And in a 3-on-2 drill with Boqvist and Krys defending, Krys was constantly dogging the puck carrier closing off time and space while Boqvist didn't push the pace just waiting for the play to come to him. Boqvist wouldn't cover any of the other two players wihtout the puck. At least he hung out in the slot to help protect the net.
- AEL_Fox

Seems like Krys is a bad ass player even if he isn't up to nhl standards yet. I heard Carlsson is going to be good as well.

Took the Mrs out there. Visited her friend in Walnut Creek and made the grave mistake of riding the BART. If I swam in a sewage plant I’d have been better off.

Always wanted to visit San Fran as I enjoyed the city when they showed it on tv. Colossal let down.

Too bad.
- SteveRain

Have been to SF several times and not a big fan. Agree with Ogi that SD and SEA are better. Seattle's my fave US city on the WC...headed out there today actually to visit my brother.

Portland is cool too, much smaller city. They have their own issues but if you want to do wine country, I like theirs better than Napa. Willamette Valley's a little less crowded and they produce fantastic Pinot Noir.

In a drill with Teply vs Hagel, Teply was really impressive with his compete to outplay Hagel to either win 50/50 battles or strip him of the puck every time. This isn't a knock on Hagel as he competed very well but Teply was just that much better.

What makes this impressive is that a main knock on Teply upon being drafted was that he lacked pace and compete. Could've fooled me in that drill. If that snippet is any indication, maybe a fire has been lit under Teply to have his light turned on and kept in the on position.

This is where Kurashev was a year ago, i.e. criticized for lacking pace and compete upon being drafted but turned a sharp corner after a standout prospect camp and training camp. IMO, Teply is either going to be a really strong prospect or non-existent like Bondra, Starrett, Radke, Knott, and Iacopelli.
- AEL_Fox

Boom or bust which seems to be the Hawks m.o.

Was funny when I was reading your post about Tepley that Wiz's and other draft notes on Tepley all lauded his skill and knocked him for his compete level.

Would be great if what you described is who they get.

A snippet from Powers in the Athletic this morning's camp observations...

1. You should be excited about Kirby Dach’s future. He’s not going to play in the NHL next season for many reasons, particularly because the Blackhawks aren’t likely to create that path for him. Even if he did shine in Traverse City and training camp, I don’t get the sense Jeremy Colliton is as impulsive as Joel Quenneville with young players. Henri Jokiharju is a great example of that. But back to Dach, he’s more skilled than I probably expected. He’s long and simply smooth with the puck. You can see he has a ton of potential to tap into. He’s by far one of the most skilled players on the ice this week, and it’s easy for him to shine in the development camp setting, where it’s a lot of individual drills and one-on-one and two-on-two situations. We’ll learn more about him in the scrimmage and much more in Traverse City and training camp. Still, you can be hopeful the Blackhawks drafted a special one.

The way Stan has constructed the team, I do not think they are going to rely so much on the stretch pass as in years past. I think they will be much better in turning the puck over in the neutral zone than they have in the past couple of seasons.
- LAHawk

And you may very well be right there.

Also from the Atlhletic this morning...

6. Philipp Kurashev can beat defenders in so many ways. He has a quick first step that seems to surprise defensemen. He’s blown by a few of them this week. He’s also crafty with the puck and understands how to create separation. From what I saw in Rockford at the end of the season, he can benefit from some time in the AHL and going up against stronger players. But he definitely has a chance in the near future to be another top-nine option.

7. Alex Nylander doesn’t look like he belongs at development camp, and that’s a good thing. He’s been playing pro hockey the past three years and has some NHL games under his belt, and that’s shown during the week. He’s more physically mature than a lot of the players, and he has more skill than a lot of them, too. He’s another player who has flourished in the drills. With him, it’s not about whether he’s better than the Blackhawks prospects on the ice this week. It’s whether he can beat out the likes of Brendan Perlini, Dominik Kubalik, Dylan Sikura, Aleksi Saarela, Anton Wedin and a few others for the final few NHL spots that will be available out of training camp. I wouldn’t lean one way or the other at this point. He’s definitely skilled.

Also from the Atlhletic this morning...

6. Philipp Kurashev can beat defenders in so many ways. He has a quick first step that seems to surprise defensemen. He’s blown by a few of them this week. He’s also crafty with the puck and understands how to create separation. From what I saw in Rockford at the end of the season, he can benefit from some time in the AHL and going up against stronger players. But he definitely has a chance in the near future to be another top-nine option.

7. Alex Nylander doesn’t look like he belongs at development camp, and that’s a good thing. He’s been playing pro hockey the past three years and has some NHL games under his belt, and that’s shown during the week. He’s more physically mature than a lot of the players, and he has more skill than a lot of them, too. He’s another player who has flourished in the drills. With him, it’s not about whether he’s better than the Blackhawks prospects on the ice this week. It’s whether he can beat out the likes of Brendan Perlini, Dominik Kubalik, Dylan Sikura, Aleksi Saarela, Anton Wedin and a few others for the final few NHL spots that will be available out of training camp. I wouldn’t lean one way or the other at this point. He’s definitely skilled.
- HawkintheD

If it’s one thing that Stan Bowman has proved he is good at, it’s plucking these high-end draft picks and hopefully turning them into productive players here in Chicago. Hopefully he takes the ball and runs with it from here on out until opening night. If so I am willing to bet he is on the opening night roster. This is a kid that had they had a first round pick in 16 ,I believe, he was on Bowman’s radar, you guys may know better than me, but it sure looks like Blackhawks do a real good job of developing most of their prospects. Now whether the kids make it up to the show or not is on them. Some take that last step, some do not.
Here’s one that we hope all will and turn into another Strome,Who, even himself has to come out and prove he can do it from the start this year.

And , is Riley Sheehan actually on Bowman’s Radar, I think that would be a good low key signing for them. Another kid, that actually started out good with Detroit but has bounced around. And is not dead old and probably has some productive years ahead of him.

Have been to SF several times and not a big fan. Agree with Ogi that SD and SEA are better. Seattle's my fave US city on the WC...headed out there today actually to visit my brother.

Portland is cool too, much smaller city. They have their own issues but if you want to do wine country, I like theirs better than Napa. Willamette Valley's a little less crowded and they produce fantastic Pinot Noir.
- HawkintheD

Portland sucks.

Have been to SF several times and not a big fan. Agree with Ogi that SD and SEA are better. Seattle's my fave US city on the WC...headed out there today actually to visit my brother.

Portland is cool too, much smaller city. They have their own issues but if you want to do wine country, I like theirs better than Napa. Willamette Valley's a little less crowded and they produce fantastic Pinot Noir.
- HawkintheD

Does that Pinot come in a box variety?

Have been to SF several times and not a big fan. Agree with Ogi that SD and SEA are better. Seattle's my fave US city on the WC...headed out there today actually to visit my brother.

Portland is cool too, much smaller city. They have their own issues but if you want to do wine country, I like theirs better than Napa. Willamette Valley's a little less crowded and they produce fantastic Pinot Noir.
- HawkintheD

Safe Travels D.

Does that Pinot come in a box variety?
- BlackhawkMike

Not that I'm aware...but the canned ones are noteworthy.

Does that Pinot come in a box variety?
- BlackhawkMike

Can find it at Winco for under 5 a bottle....

I'm shocked how upset people are about the Hawks trading Anisimov... actually, I'm not.
- DarthKane

I'm not. Anisimov was moved to save a couple of bucks and in the immortal words of coach Q, "Smith will be fine".

I'm more miffed at the Joki/Nylander deal. I'd rather have an over-abundance of decent defensemen than another high draft pick that hasn't played to his potential.

The Nylander deal just smells of Duclair 2.0.

Safe Travels D.
- Ogilthorpe2

Likewise as always. Mixing a little business with pleasure while I'm out there as I'm attending a West Coast Chapter Posse meeting.

A snippet from Powers in the Athletic this morning's camp observations...

1. You should be excited about Kirby Dach’s future. He’s not going to play in the NHL next season for many reasons, particularly because the Blackhawks aren’t likely to create that path for him. Even if he did shine in Traverse City and training camp, I don’t get the sense Jeremy Colliton is as impulsive as Joel Quenneville with young players. Henri Jokiharju is a great example of that. But back to Dach, he’s more skilled than I probably expected. He’s long and simply smooth with the puck. You can see he has a ton of potential to tap into. He’s by far one of the most skilled players on the ice this week, and it’s easy for him to shine in the development camp setting, where it’s a lot of individual drills and one-on-one and two-on-two situations. We’ll learn more about him in the scrimmage and much more in Traverse City and training camp. Still, you can be hopeful the Blackhawks drafted a special one.
- HawkintheD

I think if Dach is truly ahead of the curve and earns a spot on the team ,colliton and Stan shouldn't hold him back.

That's just my take on reading that article.

Not every player takes the same path nor develops at the same level, also some players even after time in the minors and when called up still become nothing more than a overrated AHL player.

I'm ok with Dach being given the time and space , however if he earns a spot they shouldn't hold him back, that sometimes can be more mentally damaging to a players confidence and or attitude.

I'm not. Anisimov was moved to save a couple of bucks and in the immortal words of coach Q, "Smith will be fine".

I'm more miffed at the Joki/Nylander deal. I'd rather have an over-abundance of decent defensemen than another high draft pick that hasn't played to his potential.

The Nylander deal just smells of Duclair 2.0.
- Rota's Rooter

Why Duclair 2.0 more so than Strome 2.0?

Been out for awhile. Took the Napa to San Fran and Napa.

Chicago homeless problem vs San Fran/Bay Area homeless problem is the equivalent of an Elkins rumor vs tsn rumor. Until you see a human being take a dump on a sidewalk in broad daylight....you haven’t seen anything. Truly sad . Never have any desire to go near that sea again (Bay Area....)Napa—yes.

Not a fan of smiths cap hit. Think the missing of AA will hit the casual fan or those who undervalued what he brought.

Interesting to read JC mention “competition” regarding lehner and CC. I’m beginning to think they want to see if lehner “can be the guy” lt by giving him a split work load.

Rest of it.......

Hits do matter as forechecking is vital to success and laying “bodies” on people matter come playoff time. Nobody likes to sit there and take a physical beating but the good ones will wait to take a hit to make the smart play like a qb in the pocket waiting for a guy to open with a guy coming untouched on a blitz. The fear factor is what causes the turnover.

Prospect camp is fun....but how many of these kids make the show and/or are still here in a few years? Dominating other prospects doesn’t mean a thing until facing the best in the world.

Could care less on Perlini. If they move him for anything I’d take it. If they sign him...better be cheap and 1 year. Guy is way too inconsistent and when does inability to master mental strength outweigh any physical attributes? He’s a mental midget. Plain and simple. He’s impressive in small batches and maddening for a large majority. What is the common issue? He’s in his own head.

Outside of that....I my personal expectation is for the playoffs.

Oh.....the strome kid better be what we got and not what Arizona traded away in terms of his production for both teams. There is no legit #2 center on this roster to fall back on. And center depth means a ton otherwise why would the hawks realizing the true reason they lost in 2014 to LA was center depth and not leddy or a bs offside call target Richards in UFa. And why did Bowman the following year trade for a younger #2 in AA when he shipped out Saad. And exactly why he drafted the kid this year in 1st round.

It matters. A lot. But so does cap space....

If ogis McDonald’s have that menu....I’d become a customer again.
- SteveRain

You think the homeless situation is bad now what do you figure will happen when the largest employer in the U.S and Canada and possibly the world, driving jobs (Taxi, Uber, Transport trucks, buses, trains) begin using automated vehicles? Then start factoring in the automation that will slowly but surely make more and more jobs obsolete. Someone who is more concerned with defining and setting policy for the future instead of focus on being re-elected or lining their pockets need to lead our countries.

As for the goalie situation, I love it! Let them compete for the #1 spot, that does nothing but make the goalies and team better. If I were betting I'd put my money on Crow being on top of his game in October to make sure no one takes his job.

Two days later:

Still hate the trade.

Just in case anyone was wondering.

You think the homeless situation is bad now what do you figure will happen when the largest employer in the U.S and Canada and possibly the world, driving jobs (Taxi, Uber, Transport trucks, buses, trains) begin using automated vehicles? Then start factoring in the automation that will slowly but surely make more and more jobs obsolete. Someone who is more concerned with defining and setting policy for the future instead of focus on being re-elected or lining their pockets need to lead our countries.

As for the goalie situation, I love it! Let them compete for the #1 spot, that does nothing but make the goalies and team better. If I were betting I'd put my money on Crow being on top of his game in October to make sure no one takes his job.
- paulr

Still a long way from driverless cars and trucks taking over. Just wait until someone starts hacking into them.

Have been to SF several times and not a big fan. Agree with Ogi that SD and SEA are better. Seattle's my fave US city on the WC...headed out there today actually to visit my brother.

Portland is cool too, much smaller city. They have their own issues but if you want to do wine country, I like theirs better than Napa. Willamette Valley's a little less crowded and they produce fantastic Pinot Noir.
- HawkintheD

I must be in the minority here, I was in SF for 4 days in 2015 as a stopover to Hawaii. Hawaii was OK but I found it way overhyped. Friends are going back next year but I decided to pass. I would go to SF again in a heartbeat, mind you I also didn't see the homelessness that is there now. Never been to Seattle or Portland but they are on my bucket list. Most places in the U.S that I have been I really liked. The only place I in the U.S I didn't like and would never go back to was Milwaukee and not a huge fan of Florida but I also have no issues going back.

I must be in the minority here, I was in SF for 4 days in 2015 as a stopover to Hawaii. Hawaii was OK but I found it way overhyped. Friends are going back next year but I decided to pass. I would go to SF again in a heartbeat, mind you I also didn't see the homelessness that is there now. Never been to Seattle or Portland but they are on my bucket list. Most places in the U.S that I have been I really liked. The only place I in the U.S I didn't like and would never go back to was Milwaukee and not a huge fan of Florida but I also have no issues going back.
- paulr

San Fran isn’t all bad, but it’s just not what it used to be. Very easy to stumble into bad areas that didn’t exist just a couple of years ago. Gotta be on your toes.

Seattle is my favorite West Coast city with SanDiego a close second, highly recommend both. Boston in the East.

Still a long way from driverless cars and trucks taking over. Just wait until someone starts hacking into them.
- Ogilthorpe2

Regardless of how far away it is, it's coming and we need leadership to navigate that eventuality. Also my current car is capable of travelling from Toronto to Windsor by itself with no input from me. Granted it's a straight line along the 401 but the capabilitiy is there.

Working in the auto industry and seeing what's out there and the incredible technology, automated vehicles is allot closer to reality than many realize. The two areas that auto manufacterers have to figure out are complete trust in the automation including on board failovers and as you say the hacking factor.

But you're only using data that supports your point.

If the hawks had at least an average center in 2014, we could have held our ground better against the LA Kings and then we'd be talking about the 3-peat/4 in 6 championship hawks. I mean just one average 2C would have contributed to a few more chances at home in game 7...
- DontKnowNutin

My data is reality not fantasy, how can you change history
oh we're at the Hawk hockey buzz site.

Missed offsides matter also, and I so wanted the 3peat if only
Stan could do the job he was hired to do

San Fran isn’t all bad, but it’s just not what it used to be. Very easy to stumble into bad areas that didn’t exist just a couple of years ago. Gotta be on your toes.

Seattle is my favorite West Coast city with SanDiego a close second, highly recommend both. Boston in the East.
- Ogilthorpe2

I heard San Diego was a must see. Been to Boston, I love the city, hate the sports teams. The Seafood in Boston is off the charts but second to Ogi's seafood of course.

San Fran has really gone down hill...especially in the last couple of years. I used to really enjoy that layover, not so much anymore. Seattle and San Diego are headed in the wrong direction too, but they’re no where near as bad, yet.
- Ogilthorpe2

I noticed SF going downhill (no pun intended) after the earthquake in the 90's. I was there the year before and had a great time. The year after the quake I went back and the taxi driver advised me the area around the hotel I stayed at a couple years before was not a place I wanted to stay with my wife and kids. And unfortunately he wasn't kidding. Huge let down. So we went down to the Monterey peninsula and we've never been back and no desire to return. I think that's sad.