscures the discussion about the team, which also appears to be a mixed bag.

3-0-1, which is great, but WAY upside down in shots the last couple of games. Sound familiar? It should, same problem as the last two years. "But, but . . . regular season wins, first in the West." And out of the playoffs in the first round.

THAT to me is the story, not the endless tire pumping of ADB. Or my being "unfair."
- John Jaeckel

Don't think most posters or you are being unfair. It is a blog for opinions. Keyword being opinions. ADB does some really nice things but is also learning on the job and will continue to make some big mistakes at times. It looks like he can play in the NHL right now...

The question is can he learn on the job with the Hawks at the same time numerous D men are? Can the Hawks afford to let him do this? When the Hawks core has cup aspirations this year?

Give him 10-15 games and then judge. Right now I think he is treading water as far as positives and negatives. Can he show some improvement in the next 8-10 games?

damn it...know this is hockey blog but...

first rain in a month may have turned the cub series around for the nats...
the extra day gave them a chance to go to strasburg and was he dealing that nasty change-up....(frank)n 12 K in 7 innings

and then 2 outs and the cubs pen blowsup and taylor hits a GS on a day nobody was suppose to be able to get one out...lester is wasted for 5 inning and he gets a pickoff

2-2 back to DC for tomorrow...big adv nats...
- bogiedoc

While that is all true...Cubs had the Gods on their side last year. If I recall the first two series the Cubs pitching was lined up and their opponents were not. Then in the Series the Indians were missing Carrasco, Salazar and Brantly...so kind of the old what comes around, goes around.

Does Hayden make Hartman expendable in a potential Duchene trade? Ryan found himself in Q's doghouse after that brutal TO in the D-zone on MTL's first goal. It looked like Anisimov-Hartman were relegated to 3rd/4th line minutes last night after the first period.
- EnzoD

Wow, we are not getting Duchene. Can we move off of the commentary. We finally have a small amount of cap wiggle room...we are not going to go back into cap hell by going after Duchene.

JJ's angle on DeBrincat is unnecessarily negative. He even used the check he got versus Toronto as some sort of argument against him. He took a tough check, like that has NEVER happened to him before. Except he came back next shift and drove the zone with no fear. Took a positive and turned it into a negative.

So I am not shocked we hear about that turnover today. As you said keep moving the goal posts...I wonder what the goal is here, but he did allude to questionable rumors of DeBrincat's attitude, laziness, doesn't hustle on D, etc..i've seen NONE of that. I didn't see it in Junior and I'm not seeing it now. Has he made mistakes? Yes, he has. Is he a lock to be a NHL star? No he is not, but he has obvious skill and you have to figure as he gains experience he will become an even better player.
- kwolf68

Agree 100%.

Even worse...

...the Yankees are winning again. Another Tribe gag job appears likely.

Nothing worse than Yankees AND Dodgers advancing. If those 2 clubs match up in the Series I won't watch a second.
- ArlingtonRob

tribe loses 3 str with kluber the loser in the clincher....after the year they had...

not much of baseball fan but that game is weirder than hockey..strange things happen

Don't think most posters or you are being unfair. It is a blog for opinions. Keyword being opinions. ADB does some really nice things but is also learning on the job and will continue to make some big mistakes at times. It looks like he can play in the NHL right now...

The question is can he learn on the job with the Hawks at the same time numerous D men are? Can the Hawks afford to let him do this? When the Hawks core has cup aspirations this year?

Give him 10-15 games and then judge. Right now I think he is treading water as far as positives and negatives. Can he show some improvement in the next 8-10 games?
- bhawks2241

Think the point JJ is trying to make is that we shouldn't all just be focused on the performance of ADB when, despite the record, there appear to be some issues with the core itself. The shot issues are a continuation of a problem from last year, so probably not the fault of any new arrivals.