Have said similar and think that's totally reasonable. There were a bunch of new full and part time faces this year (Hayden, Forsling, Rutta, Murphy, Dinky, Oesterle, Wingles, Bouma) along with a couple removed and returned faces (Sharp/Saad) to go with easily just as many last season.

I see a lot of posts claiming this team will be a work in progress but not much patience with the process. Like you said it may take that many games for them to be clicking on all cylinders night in and night out. Hopefully they are in the playoff picture at that point to potentially make hay with it.
- HawkintheD

Or not. With all the new pieces, new guys and rookies there is just no way to know what they have until the last 1/4 of the regular season.

Like you mention if a fan understands it is a process but doesn't have patience with it he/she will both love and hate this team game to game.

Rockford lost 2-1 in a shootout last night to the Rampage.

Andreas Martinsen scored again (3 goals in his last 4) and has been a solid pick up by Stan for the IceHogs.

If anyone from the BANGER line goes down (*knock on wood*) watch for him to get the call up.

He is quick for a big guy, he's physical and has 119 NHL games under his belt.
- Justin Lowe

Sounds like he would not have the issues Panic does. I mean Martinsen would be so elated ....and what does it take for Panic to get his act together. Maybe sit out five or more games while watching Martinsen demonstrate what he [Panic] was expected to do.

Justin, please enlighten us on why Fortin isn't scoring. I have made notation of your comments about him previously. Yet Fortin not even a sniff on scoresheet. Has his role changed.

This final thought: Kempny does have a very powerful slapshot. Because there are several others playing defence position on the PP, might we try Kempny also in front of the net? Not the greatest hands or quick - does it matter - just set a screen. Thinking comparable to a role which Big Buff never fulfilled - I know both want to be defensemen. Kempny trade value is low presently but playing time and strong performance could really enhance his value as either trade bait or a keeper.

You coach in the Federal League?
- 6628

Are you close to the Federal League, see it? More than a few old time Slapshot hockey fans love this style. With 8-10 good ownership groups I think this level (A pro) has a chance.

Some stats for reference. Hawks PP stats.

DeBrincat's 3 first assists are a good sign, he has made some great passes.

For reference, Dmen in the NHL average 46% shots through on net on the PP. Forsling, Keith and Seabrook all below average in terms of hitting the net so far. Franson has been good, Rutta super small sample size, as he hasn't shot much on the PP.

AA, Toews, Saad all getting to the dirty areas more and chances around the net, but AA has managed to score on about 1/3 of his shots on goal.
- breadbag

Wow. Did not know this, thanks for posting. You've changed the way I will look at Dmen on the PP........ Missing on a shot isn't always a bad thing. There are good misses that get deep and cause the defense to move or breakdown/scramble and ones that go into shins and cause a loss of possession.

If you cannot compete financially then get out. He deserves a fan boycot - teach him a lesson and hasten his departure.
- jhawk59

The very day Dollar Bill died I ordered a 10 game package ending my 23 yr boycott. There is so much more hockey for a fan than the NHL, especially in the great country of Canada.

Taking your hockey dollar somewhere else opens up a whole new world to what the sport has to offer.

http://www.dobberhockey.c...ng-from-relevance-dec-15/

let’s take a moment to appreciate Seabrook regaining some relevance. He has skated 20+ minutes in four of the last six games, has three points in those six games as well as 17 SOG. This is also with Cody Franson out so don’t overreact here, but perhaps the veteran could help you for a short spell.

Sounds like he would not have the issues Panic does. I mean Martinsen would be so elated ....and what does it take for Panic to get his act together. Maybe sit out five or more games while watching Martinsen demonstrate what he
- jhawk59[Panic] was expected to do.

Justin, please enlighten us on why Fortin isn't scoring. I have made notation of your comments about him previously. Yet Fortin not even a sniff on scoresheet. Has his role changed.

This final thought: Kempny does have a very powerful slapshot. Because there are several others playing defence position on the PP, might we try Kempny also in front of the net? Not the greatest hands or quick - does it matter - just set a screen. Thinking comparable to a role which Big Buff never fulfilled - I know both want to be defensemen. Kempny trade value is low presently but playing time and strong performance could really enhance his value as either trade bait or a keeper.

Good article in The Athletic about Jeremy Coliton coaching analytics usage and his evaluation of some players: Vinnie, Pokka. Fortin, Luis, Dahlstrom

Or not. With all the new pieces, new guys and rookies there is just no way to know what they have until the last 1/4 of the regular season.

Like you mention if a fan understands it is a process but doesn't have patience with it he/she will both love and hate this team game to game.
- Mr Ricochet

That's also possible. I don't know, overall, I still like the makeup of the team and am hoping they have it in 'em for another run.

I don't think the holes are so glaring and a solid 3C addition to the forwards might be the piece.

and how just as quickly Chiarelli put EDM into cap troubles without cups
- Slofire94

Edmonton's window was this year and I really thought they were a legitimate threat. They are still close enough if they can put together a streak, but it is looking less and less likely.
Like the Hawks, to make way for bloated contracts they are leaving little for McDavid to play with. Eberle and especially Hall would look nice in that lineup today. It only gets worse next year when McDavid (and other pending free agents) take up another big chunk of their cap.

The Hawks were annual favorites until Kane and Toews got their 10.5M. That is why Edmonton's window was this year. An increase in the Cap next year will not help because it is relative (everyone else gets the same increase).

This!! Right now Schmaltz is a play making winger and a perfect fit to feed Kane while AA does the dirty work with Schmaltz helping in that regard with a slashing/darting style.
- Mr Ricochet

The way he is progressing, he may soon make us forget about Panarin. I think he is a more complete player than Panarin as well.

Or not. With all the new pieces, new guys and rookies there is just no way to know what they have until the last 1/4 of the regular season.

Like you mention if a fan understands it is a process but doesn't have patience with it he/she will both love and hate this team game to game.
- Mr Ricochet

This team I believe is inconsistent right now, the Peg game gave me hope. If they play the challenging in your face defense and are willing to skate their asses off for 60 minutes they'll make the playoffs. If they go back to their turtle passive aggressive style no way they earn a playoff spot.

[quote=RickJ]Its all about the money in Ottawa. It wasn't made public but the Sens (at Melnyk's direction) asked Neon Dion Phaneuf to waive his no trade clause with the thought Vegas would claim him. He declined, so Karlsson's good D partner Marc Methot went out the door. And they just moved Kyle Turris out because Melnyk didn't want the long term commitment of a new contract. And next he won't break the bank to give Eric Karlsson a max money deal, so look for a trade sooner than later. And then Melnyk will start squawking about fans not


A $300 ticket US in Chicago is a $70 seat in Ottawa

$400 Cnd x 17,000 = $6.8 Million
$70 x 17,000 = $1.2 Million
X 41 Home games= $230 Million on the difference

Wow
- Colbyboy

The difference becomes more pronounced when you consider that the Sens attendance is at 81% and the Hawks at or over capacity. Melnyk does not have to worry about a fan boycott when fans are not attending already. This is a bad sign considering the team's recent success. A new arena might be risky.

You know if we trade Keith and Hossa that would be 11 mil, considering Hossa is at 1mil, and Keith deal was front loaded, maybe we can bring Karlsson to Chicago? And the cheap ass would get 11 mil at the cap but only have to pay out about 5mil a year.

He would look great on the power play, and in a Blackhawks sweater.

You know if we trade Keith and Hossa that would be 11 mil, considering Hossa is at 1mil, and Keith deal was front loaded, maybe we can bring Karlsson to Chicago? And the cheap ass would get 11 mil at the cap but only have to pay out about 5mil a year.

He would look great on the power play, and in a Blackhawks sweater.
- BetweenTheDots

Is Karlsson 100% healthy? He required ankle/foot surgery after the playoffs last year.

The way he is progressing, he may soon make us forget about Panarin. I think he is a more complete player than Panarin as well.
- 67hawks

There has been some concern about the Hawks not having any (or at least enough) top-6 forward talent in the pipeline. Schmaltz and DeBrincat are showing that they have what it takes to stick and be top-6 forwards for the Hawks in years to come. Sikura projects to be a top-6 forward (natural center but plays LW at Northeastern, IIRC) so that's a 3rd prospect. That's it, though.

Hopefully Bowman and the scouting staff will restock the cupboard with a few more in upcoming drafts. I know it's been hard given the Hawks draft position over the past decade. Then again, Schmaltz was picked at the 20th spot in the 1st round, DeBrincat was a 2nd rounder, and Sikura was a 6th rounder.

If signed and given playing time after the NCAA season starts, I see Sikura being put on the Schmaltz development plan starting out at wing and then reconsider a move to center later if the coaches think he is capable.

There has been some concern about the Hawks not having any (or at least enough) top-6 forward talent in the pipeline. Schmaltz and DeBrincat are showing that they have what it takes to stick and be top-6 forwards for the Hawks in years to come. Sikura projects to be a top-6 forward (natural center but plays LW at Northeastern, IIRC) so that's a 3rd prospect. That's it, though.

Hopefully Bowman and the scouting staff will restock the cupboard with a few more in upcoming drafts. I know it's been hard given the Hawks draft position over the past decade. Then again, Schmaltz was picked at the 20th spot in the 1st round, DeBrincat was a 2nd rounder, and Sikura was a 6th rounder.

If signed and given playing time after the NCAA season starts, I see Sikura being put on the Schmaltz development plan starting out at wing and then reconsider a move to center later if the coaches think he is capable.
- AEL_Fox

Did Sikura make the final Olympic roster for Team Canada? If Schmaltz can add some muscle he can be a real impact player. He has HIGH END speed and soft hands.

This!! Right now Schmaltz is a play making winger and a perfect fit to feed Kane while AA does the dirty work with Schmaltz helping in that regard with a slashing/darting style.
- Mr Ricochet

I would keep Schmaltz at LW, too. He's clicking with Kane and Anisimov, and wing is good for his overall development to be a playmaker without the added pressures of being a center.

The look of excitement on Kane's face when Schmaltz fed him that no-look pass in the Jets game is a good indication that Kane may have some new-found enthusiasm to help the Hawks turn the corner in a more permanent fashion. Couple that with Kane outwardly saying how excited he was when Wingels scored the late game-tying goal versus the Sabres.

Did Sikura make the final Olympic roster for Team Canada? If Schmaltz can add some muscle he can be a real impact player. He has HIGH END speed and soft hands.
- EnzoD

Haven't seen any news on the final roster. Several articles in October and November about projected lineup. Here's what TSN has as the pre-Olympic roster with Sikura in company with a few former Hawk greats (Ellison, Klinkhammer, Bourque, Ebbett):

https://www.tsn.ca/canada...pic-event-roster-1.897323

Sounds like he would not have the issues Panic does. I mean Martinsen would be so elated ....and what does it take for Panic to get his act together. Maybe sit out five or more games while watching Martinsen demonstrate what he
- jhawk59[Panic] was expected to do.

Justin, please enlighten us on why Fortin isn't scoring. I have made notation of your comments about him previously. Yet Fortin not even a sniff on scoresheet. Has his role changed.

This final thought: Kempny does have a very powerful slapshot. Because there are several others playing defence position on the PP, might we try Kempny also in front of the net? Not the greatest hands or quick - does it matter - just set a screen. Thinking comparable to a role which Big Buff never fulfilled - I know both want to be defensemen. Kempny trade value is low presently but playing time and strong performance could really enhance his value as either trade bait or a keeper.

Fortin was slowed a lot more by his injury than anyone let on. He's still finding his way as a pro.

It's one thing to put up point in the Q but he's had to prove his game tp Colliton on this Hogs team. He's been better lately and working his way up the lineup.

Hear right from Colliton below (courtesy of Scott Powers of Thee Athletic):


On Alexandre Fortin: “I think he does use his speed effectively. He’s a great forechecker. He’s able to … again one of those guys who can carry the puck through the neutral zone and then enter cleanly and create off the rush, catch guys on the backcheck. We love that. He’s doing that pretty regularly. Similar to [Anthony] Louis, what Fortin’s got to do is win pucks back, those little situations around the blue line. When he finds a way to win those, all of a sudden he has a great game. It’s not a new thing for a young player who’s been a producing player at a lower level. It takes time to realize how important those situations are. Because you just don’t get as many chances at this pro level to have the puck on your stick, so you really got to create extra ones by doing a good job in those little battles. He’s getting better all the time. We’re pleased with his progression. Does he have more in him? Absolutely, he does. We’re going to keep working to get that out of him.”

Panik and Seabrook for Karlsson
- BetweenTheDots

Lol.

This is a joke right?

Lol.

This is a joke right?
- KINGS67

Sarcasm

Btw how well/long for him to fully recover ftom that foot (Achilles heel ?) Injury. The authentic version had not been seen this year.

Sarcasm

Btw how well/long for him to fully recover ftom that foot (Achilles heel ?) Injury. The authentic version had not been seen this year.
- jhawk59

Carter? They say February, I think longer. He’s not even skating.

A name of a prospect I overlooked,was drafted about round four or five 2014 Fredric Olofsson. Nebraska- Omaha.is that where Snuggerud played.

Maybe Sikula is too old for this WJC.

I am expecting that Wiz will eventually relate how six non USA or Canadien Chicago draft picks fared in the WJC

I thought Pokke looked fluid and smooth enough skating, but apparently a tad too slow. He might have worked on that, maybe a tad better skater now. Was recalled but does draw in....whom sits....Oesterle or Kempny. Both those guys played well enough to stay in lineup.

Carter? They say February, I think longer. He’s not even skating.
- KINGS67

Was referring to Karlsspn injury. He"s missed just a few games beginnijng of season but clearly he has not been producing points.

Intrigue:That A Kempe is an add speed which Kings have sorely lacked since old coach Sutter

If you want to post about Kings, how about talk about what you expect from Gaborik, Pearson, Toffoli becoming a big time goal scorer and his skating. Also are you happy with the Kings depth on defense.

Because if Chicago plays Kings again, the storyline will overlook this stuff and regurgitate the old news about veterans Brown, Kopitar pick up their offensive game and Carter out injured

Was referring to Karlsspn injury. He"s missed just a few games beginnijng of season but clearly he has not been producing points.

Intrigue:That A Kempe is an add speed which Kings have sorely lacked since old coach Sutter

If you want to post about Kings, how about talk about what you expect from Gaborik, Pearson, Toffoli becoming a big time goal scorer and his skating. Also are you happy with the Kings depth on defense.

Because if Chicago plays Kings again, the storyline will overlook this stuff and regurgitate the old news about veterans Brown, Kopitar pick up their offensive game and Carter out injured
- jhawk59

Karlsson has 19 points in 25 games (only one goal) so he is still producing offense, but his -18 is pretty ugly.