If he gets a half second more than a small percentage of the time, it will be because the defense is slacking off.

Most of the time he will need to take a one-timer in the slot.

Will he be able to bury a decent percentage of those?
- StLBravesFan

Don't think so. True goal scorers find so many different creative ways to put the puck over the line and a lot of them aren't very pretty, in fact downright ugly - deflections, banking it off a defender's skate, squeezing the puck between the post and the goalie who thought he had it sealed, bouncing it in somehow from behind the net.

You want to call it luck or garbage goals, until you realize it keeps happening over and over again. Guys like him get in the other goalie's head because they don't know what he is going to do.

And that's why ADB and his hands is going to make the team and Vinnie Hino will look like the better player but can't finish because he has mitts of stone.

Unless they have a vet coming from Vegas....
Seabrook RD Kempny LD
Murphy RD Keith LD

Forsling RD Polka LD Eurostyle
Rutta RD

Franson —>tonight sold me on why I don’t sign him

Hayden took someone’s job; maybe Lance Boumas…

DeBrincat made this squad because he simply can play.

How can you send Vinne Hinostroza…

Bye, Tomas Jurco

Tootoo goodbye.
Or is he the Mimi me Ryan Reeves? I don’t see it.

Dauphin and Vinnie deserve to make the team in my view, but then who doesn't? . Hawks are loaded with wingers.
- kwolf68

I've liked Kampf a little more than Dauphin, though I think the latter has a higher ceiling. Both can be center and wing. It'd be cool to have a secondary option for the faceoff on that line with Kero or on the PK that can win one on occasion since Bouma/Wingels are both not good there as well.

I think sometimes people see what they wish to see. I have nothing but hopes this guy can turn it on, but each and every game he screws up, in royal fashion most of the time. What concerns me is not just he can't move the puck worth a damn, but he also is LOSING the puck on the boards in his own zone against other players and if he wins a puck he tosses it aimlessly to nomans land. I can't remember a single "good play" he has made...yes, quite a bit of the time he isn't (frank)ing up, but generally that's because the puck ends up on his stick in "safe" areas. The moment the play is challenging the guy absolutely tanks.

I actually DO like him on the PowerPlay. Seems to have a heavy shot and has been OK when I've seen him there, but the PowerPlay is fools gold also. And I'd much rather have Kempy or even Forsling on the PP than Murphy. Murphy has bottom pairing D-man written all over him, but I am sure Keith will be saddled with him this year. As good as Keith is, maybe that can work.
- kwolf68

I think that can be true for both good and bad things, though.

These are my lines as of now:

Saad-Toews-Panik
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Hinostoza-Kero-Hartman
13th forward should be between Wingles and Dauphin

These are my lines as of now:

Saad-Toews-Panik
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Hinostoza-Kero-Hartman
13th forward should be between Wingles and Dauphin
- SimpleJack

Pretty much what I think (though I think Q will keep Hartman on the third line. Next year I think Hayden slides onto line 3).

I think with all the depth the Hawks have at forward and questionable defense they should add to D. Vegas has two players I'd love to slot into our Defensive core...Nate Schmitt or Shae Theodore.

I like Kempney and Ruuta but they are still a bit unknown at this point. Murphy inspires no confidence, Franson is really good on the PP, but 5v5 is meh, Osterle wasn't bad so far in pre-season, but the doubts remain there in his own zone, Pokka is pedestrian, but I will say he seems to be an intelligent player. Would like to see hi m 1 more time.

The long and short of the defense is we have two aging veterans who are the only SURE things back there. All other spots are HUGE question marks, with answers coming from prospects, kids, older players who can't skate, players that appear to be busts, etc., etc....I think 1 or 2 may pan out, but surly not all 4...to that end, Stan needs to really consider adding a D-man...

Don't think so. True goal scorers find so many different creative ways to put the puck over the line and a lot of them aren't very pretty, in fact downright ugly - deflections, banking it off a defender's skate, squeezing the puck between the post and the goalie who thought he had it sealed, bouncing it in somehow from behind the net.

You want to call it luck or garbage goals, until you realize it keeps happening over and over again. Guys like him get in the other goalie's head because they don't know what he is going to do.

And that's why ADB and his hands is going to make the team and Vinnie Hino will look like the better player but can't finish because he has mitts of stone.
- RickJ

I've said Dino before, but how about a small Rick Vaive? Bossey might be a little too much, at least this early on.

I've said Dino before, but how about a small Rick Vaive? Bossey might be a little too much, at least this early on.
- 6628

I think we can forget about duplicating what any of these 50+ per year shooters of decades ago did. The game has changed so much and also those guys weren't faced with beating goaltenders who are outfitted like an overweight Michelin Man.

35 goals a year is probably the new 50.

I think we can forget about duplicating what any of these 50+ per year shooters of decades ago did. The game has changed so much and also those guys weren't faced with beating goaltenders who are outfitted like an overweight Michelin Man.

35 goals a year is probably the new 50.
- RickJ

Goalies and skaters, too - everyone is armored up and ready to block shots - no fear of the puck.

All of that great speed on the ice - much more than in the past, I think - only to be thwarted by technology.

Goalies and skaters, too - everyone is armored up and ready to block shots - no fear of the puck.

All of that great speed on the ice - much more than in the past, I think - only to be thwarted by technology.
- StLBravesFan

Anybody who has a chance to go thru the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto will immediately see the absolutely massive difference in skates, sticks and other equipment now vs 30/40/50 years ago.

But I don't have a problem with that, I don't want to play golf with hickory stick shafts and balls that get cuts in them after about 3 shots. Technology is progress.

But the NHL game would be much better to watch for the average fan if it wasn't so massively overcoached with all these 'systems'. Give me the days of one coach behind the bench and the 2-1/2 minute Phil Esposito shifts and playing the hated Russians with their style of game. But that isn't progress either.

I think we can forget about duplicating what any of these 50+ per year shooters of decades ago did. The game has changed so much and also those guys weren't faced with beating goaltenders who are outfitted like an overweight Michelin Man.

35 goals a year is probably the new 50.
- RickJ

For sure. But the kid gets open and gets his nose in there much like those superstars. He's slippery.

Ulfie is going to have his hands full turning Keith, Seabs, Kempny, Murphy, Rutta, Oesterle, Forsling, Franson, Pokka into a "decent" defensive unit.

Will the added offense, speed, and physicality this defense can provide compensate for their defensive weaknesses. It might be close.

I could see them trying to add a 3/4 dman when they put Hossa/Rosi on LTIR. But I think they will wait until December or TDL.

I could go either way with Franson, but I think the Hawks made a promise to him that he will be on the opening night roster in order to get him to come to camp on a PTO instead of signing an NHL Contract with another team. So we are stuck with him for better or worse.

It will be good for Snuggerud to get healthy and play at Rockford. But I think he is a future NHL player, maybe as soon as later this year.

Anybody who has a chance to go thru the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto will immediately see the absolutely massive difference in skates, sticks and other equipment now vs 30/40/50 years ago.

But I don't have a problem with that, I don't want to play golf with hickory stick shafts and balls that get cuts in them after about 3 shots. Technology is progress.

But the NHL game would be much better to watch for the average fan if it wasn't so massively overcoached with all these 'systems'. Give me the days of one coach behind the bench and the 2-1/2 minute Phil Esposito shifts and playing the hated Russians with their style of game. But that isn't progress either.
- RickJ

I’m not sure Sports need necessarily to progress thru technology as much as they have.

More technology negates the advantage that those with the better athletic ability can show - gives the “mediocre” skater (or comparable player in other sports) the ability to level the playing field.

Instead of playing the man or the puck, a player on defense needs only to stand in the lane a get hit by the puck. Instead of using arms and legs to block shots, a goalie needs to drop and take away 90% of the net through overly-bulky equipment.

Yes, those are simplistic overstatements, but I’m not sure today’s NHLers as hockey players are as good as those of decades ago - better trained, conditioned, equipped, bigger, stronger, faster (and maybe all that should be enough) but not necessarily better hockey players.

Or baseball layers, basketball players, football players....

Ulfie is going to have his hands full turning Keith, Seabs, Kempny, Murphy, Rutta, Oesterle, Forsling, Franson, Pokka into a "decent" defensive unit.

Will the added offense, speed, and physicality this defense can provide compensate for their defensive weaknesses. It might be close.

I could see them trying to add a 3/4 dman when they put Hossa/Rosi on LTIR. But I think they will wait until December or TDL.

I could go either way with Franson, but I think the Hawks made a promise to him that he will be on the opening night roster in order to get him to come to camp on a PTO instead of signing an NHL Contract with another team. So we are stuck with him for better or worse.

It will be good for Snuggerud to get healthy and play at Rockford. But I think he is a future NHL player, maybe as soon as later this year.
- -Doh-

Not to be negative, but where do you think this 3/4 guy is going to come from and why would his team give him up?

That's almost the same as the delusional Montreal Canadiens fans who console themselves about their 0-6 preseason record with the belief the team's $8M in available cap space is going to bring them a big time difference making player. What team is giving that guy up?

Saad – Toews – Panik
ADB – Schmaltz – Kane
Sharp – Anisimov – Hartman
Jurco – Kero - Hayden
extras - Wingels and Tootoo or Bouma

Really I would rather have Kampf, Dauphin, or Hino on the Hawks instead of Tootoo or Bouma. But it is best that the younger players play on the top lines in Rockford than sit in the press box in Chicago. I like Kampf a lot. He could be the first call up.

I’m not sure Sports need necessarily to progress thru technology as much as they have.

More technology negates the advantage that those with the better athletic ability can show - gives the “mediocre” skater (or comparable player in other sports) the ability to level the playing field.

Instead of playing the man or the puck, a player on defense needs only to stand in the lane a get hit by the puck. Instead of using arms and legs to block shots, a goalie needs to drop and take away 90% of the net through overly-bulky equipment.

Yes, those are simplistic overstatements, but I’m not sure today’s NHLers as hockey players are as good as those of decades ago - better trained, conditioned, equipped, bigger, stronger, faster (and may all that should be enough) but not necessarily better hockey players.

Or baseball layers, basketball players, football players....
- StLBravesFan

Makes some sense. Golf is as good an example as any sport/game - the great shot makers who could really work the ball have generally been replaced by the 300 yard+ drives that overpower a course thanks to equipment, the ball and the fact these guys are in fantastic physical condition.

Not to be negative, but where do you think this 3/4 guy is going to come from and why would his team give him up?

That's almost the same as the delusional Montreal Canadiens fans who console themselves about their 0-6 preseason record with the belief the team's $8M in available cap space is going to bring them a big time difference making player. What team is giving that guy up?
- RickJ

Hence the key word "trying".

I think sometimes people see what they wish to see. I have nothing but hopes this guy can turn it on, but each and every game he screws up, in royal fashion most of the time. What concerns me is not just he can't move the puck worth a damn, but he also is LOSING the puck on the boards in his own zone against other players and if he wins a puck he tosses it aimlessly to nomans land. I can't remember a single "good play" he has made...yes, quite a bit of the time he isn't (frank)ing up, but generally that's because the puck ends up on his stick in "safe" areas. The moment the play is challenging the guy absolutely tanks.

I actually DO like him on the PowerPlay. Seems to have a heavy shot and has been OK when I've seen him there, but the PowerPlay is fools gold also. And I'd much rather have Kempy or even Forsling on the PP than Murphy. Murphy has bottom pairing D-man written all over him, but I am sure Keith will be saddled with him this year. As good as Keith is, maybe that can work.
- kwolf68

Hey Wolfie, don't you think it's fair to give the guy 20 or so games before deciding? It's got to be hard -- especially for young defensemen -- to switch up teams, systems, etc. I'm not saying how Murphy will be one way or the other, but a hot take on him (or any of the new faces, for that matter) seems premature.

I think the first quarter of the season could be rough, as the Hawks figure out what they've really got. All that matters to me is that they put forth a strong every night, and make the playoffs. We'll see where it goes from there.

These are my lines as of now:

Saad-Toews-Panik
DeBrincat-Schmaltz-Kane
Sharp-Anisimov-Hayden
Hinostoza-Kero-Hartman
13th forward should be between Wingles and Dauphin
- SimpleJack

If true, then it needs to be Wingles. Flipper should be playing decent mins night in and night out.

If he's going to be the next Kruger, he should be playing.

Makes some sense. Golf is as good an example as any sport/game - the great shot makers who could really work the ball have generally been replaced by the 300 yard+ drives that overpower a course thanks to equipment, the ball and the fact these guys are in fantastic physical condition.
- RickJ

I still have my original pair of Tacks. Made in Canada, steel tube runners (no plastic/nylon/super hi-tech material blade holders and replaceable hi-tech steel/whatever blades), kangaroo leather and all. The "T" of Tacks is actually a cut-out in the leather with white leather stitched behind to create the "T."

Compare that to the carbon/nylon/nano-tech materials of today's skate boots. There's a guy on my team we always kid because, although he "laces" his boots, he simply takes up the "slack" and that's it. Those hi-tech materials are so stiff that you can almost skate without laces.

While those original Tacks were super-comfy, I can honestly say that after playing an entire game they weighed about double their original weight from the kangaroo leather absorbing so much moisture.

You don't need to go to the HHOF -- just come over to my place (or my Dad's basement). I've got plenty of old (40+ yrs) gear including my Mikita helmet and even a few unused early "high-tech" (wood and fiberglass - ha!) sticks.

I’m not sure Sports need necessarily to progress thru technology as much as they have.

More technology negates the advantage that those with the better athletic ability can show - gives the “mediocre” skater (or comparable player in other sports) the ability to level the playing field.

Instead of playing the man or the puck, a player on defense needs only to stand in the lane a get hit by the puck. Instead of using arms and legs to block shots, a goalie needs to drop and take away 90% of the net through overly-bulky equipment.

Yes, those are simplistic overstatements, but I’m not sure today’s NHLers as hockey players are as good as those of decades ago - better trained, conditioned, equipped, bigger, stronger, faster (and maybe all that should be enough) but not necessarily better hockey players.

Or baseball layers, basketball players, football players....
- StLBravesFan

HIGHLY Disagree. How is it an advantage when EVERY athlete on the rink is using equivalent technology? If anything it tilts the playing field even more.

Stick technology only helps the more gifted athletes these days because it allows the precision of the highest "skill" guys (Kane) to pick corners, fine tune stick handling and catch soft passes, where as the lower skilled bruisers reap less benefits of the "technology" in sticks because they don't have the basic techniques down anyway.

Skate technology especially, for the best skaters it makes a world of difference having something stiff, strong and light attached to your foot that reacts to your slightest. As a comparison, try skating on dull "rental" skates then put your own skates back on with a clean edge. Same thing for the pros, except even more pronounced of a difference. Think of a guy aka Duncan Keith, a fitness freak who's cardiovascular system should be studied and replicated for future genetic cloning of cyborgs. He'd have to be that good and even stronger in his lower body to be able to do what he did for 30+ minutes a night in 2015 playoffs if his skates were the old un-supportive boat anchors of the 80's.

As for the other protective equipment, the lighter and more protective the technology gets, the better it is for the players safety and confidence on the ice. You move faster, your body is able to turn and react quicker, matching the speed in which your mind thinks the game, instead of adding additional wait time from inhibition equipment.

Anyone who has played at fairly high levels and has used a large variance of equipment will agree with me. Give Sidney Crosby a good old wooden "Sherwood 5300" and yeah, he'll still be able to pick corners, but less often and with less mustard on the puck. Give him back his composite, fully customized stick, he'll crack a smile and hit bar-down 10x in a row.

I still have my original pair of Tacks. Made in Canada, steel tube runners (no plastic/nylon/super hi-tech material blade holders and replaceable hi-tech steel/whatever blades), kangaroo leather and all. The "T" of Tacks is actually a cut-out in the leather with white leather stitched behind to create the "T."

Compare that to the carbon/nylon/nano-tech materials of today's skate boots. There's a guy on my team we always kid because, although he "laces" his boots, he simply takes up the "slack" and that's it. Those hi-tech materials are so stiff that you can almost skate without laces.

While those original Tacks were super-comfy, I can honestly say that after playing an entire game they weighed about double their original weight from the kangaroo leather absorbing so much moisture.

You don't need to go to the HHOF -- just come over to my place (or my Dad's basement). I've got plenty of old (40+ yrs) gear including my Mikita helmet and even a few unused early "high-tech" (wood and fiberglass - ha!) sticks.
- savvyone-1

At the pro level, that type of extra support makes a world of difference, especially late in the game. It allows the athletes who still have "something left in the tank" to give that extra push in triple OT or whatever the situation is

I still have my original pair of Tacks. Made in Canada, steel tube runners (no plastic/nylon/super hi-tech material blade holders and replaceable hi-tech steel/whatever blades), kangaroo leather and all. The "T" of Tacks is actually a cut-out in the leather with white leather stitched behind to create the "T."

Compare that to the carbon/nylon/nano-tech materials of today's skate boots. There's a guy on my team we always kid because, although he "laces" his boots, he simply takes up the "slack" and that's it. Those hi-tech materials are so stiff that you can almost skate without laces.

While those original Tacks were super-comfy, I can honestly say that after playing an entire game they weighed about double their original weight from the kangaroo leather absorbing so much moisture.

You don't need to go to the HHOF -- just come over to my place (or my Dad's basement). I've got plenty of old (40+ yrs) gear including my Mikita helmet and even a few unused early "high-tech" (wood and fiberglass - ha!) sticks.
- savvyone-1

Do you remember how much you paid for those Tacks new? They were the premium skate for a long time and I think the competitor skate on the market was Bauer Supremes.

Interesting if useless story - there is a sporting goods store in Hamilton, Ontario named Kenesky's, namely hockey equipment. It has changed a lot over the years but the original owner Frank Kenesky used to make goalie pads in the attic (leather stuffed with horsehair) for a lot of the NHL guys especially when it was a 6 or 12 team league. It was nothing special to see Terry Sawchuk or Johnny Bower in there for a fitting and talking to old Frank. (Like the Tacks the pads weighed about 3 times their dry weight by the end of a game).

They would also keep a full house next door of hockey sticks - mainly Victoriavilles - wood with a straight blade. Remember buying one for $3.99 and my old man went a little silly, said it better last the entire season. I could of had a CCM for $2.50. Those were the days of my youth Savvy.

Who do you think is most likely to be claimed?
Pokka, Osterle, Roz, Tootoo, Bouma, Wingels, Jurco?

Roz and Tootoo no chance

Bouma 10%

Pokka, 50%
Osterle, 30%
Jurco, 40 %
Wingels 45%

Unless they have a vet coming from Vegas....
Seabrook RD Kempny LD
Murphy RD Keith LD

Forsling RD Polka LD Eurostyle
Rutta RD

Franson —>tonight sold me on why I don’t sign him

Hayden took someone’s job; maybe Lance Boumas…

DeBrincat made this squad because he simply can play.

How can you send Vinne Hinostroza…

Bye, Tomas Jurco

Tootoo goodbye.
Or is he the Mimi me Ryan Reeves? I don’t see it.
- wiz1901

Agree ADB stays at least for the first 8-9 games
Agree VH has to stay...
Agree Hayden stays...

injurys, waiver status and Hossa LTIR will have alot to about who goes