Saw Dahlbeck play last night and he was very unimpressive. At least not nearly as disappointing as Johns was.

I'll have a full update of my thoughts about the Hogs in San Antonio soon.
- TexasFlood

Thanks TF. That is really a shame.

They need a Trent Yawney type in Rockford for these kids. Dent is out of excuses.

Has Kane fallen into the "got my big fat contract" mind set so I dont need to lay it out there anymore? The team just seems to be devoid of fire when they play. I know its early. Maybe he is torqued because the big Richards for #2 C thing is not really panning out. Dunno... For those who have seen TT play... is he the type to dig his nose in there to make the play or is he a perimeter player??
- z1990z

TT makes Kane look like a power forward

TT makes Kane look like a power forward
- TexasFlood

Hmmmm.... fantastic. Hope this team shows up tonight with some edge/tude something...

lines tonight versus the Leafs : 23-19-81, 10-65-88, 29-91-11, 20-16-28.
- Colbyboy

This is really solid looking -- on paper. I understand the West is a tough conference, heck, it's greatly overpowered over the East IMO.

But this depth should not be having trouble scoring. Maybe we're beating a dead horse, but if you can roll 4 lines that look like that, why can't we put a decent PP unit together that clicks?

Still think the best has yet to show from the hawks this season, but when our goaltending depth is the biggest upside so far, I'm a little worried.

We don't play like we're "all in"for the cup yet. Can't wait to see it when we do. If we played every game with the quality we did against the Ducks, our record would be a lot different.

Sharp, crow, richards for Skinner, ward, 2nd, 4th

Observations from San Antonio on the Hogs

First I want to preface this with this is a team that looks built in the same mode as the parent club. Skilled forwards who play mainly on the perimeter with not much crash or a lot of grit. However, there were some exceptions. Blew me away to see Carruth wearing number 35 and TT wearing number 21. Really, Thought Tony and Stan were out there at first.

Impressed by:

1. Nordstrom. Very simply, the best player on the ice. Responsible defensively, stuck his nose into the tough spaces, and won numerous board battles. Looks much improved from last year. Could help the Hawks now IMO.

2. Danault. This kid is close. Was very impressed by his passing and playmaking. Not bad size wise and played a responsible two way game. Made his line mates look good.

3. T J Brennan. I wondered who this guy was for I never heard anything about him. Best damn on the ice for the Hawks all night long. Very calm demeanor, unflappable under pressure. Crisp clean outlet passes. Frankly, reminded me of Hammer.

4. Victor Svedberg. The six foot nine behemoth. Minot clumsy at all and a smooth skating style for such a big man. The length of his poke check is impressive, shut down everything wide all night long. Looks like he could add some weight and strength. Certainly, one to watch.

Disappointing

1. Johns. At six three 220 I expected a physical presence. Boy was I wrong. Had several lined up for big checks but never delivered. A non factor on clearing the crease. Also, got walked wide twice. His skating is very suspect. This guy has bust written all over him. Hope I'm wrong but plays like Brian Bickell.

2. TT. Vision and hands are impressive. However, he seemed to spend most of the night running from checks and evading any physical contact. Caused several offside plays simply by running away from contact near the blue line causing his wings to be off sides. A small player who plays extremely small. Very disappointing.

Hard to Tell:

1. Dahlbeck & Pokka. Both seem to be soft defenseman adding nothing in the physical department. Polka is slow laterally, not a good attribute for a defenseman. Dahlbeck , at best can be described as nondescript.

2. McNeil. One of the few who plays a gritty game. Nothing really stood out about him either offensively or defensively. Got his arse hammered in a fight.

3. Mashinter. Actually, not a liability at all skating wise. Pleasantly surprised he didn't resemble John Scott on skates. Had a fight, not too exciting. Players seemed to give him a lot of room, he must have quite a rep in the A.

Quick evaluation of a road effort, which is usually more of a true read than watching them on home ice. Off to the second game tonight. I know many have seen these guys much more in person than I have, and will probably disagree with my eye test which would certainly be valid. Just one mans opinion.

Observations from San Antonio on the Hogs

First I want to preface this with this is a team that looks built in the same mode as the parent club. Skilled forwards who play mainly on the perimeter with not much crash or a lot of grit. However, there were some exceptions. Blew me away to see Carruth wearing number 35 and TT wearing number 21. Really, Thought Tony and Stan were out there at first.

Impressed by:

1. Nordstrom. Very simply, the best player on the ice. Responsible defensively, stuck his nose into the tough spaces, and won numerous board battles. Looks much improved from last year. Could help the Hawks now IMO.

2. Danault. This kid is close. Was very impressed by his passing and playmaking. Not bad size wise and played a responsible two way game. Made his line mates look good.

3. T J Brennan. I wondered who this guy was for I never heard anything about him. Best damn on the ice for the Hawks all night long. Very calm demeanor, unflappable under pressure. Crisp clean outlet passes. Frankly, reminded me of Hammer.

4. Victor Svedberg. The six foot nine behemoth. Minot clumsy at all and a smooth skating style for such a big man. The length of his poke check is impressive, shut down everything wide all night long. Looks like he could add some weight and strength. Certainly, one to watch.

Disappointing

1. Johns. At six three 220 I expected a physical presence. Boy was I wrong. Had several lined up for big checks but never delivered. A non factor on clearing the crease. Also, got walked wide twice. His skating is very suspect. This guy has bust written all over him. Hope I'm wrong but plays like Brian Bickell.

2. TT. Vision and hands are impressive. However, he seemed to spend most of the night running from checks and evading any physical contact. Caused several offside plays simply by running away from contact near the blue line causing his wings to be off sides. A small player who plays extremely small. Very disappointing.

Hard to Tell:

1. Dahlbeck & Pokka. Both seem to be soft defenseman adding nothing in the physical department. Polka is slow laterally, not a good attribute for a defenseman. Dahlbeck , at best can be described as nondescript.

2. McNeil. One of the few who plays a gritty game. Nothing really stood out about him either offensively or defensively. Got his arse hammered in a fight.

3. Mashinter. Actually, not a liability at all skating wise. Pleasantly surprised he didn't resemble John Scott on skates. Had a fight, not too exciting. Players seemed to give him a lot of room, he must have quite a rep in the A.

Quick evaluation of a road effort, which is usually more of a true read than watching them on home ice. Off to the second game tonight. I know many have seen these guys much more in person than I have, and will probably disagree with my eye test which would certainly be valid. Just one mans opinion.
- TexasFlood

No.

Unless you mean he was barely noticed...which in the case of a young D-man can be a really good thing.

Observations from San Antonio on the Hogs

First I want to preface this with this is a team that looks built in the same mode as the parent club. Skilled forwards who play mainly on the perimeter with not much crash or a lot of grit. However, there were some exceptions. Blew me away to see Carruth wearing number 35 and TT wearing number 21. Really, Thought Tony and Stan were out there at first.

Impressed by:

1. Nordstrom. Very simply, the best player on the ice. Responsible defensively, stuck his nose into the tough spaces, and won numerous board battles. Looks much improved from last year. Could help the Hawks now IMO.

2. Danault. This kid is close. Was very impressed by his passing and playmaking. Not bad size wise and played a responsible two way game. Made his line mates look good.

3. T J Brennan. I wondered who this guy was for I never heard anything about him. Best damn on the ice for the Hawks all night long. Very calm demeanor, unflappable under pressure. Crisp clean outlet passes. Frankly, reminded me of Hammer.

4. Victor Svedberg. The six foot nine behemoth. Minot clumsy at all and a smooth skating style for such a big man. The length of his poke check is impressive, shut down everything wide all night long. Looks like he could add some weight and strength. Certainly, one to watch.

Disappointing

1. Johns. At six three 220 I expected a physical presence. Boy was I wrong. Had several lined up for big checks but never delivered. A non factor on clearing the crease. Also, got walked wide twice. His skating is very suspect. This guy has bust written all over him. Hope I'm wrong but plays like Brian Bickell.

2. TT. Vision and hands are impressive. However, he seemed to spend most of the night running from checks and evading any physical contact. Caused several offside plays simply by running away from contact near the blue line causing his wings to be off sides. A small player who plays extremely small. Very disappointing.

Hard to Tell:

1. Dahlbeck & Pokka. Both seem to be soft defenseman adding nothing in the physical department. Polka is slow laterally, not a good attribute for a defenseman. Dahlbeck , at best can be described as nondescript.

2. McNeil. One of the few who plays a gritty game. Nothing really stood out about him either offensively or defensively. Got his arse hammered in a fight.

3. Mashinter. Actually, not a liability at all skating wise. Pleasantly surprised he didn't resemble John Scott on skates. Had a fight, not too exciting. Players seemed to give him a lot of room, he must have quite a rep in the A.

Quick evaluation of a road effort, which is usually more of a true read than watching them on home ice. Off to the second game tonight. I know many have seen these guys much more in person than I have, and will probably disagree with my eye test which would certainly be valid. Just one mans opinion.
- TexasFlood

Exactly the reason why he is in Rockford getting used to the North American game instead of being here.

Like Scotty Bowman?

No one expects Kane to be a power forward. Following up his shot (or a teammates) only helps his game and the team. Right now he watches his shot or veers off rather than driving. Bowman talked to him about this in the 13 playoffs and Kane called it something like a motivator or reminder that turned his game.
- tredbrta

ah ok lol

Observations from San Antonio on the Hogs

First I want to preface this with this is a team that looks built in the same mode as the parent club. Skilled forwards who play mainly on the perimeter with not much crash or a lot of grit. However, there were some exceptions. Blew me away to see Carruth wearing number 35 and TT wearing number 21. Really, Thought Tony and Stan were out there at first.

Impressed by:

1. Nordstrom. Very simply, the best player on the ice. Responsible defensively, stuck his nose into the tough spaces, and won numerous board battles. Looks much improved from last year. Could help the Hawks now IMO.

2. Danault. This kid is close. Was very impressed by his passing and playmaking. Not bad size wise and played a responsible two way game. Made his line mates look good.

3. T J Brennan. I wondered who this guy was for I never heard anything about him. Best damn on the ice for the Hawks all night long. Very calm demeanor, unflappable under pressure. Crisp clean outlet passes. Frankly, reminded me of Hammer.

4. Victor Svedberg. The six foot nine behemoth. Minot clumsy at all and a smooth skating style for such a big man. The length of his poke check is impressive, shut down everything wide all night long. Looks like he could add some weight and strength. Certainly, one to watch.

Disappointing

1. Johns. At six three 220 I expected a physical presence. Boy was I wrong. Had several lined up for big checks but never delivered. A non factor on clearing the crease. Also, got walked wide twice. His skating is very suspect. This guy has bust written all over him. Hope I'm wrong but plays like Brian Bickell.

2. TT. Vision and hands are impressive. However, he seemed to spend most of the night running from checks and evading any physical contact. Caused several offside plays simply by running away from contact near the blue line causing his wings to be off sides. A small player who plays extremely small. Very disappointing.

Hard to Tell:

1. Dahlbeck & Pokka. Both seem to be soft defenseman adding nothing in the physical department. Polka is slow laterally, not a good attribute for a defenseman. Dahlbeck , at best can be described as nondescript.

2. McNeil. One of the few who plays a gritty game. Nothing really stood out about him either offensively or defensively. Got his arse hammered in a fight.

3. Mashinter. Actually, not a liability at all skating wise. Pleasantly surprised he didn't resemble John Scott on skates. Had a fight, not too exciting. Players seemed to give him a lot of room, he must have quite a rep in the A.

Quick evaluation of a road effort, which is usually more of a true read than watching them on home ice. Off to the second game tonight. I know many have seen these guys much more in person than I have, and will probably disagree with my eye test which would certainly be valid. Just one mans opinion.
- TexasFlood

I watched this game on TV and have to disagree with you on the McNeil scrap. I thought he did quite well considering he was up against a guy somewhat bigger than him.

I watched this game on TV and have to disagree with you on the McNeil scrap. I thought he did quite well considering he was up against a guy somewhat bigger than him.
- 67hawks

Looks like NcNeill got in three, the other got some off and McNeill answered to me.

That was easy...

for a team that has had its core together for some time. The chemistry on this team sticks.

Kane is trying to do everything himself tonight. he needs to get his head out of his arse and play well with others. Richards seems to be finding his way a bit tonight

So (frank)ing SICK of Keith making bad decision on-ice and leaving Seabrook to clean up his mess. 1st period, if not for a great play by Seabs on the 2 on 1 he was left to defend when Keith was nowhere to be found (up ice w/his head up his ass), Keith does it again in the 2nd period

No gdam way Keith wins a Norris without a guy like Seabs riding shotgun and bailing him out more often than not.

Seabrook with a Bomb !!!

The Pizza Man returns!

So much for momentum...

...awful TO leads to easy goal for JVR.

Shaw- 5' Nothing". The only man willing to go to the front of the net every shift.

5 on 5...the Hawks look like hot garbage yet again.

My sources tell me Q was pissed he couldn't bench Leddy for Oduya's giveaway.

WTF WAS 27 THINKING...MY GAWD!!!

Kane 1 pt 5 on 5 in 10 gmes....another WTF!?!?!

So (frank)ing SICK of Keith making bad decision on-ice and leaving Seabrook to clean up his mess. 1st period, if not for a great play by Seabs on the 2 on 1 he was left to defend when Keith was nowhere to be found (up ice w/his head up his ass), Keith does it again in the 2nd period

No gdam way Keith wins a Norris without a guy like Seabs riding shotgun and bailing him out more often than not.
- savvyone-1

Goes both ways. Seabrook makes plenty of lazy plays and soft passes that Keith bails him out on.

My sources tell me Q was pissed he couldn't bench Leddy for Oduya's giveaway.
- Baaaaaaannerman!

I heard he tried.
Sent a text to Capuano in San Jose but Cappy said since they hadn't taken the ice yet against Sharks, it was a no-go on the benching.

WTF WAS 27 THINKING...MY GAWD!!!

Kane 1 pt 5 on 5 in 10 gmes....another WTF!?!?!
- bogiedoc

Don't worry Bogie Sam Fels predicted 100 points for Kaner this year...

...he'll come around.

And just think...he' be makin' 11M next year.

Hawks look exhausted...

...and the Leafs are the club that played last night.