FRANK the Blows, Sharks, and especially the Bruins...

I'm going with the Canes!!!
- BGKarras

I wouldn't mind seeing Jumbo Joe and Pavelski get a cup.

And Patrick Marleau NOT getting one in Toronto.

But but Ryan Hartman had GRIT, Stan hates grit. (I think Stan hates stupid penalties and stupid play more, Nashville gave up on him in a year too.)
- LAHawk

Man did the poop ever hit the fan here when Hartman was traded. I never cared for his game. And I've soured on Hayden as well. I hope for his sake he can figure out how to be an NHL player but I don't think he has the skating ability or hockey smarts.

I agree that the team needs more puck separators, especially on the blueline but forwards as well. Not saying you said this but you don't need a big hit or a huge hulking body to separate the opponent from the puck. A bump of the puck handler at the right time can be just as effective.

There are different ways to create separation, including the vaunted stick checking method, and it's in the interest of the defenders to add as many of those tools in their arsenal that fit their overall playing style and physical attributes (or lack thereof) and learn when to use each tool.

As for Jokiharju in particular, IMO, he actually has shown the capacity to cause separation in ways other than delivering a hit or out-muscling the opponent. Definitely saw it in his Rockford games and saw a decent amount in his time in the NHL. He has the compete level and swagger to improve upon that and be an effective defender.

The other D prospects like Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, and Krys should learn from his example.
- AEL_Fox

Agreed on many ways to separate, but it seems that the approach of the current roster of D players is to focus on stick checking to the exclusion of any other approach. Whether that is coaching or incomplete tool boxes I'm not sure of.

But other teams know this, and as a result, they dump and chase on the Hawk D and pin them in the D zone for endless cycles, followed by absolutely no push back on players near the crease. Way too many SOG against and A+ chances are given up because of this. Likely made even worse by the man to man D scheme which exposes slower players like Seabrook and Dahlstrom even more.

The best fixes are to have a heavier forecheck and more tenacity in the neutral zone to keep the ice tilted the other way, as well as adding D players who can throw a body check or clear a guy from the crease once in a while.

I know how you feel, I always root for the underdog. The SJ-Stl series, I hate Stl more, but I hope they both find a way to lose. I'm pulling for the Canes to win it all.
- I Am The Breadman

I'm hoping that they can knock out the Bruins.
I'm conflicted I don't know who I hate more amongst the other 3 teams!

Go Canes!!!

BTW. Good Luck with your Finals..

Agreed on many ways to separate, but it seems that the approach of the current roster of D players is to focus on stick checking to the exclusion of any other approach. Whether that is coaching or incomplete tool boxes I'm not sure of.

But other teams know this, and as a result, they dump and chase on the Hawk D and pin them in the D zone for endless cycles, followed by absolutely no push back on players near the crease. Way too many SOG against and A+ chances are given up because of this. Likely made even worse by the man to man D scheme which exposes slower players like Seabrook and Dahlstrom even more.

The best fixes are to have a heavier forecheck and more tenacity in the neutral zone to keep the ice tilted the other way, as well as adding D players who can throw a body check or clear a guy from the crease once in a while.
- Return of the Roar

It would be nice to see the forwards do their job defensively and not hang the defense out to dry too.

I wouldn't mind seeing Jumbo Joe and Pavelski get a cup.

And Patrick Marleau NOT getting one in Toronto.
- LAHawk

I would rather have Justin Williams win it again then any of those Bums...

I'm hoping that they can knock out the Bruins.
I'm conflicted I don't know who I hate more amongst the other 3 teams!

Go Canes!!!

BTW. Good Luck with your Finals..
- BGKarras

Thank you.

I hate St. Louis, I just always will. I don't care if they aren't as big of ass hats anymore, I just can't root for them.

I hate the Bruins. Pasta & Bergeron are both very good players, but I despise Backes & Marchand. I like that Nordstrom is finding success there.

I'm meh when it comes to the Sharks. I really like Pavelski & Couture & Vlasic is just a great d man. I just don't care for Thornton.

Man did the poop ever hit the fan here when Hartman was traded. I never cared for his game. And I've soured on Hayden as well. I hope for his sake he can figure out how to be an NHL player but I don't think he has the skating ability or hockey smarts.
- paulr

Me too. I hope I am wrong, but I don't see him as a regular NHLer.

I hope the Hawks are smart with their money in FA and don't overpay for anyone. I'd love to see The Breadman brought back in, but unless he takes a serious discount and the Hawks can move AA out of town (which I would assume would deter Panarin from resigning since they're buddies) I have a hard time seeing it happen.

I'm sure as you guys have discussed names left n right for the past few months while I've been gone, but I'm hoping that the Hawks go for Chiarot and Tanev in FA. Both players have impressed me with their play. I think Chiarot is the type of guy this defense needs without overpaying. If the plan is to have Keith-Gus, and Murph-Seabrook together he could be a good fit with Joki. Tanev I think could have a similar affect to the team that Drake did once he came over being able to play up and down the lineup. I don't think either player should cost you more than around 3M per. Which in theory still gives the Hawks around 12M to play with which could be used for a 3C replacement for AA if/when he gets moved out (Ryan Dzingel anyone? might be able to get him on the cheap after a down end to the season since getting traded) and/or putting some money aside for a Cat and/or Strome extension as well while leaving some money for the team to spend at the Deadline as well.

Gonna be an interesting offseason to say the least. Hawks have a REAL shot at putting a deep team around The Core for one more last push to win a Cup with everyone before Crow, Keith, Seabrook, etc. are too far gone. I just don't wanna see them overpay for ANY FA that in a year or two we're stuck with and yelling at Bowman for overpaying for.

It would be nice to see the forwards do their job defensively and not hang the defense out to dry too.
- paulr

This is where talk of John Madden coming back as an assistant coach might be just what the team needs.

Really want to see Carolina win it all, but a Boston/St. Louis Cup Final would be a total bar fight, last man standing kind of series.

Man did the poop ever hit the fan here when Hartman was traded. I never cared for his game. And I've soured on Hayden as well. I hope for his sake he can figure out how to be an NHL player but I don't think he has the skating ability or hockey smarts.
- paulr

The only reasons Hayden is in the NHL is because he plays for a non-playoff team and has some size that allows him to be somewhat physical which he demonstrates from time to time. Very limited offensive ability. He is an AHL'er.

The only reasons Hayden is in the NHL is because he plays for a non-playoff team and has some size that allows him to be somewhat physical which he demonstrates from time to time. Very limited offensive ability. He is an AHL'er.
- RickJ

I'm hoping Entwhistle can play that heavy game for the Hawks if he's able to make the team. In junior he isn't a banger in the Tom Wilson mode but he can and will play in the tough areas, he's a decent skater but most importantly he thinks the game well.

The trend continues in round 2, with the hottest teams down the stretch continuing on. Points % in the standings from Feb 1 until the end of the season...

Carolina 4th def NYI 7th
Boston 3rd def CBJ 9th
St Louis 2nd def Dallas 10th
San Jose 11th def Colorado 13th

I hope the Hawks are smart with their money in FA and don't overpay for anyone. I'd love to see The Breadman brought back in, but unless he takes a serious discount and the Hawks can move AA out of town (which I would assume would deter Panarin from resigning since they're buddies) I have a hard time seeing it happen.

I'm sure as you guys have discussed names left n right for the past few months while I've been gone, but I'm hoping that the Hawks go for Chiarot and Tanev in FA. Both players have impressed me with their play. I think Chiarot is the type of guy this defense needs without overpaying. If the plan is to have Keith-Gus, and Murph-Seabrook together he could be a good fit with Joki. Tanev I think could have a similar affect to the team that Drake did once he came over being able to play up and down the lineup. I don't think either player should cost you more than around 3M per. Which in theory still gives the Hawks around 12M to play with which could be used for a 3C replacement for AA if/when he gets moved out (Ryan Dzingel anyone? might be able to get him on the cheap after a down end to the season since getting traded) and/or putting some money aside for a Cat and/or Strome extension as well while leaving some money for the team to spend at the Deadline as well.

Gonna be an interesting offseason to say the least. Hawks have a REAL shot at putting a deep team around The Core for one more last push to win a Cup with everyone before Crow, Keith, Seabrook, etc. are too far gone. I just don't wanna see them overpay for ANY FA that in a year or two we're stuck with and yelling at Bowman for overpaying for.
- Savetheembers33

Agreed. The Hawks need to focus on filling the holes within their roster and not making big splashed in the UFA market. Defensive forwards and improved depth on defensive (with defensive defensemen) should be the priority. Offense was not an issue.

Agreed. The Hawks need to focus on filling the holes within their roster and not making big splashed in the UFA market. Defensive forwards and improved depth on defensive (with defensive defensemen) should be the priority. Offense was not an issue.
- DarthKane

110% smart system fit guys who they can plug in and play their role to free up guys to make plays. Idc who they sign as long as they don't overpay and the guys who can come in can play solid defense and lead by example.

Panarin would be amazing to have back in a Hawks sweater next to Kane again (with Toews in between them too with Strome and Cat on the 2nd line...whew) and is the type of PR splash that McD likes to make but it doesn't address the teams biggest needs which is defensive help. Improve that with the scoring they showed and a little added depth and that could be the difference between being on the outside looking in or competing for another Cup.

FRANK the Blows, Sharks, and especially the Bruins...

I'm going with the Canes!!!
- BGKarras

Canes !! Yes ! Just anyone but the Bruins.

I ever tell ya how much I despise the Bruins?

I hope the Hawks are smart with their money in FA and don't overpay for anyone. I'd love to see The Breadman brought back in, but unless he takes a serious discount and the Hawks can move AA out of town (which I would assume would deter Panarin from resigning since they're buddies) I have a hard time seeing it happen.

I'm sure as you guys have discussed names left n right for the past few months while I've been gone, but I'm hoping that the Hawks go for Chiarot and Tanev in FA. Both players have impressed me with their play. I think Chiarot is the type of guy this defense needs without overpaying. If the plan is to have Keith-Gus, and Murph-Seabrook together he could be a good fit with Joki. Tanev I think could have a similar affect to the team that Drake did once he came over being able to play up and down the lineup. I don't think either player should cost you more than around 3M per. Which in theory still gives the Hawks around 12M to play with which could be used for a 3C replacement for AA if/when he gets moved out (Ryan Dzingel anyone? might be able to get him on the cheap after a down end to the season since getting traded) and/or putting some money aside for a Cat and/or Strome extension as well while leaving some money for the team to spend at the Deadline as well.

Gonna be an interesting offseason to say the least. Hawks have a REAL shot at putting a deep team around The Core for one more last push to win a Cup with everyone before Crow, Keith, Seabrook, etc. are too far gone. I just don't wanna see them overpay for ANY FA that in a year or two we're stuck with and yelling at Bowman for overpaying for.
- Savetheembers33

Welcome back! Haven’t seen you around these parts in a while.

Great post btw. Agree with what you shared.

Agreed on many ways to separate, but it seems that the approach of the current roster of D players is to focus on stick checking to the exclusion of any other approach. Whether that is coaching or incomplete tool boxes I'm not sure of.

But other teams know this, and as a result, they dump and chase on the Hawk D and pin them in the D zone for endless cycles, followed by absolutely no push back on players near the crease. Way too many SOG against and A+ chances are given up because of this. Likely made even worse by the man to man D scheme which exposes slower players like Seabrook and Dahlstrom even more.

The best fixes are to have a heavier forecheck and more tenacity in the neutral zone to keep the ice tilted the other way, as well as adding D players who can throw a body check or clear a guy from the crease once in a while.
- Return of the Roar

No argument here. Nice post.

Welcome back! Haven’t seen you around these parts in a while.

Great post btw. Agree with what you shared.
- AEL_Fox

Haha thanks man I appreciate it. Had to take a break for a bit with work picking up tremendously for me (usually am on here while at work ). Plus I needed to take a step away from the Hawks rollercoaster ride we've been on all year lol

Things are kinda trending how I expected them to for the team I have to say. I said like two years ago that I thought that 17-18 would be a rebuilding year and 18-19 the team would make some strides and be closer to be competing, but that 19-20 would be the year that the Hawks go for their last "hoorah" with the remaining Core players.

I just wanna walk away from this offseason feeling like the Hawks addressed their biggest needs (DEFENSE up front and on the backend) without overpaying for anyone or trading any assets that appears to be an overpay and be able to go into Training Camp with JC so that they can all be on the same page from the get go and see how this team can respond. Should be a fun summer and year for the team

Canes !! Yes ! Just anyone but the Bruins.

I ever tell ya how much I despise the Bruins?
- BobP.

No but I'm guessing that our feelings towards them are mutual my friend!

Haha thanks man I appreciate it. Had to take a break for a bit with work picking up tremendously for me (usually am on here while at work ). Plus I needed to take a step away from the Hawks rollercoaster ride we've been on all year lol

Things are kinda trending how I expected them to for the team I have to say. I said like two years ago that I thought that 17-18 would be a rebuilding year and 18-19 the team would make some strides and be closer to be competing, but that 19-20 would be the year that the Hawks go for their last "hoorah" with the remaining Core players.

I just wanna walk away from this offseason feeling like the Hawks addressed their biggest needs (DEFENSE up front and on the backend) without overpaying for anyone or trading any assets that appears to be an overpay and be able to go into Training Camp with JC so that they can all be on the same page from the get go and see how this team can respond. Should be a fun summer and year for the team
- Savetheembers33

Will be interesting to see how Stan navigates this offseason without Q as the coach. We know Q trusted his veterans and certain players that played for him before, and I think Stan tried to appease Q as best he could. I also think this is a pivotal year for Stan in upper management's eyes to see if he will be part of the solution going forward.

Will be interesting to see how Stan navigates this offseason without Q as the coach. We know Q trusted his veterans and certain players that played for him before, and I think Stan tried to appease Q as best he could. I also think this is a pivotal year for Stan in upper management's eyes to see if he will be part of the solution going forward.
- LAHawk

Stan was way better after Q was gone:
Strome and perlini for a guy that needed to get paid next year so he got better players and cap space.
Manning for Cagg. again got the better player and cap space.
Koek for Rutta. got the same player for cap space. I actually think Koek looked good and would be fine giving him a 3 year deal at league min. if he turns out to be OK you have a cheap bottom pairing guy.

Bowen played Tues and Wed. anybody have a site with comments about how he looked? Some Canadian somewhere wateched the games?

I hope the Hawks are smart with their money in FA and don't overpay for anyone. I'd love to see The Breadman brought back in, but unless he takes a serious discount and the Hawks can move AA out of town (which I would assume would deter Panarin from resigning since they're buddies) I have a hard time seeing it happen.

I'm sure as you guys have discussed names left n right for the past few months while I've been gone, but I'm hoping that the Hawks go for Chiarot and Tanev in FA. Both players have impressed me with their play. I think Chiarot is the type of guy this defense needs without overpaying. If the plan is to have Keith-Gus, and Murph-Seabrook together he could be a good fit with Joki. Tanev I think could have a similar affect to the team that Drake did once he came over being able to play up and down the lineup. I don't think either player should cost you more than around 3M per. Which in theory still gives the Hawks around 12M to play with which could be used for a 3C replacement for AA if/when he gets moved out (Ryan Dzingel anyone? might be able to get him on the cheap after a down end to the season since getting traded) and/or putting some money aside for a Cat and/or Strome extension as well while leaving some money for the team to spend at the Deadline as well.

Gonna be an interesting offseason to say the least. Hawks have a REAL shot at putting a deep team around The Core for one more last push to win a Cup with everyone before Crow, Keith, Seabrook, etc. are too far gone. I just don't wanna see them overpay for ANY FA that in a year or two we're stuck with and yelling at Bowman for overpaying for.
- Savetheembers33

Agree with you. Don't think Panarin will be back. He'll go to greener pastures. I like the Tanev, Chiarot additions too. Unassuming Kabulik can play a strong 2 way game and if signed on an ELC the bottom 6 and top 4 D would've improved. All three would cost only about $7M.

Entwistle, a strong 2 way center/wing, and
Cozens/Dach/Turcotte at center, and Hagel and Kurashev at wing in a couple of years. The future looks bright.

But but Ryan Hartman had GRIT, Stan hates grit. (I think Stan hates stupid penalties and stupid play more, Nashville gave up on him in a year too.)
- LAHawk

Yep. Grit, toughness, feistiness, physicality, high motor, playing with an edge and on the edge are great attributes. But they are just one component. Those attributes are not necessarily related to size. Other components like decision making and hockey IQ are also important factors. We loved those attributes in Bolland and Shaw. Bolland/Shaw are both about 180lbs and 5'11"+/-. (However bigger players may turn out to be more durable.) Hartman could have value if he matured into a Shaw or Bolland type. He has the physical tools.

The Hawks need to get tougher to play against. Part of that is acquiring the Bolland and Shaw type of players. Part of it is having the players we have on the roster (from top to bottom) choose to play a grittier game. Size should not be an excuse for playing like a Pillsbury Doughboy.