With Sharp obviously showing signs of being able to battle on the boards as in the past, I still think they need to roll with 10/15/88 as the second line. Need more nasty up front on the forecheck to retain O zone time.

Third line of 38/8/?, and fourth line the work in progress to find the best role players there. Plenty to work with and lots of options for the bottom six.

Trying to shoehorn bottom six guys and/or rookies into top six roles they will NEVER be able to mature into or stick with (sorry - calling it like I see it) is a prescription for mediocrity. We have low draft picks in that group, and they are performing as low picks normally do. Catch a team on the end of a back to back, maybe the middling guys can play well. Otherwise, not so much.

Need both top lines to be scoring threats that can maintain possession in the O zone, and need an energy line and a checking line to round out the third and fourth so Q can actually roll four lines.

Achieving this should suppress SOG against and tilt the ice back to the O zone.

With Sharp obviously showing signs of being able to battle on the boards as in the past, I still think they need to roll with 10/15/88 as the second line. Need more nasty up front on the forecheck to retain O zone time.

Third line of 38/8/?, and fourth line the work in progress to find the best role players there. Plenty to work with and lots of options for the bottom six.

Trying to shoehorn bottom six guys and/or rookies into top six roles they will NEVER be able to mature into or stick with (sorry - calling it like I see it) is a prescription for mediocrity. We have low draft picks in that group, and they are performing as low picks normally do. Catch a team on the end of a back to back, maybe the middling guys can play well. Otherwise, not so much.

Need both top lines to be scoring threats that can maintain possession in the O zone, and need an energy line and a checking line to round out the third and fourth so Q can actually roll four lines.

Achieving this should suppress SOG against and tilt the ice back to the O zone.
- Return of the Roar

Anisimov and kane have been abysmal together. Q is using AA to shut down guys, not provide offense. I'd rather see 10-8-88 if D-Cat is getting moved down.

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

Doubtful, unless it's situational, like late in the last game.

I think you will see Kane and Schmaltz playing with Hartman, Hayden or either Bouma or Wingels a lot. Not saying it SHOULD be that way, but I think it will be for protection purposes.

Doubtful, unless it's situational, like late in the last game.

I think you will see Kane and Schmaltz playing with Hartman, Hayden or either Bouma or Wingels a lot. Not saying it SHOULD be that way, but I think it will be for protection purposes.
- John Jaeckel

I'd love to see Hayden given an opportunity in the Top 9 forward group. He has shown to be very strong on the puck in the cycle, and has drastically improved his mobility since last season. Not even mentioning the fact that he has been one tough SOB both throwing his fists and throwing his shoulder on the forecheck. Unlike Bouma, he actually lands his body checks on the opponent, not on the boards.

I'd love to see Hayden given an opportunity in the Top "6" forward group. He has shown to be very strong on the puck in the cycle, and has drastically improved his mobility since last season. Not even mentioning the fact that he has been one tough SOB both throwing his fists and throwing his shoulder on the forecheck. Unlike Bouma, he actually lands his body checks on the opponent, not on the boards.
- EnzoD

A.) "Fixed"

B.) I'll resist the opportunity to beat my dead horse

With Sharp obviously showing signs of being able to battle on the boards as in the past, I still think they need to roll with 10/15/88 as the second line. Need more nasty up front on the forecheck to retain O zone time.

Third line of 38/8/?, and fourth line the work in progress to find the best role players there. Plenty to work with and lots of options for the bottom six.

Trying to shoehorn bottom six guys and/or rookies into top six roles they will NEVER be able to mature into or stick with (sorry - calling it like I see it) is a prescription for mediocrity. We have low draft picks in that group, and they are performing as low picks normally do. Catch a team on the end of a back to back, maybe the middling guys can play well. Otherwise, not so much.

Need both top lines to be scoring threats that can maintain possession in the O zone, and need an energy line and a checking line to round out the third and fourth so Q can actually roll four lines.

Achieving this should suppress SOG against and tilt the ice back to the O zone.
- Return of the Roar

Hartman and Schmaltz are both 1st round picks, and Debrincat is a 2nd round pick. Both Hartman and Schmaltz were projected to be Top 6 guys based on their skill sets. Hartman as a 200ft power forward with finishing ability and Schmaltz as a pure playmaking Center.

I think Sharp has been deployed perfectly given his age. 15 minutes a night and Powerplay time is perfect for saving his legs during the long regular season. Hartman, Panik, Hayden, Wingels, and Bouma all throw their body on the forecheck and that is more consistent physicality on a nightly basis than the Hawks have had since 2010.

The real key for this team is just playing together and building chemistry. It is virtually a completely new roster. The ONLY guys who have any familiarity playing together are Toews-Panik and Seabrook-Keith. Every other line and defense pair is brand new. 4-1-1 against playoff teams (with the probably exception of Montreal) is a damn good start for a retooled roster with all kinds of new faces, lines, and defense pairs.

I would love to add another Power Forward like Evander Kane or James Neal, but I think there has been a good amount of toughness added, especially on the backend with Murphy who loves to throw his body.

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

With the death of the bridge deal you're talking about a 6-7 mil per unproven guy who's gonna cost a ton to deal for.

Actually for 2-3 games IMO the Hawks hit the lottery finding what MIGHT be that #2 C in Schmaltz. He looked great but the sample size is minuscule.

If Schmaltz plays like he did for 70+ games and the playoffs Anisimov fits nicely as a #3 shutdown guy who can chip in offensively.

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.
- John Jaeckel

About Franson getting a couple games, 2 of the 6, I think there are couple things.

1) He generates more offense than Murphy, so I think if Q is looking for a bit more push or a different look on the PP.
2) I think they are still tinkering and wanting to see how some guys respond.
3) Q may be sending a message to Murphy by sitting him, but it is a long season and Q usually stops sending messages when the important games come around.

I think while Rutta is still adjusting, he has played like he belongs in the top 4 of an NHL team. He has saved a couple goals and been generally reliable. He isn't a banger but his physical size and strength have been evident in that he can just win battles because he is solid. I think it is legitimate when the coaches are talking about the good things he is doing. I wonder what will happen in terms of resigning him as a UFA, but I guess that is a worry for another day.

With Sharp obviously showing signs of being able to battle on the boards as in the past, I still think they need to roll with 10/15/88 as the second line. Need more nasty up front on the forecheck to retain O zone time.

Third line of 38/8/?, and fourth line the work in progress to find the best role players there. Plenty to work with and lots of options for the bottom six.

Trying to shoehorn bottom six guys and/or rookies into top six roles they will NEVER be able to mature into or stick with (sorry - calling it like I see it) is a prescription for mediocrity. We have low draft picks in that group, and they are performing as low picks normally do. Catch a team on the end of a back to back, maybe the middling guys can play well. Otherwise, not so much.

Need both top lines to be scoring threats that can maintain possession in the O zone, and need an energy line and a checking line to round out the third and fourth so Q can actually roll four lines.

Achieving this should suppress SOG against and tilt the ice back to the O zone.
- Return of the Roar

You mean the best defense is the puck 180 ft from your goalie? Can't argue with that system.

I think everyone agrees that Kempny is improved this year, after getting the treatment from Q last year, that Murphy is getting this year. I think a guy like Murphy (Kempny last year) may just need to see the play from the press box every now and then to learn and understand certain aspects. This could definitely help this year with someone up there pointing out certain things (Granato?). I'm just not so sure that he is getting the Daley treatment per se...

About Franson getting a couple games, 2 of the 6, I think there are couple things.

1) He generates more offense than Murphy, so I think if Q is looking for a bit more push or a different look on the PP.
2) I think they are still tinkering and wanting to see how some guys respond.
3) Q may be sending a message to Murphy by sitting him, but it is a long season and Q usually stops sending messages when the important games come around.

I think while Rutta is still adjusting, he has played like he belongs in the top 4 of an NHL team. He has saved a couple goals and been generally reliable. He isn't a banger but his physical size and strength have been evident in that he can just win battles because he is solid. I think it is legitimate when the coaches are talking about the good things he is doing. I wonder what will happen in terms of resigning him as a UFA, but I guess that is a worry for another day.
- breadbag

How about Q send a message to Seabrook. He has been consistently horrible this year so far.

How about Q send a message to Seabrook. He has been consistently horrible this year so far.
- TheTrob

He's been fine.

EDIT: I'd actually like to expand on this. Seabrook has, in no way, been horrible. Do you know what him and Keith did ot the top Toronto line? Their Corsi with him and Keith on the ice was in the teens. It was 54% with Seabrook off the ice. They shut those kids down. The only top lines with any semblance of possession success against Keith and Seabrook was Crosby's line and that can be attributed to the score being so high so we just sat back, and Minnesotas top line. They held Johanssesn's line to 34%. Same with Panarin's. Seabs has been on the ice for a total of 1 goal against all year. He's far form horrible.

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

You know JJ in the back of my mind I see Schmaltz floating, playing perimeter hockey and staying away from the corners just 4 yrs ago in the USHL. Just can't shake that once I see it.

The kid has proven me wrong 10 ways to Sunday but now, especially on the road when Q doesn't have last change, the kid is gonna see some nasty 3rd line shutdown centerman that know they knock him out that helps contain Kane.

This kid has a real chance to be a #2C and future 1C. Hopefully he can stay healthy.

You know JJ in the back of my mind I see Schmaltz floating, playing perimeter hockey and staying away from the corners just 4 yrs ago in the USHL. Just can't shake that once I see it.

The kid has proven me wrong 10 ways to Sunday but now, especially on the road when Q doesn't have last change, the kid is gonna see some nasty 3rd line shutdown centerman that know they knock him out that helps contain Kane.

This kid has a real chance to be a #2C and future 1C. Hopefully he can stay healthy.
- Mr Ricochet

Because then Toews will be the most overpaid #2C since Kesler signed that awful contract

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.
- John Jaeckel

Another thing that surprised me with Dcat, he's a tough little dude. Now that can get him into trouble but he's shown such awareness I think, hope, he adjusts.

I'd love to see Hayden given an opportunity in the Top 9 forward group. He has shown to be very strong on the puck in the cycle, and has drastically improved his mobility since last season. Not even mentioning the fact that he has been one tough SOB both throwing his fists and throwing his shoulder on the forecheck. Unlike Bouma, he actually lands his body checks on the opponent, not on the boards.
- EnzoD

I was saying last week that there is more to Hayden's game then just being an energy guy for sub-9 minutes a night. The best energy (and defense) you can generate is to get and maintain control of the puck. I feel he's being wasted playing 4th line with who he is playing with.

Because then Toews will be the most overpaid #2C since Kesler signed that awful contract
- Slofire94

Well better the most over paid #2C than #1C, no? ........ Remember when Kesler was a FA how many here wanted the Hawks to sign him? I was one but knew no way they could afford him.

A bastard no doubt but nice if he's your bastard.

Lucas Carlsson, I believe.
- AEL_Fox

Good memory, Fox. The 20 yr old is starting his 3rd yr as a pro. He's made all the Swedish international rosters that matter, the Ivan Hlinka tournament for 17 yr olds, WJC U-18 and WJC U-20. Decent size and a pro since he was 17: http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=212334

Well better the most over paid #2C than #1C, no? ........ Remember when Kesler was a FA how many here wanted the Hawks to sign him? I was one but knew no way they could afford him.

A bastard no doubt but nice if he's your bastard.
- Mr Ricochet

I'm pretty sure #88 specifically requested for us to sign him because of chemistry playing together on Team USA internationally
Imagine Kesler keeping Kane safe...

100%

You keep stating that seabrook is horrible slow and worthless.
If this is true (which I do not believe) who would trade for him.
Come up with a realistic trade don't just spew he needs to be traded it most likely won't happen and if it is you will just complain about the return
- Abadseed

The Seabrook contract is so bad it is basically untradeable. But here's a few:

Dion Phneuf
Tyler Myers
Keith Yandle

All 3 have comparable contract with less term. But again nobody is taking an older & much SLOWER Seabrook with all that money owed to him.

The Seabrook contract is so bad it is basically untradeable. But here's a few:

Dion Phneuf
Tyler Myers
Keith Yandle

All 3 have comparable contract with less term. But again nobody is taking an older & much SLOWER Seabrook with all that money owed to him.
- Goalie-33

So you're saying you don't like Seabs

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

Both Schmaultz and DeBrincat

The Seabrook contract is so bad it is basically untradeable. But here's a few:

Dion Phneuf
Tyler Myers
Keith Yandle

All 3 have comparable contract with less term. But again nobody is taking an older & much SLOWER Seabrook with all that money owed to him.
- Goalie-33

If you think Phaneuf is faster than Seabs, you're gonna have a bad time.

So you're saying you don't like Seabs
- vabeachbear

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

I would even go to say on Wednesday he will have a bullseye on the back of his helmet. The Blues will always be cheap shot artists.