I think they need to fix the 3rd line first.

If I was making moves, I'd sent Alex DeBrincat down and bring up someone like Jurco/Kampf/Fortin. Someone that will win a few more battles and I think someone like Jurco with a bit more experience at the NHL level would be good. I like DeBrincat, but if he plays he needs to play in a more offensive role. Right now, I think the team could use one more C that can play in the defensive end.
- breadbag

That makes sense, thanks. A Rockford call up or two or three seem like the first in-season move they'll make. There are guys there that can help right now so why not?

Since you brought it up, is Carey Price more what you want for 10 mil? Jack Eichel? Tavares at his new price?

None of them has won a thing.
- Hawkjet

Eichel or Tavares - at current rates of production... are certainly a better ROI than Toews.

That said, Toews showed he still has the ability to dominate during that 1-2 month stretch (I think in Jan/Feb) of last season. I still think there has to be some degenerative injury or injuries here. Maybe they should let him or MAKE him sit until he is 100% if that is possible?

When is Tanner taking over again? I thought he was in line for a GM job or something?

Eichel or Tavares - at current rates of production... are certainly a better ROI than Toews.
- tredbrta

"Certainly"

Really?

That makes sense, thanks. A Rockford call up or two or three seem like the first in-season move they'll make. There are guys there that can help right now so why not?
- matt_ahrens

The problem with Jurco is he would need to clear waivers to go back down. Jurco with 7 pts in 7 games Vinne with 10pts. My guess is vinie gets called up 1st. Jurco needs to play he has been a healthy scratch for 2 years.

The team won't go on a run if the Blue line crew is merely a cut above horrible.

This group does not endear thoughts of a long playoff charge.

Samuelson is a good teaching coach who has drawn praise exactly for this. However many on this board have ire over the poor play of the defensemen. What gives.....is that defense is a difficult position to learn and be good.

The exception is when a smaller percentage are soon adept at the NHL level. In the old NHL defensemen came in as 28 -30 yr old rookies. Somewhere the notion came to be nowadays it takes roughly 300 gp to become efficient.

So apparently we have to hope that Q plays the young guys and improvement comes sooner rather than later. Everyone has plenty of third pair level guys. Yes sir, we brought in Franson, an improvement over Runsblad. Then you have the trioka at Rockford: Pokka, Svedberg, Gus.

See how it gets bad real fast. Maybe Rozival will rise up again. Please no.
- jhawk59

I wonder if Q is handcuffing Samuelsson in terms of the type of defensive system he want to use and teach.

The other contributing factor on D for me is the overall offensive play which as of late has been atrocious. It only adds pressure and further taxes our still developing defensive group.

I wonder if Q is handcuffing Samuelsson in terms of the type of defensive system he want to use and teach.

The other contributing factor on D for me is the overall offensive play which as of late has been atrocious. It only adds pressure and further taxes our still developing defensive group.
- walleyeb1

Big two games this weekend. Hawks need to show some life. Sleep walk and we will get pasted on back to back nights.

Eichel or Tavares - at current rates of production... are certainly a better ROI than Toews.

That said, Toews showed he still has the ability to dominate during that 1-2 month stretch (I think in Jan/Feb) of last season. I still think there has to be some degenerative injury or injuries here. Maybe they should let him or MAKE him sit until he is 100% if that is possible?

When is Tanner taking over again? I thought he was in line for a GM job or something?
- tredbrta

Well if Toews does have a nagging injury, say back, and the playboy Hawks doctor won't sit him and fix it correctly (operation) that's on the Hawks.

Hawks have bent backwards to maximize return on Toews by bringing back Saad. If Toews can't produce night in and night out at a high level........

New Blackhawks lines:
Saad-Toews-DeBrincat
Panik-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Bouma-Wingels-Hartman

Blackhawks defenseman pairings
Keith-Rutta
Forsling-Seabrook
Kempny-Murphy
Oesterle-Franson

"Certainly"

Really?
- Hawkjet

Are you saying you wouldn't trade Toews for either of those today straight up?

New Blackhawks lines:
Saad-Toews-DeBrincat
Panik-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Bouma-Wingels-Hartman

Blackhawks defenseman pairings
Keith-Rutta
Forsling-Seabrook
Kempny-Murphy
Oesterle-Franson
- JRoenick97

Finally....Hartman down where he belongs.......

New Blackhawks lines:
Saad-Toews-DeBrincat
Panik-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Bouma-Wingels-Hartman

Blackhawks defenseman pairings
Keith-Rutta
Forsling-Seabrook
Kempny-Murphy
Oesterle-Franson
- JRoenick97

Is that from the team or your wish list?

Is that from the team or your wish list?

- z1990z

From twitter, they're real changes

Is that from the team or your wish list?

- z1990z

That was reported by Eric Lear from this morning's practice.

Second City Hockey has a good write up about how it could be better, forwards at least.

So who will take over the Hawks blog?
- z1990z

I voted for tanner

Is that from the team or your wish list?

- z1990z

Legit report

New Blackhawks lines:
Saad-Toews-DeBrincat
Panik-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Bouma-Wingels-Hartman

Blackhawks defenseman pairings
Keith-Rutta
Forsling-Seabrook
Kempny-Murphy
Oesterle-Franson
- JRoenick97

DeBrincat on the first line is interesting. I know someone suggested it a few days ago, might as well try it and see what happens. Him on the third line was not working, maybe he'll be better with two guys who can go get the puck. If not, maybe he gets a trip to Rockford.

Panik on the second line is an upgrade from Hartman. He gives that line some needed grit. I'm not sure he's the long term solution there though.

Hayden on the third line is a well earned promotion. Hopefully AA and Sharp respond to his aggressiveness.

Hartman on the fourth line seems like a wake up call. I hope he answers.

I'm glad Kempny is back in the top six defensively.

Some excerpts from Dellow's top 6 vs bottom 6 western conference teams:

Four teams are just getting hideously torched with their bottom six on the ice: Chicago, Vegas, Calgary and Anaheim. It's probably for the best that Randy Carlyle tends to use his fourth line less than any coach in the league. They seem to be getting utterly overwhelmed. I wondered if this was maybe a zone start thing, but it's not. They're just getting destroyed with a reasonably favourable zone start.

Chicago is utterly dependent on their top six. They've been bad possession-wise with their bottom six on the ice and have gotten about what they deserve for that – a 44.5 Corsi% has resulted in a 42.9 GF%. The top six have shot 13.3 per cent with a .949 save percentage, which has overshadowed a 49.4 Corsi%. The Blackhawks have amazed with their ability to overcome over the years but at some point, there are too many holes to paper over. Despite the 5-on-5 goals early, I wonder about their staying power.

St. Louis is the exact same story: Top six that's so-so by Corsi%, albeit better than Chicago, with a 51.8 per cent. A 12 per cent shooting percentage and .947 save percentage have them doing well. Meanwhile, the bottom six have put up even worse possession numbers than the Blackhawks' bottom six.

So is JJ going to continue to do a Hawks blog at this new site?
- z1990z

Yes, focus of the site is going to be primarily Hawk-related for the time being, with deeper coverage on the draft, analytics, cap, skills, etc.

There are 2 full-time writers in addition to myself and another 2 part-time. I believe the plan is to add 2-3 more ASAP covering some of the areas outlined.

So, if ya know anybody . . .

That was reported by Eric Lear from this morning's practice.

Second City Hockey has a good write up about how it could be better, forwards at least.
- CanOCorn

I like the new lines. Lets hope it sparks something Friday night. Like some actual sustained pressure.

A sad tale. A Saad comparison.
Stale Breadman in Columbus.
Was reportedly to play with Wenneberg
Torts reportedly to leave him alone.

Other: lots of youth on Coyotes. There is a team with youth but not a good mix with veterans? A new highly regarded Tochhet has not won yet. James Tanner is babbling about it. Not sure I want to read it. )

You know we have youth here. We have a highly regarded coach.
- jhawk59

Is Panarin not playing with Wenneberg? I may need to adjust my roster if so......

Are you saying you wouldn't trade Toews for either of those today straight up?
- SteveRain

Call me crazy, I wouldn't.

Eichel or Tavares - at current rates of production... are certainly a better ROI than Toews.


- tredbrta

Yeah, Tavares really fills the seats in NY. 4 years of declining attendance... What is the average now? 13,000? Yup that's some ROI.

Call me crazy, I wouldn't.
- Hawkjet

I love Tazer, but if it's a straight swap for Tavares... I'd probably do it. Younger, similar player.

John Jaeckel‏ @jaeckel 2h2 hours ago
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1/ Just to clear up any confusion, i will be blogging at hockeybuzz til 10/31. Move to http://the-rink.com happens then or soon after.
- matt_ahrens

Just tried to go to this site from work...its BLOCKED!

EDIT: Went to it on my phone, but its not up and running yet, so maybe it won't be blocked once it is...

Just tried to go to this site from work...its BLOCKED!

EDIT: Went to it on my phone, but its not up and running yet, so maybe it won't be blocked once it is...
- ToewsdNKanefusd

I just went from my laptop and it says the official launch date is 11/1/17.