True, hence the use of the word "if."
- pdx2ord

Yup...I missed the "if", my bad. That's what I get for multi-tasking.

Now we can see why Darling was traded. I am happy he was able to cash in with a big contract, he deserves it.
- DarthKane

Happy for 33 and in the end a 3rd for a UFA is sweet. No real losers

Happy for 33 and in the end a 3rd for a UFA is sweet. No real losers
- riozzo

A rare true win/win scenario.

Forsberg has a nasty and quick shot. Still marveling at the fact that the Caps traded him for Erat.

Pure speculation but he is a Chicago guy through and through. I'd definitely see him taking $3.5mil to be the starting goalie in his hometown. The guy has a Chicago dedicated full arm tattoo, he loves the city.
- EnzoD

Even if true - and don't forget, Darling is 28 (29 halfway thru next season) - maybe the Hawks decided that at a net cost of $2.5-$3 million per, Crawford is the best bet to carry out another Cup run or two.

Well the Blue won 2-1 without Steen.

Looks like game 6 is a must-win for both teams.

Random Observation - can Johnny Toews please hire Ryan Getzlaf's trainer and dietician?

I thought Campbell looked like he was done this season. He always scared the hell out of me in his own end, and he wasn't doing much in the offensive end, either. I thought TVR bailed him out too often this year. Not sure TVR deserves the worse grade of the two. I gather he will be a Golden Knight soon?

Someone mentioned D-men on this team being miscast too often. One of the most common refrains on this board was that Hammer was playing on his off side all year when paired with Keith. He had to do that backhand clear way too often.

I agree that evaluating Seabrook is difficult if he is too often paired with learners and rarely with top 4 guys.

I'm not ready to give up on Oduya. I'm not sure he was 100% during his second tour of duty here. I just remember how he was once he finally recovered from his broken foot in 2015. That's not that long ago. He can't be any worse than Rozy if he can get back to 100%, and given his dedication to fitness, I have to think it's doable, but then I have never seen his medical file, either.

I just hope that D's are playing with the right partners next year. I have to think the coaching staff drove them nuts with those assignments.

I'll just add to the Darling sentiment expressed on here and say I"m really happy for him. What a great story, and what a class act.

Pure speculation but he is a Chicago guy through and through. I'd definitely see him taking $3.5mil to be the starting goalie in his hometown. The guy has a Chicago dedicated full arm tattoo, he loves the city.
- EnzoD[/quote

Concur.... I'd rather have darling at 4 then Crawford at 6... Crawford is not an elite goalie.... he's a benefactor of two dynamic teams...yes he's come up big... but if we're not going to compete... which clearly isn't going to happen because of all the nmc... just another albatross contract that will drive this team into mediocrity.... just like the contracts blowman gave out... shame on him for giving Crawford that contract... everyone says price, holtby, etc... those goalies would have won the cup surrounding by arguably the best hockey teams and dynasty since the red wings in the late 90's... cristos (my nickname for Crawford in the likes of cristobal huet"... what purpose does he serve on this team going forward??? He will be half assed on this team earning 6 million per year for nothing plain and simple

Excellent review John.
Personally I think too much is made of the 5-7 arguments.
Hawks won the Stanley Cup in 2015 with the big 4. Cumiskiy, Rundblad and TVR added zilch.

Look at the ice time tonight. In the Nashville/St. Louis game, The Preds Yannick Weber and Matt Irwin along with the Blues Gunarsson and Burtuzzo added very little. They made almost no difference in the outcome of the game.

Having said that, no on Campbell and no Oduya returning.

Play Kempny, Forsling and if worthy, Gusty and push the pace.

Wow, talk about a choke job.

The Oilers were up 3-0 with 3:15 left in the third period.

This game is now going to overtime.

Kempny must be re-signed and given the minutes to develop. He showed enough already, IMHO, to be in the 'Hawks 6 man rotation.
I also hope Forsling plays his way into their rotation next season.
And it would be awesome if Gufstafson develops there also.
2, 4, 7 and the three above is a very nice mix of youth and top-shelf NHL D.
- 35Tony0

I know that Gustafsson was the main guy, playing all situations in Rockford last season.

We know what skill he has. His strength and wesknesses should show no matter AHL or NHL. The issue confronting Gus is whether at his size and strength of body, how might he get it on a blueline corp with the smallish Keith on one pair, hopefully eventually Forsling on the second pair, leaving Gus to beat out Snuggerud for the puck mover on a third pair. Much consideration, too, for a physical, strong partner if Gus or Snuggerud do graduate, indeed, to third pair status.

One additional idea for you and particularly anyone who saw a fair amount of Icehog games.

How do you feel about Dahlstrom? Like him more, or less than Gus for that third pair job?

I am discounting Pokke and Svedberg. One or both could be gone to expansion or another organization. I really look forward one of these blogs to someone reviewing Icehog players.

Wow, talk about a choke job.

The Oilers were up 3-0 with 3:15 left in the third period.

This game is now going to overtime.
- TommyHawk

Wowsa...that was Hawklike...or the Hawks in a past lifetime. The Oilers collapsed. Ducks score three in the last 3:16 and win it in the Double OT.
I don't think the Preds or Blues get by the Ducks.

Meanwhile the Blues Preds game was a clutch and grab fest...yup this is where we're headed with Bettman's BS.

In regard to the defense...it'll be interesting to see who they bring back, but Forsling, and Kempny in particular need to play. This team has got to get younger faster on the back end. Of course with those contracts who knows how flexible they'll be on reshaping the roster.

The special teams from the defense were abysmal...
We still don't seem to have a PP QB...and the dreaded box on the PK. Still didn't care for the pairings either and this is all on the coaching staff.

I agree with the thought that Oduya was hurt this tour and wouldn't mind seeing him back - certainly not worse than Rosy.

Congrats to Darling well deserved...happy for the kid.

First off I want to say congrats to Darling and his new deal. I wonder now that Vegas has Shipachyov and likely Dadonov signed today whether McPhee tries to get Stan to bite on Panarin? What would they offer? After the draft they may have a few guys that are worth the trade. Just spit balling here off course, but this is something I can see happening. I like Panarin and all, but he won't go into the dirty areas and having Kane and Panarin both on PP1 is getting a little predictable and frustrating to watch.

I was able to see Debrincat play 3 games in the semis finals against my team and those games in Owen Sound he was the one stirring drink for Erie. The three things that gets me excited about his potential jump to the NHL next year is his shot is lethal, he never shys away from going into the dirty area to get the puck and his ability to see the play before it happens is amazing. I know he is small, but I have seen him numerous times over his 3 years in the OHL and in MHO he has a career with the Hawks and I think a great one at that. My son and I had dinner with Michael McNiven (OS Attack goalie) after one of the games with Erie and Michael said he can't get a very accurate read when Debrincat shoots the puck because of how quick his release is. I don't care how big you are if you can shoot the puck in the NHL you will score goals and goals are what the Hawks need along with some size and grit.

As far as the defense goes I think they need to dangle on of the big 3 and see what you can get. It really sucks that the Oilers blew a 2 nothing lead in the series and a 3 nothing lead in the 3rd last night, but they are a great young team that needs that leader on the backend and Seabrook, Keith, or Hammer could just be what the doctor ordered.

I'm not the final answer when it comes to hockey stats or tactics - but my eyes and intuition lead me to conclude that a large portion of the concerns surrounding the Hawks problems with defense stem from a systemic issue - and has to include a review of the forwards and the role/commitment they play in it. Regardless of personnel within the three defensive pairings - it's awfully difficult to be effective if the forwards aren't integrated within a cohesive defensive strategy.

From the breakout to the PK - any consistent observer of the Hawks could see there was a disconnect in team defensive play. For me, this concern, along with others, points to coaching. Ineffective defense system? Players uncertain or uncommitted to their roles in the right defensive system? Coaching, coaching, coaching...

We can bemoan the decline of the core all we want - but a competent and non-complacent coaching staff gets much more out of this team than the debacle we witnessed during the playoffs. Q is lucky it was just Kitchen that got the axe.

Wow, talk about a choke job.

The Oilers were up 3-0 with 3:15 left in the third period.

This game is now going to overtime.
- TommyHawk

Glad I went to bed - Hate Corey Perry for some stage reason...

The Hawks need major changes in their defensive and PK system and strategy.. Bowman saw it and Q did not. Hence the Kitchen firing.

The defensive personnel needs some major changes.

Keith is not going anywhere.

We can argue about Seabs play and value all day long. But he is a right side defender and the Hawks have no one better.

Hjalmarsson needs to play the left side. He is a good stay at home defender but contributes very little offensively, especially playing the right point.

Kempny and Forsling are our future on our left side or trade chips.

TVR, a right side defender, is ok at best. But with no other right side defenders he is needed. If he is taken in the expansion draft the Hawks need to add two right side defenders.

Rosi is a right side player and could be kept as a 7th or 8th defender

Pokka (RFA), Gus, will be given a look, but are at best bottom pairing players right now.

Hjalmarsson, Kempny and Forsling have some trade value. One of them need to go maybe in combination with other prospects and picks to get a #1 or #2 right side defender. For cap purposes I would mover Hjalmarsson.

I would think the Hawks would draft a right side defender in round 1 or 2.

Keith and Seabs
Kempny or Forsling and ????
Kempny or Forsling and - TVR
Gus - Rosi

First off I want to say congrats to Darling and his new deal. I wonder now that Vegas has Shipachyov and likely Dadonov signed today whether McPhee tries to get Stan to bite on Panarin? What would they offer? After the draft they may have a few guys that are worth the trade. Just spit balling here off course, but this is something I can see happening. I like Panarin and all, but he won't go into the dirty areas and having Kane and Panarin both on PP1 is getting a little predictable and frustrating to watch.

I was able to see Debrincat play 3 games in the semis finals against my team and those games in Owen Sound he was the one stirring drink for Erie. The three things that gets me excited about his potential jump to the NHL next year is his shot is lethal, he never shys away from going into the dirty area to get the puck and his ability to see the play before it happens is amazing. I know he is small, but I have seen him numerous times over his 3 years in the OHL and in MHO he has a career with the Hawks and I think a great one at that. My son and I had dinner with Michael McNiven (OS Attack goalie) after one of the games with Erie and Michael said he can't get a very accurate read when Debrincat shoots the puck because of how quick his release is. I don't care how big you are if you can shoot the puck in the NHL you will score goals and goals are what the Hawks need along with some size and grit.

As far as the defense goes I think they need to dangle on of the big 3 and see what you can get. It really sucks that the Oilers blew a 2 nothing lead in the series and a 3 nothing lead in the 3rd last night, but they are a great young team that needs that leader on the backend and Seabrook, Keith, or Hammer could just be what the doctor ordered.
- scott.jackson

I am curious about Debrincat but have limited expectations. One, is that the Hawks are overdoing it with his marketing which is risky and also third-year elder-statesman in the OHL dominating kids own age and younger may not yield instant NHL success. He simply may not be able to do the things he's accustomed to doing at the next level. No small feat what he's accomplished but I'm going to stay guarded.

I'm not the final answer when it comes to hockey stats or tactics - but my eyes and intuition lead me to conclude that a large portion of the concerns surrounding the Hawks problems with defense stem from a systemic issue - and has to include a review of the forwards and the role/commitment they play in it. Regardless of personnel within the three defensive pairings - it's awfully difficult to be effective if the forwards aren't integrated within a cohesive defensive strategy.

From the breakout to the PK - any consistent observer of the Hawks could see there was a disconnect in team defensive play. For me, this concern, along with others, points to coaching. Ineffective defense system? Players uncertain or uncommitted to their roles in the right defensive system? Coaching, coaching, coaching...

We can bemoan the decline of the core all we want - but a competent and non-complacent coaching staff gets much more out of this team than the debacle we witnessed during the playoffs. Q is lucky it was just Kitchen that got the axe.
- Chief4Feathers

On the nose.

I am curious about Debrincat but have limited expectations. One, is that the Hawks are overdoing it with his marketing which is risky and also third-year elder-statesman in the OHL dominating kids own age and younger may not yield instant NHL success. He simply may not be able to do the things he's accustomed to doing at the next level. No small feat what he's accomplished but I'm going to stay guarded.
- acmidd28

Agreed. Cautious optimism is the best perspective at this point. One poster earlier made a comparison of him to Arvidson with Nashville. And while that might be possible - we should all be thrilled if his ceiling ever reaches that high.

First off I want to say congrats to Darling and his new deal. I wonder now that Vegas has Shipachyov and likely Dadonov signed today whether McPhee tries to get Stan to bite on Panarin? What would they offer? After the draft they may have a few guys that are worth the trade. Just spit balling here off course, but this is something I can see happening. I like Panarin and all, but he won't go into the dirty areas and having Kane and Panarin both on PP1 is getting a little predictable and frustrating to watch.

I was able to see Debrincat play 3 games in the semis finals against my team and those games in Owen Sound he was the one stirring drink for Erie. The three things that gets me excited about his potential jump to the NHL next year is his shot is lethal, he never shys away from going into the dirty area to get the puck and his ability to see the play before it happens is amazing. I know he is small, but I have seen him numerous times over his 3 years in the OHL and in MHO he has a career with the Hawks and I think a great one at that. My son and I had dinner with Michael McNiven (OS Attack goalie) after one of the games with Erie and Michael said he can't get a very accurate read when Debrincat shoots the puck because of how quick his release is. I don't care how big you are if you can shoot the puck in the NHL you will score goals and goals are what the Hawks need along with some size and grit.

As far as the defense goes I think they need to dangle on of the big 3 and see what you can get. It really sucks that the Oilers blew a 2 nothing lead in the series and a 3 nothing lead in the 3rd last night, but they are a great young team that needs that leader on the backend and Seabrook, Keith, or Hammer could just be what the doctor ordered.
- scott.jackson

Blackhawks Breakdown‏ @HawksBreakdown
Relevant to Panarin's lack of success over a recent 4-game sample and some fans wanting to trade him.

Via: http://www.storiesnumberstell.com/grit/



ETA: Probably good reading for anyone regularly complaining that the Hawks are too soft.

Blackhawks Breakdown‏ @HawksBreakdown
Relevant to Panarin's lack of success over a recent 4-game sample and some fans wanting to trade him.

Via: http://www.storiesnumberstell.com/grit/



ETA: Probably good reading for anyone regularly complaining that the Hawks are too soft.
- pdx2ord

Yup, it was a flawed system that had him avoid contact, I can see it now; Q: " Breadman, when anyone skates toward you run for your life." Panarin: "I Like Soup."

Blackhawks Breakdown‏ @HawksBreakdown
Relevant to Panarin's lack of success over a recent 4-game sample and some fans wanting to trade him.

Via: http://www.storiesnumberstell.com/grit/



ETA: Probably good reading for anyone regularly complaining that the Hawks are too soft.
- pdx2ord

That is a great article. I am not coming out and saying to trade Panarin, I was just throwing it out to see what either Hawks fans have to say about it. I am sure if his buddies both sign in Vegas he would love to go and play with them and if the right players are offered than why not. If you can get two good young players at 3 million, rather than one at 6 million it is worth looking at. Panarin is easily worth 6 million a year for what he brings to the table on a team that isn't cap strapped.

Hjalmarsson a B? A cornerstone?

He bled shots against all season. He definitely can't play any type of offensive role. The only thing he shutdown all season was Keith.

This is the 2nd season he has been brutal. He needs to go and now before whatever value he has falls off the cliff.

Campbell and Oduya are done. Let them sign somewhere else. Go young, puck movers who are allowed to clear the crease and cross check. Need to play the game the way its being called these days.
- TTtime

Totally agree. This defense has been the weakness for the past 2 years now.
They allow almost 40 shots a game and if it weren't for Crawford and Darling with all the goalie wins, this team might have missed the playoffs. At one time I counted 7 goalie wins and then decided to stop counting because it was becoming the norm. They can move any of the big 3 as far as I'm concerned to get picks and younger, however, we all know that won't or can't happen because of the NMC's ( except 4 ) issued by Bowman. So now he's stuck on trying to move forward's that don't have them. Again........... "One Mess" !!