By default?

we are already plugging hartman in a unnatural position, how about i get a natural 3C, Hino isnt it

you need size down the middle and going from Hartman (which is already questionable) to Hino is asking for trouble come playoff time
- Stan_Bowman

Kero, you 2nd generation friggin legacy.

We have the perfect 3C on this team if he would agree to play it like the team needs him to. .....Patrick Sharp !!

I know he's played center before and he's pretty good at the dot, always has been. He's still fast, smart hockey IQ, and could be a real defensive pest, ...IF..... he could accept this role.

This is where Q and management needs to step in. Sharp is no longer the offensive threat on the wing. Accepting this role would help solidify the team's defensive strengths and open the spot to use the Hossa cap space to aquire a power forward for the top 6.

Think of how good he could be as a Dave Boland type 3C where his sole responsibility would be to stick to the top centers on the other team ?? He could be great at it, if he accepted it as a challenge......and a HUGE plus for our Blackhawks at 1M a year......AND....extend his career if he would turn out to be a great shut down defensive center.
- Hawkytalk

I like this idea and if Q isn't going to move D-Cat up with Toews and Saad this move would allow D-Cat to move to his more natural position on the 3rd line which is LW.

20 19 14
8 15 88
12 10 40
?? 57 38

Not a big fan of Bouma. Kid works hard out there, but doesn't have the right tools in the bag.

Who would of ever guessed

AA 10 goals
Panarin 4 goals
- BetweenTheDots

Strange for sure. The only bit of Panarin I've seen is the other night (or day?). He wiggled free with the puck in the slot and lasered one from about 30'. Before he even shot I said put it on the board. I think Lundqvist was the victim. I'd say Panarin misses Kane more than the other way around.

It'd be nice if we could get and keep Kempny on the ice so he could develop as well.
- BetweenTheDots

You know he is in Q's permanent dog house (aka The Daley Digs) if he isn't played against one of the fast-paced teams in lieu of Franson.

I think for the time being that Nick schmaltz has found his groove playing with Patrick Kane, I like him on the wall. I guess it’s the old adage just let them play and see what happens for a while.

By default?

we are already plugging hartman in a unnatural position, how about i get a natural 3C, Hino isnt it

you need size down the middle and going from Hartman (which is already questionable) to Hino is asking for trouble come playoff time
- Stan_Bowman

Assuming the Hawks make the playoffs. For right now, Hino is the better option. I guess if the idea is to see if Hartman can be that 3rd line center, okay, as long as the team wins enough. I'm curious to see how Hayden does at center down the road. Probably not there yet.

Little hockey humor break with Chicago's own Chance the Rapper

https://www.youtube.com/w...channel=SaturdayNightLive

Reminds me of some of the WGN commentators. Not Burish, he has actually been really good.

https://windycitychronicl...-defeat-penguins-2-1/amp/

By default?

we are already plugging hartman in a unnatural position, how about i get a natural 3C, Hino isnt it

you need size down the middle and going from Hartman (which is already questionable) to Hino is asking for trouble come playoff time
- Stan_Bowman

Maybe you could acquire Fleischman and Weise, then trade them for Danault and a second rounder!

agree with all your points...but malkin hit him in the end; his skate kicked craws stick...was it malicious or intentional? probably not...still deserved a 5 min major

https://twitter.com/twitt...atuses/932058234092998656
- bogiedoc

That happened right in front of me. Malkin really made contact with the head because Crow was getting low. I didn't have a problem with the way it was called. But yes he did make contact with the head, but it was really inadvertent and Crow put himself into that position as he was trying to play the puck. Laughingly Penguin fan beside me was calling Crow a bunch of disparaging names implying Crow was faking it. Whatever the case, 50 had the last laugh.

I also want to come back to a couple things:

-I LOVED how Toews played. Maybe on TV you can't see how good he is, but when you see him live he is super. The guy was NOT taking any shifts off, he was battling, he was strong down low, he showed great feel/vision and was making quick passes to the right spot. Also, I believe he OUTPLAYED Crosby. As the game went on I noticed Sullivan was trying to get 87 out against someone else. Early on it was 19 v 87 and the Pens were not winning. The first period was all Hawks, Pens were stronger in the 2nd. 10.5 million or not, what I saw last night was an elite talent player who still has the fire. I am really glad I had a chance to see this game up close. I do not think he's a problem. Yes, we need more points, but I have to believe that is gonna eventually happen.

-Murphy and Seabiscuit. Hmmm. Nawt bad. They handled strong forecheck pressure without melting down. Murph didn't play a ton, but made no egregious errors at all and seemed pretty comfortable playing with SeaBiscuit

-Fanson. He is certainly not going to win any foot races, but the dude is a smart freaking hockey player. His gap control was good, while not being physical his ability to play the body just enough to defend helps him become a capable player in his own zone. His work on the PowerPlay is outstanding. I was in the Hawks O zone for periods 1 and 3 and the guy knows what to do with the puck, be it pass, shot or deep.

-Forsling.

Line 3. Dinky/Sharp/Hartman. They had some good moments, but I don't believe this is a long term solution at that line. I do not like Hartman at center. I don't think he has the visual instincts to really setup wingers like Dinky and Sharp and he is abysmal on the dot.

-Line 4. Q was double shifting Kane there off and on last night, limiting Hayden some. Again, I am not a fan of this line either. I like Wingels a lot, he brings a ton of energy, but he's another Hawk center who is ridiculously bad on draws. Wingels/Hayden on wings with a competent center who can win draws would really help this line.

-Anisimov was literally one of the best players on the ice last night. Like everyone not named Toews, he too was crap in the circles, but he's legitimately good when he's motivated like that. AA is who we think he is...he'll go 10 or 12 games and score a bunch of points and then go 10 or 12 games and barely get 3 shots on net. Good he's good right now.

I think Line 1 and Line 2 are set. Or should be. Saad/Toews/Panik and Schmaltz/AA/Kane is the way that needs to go. Let them play. We need a Line 3 Center pronto.

Line 3. Dinky/Sharp/Hartman. They had some good moments, but I don't believe this is a long term solution at that line. I do not like Hartman at center. I don't think he has the visual instincts to really setup wingers like Dinky and Sharp and he is abysmal on the dot.



- kwolf68

Great insight - thank you

So, you'd not try DBC with Line 1? I feel like with Toews, Panik, and Saad, you have three very similar players w/out one being a major outside offensive threat. If you've got three guys at the net or in the corners, who is shooting?

Great insight - thank you

So, you'd not try DBC with Line 1? I feel like with Toews, Panik, and Saad, you have three very similar players w/out one being a major outside offensive threat. If you've got three guys at the net or in the corners, who is shooting?
- pdx2ord

I would like to see #12 on line one and #14 on line 3.

Great insight - thank you

So, you'd not try DBC with Line 1? I feel like with Toews, Panik, and Saad, you have three very similar players w/out one being a major outside offensive threat. If you've got three guys at the net or in the corners, who is shooting?
- pdx2ord

I wouldn't be against trying D-Cat with 20 and 19. I am honestly shocked the blender wheel hasn't rolled out that combination yet. My only negative about Panik off line 1 is he brings a bit of nasty to the ice that I like out there with Toews. It's not like Panik is an enforcer, but if you want to mix it up physically with that line, Panik is more than equipped to oblige. If you moved Panik to L3 with Sharp you still need a L3-C. I am not convinced we have that in house.

I do agree Toews had another gear last night, sure hope this is a sign of things to come, not only that his stopping turning were crisp.

Cat is definitely growing on me. Much better with the puck past couple of weeks

I do agree Toews had another gear last night, sure hope this is a sign of things to come, not only that his stopping turning were crisp.
- BetweenTheDots

He did. Maybe that's the "speed game" he was talking about playing, but what I saw was an ELITE talent on display. And he was making plays at HIGH SPEED. It's not quite there yet, and maybe Toews employing a new style of hockey is taking some time to bring it into focus. The small part of his game that he is known for, defense, winning pucks down low, etc. were also sound last night. Again, the player wearing 19 in white last night looked like one of the best 2 or 3 players on the ice.

Hinostroza should get a shot at the 3C role.
- DarthKane

He may have earned a shot, but to me, he seems more like a 2C than a 3C in terms of the inherent defensive responsibility that comes with it. I thought he struggled a lot away from the puck last season. (maybe that has changed?)

Overall, I just feel like line 3 is the weakest link almost all season to date.

That happened right in front of me. Malkin really made contact with the head because Crow was getting low. I didn't have a problem with the way it was called. But yes he did make contact with the head, but it was really inadvertent and Crow put himself into that position as he was trying to play the puck. Laughingly Penguin fan beside me was calling Crow a bunch of disparaging names implying Crow was faking it. Whatever the case, 50 had the last laugh.

I also want to come back to a couple things:

-I LOVED how Toews played. Maybe on TV you can't see how good he is, but when you see him live he is super. The guy was NOT taking any shifts off, he was battling, he was strong down low, he showed great feel/vision and was making quick passes to the right spot. Also, I believe he OUTPLAYED Crosby. As the game went on I noticed Sullivan was trying to get 87 out against someone else. Early on it was 19 v 87 and the Pens were not winning. The first period was all Hawks, Pens were stronger in the 2nd. 10.5 million or not, what I saw last night was an elite talent player who still has the fire. I am really glad I had a chance to see this game up close. I do not think he's a problem. Yes, we need more points, but I have to believe that is gonna eventually happen.

-Anisimov was literally one of the best players on the ice last night. Like everyone not named Toews.

I think Line 1 and Line 2 are set. Or should be. Saad/Toews/Panik and Schmaltz/AA/Kane is the way that needs to go. Let them play. We need a Line 3 Center pronto.
- kwolf68

With one single post you have sent all of the 'Toews is finished, washed up' experts to the sidelines. And they have taken the AA haters with them - at least for one game.

Now they can go back to managing their lemonade stands instead of the Chicago Blackhawks.

With one single post you have sent all of the 'Toews is finished, washed up' experts to the sidelines. And they have taken the AA haters with them - at least for one game.

Now they can go back to managing their lemonade stands instead of the Chicago Blackhawks.
- RickJ

I'll be honest Rick, I was down on 19, but watching the way he played told me he is OK. No evidence of injury, lack of passion, or any other intangible holding him back. He and his line generated several outstanding looks, but the just missed (Saad hit the crossbar on one). To me that line is generating chances and their Defensive play is also outstanding.

Yes, the 10.5 million hurts, but we have to get over that and just believe 19 is gonna get it going. Based on the energy and pace I saw last night it's only a matter of time before he and that line really start scoring in bunches, I just don't see any other result from what I witnessed last night. Tough stretch of games coming up, and no better time than now for those guys to start putting pucks into the net.

I'll be honest Rick, I was down on 19, but watching the way he played told me he is OK. No evidence of injury, lack of passion, or any other intangible holding him back. He and his line generated several outstanding looks, but the just missed (Saad hit the crossbar on one). To me that line is generating chances and their Defensive play is also outstanding.

Yes, the 10.5 million hurts, but we have to get over that and just believe 19 is gonna get it going. Based on the energy and pace I saw last night it's only a matter of time before he and that line really start scoring in bunches, I just don't see any other result from what I witnessed last night. Tough stretch of games coming up, and no better time than now for those guys to start putting pucks into the net.
- kwolf68

I just hope that if the team makes the playoffs (and they have the talent to) that Kane/Toews show that 10.5 million dollar value again. They've done it before.

I would like to see #12 on line one and #14 on line 3.
- scott.jackson

20-19-12
8-15-88
10-48-14
57/40-67-38

Was able to go to the game last night...highly recommend any hockey fan getting to PPG Paints Arena. Really nice venue and the city of Pittsburgh is phenomenal.

JT was OUTSTANDING last night. After the first period Mike Sullivan did whatever he could to keep Sid away from the Toews line.

Gustav Forsling is slowly turning into a really nice blue liner. It couldn't come at a better time for this team.

More Hawks need to get to the front of the net like Anisimov.

Talking to a lot of Pittsburgh fans throughout the weekend, and especially at the game, it was interesting to hear their take on the Blackhawks. They have a TON of respect for the organization and the current core of this team. A few fans marveled at the Hawks speed up and down the ice. And like most Hawks fans...they wish their team shot the puck more on the power play!

I'll be honest Rick, I was down on 19, but watching the way he played told me he is OK. No evidence of injury, lack of passion, or any other intangible holding him back. He and his line generated several outstanding looks, but the just missed (Saad hit the crossbar on one). To me that line is generating chances and their Defensive play is also outstanding.

Yes, the 10.5 million hurts, but we have to get over that and just believe 19 is gonna get it going. Based on the energy and pace I saw last night it's only a matter of time before he and that line really start scoring in bunches, I just don't see any other result from what I witnessed last night. Tough stretch of games coming up, and no better time than now for those guys to start putting pucks into the net.
- kwolf68

Listened to Gardner after the game and he said something important. Said yea, it's easy to get up for the Penguins, everybody does, but this needs to be more consistent.

In other words Gardner needs to see more than a couple 20-30-40 minute efforts before he gets excited.

My takeaway from last nights game was this. Crow robs Kessel and there's a faceoff in the Hawks' zone, Murray pulled for an extra attacker. This is who he sent out the last sequence that ended the game. Schmaltz-Artie-D-Cat... Forsling-Ruuta.... Tells me we have zero idea what this club will look like come Springtime cuz we have no idea how the rookies and young guys will develop cuz Q is gonna play these kids. With the right add, reasonable development the Hawks may make some noise, or miss the playoffs.

You mention you were at the game. Been to 1 Hawk game live, McDavid was in town. Forsling is a +++ skater with a real chance to be a real difference maker who is playing and not thinking. Tells me he's told we understand mistakes will be made just play.

Hayden covered for a Dman caught up ice and skated with, turned and poke checked McJesus at the right dot in open ice alone.

It would be great to see Forsling continue to impress and needs to play at this level consistantly.

I personally don't think he's #1 D material, however, if he remains a top 4 for the rest of the year, that helps this Hawks team immensely moving forward.
- Justin Lowe

Wanna join with the chorus and mention I really like what you've done as Hawks' blogger. Gonna enjoy it before the joy gets sucked out of your work by the experts and cabals. You'll understand too soon ..... If JJ had to go I'm glad you were the guy to take over.

I have no idea what Forsling will develop into but this kid can flat out skate, has decent size and can really shoot the thing. Played in 3 WJC's for a country that churns out HOF type Dmen. ... A bright spot for a franchise that rarely develops Dmen.

Was able to go to the game last night...highly recommend any hockey fan getting to PPG Paints Arena. Really nice venue and the city of Pittsburgh is phenomenal.

JT was OUTSTANDING last night. After the first period Mike Sullivan did whatever he could to keep Sid away from the Toews line.

Gustav Forsling is slowly turning into a really nice blue liner. It couldn't come at a better time for this team.

More Hawks need to get to the front of the net like Anisimov.

Talking to a lot of Pittsburgh fans throughout the weekend, and especially at the game, it was interesting to hear their take on the Blackhawks. They have a TON of respect for the organization and the current core of this team. A few fans marveled at the Hawks speed up and down the ice. And like most Hawks fans...they wish their team shot the puck more on the power play!
- frafra

Good stuff and agree with your points. Toews was splendid and Sullivan absolutely avoided Crosby going against Toews after early on it was obvious the Sid line would not be ON that night. There was a nice Hawk fan presence there. I loved the one Hawk fan seeing my jersey going, "you're Chicago, go ahead in front of me". I love this city honestly. Great sports town, several excellent universities here, cultural stuff while still retaining that steel city work ethic. They are also passionate about their teams (not unlike Chicago). Thumbs up to this city.