I noticed nobody has mentioned Fortins's name on the "most likely players to stick with the Hawks". Has his stock gone down because of injury? He was one of the last players to be cut at last years training camp. My money is still on him to make the team.
- spanky

Probably more a case of we haven't seen him yet. Watched at the TC tourney and he was less than impressive in the first game. Looked much better after than. Seems he needed to get the rust off.

I hope guys like him, Vinny, Hayden, Kampf and the likes make a guy like Bouma irrelevant. I am going to hold judgement on Wingels but he didn't have a good game tonight. Wingels might be a guy Q can utilize to his strengths.

With the way its looking now, this is how I'd like to see things:

Saad-Toews-Panik
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Hinostroza-Kero-Wingles

The battle for the 13th forward spot shows how deep we've become, too many names to list or even remember at this point. So many options its ridiculous.
IF this level of play from the younger forwards sustains, we can be DEADLY offensively. Like as good as anyone in the league. It will allow us to spread out the depth to create 3 solid scoring lines if we can keep a kid like DeBrincat or Fortin playing in the top 6, and if Schmaltz and Hartman also take their games to another level(which would IMO make both of them legit top 6 forwards on any team). The chain reaction would also give us one of the leagues best 3C's in Anisimov.

However i think we're going to have a very rough season defensively. Not so sure we have a true #3 OR a true #4 defenseman. Lots of bottom pairing options, but even there nothing is certain. AND 2 and 7 are going to have to defy all logic and suddenly become great again(both have been declining for the past 2 seasons and are getting up there in age) in order to offset a lot of these issues, when for all we know they decline even more rapidly than before or worse get injured.

Let me put it this way....we could REALLY use a move for another quality defenseman, preferably someone young and fast. If not I'm afraid it wont matter how elite, deep, and explosive we are at forward.

With the way its looking now, this is how I'd like to see things:

Saad-Toews-Panik
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hartman
Hinostroza-Kero-Wingles

The battle for the 13th forward spot shows how deep we've become, too many names to list or even remember at this point. So many options its ridiculous.
IF this level of play from the younger forwards sustains, we can be DEADLY offensively. Like as good as anyone in the league. It will allow us to spread out the depth to create 3 solid scoring lines if we can keep a kid like DeBrincat or Fortin playing in the top 6, and if Schmaltz and Hartman also take their games to another level(which would IMO make both of them legit top 6 forwards on any team). The chain reaction would also give us one of the leagues best 3C's in Anisimov.

However i think we're going to have a very rough season defensively. Not so sure we have a true #3 OR a true #4 defenseman. Lots of bottom pairing options, but even there nothing is certain. AND 2 and 7 are going to have to defy all logic and suddenly become great again(both have been declining for the past 2 seasons and are getting up there in age) in order to offset a lot of these issues, when for all we know they decline even more rapidly than before or worse get injured.

Let me put it this way....we could REALLY use a move for another quality defenseman, preferably someone young and fast. If not I'm afraid it wont matter how elite, deep, and explosive we are at forward.
- SimpleJack

Murphy and Kempny are better than bottom pair guys. The decline of Duncan Keith is a myth. Guy put up 53 points last season and was 4th in Norris voting all the while facing top lines with an offensive anchor attached to him in Hammer.

Murphy and Kempny are better than bottom pair guys. The decline of Duncan Keith is a myth. Guy put up 53 points last season and was 4th in Norris voting all the while facing top lines with an offensive anchor attached to him in Hammer.
- TTtime

Could not stream the game bc of WGN and NHL Network broadcasts. Anyone care to provide an overall reaction/analysis?

Could not stream the game bc of WGN and NHL Network broadcasts. Anyone care to provide an overall reaction/analysis?
- EnzoD

The D actually played very well.

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself after [another meaningless] pre-season game, but I think the one moment that stood out for me today was the 'Cat's goal. I watched it on replay probably 6-8 times now, and quite frankly, it's not the goal itself that is impressive, it's how he went about scoring it.

If you watch the replays carefully, DeBrincat catches the puck from Panik (terrific vision by the way), waits a split second, and fires the puck to the emptier side of the net. While it may appear to be a very basic play, what grabbed my attention was how calm he was in that moment. He didn't just fire off a blind one-timer the minute the puck comes his way like most players too. He doesn't shoot it as hard as he could either, but rather he focused on placement of that shot.He essentially slowed that play down to his own speed. Kind of like the way 88 does. That's terrific awareness by the kid knowing he had time. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I really do see a resemblance to Kane in his game. Not necessarily 88's skills, but the way Kane slows the game down and with his awareness. I think they are natural compliments to each other.

Which leads to the next point of how big that Saad acquisition was. I still don't think people have a complete understanding of how important this acquisition was. Quite frankly, this might go down as Stan's best move yet trade-wise.

On a side note, I think Panik is due for another career season this year. Again, don't want to get ahead of myself, but his confidence seems even higher than it was last season, and he has the skill set to improve. 20+20 last season, but I think he can hit 50-55 points this year. I really do.

If Schmaltz can play like he has night in and night out, and Sharp has just enough in the tank this season, then this forward group is as good as any in the league. I don't envision any kind of regression.

Murphy and Kempny are better than bottom pair guys. The decline of Duncan Keith is a myth. Guy put up 53 points last season and was 4th in Norris voting all the while facing top lines with an offensive anchor attached to him in Hammer.
- TTtime

Its not a myth, he's steadily declining...its natural, he's not quite the player he once was and when you can also say those same things about your #2 Seabrook, combined it makes a difference especially when there are so many question marks #3-6. Kempny and Murphy have potential to be a 3 or a 4, but right now neither are proven on this team in that role and we're asking a lot out of this blueline if we don't go out and add another piece.

Schmaltz winning 7 of 9 at the dot was a good sign as well.

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself after
- TommyHawk[another meaningless] pre-season game, but I think the one moment that stood out for me today was the 'Cat's goal. I watched it on replay probably 6-8 times now, and quite frankly, it's not the goal itself that is impressive, it's how he went about scoring it.

If you watch the replays carefully, DeBrincat catches the puck from Panik (terrific vision by the way), waits a split second, and fires the puck to the emptier side of the net. While it may appear to be a very basic play, what grabbed my attention was how calm he was in that moment. He didn't just fire off a blind one-timer the minute the puck comes his way like most players too. He doesn't shoot it as hard as he could either, but rather he focused on placement of that shot.He essentially slowed that play down to his own speed. Kind of like the way 88 does. That's terrific awareness by the kid knowing he had time. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I really do see a resemblance to Kane in his game. Not necessarily 88's skills, but the way Kane slows the game down and with his awareness. I think they are natural compliments to each other.

Which leads to the next point of how big that Saad acquisition was. I still don't think people have a complete understanding of how important this acquisition was. Quite frankly, this might go down as Stan's best move yet trade-wise.

On a side note, I think Panik is due for another career season this year. Again, don't want to get ahead of myself, but his confidence seems even higher than it was last season, and he has the skill set to improve. 20+20 last season, but I think he can hit 50-55 points this year. I really do.

If Schmaltz can play like he has night in and night out, and Sharp has just enough in the tank this season, then this forward group is as good as any in the league. I don't envision any kind of regression.

Schmaltz is noticeably better - I mean, even I notice it! - and that gives this team some legitimate options, especially if he can improve his FO%. If DBC is the answer at 2LW - I'm not convinced - then this team has a solid top 9. I didn't watch the whole game but in the first period the fourth line had a real good shift keeping possession for a while. It's an interesting team, curious how it plays out. Glad to have 20 and 10 back.

Finally got this to work mid period. Thanks for posting. For some reason couldn't get the reddit streams to work.

Ads are so annoying...now they have fake x's and hide the true x's...wtf
- ToewsdNKanefusd

gotta trick people into clicking through. sucks. but hey, free hockey!

Schmaltz is noticeably better - I mean, even I notice it! - and that gives this team some legitimate options, especially if he can improve his FO%. If DBC is the answer at 2LW - I'm not convinced - then this team has a solid top 9. I didn't watch the whole game but in the first period the fourth line had a real good shift keeping possession for a while. It's an interesting team, curious how it plays out. Glad to have 20 and 10 back.
- matt_ahrens

Totally concur
I'm reserving judgement on 12 until Hawks play some real NHL teams - that Detroit line up was terrible
That being said - it's obvious Saad is thrilled to be back

Will be interesting to see how Panarin makes out with Torts

Interesting that Lupul is going to be checked out by an independent 3rd party physician at the request of the league.

Wonder if they'll make Hossa do it too or make it standard practice for players going on LTIR.
- BINGO!

I would think that would be SOP but, the NHL, where off-sides is redefined during the game.

I was only able to watch the 1st period last night and it appeared Luc Snuggerud was taking regular shifts with some PK time but, when I looked at the box score this morning he had only 11 shifts with less then 7 minutes of TOI. Did he get injured or Q didn't like what he saw?

I was only able to watch the 1st period last night and it appeared Luc Snuggerud was taking regular shifts with some PK time but, when I looked at the box score this morning he had only 11 shifts with less then 7 minutes of TOI. Did he get injured or Q didn't like what he saw?
- Rota's Rooter

He got injured (upper body) which was unfortunate because he was looking really good.

He was playing with a lot of confidence, jumping up into the rush.

I think he could be a good one. Hopefully the injury is minor.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you're 7th (or 8th) defencemen, Jordan Oesterle.

"I liked him. A lot". That's high praise from Q.

He looked reallly good to me at times. He's the type of dman the Hawks tend to love. Small in stature, mobile and good instincts.

With that being said, he had some serious gaffs last night too. I guess nothing too crazy as Q really liked what he saw.

I said since his signing he's had a good chance to make it. Mainly for the reasons above and the style he plays, plus he is versatile and can play LD and RD.

Totally concur
I'm reserving judgement on 12 until Hawks play some real NHL teams - that Detroit line up was terrible
That being said - it's obvious Saad is thrilled to be back

Will be interesting to see how Panarin makes out with Torts
- Colbyboy

Wouldn't the Detroit line up be terrible even if they dressed their entire NHL team?

Lot to like so far this preseason but Q playing Sharp on line 3 is one of my favorites. If Q can find a bottom 6 that has Sharp and or AA on the 3rd line with Hartman the Hawks are in damn fine shape.

Wish there was more 5 on 5 but ADM has looked much better than I had hoped for.
- Mr Ricochet

If AA moves down to 3C, how long before people start complaining about our 3C making over $4M a year?

Debrincat looked good but he will need to show more than just his shot to stick with the Hawks.

I still think Hayden starts on Kane's right wing if Schmaltz is going to be the pivot, that line will need a body and possession player a la AA when push comes comes to shove.

The D actually played very well.
- SoftServe

I thought Murphy looked a little nervous. He is a big body that can skate which is nice to see. Murphy is not afraid to throw the body around and block shots either, but I just thought he seemed a bit tentative.

Its not a myth, he's steadily declining...its natural, he's not quite the player he once was and when you can also say those same things about your #2 Seabrook, combined it makes a difference especially when there are so many question marks #3-6. Kempny and Murphy have potential to be a 3 or a 4, but right now neither are proven on this team in that role and we're asking a lot out of this blueline if we don't go out and add another piece.
- SimpleJack

The Blackhawks may just have some assets we didn't know might turn out to be pretty good. Cautiously to not get overly excited after two games, but hey it is only a matter if how soon and how much help can we get out of some new addition in our lineup.

The quality of our bottom three on defense has always been worrisome and in my mind an Achilles heel. Many a post have bemoaned a lack of a true top offensive center in recent seasons. Over reliance on our top players, so there you have another Achilles heel.

Well introducing Ruuta, Kempny and Murphy on the blue line. They look to have the ability to turn out better than what we have seen there. You can argue that the hammer and Johnny Oduya for a while were good. I hope the new threesome just mentioned has the athleticism and ability to surpass the strong play we saw from hammer and Johnny O.

Now I want to be clear that up front however Kampft, Hayden and ADB is used, along with the somewhat surprisingly better Schmautz we have the depth and talent behind the top line better than seen in the past few years.

Quiet, it's a secret right now. We have this emerging new group and the rest of the league sort of notices, but hey, it's preseason and what you see now doesn't work out the same once the regular season begins.

Certainly a refrain many would come up with but we might just be snickering.....so proud we have something good and we are actually trying not to be too giddy over it all.

I like to believe both Highmore and flipper can be recalled and would perform well. Rasmussen, Tootoo, and alright, Bouma too could be part of the equation.

We don't really need that rabbits foot or lucky four leaf clover. We have a nice upgrade from that trashy team which fell down in last playoffs.

Stan might want to hold on to his salary cap space and see how nicely things r. Be happy. Wait a while, Stan. Trade deadline is afar.

Oh, pull over that French Inspector aka hockey scouts.
Say it with a French accent, "Fortin Too?"

I was only able to watch the 1st period last night and it appeared Luc Snuggerud was taking regular shifts with some PK time but, when I looked at the box score this morning he had only 11 shifts with less then 7 minutes of TOI. Did he get injured or Q didn't like what he saw?
- Rota's Rooter

He did get injured, and didn't play in the later parts of the 2nd, and not at all in the 3rd.

If AA moves down to 3C, how long before people start complaining about our 3C making over $4M a year?
- tvetter

I'm going to set the over/under at ten posts from yours.

I'm going to set the over/under at ten posts from yours.
- HawkintheD

I'll take under!

I thought Murphy looked a little nervous. He is a big body that can skate which is nice to see. Murphy is not afraid to throw the body around and block shots either, but I just thought he seemed a bit tentative.
- ChicagoHope

I saw the same thing. I think Murphy will need sometime getting used to the Hawks pace of play.

John.... John it's happening!!!