I am concerned.... 51 doesn't have much in the tank and 7 hasn't looked right for over a year...perhaps his new contract has influenced his play. He seems a tad lethargic on the ice.
- ChicagoDave

51 has lost two steps.

Much needed win last night in Colorado and great to see Hawk Nation still traveling well, so much red and white last night, and I'm sure pride may have taken over in third especially with the Father's on trip. #7 isn't going anywhere this season so that talk can wait until the season is over. Hawks will go as far as the kids can take them and watching some of them grow as players this year bodes well for Hawks down the line.

Kero is looking like he might be the 3C the Hawks are lacking. Also, going back to the preseason I was suggesting Q might play Hossa on the 3rd line to spread things out, he has done pretty well in when played there. He makes his linemates better and can face the weak D and less shutdown players. Personally, going into the next game I'd swap Panik and Schmaltz. Panik still doesn't seem to belong in the top 6 and Nick has confidence (right now) and play-making skill. Hartman and Toews need a play-maker with them, not a guy who is usually fighting the puck.

I mentioned it last night, but does anyone know is AA is still sick? He looked like he was skating in mud last night.

51 has lost two steps.
- John Jaeckel

And worse back-skating than going forward.

Will Seabrook contract turn out to be the biggest albatross deal for the Hawks? $6.9m for the next 7 years!
- Cmonalready

It already is. I was calling to trade him during the off season, when his value would never be higher.
Lately, he's been turn styled way too often...along with too many turnovers. If you can get a GM to overpay for him, I say you make a move to get younger and faster.

Q called him out last night, and CC hasn't been very good since coming back from IR. Post surgery numbers:

REC 5-4-1
MIN 582:31
GA 30
SA 308
SV 278
SV % .903
GAA 3.09
SO 0

Darling in BOS?

double post

I'm not anointing Kero anything at all right now. Could he potentially develop into a Bolland-type center?

Will Seabrook contract turn out to be the biggest albatross deal for the Hawks? $6.9m for the next 7 years!
- Cmonalready

This is my concern as well. I felt at the time the money was more than it should be but the length of the contract was what really bothered me. It was way too long for a guy his age who was already starting to show signs of beginning his decline. I think the Hawks would be much better off going forward if they could unload Seabrooks contract and use that money elsewhere, even if it means throwing in a prospect or draft choice. It is going to be difficult to find any takers especially with his NMC, and I'm afraid this contract will indeed turn out to be the biggest albatross deal for the Hawks.

Much needed win last night in Colorado and great to see Hawk Nation still traveling well, so much red and white last night, and I'm sure pride may have taken over in third especially with the Father's on trip. #7 isn't going anywhere this season so that talk can wait until the season is over. Hawks will go as far as the kids can take them and watching some of them grow as players this year bodes well for Hawks down the line.
- jvanda

I must respectfully disagree. Hawks will go as far as PAK and Toews lines take them. They must get Toews functioning again to make a serious run.

I'm not anointing Kero anything at all right now. Could he potentially develop into a Bolland-type center?
- 93Joe

Here's what everyone needs to ask about Kero.

3rd line center? Is he defensively up to shadowing Getzlaf, Carter, Kopitar, Thornton, Pavelski and slowing them down or stopping them?

I know a lot of people out there assume that is not something that matters. But if you are planning on going anywhere in the playoffs, it absolutely is.

It is also not a job just anyone can do.

Have we seen any evidence Kero can do that? No, we have not.

So, before we anoint him "3rd line center," I think the real argument is whether he's a guy who can feast (relatively) playing against AHL guys in a top 6 AHL role, or against fringe NHL guys playing with Hossa, or a legit NHL guy with a legit NHL role (whatever that is).

The guys who can rack it up in the AHL but really have no legit NHL role are many—they aren't skilled or fast enough to be top 6 guys in the NHL, yet they basically play a top 6 style game.

As "unglamorous" as guys like Desjardins and Tootoo are, they have proven chops as guys who can plug away and do the heavy lifting/agitation that you want in a 4th line role, or a guy like Kruger, who IS the guy who can shadow opponents' top centers and slow them down or stop them.

I'm not saying Kero isn't that kind of guy ultimately. But scoring a couple of goals against a crap defensive team in one game does not make him a legit top 6 guy in the NHL (yet) or a legit 3rd line center (by the strictest definition of what that is in the NHL).

Kero is and has been a "scorer" type player at all levels. Is he a top 6 guy in the NHL? I have doubts. Can he adjust his style to be an effective lower line player? Again, doubts, but we'll see.

Even after his big night last night, Hino is on pace for 24 points in 73 games, playing a lot with franchise players.

Sort of like Kruger's first year. Wait, what?

Reid Simpson once scored two goals in an NHL game. Perspective.

I must respectfully disagree. Hawks will go as far as PAK and Toews lines take them. They must get Toews functioning again to make a serious run.
- BMWChiFan

Agree here. And the big way to get Toews going again, need a LW.

Really want to see the Hawks make a run for a LW to play with him. Hawks cannot survive on the PAK line doing all the work.

Here's what everyone needs to ask about Kero.

3rd line center? Is he defensively up to shadowing Getzlaf, Carter, Kopitar, Thornton, Pavelski and slowing them down or stopping them?

I know a lot of people out there assume that is not something that matters. But if you are planning on going anywhere in the playoffs, it absolutely is.

It is also not a job just anyone can do.

Have we seen any evidence Kero can do that? No, we have not.

So, before we anoint him "3rd line center," I think the real argument is whether he's a guy who can feast (relatively) playing against AHL guys in a top 6 AHL role, or against fringe NHL guys playing with Hossa, or a legit NHL guy with a legit NHL role (whatever that is).

The guys who can rack it up in the AHL but really have no legit NHL role are many—they aren't skilled or fast enough to be top 6 guys in the NHL, yet they basically play a top 6 style game.

As "unglamorous" as guys like Desjardins and Tootoo are, they have proven chops as guys who can plug away and do the heavy lifting/agitation that you want in a 4th line role, or a guy like Kruger, who IS the guy who can shadow opponents' top centers and slow them down or stop them.

I'm not saying Kero isn't that kind of guy ultimately. But scoring a couple of goals against a crap defensive team in one game does not make him a legit top 6 guy in the NHL (yet) or a legit 3rd line center (by the strictest definition of what that is in the NHL).

Kero is and has been a "scorer" type player at all levels. Is he a top 6 guy in the NHL? I have doubts. Can he adjust his style to be an effective lower line player? Again, doubts, but we'll see.

Even after his big night last night, Hino is on pace for 24 points in 73 games, playing a lot with franchise players.

Sort of like Kruger's first year. Wait, what?

Reid Simpson once scored two goals in an NHL game. Perspective.
- John Jaeckel

Ray Ferraro may be misinformed as the National Commentators often can be, but he was commenting on Kero's focus on the Defensive side of the puck throughout his college career. He was a Hobey Baker finalist that was responsible over 200ft is how Ferraro described him.

I must respectfully disagree. Hawks will go as far as PAK and Toews lines take them. They must get Toews functioning again to make a serious run.
- BMWChiFan

Ideally the top 6 play to their ability and the rookies deliver at least close to what they did last night. But that seems to be a tall order.

Ray Ferraro may be misinformed as the National Commentators often can be, but he was commenting on Kero's focus on the Defensive side of the puck throughout his college career. He was a Hobey Baker finalist that was responsible over 200ft is how Ferraro described him.
- EnzoD

I am not concerned with labeling Kero as 3rd liner, 4th liner or anything else. They way the kid is playing he deserves to be on the team, even when Kruger returns. If Kero's play declines send him back to Rockford, if not keep him with the big club and Q will find a place for him.

Edit: this isn't directed at you Enzo, I just replied to the last post.

Great job JJ, for all the hand wringing over Keith's play, which is admittedly not been his best, I still find Seabrook's far more bothersome. Looks like he's just going through motions far too often.

And worse back-skating than going forward.
- scottak

Campbell has never been a "stop/start" OR a strong backward skater, he has also never been a great one on one defender. His strength was always his quickness to loose pucks and ability to carry the puck and skate it out of trouble. Now that he has lost a step or two his "strengths" are gone, which is why he is no longer a top 4 d-man, but still a pretty solid 5/6 who can read a play and contribute more than the majority of 5/6 in the league.

Here's what everyone needs to ask about Kero.

3rd line center? Is he defensively up to shadowing Getzlaf, Carter, Kopitar, Thornton, Pavelski and slowing them down or stopping them?

I know a lot of people out there assume that is not something that matters. But if you are planning on going anywhere in the playoffs, it absolutely is.

It is also not a job just anyone can do.

Have we seen any evidence Kero can do that? No, we have not.

So, before we anoint him "3rd line center," I think the real argument is whether he's a guy who can feast (relatively) playing against AHL guys in a top 6 AHL role, or against fringe NHL guys playing with Hossa, or a legit NHL guy with a legit NHL role (whatever that is).

The guys who can rack it up in the AHL but really have no legit NHL role are many—they aren't skilled or fast enough to be top 6 guys in the NHL, yet they basically play a top 6 style game.

As "unglamorous" as guys like Desjardins and Tootoo are, they have proven chops as guys who can plug away and do the heavy lifting/agitation that you want in a 4th line role, or a guy like Kruger, who IS the guy who can shadow opponents' top centers and slow them down or stop them.

I'm not saying Kero isn't that kind of guy ultimately. But scoring a couple of goals against a crap defensive team in one game does not make him a legit top 6 guy in the NHL (yet) or a legit 3rd line center (by the strictest definition of what that is in the NHL).

Kero is and has been a "scorer" type player at all levels. Is he a top 6 guy in the NHL? I have doubts. Can he adjust his style to be an effective lower line player? Again, doubts, but we'll see.

Even after his big night last night, Hino is on pace for 24 points in 73 games, playing a lot with franchise players.

Sort of like Kruger's first year. Wait, what?

Reid Simpson once scored two goals in an NHL game. Perspective.
- John Jaeckel

You are assuming it has to be the 3rd line C being that shutdown guy. What's wrong with it being the 4th line C like it was in previous years with Kruger holding down that spot? The Hawks are in a good spot if Kero can continue to play like a 3C and then they can slide Kruger back into his home at the 4C. The 4th line can maybe go back to being the primary "shutdown" line.

Kero has shown he can play decent D and (more than just last night) has shown more offensive upside than Kruger. I mean, does it even matter what you label the bottom 6 lines? Just have Kruger's line do the shutdown role and let Kero center the other line.

Great job JJ, for all the hand wringing over Keith's play, which is admittedly not been his best, I still find Seabrook's far more bothersome. Looks like he's just going through motions far too often.
- walleyeb1

I would agree. For large portions of the season #7 has been awful. Most concerning is that what was once one of the strongest parts of his game, his passing ability, seems to have failed him. Far too many poor passes leading to turnovers. I'm not talking about forwards not being able to handle a pass, or being in the wrong areas to receive a pass, I am talking about the all to regular pass he makes lately right to the opposition.

Maybe he is going thru the motions, maybe he has some lingering injury, but IMO he has been far worse than Keith on most nights.

Colorado is terrible. Lots of goals but yikes. Badness.

Anyway, I'd like to see Hammer play safety and Kempny turned loose a bit more. I think if you can toss him in the deep end for like 15 games and let him figure out how to swim it'll pay off in the spring. Put Keith and Seabs together and whatever on the third pairing. Something has to click eventually there.

On to Boston. They're keeping the puck out of the net but suck at scoring so they'll probably light up the Hawks because why wouldn't they.

SA\G for the Hawks is on pace for them getting bounced in the first round. And their SF\G is upside down which is bad.

Pretty interesting stuff if you compare the years they have gone deep or won it all vs years where they've piddled out:

http://www.nhl.com/stats/...ed,gte,&sort=teamFullName

Scouting the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks …
Scouts listed to attend last night’s Avs – Blackhawks game: regular scouts from the Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes, amateur scout from the New York Rangers, Executive Director of Player Personnel from the Boston Bruins, Senior Pro Scout from the Los Angeles Kings and the Director of Player Personnel from the Minnesota Wild.

Scouting the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues …
Scouts listed to attend last night’s Senators – Blues game: Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks.

Ray Ferraro may be misinformed as the National Commentators often can be, but he was commenting on Kero's focus on the Defensive side of the puck throughout his college career. He was a Hobey Baker finalist that was responsible over 200ft is how Ferraro described him.
- EnzoD

What I've heard is more of a scorer. But here's the thing—there's a big difference between covering Jeff Carter and Drew Leblanc.

Doesn't mean he CAN'T do it. And it's quite possible the hawks are seeing if he can, or grooming him to do it, because they anticipate Kruger will be gone (which by the way, runs contrary to a little bit I heard recently).

Just saying, typically the job of the third line C is to shut down the opponent's top offensive center(s). Remains to be seen if Kero is that guy. And no one should assume that guy is a dime a dozen.

51 has lost two steps.
- John Jaeckel

and so has 19

and so has 7

but 51 is not costing the team 17 million dollars a year and is off the books next year

Here's what everyone needs to ask about Kero.

3rd line center? Is he defensively up to shadowing Getzlaf, Carter, Kopitar, Thornton, Pavelski and slowing them down or stopping them?

I know a lot of people out there assume that is not something that matters. But if you are planning on going anywhere in the playoffs, it absolutely is.

It is also not a job just anyone can do.

Have we seen any evidence Kero can do that? No, we have not.

So, before we anoint him "3rd line center," I think the real argument is whether he's a guy who can feast (relatively) playing against AHL guys in a top 6 AHL role, or against fringe NHL guys playing with Hossa, or a legit NHL guy with a legit NHL role (whatever that is).

The guys who can rack it up in the AHL but really have no legit NHL role are many—they aren't skilled or fast enough to be top 6 guys in the NHL, yet they basically play a top 6 style game.

As "unglamorous" as guys like Desjardins and Tootoo are, they have proven chops as guys who can plug away and do the heavy lifting/agitation that you want in a 4th line role, or a guy like Kruger, who IS the guy who can shadow opponents' top centers and slow them down or stop them.

I'm not saying Kero isn't that kind of guy ultimately. But scoring a couple of goals against a crap defensive team in one game does not make him a legit top 6 guy in the NHL (yet) or a legit 3rd line center (by the strictest definition of what that is in the NHL).

Kero is and has been a "scorer" type player at all levels. Is he a top 6 guy in the NHL? I have doubts. Can he adjust his style to be an effective lower line player? Again, doubts, but we'll see.

Even after his big night last night, Hino is on pace for 24 points in 73 games, playing a lot with franchise players.

Sort of like Kruger's first year. Wait, what?

Reid Simpson once scored two goals in an NHL game. Perspective.
- John Jaeckel

Good post John.

I think you and I share the same perspective when it comes to guys like Kruger, Pahlsson, Draper etc. They are valuable, especially when the playoffs roll around. I even said that I wasn't anointing him anything. Just asking about his potential to be honest. And it'll probably take years to live up to a Bolland or Brian Boyle-type center. I don't think he can fully take on a Getzlaf, Rakell, Staal, Kopitar yet, let alone in the playoffs.

Hey, maybe he does develop into a solid two way forward in the bottom six, maybe not. I think he has the tools and is learning right by playing with Hossa. Just glad to see that the young guns are putting in their two cents every now and then.