It just seems like there is an identity crisis in Chicago right now, and it may take some time to work itself out. John McDonough wouldn't be happy to see his team miss the playoffs, but right now his younger players getting a real good look this year, to potentially help this Hawks team in the near-future (if they haven't started to already).

Look no further on how beneficial it was for TB's young guys who were able to play (a lot) in the absence of some regulars and now they have Brayden Point, Vladislav Namestnikov and Jake Dotchin playing huge roles for this team.

In the same aspect, I see massive benefits to the Hawks with the likes of Forsling, Hayden, Debrincat logging important minutes.


Indeed. Ongoing success is dependent on cost controlled guys stepping up and playing bigger roles and taking minutes some of the core seemingly can't anymore.

Posted this last thread that the takeaway in the win over the Pens was the following. With a minute left, Hawks up by 1, the Pens had an extra attacker on, faceoff in the Hawks' zone after Crow robbed Kessel Q trotted out Dcat-AA-Schmaltz/Forsling-Rutta with the game on the line.

These kinds of minutes will show their developmental worth come March. Just no way to know how that will turn out but we do know the development simply can't happen without those minutes given to non-core players. .....Seems Q is understanding the concept and or has less confidence in his vets.
- Mr Ricochet

Nice post sir.

I've been watching this closely. Q is stubborn at times, but has a relentless will to win at all costs. Regardless of the lineup he ices at puck drop, he always tends to go with the players that will give the team the best shot at winning (even if it means running some guys tp the ground).

He's leaned a lot on Forsling/Rutta in tight situations and it could really pay off in the spring (even if there are some hiccups along the way).

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.
- Mr Ricochet

Some of the beloved core whom were hugely responsible for the Stanley Cups may be the culprits in lackadaisical play and - GASP - the power play. No wonder coaches have trouble getting different results on PP. The core players - some of them anyway - call the shots

No?

How's this: when bashing do not overlook whom identified and kept core together: yes it has earmarking of "Stan" ley Cup.

Some of the beloved core whom were hugely responsible for the Stanley Cups may be the culprits in lackadaisical play and - GASP - the power play. No wonder coaches have trouble getting different results on PP. The core players - some of them anyway - call the shots

No?

How's this: when bashing do not overlook whom identified and kept core together: yes it has earmarking of "Stan" ley Cup.
- jhawk59

Remember before they won their first cup Q benched Kane and Sharp in Nashville for 10 or so minutes? ...... Man all athletes call the shots in the era of salary caps and 100 mil contracts but they don't call the shots on ice time. Q knows who's competing and who isn't and the only way to light a fire so to speak is to take away ice time.

And yes you make a very good point. After going thru 2-3 different coaches and the PP is still stagnant it's time to look at the players.

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

Good chance Sikura signs. The Hawks are high on him for good reason and it will be interesting to see how he fits into the roster this year.

My thoughts are, his impact will be minimal this year but could be an amazing injection of speed and creativity into this Hawks lineup Oct 2018.

It's players with Sikura's slill set that the new NHL really caters to.

Hawks are heading in the right direction by having the likes of Saad, Schmaltz, Sikura, Hinostoza, Panik in the lineup in the future to keep up with the pace.

Nice post sir.

I've been watching this closely. Q is stubborn at times, but has a relentless will to win at all costs. Regardless of the lineup he ices at puck drop, he always tends to go with the players that will give the team the best shot at winning (even if it means running some guys tp the ground).

He's leaned a lot on Forsling/Rutta in tight situations and it could really pay off in the spring (even if there are some hiccups along the way).
- Justin Lowe

Yes and yes. That's why I pay close attention to the personnel in latter part of games with Q. And IMO that is how it should be. Dcat in on the last faceoff up 1 with Crosby, Malkin, Kessel and Latang on the ice tells you more than Q can ever say in a post game presser.

Very big game .Like always I hope the HAWKS play big, they usually do in these situations . Like the vibe have seen the last few ,players seem happier .Maybe something got straightened out in the room ,something was up after the 1st two games ..GO HAWKS !!!!
- oldduffman

Instead of your Sigmund Freud approach, maybe getting some goals and wins has them happier.

The Ben Eager post #55...Hawks look old and slow tonight...5 zip Tampa

Instead of your Sigmund Freud approach, maybe getting some goals and wins has them happier.
- BMWChiFan

Ya maybe genius .But the guy's just did not look right before this little string ,and it was evident if U watch reactions on the bench during the game , not just when goals are scored ..

The Ben Eager post #55...Hawks look old and slow tonight...5 zip Tampa
- Beaver-Warrior

Don't they look old and slow every night?

Good chance Sikura signs. The Hawks are high on him for good reason and it will be interesting to see how he fits into the roster this year.

My thoughts are, his impact will be minimal this year but could be an amazing injection of speed and creativity into this Hawks lineup Oct 2018.

It's players with Sikura's slill set that the new NHL really caters to.

Hawks are heading in the right direction by having the likes of Saad, Schmaltz, Sikura, Hinostoza, Panik in the lineup in the future to keep up with the pace.
- Justin Lowe

One hope IF they make playoffs is to try rolling four good lines: one line could be the same #4 lone or two thirds members as is now; otherwise Hinostroza and Sikula bring maybe skill and speed to four lines

I feel like the Hawks are gonna win this one.

Don't they look old and slow every night?
- DarthKane

Some old, some slow some both

Some old, some slow some both
- riozzo

This is like Pirates vs. Yankees in 1927 - Hawks must be shaking in their skates just WATCHING TB in warm-ups.

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

So TT decided to lift some weights in Carolina? Too bad he didn't decide to do that while in Chi., as opposed to golfing in the off season, would probably still be here..

ooooooooooh baby!

ooooooooooh baby!

- Hawkster

I'm liking the forecheck Tonight. Keeping the bolts speed in ck

Hawks 3rd line does know how to have a good shift...first one in a while. They need to keep that up.

Would somebody tell Hayden that his stick is not a club. I think this is the third time this year that Hayden got a double minor. He is way to wreck less with his stick. To me he is out of control.

Wow what a PK

Hawks back pressure is up a notch so far tonight. The forwards are helping the D.

It's a track meet first period. Up and down--with speed.
The less Seabrook plays the better. Gotta limit his minutes.

Look at Seabiscuit through the neutral zone lol. Great start here Hawks!! Kaner snipes!!

Look at Seabiscuit through the neutral zone lol. Great start here Hawks!! Kaner snipes!!
- EnzoD

that might have been the best PP of the season! let's double it up now!

FRANSON THE PP SPECIALIST!! Great 5v3 that's hockey babyyyy

I feel like Forsling is blossoming in front of our eyes as a 20+ minute a night 200ft Dman. Love his gap control and active stick both on the PK + 5v5. Also has an effective shot from the point.