I like that you post stuff that others don't, and that it's consistently interesting.
- etchtech

I second that.

My take regarding the team make up: Aren't we exactly who we thought they were at the beginning of the season? Short a top 6 winger, deeper on D, solid if not spectacular goaltending, with more rookies playing on a given night than anyone wants...thank you stagnant salary cap. But that's us. And the majority of our games have been 1 goal games, which fits our team make-up.

Yet we are leading the conference. Surprised, yes. Will we stay there? I wouldn't bet on it. Are we a playoff contender? Absolutely. Will we go far? Right now, I say no. But, every team has weaknesses. Most teams have slipped roster-wise, injecting unproven or less talented/cheaper players and hoping for the best...us maybe being the poster child. My point is that if our goaltending remains strong and the D can finally cut down shots on goal, we should win the majority of the games. And if we can turn into a multi-line scoring team, with the rookies continuing to gain experience and confidence, we just might do some damage in the playoffs. Just looking to inject some positive waves here. Have a little faith baby, have a little faith....
- Matt_Foleys_bro

This is generally spot on in terms of what many of us likely predicted how the team would play out given our personnel and limitations imposed by the cap. The result is different, of course, with the team sitting atop the conference at the quarter pole.

Something else that is surprising is how weak the division has been overall so far when many fans and even analysts predicted the Central to be the toughest in the entire league. That's been helpful as our team refines its identity and finds a groove.

Very happy we have been able to bank standing points early and often as we go through the growing pains. As some of you have pointed out before, if we can be a top-3 team in the NHL standing-wise while struggling and having holes, imagine how we'd be if/when we are banging on all cylinders. I know that's the hope by spring.

Note that I've lifted just the paragraph that I wanted to respond to from John's original reply.

Campbell and Oduya are equally as skilled I think. Oduya is maybe better at blocking shots, but Campbell skates with the puck better. The stats for Campbell and Oduya are remarkably similar when you compare the data over the last five seasons. There's a summary table here:
http://quantcappers.com/campbell_oduya.PNG

Not really sure which metrics best represent defensive ability. Is it goals against, plus/minus, blocked shots? Or, as I've heard others say: they can't score if they don't have the puck -- so maybe it's the puck possession stats.
- etchtech

Campbell buys the team time while Kempny and Forsling develop. Hopefully one year is enough, but if not I'd be happy bringing back Campbell or Oduya next season.

Campbell buys the team time while Kempny and Forsling develop. Hopefully one year is enough, but if not I'd be happy bringing back Campbell or Oduya next season.
- DarthKane

If somebody asked Aaron Ekblad if he missed Bryan Campbell this season I think I know what the answer would be.

Development of younger defenceman in the NHL doesn't just materialize by playing more games. Vets like Campbell really help young guys along, as well as cover up for a bunch of their mistakes. And that is never captured by numbers used by the analytics guys.

If somebody asked Aaron Ekblad if he missed Bryan Campbell this season I think I know what the answer would be.

Development of younger defenceman in the NHL doesn't just materialize by playing more games. Vets like Campbell really help young guys along, as well as cover up for a bunch of their mistakes. And that is never captured by numbers used by the analytics guys.
- RickJ

Nice post

I'm hoping, now that the kiddies know how to "play the right way " they can focus on finishing. We've seen that they've got some talent so....

....GO HOCKS

Bait for Vegas?
- 6628

Yeah would be the ONLY reason to acquire him but since he is a UFA doesn't fufill the requirments unless he signs some deal prior to expansion.

All this speculation is talk generated more by possible,expansion tactics, b/c if anyone or all of the Hawk management team think Crow should go and be replaced by Miller -well, they all get fired immediately. I don't see a soon to b e ready John Gibson chopping at the bit for ascension to workhorse...just a very able and strong back up in Draling who could play more minutes, but main mule, no.

If somebody asked Aaron Ekblad if he missed Bryan Campbell this season I think I know what the answer would be.

Development of younger defenceman in the NHL doesn't just materialize by playing more games. Vets like Campbell really help young guys along, as well as cover up for a bunch of their mistakes. And that is never captured by numbers used by the analytics guys.
- RickJ

All this is true. And let's face it, Campbell is essentially an upgrade over TVR in terms of top 4 minutes. But, I don't see a huge upgrade to the defense. It's better. And I'm not sure the top 4 today is quite as good (defensively) as it was in 2015.

The Athletic has a good "fancy stats" article that lines up with my eyeball test -- out of these three D-men, Kempny ain't the guy who should be in the press box.

https://theathletic.com/2...ne-who-should-be-sitting/
- Hank_Greenberg

Alway chuckle when new & stats folk decide who plays and doesn't.

Rozy can't sit forever and Kempny clearly hasn't be dominant at either end to say he is an untouchable who can't totate in/out.
Please don't get me wrong...I love the mix and the two newbies and the insurance and heavy Rosy brings.
Kempny wll play much more than Rozy so it seems like a non-issue to fill Athletic site space.
And it is difficult to separate Kempney from the more than competent defensive partners he is afforded.
They will be all right.

Alway chuckle when new & stats folk decide who plays and doesn't.

Rozy can't sit forever and Kempny clearly hasn't be dominant at either end to say he is an untouchable who can't totate in/out.
Please don't get me wrong...I love the mix and the two newbies and the insurance and heavy Rosy brings.
Kempny wll play much more than Rozy so it seems like a non-issue to fill Athletic site space.
And it is difficult to separate Kempney from the more than competent defensive partners he is afforded.
They will be all right.
- wiz1901

I don't disagree Wiz, but it seems to me a rotation where Kempny plays and Forsling sits a bit more, makes sense (to my eye, Kempny has outperformed Forsling). I have no problem spot-starting Rozy, and I'm sure Quenneville will have more decisions to make once TVR returns.

Good problem to have, I guess ....

I don't disagree Wiz, but it seems to me a rotation where Kempny plays and Forsling sits a bit more, makes sense (to my eye, Kempny has outperformed Forsling). I have no problem spot-starting Rozy, and I'm sure Quenneville will have more decisions to make once TVR returns.

Good problem to have, I guess ....
- Hank_Greenberg

I also believe Kempny blocks more shots and is more physical than Forsling which takes its toll on rookies, I truly believe when Kempny sits its because he's beat up. I really like his potential, he's adjusting better to the speed of the NHL and if you watch games in 2012 of Oduya he as well struggled with Q's defense. Isn't that the year he got the name pizza man

All this is true. And let's face it, Campbell is essentially an upgrade over TVR in terms of top 4 minutes. But, I don't see a huge upgrade to the defense. It's better. And I'm not sure the top 4 today is quite as good (defensively) as it was in 2015.
- John Jaeckel

The defense has been upgraded 4-6 over last year.