TC said: * Saad-Kampf-Kubalik – when I saw this line, I could envision this actually being the line that Colliton goes with come game #1. I feel Kampf is better suited for the 4th line, however, we all know how much JC likes him. We'll see, but something to keep an eye on.

I respond: If this is line 3 come October 4, then Shaw is right wing with Strome and AdB?
- StLBravesFan

Maybe Kampf was just a placeholder for Dach?

I believe they have until tonight, since yesterday was Sunday.
- mohel

Thanks!

Yes, the PK is a huge thing I failed to mention and with adding the goalie and a couple sturdy defensive d-men there is no way this CAN"T improve.

I so want Seabs to find a fit and get a solid place in helping this team win. He does so much that's not ice related to help the team win, but he HAS to be better on the ice than his last couple years. He's a still useful PP QB with his shot and if having an experienced guy with him will help him (not sure I totally buy that, but Ill let it play out) then I'd love to see 7 rise from the ashes, because many of us, myself included, have written his epitaph at least once before. The dude is too much of a warrior and too important to the Hawks glory years to just put him to pasture, at least I hope.
- kwolf68

Totally agree on Seabs. Certainly a bunch of homerism from me here, but I think he's gonna have a better year.

Totally agree on Seabs. Certainly a bunch of homerism from me here, but I think he's gonna have a better year.
- mohel

I think/hope so too. There may be a fit somewhere in this package of D-men that will allow him to have a good year. Needless to say if he and Keith have good years I think the Hawks could be very good.

- Ogilthorpe2

In regards to the amendments mentioned: something I read yesterday was the NHL and PA were considering holding at the current salary cap of $81.5MM for 2 years in order to lessen the blow of escrow that the players contribute.

I'm clueless as to how that all works but, consider the ramifications if they did hold the cap as is for 2 more years.

In regards to the amendments mentioned: something I read yesterday was the NHL and PA were considering holding at the current salary cap of $81.5MM for 2 years in order to lessen the blow of escrow that the players contribute.

I'm clueless as to how that all works but, consider the ramifications if they did hold the cap as is for 2 more years.
- Rota's Rooter

Not good for the Leafs.

Good morning Tyler. Tonight we finally get some hockey , so exciting to see how things work out.

Just curious if you had any incite on Lehner play and how he looked and If so who had the notch Crawford or Lehner?

Good morning Tyler. Tonight we finally get some hockey , so exciting to see how things work out.

Just curious if you had any incite on Lehner play and how he looked and If so who had the notch Crawford or Lehner?
- Taylorst1

However it goes, I think Crow starts the home opener.

Good morning Tyler. Tonight we finally get some hockey , so exciting to see how things work out.

Just curious if you had any incite on Lehner play and how he looked and If so who had the notch Crawford or Lehner?
- Taylorst1

I saw no reports of Lehner trying to stir up anything. Certainly that goes for Ty as well.

However it goes, I think Crow starts the home opener.
- LAHawk

I get that colliton will start Crawford for home opener. However I'm more curious about who so far is looking more comfortable and better ?

Nothing against Crawford but in a 2 year period he has been sidelined with a serious injury and it has limited his play.

I'm very skeptical right now on Crawford being able to stay healthy and regain his lights out form again. If Lehner is the better goalie I'd rather see the team make a decision based on winning than on loyalty.

However it goes, I think Crow starts the home opener.
- LAHawk

I get that colliton will start Crawford for home opener. However I'm more curious about who so far is looking more comfortable and better ?

Nothing against Crawford but in a 2 year period he has been sidelined with a serious injury and it has limited his play.

I'm very skeptical right now on Crawford being able to stay healthy and regain his lights out form again. If Lehner is the better goalie I'd rather see the team make a decision based on winning than on loyalty.

If Nylander and Kubalik played RW in the scrimmage. So RW's are Kane, Kubalik, Nylander, Perlini, Quenneville?

If Dach is not ready and Shaw plays center the C's look like Toews, Strome, Shaw, Kampf, Carpenter?

LW's are Saad, ADB, Caggiula, Smith, Wedin, and Sikura?

That is 16 forwards and only 13 roster slots. Training camp battles are great! If I am Sikura, Perlini, Quenneville I am thinking I need to step up my game.

If Maatta / Seabs are just a decent 3rd pairing, and Seabs can do some PK that would be a BIG improvement from last year.

If Crow is healthy and plays 47 games and Lehner plays 35 games and they play at high levels that is also a HUGE improvement.

I saw no reports of Lehner trying to stir up anything. Certainly that goes for Ty as well.
- mohel

Not talking about stirring any controversy . Just interested in how he played and who the notch goes to regarding play.

Not sure how my question earlier had to be interpreted in a negative way ?

In regards to the amendments mentioned: something I read yesterday was the NHL and PA were considering holding at the current salary cap of $81.5MM for 2 years in order to lessen the blow of escrow that the players contribute.

I'm clueless as to how that all works but, consider the ramifications if they did hold the cap as is for 2 more years.
- Rota's Rooter

Short of the owners somehow flexing the cap (i.e., allowing the players to collect more than the 50% identified in the current CBA - unlikely, I think), holding the cap (or bringing it much closer to the projected real HRR for the season or two) is the only way to reduce the escrow hit for the players.

It certainly would put the Blackhawks in a bind next summer - and soften the market for mid-level vets without contracts - but would benefit players who would have existing contracts going forward.

Not talking about stirring any controversy . Just interested in how he played and who the notch goes to regarding play.

Not sure how my question earlier had to be interpreted in a negative way ?
- Taylorst1

Oh, sorry, you meant insight rather than incite.

I get that colliton will start Crawford for home opener. However I'm more curious about who so far is looking more comfortable and better ?

Nothing against Crawford but in a 2 year period he has been sidelined with a serious injury and it has limited his play.

I'm very skeptical right now on Crawford being able to stay healthy and regain his lights out form again. If Lehner is the better goalie I'd rather see the team make a decision based on winning than on loyalty.
- Taylorst1

I wouldn't worry. CC looked fine once he came back from injury in Feb 2019. He played in front of the Hawks shaky D and was 8-4-1 with 0.921 and 2.37 GAA. Only Andrei Vasilevskiy had more wins (9) in that span of games and he was playing for a much stronger team. He looked pretty much like his normal self.

Short of the owners somehow flexing the cap (i.e., allowing the players to collect more than the 50% identified in the current CBA - unlikely, I think), holding the cap (or bringing it much closer to the projected real HRR for the season or two) is the only way to reduce the escrow hit for the players.

It certainly would put the Blackhawks in a bind next summer - and soften the market for mid-level vets without contracts - but would benefit players who would have existing contracts going forward.
- StLBravesFan

That bind for the Hawks would be eased by the fact that Cat and Strome are RFA's. Both could do short-term bridge deals. Other teams would be in the same boat.

Oh, sorry, you meant insight rather than incite.
- mohel

No problem the auto correct used the wrong word. But your correct with insight.

I'm just curious if their is any feedback.

Oh, sorry, you meant insight rather than incite.
- mohel

I knew you were making an English joke you old s.o.b. Hahahaha!!!

I knew you were making an English joke you old s.o.b. Hahahaha!!!
- I Am The Breadman

Impressions: >Impressed with Nylander's speed, skill, and release.
>Maatta looked better than I was expecting.
>Toews looked quick again and was solid.
>Shaw even stirs it up with his teammates. (LOL!!)
>Boqvist is an incredible skater, skill level off the charts.
>Kane, not worried about him, but played a little disinterested.
>Keith and Seabrook thought they both were solid
>Dach is missing some real important time, not his fault, but if he
wants a shot at making the roster, he will need to be cleared very
soon.
>Wedin nice speed to his game, who does he bump from the 4th line?
Definitely think he could help the lower lines out.

Short of the owners somehow flexing the cap (i.e., allowing the players to collect more than the 50% identified in the current CBA - unlikely, I think), holding the cap (or bringing it much closer to the projected real HRR for the season or two) is the only way to reduce the escrow hit for the players.

It certainly would put the Blackhawks in a bind next summer - and soften the market for mid-level vets without contracts - but would benefit players who would have existing contracts going forward.
- StLBravesFan

Maybe they allow more buyouts to keep the cap fixed, but have to pay 100%? Anything is possible...

Xfinity shows the hawks game tonight on the NHL channel at 6:00 central.

Game is on NBC Sports Chicago Plus.

Game is on NBC Sports Chicago Plus.
- ChicagoHope

Lineup?