Wouldnt that be glass half-empty picking your team to lose? Badly at that?
- BlazinMike

You are correct sir. I was just too lazy to edit it after I posted.

Quick team with outstanding transition.

That said, while they aren't a traditionally "heavy" team, they are feisty and play very well in 5-man D units. Guys like Kuch and Point are known for their point production, but are anything but soft in their own zone or retrieving pucks. Add in guys like Dotchin, Palat, Killorn, Cally, Girardi and Coburn and this is a skill team with some bite.
- OzBolts

Bolts were my pick to win it this year at the start of the season. And so far they look really good. My wife is from Tampa so I've been to a few games there. Love the arena and the atmosphere. The fans are also great to talk to there.

This should be a good test for the Hawks tonight. Again with all the youngsters Hawks are finding their way. Whether the kids get enough mileage on them and put it together for a playoff position this spring remains to be seen.
I think this is a game the vets/core will put in a full effort tonight. Tough to do over an 82 game schedule.

Not for an NBC rivalry night game. It will be close. OT decides it.
- powerenforcer

So Bolts by a FG??

Yup, Schmaltz too.

I know the overall feeling around the Hawks here is slanted towards doom and gloom, but I think there is a lot to be excited for. Once Toews, Kane and Saad break out of their respective slumps (and assuming the young guys keep playing well) things will be very positive for the team.

If the salary cap indeed goes up to $80-$82 million next season the complexion of the team changes. For the first time in a long time the Hawks will be in a position to keep most of their quality young guys. I know the off season if a ways away, but I hope Stan re-signs Rutta then Forsling as soon as possible.
- DarthKane

That's my sentiment as well. Forwards like Toews, Saad, Panik, and Kane are putting in the effort yet they have been snake bitten since the opening few games. Water should find its level again and they should bounce back to typical production. So if you complement them with the youngsters (i.e. Schmaltz, DeBrincat, Hartman, Hayden, Forsling, Rutta, and even Murphy) who can be key contributors and gain consistency if they are brought along methodically and patiently, then the team is not in that bad of shape moving forward.

I agree with a previous post you had where you said the youngsters don't have to replace the veterans. That is true. They need to play within their means and reach their own potential, not live up to fill anybody's skates whether current veterans or those like Hossa and Hjalmarsson.

I'd much rather have a roster full of guys who are reaching their own potential and playing like a team from the 1st liners down to the 4th liners and from 1D down to 6D (not to mention a locked in goalie and his backup) than a roster with a few elite players surrounded by question marks and disappointments.

To put it another way, teams that lose their elite players for extended periods of time (or lack any elite players to begin with) still find ways to win because the team is gelling, keeping it to the fundamentals, and playing as 5-man units. That's one reason how the Penguins overcame the lose of Letang last post season and why the Golden Knights are winning so far as an expansion team.

I'd like to see much more from Hartman. He had 2 good games to start the year and has been an enigma ever since.
- EnzoD

Agree. In addition to new guys like DeBrincat, Rutta, and Hayden (I know played a dozen games last year) showing lots of positives so far during their first year, second year players like Schmaltz, Hartman, and Forsling need to elevate their game to the next level in order to be key contributors. So far Schmaltz and Forsling have done that but Hartman has regressed. I would at least like him to play at the same level as last year yet he has taken a step back for whatever reason.

Very tough match up for the Hawks. Cooper will pressure the puck all over the ice especially on the forecheck which will test the Hawk D. This is the kind of test the core thinks is worth their time so I expect a solid effort. .. Not much the Hawks do will matter without a big effort from Crawford.

It's @ the Panthers next game that the Hawks' core may not feel 30 minutes of hockey is justifiable.
- Mr Ricochet

Not attacking your comment in any way, just want to comment on the notion in bold. If true, then that's really aggravating if that's how the core operates. Why play then if you aren't willing to play a full 60 minutes every game regardless of opponent? Why should the organization and rest of the team rally around this core and win another Cup for them given their precious yet closing window of opportunity?

I don't *think* this is the case but also wouldn't be surprised if it really is. If so, then that's a bad culture to have for the young players and to attract free agents.

Not attacking your comment in any way, just want to comment on the notion in bold. If true, then that's really aggravating if that's how the core operates. Why play then if you aren't willing to play a full 60 minutes every game regardless of opponent? Why should the organization and rest of the team rally around this core and win another Cup for them given their precious yet closing window of opportunity?

I don't *think* this is the case but also wouldn't be surprised if it really is. If so, then that's a bad culture to have for the young players and to attract free agents.
- AEL_Fox

totally get your sentiment and to an extent agree. However, these guys are humans. I, being a fellow human, can relate to going through the motions occasionally, or not giving full effort some days.

So while it is annoying to see guys playing a game for money seem like they arent fully into it on a given night, i also understand it somewhat.

A couple interesting stories from the Athletic. First one is Powers article on Sikura. People are raving about him. If they can sign him....might be a really nice March call up. Second article written by Mirtle about the NHL's finances. He is speculating, on the low end too, that if NHL revenues come in at 4.5 Billion....and players only take a small escrow inflator....cap would be around 79.9 million next year. It only goes up from there depending on NHL revenues and how much escrow inflator the players choose. I will send a screenshot shortly.

totally get your sentiment and to an extent agree. However, these guys are humans. I, being a fellow human, can relate to going through the motions occasionally, or not giving full effort some days.

So while it is annoying to see guys playing a game for money seem like they arent fully into it on a given night, i also understand it somewhat.
- BlazinMike

Debatable.

Debatable.
- EnzoD

Ha, very fun joke

totally get your sentiment and to an extent agree. However, these guys are humans. I, being a fellow human, can relate to going through the motions occasionally, or not giving full effort some days.

So while it is annoying to see guys playing a game for money seem like they arent fully into it on a given night, i also understand it somewhat.
- BlazinMike

As your fellow human being, I agree with your perspective that it's part of our nature to have good days and bad days. As long as the "less than 100%" days are the exception rather than the rule, then I can live with that not only for the team we cheer for but also for myself, my team at work, and my business partners.

Thanks for keeping this in perspective for me

A couple interesting stories from the Athletic. First one is Powers article on Sikura. People are raving about him. If they can sign him....might be a really nice March call up. Second article written by Mirtle about the NHL's finances. He is speculating, on the low end too, that if NHL revenues come in at 4.5 Billion....and players only take a small escrow inflator....cap would be around 79.9 million next year. It only goes up from there depending on NHL revenues and how much escrow inflator the players choose. I will send a screenshot shortly.
- onehundredlevel

So at last count, some financial pluses on the horizon include a possible increase in the salary cap and Panarin's bonuses (and others?) coming off the books after this year.

Ha, very fun joke
- BlazinMike

Remember when Stan wouldn't trade Teravainen for Drouin? Those were good times.

Remember when Stan wouldn't trade Teravainen for Drouin? Those were good times.


- DarthKane

TT's shooting percentage is going to come down, but that's okay because he's on a line with Aho who's percentage will likely go up.

Remember when Stan wouldn't trade Teravainen for Drouin? Those were good times.


- DarthKane

Ironic considering he then gave Ron Francis an early Christmas present a year later by sending Tuevo away for free bc of yet another inflated contract.

Remember when Stan wouldn't trade Teravainen for Drouin? Those were good times.


- DarthKane

Dont remind us...

Ironic considering he then gave Ron Francis an early Christmas present a year later by sending Tuevo away for free bc of yet another inflated contract.
- EnzoD

I believe that Bingo post has mentioned how Brind 'Amour has helped TT but also a commitment was made to some weight lifting.

I love having Samuelson helping our guys. I cannot envision Dennis Savard helping DeBrincat and or Schmaltz. I do not figure Savvy goes on ice. But is there any good will ambassador advice he would pass along.

I believe that Bingo post has mentioned how Brind 'Amour has helped TT but also a commitment was made to some weight lifting.

I love having Samuelson helping our guys. I cannot envision Dennis Savard helping DeBrincat and or Schmaltz. I do not figure Savvy goes on ice. But is there any good will ambassador advice he would pass along.
- jhawk59

"do that spinny thing i used to do, then score more goals".

Yup, Schmaltz too.

I know the overall feeling around the Hawks here is slanted towards doom and gloom, but I think there is a lot to be excited for. Once Toews, Kane and Saad break out of their respective slumps (and assuming the young guys keep playing well) things will be very positive for the team.

If the salary cap indeed goes up to $80-$82 million next season the complexion of the team changes. For the first time in a long time the Hawks will be in a position to keep most of their quality young guys. I know the off season if a ways away, but I hope Stan re-signs Rutta then Forsling as soon as possible.
- DarthKane

There is a lot to be excited for but if one is a fan that says anything but a cup is failure things look gloomy.

Wasn't that long ago that StanBow brought in Daley, Fleishman and Weise, at a high cost, and Q wouldn't play them....... It seems the two are on the same page with Q showing patience with DCat, Schmaltz, Forsling and some others. Seems Q is resigned to the fact that he needs to develop kids at the NHL level do to the cap. Can't address a problem unless you admit there is one.

Instead of walking the plank with Panarin needing a contract ala Saad and getting fleeced he got Saad back and some cost certainty. Same with moving Hammer.

The pipeline is not bursting but there are legitimate prospects instead of Morins being the best options down on the farm.

StanBow has addressed the need for some grit in the bottom 6, finally! The players acquired don't matter as much to me as the organIzation realizing the weakness of not having any push back and looking to correct that.

Looking big picture indeed plenty to be excited about.

Not attacking your comment in any way, just want to comment on the notion in bold. If true, then that's really aggravating if that's how the core operates. Why play then if you aren't willing to play a full 60 minutes every game regardless of opponent? Why should the organization and rest of the team rally around this core and win another Cup for them given their precious yet closing window of opportunity?

I don't *think* this is the case but also wouldn't be surprised if it really is. If so, then that's a bad culture to have for the young players and to attract free agents.
- AEL_Fox

Foxy, you don't have to qualify a comment to me. You're a straight shooter in my book.

Man, what was it 4-5 games ago this board and the new blogger were questioning the Hawk core's effort? I've been questioning their effort for 5 years!!! FIVE yrs ago I was wondering if Q lost the room. Here we are 450 games later and, at least in my mind, I have zeeeeeero doubt the core feels 30 minutes, or less, will get it done vs some teams.

Again I feel the group will come out tonight with a + effort vs a worthy opponent in TB but wouldn't bet a nickel they will vs Florida. They might but 3-4-500 games back shows me chances are they won't.

I believe that Bingo post has mentioned how Brind 'Amour has helped TT but also a commitment was made to some weight lifting.

I love having Samuelson helping our guys. I cannot envision Dennis Savard helping DeBrincat and or Schmaltz. I do not figure Savvy goes on ice. But is there any good will ambassador advice he would pass along.
- jhawk59

Yep. He hired a weight lifter in Finland to help him this offseason and has been doing extra on-ice work with Brind'amour post-practice. I think they really sold him on the "We know you have the talent to be a star and we want to help you get there" stuff.

19 games in and no drop in the level of play so far. Here's hoping that continues.

I'd like to see much more from Hartman. He had 2 good games to start the year and has been an enigma ever since.
- EnzoD

No doubt. Hartman doesn't have to hit the scoresheet to be effective but we know he can help offensively as he showed last yr. That was a solid rookie campaign in an undefined role.

With his compete this is one guy I don't worry about as long as he's not expected to help in a top 6 role. Really his game is a perfect fit for a 3rd line role. ..... Give him a role and coach him up to that role and IMO he'll help.

Quick team with outstanding transition.

That said, while they aren't a traditionally "heavy" team, they are feisty and play very well in 5-man D units. Guys like Kuch and Point are known for their point production, but are anything but soft in their own zone or retrieving pucks. Add in guys like Dotchin, Palat, Killorn, Cally, Girardi and Coburn and this is a skill team with some bite.
- OzBolts

Thanks for the insight Oz.

Your team has been very exciting to watch so far this year.

Who's been the most pleasant surprise throughout this early season success?

No doubt. Hartman doesn't have to hit the scoresheet to be effective but we know he can help offensively as he showed last yr. That was a solid rookie campaign in an undefined role.

With his compete this is one guy I don't worry about as long as he's not expected to help in a top 6 role. Really his game is a perfect fit for a 3rd line role. ..... Give him a role and coach him up to that role and IMO he'll help.
- Mr Ricochet

At this point in his career I think that if W leaves players alone, basicly, to prepare for games.....another coach might get better results from Harman if the coach communicates and challenges Hartman. In fact if J Staal can be a monster along boards for Carolina on TT Sho line, there should be an effect - but not exactly the same kind - that Hartman could bring to the third line.