But does anybody ever consider how much the loss of forwards Hossa and to a lesser extent Kruger has meant to overall team defence?
- RickJ

Hossa yes, Kruger absolutely not. I'd take Wingels and Kampf over Kruger, for salary alone. I think both are better all around hockey players than Kruger. Kruger is so over-rated on this board by some. The dude works hard, is courageous, plays a very nice fourth line center. .... same can be said of Wingels and Kampf, for a lot less cost, plus those guys can actually score. Kruger was auditioned on higher lines before and failed. He is what he is a defensive-minded center who kills penalties. Nothing more or nothing less. Hell, our fourth line has been a STRENGTH this year, despite losing Kruger.

Hossa? Oh boy....yea no forward was as beastly as him.

I've seen a lot of write-ups recently where people are questioning where AA goes when he returns. First, I don't think the recent play of Schmaltz and Kampf has made Anisimov expendable. 8 and 64 have improved the depth at centre, there's no reason to get rid of it.

I would expect to see Anisimov centre Sharp and Debrincat when he returns. Some people have pointed out that AA hasn't been that productive away from Kane and that has been correct. But Sharp is playing well and I would expect Debrincat to pick his game up soon so that will help AA. Maybe AA plays on the 4th line and Kampf stays on the third, that could work too. Before people argue the Ansimov makes too much to play 4C, Schmaltz and Kampf would be ridiculously cheap 3C and 4C so it all balance out.

Plus, just because AA starts back as 3C or 4C it doesn't mean that he stays there. Schmaltz could slump and Q needs to shake up the lines (I've heard rumours that Q likes to try different line combos every now and then).s
- DarthKane

No, AA is not expendable. He was playing at a very high level before his injury. Center depth is a great problem to have. I love Kampf at 3C, but I would also love him at 4C.

https://theathletic.com/2...ent-seabrook-for-success/

Fantastic look at Seabrook and at our D in general. Forsling is not plying as well as he has been pumped up to be. In fact, he's terrible at both zone entry break ups and zone exits. Oesterle is the best on the team at both of those.

I've seen a lot of write-ups recently where people are questioning where AA goes when he returns. First, I don't think the recent play of Schmaltz and Kampf has made Anisimov expendable. 8 and 64 have improved the depth at centre, there's no reason to get rid of it.

I would expect to see Anisimov centre Sharp and Debrincat when he returns. Some people have pointed out that AA hasn't been that productive away from Kane and that has been correct. But Sharp is playing well and I would expect Debrincat to pick his game up soon so that will help AA. Maybe AA plays on the 4th line and Kampf stays on the third, that could work too. Before people argue the Ansimov makes too much to play 4C, Schmaltz and Kampf would be ridiculously cheap 3C and 4C so it all balance out.

Plus, just because AA starts back as 3C or 4C it doesn't mean that he stays there. Schmaltz could slump and Q needs to shake up the lines (I've heard rumours that Q likes to try different line combos every now and then).s
- DarthKane

Oh really? cite your source! EK4

https://theathletic.com/208064/2018/01/10/20-thoughts-joel-quenneville-can-help-set-up-brent-seabrook-for-success/

Fantastic look at Seabrook and at our D in general. Forsling is not plying as well as he has been pumped up to be. In fact, he's terrible at both zone entry break ups and zone exits. Oesterle is the best on the team at both of those.
- JRoenick97

He passes the eye test and does a lot of things that don't get recorded in numbers/analytics in my opinion.

my understanding of craws "mystery" injury is upper body...not a repeat of the lower body...maybe groin problem he had...

but he has taken alot of high hard shots and few not by pucks...

to damn bad...next to kane he has been their best player for several years...

probably one of the top goalies to never win the vezina...but who cares...

call it the carey price memorial trophy
- bogiedoc

The EC and MONT bias would have Price (& Hank) going into the HOF and Crawford gaining just as few votes, when results wise, I would argue Cro is better. H E double bamboo sticks even Kaner said Cro should have won MVP in 15'

He passes the eye test and does a lot of things that don't get recorded in numbers/analytics in my opinion.
- Hank3Henshaw

I agree. He's just not consistent. He's also just 21 years old so none of this is surprising. He's got the right tools.

Hossa yes, Kruger absolutely not. I'd take Wingels and Kampf over Kruger, for salary alone. I think both are better all around hockey players than Kruger. Kruger is so over-rated on this board by some. The dude works hard, is courageous, plays a very nice fourth line center. .... same can be said of Wingels and Kampf, for a lot less cost, plus those guys can actually score. Kruger was auditioned on higher lines before and failed. He is what he is a defensive-minded center who kills penalties. Nothing more or nothing less. Hell, our fourth line has been a STRENGTH this year, despite losing Kruger.

Hossa? Oh boy....yea no forward was as beastly as him.
- kwolf68

Salary has nothing to do with what actually happens on the ice and I'm not suggesting they need Kruger back. But he knows how to play the game when its tight and the stakes are high. Kampf is what, a 5 game veteran? Looks smart, good in the circle but time will tell. The NHL exposes weaknesses sooner or later. Wingels has played well all year, actually out of position as a center. He's one of the guys responsible for Hayden being in Rockford for awhile.

For those who were (still are?) hoping we can pull E Kane onto this team, sounds like his "how to win friends and influence people" skills have not gotten any better:

Bill Hoppe‏
@BillHoppeNHL
Justin Falk just yelled at Evander Kane, called him selfish and shoved him. Wow. #Sabres

At some point, no matter the leadership level in the room, you're either a person that your teammates like and respect or you are not.

For those who were (still are?) hoping we can pull E Kane onto this team, sounds like his "how to win friends and influence people" skills have not gotten any better:

Bill Hoppe‏
@BillHoppeNHL
Justin Falk just yelled at Evander Kane, called him selfish and shoved him. Wow. #Sabres

At some point, no matter the leadership level in the room, you're either a person that your teammates like and respect or you are not.
- pdx2ord

Never wanted Kane. Still don't. He was a turd in juniors and he's a turd today.

Beating up a bad team is always fun.

That Ottawa team is awful. Seeing Guy Boucher lose consistently is a thing of beauty. Can't believe he still has a job.

If this does anything, hopefully it gets some guys back on the horse and and helps to kick off a nice little run.

They should be able to accumulate a fair amount of points over the next dozen or so games. Jets, Lightning and Preds should be decent tests but they should stomp everyone else and gain some ground on that wild card spot.

Beating up a bad team is always fun.

That Ottawa team is awful. Seeing Guy Boucher lose consistently is a thing of beauty. Can't believe he still has a job.

If this does anything, hopefully it gets some guys back on the horse and and helps to kick off a nice little run.

They should be able to accumulate a fair amount of points over the next dozen or so games. Jets, Lightning and Preds should be decent tests but they should stomp everyone else and gain some ground on that wild card spot.
- fattybeef

I'm honestly not sure how they just beat TB, SJ, and CBJ.

For those who were (still are?) hoping we can pull E Kane onto this team, sounds like his "how to win friends and influence people" skills have not gotten any better:

Bill Hoppe‏
@BillHoppeNHL
Justin Falk just yelled at Evander Kane, called him selfish and shoved him. Wow. #Sabres

At some point, no matter the leadership level in the room, you're either a person that your teammates like and respect or you are not.
- pdx2ord

I did a double-take when I read this because I was wondering how I could miss Justin Faulk (Hurricanes) being traded to Buffalo. Then I realized it was "Falk."

I did a double-take when I read this because I was wondering how I could miss Justin Faulk (Hurricanes) being traded to Buffalo. Then I realized it was "Falk."


- Hank3Henshaw

Falk used to play for my town's WHL team (Spokane Chiefs). He player form 05-08 here and Kane played form 06-09 in Vancouver. They know each other.

Falk used to play for my town's WHL team (Spokane Chiefs). He player form 05-08 here and Kane played form 06-09 in Vancouver. They know each other.
- JRoenick97

Ahh. Nice. There's some history there...

forsberg says NO...but stone you got get that puck up

https://www.nhl.com/black...ve/t-277443702/c-56553903

Salary has nothing to do with what actually happens on the ice and I'm not suggesting they need Kruger back. But he knows how to play the game when its tight and the stakes are high. Kampf is what, a 5 game veteran? Looks smart, good in the circle but time will tell. The NHL exposes weaknesses sooner or later. Wingels has played well all year, actually out of position as a center. He's one of the guys responsible for Hayden being in Rockford for awhile.
- RickJ

krugs is not here for only 1 reason...the damn cap...

1. who was on the ice in close games to finish them: krugs
2. who took the top guys from the other team: krugs
3. who played big time tough pk minute: krugs
4. who took the majority of def zone faceoffs: krugs

and by doing all this took alot of tough minutes from toews...

worth every $$ for contributions...he keeps the puck out of the net...could care less about his offensive challenges...

krugs is not here for only 1 reason...the damn cap...

1. who was on the ice in close games to finish them: krugs
2. who took the top guys from the other team: krugs
3. who played big time tough pk minute: krugs
4. who took the majority of def zone faceoffs: krugs

and by doing all this took alot of tough minutes from toews...

worth every $$ for contributions...he keeps the puck out of the net...could care less about his offensive challenges...
- bogiedoc

Luckily it looks like Kampf is cut from the same mold. Sharp said it was like playing with Kruger, only he's bigger.

krugs is not here for only 1 reason...the damn cap...

1. who was on the ice in close games to finish them: krugs
2. who took the top guys from the other team: krugs
3. who played big time tough pk minute: krugs
4. who took the majority of def zone faceoffs: krugs

and by doing all this took alot of tough minutes from toews...

worth every $$ for contributions...he keeps the puck out of the net...could care less about his offensive challenges...
- bogiedoc

I loved the guy too and would defend him and his contributions to the team, but the cap hit was too much for him. He's not worth that much. You gotta have SOME kind of offense for that cap hit.

Salary has nothing to do with what actually happens on the ice and I'm not suggesting they need Kruger back. But he knows how to play the game when its tight and the stakes are high. Kampf is what, a 5 game veteran? Looks smart, good in the circle but time will tell. The NHL exposes weaknesses sooner or later. Wingels has played well all year, actually out of position as a center. He's one of the guys responsible for Hayden being in Rockford for awhile.
- RickJ

Kampf is 22 years old. So I'd consider him a legit futures on this team.

First off Savvy, Happy New Year. But I have to tell you that you have at least 3 misconnections when your are wiring up Mr. Kempny for sound. The first one is any comparison or attachment to Duncan Keith. Like I said earlier, the Hawks have Keith and Oesterle and '6 other guys' to play D. Now that 'Mr. Ed' Franson has trotted slowly down the road to Rockford, Kempny has moved up to #7 on the depth chart, just ahead of Gustaffson. Its up to him to avoid dropping back again to #8.

2) Blaming Q solely for Kempny's lack of playing time is a bit much. The team employs Ulfie as their D coach and he works with that group every day. I don't think its farfetched to think the D coach has major input into who he wants to dress on game day and why or why not. Kempny wound up in the doghouse because of on ice performance - being caught out of position, questionable pinches at the wrong time, etc. When a guy is the #6 thru #8 Dman on the team and you make those type of noticeable glaring errors, he should expect to get the Sami Lepisto pressbox massage.

3) Criticism of this defence group is warranted for the most part, all of them make some big time errors and omissions. But does anybody ever consider how much the loss of forwards Hossa and to a lesser extent Kruger has meant to overall team defence? Those 2 players were great contributors in a 5 man team game, they haven't been replaced by anything close in ability. To boot, Hammer got moved out as well. Yet the team is +17 in goal differential with the 4th lowest GA in the conference and with their #1 goalie on the sidelines for quite a few games. So I wouldn't knock Q and his assistants too much about a minor piece like Kempny.

Like you, I would like to see Kempny succeed, as a 27 year old he has the size and physical abilities of a mature player, moreso than a young kid like Forsling. When I first saw him I thought maybe he could be like a Nicklas Kronwall for the Hawks. It hasn't happened in a year and a half but maybe there is still time.

I know you watched the game last night and liked what you saw. But there was one instance in the Edmonton game near the end when the result was decided. 2 guys were on the Hawks blueline battling for the puck and I noticed Kempny standing absolutely still at the top of the faceoff circle about 10 feet away watching them as a father would watching his 2 young sons in a battle on the ice for the puck. It was comical but told me lots about what does or doesn't go thru #6's brain at times.
- RickJ

Hi Rick, Happy New Year to you and yours as well.
My point about #2 is simply this: EVERYONE makes mistakes. Keith this year has made more than his share so no one on this club is without fault. Now having said that, yes, Duncs has the skins on the wall -- the CUPS, the Norris wins. I get that. But even the great #2 not only makes errors in judgment but plays beyond his skill set. Don't pinch or throw a blind pass when you can't count on being able to fix it on your own. That's what I'd like Kempny (if I was coaching him) to focus on. Use the skills you have and be smart about the chances you take. Now that last sentence might be what you are talking about and I'd agree.

However, my POV on this is that he's trying to do some things beyond in hopes of making the coaching staff keep him in the lineup. At least that is how it looks to me. If he plays within his skill set, he's at worst a good 5/6 defender with 2nd pair upside.

Oesterle is a good example of playing within himself. Good skater, not a burner, good shot but not a bomb, very good passer with excellent vision. Let's see what happens when the heat is turned up (against W conf opponents -- and if they get to the playoffs, against top competition in a series). I wish him the best because it helps the club.

Re Hossa, couldn't agree more. Interestingly enough, I am seeing some of the same traits in Schmaltz -- he's becoming much more a 200' player and we can only hope he continues to work on that part of his game.

Like you, very interested to see Q's lineup tonight and how the club responds to much more of a grinding game.

krugs is not here for only 1 reason...the damn cap...

1. who was on the ice in close games to finish them: krugs
2. who took the top guys from the other team: krugs
3. who played big time tough pk minute: krugs
4. who took the majority of def zone faceoffs: krugs

and by doing all this took alot of tough minutes from toews...

worth every $$ for contributions...he keeps the puck out of the net...could care less about his offensive challenges...
- bogiedoc

Adding to this, the "Kruger is overpaid" narrative is a mainstay on the HB Bingo Card. He did the team a huge favor when he took that 1 year deal for $1.5 million. The three years at his current salary was an IOU for that one year at the reduced salary. Average the four years out and the money works out to a reasonable annual average. We've gone over this on this board numerous times.

The problem was that he had the wrist injury, and that only amplified the prevailing narrative on here. Just remember, if they screwed him on his subsequent deal just to placate everyone who thought he didn't deserve that money, it sends a message that their word is no good. It means not having dibs in the undrafted free agent market, and gives the front office a reputation that would turn off NHL free agents as well. That contract was a small price to pay in the overall scheme of things. The front office took care of Kruger as they were supposed to do.

This is a little off the beat but if I read the new U.S. tax laws correctly... Entertainment Venues cannot be written of by by corperations in 2018. If so, there will be a lot of marginal skyboxes, 100 and 200 level seats that will noyfill up like in the past. Maybe, McD will finally be forced to stop increases the tkt prices on season tkt holders. If the Hawks are out in the first round or do not make the playoffs..the new and the new tax law will certainly put a big dent in the number of season tkt holders...The Hawks organization deserve a kick in the but with their gouging of tkt prices.

This is a little off the beat but if I read the new U.S. tax laws correctly... Entertainment Venues cannot be written of by by corperations in 2018. If so, there will be a lot of marginal skyboxes, 100 and 200 level seats that will noyfill up like in the past. Maybe, McD will finally be forced to stop increases the tkt prices on season tkt holders. If the Hawks are out in the first round or do not make the playoffs..the new and the new tax law will certainly put a big dent in the number of season tkt holders...The Hawks organization deserve a kick in the but with their gouging of tkt prices.
- spanky

I don't feel bad for season ticket holders. If they have the expendable income to purchase season tickets every year then they're probly doing alright for themselves.

krugs is not here for only 1 reason...the damn cap...

1. who was on the ice in close games to finish them: krugs
2. who took the top guys from the other team: krugs
3. who played big time tough pk minute: krugs
4. who took the majority of def zone faceoffs: krugs

and by doing all this took alot of tough minutes from toews...

worth every $$ for contributions...he keeps the puck out of the net...could care less about his offensive challenges...
- bogiedoc

in 13-14 and 14-15 Kruger scores a few goals 15 total and avg 55% on FO and played 81 games. That is the Kruger you are talking about. in 15-16 and 16-17 when he as making 1.5 and 3.1 he was more AVG then good IMO. The problem is as his salary went up his domination went down. If he played like the 13-15 in 15-17 then nobody would say anything about it.