I was being sarcastic too.
- rpeters01

Doh!

Don't see Dach making the team this year after last night. Think JC wants Kamph's line to be a shutdown line that can help provide a little offense as well. Would love to see Dach there, but hard to argue with what Kamph, Saad, and Kubalik did last night in going head to head against McDavid. Dach if ready, would give the Hawks some amazing depth, but where does he play? You are not going to have him play the 4th line all season and get 7-9 minutes a game. Does he play wing if he sticks, because I really think the Hawks really like what they have in that 3rd line. Kirby makes it next year is what I predict, I don't see JC budging from Kamph as the 3C for the 2019-2020 Blackhawks.
- ChicagoHope

The good problem im seeing is the 3rd line is hard to handle, and if the top lines they face aren't going to do the little things this line will overwhelm them with their strength and speed. That's why they owned SJ the other night and the Oil had so much trouble with them. As a coach against them do you put your best dmen on the ice? But then what do you do about lines 1 and 2?

Did you notice the sarcasm in the post you quoted?
- mohel

Ogi and I agree on most things not called Anisimov and really I had no trouble with him either. I think it would be a huge mistake to lose Saad as long as his salary stays about where it is. Not sold on Dinky as a two way player.

Ogi and I agree on most things not called Anisimov and really I had no trouble with him either. I think it would be a huge mistake to lose Saad as long as his salary stays about where it is. Not sold on Dinky as a two way player.
- rpeters01

I agree on all that.

It was refreshing to see the effort last night. Might be the first game the whole team seemed to GAF together. That intangible can mean a lot.

Kampf was given a tough assignment and he rose to the occasion. Shutting down the toughest forward in the NHL to play against. Once it became clear that line was doing its job the rest of the team gained confidence.

Kubalik is going to be a special player.

Yes, adding one forward with some giddyup to play with Smith and Carpenter paid dividends.

However, in the spirit of offering a balanced viewpoint:

It sure seems like the captain is not anywhere near where he needs to be.

The team still gives up far too many high quality chances. Some nights the goalie will bail you out, some nights they won't.

Nylander is still a very raw work in progress that on balance still brings more risk than reward. It is healthy for both he and Perlini to be battling for that spot.

In fairness, EDM is not a heavy team - they are a fast team. The Hawks struggle with heavy teams, and teams that clog the NZ. Since EDM did neither last night, the Hawks could play more of their game, which frankly, is the same style.

And hey - at 37 - Mike Smith still has game no matter what people may think about him. Cheers to that.

It was refreshing to see the effort last night. Might be the first game the whole team seemed to GAF together. That intangible can mean a lot.

Kampf was given a tough assignment and he rose to the occasion. Shutting down the toughest forward in the NHL to play against. Once it became clear that line was doing its job the rest of the team gained confidence.

Kubalik is going to be a special player.

Yes, adding one forward with some giddyup to play with Smith and Carpenter paid dividends.

However, in the spirit of offering a balanced viewpoint:

It sure seems like the captain is not anywhere near where he needs to be.

The team still gives up far too many high quality chances. Some nights the goalie will bail you out, some nights they won't.

Nylander is still a very raw work in progress that on balance still brings more risk than reward. It is healthy for both he and Perlini to be battling for that spot.

In fairness, EDM is not a heavy team - they are a fast team. The Hawks struggle with heavy teams, and teams that clog the NZ. Since EDM did neither last night, the Hawks could play more of their game, which frankly, is the same style.

And hey - at 37 - Mike Smith still has game no matter what people may think about him. Cheers to that.
- Return of the Roar

Early on I had me some Mike Smith PTSD.

Note to Breadman on optimism and pessimism...

All of us tend toward one or the other at least a tiny bit. This applies to posters here as well. Each thinks they are the realists in the crowd. That's okay.

The trouble starts when one gets far enough to either side so as to begin to lose objectivity. Imo there are just a few posters here like that. They appear to know a lit about the game, but I discount their posts because of my perception that they lack objectivity.

Because I am an optimist by nature, I'd like to call out a couple posters who in my eyes have credibility when they are negative. Fatty, Wolfie, and Tommyhawk have today posted balanced stuff that stands apart from the always negative posters. At least to me.
- mohel

I get all that & I agree, especially when it comes to being an objective fan. I'm able to decipher the lines, like you, & plenty of others. I'm an optimist by nature also, but I'm not blind when things go wrong. I don't beat to death the same old negative story. & I just don't find it fit to say what others have said more succinctly than I could. I also know to wait before passing judgment.

There's a definite positive vibe in here this morning ... am I in the right place?

There's a definite positive vibe in here this morning ... am I in the right place?
- EbonyRaptor

Yep, you're at BipolarBuzz.

There's a definite positive vibe in here this morning ... am I in the right place?
- EbonyRaptor

JuSt WaIt UnTiL KiRbY DaCh Is Up!

HaWkS wOn’T lOsE !!!

While I like what Kampf is doing so far on the 3rd line, Saad and Kubalik could thrive even more with a playmaker who can skate well, create space, and play defense.

Dach eventually as you pointed out and what many expect. Sikura is an option, too, IMO.

This allows Shaw to play with DeBrincat and Strome. Caggiula for now with Toews and Kane then gradually Nylander. The top 2 lines would have a physical grinder who gets at the 50/50 pucks in 65 and 91.
- AEL_Fox

If it ain't broke no need to change the 3rd line when Dach
gets his cuppa

77-19-88
12-17-65
3rd line
Cags-Smith-Nylander/Perlini

If need be switch 77-65

Don't see Dach making the team this year after last night. Think JC wants Kamph's line to be a shutdown line that can help provide a little offense as well. Would love to see Dach there, but hard to argue with what Kamph, Saad, and Kubalik did last night in going head to head against McDavid. Dach if ready, would give the Hawks some amazing depth, but where does he play? You are not going to have him play the 4th line all season and get 7-9 minutes a game. Does he play wing if he sticks, because I really think the Hawks really like what they have in that 3rd line. Kirby makes it next year is what I predict, I don't see JC budging from Kamph as the 3C for the 2019-2020 Blackhawks.
- ChicagoHope

Yeah I've wondered that as well, but I think they're committed to giving him his 9 game tryout before deciding if they haven't already decided. They put him on IR so he could be around the team longer and become more familiar with the guys. Then they loaned him to Rockford for a conditional stint that can last up to 14 days and more that likely they will milk that for every day. These moves to me seem like the kinda of things you do for a guy who's gonna be around. We'll see though

D-men are starting to gel/learn each other’s tendencies so that’s nice to see. I for one hate Nylander on 4th line and with Smith/Carp no less. Skill guy and pretty much all he brings and makes no sense on 3/4th lines similar to ADB. Leave him on Toews/Kane line for 15 games and let him get some consistency. And for poops sake leave the 2nd/3rd lines be!
- Assman22

Actually, I think this is a really good move, top line play should be earned. Great place for him to learn that he has to be a complete two way compete player.

I was being sarcastic too.
- rpeters01

Let's leave sarcasm to the professionals.

I was lucky enough to be at the game last night. My thoughts:

Hawks looked pretty solid defensively to me. Matta and DeHaan were especially noticeable to me for sound play.

Saad is in full on beast mode. Wow. I have to wonder if the having his buddy Shaw back is a big part of this.

Speaking of Shaw, I think his hit had louder cheers than the goals. Love it.

I think Nylander has the potential to be a real stud. The skill is evident, but he needs to think a bit quicker. I hope he makes that happen.

I was hoping to witness at least one McJesus breakaway on afterburner, but he never got the chance. That is probably even more impressive.

Craw looked like old craw. Lehner will push him to play this well - a win win.

Finally, UC beers are pretty cheap compared to other arenas. This is significant, and should not be overlooked.

If it ain't broke no need to change the 3rd line when Dach
gets his cuppa

77-19-88
12-17-65
3rd line
Cags-Smith-Nylander/Perlini

If need be switch 77-65
- gazza53

I'd prefer to switch 65 with 88. Shaw grinds well with Toews and Kane and ADB together with
Strome would be lights out offensively.

Tyler Cameron: Hawks Getting Better and Get Their First "W"
There are a lot of positive trends happening in Hawks-land.

It has taken some time but this was to be expected after the training camp, travel and schedule that the Hawks were handed to begin this 2019-20 season.

Chicago took a tough OT loss on Saturday to the Winnipeg Jets, however, they played well enough to win.

Here are some positives I'm seeing.
- Tyler Cameron

The Hawks suddenly can play defence. Surely they must finally have learned Colliton’s defensive “system”. This is not what has happened. In fact the Hawks’ defensive improvement can be completely linked to the abandonment of Colliton’s defensive “system”.

Coach Crawford has implemented a defence first system characterized by protecting the front of the net, no over-playing, no chasing, no wild pinching.

Gus of course continues to be Gus. Crazy pinching continues to lead to odd-man breaks. Also chased a Shark player around net leading to the tying goal in that game. Any D-Man playing with Gus should get danger pay.

Reporters said that Hawks were practicing dump and chase. However, the real proof can be seen in the games. There is a defensive structure now. There seems to be a new defensive Sheriff in town and his name is Marc Crawford, who ran the time-out late in the game last night as the Hawks tried to protect a 2-1 lead.

The Hawks suddenly can play defence. Surely they must finally have learned Colliton’s defensive “system”. This is not what has happened. In fact the Hawks’ defensive improvement can be completely linked to the abandonment of Colliton’s defensive “system”.

Coach Crawford has implemented a defence first system characterized by protecting the front of the net, no over-playing, no chasing, no wild pinching.

Gus of course continues to be Gus. Crazy pinching continues to lead to odd-man breaks. Also chased a Shark player around net leading to the tying goal in that game. Any D-Man playing with Gus should get danger pay.

Reporters said that Hawks were practicing dump and chase. However, the real proof can be seen in the games. There is a defensive structure now. There seems to be a new defensive Sheriff in town and his name is Marc Crawford, who ran the time-out late in the game last night as the Hawks tried to protect a 2-1 lead.
- Z3Hawk

Pure gold.

So we like David Kampf now????

The problem with making the 20-64-8 third line the checking line, with Kampf in the middle, is that they may be sacrificing the goal scoring of Saad (a proven 20-25 goaler) and Kubalik (certainly a potential mid-20s scorer.

Better to have Kampf anchor a checking 4th line, with skaters already here or in Rockford.

The Hawks suddenly can play defence. Surely they must finally have learned Colliton’s defensive “system”. This is not what has happened. In fact the Hawks’ defensive improvement can be completely linked to the abandonment of Colliton’s defensive “system”.

Coach Crawford has implemented a defence first system characterized by protecting the front of the net, no over-playing, no chasing, no wild pinching.

Gus of course continues to be Gus. Crazy pinching continues to lead to odd-man breaks. Also chased a Shark player around net leading to the tying goal in that game. Any D-Man playing with Gus should get danger pay.

Reporters said that Hawks were practicing dump and chase. However, the real proof can be seen in the games. There is a defensive structure now. There seems to be a new defensive Sheriff in town and his name is Marc Crawford, who ran the time-out late in the game last night as the Hawks tried to protect a 2-1 lead.
- Z3Hawk

Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha, that must be it.

I guess it had nothing to do with 5 NHL dmen on the ice?

Hahahaha hahaha this is the post of the day

The problem with making the 20-64-8 third line the checking line, with Kampf in the middle, is that they may be sacrificing the goal scoring of Saad (a proven 20-25 goaler) and Kubalik (certainly a potential mid-20s scorer.

Better to have Kampf anchor a checking 4th line, with skaters already here or in Rockford.
- StLBravesFan

Or maybe 3 games together is not enough time to judge their offensive potential. I would give them a little more time together to see if their offensive numbers improve.

The problem with making the 20-64-8 third line the checking line, with Kampf in the middle, is that they may be sacrificing the goal scoring of Saad (a proven 20-25 goaler) and Kubalik (certainly a potential mid-20s scorer.

Better to have Kampf anchor a checking 4th line, with skaters already here or in Rockford.
- StLBravesFan[/quot

I thought the goal this year was to prevent more goals, we have enough scorers to win.

The problem with making the 20-64-8 third line the checking line, with Kampf in the middle, is that they may be sacrificing the goal scoring of Saad (a proven 20-25 goaler) and Kubalik (certainly a potential mid-20s scorer.

Better to have Kampf anchor a checking 4th line, with skaters already here or in Rockford.
- StLBravesFan

Hi, Sage. The thing is, imo, that Kampf's line was effective last night partially because of the skating ability of Saad and Kubalick. Putting Kampf with lesser skaters like Smith and Carpenter would make for a less effective defensive line, wouldn't it?

Hi, Sage. The thing is, imo, that Kampf's line was effective last night partially because of the skating ability of Saad and Kubalick. Putting Kampf with lesser skaters like Smith and Carpenter would make for a less effective defensive line, wouldn't it?
- mohel[/quot

And if you can make the other teams first line have to play defense, all the better.