I know everyone loves the higher intensity of the playoffs (and I do as well), but in my opinion the actual hockey in this series is kinda crap. So much interference, clutching and grabbing, and the dirty stuff that doesn't get called. I'm not trying to be a purist, but the league does all this work to make the regular season more exciting with high paced and skilled hockey, and as soon as the playoffs hit, they let all the crap that people complained about back in.

Sorry for being whiny on a Friday, but it's just irritating.
- Chunk

I'm with you 100%. For me, hockey is the best game because of the speed, artistry, creativity that gets folded into the physical aspects of the game. When the speed, artistry and creativity is reduced by the clutch and grab uncalled penalties in the playoffs it reduces the elements that make the game great. I appreciate the game has evolved from what it used to be but it needs to do a better job of enforcing the rules in the playoffs. The argument that the league doesn't want the game to be a constant march to the penalty box is nonsense because the players would adjust and after a short period of penalty box parade it would be fine.

This is exactly why Tampa is golfing right now. Sorry Darth, but this is exactly why Caufield WILL NOT be drafted #3.
- powerenforcer

Or ... the NHL could call enforce the freaking rules and the fans would get to see exciting and skilled hockey instead of the muggings we're subjected to in the playoffs.

Or ... the NHL could call enforce the freaking rules and the fans would get to see exciting and skilled hockey instead of the muggings we're subjected to in the playoffs.
- EbonyRaptor

Never going to happen...

Or ... the NHL could call enforce the freaking rules and the fans would get to see exciting and skilled hockey instead of the muggings we're subjected to in the playoffs.
- EbonyRaptor

Only 2 games left and the Hawks can get after it for the off season. Cannot wait for the draft.

BlackhawkUp.com has a summary of the Blackhawks coaching staff for 2019-20 and according to a website they referenced called BehindtheBenches.com, the coaches have these assignments:

Brookbank = defense, PK
Mitell = defense, player development
Crawford = special teams

Not sure how reputable that website is and a lot of the articles by BlackhawkUp aren't that earth shattering or insightful, so take this info FWIW.

BlackhawkUp.com has a summary of the Blackhawks coaching staff for 2019-20 and according to a website they referenced called BehindtheBenches.com, the coaches have these assignments:

Brookbank = defense, PK
Mitell = defense, player development
Crawford = special teams

Not sure how reputable that website is and a lot of the articles by BlackhawkUp aren't that earth shattering or insightful, so take this info FWIW.
- AEL_Fox

Not questioning you (the messenger), but isn't PK considered special teams? Or should we read that as PP/goalie pulled/ OT3v3?

BlackhawkUp.com has a summary of the Blackhawks coaching staff for 2019-20 and according to a website they referenced called BehindtheBenches.com, the coaches have these assignments:

Brookbank = defense, PK
Mitell = defense, player development
Crawford = special teams

Not sure how reputable that website is and a lot of the articles by BlackhawkUp aren't that earth shattering or insightful, so take this info FWIW.
- AEL_Fox

Well at least they are concentrating on the biggest weakness.

I haven't followed Crawford all that much outside of looking at his record and reading articles about how he liked higher aggression style of play. Does anyone have any insight about Crawford's concepts (and how productive they were)? He was very successful a while back, but less so recently. I'm just trying to get an idea of what he brings to the table.

Not questioning you (the messenger), but isn't PK considered special teams? Or should we read that as PP/goalie pulled/ OT3v3?
- powerenforcer

With as bad as the PK was last year, they should be putting as many guys on it as possible!

Not questioning you (the messenger), but isn't PK considered special teams? Or should we read that as PP/goalie pulled/ OT3v3?
- powerenforcer

Yeah, that's confusing. Maybe shared duties? Or just a crappy website?

The latest HB Hotstove asks which FA D-man should be avoided. Everyone says Myers by a mile, so I have a follow up:

For the same money (since apparently that is what Myers is expected to make?), would you rather have Myers or Seabrook?

Yeah, that's confusing. Maybe shared duties? Or just a crappy website?
- AEL_Fox

They kind of allude to that on the Hawks website. From Bob Verdi:

Colliton and Crawford met for the first time a couple weeks ago, and a bond was instant. They finished each other's sentences. Crawford hasn't abandoned thoughts of again being a head coach, but with the Blackhawks he says his task is to be a "major sounding board." It is possible he will work with Sheldon Brookbank on the penalty kill, but nothing is for sure. Colliton has also added Tomas Mitell to the think tank.
"I don't want to sound spiritual, but I am going there to serve," said Crawford. "To help Jeremy's learning curve, to ease his adjustment. I mentioned relationships before, talking about Troy. That's what it's about now. Players now have interaction with more specialists. Strength, mental, nutrition, conditioning. They are more able to take charge of their own development, but they still want input, direction. As an assistant, which I really look forward to, maybe I can be a little closer to players than as a head coach. It used to be if the coach didn't talk to you, that was a good thing. No more."

It starts out reading a bit like a romantic comedy, but overall it sounds fine. Again, the more help on the defense and PK the better.

They kind of allude to that on the Hawks website. From Bob Verdi:

Colliton and Crawford met for the first time a couple weeks ago, and a bond was instant. They finished each other's sentences. Crawford hasn't abandoned thoughts of again being a head coach, but with the Blackhawks he says his task is to be a "major sounding board." It is possible he will work with Sheldon Brookbank on the penalty kill, but nothing is for sure. Colliton has also added Tomas Mitell to the think tank.
"I don't want to sound spiritual, but I am going there to serve," said Crawford. "To help Jeremy's learning curve, to ease his adjustment. I mentioned relationships before, talking about Troy. That's what it's about now. Players now have interaction with more specialists. Strength, mental, nutrition, conditioning. They are more able to take charge of their own development, but they still want input, direction. As an assistant, which I really look forward to, maybe I can be a little closer to players than as a head coach. It used to be if the coach didn't talk to you, that was a good thing. No more."

It starts out reading a bit like a romantic comedy, but overall it sounds fine. Again, the more help on the defense and PK the better.
- Chunk

Thanks for sharing that excerpt. Helpful to get a grasp on the direction of the coaching staff. For now, count me in the camp who has been fine with the assistant selections and look forward to what they can collectively do to build and inspire a competitive club.

Thanks for sharing that excerpt. Helpful to get a grasp on the direction of the coaching staff. For now, count me in the camp who has been fine with the assistant selections and look forward to what they can collectively do to build and inspire a competitive club.
- AEL_Fox

I am in agreement, but I would also like to add it will be great that they get a training camp to work on their systems. I bet things will look better because of it.

Powers:

The Blackhawks held their own draft combine in Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday. I heard it wasn’t a big group. I don’t know a lot of specific names. Alexei Protas, a 6-foot-5 center, attended the camp. He played in the WHL this past season and was especially impressive in the playoffs, posting 22 points in 23 playoff games. The Blackhawks have previously drafted players they’ve invited to Chicago. Unlike the NHL draft combine, players get on the ice for the Blackhawks.

I am in agreement, but I would also like to add it will be great that they get a training camp to work on their systems. I bet things will look better because of it.
- powerenforcer

I've been preaching the same for a while PE. I will continue with my "cautiously optimistic" approach for the foreseeable future.

That Boston draft, is why everyone wanting extra first rounders instead of proven players are wrong.

Draft is a crap shoot, although who was their GM then

Vince Dunn would of been nice to have in the fold over Graham Friggin Knott.

Powers:

The Blackhawks held their own draft combine in Chicago on Tuesday and Wednesday. I heard it wasn’t a big group. I don’t know a lot of specific names. Alexei Protas, a 6-foot-5 center, attended the camp. He played in the WHL this past season and was especially impressive in the playoffs, posting 22 points in 23 playoff games. The Blackhawks have previously drafted players they’ve invited to Chicago. Unlike the NHL draft combine, players get on the ice for the Blackhawks.
- walleyeb1

We also had trade discussions with the CBJ for Ryan Murray.

We also had trade discussions with the CBJ for Ryan Murray.
- gifman

I read that too. He's be good for the right price and CBJ would be hungry for draft picks. My only concern with him would be his history of injuries.

I read that too. He's be good for the right price and CBJ would be hungry for draft picks. My only concern with him would be his history of injuries.
- DarthKane

Pursuing Murray begs the question of who will be shipped out, and when.

I read that too. He's be good for the right price and CBJ would be hungry for draft picks. My only concern with him would be his history of injuries.
- DarthKane

According to that app they use to estimate what a player should sign for - Murray is $4.1M for 3 years. I don't know if the app considers games missed due to injuries but Murray has missed a lot of games and should be a factor in what he gets for his next contract.

I read that too. He's be good for the right price and CBJ would be hungry for draft picks. My only concern with him would be his history of injuries.
- DarthKane

Murray i thought was playing ok which when there is nothing bad to note, then supposedly he had been ok. He was on the third pair. Of course Werenski and Seth Jones will eat a lot of TOI. Murray most likely could handle a. #2 pair role. I read an article within last two years saying that he was ok being on a third pair and he was nit about to rock the biat over it. But first he just has to play, shake off the rust. The former #2 overall his draft year, was out injured since mid February.

He is a two way solid defender skates well not great. Uncertain his willingness checking and what if any impact injuries have or could have upon performance. I feel it is just staying healthy and that is really about all there is to it. He could be a steal.

Pursuing Murray begs the question of who will be shipped out, and when.
- Chunk

Good point. I am guessing some dmen need to show more consistency. A new system makes it especuially challenging. I do strongly believe, however, that players will be held accountable. It will be Colliton expecting effort and strong attempt to play the style he teaches.

Furthermore, he will not hesitate to sit players and he will probably talk on the side to a Kane if there is any problem there

Look he has brought in his coaches and he has a big fan and support with M Crawford. There will be some learning and continual refreshing for this new way.

But do not discount or expect a short leash from Bowman. Colliton is a bright guy, he has good rapport with players and his coaching record/history is not going to mean diddly. So bring.that up and you will find that concern will not touch Colliton.

Bowman hire = he is all in on Colliton.

Pursuing Murray begs the question of who will be shipped out, and when.
- Chunk

I've been a believer that Koekkoek, Forsling and Dahlstrom should all not be on the roster next season. At most one of them should be the #7. Dahlstrom can be reassigned to Rockford without waivers if needed, then Stan would just need to worry about the other two.

Keith - Jokiharju
Murray - Gustafsson
Murphy - Seabrook
Forsling or Koekoek

I've been a believer that Koekkoek, Forsling and Dahlstrom should all not be on the roster next season. At most one of them should be the #7. Dahlstrom can be reassigned to Rockford without waivers if needed, then Stan would just need to worry about the other two.

Keith - Jokiharju
Murray - Gustafsson
Murphy - Seabrook
Forsling or Koekoek
- DarthKane

Fixed ...

Keith-Jokiharju
Murray-Gustafsson
Byram-Murphy
Seabrook