Anyone who won't block a shot, any center who won't help clear the slot or crease, any forward who won't make enough effort to win 50/50 pucks in any zone would be a forward who isn't good defensively.

I'm going to go with precious few guys meet these standards.
- Return of the Roar

Amen, although they spend most of the time in their zone chasing around, so they aren't really in position to do many of those things. I actually thought that the D-men had a pretty good game yesterday (Seabrook in particular - he was shutting down plays and moving guys quite a bit).

It sounds like a "no s%&$" statement, but they really are playing simply to outscore the other team, as opposed to trying to keep the other team from scoring.

If JJ gave him crap it was deserved, after all look how many rumours JJ posted that materialized, look at all the players who put on that magic 20 lbs, he was right that Kane would be traded cuz he hurt the brand and ADB does suck!
- paulr

Yes he had his opinions and stuck to them like many of us do. I didn't agree with all of them either. I guess i don't understand the anger so many bloggers have with him.

A lot of posters wanting to trade for Josh Manson, did he even play last night? Actually this is how he has played all year, the Ducks are very disappointed in his play.
- LAHawk

I am one of those guys, would like to see him in a hawk uniform. I don’t think he is a slug I think this year is a bad year for him because he has a bad coaching staff there. I think the kid would actually do well here under this environment. He all of a sudden did not forget how to play hockey. And yes he does bring that element also. It’s like anything else we could all armchair everything . If Bob Murray does not want to trade him Then it is a moot point. But Bob Murray is an un guided missile these days. So he may be one of those guys that you can catch in an unsuspecting moment it may give you a kid like this. Just my opinion

Amen, although they spend most of the time in their zone chasing around, so they aren't really in position to do many of those things. I actually thought that the D-men had a pretty good game yesterday (Seabrook in particular - he was shutting down plays and moving guys quite a bit).

It sounds like a "no s%&$" statement, but they really are playing simply to outscore the other team, as opposed to trying to keep the other team from scoring.
- Chunk

Exactly. And that style of play is a 4-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Let's be honest - this team is exactly where they were at this time last year, scoring more goals, but playing essentially zero defense.

They aren't better. There are areas of the roster and their game that are better, but those gains are offset by the deficiencies those changes and that effort cause elsewhere.

Until they get significant cap relief and young NHL level ELC talent, it's a zero sum game.

Yes he had his opinions and stuck to them like many of us do. I didn't agree with all of them either. I guess i don't understand the anger so many bloggers have with him.
- BetweenTheDots

He treated his customers like dirt. He didn't just disagree, he ridiculed. And used his position to threaten the posting status of those who disagreed with him. Add to that the appearance that he made up rumours. Other than that, he was a gem.

Amen, although they spend most of the time in their zone chasing around, so they aren't really in position to do many of those things. I actually thought that the D-men had a pretty good game yesterday (Seabrook in particular - he was shutting down plays and moving guys quite a bit).

It sounds like a "no s%&$" statement, but they really are playing simply to outscore the other team, as opposed to trying to keep the other team from scoring.
- Chunk

Seabrook looked better because they played a team that finally has a bunch of guys who are comparable or slower than him.

Seabrook looked better because they played a team that finally has a bunch of guys who are comparable or slower than him.
- TheTrob

Truth to that, but I really do think if they went back to a traditional floating box zone, slower guys would add more value.

Ward or Delia in nets last night the Ducks would have scored 5. Yeah, he made 2 mistakes in his first game back, but his angles were good, and he was square to the shooter most times.
- TheTrob

The difference hat makes CC "elite" is not the gaffes or bad goals (which every goalie gives up), but when he gives them up and when he makes the big stops. The Hawks had another bad start, and if CC doesn't come up with some big stops, the first period does not end 0-0. Also his big saves at the end of the game, gave the Hawks a chance to tie and win in the last 5 minutes.

The difference hat makes CC "elite" is not the gaffes or bad goals (which every goalie gives up), but when he gives them up and when he makes the big stops. The Hawks had another bad start, and if CC doesn't come up with some big stops, the first period does not end 0-0. Also his big saves at the end of the game, gave the Hawks a chance to tie and win in the last 5 minutes.
- LAHawk

Yes, the book on CC is that he is a 2.00 GAA guy pretty darned consistently, with the ability to shut teams out every now and then, and have more 1 GA games than 3+ GA games.

His consistency made the need from the offense each night much more predictable.

Now that the D is what it is - the Benny Hill Show on ice - no goalie can night after night bail out this team.

I am one of those guys, would like to see him in a hawk uniform. I don’t think he is a slug I think this year is a bad year for him because he has a bad coaching staff there. I think the kid would actually do well here under this environment. He all of a sudden did not forget how to play hockey. And yes he does bring that element also. It’s like anything else we could all armchair everything . If Bob Murray does not want to trade him Then it is a moot point. But Bob Murray is an un guided missile these days. So he may be one of those guys that you can catch in an unsuspecting moment it may give you a kid like this. Just my opinion
- wonthecup10

Not at $4.1 m AAV for the next 3 years and a modified NTC.

He treated his customers like dirt. He didn't just disagree, he ridiculed. And used his position to threaten the posting status of those who disagreed with him. Add to that the appearance that he made up rumours. Other than that, he was a gem.
- mohel

Hmmm so you are going to honor him by continually bringing him up? Hope that works out for you guys.

Not at $4.1 m AAV for the next 3 years and a modified NTC.
- LAHawk

Connor Murphy like stats at about Connor Murphy like price tag with roughly Connor Murphy upside.

Coin toss.

Question is if Manson has more upside.

I was three rows away form the Caggiula hit last night. Fortunately, most of the Anaheim fans were smart enough to know that was a brutal hit and they all expected Rackell to get tossed.

Corey looked really strong last night (admittedly with a couple mental gaffes). I still think he can be an asset, but Sikura did not have a good game last night. If Perlini could just take a few pointers from Drake, he would be a much better player. Oh well, on to the next one.
- Chunk

I hope Caggiula isn't out long term for his sake. Likable guy based on how he plays hard every shift so far. Perlini I'm just not sure where his head is at, but maybe Chicago just isn't going to be the place for him so succeed. Not sure.

Exactly. And that style of play is a 4-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Let's be honest - this team is exactly where they were at this time last year, scoring more goals, but playing essentially zero defense.

They aren't better. There are areas of the roster and their game that are better, but those gains are offset by the deficiencies those changes and that effort cause elsewhere.

Until they get significant cap relief and young NHL level ELC talent, it's a zero sum game.
- Return of the Roar

I won't deny that at all. I think that they gave it the first month or so after the coaching switch and just said F it, let's be really good at one thing because force feeding everything at once is getting us pounded. Just my perspective.

Hmmm so you are going to honor him by continually bringing him up? Hope that works out for you guys.
- BetweenTheDots

No honour for the hounorless. There are allot of inside jokes and situations a number of posters still get a laugh about. So it does work for us guys.

Ward or Delia in nets last night the Ducks would have scored 5. Yeah, he made 2 mistakes in his first game back, but his angles were good, and he was square to the shooter most times.
- TheTrob

I felt the same way. When the Ducks had chances, he was in position well and seemed to be reading the play really well. Mistakes happen, but Crawford seems to have the better anticipation than Ward/Delia. Hawks have a long climb if they really want to get back in it, but I think Crawford is the one who gives them the best chance.

Anaheim's Troy Terry:

“You see that guy (Kane) and he’s got the puck in the slot with 16 seconds left and it’s almost like he’s summer skating,” Terry said. “He knows what he’s going to do and he’s so calm. Playing in the NHL comes with a lot of pressure, especially if you’re a big-time guy like that.

“Just to see how he handles it is something to take away from it.”

Anaheim's Troy Terry:

“You see that guy (Kane) and he’s got the puck in the slot with 16 seconds left and it’s almost like he’s summer skating,” Terry said. “He knows what he’s going to do and he’s so calm. Playing in the NHL comes with a lot of pressure, especially if you’re a big-time guy like that.

“Just to see how he handles it is something to take away from it.”
- LAHawk

Great quote. Kane picked a good time to find the back of the net and his experience is showing more and more this year.

Connor Murphy like stats at about Connor Murphy like price tag with roughly Connor Murphy upside.

Coin toss.

Question is if Manson has more upside.
- Return of the Roar

Murphy did his best Seab imitation - falling twice on same shift - anyone notice that

Connor Murphy like stats at about Connor Murphy like price tag with roughly Connor Murphy upside.

Coin toss.

Question is if Manson has more upside.
- Return of the Roar

Let's consider Keith, Seabrook and Joki as locks for next year (for various/obvious reasons). Are ANY of the remaining players currently on this team worth keeping, or do you simply cut bait on all of them and try to start over?

Exactly. And that style of play is a 4-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Let's be honest - this team is exactly where they were at this time last year, scoring more goals, but playing essentially zero defense.

They aren't better. There are areas of the roster and their game that are better, but those gains are offset by the deficiencies those changes and that effort cause elsewhere.

Until they get significant cap relief and young NHL level ELC talent, it's a zero sum game.
- Return of the Roar

It definitely is clear as day that team defense is the glaring weakness and issue that needs to be addressed. There are other weaknesses here and there. But what the team is much better at, win or lose, is competing.

They fight back not only on the scoreboard but are starting to show more and more push back physically and playing for one another. Could always do more on all accounts but they have grown substantially since the fall as far as compete level.

Exactly. And that style of play is a 4-0 blowout in the playoffs.

Let's be honest - this team is exactly where they were at this time last year, scoring more goals, but playing essentially zero defense.

They aren't better. There are areas of the roster and their game that are better, but those gains are offset by the deficiencies those changes and that effort cause elsewhere.

Until they get significant cap relief and young NHL level ELC talent, it's a zero sum game.
- Return of the Roar

I think you could make the argument they are playing better right now than they were in 2018. This team had a decent start to last season and things spiraled and when the new year came around the team was just mailing it in and going down the tubes.

The last couple months have been better than any point from Nov 2017 until early December 2018.

The point totals in the standing might be the same, but the direction the team is heading is vastly different compared to last year. They do have talent on ELC and probably a few more parts on the way for the blueline, but they need to stick with the process, unless we want to wait years for them to compete again.

Murphy did his best Seab imitation - falling twice on same shift - anyone notice that
- glennjpawlak22

Dahlstrom did the banana peel routine a few times as well (a couple behind the play). I've noticed Gus falling along the boards a couple times in the last few games as well especially when he is trying to keep a puck in. Could just be coincidence, but it stands out.

I'm sure others have asked the same, but I would love to hear Q's honest opinion on how the team is currently playing. I'm sure he would say (like all of us) that the D is atrocious, but I'd like to hear his thoughts on the new guys and the goals they are putting up.

Let's consider Keith, Seabrook and Joki as locks for next year (for various/obvious reasons). Are ANY of the remaining players currently on this team worth keeping, or do you simply cut bait on all of them and try to start over?
- Chunk

For $1.2 you gotta keep Gus, he probably end up being TDL fodder, Koekkeck I would sign to a contract amount that could be buried (doubt he would get anymore elsewhere), Murphy cause I think he is serviceable, rest could and should probably be launched.

Let's consider Keith, Seabrook and Joki as locks for next year (for various/obvious reasons). Are ANY of the remaining players currently on this team worth keeping, or do you simply cut bait on all of them and try to start over?
- Chunk

If you have a chance to upgrade any of the D without selling off futures, or at least prospects with high potential and 1st/2nd round draft picks, then by all means go for it. Cap compliance is key as well, of course.

Hawks ideally need 2 solid defenders who are reliable and consistent in their own end, but realistically they may be able to acquire only one. If that is the case, try for a top 4 talent with the possible other acquisition as a 3rd pair type.

Besides Keith, Seabrook, and Jokiharju, I assume Gustafsson is a lock and wouldn't be moved until next year's TDL.

Keith - Jokiharju
LD - RD
Gustafsson - Seabrook

2nd pair seems to be the one to fill. My guess is Murphy is one of them which is fine if another top 4 can be acquired to be his partner.

7th man between Koekkoek, Dahlstrom, and Forsling. Leaning towards Koekkoek at the moment.