I think you see this next game.

I think you may even see Jokiharju tried out on the first PP. With Gustafsson sitting next game.
- Justin Lowe

Honestly, it would be tempting to bench Keith too. It's hard to single out anyone when the whole blueline has been kind of bad lately. I can't look at the last say 3 games and say anyone has played all that well. Maybe Murphy has been the least bad IMO.

Last night on the goals, it wasn't good.

Goal 1 was on Keith and his weak play to hold the puck.
Goal 2 Dahlstrom let his guy behind him and got beat.
Goal 3 100% should have been stopped by Ward.
Goal 4 Keith got burned again. Gus tried to come over and cover for him, but it all started with Keith flat footed and getting the puck chipped right by him. Would have been nice if Ward could have held that puck though.
Goal 5 Hard to blame the goalie, there was a ton of traffic. Murphy, Keith, Kruger and Caggiuila trying to kill the penalty. Only thing that would have been nice is for someone to block it.
Goal 6 Gus got burned on misjudging the puck in the air, but it was ultimately lack of awareness after the initial chance. Caggiula ended up defending the original play, but Keith/Gus didn't pickup the second wave at all.
Goal 7 was a breakdown. Keith failed to take away the pass. Saad was in the slot and didn't read the play. Joki was trying to get back to the front of the net from the corner, but couldn't get back into the play in time.
Goal 8 Toews flubbed it and turned it over, net empty and Keith made a so-so attempt to pinch and keep it in, but they chipped it by him again. Game was already done at this point, so hard to care much, but Toews was fighting the puck all night.

Congratulations to Brent Seabrook on his 100th career goal.

This has been plenty of Seabrook bashing on this board, but let's take a minute to reflect on his career with the Hawks and what he has meant to the team since he joined the club. Here's link to his career stats.

https://www.hockey-refere.../players/s/seabrbr01.html

Yes, father time catches up with all of us, and it's painful to watch him at times this year. His contract is an albatross that is next to impossible to move and will hurt the team for several years. But would any of us have turned that money down if offered to us?

I am sure #7 will be hanging from the UC ceiling in the future along with 2, 19, 88 and 81.

Again, congratulations Brent.
- boilermaker100

It was great to see him get that #100. Great milestone to hit and he certainly has had a great career as a whole. At times, Seabrook was in the shadow of his partner and didn't always get attention for what he brought to the Hawks. Clutch goal scoring (especially in OT), tough play in the corners, a lot of shot blocks, booming shot and ability to pinch into the slot at the right time and a leader to the team. When he was in his prime he was not elite at any one thing, but he was just really good at everything and super well rounded.

Congratulations to Brent Seabrook on his 100th career goal.

This has been plenty of Seabrook bashing on this board, but let's take a minute to reflect on his career with the Hawks and what he has meant to the team since he joined the club. Here's link to his career stats.

https://www.hockey-refere.../players/s/seabrbr01.html

Yes, father time catches up with all of us, and it's painful to watch him at times this year. His contract is an albatross that is next to impossible to move and will hurt the team for several years. But would any of us have turned that money down if offered to us?

I am sure #7 will be hanging from the UC ceiling in the future along with 2, 19, 88 and 81.

Again, congratulations Brent.
- boilermaker100

no question about #7...there gonna run out numbers to retire...include #50

Its always doom and gloom around here you should know better.
- Count Caggula

Nice username! Strome has been real solid and he is 21. He is not the problem rather he is part of the solution.

The problem with this team is the veterans. Keith, Seabrook, Saad, Ward. Big pile of steaming crap.

Keith can still be a top pairing D-men but he needs to change how he plays. Plenty of skill and speed in the tank but he can't play the rover type D-men who covers the entire ice. He just doesn't have the wheels anymore. It appears to me that he doesn't want to change how he plays.


The guy has the weirdest skating style. Very choppy and quick which let him do some amazing things but his feet have slowed down. I watched him in the Vegas game almost fall over trying to turn quickly to adjust.

I don't think Colliton has the chops or experience to sit Keith down and tell him to adjust his game.

Flyers put Dale Weise on waivers. Maybe the Hawks pick him up since Colliton might play him while Q didn't.

Speaking of dumb did you see Jake Gardiner and his lame attempt at battling for the puck? I have no idea how the Leafs expect to win with that defense and with Gardiner as one of their top defenders.

The problem with Gus, Gardiner, Leddy and guys of that ilk is you see so much raw talent, especially on the offensive side of the puck, you want to work with them to build a more complete game, trouble is they don't seem to be interested in putting in the hard work and collecting the bruises that go with it.
- paulr

He was also benched after that horrid display, but unlike the Hawks, the Leafs are supposed to go all the way, not with that d, not even close.

It was great to see him get that #100. Great milestone to hit and he certainly has had a great career as a whole. At times, Seabrook was in the shadow of his partner and didn't always get attention for what he brought to the Hawks. Clutch goal scoring (especially in OT), tough play in the corners, a lot of shot blocks, booming shot and ability to pinch into the slot at the right time and a leader to the team. When he was in his prime he was not elite at any one thing, but he was just really good at everything and super well rounded.
- breadbag

Well said. I especially remember his penalty box talk with Toews, basically telling him to get his head out of his ass, during the 4th game against the Wings in the western conference finals. Hawks were down 3 games to 1 in the series at that time. More fitting, he scored the OT winning goal in game 7.

Nice username! Strome has been real solid and he is 21. He is not the problem rather he is part of the solution.

The problem with this team is the veterans. Keith, Seabrook, Saad, Ward. Big pile of steaming crap.

Keith can still be a top pairing D-men but he needs to change how he plays. Plenty of skill and speed in the tank but he can't play the rover type D-men who covers the entire ice. He just doesn't have the wheels anymore. It appears to me that he doesn't want to change how he plays.


The guy has the weirdest skating style. Very choppy and quick which let him do some amazing things but his feet have slowed down. I watched him in the Vegas game almost fall over trying to turn quickly to adjust.

I don't think Colliton has the chops or experience to sit Keith down and tell him to adjust his game.
- bhawks2241

Strome has done well and sometimes it is hard to remember he is so young still. I hope the coaches can continue to help him improve because while he might not be "the problem" he has made some mistakes too. I can think of instances where he was simply out-skated on the back check, fumbled the play on the PP and killed the chance (specifically he did it a couple times on 5-3 recently) and he isn't perfect on his coverage IMO. Good young player that brings some real positives, but I think there is room to grow into a better player.

this team way be on its way to its 3rd 8 game losing streak and 4th since february last year...

again they started poorly with the majority of play in their zone the 1st five minutes; 4 grade A chances were stopped by ward...and had only 1 SOG the first 10 min

few goalies can the bail water fast enough with this sinking ship; neither ward nor post injury crow can do it;

this kid goalie delia has been able to do it while facing 40 shots a game, but my guess even he will give it up after facing this game after game...

Marketing should have ZERO input on the on ice product. None.
- tyweb69

Yeah - well - maybe so.

But you can be damn sure that on any team, any deal for the tesm’s star(s) - a Kane, Toews, Keith, Seabrook, Crawford - the front office will be brought in so they all understand the business implications of the proposal.

It is a business first and foremost.

Well said. I especially remember his penalty box talk with Toews, basically telling him to get his head out of his ass, during the 4th game against the Wings in the western conference finals. Hawks were down 3 games to 1 in the series at that time. More fitting, he scored the OT winning goal in game 7.
- boilermaker100

It is definitely a moment everyone will remember him for. I would always bet on Seabrook to be the one to come through with a timely OT goal.

Seabrook has 100 career regular season goals, 18 of those game winner and 7 of those are OT GWG. I think that says a lot when you look at the Hawks in general.

Toews has 11 OT goals, Hossa 8, Sharp had 8 and Kane has 7. No other dman was close on the Hawks, Keith has 2 OT goals in the regular season.

Seabs has another 20 goals in the playoffs, 3 of which were OT winners. Second only to Kane who has 5.

It is definitely a moment everyone will remember him for. I would always bet on Seabrook to be the one to come through with a timely OT goal.

Seabrook has 100 career regular season goals, 18 of those game winner and 7 of those are OT GWG. I think that says a lot when you look at the Hawks in general.

Toews has 11 OT goals, Hossa 8, Sharp had 8 and Kane has 7. No other dman was close on the Hawks, Keith has 2 OT goals in the regular season.

Seabs has another 20 goals in the playoffs, 3 of which were OT winners. Second only to Kane who has 5.
- breadbag

Here's the OT winner against Detroit. Oh for the good old days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1cVmhPlmBM

Here's the OT winner against Detroit. Oh for the good old days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1cVmhPlmBM
- boilermaker100

The Bolland hit gives me goosebumps every time

BREAKING from EK:

Flyers put Dale Weise on waivers...

This is interesting on some levels...word is the Flyers are working VERY hard to add a player or two as they remain more of a buyer than a seller...and I know a few of you out there aren't really in favor of the Flyers as buyers concept.

Strome has done well and sometimes it is hard to remember he is so young still. I hope the coaches can continue to help him improve because while he might not be "the problem" he has made some mistakes too. I can think of instances where he was simply out-skated on the back check, fumbled the play on the PP and killed the chance (specifically he did it a couple times on 5-3 recently) and he isn't perfect on his coverage IMO. Good young player that brings some real positives, but I think there is room to grow into a better player.
- breadbag

Yep agreed. All those mistakes are things a young player does. Hopefully with good coaching and experience those mistakes disappear and he develops into a really really good NHL center. 60-70pt type.

Best part about his game is he goes to the next and high danger areas regularly and you don't seem him getting knocked down often. He's a big kid who I don't think has fully physically matured yet.

On the Oilers...

The Oilers aren't being shy about the fact that they are looking to add a forward and a defender...Making the playoffs is VITAL for this team, and as bad as they have played the Oilers are tied in points with the Wild currently for the 8th seed. That feels almost impossible...Yesterday, on twitter, the Oilers rumors were flying and what happens? The Oilers put in 7 in a win against the Sabres...

Who are they looking at?

The short answer is "anyone and everyone" but talking to sources I would keep an eye within their own division...and Jakob Silfverberg. The Oilers are also talking to the NY Rangers about Kevin Hayes (although not certain Hitch is 100% on board) and The Oilers are also scouting the Leafs about...you guessed it...William Nylander...Talbot and 1st is the starting point...

The Oilers and Hitch DO LOVE Ferland in Carolina.

Here's the OT winner against Detroit. Oh for the good old days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1cVmhPlmBM
- boilermaker100

All the boys surrounding Seabs and he's screaming to the rafters, that's my favorite image.

The Bolland hit gives me goosebumps every time
- nickmo2699

Yes, and Bolland gets the Stanley Cup winning goal in the last minute of regulation against the Bruins in the finals that year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OInInvlgNa0

On the Oilers...

The Oilers aren't being shy about the fact that they are looking to add a forward and a defender...Making the playoffs is VITAL for this team, and as bad as they have played the Oilers are tied in points with the Wild currently for the 8th seed. That feels almost impossible...Yesterday, on twitter, the Oilers rumors were flying and what happens? The Oilers put in 7 in a win against the Sabres...

Who are they looking at?

The short answer is "anyone and everyone" but talking to sources I would keep an eye within their own division...and Jakob Silfverberg. The Oilers are also talking to the NY Rangers about Kevin Hayes (although not certain Hitch is 100% on board) and The Oilers are also scouting the Leafs about...you guessed it...William Nylander...Talbot and 1st is the starting point...

The Oilers and Hitch DO LOVE Ferland in Carolina.
- glennjpawlak22

Thanks, but we can read Ek's blog separately if we want to.

What's wrong with Marketing? The Blackhawks are afterall a business.
- paulr

Nothing is wrong with marketing, but if McD is involved in hockey decisions as is presumed by their comments that they make these personnel decisions collectively, there's the issue.
What is needed is a true hockey president of operations to take charge of ALL hockey decisions on player personnel.

Yes, and Bolland gets the Stanley Cup winning goal in the last minute of regulation against the Bruins in the finals that year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OInInvlgNa0
- boilermaker100

He might have been my favorite Hawk of all time!

He might have been my favorite Hawk of all time!
- nickmo2699

Yeah, remember those classic games Bolland played against Vancouver?

Flyers put Dale Weise on waivers. Maybe the Hawks pick him up since Colliton might play him while Q didn't.
- boilermaker100

They put him on waivers because Q is going to coach Philly and he did not want Weise on their roster when he took over. (Sarcasm)

As much as Gus needs to sit a game, as already suggested, they probably keep trotting him out because another team might need someone to man the point on the power play. It's why they might play Kunitz and Ward more often than they should, also. After last night's clunker, Ward might need a decent outing to even have a chance at being dealt to a contender in need of a backup, and one where he wouldn't waive. At this point, the goal is to trade assets that are not going to be part of the long term here. And that means we are going to see some lineups that would ordinarily cause us to scratch our heads and wonder WTF.

On the Oilers...

The Oilers aren't being shy about the fact that they are looking to add a forward and a defender...Making the playoffs is VITAL for this team, and as bad as they have played the Oilers are tied in points with the Wild currently for the 8th seed. That feels almost impossible...Yesterday, on twitter, the Oilers rumors were flying and what happens? The Oilers put in 7 in a win against the Sabres...

Who are they looking at?

The short answer is "anyone and everyone" but talking to sources I would keep an eye within their own division...and Jakob Silfverberg. The Oilers are also talking to the NY Rangers about Kevin Hayes (although not certain Hitch is 100% on board) and The Oilers are also scouting the Leafs about...you guessed it...William Nylander...Talbot and 1st is the starting point...

The Oilers and Hitch DO LOVE Ferland in Carolina.
- glennjpawlak22

Do you think they'd take Saad? What would be our price?