Colliton's system looked really flawed last night because we got outworked and outhustled by the Bruins AHL club. I told my brother at the game if the Bruins regulars would have played the Hawks would have easily given up 50-55 shots. Any system looks like it lacks structure when players don't work hard or hustle, that is what I witnessed last night.
- ChicagoHope

Colliton’s “system” if you can even call it a system, simply does not translate to the NHL. It may work to some degree at lower levels because the talent level doesn’t exist to capitalize on his “system”.

What you see is often actually what you get. It is not a question of effort. The Hawks can actually play their collective butts off and it often won’t matter.

Colliton plays an offence-first “system”. He wants Defenceman to pinch, to penetrate. However, if this is done recklessly, whether it is defensively safe to do so or not, loads of odd-man breaks are given up. Loads of grade A chances against are given up. Loads of shots against are given up. Sound familiar? NHL players easily prey on this approach.

There are other troubling components of Colliton’s “system”. When the other team has the puck Colliton wants pressure on the puck, to the point of idiocy. This is why you see both D-Men on the same side and two or three forwards in the same place.

Now this offensive and defensive aggressiveness may work at lower levels. However, at the NHL level opposing defenders, in their own zone, have planned the counter pass before even stealing the puck back. In the offensive zone opposition players welcome over-pursuit/over-aggressiveness. NHL players are simply so skilled and so smart they just calmly find the open man and under Colliton’s “system” there are open men everywhere. Colliton’s “system” forces players to be out of position and creates loads of open ice for opponents.

The only way the Hawks will be successful defensively will be by acknowledging these horrific weaknesses in Colliton’s “system” making huge changes moving forward. Maybe ask Crawford what to do.

Trying to think of a catchy phrase meaning tank for Lafreniere ...
- EbonyRaptor

How about "GET IN LINE, for one of the NINE", as I see a strong class of seven really closely ranked forwards, a goalie and a defender.

Not so sure if teams will reach consensus on Lafreniere being a clear-cut stand alone #1` ... he wasn't exactly as dominant this last junior national showing, and a lot depends upon how you like the TWO Swedish kids, the Russian Goalie, and the big Finnish Centre, a Giant Canadian centre, a craft Qebec league centre and Cole Perfetti, not leave to German Tim Stützle and some really intriguing defenders and centre after that...
I have four rounds showing in my mock if you are interested:
https://www.draftsite.com/nhl/mock-draft/2020/

Colliton’s “system” if you can even call it a system, simply does not translate to the NHL. It may work to some degree at lower levels because the talent level doesn’t exist to capitalize on his “system”.

What you see is often actually what you get. It is not a question of effort. The Hawks can actually play their collective butts off and it often won’t matter.

Colliton plays an offence-first “system”. He wants Defenceman to pinch, to penetrate. However, if this is done recklessly, whether it is defensively safe to do so or not, loads of odd-man breaks are given up. Loads of grade A chances against are given up. Loads of shots against are given up. Sound familiar? NHL players easily prey on this approach.

There are other troubling components of Colliton’s “system”. When the other team has the puck Colliton wants pressure on the puck, to the point of idiocy. This is why you see both D-Men on the same side and two or three forwards in the same place.

Now this offensive and defensive aggressiveness may work at lower levels. However, at the NHL level opposing defenders, in their own zone, have planned the counter pass before even stealing the puck back. In the offensive zone opposition players welcome over-pursuit/over-aggressiveness. NHL players are simply so skilled and so smart they just calmly find the open man and under Colliton’s “system” there are open men everywhere. Colliton’s “system” forces players to be out of position and creates loads of open ice for opponents.

The only way the Hawks will be successful defensively will be by acknowledging these horrific weaknesses in Colliton’s “system” making huge changes moving forward. Maybe ask Crawford what to do.
- Z3Hawk

I don't care what system you play if you don't have quality NHL dmen on your roster it doesn't matter.

Based on more work, i can argue that Dahlstrom, Holm, Koekkoek, Gusto all need more work than Boqvist, but then again i think they are all a finished product except for Holm, to bad.
- BetweenTheDots

Holm is 27. I don't think his game is gonna change much.

Holm is 27. I don't think his game is gonna change much.
- GPHawksfan

Didn't realize he was that old

I don't care what system you play if you don't have quality NHL dmen on your roster it doesn't matter.
- BetweenTheDots

Really BTD the Hawks have no D-Men?

I don't care what system you play if you don't have quality NHL dmen on your roster it doesn't matter.
- BetweenTheDots

Actually it's not just about Dmen so much as the whole team having a defensive mindset. It's not rocket science, if they're too dumb to get it or too lazy to work it, then I'd say adios.

Actually it's not just about Dmen so much as the whole team having a defensive mindset. It's not rocket science, if they're to dumb to get it or to lazy to work it, then I'd say adios.
- walleyeb1

Don't disagree but we finally have some quality dmen on the roster.

Really BTD the Hawks have no D-Men?
- Z3Hawk

I know you argue the system, but their problem was more PK than 5 on 5 play. Yea really

I don't care what system you play if you don't have quality NHL dmen on your roster it doesn't matter.
- BetweenTheDots

If what this poster is implying is true, then you could have the best defenders on the planet and it would make no difference. If accurate, we are in big trouble. I'll agree with him insofar as never seeing the opposition so wide open for shots, in my lifetime.

Colliton’s “system” if you can even call it a system, simply does not translate to the NHL. It may work to some degree at lower levels because the talent level doesn’t exist to capitalize on his “system”.

What you see is often actually what you get. It is not a question of effort. The Hawks can actually play their collective butts off and it often won’t matter.

Colliton plays an offence-first “system”. He wants Defenceman to pinch, to penetrate. However, if this is done recklessly, whether it is defensively safe to do so or not, loads of odd-man breaks are given up. Loads of grade A chances against are given up. Loads of shots against are given up. Sound familiar? NHL players easily prey on this approach.

There are other troubling components of Colliton’s “system”. When the other team has the puck Colliton wants pressure on the puck, to the point of idiocy. This is why you see both D-Men on the same side and two or three forwards in the same place.

Now this offensive and defensive aggressiveness may work at lower levels. However, at the NHL level opposing defenders, in their own zone, have planned the counter pass before even stealing the puck back. In the offensive zone opposition players welcome over-pursuit/over-aggressiveness. NHL players are simply so skilled and so smart they just calmly find the open man and under Colliton’s “system” there are open men everywhere. Colliton’s “system” forces players to be out of position and creates loads of open ice for opponents.

The only way the Hawks will be successful defensively will be by acknowledging these horrific weaknesses in Colliton’s “system” making huge changes moving forward. Maybe ask Crawford what to do.
- Z3Hawk

I don't know whether Colliton's system will be successful at the NHL level or not precisely because I don't know what Colliton's system requires the players to do in any given situation. I've heard him talk about the basic concept and that it will be a layered implementation so that nuances and fine tuning will be added after the basic layers have been laid down.

That seems like a generalized basic framework to me - not specific or detailed enough with which to (1) understand the system well enough to (2) render a judgement that it will not work in the NHL. Possibly I missed Colliton giving a more detailed explanation of his system to the point that a knowledgeable hockey fan could understand it well enough to pass judgement on it. If you have a more detailed and thorough knowledge of the system, including how Colliton plans to phase in the different layers - please tell me how you came to have this knowledge and provide me a link if you have one so I can educate myself on the system Colliton, Stan and we the fans are going to be hanging our 2019/20 hat on.

Colliton’s “system” if you can even call it a system, simply does not translate to the NHL. It may work to some degree at lower levels because the talent level doesn’t exist to capitalize on his “system”.

What you see is often actually what you get. It is not a question of effort. The Hawks can actually play their collective butts off and it often won’t matter.

Colliton plays an offence-first “system”. He wants Defenceman to pinch, to penetrate. However, if this is done recklessly, whether it is defensively safe to do so or not, loads of odd-man breaks are given up. Loads of grade A chances against are given up. Loads of shots against are given up. Sound familiar? NHL players easily prey on this approach.

There are other troubling components of Colliton’s “system”. When the other team has the puck Colliton wants pressure on the puck, to the point of idiocy. This is why you see both D-Men on the same side and two or three forwards in the same place.

Now this offensive and defensive aggressiveness may work at lower levels. However, at the NHL level opposing defenders, in their own zone, have planned the counter pass before even stealing the puck back. In the offensive zone opposition players welcome over-pursuit/over-aggressiveness. NHL players are simply so skilled and so smart they just calmly find the open man and under Colliton’s “system” there are open men everywhere. Colliton’s “system” forces players to be out of position and creates loads of open ice for opponents.

The only way the Hawks will be successful defensively will be by acknowledging these horrific weaknesses in Colliton’s “system” making huge changes moving forward. Maybe ask Crawford what to do.
- Z3Hawk

One very unsettling post here, friend. But, it really is a thought provoker. Thank you for taking the time and effort.

I should just include a disclaimer in my avatar because I'm getting into a habit of defending Colliton and his system when I really have no idea if he and his system will be successful at the NHL level. But, here is the reason I'm taking a more patient approach than many of my fellow Hawks fans who post here - it's because systems take a while to to implement and more times than not the early going looks awful to the point where patience is needed. Another aspect that may not be getting acknowledged is that often times failure is a great teacher and failing in the preseason is the correct place to use mistakes as a learning tool.

I doubt anyone reading this post fully understands how Colliton wants to teach the players on going from point-A to point-B in the learning process - let alone from point-A to point-Z. While it could be true that Colliton is in over his head and he will fail and bring the Hawks season down with him, it could also be true his plan is working as designed and we just have to be patient until we see the evidence of good results.

"Despair for Lafreniere" for starters, someone will think of a better one
- totem

Do not fear - we'll get Lafreneire!

I should just include a disclaimer in my avatar because I'm getting into a habit of defending Colliton and his system when I really have no idea if he and his system will be successful at the NHL level. But, here is the reason I'm taking a more patient approach than many of my fellow Hawks fans who post here - it's because systems take a while to to implement and more times than not the early going looks awful to the point where patience is needed. Another aspect that may not be getting acknowledged is that often times failure is a great teacher and failing in the preseason is the correct place to use mistakes as a learning tool.

I doubt anyone reading this post fully understands how Colliton wants to teach the players on going from point-A to point-B in the learning process - let alone from point-A to point-Z. While it could be true that Colliton is in over his head and he will fail and bring the Hawks season down with him, it could also be true his plan is working as designed and we just have to be patient until we see the evidence of good results.
- EbonyRaptor

Fair enough, Ebony. Ain't ready to can anybody. Like you and everyone else, we will be watching to see how this drama unfolds.

Do not fear - we'll get Lafreneire!
- powerenforcer

I like that one.

Who knows - it could be a 2006/2007 draft revisited with a #3 overall (Toews/Dach) followed be a #1 overall (Kane/Lafreniere) ... and like the Toews/Kane era we'll have the Dach/Lafreniere era - only better because Toews and Kane will still be here to join with Dach/Lafreniere and Cat/Strome. The next dynasty is right around the corner.

Personally, in that Bruins game I think JC has to like what the 4th line gave them. Physical play, winning draws and controlling the play. Much better than what we typically saw the last couple seasons. Used as kind of a 2nd checking line behind line 3, they were effective, especially at chasing lose pucks into the corners and coming away with them.

One very unsettling post here, friend. But, it really is a thought provoker. Thank you for taking the time and effort.
- gabriel

Just a reminder 91 goals against last year on special teams. My math may be a bit off, what does that have to do with the system when it's 5 on 5? Most concerning is 15 goals given up 5 vs 6, how many games went to OT because of a last minute goal.

Forwards help, goalie helps but defenseman are so important in the scheme of things

Last preseason game no Gus on the ice for last 2 minutes of period 2 and 3, don't know about 1st period. 6 and 7, then 2 and 5

Just a reminder 91 goals against last year on special teams. My math may be a bit off, what does that have to do with the system when it's 5 on 5? Most concerning is 15 goals given up 5 vs 6, how many games went to OT because of a last minute goal.

Forwards help, goalie helps but defenseman are so important in the scheme of things

Last preseason game no Gus on the ice for last 2 minutes of period 2 and 3, don't know about 1st period. 6 and 7, then 2 and 5
- BetweenTheDots

Still not quite sure what you are saying generically about our current crop of defenders? Is it the lack of quality you are addressing, and wish to see rectified?

As per Gus, he probably shouldn't be seen for the last 5 minutes of any period. Only play him in those situations where you're down a goal and attempting to apply pressure for the equalizer. Less is better.

For all those touting Boqvist in the NHL this year, please take the following as a word of caution. Joki is bigger, older, and has half a season of experience in the NHL. I’m not saying he can’t do it, but realism needs to win out here.

Jokiharju came to Buffalo in a July trade after playing 38 games for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. The 20 yr. old played next to future Hall of Famer Duncan Keith under three-time Stanley Cup-winning head coach Joel Quenneville before the Hawks made a coaching change. When Jeremy Colliton took over for Quenneville behind the bench, Jokiharju's minutes were eventually cut and he was sent to Rockford. The 6'0" 193 lb. Jokiharju has all the tools of a modern NHL defenseman but had a rough outing last night. The hype-train in Sabreland was in overdrive this summer with him not only making the team, but some also placing him alongside Dahlin in a top-pairing role. An injury to Sabres defenseman Brandon Montour furthered those notions, but as witnessed last night, Jokiharju may need a little more seasoning in the AHL as not only does need he to develop further, but the Sabres themselves have a new coach and a new system and it will take some time for them to work the bugs out.
- Chunk

Svedeberg ? and John Scott were bigger and older with partial NHL years of experience, l'll take "better."

Prolly later given our current options. Dahl and Special K will probably get the nod given their experience and performance. Ugh! Was it Elbows who first tagged Koekoek with that moniker? I'm using it now if you don't object. Should have asked permission. Ha!
- gabriel

Permission? By all means, use it. It is a lot easier than trying to spell his name.

Tyler, I liked Holm too. Not a huge sample size, but he did bring some assets to the table.
- gabriel

They won't be so quick to claim him with a $300k hit. Smart on Stan's part if he always planned to stash him.

Permission? By all means, use it. It is a lot easier than trying to spell his name.
- Elbows15

You can say that again. I just didn't want to claim what I still think is a clever title, to avoid that monstrosity of a last name. Cheers!

Just a reminder 91 goals against last year on special teams. My math may be a bit off, what does that have to do with the system when it's 5 on 5? Most concerning is 15 goals given up 5 vs 6, how many games went to OT because of a last minute goal.

Forwards help, goalie helps but defenseman are so important in the scheme of things

Last preseason game no Gus on the ice for last 2 minutes of period 2 and 3, don't know about 1st period. 6 and 7, then 2 and 5
- BetweenTheDots

5 on 5 deficiencies were not nearly the albatross compared to special teams play. Agree wholeheartedly. Small succor, though. There were so many point blank shots taken while in close, my lower jaw would drop in amazement. The opposition would set up shop and were totally free to exact damage without one soul near them. So, yes, I think that something was more than amiss last year. It did improve as the year rolled along, but I initially never saw such confusion in my lifetime. I just can't rule out the possibility of inherent systemic flaws as a distinct possibility. Time will tell.

5 on 5 deficiencies were not nearly the albatross compared to special teams play. Agree wholeheartedly. Small succor, though. There were so many point blank shots taken while in close, my lower jaw would drop in amazement. The opposition would set up shop and were totally free to exact damage without one soul near them. So, yes, I think that something was more than amiss last year. It did improve as the year rolled along, but I initially never saw such confusion in my lifetime. I just can't rule out the possibility of inherent systemic flaws as a distinct possibility. Time will tell.
- gabriel

Who are the players closest to the goalie, yep the defensemen, why so many special team goals? Same reason the lack of NHL dmen. I may be wrong but now that we can actually have 4 quality NHL dmen possibly a 5th depending on his shoulder, addition of some quality forwards i believe our special teams won't give up 90 goals. Just a hunch though