They are not going to start going in if they keep taking bad angle and perimeter shots. I re-watched the first two games yesterday. Most of the goals were scored with speed and players attacking the net (and sitting in front of it). We haven't seen that consistently in at least three weeks.
- Chunk

I'd argue 3 years as being part fo the broader problems with the club.

I'm not sure what else to expect at this point.

Schmaltz was definitely knocked down a few pegs after his injury, which was really too bad because he was looking like he could be a real difference maker this year. He was put in a prime opportunity to succeed with Kane, but seemed to be forcing too much since he returned.

I agree, more strength is needed as he's getting pushed off the puck easier than Debrincat.

To me, it looks like they should move him back to the wing (LW) and acquire another centre with speed, that can win draws.
- Justin Lowe

Not ready to move Schmaltz. He needs time and some weight work. Kid has skill. Rather see him on the wing for a while and tell him to SHOOT that puck.

I'd argue 3 years as being part fo the broader problems with the club.

I'm not sure what else to expect at this point.
- fattybeef

Agreed.

I was laughed out last year when I deemed this club not a cup contender and you can just see the holes and warts growing more and more each year. I don't see a quick fix. They have zero depth that can produce enough to come in "waves" and their top center still is far too inconsistent.

Truthfully, 50/20 and some of the young D men are impressive.

As far as Murphy, CAPTAIN AMERICA, as somebody boasted because he led the D list of NHL players on Team USA at the worlds last spring, talk about LOL.....This guy is a damn disaster. Think we got bent over in that trade? No wonder Q threw a tantrum.

Murphy has 1 and 0 apples where as Hammer has 3 apples playing with a bunch of AHL players in the desert.

Agreed.

I was laughed out last year when I deemed this club not a cup contender and you can just see the holes and warts growing more and more each year. I don't see a quick fix. They have zero depth that can produce enough to come in "waves" and their top center still is far too inconsistent.

Truthfully, 50/20 and some of the young D men are impressive.

As far as Murphy, CAPTAIN AMERICA, as somebody boasted because he led the D list of NHL players on Team USA at the worlds last spring, talk about LOL.....This guy is a damn disaster. Think we got bent over in that trade? No wonder Q threw a tantrum.

Murphy has 1 and 0 apples where as Hammer has 3 apples playing with a bunch of AHL players in the desert.
- SteveRain

Does a 1st, top prospect get 7 moved? Obviously we have to take salary back, but we need to move his contract. Awful. If the team continues to tank, I move 2 as well. Easy trade to a playoff contender. (In the East.

Time to rebuild.

Here's where it all went wrong (a good piece from a few years ago):
https://thehockeywriters....to-play-salary-cap-limbo/

Stan and Q haven't been on the same page for a while. And for years now, one or both have been trying to (frank) the other by not acquiring/aquiring, playing/pressboxing various players.

Only the most blind cannot see this is true.
It's time for both to go.

I turned the game off early in the 2nd period (after the 5 on 3 generated NO SHOTS and saw 2 to 3 Hawk players standing motionless as they practiced their passing skills during an NHL game). Right now, this team is heartless and emotionless, starting with the guys wearing a letter. Some great leadership.

Here's where it all went wrong (a good piece from a few years ago):
https://thehockeywriters....to-play-salary-cap-limbo/

Stan and Q haven't been on the same page for a while. And for years now, one or both have been trying to (frank) the other by not acquiring/aquiring, playing/pressboxing various players.

Only the most blind cannot see this is true.
It's time for both to go.

I turned the game off early in the 2nd period (after the 5 on 3 generated NO SHOTS and saw 2 to 3 Hawk players standing motionless as they practiced their passing skills during an NHL game). Right now, this team is heartless and emotionless, starting with the guys wearing a letter. Some great leadership.
- savvyone-1

Honestly, I don't get upset watching them anymore as I curbed my expectations. This championship window is closed. They are now in the downside of the core and might win a series or two if everything goes right the next few years, but they better be ready to rebuild and rebuild quickly.

I usually tune in for a bit and turn if off. I don't care to watch effortless, emotionless hockey. This team needs more then a coach firing......then need an overhaul and everyone in that room should be held accountable.....including the Canadian 3 leadership core who talk a HUGE game and then each goes out and implodes.

2 looked magical on that 3rd Philly goal............

Does a 1st, top prospect get 7 moved? Obviously we have to take salary back, but we need to move his contract. Awful. If the team continues to tank, I move 2 as well. Easy trade to a playoff contender. (In the East.

Time to rebuild.
- z1990z

No idea, but again....I'll be shocked if this organization has the stones to make such bold moves or just keep on hanging on with aging veterans like a Kenny Williams Sox team.

that's why you need a savvy GM to get this done, and a coach who is also on the same page.

hawks have NEITHER

Agreed.

I was laughed out last year when I deemed this club not a cup contender and you can just see the holes and warts growing more and more each year. I don't see a quick fix. They have zero depth that can produce enough to come in "waves" and their top center still is far too inconsistent.

Truthfully, 50/20 and some of the young D men are impressive.

As far as Murphy, CAPTAIN AMERICA, as somebody boasted because he led the D list of NHL players on Team USA at the worlds last spring, talk about LOL.....This guy is a damn disaster. Think we got bent over in that trade? No wonder Q threw a tantrum.

Jammer is currently injured .And on the downward Trajectory ,and will be looking for a raise .Murphy is younger with great potential and locked into a nice contract .The quick fix is behind the bench ,and the use of players .

Murphy has 1 and 0 apples where as Hammer has 3 apples playing with a bunch of AHL players in the desert.
- SteveRain

2 looked magical on that 3rd Philly goal............
- SteveRain

I heard his new custom-fit Bauers were delayed in getting shipped, that's why.

Hocks may be in the zone the Preds were stuck in so long. Good enough to barely make or just miss the playoffs right from their exapansion days. When you are too good to miss out on the top 5 picks it is really hard to get better. Meanwhile Kane and Keith get older and worse.
- VopatsRash

Poile has made some deft moves lately and did a good job biding his time. Trading Seth Jones was nuts but they also had two other franchise defenders and one locked up long term for basically free which has been huge and adding Subban to that mix for Weber straight up was a stroke of genius.

He fleeced Washington with that deal to get Forsberg.

Arvidsson had a rough first year but you'd like to think that is the type of player Dinglecat could end up being.

Great signing with Bonino and then getting Turris for stockpiled assets was a deft move as well. They gave up nothing on their roster to make that happen and injected 50 points and a very good 2 way player into their line up.

That team is set for the next 3-5 as long as nothing screwy happens in goal for them.

It was obviously a process to get there and they will be in a similar situation as the Hawks are now with expiring deals but some of it is just the up and down of the NHL. Nashville has to be the favorite to win the Cup at this point.

If the Hawks were more ruthless with Seabrook 3 years ago, like the Preds were with Weber, and would have unloaded him for value when it was there that would have made a big difference. Also, paying Toews closer to what Bergeron makes would have been more appropriate as well.

Getting rid of Danault for zero value in return was a terrible mistake. I don't think they have a bad group of younger players but this year is looking more like a burn year \ get the kids some experience year and they may be better served by treating it as such.

If the Oilers are desperate for defenders, maybe they could swing a deal to take RNH off their hands (who is quietly a very good hockey player) for Seabrook straight up or maybe with a younger controlled asset included. I think him at 6 million for 3 years vs Seabs deal would be a good bit of business.

No idea, but again....I'll be shocked if this organization has the stones to make such bold moves or just keep on hanging on with aging veterans like a Kenny Williams Sox team.

that's why you need a savvy GM to get this done, and a coach who is also on the same page.

hawks have NEITHER
- SteveRain

So to Kennys credit - He was ruthless in terms of moving players and would make a trade if he thought it would help. Kenny also had the habit of paying players past their prime way too many dollars because they got him hard a decade before their usefulness deteriorated. Not dissimilar to Bowman throwing money at guys he just happens to like.

No idea, but again....I'll be shocked if this organization has the stones to make such bold moves or just keep on hanging on with aging veterans like a Kenny Williams Sox team.

that's why you need a savvy GM to get this done, and a coach who is also on the same page.

hawks have NEITHER
- SteveRain

If we see 2 or 7 moved then we know Q is gone. He would schit tamales if he lost any more of his old guard D. Still think Q is moved before anything else happens.

The Hawks really just need some more scoring punch at the top right now. Nobody is going. Saad with 6 goals is leading the team (3 of those in the fist game and all goals in the first 6 games)

Saad is tied for 45th in goals in the NHL.
Kane is tied for 43rd in assists in the NHL.
Kane is tied for 45th in points in the NHL.

The top end of the roster needs to pick it up, because the depth is there. Kane, Toews Saad specifically should be doing more lately.

If we see 2 or 7 moved then we know Q is gone. He would schit tamales if he lost any more of his old guard D. Still think Q is moved before anything else happens.
- z1990z

Toews and Seabrook to AZ for Keller and Dvorak.

The Hawks really just need some more scoring punch at the top right now. Nobody is going. Saad with 6 goals is leading the team (3 of those in the fist game and all goals in the first 6 games)

Saad is tied for 45th in goals in the NHL.
Kane is tied for 43rd in assists in the NHL.
Kane is tied for 45th in points in the NHL.

The top end of the roster needs to pick it up, because the depth is there. Kane, Toews Saad specifically should be doing more lately.
- breadbag

Just to expand further, in the last 10 games.

Kane has 37 shots on goal and scored 3 times (that includes the lucky bounce vs Edmonton that should have never went in)

Toews 29 shots and one goal in that span, which was the breakaway he tucked 5 hole.

Saad 28 shots and buried nothing in that last 10.

Panik scored twice in that span with 24 shots on the net.

Sharp zero goals in his 23 SOG in that span.

They guys need to be chipping in more. I get that Sharp is older but he should be good for a goal or two or three in that span. I get that there isn't enough traffic, but that isn't everything. Make something happen guys!

I completely get your point and wasn't tryin got be snarky. Like everyone else, I'm a bit too salty today.
- Chunk

Haha. No worries, my man. I didn't take it as snarky at all.

Does a 1st, top prospect get 7 moved? Obviously we have to take salary back, but we need to move his contract. Awful. If the team continues to tank, I move 2 as well. Easy trade to a playoff contender. (In the East.

Time to rebuild.
- z1990z

Who even is a top prospect in the organization, you know?

I thought it was DeBrincat, but he's not doing anything.

I heard his new custom-fit Bauers were delayed in getting shipped, that's why.


- savvyone-1

Ha......I had the game on mute, but I am sure Foley pulled out every excuse known to man. Pat Foley kissed his 6x8 framed Keith photo before he shuts his eyes each and every night.

Interesting:

Who even is a top prospect in the organization, you know?

I thought it was DeBrincat, but he's not doing anything.
- Hank3Henshaw

Debrincat isnt going to light it up playing bottom 6 grinding minutes, its not his game

Either Q needs to put him top 6 or I need to send him to Rockford

Debrincat isnt going to light it up playing bottom 6 grinding minutes, its not his game

Either Q needs to put him top 6 or I need to send him to Rockford
- Stan_Bowman

How does that work, though? Usually you work your way up to the top lines through good play

You would think you had the level of talent that is speculated about him, he would carve up those lower-line opposing players.

If he's not producing on the bottom lines, how does putting him on the top change that? Maybe the guys around him will help?

Not being sarcastic, generally curious how the logic works there.

So to Kennys credit - He was ruthless in terms of moving players and would make a trade if he thought it would help. Kenny also had the habit of paying players past their prime way too many dollars because they got him hard a decade before their usefulness deteriorated. Not dissimilar to Bowman throwing money at guys he just happens to like.
- fattybeef

Agreed and thats' why you need a fresh face not only behind the bench, but making personnel decisions. Bowman has a loyalty and blind allegiance not only to rostered players, but prospects he's drafted.....need a fresh take in both departments.

The veterans need a stern wake up call......Tired of lip service.

Agreed and thats' why you need a fresh face not only behind the bench, but making personnel decisions. Bowman has a loyalty and blind allegiance not only to rostered players, but prospects he's drafted.....need a fresh take in both departments.

The veterans need a stern wake up call......Tired of lip service.
- SteveRain

All of this talk about firing Q / Bowman but almost no discussion about stripping the leadership group of their letters.

Take Toew's "C" away, hand it right to Kane. (For marketing purposes and also because Kane has steadily improved after the 3rd cup, Toews hasn't)
Save face, give Toews an "A" (mainly just for marketing)
Give Saad the other "A" (or keep it with Seabrook, some have said that he's always been the "true captain" of this team behind the scenes.

But main point, strip the "C" from 19 and hand it to 88

Agreed and thats' why you need a fresh face not only behind the bench, but making personnel decisions. Bowman has a loyalty and blind allegiance not only to rostered players, but prospects he's drafted.....need a fresh take in both departments.

The veterans need a stern wake up call......Tired of lip service.
- SteveRain

I agree about Bowman, but not so much about Q.

I think he still has the fire and gives it to these guys. Sometimes, I think players act like moody teens when they're losing. The old "woes me" and "it's someone else's fault, not mine", instead of being more mature and going out and doing your job.

All of this talk about firing Q / Bowman but almost no discussion about stripping the leadership group of their letters.

Take Toew's "C" away, hand it right to Kane. (For marketing purposes and also because Kane has steadily improved after the 3rd cup, Toews hasn't)
Save face, give Toews an "A" (mainly just for marketing)
Give Saad the other "A" (or keep it with Seabrook, some have said that he's always been the "true captain" of this team behind the scenes.

But main point, strip the "C" from 19 and hand it to 88
- Slofire94

Maybe if 88 played like he deserved it. Right now, I wouldn't hand him anything.