So here's sort of where I am.

And how easily some forget. I LIKE most of the offseason moves. the team IS faster and more physical.

But, and since it's my job here to ask questions, is thie team of the last 4 games, the same one that steamrolled the first two? It doesn't seem to be? Why not?

Valid questions.

And yes, 2 games and 4 other games are snapshots early on in the season. Nothing to overly freak about.

But . . . when the shot totals against climb close to or over 40 game after game, and you view that through the lens of that trend the previous two seasons, sorry, that's something to be a little concerned about.

Also, nothing wrong with acknowledging, on one hand, how ADB makes a difference from the opponent's blue line in (as I've said going back to the summer) but from their blue line back (and in the corners) he is a flawed product at this point.

Dark, negative, OK, that's like your opinion, man. Great. All good.

Also, on Murphy, I agree, he has the raw physical package you want in a dman. Dmen take time to develop. But Q seems to be treating him like Daley or maybe Kempny last year. Why? is that just a process, or is Q really sour on him. And why? Seems worth at least asking.
- John Jaeckel

I think that Q has chased points most years he has been here to the detriment of some players and their TOI.

However, with how diluted the talent pool is with the expansion and salary cap stuff they need to take points where they can get them, especially in the division. Probably see Murphy in games against pacific and eastern teams while they go with the maybe steadier Franson in division games.

Either way they need to keep both players fresh. With how well Rutta has played, they can give Searbook some maintenance days provided they keep accumulating points and neither Murphy or Franson are a complete mess. Not a bad situation me thinks.

Are the shots against overwhelmingly high quality chances? Or our defenders funneling attackers outside the hashes? Are our defenders making it a bit tougher on attackers trying to camp out in front of Crow/Forsberg?
6 games in, I'm optimistic. I would be much MORE optimistic if our defenders get to the point where #2 and #7 minutes per game is closer to 20 than 30 because the other 4 dmen are playing well enough to get the minutes.

So here's sort of where I am.

And how easily some forget. I LIKE most of the offseason moves. the team IS faster and more physical.

But, and since it's my job here to ask questions, is thie team of the last 4 games, the same one that steamrolled the first two? It doesn't seem to be? Why not?

Valid questions.

And yes, 2 games and 4 other games are snapshots early on in the season. Nothing to overly freak about.

But . . . when the shot totals against climb close to or over 40 game after game, and you view that through the lens of that trend the previous two seasons, sorry, that's something to be a little concerned about.

Also, nothing wrong with acknowledging, on one hand, how ADB makes a difference from the opponent's blue line in (as I've said going back to the summer) but from their blue line back (and in the corners) he is a flawed product at this point.

Dark, negative, OK, that's like your opinion, man. Great. All good.

Also, on Murphy, I agree, he has the raw physical package you want in a dman. Dmen take time to develop. But Q seems to be treating him like Daley or maybe Kempny last year. Why? is that just a process, or is Q really sour on him. And why? Seems worth at least asking.
- John Jaeckel

Not sure if you quoted me by accident as I didn't comment on a dark tone or even Murphy. I think I'm in near total agreement with you, and some others, who very much like the offseason moves. The team needed to pivot and get younger, bigger, faster, find some cost certainty and for me change the culture some from pure Fancy Dan to some north-south. They did that with moves both outside and inside the organIzation. .... Now time to let it cultivate, tweak (both lineups and personel) as needed and find fits that work which means patience and rolling with the inevitable ugly aspects.

As far as Murphy and how Q is handling him one would need a crystal ball. As with Daley we've seen Q be awfully stubborn but as he's showing with Forsling and Kempny I think he's learned over the last few yrs that speed and a dynamic aspect to the backend is worth some aggressive mistakes. That's my hope at least.

And as far as Murphy I'm not one who thinks his skating is that wonderful. I feel his skating will not bail him out of his mistakes, doesn't seem like an IQ guy, high center of gravity with the puck, leggy, but also have to say I haven't seen him live and hate to make any concrete assessments about players until I do, especially skating. Not thrilled with his balance or first couple steps I see on TV.

But yea, new guy inked at a reasonable contract and term I'd hope Q is finding reasons to get him on the ice not keep him off.

When I watch Forsling he reminds me of a young Hjarmmilson. I remember everyone calling for Nick's head his rookie year and he turned out to be one hell of a defenseman. #42 has a bigger upside offensively than Hjammer. Let the kid play and develop. For those complaing about #42. Stop complaining about the kid and let him develop. He is going to be real good

And JJ I'm in total agreement on Dcat. Once they drafted him and I watched him critically I zeroed in on his play in his and the neutral zone. Didn't think he was lazy but watching some of his juniors action no way was he ready defensively for the NHL.

Also didn't think he had the skating without AHL experience to learn the speed and defense at the NHL level to fit this yr.

Sure his defense can be better but he's proven me wrong offensively. Kid has the release, accuracy and most important the IQ to help offensively at this level right now. ..... Really I'm done questioning Dcat. He's proven me wrong enough and simply works and improves every single yr.

Are the shots against overwhelmingly high quality chances? Or our defenders funneling attackers outside the hashes? Are our defenders making it a bit tougher on attackers trying to camp out in front of Crow/Forsberg?
6 games in, I'm optimistic. I would be much MORE optimistic if our defenders get to the point where #2 and #7 minutes per game is closer to 20 than 30 because the other 4 dmen are playing well enough to get the minutes.
- 35Tony0

IMO, I don't have the shot area charts in front of me, but just going by my own eyes, Crow and Forsberg have been in bail out mode a lot so far this year.

When I watch Forsling he reminds me of a young Hjarmmilson. I remember everyone calling for Nick's head his rookie year and he turned out to be one hell of a defenseman. #42 has a bigger upside offensively than Hjammer. Let the kid play and develop. For those complaing about #42. Stop complaining about the kid and let him develop. He is going to be real good
- mmurray892

Their haywagon skating style is really similar.

I like the way Forsling is developing, but I see them as different players. Forsling is going to rely a lot on speed and getting the puck up the ice, including skating it as much as passing it, where Hammer was really a master of space in his own end and highly physical at times. Forsling will not really be that kind of player.

You want a young comparable for Hammer—Anton LIndholm of Colorado. Who the Hawks wanted last year, BTW

And JJ I'm in total agreement on Dcat. Once they drafted him and I watched him critically I zeroed in on his play in his and the neutral zone. Didn't think he was lazy but watching some of his juniors action no way was he ready defensively for the NHL.

Also didn't think he had the skating without AHL experience to learn the speed and defense at the NHL level to fit this yr.

Sure his defense can be better but he's proven me wrong offensively. Kid has the release, accuracy and most important the IQ to help offensively at this level right now. ..... Really I'm done questioning Dcat. He's proven me wrong enough and simply works and improves every single yr.
- Mr Ricochet

He is really good from the blue line in, only criticism there is he needs to adjust to what happens in the corners in the NHL. Keep his head up, and be aware, but also engaged.

Also there is a Swedish d-man the Hawks have—forget his name right now—who is playing in Sweden that I hear is very Hammer-esque (primarily defensive, but some two-way ability, uber smart)

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...
- bogiedoc

I'm well aware this is not Kane's role on the team, but over the last few years he's improved a lot in the DZ. This year (small sample size), he seems to have regressed to how he played his first few years in the league.

So here's sort of where I am.

And how easily some forget. I LIKE most of the offseason moves. the team IS faster and more physical.

But, and since it's my job here to ask questions, is thie team of the last 4 games, the same one that steamrolled the first two? It doesn't seem to be? Why not?

Valid questions.

And yes, 2 games and 4 other games are snapshots early on in the season. Nothing to overly freak about.

But . . . when the shot totals against climb close to or over 40 game after game, and you view that through the lens of that trend the previous two seasons, sorry, that's something to be a little concerned about.

Also, nothing wrong with acknowledging, on one hand, how ADB makes a difference from the opponent's blue line in (as I've said going back to the summer) but from their blue line back (and in the corners) he is a flawed product at this point.

Dark, negative, OK, that's like your opinion, man. Great. All good.

Also, on Murphy, I agree, he has the raw physical package you want in a dman. Dmen take time to develop. But Q seems to be treating him like Daley or maybe Kempny last year. Why? is that just a process, or is Q really sour on him. And why? Seems worth at least asking.
- John Jaeckel

Definitely worth asking. It's curious, for sure. And, Kempny is still around and he seems to be a closer comparison than Daley, who was an older veteran and more set in his playing style. Q has said Murphy needs to change some things. I assumed - probably incorrectly - that his first scratch was more about getting Franson on the ice than him in the press box. This second scratch seems more like a trend to motivate and educate Murphy, at least to communicate to him that things need to change. But I don't think this is time to panic or say the trade was a failure, way too early for that (not you, JJ, other posters here.)

Getting Schmaltz back will help, but can the team flip the switch back to games 1 & 2 tempo? Hope so but doubtful.

This team has needs that are likely not going to be filled with the guys on the current roster. When will the first moves be made?

(and FWIW, I read the "dark following" comment as being about the general direction of the comments of the people "following" your blog not the blog itself.)

Also, Crawford was tremendous. Again.
- fattybeef

Because he is awesome

Also there is a Swedish d-man the Hawks have—forget his name right now—who is playing in Sweden that I hear is very Hammer-esque (primarily defensive, but some two-way ability, uber smart)
- John Jaeckel

Lucas Carlsson, I believe.

The talk is only happening because Schmaltz is coming back and someone will have to scratched (though honestly, it'll end up being a rotation).

It's between Bouma and Wingels, and if hits are your biggest concern, Wingels actually has more in one less game. If you go a bit deeper, Wingels is just more useful - in addition to hitting, he also blocks; has ]played both center and wing; and probably most importantly, Q is willing to play him on the PK (one of the 6 guys he regularly deploys on the PK).
- L_B_R

The problem I have with Bouma isn't really with Bouma himself, he is what he is, it's with what Q has to do with the 4th line with Bouma on it. Someone mentioned our 4th line back in the day that could cycle and hold the puck in the zone. That ain't gonna happen with Bouma on it. he's not a possession guy. He' an energy guy that hits and gets nasty. That's fine, but he's gonna be sheltered and not get big minutes. If you want a 4th line that can actually hold the puck for a while, You're gonna need something like Hayden-Kero-Hino/Wingels. Those guys would be a much more formidable unit for possession.

Hey what's the likelihood of Debrincat moving up to the 2nd line to play with Kane?

Hey what's the likelihood of Debrincat moving up to the 2nd line to play with Kane?
- Avsrchamps01

He did last game for the third period.

So here's sort of where I am.

And how easily some forget. I LIKE most of the offseason moves. the team IS faster and more physical.

But, and since it's my job here to ask questions, is thie team of the last 4 games, the same one that steamrolled the first two? It doesn't seem to be? Why not?

Valid questions.

And yes, 2 games and 4 other games are snapshots early on in the season. Nothing to overly freak about.

But . . . when the shot totals against climb close to or over 40 game after game, and you view that through the lens of that trend the previous two seasons, sorry, that's something to be a little concerned about.

Also, nothing wrong with acknowledging, on one hand, how ADB makes a difference from the opponent's blue line in (as I've said going back to the summer) but from their blue line back (and in the corners) he is a flawed product at this point.

Dark, negative, OK, that's like your opinion, man. Great. All good.

Also, on Murphy, I agree, he has the raw physical package you want in a dman. Dmen take time to develop. But Q seems to be treating him like Daley or maybe Kempny last year. Why? is that just a process, or is Q really sour on him. And why? Seems worth at least asking.
- John Jaeckel

Totally agree on ALL of this. Yes the team has improved on size and team speed, yet the shots against continues to climb and will be a problem moving forward. I can not blame the defense entirely for this and often notice the lack of intensity for the forwards to get back and cover their responsibilities. It's also evident that our problems continue at the dot, regardless of what the percentages show. Many of those faceoff wins occur outside the blue lines which yes is important also.... but not to the extent of offensive and defensive zone wins. I watched Toews lose 4 consecutive Dzone draws on the PK last game, yet his percentages are glowing ???
Same held true on PP draws.

In my opinion, this team desperately needs another top 9 young, fast, CENTER with size, that wins faceoffs. There are players out there right now that teams are trying to acquire....and we've discussed the names before. Stan has to realize that once again after watching the small sample size of games thus far. If he waits too long, he'll lose out. The time is NOW to make a move with the depth in forwards and young dmen in the pipeline. You have to be strong up the middle to compete for CUPS as the window is still open with this CORE.

Totally agree on ALL of this. Yes the team has improved on size and team speed, yet the shots against continues to climb and will be a problem moving forward. I can not blame the defense entirely for this and often notice the lack of intensity for the forwards to get back and cover their responsibilities. It's also evident that our problems continue at the dot, regardless of what the percentages show. Many of those faceoff wins occur outside the blue lines which yes is important also.... but not to the extent of offensive and defensive zone wins. I watched Toews lose 4 consecutive Dzone draws on the PK last game, yet his percentages are glowing ???
Same held true on PP draws.

In my opinion, this team desperately needs another top 9 young, fast, CENTER with size, that wins faceoffs. There are players out there right now that teams are trying to acquire....and we've discussed the names before. Stan has to realize that once again after watching the small sample size of games thus far. If he waits too long, he'll lose out. The time is NOW to make a move with the depth in forwards and young dmen in the pipeline. You have to be strong up the middle to compete for CUPS as the window is still open with this CORE.
- Hawkytalk

Schmaltz comes back soon. noth huge, but fast, young, strong on the puck... Was doing well with FOs so far.

Maybe we are over-analyzing the Murphy vs Franson debate. Q might just want to keep Franson fresh and engaged and is employing a rotation between the two. It doesn't have to be sinister or an expression of his dislike for the Hammer-trade...

The two of them are both "new-ish" to the system. Why not rotate the two and let them learn by alternating in the press box?

Maybe we are over-analyzing the Murphy vs Franson debate. Q might just want to keep Franson fresh and engaged and is employing a rotation between the two. It doesn't have to be sinister or an expression of his dislike for the Hammer-trade...

The two of them are both "new-ish" to the system. Why not rotate the two and let them learn by alternating in the press box?
- hpk90

That's honestly all I think it is. Rutta is playing great and Seabs ain't getting benched, so Murphy is the one to flop with Franson.

thou I would not mind having seabs sit out on a back to back once in while. rest him for playoffs.

Maybe we are over-analyzing the Murphy vs Franson debate. Q might just want to keep Franson fresh and engaged and is employing a rotation between the two. It doesn't have to be sinister or an expression of his dislike for the Hammer-trade...

The two of them are both "new-ish" to the system. Why not rotate the two and let them learn by alternating in the press box?
- hpk90

I think you are right about about this. More about keeping everyone going. Rutta jumped up in the depth chart as the #2 RD, so Murphy/Franson are sharing ice-time.

Schmaltz comes back soon. noth huge, but fast, young, strong on the puck... Was doing well with FOs so far.
- JRoenick97

Totally agree on Schmaltz but I mean in addition to Schmaltz. My concern is his ability to stay healthy because he plays at such a high speed and seems to be vulnerable to injury. It has become totally apparent that without him, this team seems slow, and by counting on Anisimov and Kero as 3 and 4, I think improvement is needed here. With Dauphin, Kampf and Hinestroza playing in Rockford, there is depth to make a move or 2 for what is needed. In my eyes, there are 3 untouchables from the youth, Schamaltz, Hayden and Debrincat, because they all bring something that is sorely needed, speed in Schmaltz and size in Hayden, hands in Debrincat. If moving a Hartman/Forsling/ Murphy/Hinestroza/ etc can bring another top CENTER, I'm all for it.

I think you are right about about this. More about keeping everyone going. Rutta jumped up in the depth chart as the #2 RD, so Murphy/Franson are sharing ice-time.
- breadbag

I think the Rutta jumping up and that making Franson and Murphy 3-4 on RD depth is right.

But the thing is, shouldn't Murphy be seen as the greater upside (or jus tplain better now) than a camp PTO guy who can barely get up and down the ice?

Not to condemn Murphy, it's the amount he's sat and for who has me concerned he has the Mark of Cain on him with Q.

Also, is Rutta jumping up because he's THAT good or because the other two just aren't that great. I like Rutta. He does a lot of things nicely. But I also see something just about every game that tells me he is still adjusting to NA and Q's system, especially getting the puck out of the Hawks' end.

As far as what the announcers say, I literally am considering turning off the sound. It almost feels like they are following a propaganda script when it comes to certain rookies and prospects.

Totally agree on Schmaltz but I mean in addition to Schmaltz. My concern is his ability to stay healthy because he plays at such a high speed and seems to be vulnerable to injury. It has become totally apparent that without him, this team seems slow, and by counting on Anisimov and Kero as 3 and 4, I think improvement is needed here. With Dauphin, Kampf and Hinestroza playing in Rockford, there is depth to make a move or 2 for what is needed. In my eyes, there are 3 untouchables from the youth, Schamaltz, Hayden and Debrincat, because they all bring something that is sorely needed, speed in Schmaltz and size in Hayden, hands in Debrincat. If moving a Hartman/Forsling/ Murphy/Hinestroza/ etc can bring another top CENTER, I'm all for it.
- Hawkytalk

Schmaltz will have a big bullseye on the front of his helmet with most teams, starting Wednesday especially.