It could be interesting if Q sat Bollig and used Rockford's top line from last year as his 4th line with Pirri centering Smith and Morin. They scored against the Blues in the season finale last year as a line.

Great to read about the kids in the A, Ty. I asked this on your actual page, but wanted to ask generally about our former 1st rounder d-man.

I was curious if you saw anything particularly notable from Olsen. Has he recovered from his spiral down the organisational depth chart to be able to (if necessary) get a look back with the big club this season?
- prd797

Thanks! It was great to some the kids.

I mentioned Olsen is struggling to make the right decisions some times.

He did make some great outlet passes however and jumped into the play a little bit. He actually had a wide open net on a Danault feed down low but failed to capitalize.

When I watched him in the prospect tournament in the summer, he looked great (albeit a man amongst boys) but looked very ordinary on Tuesday.

Listen, the Hawks don't need a guy at this point to come up and light it up from the back end. They need dmen that are solid, almost textbook defensively. Thus why I agree with Eli that Dalhbeck might be up sooner than anyone else down there. Also, why Stanton was very close to be a regular before being picked up by VAN.

Olsen should be focusing on being rock solid in his own end, all while playing a little nasty and standing up for his teammates from time to time. He's a little slow (mentally and physically) for my liking right now.




http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ty_cam/52959/

No confirmation on Beach return to Icehogs? As mentioned in threads in past months, he has ability but his maturity is still an issue. I haven't seen much of him at games insofar as whether his balance on skates has improved. That was an issue; that was why he was loosing board battles. He has NHL ability but he cannot be viewed as anything more than a role player whenever and if he does get his NHL cup of coffee. He has a ways to,go from the cheerful draft day prognosis of riding shotgun with Toews and Kane.

The younger Broadhurst played on a second or third line on a loaded (NHL draft choices aplenty) his final year of junior. May turn out if the younger Broadhurst makes NHL, he would be a skilled second line offensive player. But his older brother, obviously not an NHL talent, maybe gets a one game reward as an energy skater?

I mean, if Mills can get a recall....and he is a marginal talent but a hard worker, then the older Broadhurst could conceivably get a game should there be a lot of injuries?

The idea about McNeil not becoming a prototype power forward is the analysis I was waiting to read just might be the case. But McNeill sounds like he has some things in his game that teams want. Just may not be a projection as a #2 center.

How is Danault on face offs? Good in juniors, how about so far his face off ratio in the AHL?
- jhawk59

No idea about Beach and how he's doing in Sweden. All I know is that every time I've watch him live, he's a marginal AHL player, let alone having what it takes to ice a regular shift in the NHL.

The Broadhurst Bros look good. They give it every shift and yes, the younger bro looks to have potential to make the show. I like their pedigree!

McNeill impressed me in ways that I wasn't expecting. I'm always looking for him to be physical and threatening on the forecheck. Instead, he was an offensive threat all night!

Danault was ok on draws on Tuesday. He's known for be good so not sure if it wasn't his best game at the dot or not. He did seem to win the important draws however on the PP and PK.



http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ty_cam/52959/

It could be interesting if Q sat Bollig and used Rockford's top line from last year as his 4th line with Pirri centering Smith and Morin. They scored against the Blues in the season finale last year as a line.
- NewToHockey

They got MURDERED in that game. Lets not pretend like the one goal they had meant anything. And am I the only one who thought Smith was really bad in Tampa? I bet he gets sat for Morin

Smith's been playing well. Handzus ought to be taking a seat, IMO. He is ALWAYS behind the play, and now he is taking stupid penalties. Set your lines and play them so they develop chemistry, already. It's got to be a ball of stress playing for Q. If you're top 9, what line will I play on, and how many shifts until he moves me again. If you're a bottom 6, will I play today? Will I get inexplicably sent down? If you're Leddy, who am I paired with today?

The guy seems intent on f'ing up this team.
- Q...argh

Yeah, because that Bickell-Toews-Kane line really needed chemistry formed all year to excel. If Leddy wants a steady partner I suggest he start playing a lot better because bottom pairings get shuffled on every team. If you like your line and want it to stay the same, you better play well enough to force the coach to keep you in that spot. What player was inexplicably sent down? I pray you meet Q one day and tell him all your ideas so we can finally win stop losing games in the Finals, its embarrassing

Here is the reality of the situation. All the loyalty and hoping Zus and Rosival can find lightning in a bottle again is the dumbest thing a pro sports team can do to think that is how they will win a cup again.

Each team develops chemistry and an identity, year to year with the players they have. Without that process, your team will be a hollow shell come the playoffs, no matter how talented your core may be.

I will give Q the benefit of the doubt in bringing Pirri along slowly, however, ultimately, you have to bring in new/hungry players who are givin a legitimate shot. If Q wants to pout because Pirri does not play like a 15 year 6 5 center, then shame on him.

This team needs a spark and some energy. As so many like to project what the "room" feels about Saad, or CC or whoever, if I were on the team, I would wonder when Q is gonna put a few guys out to pasture and give some other guys a real chance.

Placing Pirri out with Bollig and whoever else on 4th line in limited time is really no way to evaluate what he is going to be able to do. I know many of you will talk about earning and deserving, I have news for you. Everything every player has done to the point of getting called up = earning. Splitting hairs on the Q scale is just stupid.

Bottom line is this, I will say it again, and you can all laugh, but come December/January Morin will be on a solid third line with Shaw and Bickell, Pirri 2C and Kruger will resume his role as 4th line C, and hopefully he will be flanked by Smith/Bollig/Nordstrom/Hayes.

People can female dog and complain about youth and all that. Chase their tails with the, let these guys cut their teeth in the A, and then when they do, say proof they suck or will not make it is because they have not already been given a chance, even though originally we collectively wanted them to prove something to us in the A.

Right now, I will give Q the benefit of trying a few things the organization wants him to do, but now it is time to role out consistent lines for a few games and let guys either hold their own or move them on. There has not been much hard logic or evidence to point to the opportunities, promotions and demotions, no matter how you feel about a guy.

Step out of the way Q and let the guys do their thing.
- TrueGrit

Brookbank played more games than Rosival and Handzus was a trade deadline acquisition, explain how that chemistry and identity was formed?

How in the world is Brandon Pirri above playing with the likes of Brandon Bollig? This logic makes zero sense. He gets PP time. He plays with his linemate that helped him lead the AHL in scoring (which is the only reason anyone you want him to play). And you've never explained why you said Pirri was only considered for a top 6 role, but now he plays on the 4th line? I thought it was him vs. Handzus and that's why he didn't make the team out of camp, because Zeus is a Q guy, or has that suddenly become untrue?

What hasn't there been evidence of? Nordstrom had a great camp, good couple games, started playing bad, got sent down. Pirri next one up, gets Nordstrom's spot. Hayes, plays meh, coaches don't love it, he did nothing to force them to keep him, so he's gone for the time being. Saad > Bickell this year, so Saad gets top 6 and Bicks to the third line. They're rotating dmen, because that's how 6D works in the NHL.

And just to be clear, "step out of the way", means put players who don't play your system very well in important lineup spots and hope for the best? Sounds good

While we're being concerned about a Hawks team that has scored 31 goals in 10 games:

Rangers have 12 in 8 games, Flyers have 13 in 9.

No confirmation on Beach return to Icehogs? As mentioned in threads in past months, he has ability but his maturity is still an issue. I haven't seen much of him at games insofar as whether his balance on skates has improved. That was an issue; that was why he was loosing board battles. He has NHL ability but he cannot be viewed as anything more than a role player whenever and if he does get his NHL cup of coffee. He has a ways to,go from the cheerful draft day prognosis of riding shotgun with Toews and Kane.

The younger Broadhurst played on a second or third line on a loaded (NHL draft choices aplenty) his final year of junior. May turn out if the younger Broadhurst makes NHL, he would be a skilled second line offensive player. But his older brother, obviously not an NHL talent, maybe gets a one game reward as an energy skater?

I mean, if Mills can get a recall....and he is a marginal talent but a hard worker, then the older Broadhurst could conceivably get a game should there be a lot of injuries?

The idea about McNeil not becoming a prototype power forward is the analysis I was waiting to read just might be the case. But McNeill sounds like he has some things in his game that teams want. Just may not be a projection as a #2 center.

How is Danault on face offs? Good in juniors, how about so far his face off ratio in the AHL?
- jhawk59

I really believe that the ship has sailed regarding Beach's "opportunity" with the organization, and I think that message was displayed with him being loaned to HV71 rather then being assigned to Rockford in the first place. Really, the last nail in the coffin was that hit he threw on Tom Wilson in the preseason.

It's always been a maturity issue with Beach, and I wouldn't hold out hope expecting that to change. Beach received a game misconduct in the SEL and was waived the next day, so I'm going to assume that it's a "maturity" thing again.

I would assume that once Beach gets back to North America, the Hawks will either assign him to Toledo or loan him out to another independent minor league team. I'd be surprised if Beach were to be assigned to Rockford after it seems like the organization doesn't really want him around and assigned him elsewhere.

As for Mills, I'm kind of surprised that he gets a call up. It just seemed liked Mills was here for that leadership role in Rockford. Beyond that, Mills is a little older than the rest of the guys in the current call-up rotation and brings a certain level of maturity perhaps the others do not possess. He does give a 100% ever shift, he does skate on one of the upper lines in Rockford, and he does add an element of grit. Also, Mills kills penalties. Perhaps that what Q is looking for?

They got MURDERED in that game. Lets not pretend like the one goal they had meant anything. And am I the only one who thought Smith was really bad in Tampa? I bet he gets sat for Morin
- rollpards19

They got murdered playing as a top line, not as a 4th line. Big difference.

After hockey practice my son and I went for pizza....JJ Twigs..if anyone knows it..great place...


Watching the Senators/Ducks game my son says to me.....out of the blue...


"Daddy the Hawks should trade Bickel for Getzlaf"


......after nearly choking on my pizza I looked at him and asked..."who are you and what have you done with my son?"
- UnnamedSource

It may be time for that paternity test....I am just kidding.....that is hilarious.

That's a lot to get off your chest at one sitting, hope it was cathartic.

Q pouting about pirri is a classic!
- dpard

Yes it does feel better, thank you. Slept good last night.

I wonder if SB and Q have been showcasing Handzus to trade him for some young prospects before he gets too old and has no value?

Zus helping win a cup last year=nothing in preparing to win a cup this year.

If that is the case, bears should sign Jim McMahon to help them this year.

I wonder if SB and Q have been showcasing Handzus to trade him for some young prospects before he gets too old and has no value?

Zus helping win a cup last year=nothing in preparing to win a cup this year.

If that is the case, bears should sign Jim McMahon to help them this year.
- TrueGrit

Showcasing someone you don't like makes no sense.

If Handzus is as bad as you say, and he shows it on the ice, who would take him?

If he shows well, why would the Hawks trade him?

No idea about Beach and how he's doing in Sweden. All I know is that every time I've watch him live, he's a marginal AHL player, let alone having what it takes to ice a regular shift in the NHL.

The Broadhurst Bros look good. They give it every shift and yes, the younger bro looks to have potential to make the show. I like their pedigree!

McNeill impressed me in ways that I wasn't expecting. I'm always looking for him to be physical and threatening on the forecheck. Instead, he was an offensive threat all night!

Danault was ok on draws on Tuesday. He's known for be good so not sure if it wasn't his best game at the dot or not. He did seem to win the important draws however on the PP and PK.



http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/ty_cam/52959/
- TyCamScore

McNeill can skate, has nice hands, but lives on the periphery and appears intent on avoiding body contact at all costs

I really believe that the ship has sailed regarding Beach's "opportunity" with the organization, and I think that message was displayed with him being loaned to HV71 rather then being assigned to Rockford in the first place. Really, the last nail in the coffin was that hit he threw on Tom Wilson in the preseason.

It's always been a maturity issue with Beach, and I wouldn't hold out hope expecting that to change. Beach received a game misconduct in the SEL and was waived the next day, so I'm going to assume that it's a "maturity" thing again.

I would assume that once Beach gets back to North America, the Hawks will either assign him to Toledo or loan him out to another independent minor league team. I'd be surprised if Beach were to be assigned to Rockford after is seems like the organization doesn't really want him around and assigned him elsewhere.

As for Mills, I'm kind of surprised that he gets a call up. It just seemed liked Mills was here for that leadership role in Rockford. Beyond that, Mills is a little older than the rest of the guys in the current call-up rotation and brings a certain level of maturity perhaps the others do not possess. He does give a 100% ever shift, he does skate on one of the upper lines in Rockford, and he does add an element of grit. Also, Mills kills penalties. Perhaps that what Q is looking for?
- EKolb13

Throughout his miserable tenure with us...Beach is fond of saying...i'm not afraid to 'protect my teammates.'


This phuck'n punching bag can barely protect himself.

After hockey practice my son and I went for pizza....JJ Twigs..if anyone knows it..great place...


Watching the Senators/Ducks game my son says to me.....out of the blue...


"Daddy the Hawks should trade Bickel for Getzlaf"


......after nearly choking on my pizza I looked at him and asked..."who are you and what have you done with my son?"
- UnnamedSource

Has your son been secretly posting on this site? I like him and his idea.

Seriously, liking what I am seeing from Bickell lately. He seems to have settled in and is finding the back of the net again. If he consistently remembers to go to the front of the net he'll score bunches.

Throughout his miserable tenure with us...Beach is fond of saying...i'm not afraid to 'protect my teammates.'


This phuck'n punching bag can barely protect himself.
- philco28

"I'm not afraid to protect my teammates." #beachquotes

"I'm not afraid to protect my teammates." #beachquotes
- EKolb13

#Beachquotes dude's a punchline these days and hard to find anyone 'round here laughing. He's been a tremendous waste of time and money to this point.

Any chance LeBlanc gets a shot at 2C this year? Kid can downright play and was one of the better passers/setupmen I have seen come out of college in awhile.
Was shocked to see Zeus is still in your top 6. He needs to be playing every other game to be effective

Any chance LeBlanc gets a shot at 2C this year? Kid can downright play and was one of the better passers/setupmen I have seen come out of college in awhile.
Was shocked to see Zeus is still in your top 6. He needs to be playing every other game to be effective
- SotaPopinski

Got the velvet mitties....and did see him first into a scrum the other night to help a teammate. Needs more pro-seasoning on the farm though IMO.

Was at the game Thursday. More Hawks fans than Lightning in the arena. It was a nice, fast paced game especially being on the faceoff circle 11 rows from the ice. Habby looked like total garbage.

They got MURDERED in that game. Lets not pretend like the one goal they had meant anything. And am I the only one who thought Smith was really bad in Tampa? I bet he gets sat for Morin
- rollpards19

You are correct. He was directly responsible for the 4th goal when he lost the puck just inside the TB blueline while the Hawks were changing. Stamkos went straight down and scored.

Was at the game Thursday. More Hawks fans than Lightning in the arena. It was a nice, fast paced game especially being on the faceoff circle 11 rows from the ice. Habby looked like total garbage.
- Dannyboy

Ah.......YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEP

#Beachquotes dude's a punchline these days and hard to find anyone 'round here laughing. He's been a tremendous waste of time and money to this point.
- philco28

After watching him for three season plus, I have to have something to laugh about.

Blackhawk Lines at morning skate

Saad-Toews-Hossa
Kane-Kruger-Sharp
Bickel-Shaw-Morin
Bolling-Pirri- Smith-rotating with Mills


Q pouting in the corner pointing at Pirri......