Just some thoughts/observations:


- I'd argue that Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson could stand up to any team in the league's top three defenseman and be better on any given night. That's a no-brainer.

- As for TvR's durability, you can lump Svedberg into that category of concern as well.

- How has Rozsival's injury affected his overall game? Does that injury suffered in the playoffs slow him down even more - to the point where Rozsival's overall effectiveness becomes limited, or even a detriment to the team?
- EKB13

Two points you make are valid, IF AND that's a big IF, TVR can stay healthy and Rozy can return to last year's form, I like our defense better than the Rangers and the Blues. I miss Oduya but he was awful when he first came here, it's funny people were ragging on him like they are Daley this year.

This debate can go on and on but it's the way I see it. We all know just a matter of time Staal is out with an injury and Yandle

Personally I like the continued improvement of Svedberg. He has show calmness when in the defensive zone with the puck and doesn't just throw it up the boards. His hockey IQ seems to also be high since he knows when to pinch in the offensive zone without getting caught in no mans land. Personally don't think we need another defenseman that is top four since I think TVR is that and will only get better
Hoping Daley improves over time. Gustafson has also shown that he belongs in the NHL.
The hawks without Keith are playing with four rookie defenseman and still holding their own. Lets give them till trade deadline before judgement is made on any needs
Also don't see how Rosy gets any ice time in the near future

Could see a trade for a veteran left wing at the trade deadline with an expiring contract but not for another defenseman

I'd bench desi he's been horrible all year have Hartman or mashinter on the 4th line.

I'd bench desi he's been horrible all year have Hartman or mashinter on the 4th line.
- vandymeer23

What were you expecting - a 50 goal season? From a guy who potted 4, 2, 3 and 5 goals in his 4 seasons in SJ.

He's a 30 yr. old bottom of the roster player who was re-signed as a thankyou for his playoff contributions. He will probably get thrown into a deal if Stanbo wants to make one.

What were you expecting - a 50 goal season? From a guy who potted 4, 2, 3 and 5 goals in his 4 seasons in SJ.

He's a 30 yr. old bottom of the roster player who was re-signed as a thankyou for his playoff contributions. He will probably get thrown into a deal if Stanbo wants to make one.
- RickJ

a single hockey point?


EDIT: a single hockey point from Kruger and Tikhonov would be great too!

Yes, Gustafson has had mistakes but he seems to come back hard and not shell up after he makes them. I think he got in Pouliot's face within a few shifts of one of those odd man breaks he was at fault for... Shows to me he has the ability to bounce back. Rundblad, on the other hand....
- tredbrta

Gus looks like he has a bit of bite to his game. Like what I've seen so far from him.

What were you expecting - a 50 goal season? From a guy who potted 4, 2, 3 and 5 goals in his 4 seasons in SJ.

He's a 30 yr. old bottom of the roster player who was re-signed as a thankyou for his playoff contributions. He will probably get thrown into a deal if Stanbo wants to make one.
- RickJ

I was expecting at least a 73 goal season but in all seriousness, he had some hustle last game but I would like to see more grit out of him. I thought that was one of the main reasons they traded Benny for him last season.

Gus looks like he has a bit of bite to his game. Like what I've seen so far from him.
- 93Joe

I concur. I've liked his game more than Svedberg's.

...Just wondering if anybody knows anything about Garbutt missing two consecutive morning skates....and NOT injury related (according to Q per Lazerus)?

I've enjoyed the defensive and offensive debates here.

Honestly the Hawks have all but weathered the storm on the d-end. Keith might only miss 1 more game before returning. Roszy looks to be on the same time table. The fill ins have done an admirable job and received some well needed experience in the big league. There will be rotation in the 3rd pairing and the cream will rise to the top.

The #1 line has just not had the production as in other years and the LW answer might not (this year) be in the system. That being said I think the musical chairs will continue there and if it is still an issue look to the TDL for the solution. At which time the debate on getting rid of young talent will begin. Trust in Stan

could someone refresh my memory? How many games Does Roz have to play to get $200K bonus money (20)? I hated that part of the contract. Giving a guy that was not healthy $600K when he gets paid the 1st 20-25 games knowing he cannot play was more then fair. If he does a condition stint in Rockford do those game count. Makes no sense to take him on the Circus trip. He needs to rehab and skate not fly around the country. With Gus looking Ok and Sved looking OK. no reason to rush Roz back. Let Keith get back and then lets keep the same pairings for 6-7 games.

Keith-Seabs
Hammer/TVR
Daley-Gus

...Just wondering if anybody knows anything about Garbutt missing two consecutive morning skates....and NOT injury related (according to Q per Lazerus)?
- moms2sense1puck

Sick.

The wash cycle begins....

http://www.buffalonews.co...is-attorney-says-20151107

Cambria told The Buffalo News. “He’s a good kid from a strong family. He’s very close to his two sisters and his parents. He would never put them through something like this again.

What if the Hawks traded Bickell to AZ for Doan. Have Doan play in the lotto spot until Dano is ready to fill that roll. Remember Saad's first season was during the lockout so he had the benefit of 3 months in the AHL, giving Dano about that much time to adjust to the left side would be reasonable.

Plus this helps manage the cap next year, Doan is a FA at the end of the season. This also brings in that older veteran looking for his first cup, to help focus the guys during the run, much like KT last year, Handzus in '13 and to a less extent Hossa in '10.

Is EVERYONE else watching a different Svedberg than I am???

I'm sorry, but the kid does not belong on the ice as a defenseman for the Hawks



I really just don't see it....

Is EVERYONE else watching a different Svedberg than I am???

I'm sorry, but the kid does not belong on the ice as a defenseman for the Hawks



I really just don't see it....
- ChicagoDave

He hasn't looked as good to me as his early games but he still has flashes. As a 5-6 d man used on the PK he could be a decent minute eater. He needs to find a little mean as JJ suggested. Use that body to clear the crease and punish in the corners. He is exposed now but it is out of necessity and may help him later when his role shrinks.

Is EVERYONE else watching a different Svedberg than I am???

I'm sorry, but the kid does not belong on the ice as a defenseman for the Hawks



I really just don't see it....
- ChicagoDave

On the other side of the coin apparently Q sees something you don't. Right out of the box, Svedburg is being asked to give the Hawks 20+ minutes a game without any prior learning curve - no NHL experience, no history of playing against any of the Western Conference teams, never having played a road game in any of away rinks.

The kid has done a pretty decent job under the circumstances without Keith in the lineup. The Hawks probably expected Daley would have done as good a job stepping up but he hasn't/didn't.

What were you expecting - a 50 goal season? From a guy who potted 4, 2, 3 and 5 goals in his 4 seasons in SJ.

He's a 30 yr. old bottom of the roster player who was re-signed as a thankyou for his playoff contributions. He will probably get thrown into a deal if Stanbo wants to make one.
- RickJ

To bring energy and throw a hit constantly and bring some energy
He's playing like he's sleep walking

For one of my college psych classes we had to wear glasses for a day that flipped things upside down. It was an experiment to see how fast and how well our brains adapted. Watching TT try to play LW reminds me of that. He's flipped on the other side and his brain is just not adapting. Q should stop messing with the kid and realize he has a pretty good RWer and just let him play. And I really can't figure out why he doesn't play Tikhonov more. Guy is good.
- Louielou

I agree, Q 's experiment of TT playing left wing has been a disaster to say the least. The kid is lost at left wing. Put him on the third line right wing for a month. Right now TT is playing in a fog and his confidence is probably at a all time low. Watching his face on the bench tells it all.

Thanks for sharing that was good
- BetweenTheDots

Pleasure ! Thanks for watching

What I love about Gustafson is his attitude while playing. It is the opposite of Rundblad's. Where Rundblad generally just carries himself passively on the ice - it almost looks like he is expecting to screw up - Gustafson stays aggressive even after mistakes. That kid is definitely type A and Q has to like it. Loved the way he got in Pouliot's face after the contact with Crow last night. Looked like a vet doing it. Sveddy could use some of that attitude too. I hope Gus keeps it up and continues improving.
- tredbrta

Good observation

But its not for a lack of trying !!!
- mrpaulish

Good post philco
- Cup-Bearer

Cheers Cup

What I love about Gustafson is his attitude while playing. It is the opposite of Rundblad's. Where Rundblad generally just carries himself passively on the ice - it almost looks like he is expecting to screw up - Gustafson stays aggressive even after mistakes. That kid is definitely type A and Q has to like it. Loved the way he got in Pouliot's face after the contact with Crow last night. Looked like a vet doing it. Sveddy could use some of that attitude too. I hope Gus keeps it up and continues improving.
- tredbrta

Noticed that, this kid has some brass balls. And he can play. Nice pickup.

On the other side of the coin apparently Q sees something you don't. Right out of the box, Svedburg is being asked to give the Hawks 20+ minutes a game without any prior learning curve - no NHL experience, no history of playing against any of the Western Conference teams, never having played a road game in any of away rinks.

The kid has done a pretty decent job under the circumstances without Keith in the lineup. The Hawks probably expected Daley would have done as good a job stepping up but he hasn't/didn't.
- RickJ

He's done fine, just needs to stop icing the f'n puck so much. But overall, 43's been SOLID.