yeah, I like Kahun too.
- matt_ahrens

He’s playing tonight - 4th line.

yeah, I like Kahun too.
- matt_ahrens

Pens liked him better, too.

There's still time to change your prediction of a division title!
- mohel

Lol I just may. I'm convinced more and more after watching preseason and the first game that Chicago's problem as they do have a few but the main problem is a young coach who might not be ready or the right fit to get these guys motivated and playing

[quote=Taylorst1]Yesterday's non showing by Chicago from the 2nd period on is a bit alarming.

Maatta was probably Chicago's best defenseman, I'd also say him and Seabrook paired up is a positive for Seabrook.

Keith and Gus simply do not work , Keith got burned and Gus can't defend or pass to save his life.

JC did not utilize all this down time before the game to establish lines that have .


David kampf should not be the 3rd line center , he does not to complimentmor help drive that line.
Kubalick and saad mia

Kane was bounced around
Strome and cat seemed quiet for a majority of the game

Nylander I believe will be good he was able to score the 1st goal , just needs time and a coaching staff that reinforces a belief in him

Kubalick should be moved up to stromes line
Shaw should play with toews and Kane

Kampf can ride the bench
saad Dach Nylander would be a good line because that would allow Nylander to carry the puck with no pressure of playing alongside toews and Kane

Gilbert I like his game and he did make 1 error that ended up costing Chicago a goal but again Crawford should have had that goal.
Not a stellar performance
- gabriel[/quot

Not maintaining puck control through the neutral zone is what did them in. Crawford made some outstanding saves in net to keep them in the hunt. Yes, he let in two softies. But tagging him with the loss seems a bit unfair to me. The ice was tilted in favor of Philly due to their hard work. It's only one game, but we've all seen this movie before. "Groundhog Day." What is so difficult to accept as a simple fan, is the inability to conceptualize how to fix it with our assembled talent. It's gonna be tough.

I didn't blame the loss on Crawford I just pointed out that he let in that goal, which he should have had

Lol I just may. I'm convinced more and more after watching preseason and the first game that Chicago's problem as they do have a few but the main problem is a young coach who might not be ready or the right fit to get these guys motivated and playing
- Taylorst1

Don't give up yet, there's plenty of season left. Nothing wrong with optimism.

Seems like a prudent time to draw a line in the sand...

Honestly, until we see the full contingent of defensemen, it’s hard to say where this team is at in terms of progress from last year. Then you also have to figure some time for all the new players to gel and get some chemistry, which includes combinations that JC thinks work best. Like Mohel said, it’s going to take 20-30 games to see what’s what.

I think we’re going to be watching a wildcard bubble team if things come together in a positive way, if not, we’ll be getting jazzed up for the lottery ping-pong ball night. I’m not being pessimistic, rather, just realistic.
- Chief4Feathers

I'd this team loses 10 games in a row or out of 20 games loses more than half it will be just like last year the team will be mentally screwed.

JC needs to start holding players accountable as well as having this team prepared to come out each and every game with some intensity. They seem flat

Don't give up yet, there's plenty of season left. Nothing wrong with optimism.
- mohel

I was very much looking forward to giving Chicago the benefit of being in the top 3 in the conference this year with all the changes .
The problem now is watching preseason and game 1 the team seems flat, lack of chemistry and a coach who I can't tell yet if he is truly the right fit for this team.


Murphy and Calvin being out I realize is huge . But Keith and Gus shouldn't be paired up together Gus doesn't compliment Keith at all .

I'd this team loses 10 games in a row or out of 20 games loses more than half it will be just like last year the team will be mentally screwed.

JC needs to start holding players accountable as well as having this team prepared to come out each and every game with some intensity. They seem flat
- Taylorst1

One benefit JC has is no long-standing relationships with any of the guys or any preconceived notions due to that. He SHOULD have the ability and willingness to sit anyone not giving 100% or anyone who is having an off night, regardless of their pedigree. Guess that all depends on whether StanBo keeps his thumb on line decisions. In a few interviews this preseason, it sure seemed like he does.

I didn't blame the loss on Crawford I just pointed out that he let in that goal, which he should have had
- Taylorst1

If it looked like I was singling you out on Crow, that was not my intention. I thought that he played a mediocre game. Allowed some soft goals, but thwarted a ton of great chances too. I'd be surprised if Lehner gets the start against San Jose. Think we'll start Crow against them, in part due to deference of the past. The other part due to familiarity with S.J. being a western club.

Not being sarcastic here (yes, that happens), I think Stan re-signs Gus before the season is over. I’m guessing the deal would be similar to Gardiner’s 3-4 years with a $4 million AAV.
- DarthKane

Not aiming one ounce of vitriol towards you, Darth. But, if Stan does what you say? I would be stunned into silence. Would literally be crawling to my keyboard in disbelief. It would prove to me that Stanbo was living in a parallel universe.

One benefit JC has is no long-standing relationships with any of the guys or any preconceived notions due to that. He SHOULD have the ability and willingness to sit anyone not giving 100% or anyone who is having an off night, regardless of their pedigree. Guess that all depends on whether StanBo keeps his thumb on line decisions. In a few interviews this preseason, it sure seemed like he does.
- pdx2ord

I know people keep saying that JC has no attachment emotionally to the team/players but JC doesn't have a history neither of any true success either as a player or a head coach in the minors.

The team was flat out of sync most of the game , the power play was nonnexsistent , the only line that seemed to show up was the 4th line each and every shift .

Toews and Kane IMO need to be broken up it's to easy for teams to load up and neutralize that line.

Strome the verdict is still out on him sure last year coming here he played well but so far he is not playing like he did last year .

Kampf doesn't belong on that 3rd line I'm sorry but kubalick and saad their skill set is way beyond kampf meager play.

Stan should look to try and improve this team if he can by trading Gus ,

Koekkoek and Gilbert do a much better job IMO of playing defense.

Gus his only skill is utilized for the power play other than that he blows defensively and his passes end up costing the team odd man rushes.

You'll be here for all 82, like a glutton for punishment. As for the other, it was easier than shooting fish in a barrel. Not that I personally have engaged in the gruesome practice, or anything. Ain't no Jethro Bodine, son.
- gabriel

Bread, just trying to inject a little humor into a dour situation that fell flat. Sorry about that. It still wasn't nearly as flat as the Hawks performance, though. Ha! Max Baer Jr. was quoted numerous times stating that the Jethro role ruined his career long-term, because of the perceived stereotype. I think Gus will be even a harder sell. Who is standing in line for HIS services, and what would anybody realistically expect in return?

I know people keep saying that JC has no attachment emotionally to the team/players but JC doesn't have a history neither of any true success either as a player or a head coach in the minors.

The team was flat out of sync most of the game , the power play was nonnexsistent , the only line that seemed to show up was the 4th line each and every shift .

Toews and Kane IMO need to be broken up it's to easy for teams to load up and neutralize that line.

Strome the verdict is still out on him sure last year coming here he played well but so far he is not playing like he did last year .

Kampf doesn't belong on that 3rd line I'm sorry but kubalick and saad their skill set is way beyond kampf meager play.

Stan should look to try and improve this team if he can by trading Gus ,

Koekkoek and Gilbert do a much better job IMO of playing defense.

Gus his only skill is utilized for the power play other than that he blows defensively and his passes end up costing the team odd man rushes.
- Taylorst1

I disagree on the Kane/Toews split. While I think that may have been the case in Q's first few years, it's no longer the best option for balance. Kane and Toews had a career offensive year while playing much of the time together. Toews minus Kane or Hossa was doing nothing. DeBrincat had a career offensive year on the 2nd line. What both of those lines need is someone to play a Caggiula/Shaw type role to give the skill offensive guys room and time to work.

I think the line that WOULD get completely neutralized these days is any line on which you put Kane and DBC. Other teams would put their shut down guys against that line and goodbye much of the Hawks' offense.

The other Queeneville was activated and assigned to Iowa. But the Icehogs have a long stretch of days off as their next contest is the home opener Saturday Oct 12.

The Icehogs have a very young roster. There is a nice blend of various skill and grind. On defense i think that you have to give Boqvist and Kyrs 20 gp for them to figure out what they have to do defensively. Carlsson needs to step up another notch. Whomever said that Beaudin does not see the NHL........please explain why. I expect that maybe by 20 gp played Tyler will assess the vaunted defensemen

you can blame JC's system all you want but the same poop was happening under Q his last seasons.

Blame the D-men, too. Cause Gus and Special K were playing a different game than the rest of the team. Maatta and Seabrook were fine. Keith was not good.

Tell me when the damn forwards understand spacing, though. Flyers made one pass and all 3 forwards were behind the play. It sure seemed like every pass the Hawks attempted had to go through 3 bodies. Where is the puck support? One of the forwards has to be smart enough to stay above the dots to, at the very least, give guys below the goal line an option. He is also in position to try to stop the puck from being rammed down the D-men throats.

That isn't systems. That is simple (frank)ing hockey that is taught at the beginner level, FFS

I would advocate moving Shaw to 3C with Saad and put Nylander/Perlini(ugh) on the other wing. Shaw is probably the 2nd best defensive center on the team. Shaw is better on the wing for sure but he isn't bad at center.

Put Kubalik with Dinky and Strome, as others have mentioned. Kubalik needs a playmaker and that line needs some heft.

See if Caligula, Toews and Kane can find their mojo from last season cause Caligula with Smith and Carpenter makes him useless.

Put Kampf at 4C and punt Carpenter/Smith into the sun. Get Highmore/Wedin/Nilsson or any other two Hogs up here that puck hunt to play with Kampf.

you can blame JC's system all you want but the same poop was happening under Q his last seasons.

Blame the D-men, too. Cause Gus and Special K were playing a different game than the rest of the team. Maatta and Seabrook were fine. Keith was not good.

Tell me when the damn forwards understand spacing, though. Flyers made one pass and all 3 forwards were behind the play. It sure seemed like every pass the Hawks attempted had to go through 3 bodies. Where is the puck support? One of the forwards has to be smart enough to stay above the dots to, at the very least, give guys below the goal line an option. He is also in position to try to stop the puck from being rammed down the D-men throats.

That isn't systems. That is simple (frank)ing hockey that is taught at the beginner level, FFS
- Elbows15

Stop yourself. Logical bastage.....

Stop yourself. Logical bastage.....
- mohel

Pretty sure Gus was drunk last night. He was lost all game. Even in the O-zone. Special K just roams all over the ice.

Watching Smith skate is painful. Carpenter seems to be around the puck but its a hand grenade to him.

Give this 30 games and if it doesn't improve, launch whatever vets you can and get some of Piggies up here.

Gibby has been sent back to the Rock. Guess its better for him if he has to be paired with Special K. He can pair with Boqvist.

Gibby has been sent back to the Rock. Guess its better for him if he has to be paired with Special K. He can pair with Boqvist.
- Elbows15

That cough up in the D zone leading to the first goal was his ticket back. Said it when it happened.

Not sure how you can blame Gustafsson when 4v4 full puck possession in the O-zone Keith turns it over, then gets toe-Dragged by Konecny (filthy goal btw).

Keith also gets burned wide by 4th liner Raffl on the Wrap-around. Bad goal by Crow but Keith had a chance to win that battle and prevent a shot attempt.

Hawks seem completely lost when the opposing team has puck possession behind the Hawks goal line. 3 guys chasing behind the net and wide open opposing forwards in the slot. Time and time again.

Smith and Carpenter need to hit defenseman on the forecheck or what’s the point of them being in the lineup over Perlini?

Saad is wasting away on line 3. DeBrincat and Strome could use Saad/Kubalik on their line to add speed, size, and north/south play.

Down 2 goals in the 3rd and Colliton puts Caggiulla with 19&88...why?

Murphy, DeHaan,Dach, & Perlini on Thursday would give the Hawks a lot more talent on the ice.

Lehner may steal the starting spot from Crow with a few more outings like yesterday.

That cough up in the D zone leading to the first goal was his ticket back. Said it when it happened.
- BDT36

de Haan/Murphy being ready to go was his ticket back.

de Haan/Murphy being ready to go was his ticket back.
- Elbows15

Yeah, if coughing up the puck was a ticket out of town, we'd have no team left

you can blame JC's system all you want but the same poop was happening under Q his last seasons.

Blame the D-men, too. Cause Gus and Special K were playing a different game than the rest of the team. Maatta and Seabrook were fine. Keith was not good.

Tell me when the damn forwards understand spacing, though. Flyers made one pass and all 3 forwards were behind the play. It sure seemed like every pass the Hawks attempted had to go through 3 bodies. Where is the puck support? One of the forwards has to be smart enough to stay above the dots to, at the very least, give guys below the goal line an option. He is also in position to try to stop the puck from being rammed down the D-men throats.

That isn't systems. That is simple (frank)ing hockey that is taught at the beginner level, FFS
- Elbows15

Common Elbows you know it's the system, you should be able to plug guys in off the street, talent is overrated

Yeah, if coughing up the puck was a ticket out of town, we'd have no team left
- pdx2ord

JC loves Gusto's potential, but i have a feeling when the other 2NHL dmen are healthy Gus will get less minutes especially if we have leads in games