Everybody on this site prolly has some valid points ,including myself: Don't worry,next summer when we have a top 7pick, Bowman will probably screw that 1 up also and draft some 5"2 kid that starred in a park district Ball Hockey League. His moves all tilt toward that way. Until they see what's going on and kick him in the ass and tell him to stay out of the way until they need a final signature???? Kenny Williams Part ll? - wonthecup10
Last night, Matthews proved what a big body can do in the league.
Everyone seems to be getting smaller (Hawks especially), so when you see a big guy who has control of his body and uses it correctly (even though it's one game), you can see how much of an asset it is.
Speed kills. I totally get that. But speed can't move big boys from in front of the net. And when that big guys has speed himself and hands, then you're really screwed.
I'm not a what have you done for me lately guy. I think past performance should engender a loyalty and Toews is as much, if not more, responsible for the Hawks resurgence as anyone, so I have no problem with his salary because he earned it (at least from the perspective of the perception at the time that the cap would continue to rise). But, I am a just play and keep your mouth shut
guy and therein lies my gripe with Toews over the past 2-3 seasons. It makes me think that he think he deserves preferential treatment and he whines when he doesn't get it. A real leader doesn't act like a prima donna and I hope Toews figures that out soon. - EbonyRaptor
I don't know if it whining when Toews is on the Ref's ,it is the job of any good Captain to question the Ref on most every call .And I believe Toews is also pointing out other infractions ST.L were getting away with ,like the non stop slashing on Kane ..
Matthews and McDavid now rule the NHL world, superceding all known hockey stars who have ever come before them.
At least until some nasty, insensitive NHL coaches like Sutter or Hitchcock or Julien decide to test their mettle with some physical play. - RickJ
I actually had to unfollow Grosso on Twitter after he spilled his load uncontrollably about Matthews. It was really embarrassing.
No doubt the kid will be terrific, but I can't tolerate an entire season of that level of hype. I'll pick Grosso's feed back up as the trade deadline nears.
This team will struggle to make the playoffs, and yesterday (even though it's early) hasn't changed my mind. it was going to happen sooner or later. All successful teams eventually go through this. It's been a great run, but they're no better than 4th in their division, and have to deal with Minny and possibly the Jets overtaking them.
I wonder how much this will affect their resigning Panarin. Is he willing to take the money and work to get this team better, or will he seek greener pastures, maybe St Louis when he's a FA. - howiehandles
I've thought the same thing with the Red Wings last 5 years and every year they are around 100 points. The Hawks will be there as well, Last night they were only down by 1 goal, since the refs were so generous with the 5 on 3's, sure they were penalties but let's be honest here slashing and interference could of been called on the Blues all night long.
The Hawks won't struggle making the playoffs but they are going to struggle 5 on 5 scoring, Let's see where they are at after 10 games, my guess is 13 to 16 points
Guys, the Toews line wasn't nearly as bad last night as you are making it out to be.
Toews/Hossa/Panik were more effective driving possession than Panarin/AA/Kane and actually managed to get a PP goal. At least Toews can win faceoffs like a beast, while AA struggles. That line also got less Ozone starts than Panarin/AA/Kane and Toews/Hossa/Panik can actually play D. People need to start accepting that PAK line is bad at defending.
Panik isn't a great fit, but the #1 or #2 line, whatever you want to call it with PAK, needs to be better or needs to change. - breadbag
This.
matt_ahrens Season Ticket Holder Chicago Blackhawks
Location: San Carlos, CA Joined: 06.30.2014
Oct 13 @ 1:13 PM ET
Agreed.
And based on JUST ONE GAME (sort of, because last night was a continuation of the preseason):
Motte and Hartman, fine
Forsling, boom or bust, if it were up to me, I'd keep playing him and sit TVR
Schmaltz, not ready, he is obviously a top 6 style player, does not fit in a checking role, not ready for top 6 in the NHL
Hinostroza, yeah, ok whatever, he's fine as a 4th line energy player
I think the larger questions are: TVR or Forsling, and do you tinker with moving Motte up and Panik down (eventually), Panrin with Toews? Kane with Toews? - John Jaeckel
TVR seems to be the 7th best defenseman on this team but he's also only one of three right handed blue liners (Seabrook and Rosi.) Does that make a difference? I know Hammer plays on the off side, if TVR and Rosi are sitting, who else does? Campbell? Probably still better than TVR but I wonder how much it matters. Anyone have an opinion on that?
It seems like the first game told us a couple of positive things: the defense is better than last year and the third line might work.
It also confirmed a lot of fears: need another top 6 LW, the fourth line is a mess, not much 5 on 5 scoring, TVR is bottom pair material at best.
I also think AA is going to need to show more, not just at the dot. Hopefully he gets rolling.
Q is going to make some changes, I'm curious to see what they are. Razz needs to play. Schmaltz looked winded and hesitant at times but Q played him with 88 and 72; maybe he does that for a full game and sees what AA can do at LW with 19 and 81. Drop Panik down to 4L, sit Hino or 22.
Location: say it aint so TARASENKO, YT Joined: 01.07.2008
Oct 13 @ 1:14 PM ET
Guys, the Toews line wasn't nearly as bad last night as you are making it out to be.
Toews/Hossa/Panik were more effective driving possession than Panarin/AA/Kane and actually managed to get a PP goal. At least Toews can win faceoffs like a beast, while AA struggles. That line also got less Ozone starts than Panarin/AA/Kane and Toews/Hossa/Panik can actually play D. People need to start accepting that PAK line is bad at defending.
Panik isn't a great fit, but the #1 or #2 line, whatever you want to call it with PAK, needs to be better or needs to change. - breadbag
I think the problem is that most teams will play the toews line for the push. Figuring their depth will show up vs the hawks bottom 6.
I said it before, but Panik's level of play comes up when he's alongside guys like Toews, Hoss, etc.
When he played with the prospects and had to be "the" guy on the line, he kind of disappeared. But when paired with top talent, he plays really well--which isn't always easy to do (like everyone thinks).
the leafs still suck....as does the great babcock... - bogiedoc
Babcock said it was the "best night I've had here(Toronto) by ten miles, not even close". My reply - you had a low bar to clear to make that statement.
I don't know if it whining when Toews is on the Ref's ,it is the job of any good Captain to question the Ref on most every call .And I believe Toews is also pointing out other infractions ST.L were getting away with ,like the non stop slashing on Kane .. - oldduffman
More lumberjacking than slashing. Probably goes uncalled bc he keeps the puck most of the time. That's why I hate NHL refs. Call a penalty when it happens not when you think it affected the play to a greater degree than normal or gave a team an advantage or even better when you feel you need to even up the calls to keep the game close and "fair".
