I like Burrish on the broadcasts. But I have to at least question what he would know about a PP, having very few shifts if any on one. Although anything different might just be better.
- 6628

He actually talked about playing on the PK and having to play against teams' PPs and knowing what is effective and what isn't. Then talked about how the Hawks' PP, in particular the zone entries, is not effective.

So now Goalie-33 is the new Tin Foil hat master?
- powerenforcer

Not a chance. There can only be one PE.

One striking thing I noticed from the end of the last St Louis playoff series is how much bigger Gustafsson is now. He has significantly bulked up, to my eye.
Another thing I noticed in Wednesday's game, more so than any other, is that his pinches were genuine forays deep into the offensive zone. And, if the puck happened to come back out quickly, there was almost always a forward skating backward as one of the defensive pair.
Made me guess the team is being coached to do this.
- 35Tony0

Isnt that what's supposed to happen most of the time? What you're describing sounds like cycling the puck.

Rutta, Kempny Gustafsson and Oesterle are all borderline NHL talent, if it was up to me none of them would be in the roster. I can live with Gus on the team if he plays protected minutes and PP time.
- DarthKane

I think I could better live with Gus on the team if he plays a forward position.

So now Goalie-33 is the new Tin Foil hat master?
- powerenforcer

Yes, but you're first in our hearts PE.

He actually talked about playing on the PK and having to play against teams' PPs and knowing what is effective and what isn't. Then talked about how the Hawks' PP, in particular the zone entries, is not effective.
- pdx2ord

Another thought about Burish making a comment on a power play is:

A-he made the NHL. At some point he probably played PP in lower levels
B-He played with some great teams who had a dynamic powerplay. Even not being on one of those respective units he probably witnessed it in chalk, practice and games first hand

The idea that you have to have "done something" to comment on it is ludicrous. I've never sucked Carbon Monoxide out of a tailpipe directly, but I do know it's not good for you.

Isnt that what's supposed to happen most of the time? What you're describing sounds like cycling the puck.
- BlazinMike

I too could get on board with substantially less odd man breaks against than I have seen against the 'Hawks this year.

per Powers:

Blackhawks lines
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Toews-Anisimov-Martinsen
Sikura-Ejdsell-DeBrincat
Sharp-Kampf-Hinostroza

... and the transition for Toews begins....

per Powers:

Blackhawks lines
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Toews-Anisimov-Martinsen
Sikura-Ejdsell-DeBrincat
Sharp-Kampf-Hinostroza

... and the transition for Toews begins....
- Chunk

Interesting....at this point, why not!

I like that Q is keeping the Sikura-Ejdsell-DeBrincat line together, I think they have potential.

Interesting....at this point, why not!

I like that Q is keeping the Sikura-Ejdsell-DeBrincat line together, I think they have potential.
- DarthKane

Lazerus just posted that Jurco has been out the last two days and that Toews may just be a placeholder right now.

No word on whether Toews has actually been given the OK to play.

Duclair back on the ice as well, but working independently.

Per Bob McKenzie - Raanta reups in AZ for $4.25M /year

Per Bob McKenzie - Raanta reups in AZ for $4.25M /year
- jt19

If he can start the year healthy, I think they can be a lot better next year. The beginning of this year was just a disaster for them.

Another thought about Burish making a comment on a power play is:

A-he made the NHL. At some point he probably played PP in lower levels
B-He played with some great teams who had a dynamic powerplay. Even not being on one of those respective units he probably witnessed it in chalk, practice and games first hand

The idea that you have to have "done something" to comment on it is ludicrous. I've never sucked Carbon Monoxide out of a tailpipe directly, but I do know it's not good for you.
- kwolf68

To you and PXD:
I was being a smart ass. We used to call Burish Rubbish when he was here. But that was joking as well. It's been my experience that players who barely made it in the NHL or not quite make the best coaches because they had to have an open mind and try different things to gain an edge. Burrish was an important part of the forecheck in 2010. And he was a big part of the Wisconsin program prior to that. And having played PK in the show absolutely gives him a perspective on both sides of special teams. I know a youth coach in the madison area. He said Kessel, while not a great 2 way player, will score a ton no matter what. Said Skille will run around like a chicken with his head cut off. And he said Burrish will be a solid bottom 6. I'd say he was right on all counts. I would listen to Rubbish if I was Q or whomever is ultimately responsible for the special teams. Need a new perspective (and the ego to allow it).

Isn't he like 27? When do you cut bait? And he was not going to re-sign here.
- riozzo

They saw enough of him to surmise that gaining experience by playing was not going resolve too many bad decisions. He wsdn't lesrnung or improving.

per Powers:

Blackhawks lines
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Toews-Anisimov-Martinsen
Sikura-Ejdsell-DeBrincat
Sharp-Kampf-Hinostroza

... and the transition for Toews begins....
- Chunk

Worked for Giroux, although Giroux was just bouncing back from an injury recovery year.

To you and PXD:
I was being a smart ass. We used to call Burish Rubbish when he was here. But that was joking as well. It's been my experience that players who barely made it in the NHL or not quite make the best coaches because they had to have an open mind and try different things to gain an edge. Burrish was an important part of the forecheck in 2010. And he was a big part of the Wisconsin program prior to that. And having played PK in the show absolutely gives him a perspective on both sides of special teams. I know a youth coach in the madison area. He said Kessel, while not a great 2 way player, will score a ton no matter what. Said Skille will run around like a chicken with his head cut off. And he said Burrish will be a solid bottom 6. I'd say he was right on all counts. I would listen to Rubbish if I was Q or whomever is ultimately responsible for the special teams. Need a new perspective (and the ego to allow it).
- 6628

Q ego has been through the roof last few years ,since the big contract . Hopefully if he is to stay this has been a humbling experience .And he came back with a new attitude

Per Bob McKenzie - Raanta reups in AZ for $4.25M /year
- jt19

Good for Raanta, he deserves it.

Worked for Giroux, although Giroux was just bouncing back from an injury recovery year.
- ObeseOprah

The one skill that he still holds is at the dot. AA at the dot over 19 - hell no.

The one skill that he still holds is at the dot. AA at the dot over 19 - hell no.
- riozzo

He can still take faceoffs and play wing.

I like Burrish on the broadcasts. But I have to at least question what he would know about a PP, having very few shifts if any on one. Although anything different might just be better.
- 6628

Good points, but some of the best teachers and coaches are often those who weren’t the elite players in their sport. The elite often perform the game game instincively in ways they don’t even think about; if it just happens for you, you have nothing in knowledge you can transfer to others. Gretzky never achieved coaching success that came close to his playing success. Yes Williams was a terrible manager. I don’t even know whether bill belichick ever played, but if he did I am pretty sure he was mediocre as a player.

I believe a good coach has to be someone who can communicate their ideas to the players, can get the players to buy into whatever he is preaching and be able to objectively evaluate what he is seeing compared to what he is expecting and then adjust the players or modify the approach accordingly.

Further believe the approach should fit the talent available and put the players in a position to succeed. Hockey power plays seem to be set at preseason and then expected to work for the next 82 games irrespective of the opponents and skills. I really feel the PK units have to have a flexible scheme that works to the weakness of each opponent. I haven’t seen the hawks do this.

per Powers:

Blackhawks lines
Saad-Schmaltz-Kane
Toews-Anisimov-Martinsen
Sikura-Ejdsell-DeBrincat
Sharp-Kampf-Hinostroza

... and the transition for Toews begins....
- Chunk

Hope adb gets at least two goals over the last two games. Would love to see him hit the 30 plateau in his first year.

Another thought about Burish making a comment on a power play is:

A-he made the NHL. At some point he probably played PP in lower levels
B-He played with some great teams who had a dynamic powerplay. Even not being on one of those respective units he probably witnessed it in chalk, practice and games first hand

The idea that you have to have "done something" to comment on it is ludicrous. I've never sucked Carbon Monoxide out of a tailpipe directly, but I do know it's not good for you.
- kwolf68

Totally agree. Some of the best coaches were mediocre players who had to work hard and learn how to do things. If they can communicate what they learned — or saw repeatedly in practices— they might be successful.

I always appreciate your posts. They're thoughtful, reasonable, and informed.

I really like Saad and I hope he bounces back next year (along with a few others on the team.) I liked the trade at the time but, yeah, after one season, the Bluejackets got the better of that deal so far. Hey, here's something Stan could do to "win" that trade, sign Panarin after next season when he's a free agent.
- matt_ahrens

Thanks. I do try to back up my posts with some supporting reasons and rational but like most of us compelled to post here, I like to argue too much.

I think Saad will be one guy who will be working hard this off season to get back to what works. I think if Forsberg can settle down and get those soft goals out of his game, the trade starts to look a lot better. I think he has confidence issues or issues with his nerves because he doesn't have the composure and I hope that changes.

One striking thing I noticed from the end of the last St Louis playoff series is how much bigger Gustafsson is now. He has significantly bulked up, to my eye.
Another thing I noticed in Wednesday's game, more so than any other, is that his pinches were genuine forays deep into the offensive zone. And, if the puck happened to come back out quickly, there was almost always a forward skating backward as one of the defensive pair.
Made me guess the team is being coached to do this.
- 35Tony0

One thing I noticed about him lately, he is trying to throw more hits, but he kinds spins off the guy and is losing positioning in the process sometimes. I'm not gonna claim to be the authority on playing the corners at an NHL level, but I wonder if he can learn to do it better and pin his man better. I do think some of the Hawks strategy in those situations has changed because they are trying to avoid taking stick infractions that were "cracked down" on this season. But I do think Gus has been trying to play more physical, which makes me think the coaches are encouraging him to do so.

I do like when he pinches (and probably the team is learning that he does it often so they know to cover) because he is almost like a poor mans Brian Campbell, who used to do it really well in his prime. It adds that extra confusion to the defenders and helps open up plays.

Doesn't look like Toews is playing wing. He isn't playing tonight and the Hawks are dressing 7 dman. I think he was just a placeholder for rushes since he was able to practice.