You didn't watch the last game against Florida?
- breadbag

So we are now anointing the Hawks as a great team after beating the three of the worst teams in the league?

What I will say is that the 2-4 lines and the D did play their best collective game of the year last night, accounting for all of the scoring. I am sorry, but 19 and 20 just do not bring the heart and effort the balance of the team has. It just doesn’t pass the eye test, even after last night’s great team effort.

As I have said all along, this team will be a work in progress for the entire season, and ultimately its fortunes lay with the performance of its leaders night in and night out.

Q needs to play Forsberg in more games or CC will get hurt again.

(edit: this isn't directed at you personally, 67)

I have no issue trading Kempny. He's a decent bottom 6 defenseman, but it's not like the Hawks are going to build around him going forward. Plus, as you said he's a UFA at the end of the season and likely won't want to re-sign.

A couple days ago people were shipping Kempny off to Ottawa, now after one decent game he's a guy to hold onto?

If Kempny has some trade value I would certainly be open to dealing him if the return was right.
- DarthKane

It is good to have him for depth, but I think given his contract status and the fact he hasn't fit in, he is a movable asset. I don't think he is going to change much from what he is right now. He is 27 years old and has experience playing pro hockey. He has had time to adjust to the game in North America and I think what he is now is what he will be.

So we are now anointing the Hawks as a great team after beating the three of the worst teams in the league?

What I will say is that the 2-4 lines and the D did play their best collective game of the year last night, accounting for all of the scoring. I am sorry, but 19 and 20 just do not bring the heart and effort the balance of the team has. It just doesn’t pass the eye test, even after last night’s great team effort.

As I have said all along, this team will be a work in progress for the entire season, and ultimately its fortunes lay with the performance of its leaders night in and night out.

Q needs to play Forsberg in more games or CC will get hurt again.
- Return of the Roar

Kind of reminds me of the 2010-11 season where we battled an up and down season ultimately losing to VAN in 7.

This game against Winnipeg was another example of what Schmaltz can do when he is on his game. When he is attacking with speed over the blueline he is making things happen. If this kid can get some more consistency in his game, the Hawks are way more dangerous.

On another note, who had Vegas holding down a top 5 spot in the NHL more than 1/3 of the way into the season?
- breadbag

Schmaltz continues to progress and impress. As much as we want to see Schmaltz play centre he's had some good success on the wing with Anisimov and Kane. I would look to find a 3C elsewhere and leave Schmaltz on the left side of #15.

It is good to have him for depth, but I think given his contract status and the fact he hasn't fit in, he is a movable asset. I don't think he is going to change much from what he is right now. He is 27 years old and has experience playing pro hockey. He has had time to adjust to the game in North America and I think what he is now is what he will be.
- breadbag

Depth is good for sure, but if Stan can package Kempny with something/someone else to get a 3C the team would be overall better. Or, if there is a team in need of defensive help can Stan pull off another Clendening/Forsling type of deal?

So we are now anointing the Hawks as a great team after beating the three of the worst teams in the league?

What I will say is that the 2-4 lines and the D did play their best collective game of the year last night, accounting for all of the scoring. I am sorry, but 19 and 20 just do not bring the heart and effort the balance of the team has. It just doesn’t pass the eye test, even after last night’s great team effort.

As I have said all along, this team will be a work in progress for the entire season, and ultimately its fortunes lay with the performance of its leaders night in and night out.

Q needs to play Forsberg in more games or CC will get hurt again.
- Return of the Roar

Who said that? I'm just pointing out that 19/20 played pretty damn well just 1 game ago against Florida. I don't think there is any issue with them giving a crap.

Look, I know it is fashionable to female dog about 19/20 at the moment, but their line has had games where they were the only one going too. It happened often in the first 10 games of the year, where lines 2 and 3 and 4 were pretty much doing nothing.

Even right now, for the month of December #19's 6 points paces the team, Kane is right behind with 5 points, Saad and DeBrincat tied with 4 points. In the span of those 7 games 19/20 have each put 20 shots on goal which also pace the Hawks.

How about Saad leading the team in game winning goals. (tie with AA with 6) The entire rest of the team has combined for 4. It has been an up and down season for pretty much everyone on the roster. I don't think there is anyone except CC who has been great start to finish to this point.

Schmaltz continues to progress and impress. As much as we want to see Schmaltz play centre he's had some good success on the wing with Anisimov and Kane. I would look to find a 3C elsewhere and leave Schmaltz on the left side of #15.
- DarthKane

If Schmaltz can find the courage to go into the corners aggressively, not passive as he does now, his game will go up another level. Maybe not this year but do hope he gets bigger and stronger.

Schmaltz continues to progress and impress. As much as we want to see Schmaltz play centre he's had some good success on the wing with Anisimov and Kane. I would look to find a 3C elsewhere and leave Schmaltz on the left side of #15.
- DarthKane

A good defensive C option would be great. I think just someone that can take time and space away from top players.

The thing about Schmaltz that I think he deserves a lot of credit for is his play on the PK. The Hawks PK has been solid this year and lately the top 3 forwards on the PK, Toews, AA, Schmaltz.

Rutta and Forsling spending just as much time on the PK as Keith to round out the D. I don't think anyone expected Schmaltz, Rutta, Forsling as big pieces of the PK.

It's nice to see Keith use his body to make plays or throw a forward off with a puck. This was Non existent first 2 months and he's not the only one. Let's face it for all the players that don't make contact, opponents know this, and aren't concerned about getting stick checked. No matter the size of the player, aka Cat, you throw your body into them from time to time you create unpredictability and keep the opponent guessing.

I love watching our 4th line and defenseman know what's coming and more times than not they turn the puck over in their own zone.

It's nice to see Keith use his body to make plays or throw a forward off with a puck. This was Non existent first 2 months and he's not the only one. Let's face it for all the players that don't make contact, opponents know this, and aren't concerned about getting stick checked. No matter the size of the player, aka Cat, you throw your body into them from time to time you create unpredictability and keep the opponent guessing.

I love watching our 4th line and defenseman know what's coming and more times than not they turn the puck over in their own zone.
- BetweenTheDots

Do you think the NHL crack down on hooking and slashing earlier this season gave guys like Keith some issues? I have to wonder if they were trying to strike a new balance between trying to get their stick in there to break up plays and avoid taking a penalty. Especially with the Hawks taking way too many minors earlier this season.

It's nice to see Keith use his body to make plays or throw a forward off with a puck. This was Non existent first 2 months and he's not the only one. Let's face it for all the players that don't make contact, opponents know this, and aren't concerned about getting stick checked. No matter the size of the player, aka Cat, you throw your body into them from time to time you create unpredictability and keep the opponent guessing.

I love watching our 4th line and defenseman know what's coming and more times than not they turn the puck over in their own zone.
- BetweenTheDots

Do you think the NHL crack down on hooking and slashing earlier this season gave guys like Keith some issues? I have to wonder if they were trying to strike a new balance between trying to get their stick in there to break up plays and avoid taking a penalty. Especially with the Hawks taking way too many minors earlier this season.

A good defensive C option would be great. I think just someone that can take time and space away from top players.

The thing about Schmaltz that I think he deserves a lot of credit for is his play on the PK. The Hawks PK has been solid this year and lately the top 3 forwards on the PK, Toews, AA, Schmaltz.

Rutta and Forsling spending just as much time on the PK as Keith to round out the D. I don't think anyone expected Schmaltz, Rutta, Forsling as big pieces of the PK.
- breadbag

Add Saad to that list.

Do you think the NHL crack down on hooking and slashing earlier this season gave guys like Keith some issues? I have to wonder if they were trying to strike a new balance between trying to get their stick in there to break up plays and avoid taking a penalty. Especially with the Hawks taking way too many minors earlier this season.
- breadbag

I think the new officiating standard has definitely impacted Toews. He has quite a few minor penalties this year for holding, hooking, ect.

OMG, he's back and you're still chirping. Maybe you should go be a guest coach too.
- 6628

Oh Ya .Just having some fun . It is a fact, that since Vinny came back De HAWKS are 4 and Oh !!!

Do you think the NHL crack down on hooking and slashing earlier this season gave guys like Keith some issues? I have to wonder if they were trying to strike a new balance between trying to get their stick in there to break up plays and avoid taking a penalty. Especially with the Hawks taking way too many minors earlier this season.
- breadbag

I do, but this is something Keith has been progressing to the past couple years, wonder if it has more to do with his knee

I think the new officiating standard has definitely impacted Toews. He has quite a few minor penalties this year for holding, hooking, ect.
- EnzoD

I was just glad when Panik stopped taking a minor per game. Rutta is the other person who stood out to me, as he took a lot of holding calls whenever someone got a step on him.

Schmaltz continues to progress and impress. As much as we want to see Schmaltz play centre he's had some good success on the wing with Anisimov and Kane. I would look to find a 3C elsewhere and leave Schmaltz on the left side of #15.
- DarthKane

As Kane has shown, maybe better than anyone, a winger can be just as effective as a playmaker. Since Schmaltz isn't going to do the dirty work of a center, then maybe this is the best compromise for his long-term career.

As Kane has shown, maybe better than anyone, a winger can be just as effective as a playmaker. Since Schmaltz isn't going to do the dirty work of a center, then maybe this is the best compromise for his long-term career.
- pdx2ord

Schmaltz is still suffering from PTSD when he got lit up in the beginning of the season

If Schmaltz can find the courage to go into the corners aggressively, not passive as he does now, his game will go up another level. Maybe not this year but do hope he gets bigger and stronger.
- BetweenTheDots

Schmaltz has been better holding onto the puck along the boards lately.

Schmaltz is still a work in progress, he will be better. I think we're use to seeing guys like Kane, Toews, Saad and Shaw (as example) all jump in and contribute right away. Schmaltz is contributing, but he may need more time to grow his game than some other guys (which is fine). The same can be said for Forsling.

I think the new officiating standard has definitely impacted Toews. He has quite a few minor penalties this year for holding, hooking, ect.
- EnzoD

And getting thrown out of the dot . Watch a lot of games and the players seem so ready to step in to take the draw ,like they know before it even happens that their Center will be thrown out . It is just a joke ..

I think the new officiating standard has definitely impacted Toews. He has quite a few minor penalties this year for holding, hooking, ect.
- EnzoD

While he has historically been brutally cross checked into early retirement.

Schmaltz has been better holding onto the puck along the boards lately.

Schmaltz is still a work in progress, he will be better. I think we're use to seeing guys like Kane, Toews, Saad and Shaw (as example) all jump in and contribute right away. Schmaltz is contributing, but he may need more time to grow his game than some other guys (which is fine). The same can be said for Forsling.
- DarthKane

He has game-breaking speed, high level puck skills, and great vision/play-making ability. He has been very good lately with 15+88 and he is a keeper, IMO. If he can add a bit more strength and learn to shoot more often, he can be a consistent 60+ point player in the NHL.

Kempny played well, according to retired Brian Campbell (filling in for Troy). There is a better opportunity to play well when the team shows up for 60 minutes. All four lines are contributing; Hinostroza move pays dividends in two ways....as it opens up the ice on his line because defensemen are wary and back in. In turn DeBrincat now is a plus add to Toews and Saad. This line had many good chances albeit no goals

Certainly have to put Kempny in the picture after the encouraging showing. Teams need to be deep at his position both regular season and, moreover, playoffs.

Kempny is the only prospect among those here and in pipeline who is big and plays with a toughness compete attitude. Please be very careful before he is jettisoned.

I bet Sikura is as good if not better than Pageau will ever be. You know who knows about that? Team scouts and Bowman too6ý based on Bowman watching Sikula and hearing from his scouts. Sikura could step in right away..Pageau was a farm club add.

Both can register points but the better talent is probably Sikura. If you even have a hint that this is true, you sign and let him play some games

Later you might have more value available if you decide to trade one of three smaller skill guys. You may then even want to entertain trading a smaller skill forward for a larger sized forward whom is good at face offs and willingly plays near the net.
- jhawk59

Like Kempny a lot - he plays a heavier game (something the Hawks always seem to lack on the back end-however adding Murphy has changed that) and has that booming shot from the point which would look great on the PP. Would hate to see him moved. But Q has got to play him more, heck at all.

Nice win last night, but it was one game. Hawks need to string some wins together against better competition, but it was nice they beat the Jets at home a team they've struggled with in recent years. I mentioned it before but the Wingles singing was a really nice one by Stan...meanwhile the Panik overpay for 2.8m looks worse every minute.

Well Buff was not playing no, wonder the HAWKS won Eh .

Like Kempny a lot - he plays a heavier game (something the Hawks always seem to lack on the back end-however adding Murphy has changed that) and has that booming shot from the point which would look great on the PP. Would hate to see him moved. But Q has got to play him more, heck at all.

Nice win last night, but it was one game. Hawks need to string some wins together against better competition, but it was nice they beat the Jets at home a team they've struggled with in recent years. I mentioned it before but the Wingles singing was a really nice one by Stan...meanwhile the Panik overpay for 2.8m looks worse every minute.
- DK002

Typically we are on the same page DK, but Kempny has had trouble at the offensive blue line and in the neutral zone with gap control and decisions to pinch which have led to odd-man breaks against Crow. I think he was rightfully passed on the depth chart by Murphy, Rutta, Forsling, Franson and even Osterle. He showed last night that he can be an effective NHL dman, but I think he was given plenty of opportunity to minimize his mistakes. He is a valuable depth player in the case of injury as we saw last night .