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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: IceHogs vs. Moose: Welcome to the Red Out
Author Message
riozzo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Cornwallis Island
Joined: 06.17.2014

May 9 @ 11:55 AM ET
I have a blog coming out on exactly this!

I'm reviewing the teams that make the conference finals and breaking down roster, style and comparison to the Hawks/where the Hawks need to go.

- Justin Lowe


Could you include some commentary on the Coach's and Front office?
PatShart
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Vegas, NV
Joined: 06.25.2015

May 9 @ 12:07 PM ET
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂..........priceless!! WTF, ha ha ha ha ha ha. entertaining!
- wonthecup10


Volpatsjockrash should change his name to wonthepresidentstrophy...because that's as good as it'll get for them
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 9 @ 12:37 PM ET
I have a blog coming out on exactly this!

I'm reviewing the teams that make the conference finals and breaking down roster, style and comparison to the Hawks/where the Hawks need to go.

- Justin Lowe

Justin, thank you for the recent slate of blogs during this off time for the Hawks! I enjoy the conversation with fellow posters as we prepare for the draft, free agency, and camps as well as revel in the playoff run by the Hogs.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

May 9 @ 12:51 PM ET


Perhaps one day.

- teh_HAWKZ


not this day...not ever....

Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 9 @ 1:18 PM ET
https://www.nbcsports.com...-between-cubs-and-marlins

Maybe the Hawks can improve their defense if they integrate tickling along with the standard stick checking and allowing teams to camp out in the slot.
LaheysBRandy
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 04.28.2015

May 9 @ 1:37 PM ET
The more I think about it, the more I feel like the Blackhawks are going to seriously consider using the number 8 pick as a trade chip. If management feels like the best available players at that spot are 2-3 years away from cracking the lineup and maybe 4-5 years away from being a very good NHL player, and if they feel that Keith, Seabrook, and Toews can still be major pieces on a cup winning team for the next couple of years, then I think they seriously consider moving the 8 pick to bring in a legit player such as Karlsson.

If it’s me at the helm and I have the option to trade the 8 pick for some solid immediate NHL help like Karlsson, I think I might pull the trigger. I know this is a short sighted point of view, but at the end of the day, the Blackhawks aren’t likely to have a nucleus of players with this talent level and winning pedigree for a very long time, and although they have had a couple of down years, i would roll the dice and try to bring in some immediate NHL help.

It will be very interesting to see what the Blackhawks do this summer, because they really are at a fork in the road. Their actions will definitely give us a good idea of whether they are truly trying to win another cup with this core, or whether they are rebuilding for a few years down the line when some of their young players are really coming in to their own and Kane/Toews are ein the twilight of their career.

Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

May 9 @ 1:38 PM ET
Could you include some commentary on the Coach's and Front office?
- riozzo


Yep - there will be stuff in there about that.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

May 9 @ 1:38 PM ET
Justin, thank you for the recent slate of blogs during this off time for the Hawks! I enjoy the conversation with fellow posters as we prepare for the draft, free agency, and camps as well as revel in the playoff run by the Hogs.
- AEL_Fox


You're welcome.

It's not always easy getting inspired to write about the Hawks when they are off, but the IceHogs and upcoming draft is working well in all of our favour.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 9 @ 1:50 PM ET
The more I think about it, the more I feel like the Blackhawks are going to seriously consider using the number 8 pick as a trade chip. If management feels like the best available players at that spot are 2-3 years away from cracking the lineup and maybe 4-5 years away from being a very good NHL player, and if they feel that Keith, Seabrook, and Toews can still be major pieces on a cup winning team for the next couple of years, then I think they seriously consider moving the 8 pick to bring in a legit player such as Karlsson.

If it’s me at the helm and I have the option to trade the 8 pick for some solid immediate NHL help like Karlsson, I think I might pull the trigger. I know this is a short sighted point of view, but at the end of the day, the Blackhawks aren’t likely to have a nucleus of players with this talent level and winning pedigree for a very long time, and although they have had a couple of down years, i would roll the dice and try to bring in some immediate NHL help.

It will be very interesting to see what the Blackhawks do this summer, because they really are at a fork in the road. Their actions will definitely give us a good idea of whether they are truly trying to win another cup with this core, or whether they are rebuilding for a few years down the line when some of their young players are really coming in to their own and Kane/Toews are ein the twilight of their career.

- LaheysBRandy

Good points and perspective.

Another possibility alludes to something Justin reported earlier about the Hawks making a big splash this off season in terms of player movement, i.e. Bowman being rumored to pursue some of the top free agents this summer and also being creative with other deals. If that's all true, then as others suggest, finding ways to increase available cap space such as moving Hossa, Anisimov, and/or Murphy may pave the way to pursue someone like Carlsson, Tavares, or van Riemsdyk. Maybe even Karlsson as you suggested.

Hopefully any trades don't involve the #8 pick unless it is to move up in the draft or to land a marquee player. Prefer the former over the latter since it's rare for the Hawks to pick in the top 10 whether in the top 3 or currently at 8.
frafra
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 10.21.2011

May 9 @ 2:03 PM ET
is Erik Karlsson a real possibility for the Hawks this summer? I feel like I have seen this thrown out quite frequently. Or is this just a fan based rumor/wish?
riozzo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Cornwallis Island
Joined: 06.17.2014

May 9 @ 2:03 PM ET
Yep - there will be stuff in there about that.
- Justin Lowe


Justin, Thanks
riozzo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Cornwallis Island
Joined: 06.17.2014

May 9 @ 2:04 PM ET
is Erik Karlsson a real possibility for the Hawks this summer? I feel like I have seen this thrown out quite frequently. Or is this just a fan based rumor/wish?
- frafra

Seems to be a fan based rumor
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

May 9 @ 2:06 PM ET
Good points and perspective.

Another possibility alludes to something Justin reported earlier about the Hawks making a big splash this off season in terms of player movement, i.e. Bowman being rumored to pursue some of the top free agents this summer and also being creative with other deals. If that's all true, then as others suggest, finding ways to increase available cap space such as moving Hossa, Anisimov, and/or Murphy may pave the way to pursue someone like Carlsson, Tavares, or van Riemsdyk. Maybe even Karlsson as you suggested.

Hopefully any trades don't involve the #8 pick unless it is to move up in the draft or to land a marquee player. Prefer the former over the latter since it's rare for the Hawks to pick in the top 10 whether in the top 3 or currently at 8.

- AEL_Fox



They need to get the blue line fixed first. (Ian Cole? +) Looking at the forwards, there is more then enough scoring power to compete. The back end is a joke. If you are going to spend money when FA rolls around, it has to be for D help. Not to mention the elephant in the room. That being the health of one Corey Crawford. I don't want to see Delia brought up and ruined by having to play in the NHL if he is not ready. Would like to see Delia and Forsberg man the net in Rockford.

May have to spend more then you want for a competent back up goal tender. The 40 shots a night fiasco has to stop. Or is all of this a non issue as long as Q and Ulf continue with the circus scheme of "Operation Zero D".

Regarding the draft.. One of the reports I read on Noah Dobson said he was pound for the pound one of the most complete 2 way D in this draft. Sneaky good on O, but very solid/strong in his own end.
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

May 9 @ 2:50 PM ET
You're welcome.

It's not always easy getting inspired to write about the Hawks when they are off, but the IceHogs and upcoming draft is working well in all of our favour.

- Justin Lowe


Justin keep hearing hawks linked to Karlesson from Ottawa I say no he going to be 30 and recently been hurt might indicate breaking down. Are hearing any rumblings on this but what I m thinking is this a kind of move the hawks brass would like to do would not give up the 8th overall pick for him. What would the trade look like if the hawks did trade for him. My opinion keep with the retool and youth movement like see them get young d man that has been in nhl and have top 4 potential Sanhiem Fleruy Nurse etc.. Hawks are short 1 to 2 centers top six forward backup vet goalie that can play 25 or 30 games and 2 to 3 d man. Hopefully some these holes can be filled from within plus need some players with size phyiscallity and edge to there game.

One last thing a friend of mine propose this trade to me the other night while watching the playoffs I found interesting:

From Toronto
2018 1st
Kasperi Kaspanen
Timothy Lijigren
Pickard

From Chicago
Kieth
Duclair
3rd and 2019 7th

Interesting proposal It was obvious that the leafs needed a player like Kieth on their blue line during the playoffs. Don't think leafs would I said but who knows your thoughts.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

May 9 @ 3:00 PM ET
is Erik Karlsson a real possibility for the Hawks this summer? I feel like I have seen this thrown out quite frequently. Or is this just a fan based rumor/wish?
- frafra



No...at best the Hawks get Sbisa or Garrison.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

May 9 @ 3:18 PM ET
I guess it's nice for the folks in the Rockford area, but in the what have you done for me lately scenario, A. Team full of Matt Murtons here, other than Hayden and maybe a couple of others, most of those guys will wind up home in beer leagues after a couple of more seasons in Rockford. If this is the hype towards the parent club next year , and big time checks are gonna be due for season tix in the next 60 or so days, DiDomenico , Glass , ect?? , forget it..... As far as1901 is concerned.
Right now watching Micheal Kempney excell in the playoffs, a good sized D man that can hit, shoot and skate, and may win a Stanley cup? And before him Trevor Daley, How many more D men are they going to run out of here while watching garbage like Osterle, Ruutta and a couple of others get regular shifts.
This brain truss better be all A holes and elbows locked up in a room in the UC and figure a way to get this turned around this season. Bowman has to hit multi home runs this season on the draft, FA's and trades.
Look at the teams left, Winnipeg and Washington , whom I think wil be in the finals all are Big, play mean , strong on the puck and can skate unlike the little pansy ass team that Bowman put out there last year, enough of the undrafted FA's that weren't good enough to get picked in the first place, I want a couple of Tom Wilson's and and a couple of Big sized physical skating D man on this team come next year, not wasting a high first round pick on some Dwarf D man which I fear Bowman will do.
Bouchard or Trade up for Tkachuk or Bust for me!
Getting hyped for this Rockford stuff is like going to the Caddillac dealer and coming home with a Chevy instead for me. No interst because I see NADDA that will make an impact some say other than Hayden, maybe . Like I said Matt Murton all over again,
Lastly , Q also should be scrutinized on this D man stuff . I hope Kempney wins a cup. loved him when he was here, Bowman lied to him, Q stuck it in his moon.Ya think other FA's aren't taking note?

- wonthecup10


First, Tkachuk is a terrible Draft Choice. NEVER use a high Draft Choice on a player without the highest end skill. Second, Rockford is not doing this with mirrors. There is talent on this team. Are you under some delusion that other AHL teams are simply chockful of #1s?

At this point Q has arguably no idea how to use any player. This especially applies to players brought up from Rockford. I can’t believe he didn’t get fired. If Q was to stay how Ulf kept his job is mindnumbing. Q and Ulf’s Offensive Defensive “System” was so stupid that it ruined the season and numerous young D-Men. How does Kempny become a rock in Washington. How does Murphy become dominant on the international stage wearing an “A”, after the “C” last year? There is talent and depth on the Rockford D. Delia in goal is playing lights out at the AHL level - this is clearly very important if he can maintain it. There is also talent and depth at forward. There is youth everywhere with a smattering of veterans. Celebrate what Colliton and Rockford are doing - don’t acerbically criticize.
wonthecup10
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 02.05.2008

May 9 @ 3:21 PM ET
The more I think about it, the more I feel like the Blackhawks are going to seriously consider using the number 8 pick as a trade chip. If management feels like the best available players at that spot are 2-3 years away from cracking the lineup and maybe 4-5 years away from being a very good NHL player, and if they feel that Keith, Seabrook, and Toews can still be major pieces on a cup winning team for the next couple of years, then I think they seriously consider moving the 8 pick to bring in a legit player such as Karlsson.

If it’s me at the helm and I have the option to trade the 8 pick for some solid immediate NHL help like Karlsson, I think I might pull the trigger. I know this is a short sighted point of view, but at the end of the day, the Blackhawks aren’t likely to have a nucleus of players with this talent level and winning pedigree for a very long time, and although they have had a couple of down years, i would roll the dice and try to bring in some immediate NHL help.

It will be very interesting to see what the Blackhawks do this summer, because they really are at a fork in the road. Their actions will definitely give us a good idea of whether they are truly trying to win another cup with this core, or whether they are rebuilding for a few years down the line when some of their young players are really coming in to their own and Kane/Toews are ein the twilight of their career.

- LaheysBRandy


Those are some good points, especially with some of the names others are mentioning. It’s the win now stuff!
savvyone-1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I'm singing the Blues!, IL
Joined: 03.04.2011

May 9 @ 3:24 PM ET
https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/chicago-pd-weighs-tickle-fest-between-cubs-and-marlins

Maybe the Hawks can improve their defense if they integrate tickling along with the standard stick checking and allowing teams to camp out in the slot.

- AEL_Fox

AEL, couldn't help but think of this as a good analogy of what you were trying to convey. I think most of us here would agree, it's more like this for an opposing player in the slot:
ToewsdNKanefusd
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Hampshire, IL
Joined: 05.14.2015

May 9 @ 3:25 PM ET
Maybe I worded it wrong, regarding Michael Kempney, I was a big fan of his, he is not garbage he is one I would’ve kept, crap like Oesterle,Rutta , and a couple of others is who I meant. Same thing with Trevor Daley before,
The good thing is that in the what have you done for me lately business, Rocky and McDonough , I guarantee will pull the plug midseason if it is the same as last year. Especially now with them having plowed through that whole 15,000 season ticket waiting list and are calling back people that originally had dropped to see if they can get them for one more try.

- wonthecup10


I guess my point is, just because this season went sideways, doesn't mean that Stan or Q, or any of the front office are necessarily failures, or that they failed in the last offseason. Most on this board were applauding Bowman at making the moves he did, and thought they were the right moves to make at the time. Most still believe that they were the right moves, even though they didn't win the cup, or even make the playoffs. It takes time to put a team together, just can't do it overnight, especially with the cap.
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

May 9 @ 3:26 PM ET
Seems to be a fan based rumor
- riozzo


Seems fan-based but is also a very dangerous expensive option. Karlsson has a history of very serious injuries and by his own admission may never have fully recovered from his serious achilles injury years ago. There are numerous reasons for K to stay in Ottawa including his huge connection to the fan-base.
wonthecup10
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 02.05.2008

May 9 @ 3:27 PM ET
First, Tkachuk is a terrible Draft Choice. NEVER use a high Draft Choice on a player without the highest end skill. Second, Rockford is not doing this with mirrors. There is talent on this team. Are you under some delusion that other AHL teams are simply chockful of #1s?

At this point Q has arguably no idea how to use any player. This especially applies to players brought up from Rockford. I can’t believe he didn’t get fired. If Q was to stay how Ulf kept his job is mindnumbing. Q and Ulf’s Offensive Defensive “System” was so stupid that it ruined the season and numerous young D-Men. How does Kempny become a rock in Washington. How does Murphy become dominant on the international stage wearing an “A”, after the “C” last year? There is talent and depth on the Rockford D. Delia in goal is playing lights out at the AHL level - this is clearly very important if he can maintain it. There is also talent and depth at forward. There is youth everywhere with a smattering of veterans. Celebrate what Colliton and Rockford are doing - don’t acerbically criticize.

- Z3Hawk



Disagree on Tkachuk, Look at brother, and Hall of Fame daddy. The apple never falls too far from the tree man. Never really looked at it the way you are. Not a bad way, I’m just not too much into minor leagues. I was a Q fan, and still am, but now the element of doubt is starting to creep in when I see what some of these younger coaches are doing.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 9 @ 3:29 PM ET
They need to get the blue line fixed first. (Ian Cole? +) Looking at the forwards, there is more then enough scoring power to compete. The back end is a joke. If you are going to spend money when FA rolls around, it has to be for D help. Not to mention the elephant in the room. That being the health of one Corey Crawford. I don't want to see Delia brought up and ruined by having to play in the NHL if he is not ready. Would like to see Delia and Forsberg man the net in Rockford.

May have to spend more then you want for a competent back up goal tender. The 40 shots a night fiasco has to stop. Or is all of this a non issue as long as Q and Ulf continue with the circus scheme of "Operation Zero D".

Regarding the draft.. One of the reports I read on Noah Dobson said he was pound for the pound one of the most complete 2 way D in this draft. Sneaky good on O, but very solid/strong in his own end.

- z1990z

Yes, agree that the blueline is the biggest team weakness and needs to be addressed in as many ways possible (draft, trade, and free agency whether NHL free agents, undrafted college graduates, European players) to secure some D-men who have experience to start on the backend next season and some D-men to develop in the minors.

I like the idea of having Delia and Forsberg as the goalie tandem in Rockford assuming Crawford is the Hawks starter and a more experienced backup is found in free agency or trade (i.e. Hutchinson, Bernier, Johnson, Hammond, Hutton, Sparks). Delia needs to be a starter in the AHL for at least a year before even promoting him to Hawks backup. Let him develop at the appropriate pace and find 2018-19 backup options elsewhere.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 9 @ 3:33 PM ET
First, Tkachuk is a terrible Draft Choice. NEVER use a high Draft Choice on a player without the highest end skill. Second, Rockford is not doing this with mirrors. There is talent on this team. Are you under some delusion that other AHL teams are simply chockful of #1s?

At this point Q has arguably no idea how to use any player. This especially applies to players brought up from Rockford. I can’t believe he didn’t get fired. If Q was to stay how Ulf kept his job is mindnumbing. Q and Ulf’s Offensive Defensive “System” was so stupid that it ruined the season and numerous young D-Men. How does Kempny become a rock in Washington. How does Murphy become dominant on the international stage wearing an “A”, after the “C” last year? There is talent and depth on the Rockford D. Delia in goal is playing lights out at the AHL level - this is clearly very important if he can maintain it. There is also talent and depth at forward. There is youth everywhere with a smattering of veterans. Celebrate what Colliton and Rockford are doing - don’t acerbically criticize.

- Z3Hawk

To your first point, I think this year's success of the Hogs is somewhat analogous to the success of the Golden Knights: the right coach and investment of the entire team in systems that work no matter the talent level of the roster. I agree, the Hogs success isn't a bunch of smoke and mirrors which bodes well for player development for the big club in years to come.

I would also argue that if Kane wasn't playing for Team USA in the world championships, Murphy would be wearing the C again with Larkin getting one A and another teammate getting the other A.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 9 @ 3:43 PM ET
AEL, couldn't help but think of this as a good analogy of what you were trying to convey. I think most of us here would agree, it's more like this for an opposing player in the slot:

- savvyone-1

Looks about right. I believe that video you shared was from an actual Hawks game. Just need some telestration mark up by Edzo and Pierre.
riozzo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Cornwallis Island
Joined: 06.17.2014

May 9 @ 3:44 PM ET
Disagree on Tkachuk, Look at brother, and Hall of Fame daddy. The apple never falls too far from the tree man. Never really looked at it the way you are. Not a bad way, I’m just not too much into minor leagues. I was a Q fan, and still am, but now the element of doubt is starting to creep in when I see what some of these younger coaches are doing.
- wonthecup10


But every tree has rotten apples...
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