Maybe the best thing to happen for this team is, they DON'T make the playoffs.

Hopefully, Seabrook plays better in the short term, and at the TDL, some bubble team or another team looking for a Dman with experience will be desperate enough to take Seabrook and his ridiculous contract. And, maybe Seabrook will waive to have one more shot at a Cup.

Toews probably isn't going anywhere (realistically, probably neither is Seabrook) I have a hard time believing Stan would trade Toews. And, McD would nix a deal, Toews is the "face" of the organization.
Besides, what team will trade for Toews and his $10.5 million-- who is essentially a 3rd line center right now?
- tompo1015

Nobody will take on Seabrook's contract without a major incentive. You want to lose Seabrook's contract then say good-bye to DeBrincat too.

Nobody will take on Seabrook's contract without a major incentive. You want to lose Seabrook's contract then say good-bye to DeBrincat too.
- DarthKane

I hope that isn't the cost of moving Seabrook. I know the Hawks will probably have to sweeten the pot to move him--at least right now.
But, there might be a bubble team come TDL who needs one more experience Dman....I hope.
Stan should lose his job if the sweetener to move Seabrook is the Cat.

Went to the game tonight( big mistake).
Here is my take on the game:

First line was totally inept all night.
Mr. Toews spent more time getting kicked off the face-off circle than the shots he took. He spent more time arguing with the refs and picking up dum penalties than concentrating on his game performance .. His passing game was awful, he had two golden opportunities to score on a wide open net and missed by a wide margin. Just can't figure out how Toews has regressed so much.
Mr. Franson made a couple of bonehead plays that cost us a goal...and his skating ability matches Seabrook's...not good.

I thought the second line played very well and Kaner was flying.. But he is still lazy back checking.
The power play was just down right impotent. What year will Q figure it out that Keith, Seabrook and Toews are not capable to be on the power plays anymore?
The three players that stood out tonight all three periods were DCat, AA and Smaltz.
- spanky

Great summary. Hard to watch but an honest assessment is appreciated

Missing the playoffs entirely looks like a distinct possibility 1/4 of the way through the season. Even if they slide in, I would not expect this club as currently constructed to make it to 2nd round, much less win a few games.

> love having Saad back -- but lo and behold, I guess having that top LW is NOT the Jonathan Toews magic elixir after all.

> while his play hasn't been awful (like #7), it certainly isn't up to 1C standards and even less so up to $10.5M standards.

> hate to draw parallels to Bickell but I have never seen #19 fall down so much. Especially for a guy who, up until 2015, was probably the best forward skater we had in terms of lateral mobility. Are we to blame his skates (ala Duncan Keith years ago listening to Foley's excuse for #2 because Bauer had problems getting him his customs)? The Hawks staff for lousy sharpening (no one else is falling as much)? Or is it something more (due to the concussions adding up and causing balance problems? or something as/even more worrisome)?

> and with Seabrook, since we know of no injuries, the only 2 things that make any sense to me are bone-on-bone knee issues AND like Toews, past concussions adding up to put the guy in a fog. Somehow think it's a combo of the 2. Seabs HAS BEEN a warrior in the past, never fleet of foot but always had pretty decent mobility for a big guy and maybe the best passer of em all. Just looks like he's in a fog all the time now. I really think the staff needs to push for a reevaluation of his health and maybe LTIR the guy. I don't know if he can resist/refuse? But he is absolutely the weakest link of any D man playing (and of those sitting) at the moment.
- savvyone-1

> hate to draw parallels to Bickell but I have never seen #19 fall down so much. Especially for a guy who, up until 2015, was probably the best forward skater we had in terms of lateral mobility.

Great insight as always Thx

I never saw it compared in this way. But Toews is the Age where MS is diagnosed.
I feel for the Guy because he has a Heart as big as Manitoba.

Now that I've calmed down after last night's game, one goal seems to be over, time to start rebuilding this team. Hope they are sellers at the trade deadline. 3 years from now when they are able to buy Toews and Seabrook out should be the plan going forward.

Since Toews and Keith became involved with Onnit they are not close to the players they use to be.
- BetweenTheDots

Lol yeah, you sured seem calmed down while also calling for a rebuild and to be sellers while being a point out of a playoff position.

Y'all still wilding, I see.

Maybe the best thing to happen for this team is, they DON'T make the playoffs.

Hopefully, Seabrook plays better in the short term, and at the TDL, some bubble team or another team looking for a Dman with experience will be desperate enough to take Seabrook and his ridiculous contract. And, maybe Seabrook will waive to have one more shot at a Cup.

Toews probably isn't going anywhere (realistically, probably neither is Seabrook) I have a hard time believing Stan would trade Toews. And, McD would nix a deal, Toews is the "face" of the organization.
Besides, what team will trade for Toews and his $10.5 million-- who is essentially a 3rd line center right now?
- tompo1015

Toews isn't going anywhere and his numbers are much better than all the people on here complaining would lead you to believe (maybe L_B_R can back me up). Yeah, he isn't playing to his $10.5 contract, but he is far, far, far from as useless as people make him out to be, and is still the best Center on the roster.

From the sound of it I'm glad I tuned out when I did. From the calls being made that I did see it seems they are trying to make it an A level mens league. I'm the last one that would throw a female dog about the refs, but last night was awful. I had to tune out. First time ever. And If I'm going to watch mens league I'll do it at a local rink where it doesn't cost over 300 a game for a pair of tix to watch.
- 6628

You are right. Seven was just so wrong....The Hawks really deserved 14 powerplays. And Dallas actually getting 3 powerplays (and a PS), disaster? Poor Hawks, being held back by Bettman and his minion refs.

Toews isn't going anywhere and his numbers are much better than all the people on here complaining would lead you to believe (maybe L_B_R can back me up). Yeah, he isn't playing to his $10.5 contract, but he is far, far, far from as useless as people make him out to be, and is still the best Center on the roster.
- TheTrob

I never said Toews us useless. And being the best center on this roster isn't hard.

Isn't Gus out for a long time with upper body?
- RaleighHawk

forgot that, but the point is still the same, playing Seabs just ain't
working in todays game, speed is of the essence, pylons aren't required.

Justin so with these couple of trades going down and few others in the past month are teams being proactive and not waiting for the TDL or am I wrong? Next any rumors with the hawks or all quiet from your sources? The hawks in my opinion need 2 centers a top 6 winger lw with size and speed and a solid d man not necessarly a top 4 but an experience defense man with playoff experience and seasoned vet.
- Scott1977

Hey Scott - sorry just getting to the message board now (been down and out with a sickness).

This is the time that GMs start to realize the reality of their team, so that creates more movement.

The problem with the NHL in 2017 is that there is so much parody in the league, that no one is really out of it (maybe Arizona and Buffalo) so the trades really have to be value for value (like NJ / Ducks yesterday).

Those trades are harder for GMs to pull off vs. being able to hide behind prospects and picks for a player.

Not hearing much from the Hawks side other than it seems like they would like to add another defenceman with some experience that they can mold into a top 4.

Al brought up an "Oduya" type defender and I think that's exactly what Stan would like to acquire.

Is that player Ian Cole (who's rumoured to be linked to Chicago)? Not sure, but he's a lefty with 1 year left on a 2.1M deal. So that all works in CHI favour of deals in the past.

I'm just not entirely sure why Pittsburgh would trade him as their defence isn't exactly tier 1 (although they've proved us wrong with lesser names before).

You are right. Seven was just so wrong....The Hawks really deserved 14 powerplays. And Dallas actually getting 3 powerplays (and a PS), disaster? Poor Hawks, being held back by Bettman and his minion refs.
- kwolf68

C'mon Wolf, as I recall you know exactly why I'm the last one to beef about the refs. But last night I saw the finest defensive play Kane has ever made get called a penalty shot. And I also saw Forsling get smoked and hooked with a stick to the hands with an open net a blind man could hit and no call. Something so inconsistent like that, especially considering the 2 goal swing, that lends credence to the guys who constantly whine about the refs. It's (frank)ing embarrasing. I don't give a poop which team wins or loses, I love the game and have for 60+ years. But I was happy to be retired so I could turn it off last night.

Went to the game tonight( big mistake).
Here is my take on the game:

First line was totally inept all night.
Mr. Toews spent more time getting kicked off the face-off circle than the shots he took. He spent more time arguing with the refs and picking up dum penalties than concentrating on his game performance .. His passing game was awful, he had two golden opportunities to score on a wide open net and missed by a wide margin. Just can't figure out how Toews has regressed so much.
Mr. Franson made a couple of bonehead plays that cost us a goal...and his skating ability matches Seabrook's...not good.

I thought the second line played very well and Kaner was flying.. But he is still lazy back checking.
The power play was just down right impotent. What year will Q figure it out that Keith, Seabrook and Toews are not capable to be on the power plays anymore?
The three players that stood out tonight all three periods were DCat, AA and Smaltz.
- spanky

Thanks for the summary, do you think putting 8 w/Toews/Saad
and Cat with 15/88 might make a difference.

Also if Highmore w/38/10-14/40 worth a shot?

Then my Cuz with 57/17/10/40?

Players not playing up to previous standards or expectations. Toews, Sharp, Seabs
Players that have had fairly serious concussion issues Toews Sharp Seabs.
Players that take pride in being warriors and might not admit lingering issues from concussions. Toews, Sharp Seabs.
I am no doctor. Every player and every concussion is different. How a concussion effects a person short term and long term is also different. I am not saying that the concussions effected these player, but it could be a factor.

Did anyone else think there were an unusually large number of whiffs on shots and passes last night?

C'mon Wolf, as I recall you know exactly why I'm the last one to beef about the refs. But last night I saw the finest defensive play Kane has ever made get called a penalty shot. And I also saw Forsling get smoked and hooked with a stick to the hands with an open net a blind man could hit and no call. Something so inconsistent like that, especially considering the 2 goal swing, that lends credence to the guys who constantly whine about the refs. It's (frank)ing embarrasing. I don't give a poop which team wins or loses, I love the game and have for 60+ years. But I was happy to be retired so I could turn it off last night.
- 6628

And in both cases, 66, the ref making the call was in the corner with an easy and head-on view of the infraction (in Forsling's case, not being called -- and in Kane's case, of no hooking, no infraction whatsoever and certainly no clear path to the goalie). Horrible calls in each case and you are correct, 2 goal swing.

Nevertheless, the home team did NOT deserve to win.
An advantage in penalties and a totally ineffective PP unit.
Horrible coaching decision on who to put on the ice and PP scheme but that has been the case ever since Q has been in charge.
Very inconsistent effort from so many they were luck to get a point.

Players not playing up to previous standards or expectations. Toews, Sharp, Seabs
Players that have had fairly serious concussion issues Toews Sharp Seabs.
Players that take pride in being warriors and might not admit lingering issues from concussions. Toews, Sharp Seabs.
I am no doctor. Every player and every concussion is different. How a concussion effects a person short term and long term is also different. I am not saying that the concussions effected these player, but it could be a factor.
- -Doh-

Seems like a worthy hypothesis. Sometimes these things get better with time as long as they can avoid getting another one. But sometimes they don't.

And in both cases, 66, the ref making the call was in the corner with an easy and head-on view of the infraction (in Forsling's case, not being called -- and in Kane's case, of no hooking, no infraction whatsoever and certainly no clear path to the goalie). Horrible calls in each case and you are correct, 2 goal swing.

Nevertheless, the home team did NOT deserve to win.
An advantage in penalties and a totally ineffective PP unit.
Horrible coaching decision on who to put on the ice and PP scheme but that has been the case ever since Q has been in charge.
Very inconsistent effort from so many they were luck to get a point.
- savvyone-1

I didn't see the rest of it but I'll take your word on your observations. If you were Hitchcock would you tell your guys not to worry about taking penalties? I sure as hell would. I'd tell them to hack the piss out of them cuz we stand a better chance of scoring than they do, all the while with their better players getting worn out so at 5 on 5 our better players are more fresh.

People can talk all they want about so many new players on the roster at even strength, but the PP is where they need something new. And that's without seeing 2/3 of the frigging game last night.

Dallas fourth line looked like a Hall of Fame group last night. Anyone have any data on who they were most often matched up with?

> hate to draw parallels to Bickell but I have never seen #19 fall down so much. Especially for a guy who, up until 2015, was probably the best forward skater we had in terms of lateral mobility.

Great insight as always Thx

I never saw it compared in this way. But Toews is the Age where MS is diagnosed.
I feel for the Guy because he has a Heart as big as Manitoba.
- Colbyboy

Is that as big as Texas? My uneducated non medical opinion is back issues.

Hey Scott - sorry just getting to the message board now (been down and out with a sickness).

This is the time that GMs start to realize the reality of their team, so that creates more movement.

The problem with the NHL in 2017 is that there is so much parody in the league, that no one is really out of it (maybe Arizona and Buffalo) so the trades really have to be value for value (like NJ / Ducks yesterday).

Those trades are harder for GMs to pull off vs. being able to hide behind prospects and picks for a player.

Not hearing much from the Hawks side other than it seems like they would like to add another defenceman with some experience that they can mold into a top 4.

Al brought up an "Oduya" type defender and I think that's exactly what Stan would like to acquire.

Is that player Ian Cole (who's rumoured to be linked to Chicago)? Not sure, but he's a lefty with 1 year left on a 2.1M deal. So that all works in CHI favour of deals in the past.

I'm just not entirely sure why Pittsburgh would trade him as their defence isn't exactly tier 1 (although they've proved us wrong with lesser names before).
- Justin Lowe

This makes absolutely no sense to me.

I will say it again... If this team continues its .500'ish play and it looks like we are a non playoff team I trade Duncan Keith at the deadline. There is a playoff team that would take him for that final push. Lots of issues, but our D core is a mess. 2 and 7 have been studs/work horses you name it, but its time for some serious change over.

I hate watching Hitchcock coached teams. Lots of clutching and grabbing to clog up the ice and slow the game. The first two periods were unwatchable (let alone unplayable). The Hawks looked much better in the Third Period, more like what we have been used to seeing over the last five or six games.

Did anyone else think there were an unusually large number of whiffs on shots and passes last night?
- -Doh-

been a problem most of the year...their passing and transition game has regressed over the last 3 years.

they are in luv with that cross ice pass that to somehow elude 4 guys and their sticks..

I will say it again... If this team continues its .500'ish play and it looks like we are a non playoff team I trade Duncan Keith at the deadline. There is a playoff team that would take him for that final push. Lots of issues, but our D core is a mess. 2 and 7 have been studs/work horses you name it, but its time for some serious change over.
- z1990z

not at 34 with 5 mildo cap for the next 5...

Hey Scott - sorry just getting to the message board now (been down and out with a sickness).

This is the time that GMs start to realize the reality of their team, so that creates more movement.

The problem with the NHL in 2017 is that there is so much parody in the league, that no one is really out of it (maybe Arizona and Buffalo) so the trades really have to be value for value (like NJ / Ducks yesterday).

Those trades are harder for GMs to pull off vs. being able to hide behind prospects and picks for a player.

Not hearing much from the Hawks side other than it seems like they would like to add another defenceman with some experience that they can mold into a top 4.

Al brought up an "Oduya" type defender and I think that's exactly what Stan would like to acquire.

Is that player Ian Cole (who's rumoured to be linked to Chicago)? Not sure, but he's a lefty with 1 year left on a 2.1M deal. So that all works in CHI favour of deals in the past.

I'm just not entirely sure why Pittsburg would trade him as their defence isn't exactly tier 1 (although they've proved us wrong with lesser names before).
- Justin Lowe

I have been on vacation this and have had nasty cold also know how u feel. I the more pressing need is center especially 3rd line instead d man not that hawks don't need one . i also mention that if edmonton contiues to fall that maybe that maroon or lestu might be options going forward.