The league coaches took notice when Hartman proved he could be a major dirty pain in the side AND be an offensive player, but they also noticed how Hayden stepped and delivered that Foligno concussion punch...it’s a new hawk wrinkle that is willing to throw them using BOTH hands.
Combined with the hits / rubs being thrown by Bouma & Wingels (and extra net front presence of Saad), it is actually a different team including the quick paced new defense that spends little time holding the puck, just smartly advancing it.
It might be tough as older veteran fans to understand that Forslings are forgiven for being of less stature and their misgivings based on the new paradigm that places skill quick hands and high I Q on pushing pace & possession before the opposition can mount counter attacks.

I also disagree that Franson has played better than Murphy. Franson cannot defend his own zone - he's just not mobile enough. Solid in the NZ and better in the OZ but Q isn't sheltering him so he's part of why they keep getting stuck in the DZ.

I'm not super sold on the pairings as of now, either. Kempny and Murphy are both low event d-men and need to have a puck mover with them imo. Franson can move the puck anywhere but out of the DZ. I get why they're putting the other pairs together - Keith-Seabrook are the top 2, Forsling-Rutta can engaged in the offensive rush - but Kempny-Murphy/Franson just doesn't make as much sense beyond that they are were offense goes to die.

If they don't want to break up Keith-Seabrook, I'd like to see Kempny-Rutta and Forsling-Murphy. The latter are going to be a mess at times, but it'd be good to have a balanced pair. If they're willing to break up Keith-Seabrook, I'd like to see Keith-Murphy again. Murphy doesn't have to play the whole time with Keith, Seabrook can sub in when needed, but Murphy needs to play to develop.
- L_B_R

Not sure I disagree, and maybe playing "better" was the wrong choice of words. But he's not playing any worse. And I do agree Murphy needs to play to acclimate.

So, big (and unloaded) question: why isn't he?

Gonna disagree. he blocks a lot of shots, kills penalties, finishes checks. All 300 players should be able to do those things. Not all of them are willing. Fact.
- John Jaeckel

Balderdash...there are thousands of atheletes equal in talent, skill and ability to Bouma that are equally as willing.

Gonna disagree. he blocks a lot of shots, kills penalties, finishes checks. All 300 players should be able to do those things. Not all of them are willing. Fact.
- John Jaeckel

You can scratch kills penalties off the list though - Bouma hasn't played a second on the PK so far. I assume it's because Q saw how terrible he was on the PK in the pre-season. The only other player to get zero time on the PK so far is Schmaltz.

The league coaches took notice when Hartman proved he could be a major dirty pain in the side AND be an offensive player, but they also noticed how Hayden stepped and delivered that Foligno concussion punch...it’s a new hawk wrinkle that is willing to throw them using BOTH hands.
Combined with the hits / rubs being thrown by Bouma & Wingels (and extra net front presence of Saad), it is actually a different team including the quick paced new defense that spends little time holding the puck, just smartly advancing it.
It might be tough as older veteran fans to understand that Forslings are forgiven for being of less stature and their misgivings based on the new paradigm that places skill quick hands and high I Q on pushing pace & possession before the opposition can mount counter attacks.
- wiz1901

Agreed top to bottom. All that is BETTER, or potentially better, than last year.

They give up a lot of shots because they're sloppy with the puck, especially coming out of their end. and at the opponent's blueline sometimes too.

You can scratch kills penalties off the list though - Bouma hasn't played a second on the PK so far. I assume it's because Q saw how terrible he was on the PK in the pre-season. The only other player to get zero time on the PK so far is Schmaltz.
- L_B_R

He's paid to crunch people and keep the puck away from Crawford long enough for the other lines to get a breather. He's doing a good enough job of that. Better than being stuck with Mash

Right, and how is that Bouma's fault? Or that the other three lines he doesn't play on can't run a clean breakout. He's also not the guy coughing up pucks at both bluelines or trying cutesie drop passes that go the other way in a hurry.

Cuz THOSE are bigger problems than the razor thin margin between Bouma and Kampf.

I don't really care about Bouma (honestly). But he's not holding this team back or the reason it gives up 40 shots a game and the power play looks like garbage.

#whippingboy2017
- John Jaeckel

Yeah it's funny that a lot of people thinking a fourth line would've stopped our overall team not realizing you have to play dump and chase hockey against nashville. It's amazing when we laid a solid forecheck nashville was caught scrambling and we tied the game. Overall we need to move the puck quicker up into nashville zone not cycle back D to D and try to skate through everyone. High dump ins off the glass and go get it... amazing simple hockey just takes you know effort?

You can scratch kills penalties off the list though - Bouma hasn't played a second on the PK so far. I assume it's because Q saw how terrible he was on the PK in the pre-season. The only other player to get zero time on the PK so far is Schmaltz.
- L_B_R

I stand corrected then, thought I saw him out there on the PK the last couple of games. OK point taken.

But he's STILL not the problem on the PP and maintaining control of/winning loose pucks, and some nights not being able to win a draw, which leads to a huge disparity in shots.

Hawks turned it around the last 15 minutes of the game last night (including OT). Up to that point, they were getting destroyed in possession.

Where do you have Hayden, then?

Bouma will likely sit when Schmaltz comes back and then rotate with Wingels. I'd rather Wingels stay in because he's been slightly better and he's an option at center if someone goes down.

Just to note, do you have Hinostroza or Dauphin as your center? Because they're still not running Dauphin as a center in Rockford.
- L_B_R

For giggles Id rather have Hino on the wing with Dauphint at C. Hino has pure electric speed is better suited flying up the boards. Or Wingles can play C with Dauphint on the other wing. I have a feeling that DBC gets sent down before game #10.

Yeah it's funny that a lot of people thinking a fourth line would've stopped our overall team not realizing you have to play dump and chase hockey against nashville. It's amazing when we laid a solid forecheck nashville was caught scrambling and we tied the game. Overall we need to move the puck quicker up into nashville zone not cycle back D to D and try to skate through everyone. High dump ins off the glass and go get it... amazing simple hockey just takes you know effort?
- lilmookie630

Amen brother. Been saying that here for 8 years now.

And the tempo up the ice WAS a lot better with Schmaltz driving 2L.

Which is also why I cite how important Hartman was on 2L last night.

He's paid to crunch people and keep the puck away from Crawford long enough for the other lines to get a breather. He's doing a good enough job of that. Better than being stuck with Mash
- kinigitt

Bouma actually isn't deployed much near Crawford. Q has been sheltering the (frank) out of his whole line when Kero isn't with them. Even with Kero there, they matchup against other 4th liners. I prefer when the 4th can handle themselves against mid/top QOC so that the other lines, like with Kane, can get time against bums and slay but it's also not the end of the world if they can't. I don't hate Bouma, I just think he's the odd man out when Schmaltz comes back because the other guys have outplayed him.

Amen brother. Been saying that here for 8 years now.

And the tempo up the ice WAS a lot better with Schmaltz driving 2L.

Which is also why I cite how important Hartman was on 2L last night.
- John Jaeckel

It's amazing how Panik was a complete ghost last night and nobody mentioned it yet. Honestly Kevin Dineen hasn't been fired yet is beyond me. Am I the only one that realizes he is responsible for the powerplay? He should've been gone with Kitchen our powerplay ruined so much momentum in games going back several years.

Not sure I disagree, and maybe playing "better" was the wrong choice of words. But he's not playing any worse. And I do agree Murphy needs to play to acclimate.

So, big (and unloaded) question: why isn't he?
- John Jaeckel

See, I think Murphy has been the 4th most consistent d-man so far. Keith, Rutta, Seabrook are obviously the top 3 but then I think Murphy has been the least mistake prone guy on the squad. And I like what I've seen from Kempny too, don't get me wrong, but his gap control still needs work. Forsling has been all over the place, in a single game and between then. I think if Franson played LD, Forsling may be the one sitting even though he too need to play to get better.

So imo Murphy isn't playing because they have too many RD and Rutta has outplayed him so he's the only option on the correct side to rotate out. There's nothing wrong in him playing good but not quite as good as guys older than him, either. Gustafsson and Kempny both started out really strong but faded their first years, so it's hard to say if Rutta will stay as good as he is, but I generally like the depth on the right. I think going into the season we were all worried about the RD, but it turns out that the left is a little more of a question mark.

The league coaches took notice when Hartman proved he could be a major dirty pain in the side AND be an offensive player, but they also noticed how Hayden stepped and delivered that Foligno concussion punch...it’s a new hawk wrinkle that is willing to throw them using BOTH hands.
Combined with the hits / rubs being thrown by Bouma & Wingels (and extra net front presence of Saad), it is actually a different team including the quick paced new defense that spends little time holding the puck, just smartly advancing it.
It might be tough as older veteran fans to understand that Forslings are forgiven for being of less stature and their misgivings based on the new paradigm that places skill quick hands and high I Q on pushing pace & possession before the opposition can mount counter attacks.
- wiz1901

I'm witcha and will add that I've seen duncs and seabs make as many mistakes as the yougies. Ruuta is mr. Reliable imo. Ya know, it's only game 5. Takes time to get in the swing of it, no?

It's amazing how Panik was a complete ghost last night and nobody mentioned it yet. Honestly Kevin Dineen hasn't been fired yet is beyond me. Am I the only one that realizes he is responsible for the powerplay? He should've been gone with Kitchen our powerplay ruined so much momentum in games going back several years.
- lilmookie630

Calming music. Candles. Incense.

If they don't want to break up Keith-Seabrook, I'd like to see Kempny-Rutta and Forsling-Murphy. The latter are going to be a mess at times, but it'd be good to have a balanced pair. If they're willing to break up Keith-Seabrook, I'd like to see Keith-Murphy again. Murphy doesn't have to play the whole time with Keith, Seabrook can sub in when needed, but Murphy needs to play to develop.
- L_B_R

^This. Down the road once Rutta gets his ears wet with more mins, I'd like to see him moved up to top line with Keith, but not now of course. Murphy can learn but let him do it on 3rd pairing. He is what he is and it ain't top line talent.

Yeah it's funny that a lot of people thinking a fourth line would've stopped our overall team not realizing you have to play dump and chase hockey against nashville. It's amazing when we laid a solid forecheck nashville was caught scrambling and we tied the game. Overall we need to move the puck quicker up into nashville zone not cycle back D to D and try to skate through everyone. High dump ins off the glass and go get it... amazing simple hockey just takes you know effort?
- lilmookie630

The cycling back D to D is an old habit that the team, particularly the veterans including forwards like Kane, are reverting back to. They started the first 2 games fairly well with getting a quick pass or skate out of the zone and starting the rush. Now it looks like team's of prior years spending too much time in our zone to set up rather than make the safer play to at least clear past the blueline. Old habits die hard?

Plus that PP strategy of dropping the puck back to Kane so he can rush the puck into the offensive zone is still frustrating to watch and I'm sure quite predictable for the other team to defend against.

One thing that Schmaltz is pretty good is gaining the zone whether at even strength or on the PP. Once he gets back into the lineup, hopefully that ability to gain the zone will boost both his line's 5-on-5 attach and the PP's capacity to set up adequately.

JJ i agree with your points it just disheartening that was no urgency no fight for christ sakes this was the team that embarrassed the hawks last year and hawks come out and turtled. 3 things i think the hawks need just my opinion 2 more centers (duchence) that have speed skill and faceoff wins at or over 50% second a puck moving d man who can rush the puck up ice and quaterback a power play (leddy type) and last another big nasty forward who will win board battles run around create havoc hit people make think twice before hitting adb or kane (wilson type player) i know its early but this the same crap the past 2 years hawks are not the top dog anymore and they start realizing that and show some passion. If the the hawks waiting on smaltz to save them there a lot of issues. And like JJ said its a work in progress better get things sorted out especially the pp which is to predictable.

Bouma actually isn't deployed much near Crawford. Q has been sheltering the (frank) out of his whole line when Kero isn't with them. Even with Kero there, they matchup against other 4th liners. I prefer when the 4th can handle themselves against mid/top QOC so that the other lines, like with Kane, can get time against bums and slay but it's also not the end of the world if they can't. I don't hate Bouma, I just think he's the odd man out when Schmaltz comes back because the other guys have outplayed him.
- L_B_R

I meant keep them from bleeding shots, keep the opponents busy for a while, hopefully keep it in the O zone, then get his ass on the bench.

Calming music. Candles. Incense.
- hocktock

Good blog. I do disagree with two points:

1) Kane has been a liability at times in the DZ. Loosing his man, and not engaging in puck battles.

2) I think Stan shouldn't make any moves right now for two reasons. There are quite a few new players, so he should give them some time to gel. And, assuming they move a roster player, they could only get a player making just over $3M. If he waits until the trade deadline, he could trade for someone making twice that, i.e. a legit top 4D, or top six forward.

I personally don't think Bouma is the (a) problem right now. Given his limited skill set, he brings what he's supposed to bring to the table as a 4th liner. Yeah, there are better players out there but you could say that about other positions too so why pick on Bouma specifically.

By the last third or quarter of the season, I'm guessing the 4th line will still have Wingels and Hayden as fixtures but Bouma playing less and guys like Hinostroza, Kampf, Dauphin, or maybe even Highmore occupying the other position whether center or wing.

That has to stop. Not learning sitting in the press box. Think I'd rather him have the Schmaltz treatment from last year and get sent down to learn whatever he's missing.

Q said as much in the preseason that he needs to unlearn some things. Hard to do in the press box.
- vabeachbear

murphy is going to get every opportunity to figure it out and become a contributor...for gawd sakes they gave up hammy for him...i don't think murphy can be optioned to AHL

Good blog. I do disagree with two points:

1) Kane has been a liability at times in the DZ. Loosing his man, and not engaging in puck battles.

2) I think Stan shouldn't make any moves right now for two reasons. There are quite a few new players, so he should give them some time to gel. And, assuming they move a roster player, they could only get a player making just over $3M. If he waits until the trade deadline, he could trade for someone making twice that, i.e. a legit top 4D, or top six forward.
- tvetter

for gawd sakes this is not kanes MO or even minor roll at all...he is to be an outlet to get the transition going or a playmaker set up/sniper guy. if he is engaged like that it normally means the hawks are behind late and its full pressure mode...I don't want him along boards....bad thing happen there to small players...

I truly believe, now that I'm not irrational, what hurts the power play is Keith 1 doesn't have a heavy shot, 2 really needs a right handed right wing, he constantly tries to feed Kane, and as good as Kane is he's LH which creates less angle for the opposite side open net.

So much scouting is done there's not many secrets between these teams, so teams already know Keith and Kane are pass first players. Sticks are constantly in the passing lanes and at times players are trying to be to fine with their shot and miss the net so there's no chance for a rebound