Had this conversation with Eli last night and the Western Conference is a three dog race...

Chicago, St Louis, & LA.....maybe the Sharks round out the top 4


then its...

Casucks...
MInnesota.....
Anaheim...
....and whichever teams lands in the eight spot.....

Based upon the time of this post...I am going to assume this at least partially alcohol fueled....Senators? Really?


And in the east....its the Senators all the way.....
- UnnamedSource

Is anyone else starting to think that it's actually legitimately possible that the Nucks might miss the playoffs this year? I'm starting to feel like a meltdown of epic proportions is coming soon to Western Canada.
- Ogilthorpe2

It's coming....that was a team built for the now.

They'll ride the middle of the pack for a little awhile, before flaming out in some sort of epic proportion. Hopefully, drawn out and overly dramatic. Just wait until the first time Torch drops 15 f bombs at the twins, and they mentally check out.

Looking forward to it.

I think the best players ready to play will be there.

With that said, you all had to be impressed with Morin's shot.

I thought I saw the most brain farts from B Smith with poor decisions and not securing and advance the bisquit properly, but again it may be all about which guys are suspectible to being picked off wavier due to being veteran guys, where Nordqvist isn't, which might make him the odd man out, if they truly think things are close.

When I hear Foley saying the Hawks think it is an adventure when Morin has the puck, that tells me that there is bad along with good and he might be on his way back to the Rockford. On my way to Denver in the morning....
- wiz1901

From what I've seen both in the pre-season and from previous seasons, I'd hope that Hayes is the odd man out here.

I consider Hayes and Morin relatively similar in their deficiencies - i.e. poor skating, questionable awareness, average-to-below-average puck skills.

The two both have one main NHL attribute right now - Morin's is his shot, Hayes' is his size. In my humble opinion, Morin's actually using that attribute well and consistently, whereas Hayes isn't. He's still awfully weak on his skates, when someone of his stature should be busting bodies and making a living in front of the net.

I know it's still a long shot, but Nordstrom's looked better in all three zones than either of those two in the small sample sizes I've seen this fall. If the puck dropped tonight, I'd say he's earned a spot.

As you can tell and with the comments I've about what it means to win the AHL scoring title as well....I'm a trend and odds kinda guy...
- UnnamedSource

Now what if Pirri sells more beer in his section than any other vendor. Will you believe then?

Now what if Pirri sells more beer in his section than any other vendor. Will you believe then?
- TrueGrit

If Pirri is selling beer in my section, I'll buy from him.

If Pirri is selling beer in my section, I'll buy from him.
- EKolb13

Sounds like a bad idea to me. All the bad things you've said about him...he's likely to slip something in there. At least that's what I'd do if I were him.

Sounds like a bad idea to me. All the bad things you've said about him...he's likely to slip something in there. At least that's what I'd do if I were him.
- Ogilthorpe2

Good point. Where would I be without you giving me vital life advice?

#Blackhawks' practice lines: Bickell-Toews-Kane, Sharp-Handzus-Hossa, Saad-Shaw-Smith, Bollig-Kruger-Nordstrom. 5th line: Morin-Pirri-Hayes

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) September 27, 2013

From what I've seen both in the pre-season and from previous seasons, I'd hope that Hayes is the odd man out here.

I consider Hayes and Morin relatively similar in their deficiencies - i.e. poor skating, questionable awareness, average-to-below-average puck skills.

The two both have one main NHL attribute right now - Morin's is his shot, Hayes' is his size. In my humble opinion, Morin's actually using that attribute well and consistently, whereas Hayes isn't. He's still awfully weak on his skates, when someone of his stature should be busting bodies and making a living in front of the net.

I know it's still a long shot, but Nordstrom's looked better in all three zones than either of those two in the small sample sizes I've seen this fall. If the puck dropped tonight, I'd say he's earned a spot.
- FredoXV

>Can't agree with your assessment regarding Morin
>Morin has a very high hockey IQ in the offensive zone and also good enough awareness to keep offensive plays progressing by passing
>Have yet to see Ben Smith do anything high-end with the puck: hasn't been able to receive a pass cleanly, make a great pass, and his shot is below average
>I'll give Smith his due for competitiveness, but for his small size, he's hardly a speedster on his skates -- I'll give Smith credit for "finding" a way to score goals -- but I doubt he will produce many #1 assists at the NHL level

>Can't agree with your assessment regarding Morin
>Morin has a very high hockey IQ in the offensive zone and also good enough awareness to keep offensive plays progressing by passing
>Have yet to see Ben Smith do anything high-end with the puck: hasn't been able to receive a pass cleanly, make a great pass, and his shot is below average
>I'll give Smith his due for competitiveness, but for his small size, he's hardly a speedster on his skates -- I'll give Smith credit for "finding" a way to score goals -- but I doubt he will produce many #1 assists at the NHL level
- SnapitUpstairs

>Something I forgot to include and today's lines confirm it
>Q loves Smith, and doesn't care much for Morin

>Something I forgot to include and today's lines confirm it
>Q loves Smith, and doesn't care much for Morin
- SnapitUpstairs

That's going to play a big part in who makes the opening day roster.

#Blackhawks' practice lines: Bickell-Toews-Kane, Sharp-Handzus-Hossa, Saad-Shaw-Smith, Bollig-Kruger-Nordstrom. 5th line: Morin-Pirri-Hayes

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) September 27, 2013

- EKolb13

Anyone think that Morin and/or Pirri might be old enough/proven enough at the AHL level that they might keep one or both around even if they're not likely to play most nights? At what point does being around guys like Toews and Hossa every day trump playing every night? Ever?

Anyone think that Morin and/or Pirri might be old enough/proven enough at the AHL level that they might keep one or both around even if they're not likely to play most nights? At what point does being around guys like Toews and Hossa every day trump playing every night? Ever?
- Ogilthorpe2

Maybe Nordstrom actually does push both of them for the last roster spot and Morin & Pirri end up back in Rockford?

I still believe that if Morin or Pirri can't make the club, they're better off playing valuable minutes in Rockford as opposed to rotting away up in the press box in the UC.

Anyone think that Morin and/or Pirri might be old enough/proven enough at the AHL level that they might keep one or both around even if they're not likely to play most nights? At what point does being around guys like Toews and Hossa every day trump playing every night? Ever?
- Ogilthorpe2

>Good question
>Think there is an outside chance Morin will be the occasional fill-in for Hossa on line 2 -- maybe Pirri for Zus in similar fashion
>Whether they get shuttled from Rockford, I do not know
>I project some Morin bias on this board, but I have a gut feeling he becomes a big goal scorer (somewhere)
>When healthy, the Hawks top 2 lines don't "have any room" for Morin but I think he could really help the power play -- even with limited ice time
>Seems that Q has no role for Morin and even if a top-6 wing spot opened, Q might go to Hayes anyway

>Good question
>Think there is an outside chance Morin will be the occasional fill-in for Hossa on line 2 -- maybe Pirri for Zus in similar fashion
>Whether they get shuttled from Rockford, I do not know
>I project some Morin bias on this board, but I have a gut feeling he becomes a big goal scorer (somewhere)
>When healthy, the Hawks top 2 lines don't "have any room" for Morin but I think he could really help the power play -- even with limited ice time
>Seems that Q has no role for Morin and even if a top-6 wing spot opened, Q might go to Hayes anyway
- SnapitUpstairs

I still question whether or not Morin is fast enough to skate in a top six role. I could see him panning out to be more of a 3rd line wing with some grit and that shot of his keeping him on a PP unit.

Maybe Nordstrom actually does push both of them for the last roster spot and Morin & Pirri end up back in Rockford?

I still believe that if Morin or Pirri can't make the club, they're better off playing valuable minutes in Rockford as opposed to rotting away up in the press box in the UC.
- EKolb13

I like these lines but I'm a bit surprised that Morin, Pirri and Hayes are all on the 5th line. Also, I know Nordstrom is a feel-good story if he makes the team, but I have concerns on how he'd hold up over an 82 game season plus the playoffs. He's 6'1" and 160 lbs and the most he's played in a regular season (in Sweden) was 47 games (plus 10 in the playoffs). I'm not doubting the kid's skill, but maybe a year in Rockford would help him acclimate to the rigors of a professional hockey schedule in North America.

Bickell-Toews-Kane,
Sharp-Handzus-Hossa,
Saad-Shaw-Smith,
Bollig-Kruger-Nordstrom.
5th line: Morin-Pirri-Hayes

#Blackhawks' practice lines: Bickell-Toews-Kane, Sharp-Handzus-Hossa, Saad-Shaw-Smith, Bollig-Kruger-Nordstrom. 5th line: Morin-Pirri-Hayes

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) September 27, 2013

- EKolb13

Is anyone else worried that one of our 4th line forwards weighs less than 165 pounds when this is technically supposed to be our "grit" line? I have a feeling Nordstrom is going to get crushed in no time and sent down to the Hogs. Seriously wondering why Winchester would not have been a better option.

I still question whether or not Morin is fast enough to skate in a top six role. I could see him panning out to be more of a 3rd line wing with some grit and that shot of his keeping him on a PP unit.
- EKolb13

>I'd be fine with that "slotting"
>Morin is also one of the few Hawk forwards that can actually throw a proper check
>While I want all Hawk players to do well, I'll be curious to see how many 3rd line possessions end when Smith needs to make a play

Is anyone else worried that one of our 4th line forwards weighs less than 165 pounds when this is technically supposed to be our "grit" line? I have a feeling Nordstrom is going to get crushed in no time and sent down to the Hogs. Seriously wondering why Winchester would not have been a better option.
- Murph76

I'm worried. I like Nordstrom's talent and game sense (from what I've heard) but his weight does worry me. The more I think of it the more I'm wondering if it's better to send Nordstrom to Rockford for a bit of conditioning.

I'm worried. I like Nordstrom's talent and game sense (from what I've heard) but his weight does worry me. The more I think of it the more I'm wondering if it's better to send Nordstrom to Rockford for a bit of conditioning.
- DarthKane

Agreed 100%

I'm worried. I like Nordstrom's talent and game sense (from what I've heard) but his weight does worry me. The more I think of it the more I'm wondering if it's better to send Nordstrom to Rockford for a bit of conditioning.
- DarthKane

If he gets crushed then he gets crushed. But Shaw isnt exactly a huge guy and hes doing alright for himself. Im not gonna worry about it until he takes a big hit and shows hes either A.) Intimidated from it, or B) shakes it off and gets back into the play.

Maybe Nordstrom actually does push both of them for the last roster spot and Morin & Pirri end up back in Rockford?

I still believe that if Morin or Pirri can't make the club, they're better off playing valuable minutes in Rockford as opposed to rotting away up in the press box in the UC.
- EKolb13

The reality of it all is that Nordstrom plays a role, auditioning for a job that neither Morin or Pirri play.

Pirri and Morin are top 6 insurance policies. Like Pirri, Morin has proven he is a player everywhere he has been given a chance. I would not bet against him, should he be given a role, he will score.

>Something I forgot to include and today's lines confirm it
>Q loves Smith, and doesn't care much for Morin
- SnapitUpstairs

What evidence suggests Q doesn't like Morin.....just asking.

Q gift wrapping the #2 center spot to his pal old goat Handzus.

I'm worried. I like Nordstrom's talent and game sense (from what I've heard) but his weight does worry me. The more I think of it the more I'm wondering if it's better to send Nordstrom to Rockford for a bit of conditioning.
- DarthKane

First, he is not 165 but 185. Look at Rockford profile of him, not the one on Hawks team page.

Second. conditioning, really!!! That is what you picked out of the days cliche bucket? Based on what? That it sounds cool to say it. Don;t mean to pick on you, but buddy, you are so much smarter than that comment.

I am 3 years into this board and it still boggles my mind how many guys still talk the old school narrative of hockey. Modern hockey is about speed. The game is played, the players are different from yesteryear. Guys are not affraid. Nobody can mug anyone. We saw how the big bad bruins could not catch their wind chasing the hawks, but boy, once they did. Milan Lucic would scare everyone back to the bench.

Nordstrom is EXACTLY, what the hawks are looking for in replacing Frolik. Speed, IQ, not as strong, but more dynamic and might have a better scoring touch.