That's an option...All I know for sure is Toews/Hossa need someone to be 1st into the zone and capture the puck. As much as Q was questioned about putting Shaw there-That's the skill set he had.
- Al

What about making Panarin play LW with Toews and Hossa and trying Schmaltz or Panik with AA and Kane? That gives the Toews line the LW it desperately needs and I bet the Kane line still produces as well.

Incorrect, every year there are typically 1-2 teams without holes, or without measurably debilitating ones, the ones still playing in June.
- John Jaeckel

Who are those teams this year?

What about making Panarin play LW with Toews and Hossa and trying Schmaltz or Panik with AA and Kane? That gives the Toews line the LW it desperately needs and I bet the Kane line still produces as well.
- SimpleJack

In my view Schmaltz or someone else coming out of the blue to take AA's spot gives Q a lot more choices. AA would be a vg 3rd line center...

People think you can't screw with Kane's line...If I'm the coach and no other feasible choice...I change things with the best offensive player in the league and challenge him. Kane has always found a way....

Can't put an offensively inept shutdown C on our primary scoring line....

And then who plays C in the bottom 6? We'd have the worst C depth in the league if we went that route.
- SimpleJack

Um...disagree wholeheartedly. Kruger doesn't need to light up the scoreboard as 2C, he just needs to get Panarin and Kane the puck and play as mistake free as possible. 3C and 4C could possibly be McNeil and Lundberg. I don't think finding lower line centers for this team is really the problem we need to be concerned with.

I wish there was a line in Vegas with reasonable odds concerning breaking up the Kane line. It may not stay that way but I'm thinking it's close to a lock to happen.
- Al

I'm not sure I want it to happen.

That line was magic last year - 53 goals 5X5 = 39% of the team's 5X5 goals. If they fall off at all....

They're down 17 goals already by losing Teravainen (9) and Shaw (8) - so those have to be made up + another 25 to get to about 2 goals 5X5 per game - that's 42 goals right there.

10 more each from Toews (11 last year) and Hossa (6 last year)? Maybe - that would replace Shaw and Teravainen - but if (because of splitting up PAK) some of that comes from a fall-off from Kane and Panarin....

Right now, it looks like Crawford and Darling are going to be under enormous pressure to give up 2 or less in every game.

Mark Lazerus ‏@MarkLazerus 8m8 minutes ago
#Blackhawks World Cup jersey numbers:
Toews 16
Crawford 50
Kempny 6
Hossa 81
Pokka 22
Panarin 27
Anisimov 42
Hjalmarsson 4
Kruger 16
Kane 88
- DarthKane

Thanks Darth. I tried getting some World Cup talk going on earlier threads and no one has interest. Everyone just wants to beat to death the LW1 issue and flip-flopping guys on the first two lines. And trading TVR.

I can answer all that stuff for you. TVR is not being dealt. The Hawks will have 2-3 of their young guys in the lineup...some playing LW. And Q will change the lines about 160 times this year anyway so no sense us amateurs trying to figure things out since none of us have 3 championship cups to our name like Q does. It will all work out.

I like Gustafsson quite a bit, but it was clear his confidence took a hit after he got the Leddy treatment from Q. Hopefully he can bounce back and stop over thinking it.
- JRoenick97

The kid has potential. He had a good start and then either Q or himself did something to his confidence. I'd like to see more offensive instinct and more stick work in his zone. Another thing I like about him is that he possesses a mean side to his game. I think if he employs those characteristics, he can succeed. Seems pretty fearless.

EDIT: I recall around his call-up that he took a run at Bobby Farnham in NJ. Good hit in a bigger guy.

Thanks Darth. I tried getting some World Cup talk going on earlier threads and no one has interest. Everyone just wants to beat to death the LW1 issue and flip-flopping guys on the first two lines. And trading TVR.

I can answer all that stuff for you. TVR is not being dealt. The Hawks will have 2-3 of their young guys in the lineup...some playing LW. And Q will change the lines about 160 times this year anyway so no sense us amateurs trying to figure things out since none of us have 3 championship cups to our name like Q does. It will all work out.
- onehundredlevel

I think you're underestimate Q.

You bring up great points JJ.
Really haven't seen that great cycle play like we've seen in years past.

I do see some hope though, I look to the east and see a Red Wings team that has made the playoffs year after year with some talent but a great system which is the same system we run in the west

I believe as important the forwards are for running the cycle are the defenseman and Campbell has great anticipation of where the puck is going to be along the blue line.

I also believe the PAK line did so well, both AA and Panarin even Kane who was injured the year before and missed 20 something games haven't had to endure the demanding schedule over the course of 3 years like Toews and Hossa.

Coupled with Kruger getting hurt last year, Toews and Hossa had to defend against the top lines all year.

I love Ladd but was never a big fan of his hands, in a way Panik reminds me a lot of Ladd, big guy pretty good skater hands a little better, I just think he needs to grow up and dedicate himself to hockey and his career.

Since Kane tends to produce well, another idea I have is bring AA up to LW and try out, McNeill, Moose, Lundberg for 2nd line center.

Marcus, Desi plus one, need to be the shut down line again
- BetweenTheDots

I say put Kruger there and let desi center the 3 line

In my view Schmaltz or someone else coming out of the blue to take AA's spot gives Q a lot more choices. AA would be a vg 3rd line center...

People think you can't screw with Kane's line...If I'm the coach and no other feasible choice...I change things with the best offensive player in the league and challenge him. Kane has always found a way....
- Al

I'm all for breaking up the Panarin-AA-Kane line, and I'm all for possibly finding another center for Kane.....but I'm totally against it being Kruger because it just makes zero sense. Kruger is used in a shutdown role by Q to matchup against the opponents top line/lines, while Kane commands the scoring line that takes advantage of the opponents weaker matchups. I don't see how you can put the two together.

I'm not sure I want it to happen.

That line was magic last year - 53 goals 5X5 = 39% of the team's 5X5 goals. If they fall off at all....

They're down 17 goals already by losing Teravainen (9) and Shaw (8) - so those have to be made up + another 25 to get to about 2 goals 5X5 per game - that's 42 goals right there.

10 more each from Toews (11 last year) and Hossa (6 last year)? Maybe - that would replace Shaw and Teravainen - but if (because of splitting up PAK) some of that comes from a fall-off from Kane and Panarin....

Right now, it looks like Crawford and Darling are going to be under enormous pressure to give up 2 or less in every game.
- StLBravesFan

On your last point it seems that way.
One line teams either don't make the playoffs or don't last long when they get there.

I'm all for breaking up the Panarin-AA-Kane line, and I'm all for possibly finding another center for Kane.....but I'm totally against it being Kruger because it just makes zero sense. Kruger is used in a shutdown role by Q to matchup against the opponents top line/lines, while Kane commands the scoring line that takes advantage of the opponents weaker matchups. I don't see how you can put the two together.
- SimpleJack

More difficult to do now as Shaw is gone.

On your last point it seems that way.
One line teams either don't make the playoffs or don't last long when they get there.
- Al

I was ridiculed back in July for questioning the thought process of "cup contender" and question now how those folks can still argue that thought process.

hawks are a 1 line team as you said, and how they fit Panarin in next year north of 6 AAV will be a fascinating trick by Bowman.

In the short term, so many things will have to go right this year. Fact Keith is still not healthy enough has to alarm all of us. I am all for him skipping the world cup but the Hawks strength this upcoming year will be their D.

Offensively it's Kane or bust. They've lost a lot of quality depth guys that new guys will have to fill those roles and other guys will have to take the next step or drastically improve over last year. Looking at you Kruger/Hossa.

In fairness I think they are a 2nd-3rd place team in the central and have enough to win a round. If they figure roles, and are somewhat healthy I think their peak is around 8 playoff wins.

They just lack the quality depth to be a marque NHL team night in and night out and special teams are going to have to very special (pardon the pun)

Um...disagree wholeheartedly. Kruger doesn't need to light up the scoreboard as 2C, he just needs to get Panarin and Kane the puck and play as mistake free as possible. 3C and 4C could possibly be McNeil and Lundberg. I don't think finding lower line centers for this team is really the problem we need to be concerned with.
- Murph76

IMO Toews/Kruger/McNeil/Lundberg would be hands down the worst center depth for any team with championship aspirations. And my point is that center depth is more important than going out of your way to make sure all 4 of your top 6 wingers are all stars/olympians/great players..

IMO Toews/Kruger/McNeil/Lundberg would be hands down the worst center depth for any team with championship aspirations. And my point is that center depth is more important than going out of your way to make sure all 4 of your top 6 wingers are all stars/olympians/great players..
- SimpleJack

championship aspirations is a loose term now. Every team has them in September/October, but realistically?

Sorry it's going to take a LOT for that to happen....

1. Hossa is going to have produce either as 1RW or 3RW. he can't just be a back checking machine. Not with the other Fs this team will roll out

2. Who fills the revolving door at 1LW? From what I've read it's not Schmaltz as he's more of a depth guy. I guess Panik gets crack 1, but when Stalberg pulled this off, Hossa was still producing at a top 6 level....see point 1.

3. Kruger has to pot at least 10 goals. Has to. As a 3rd line center now he just can't lay in the weeds and slash his opposition all night long. has to produce. Otherwise he has to be jettisoned this summer.

I'm going to stop there.....I just don't see all these things happening. Miracles happen, and I'll never doubt this core and maybe they become a lock down defensive team but how you keep your Fs fresh by rolling 4 lines, when I don't even know if you have 9 NHL quality Fs today.....will be something to watch.

IMO Toews/Kruger/McNeil/Lundberg would be hands down the worst center depth for any team with championship aspirations. And my point is that center depth is more important than going out of your way to make sure all 4 of your top 6 wingers are all stars/olympians/great players..
- SimpleJack

Alright Jack...then, what's YOUR solution? And it must be based off the assets we have now. I was assuming that none of the rookies would make lines 1 or 2 which, let's be honest, they most likely will not. AND we know Panik is NOT a true 1LW or probably even 2LW, so he's not an option there either. The way I layed out lines 1 and 2, at the very least you will have 2 scoring lines...not just 1 like last year.

Alright Jack...then, what's YOUR solution? And it must be based off the assets we have now. I was assuming that none of the rookies would make lines 1 or 2 which, let's be honest, they most likely will not. AND we know Panik is NOT a true 1LW or probably even 2LW, so he's not an option there.
- Murph76

Panik is more of a 2LW than Kruger is a 2C. I'd try Panarin with Toews and Hossa. Schmaltz or Panik with Kane and AA. Kruger at 3C or 4C.

Panik is more of a 2LW than Kruger is a 2C. I'd try Panarin with Toews and Hossa. Schmaltz or Panik with Kane and AA. Kruger at 3C or 4C.
- SimpleJack

Schmaltz/Panik/and Kane? No offense but that line will suck unless Panik somehow get's MUCH better and Schmaltz is lightning in a bottle. So you're back to 1 scoring line again.

Schmaltz/Panik/and Kane? No offense but that line will suck unless Panik somehow get's MUCH better and Schmaltz is lightning in a bottle. So you're back to 1 scoring line again.
- Murph76

I think he was saying...
Panarin/Toews/Hossa
Panik(or Schmaltz)/Anisimov/Kane
Schmaltz(or Panik)/Kruger/X

I think he was saying...
Panarin/Toews/Hossa
Panik(or Schmaltz)/Anisimov/Kane
Schmaltz(or Panik)/Kruger/X
- tcmoritz

Found the middle bit in this video (from 7:46) interesting - members of the 2010 team talk in detail about what it's like playing for Q. Corrected some wrong perceptions I had, assuming he still approaches his relationship with the players in the same way.

https://www.nhl.com/black...8dae91c3fb8581f563c002f00

Stan's asleep at the wheel yet again....


‏@ep_transfers
Rumour: David Rundblad (D) | Chicago Blackhawks -> ZSC | http://eliteprospects.com/t.php?id=284784 #NLA

- SimpleJack

My bad Jack, I misread your previous post. That's definitely a better option than what I thought you had said before

JJ in your opinion is Q more likely to break up Panarin and Kane? Or just have open auditions for Toews LW like last year? I think Kane with Toews/Anisimov have the best chance to effectively carry/ elevate the play of a younger player/lower quality player.
- bhawks2241

Dunno. If I had to guess, they will do a lot of auditions through camp and preseason, then decide.

Don't try this at home, kids

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ05KFQA7Bb/