Vegas smoked last night in Philly. MAF was given the night off, bad news for the Hawks. He will be in goal, plus guarantee Gallant wasn't too thrilled with their game either. Set up for another L.
- ChicagoHope

Oscar Dansk is the new Hardy Aastrom

Defense and a running game travel. They have the Cards coming into NO this week. They can win with TB in that game cause the Cards' D blows. The bye after that and Brees return to a 7-1 team.

GB is gonna lose at least 2 more games and so will SF. At the end of the day, I want Brees 100% and will take my chances on the home field. Besides. There is still a lot of season left to play to be too concerned about home field just yet.
- Elbows15

The Bears are ruining a team with a great defense by having a stupid philosophy or game-plan to compliment it. The offense should be a ground n pound, ball-control offense. Just before the Jets game last night Brady was interviewed. He said that he has realized for years now that ANY drive that ends with a kick is a "GOOD" drive. First thought is ...huh??? how is that good? Then he went on to say. Any time our offense drives and we don't turn over the ball...it ends with a "KICK" in the form of a punt..or better a Field goal...or best...a TD, with the extra point. As long as we end with a "Kick" I think with our defense we will win.

What true words. What a philosophy for the Bears to have. Run the damn ball, throw some screens, throw some 6-7 yard slants. CONTROL the ball, protect the ball and make other teams have to move 70-80 yards against our defense.

I thought his mind set, was unselfish and that of a "Winner"....we could learn from it!!!

Aside from a "4th line", where guys are slotted 1st through 3rd should be about balancing the lines to get as much scoring as possible. I don't think anybody is anointing Dach with anything as much as it is about spreading out talent among their top 9.
- frafra

That, and also giving Dach the best chance to succeed in his 9 game trial.

That, and also giving Dach the best chance to succeed in his 9 game trial.
- tvetter

The best thing for Dach and the Blackhawks is for him to go back to junior. He isn't ready physically for the NHL. He's a tall skinny kid who was bounced around in the prospects tournament by non NHLers.

The best thing for Dach and the Blackhawks is for him to go back to junior. He isn't ready physically for the NHL. He's a tall skinny kid who was bounced around in the prospects tournament by non NHLers.
- paulr

Most likely, but I'll see how he looks in the next 8 games before I make up my mind.

The best thing for Dach and the Blackhawks is for him to go back to junior. He isn't ready physically for the NHL. He's a tall skinny kid who was bounced around in the prospects tournament by non NHLers.
- paulr

He is listed as an inch taller and 3 lbs lighter than Strome. From what I saw he skates better and is more defensively aware as well. I say give him the tryout and see where he’s at.

More believable than PE's Bettman theories.
- tvetter

Not according to my sources.....

Most likely, but I'll see how he looks in the next 8 games before I make up my mind.
- tvetter

They’ll make a decision in the next 2 or 3 games.

I’m guessing he’s in Saskatoon for the week-end.

He is listed as an inch taller and 3 lbs lighter than Strome. From what I saw he skates better and is more defensively aware as well. I say give him the tryout and see where he’s at.
- Chunk

Dach did ok against the Caps. Did not appear to be afraid of the contact.

Still think Dach gets the full 9 games. I really think the Hawks want him in Chicago for the duration. Does he have much left to prove in Junior? No, but is he worth burning a year off the ELC if he is not going to be a force night in and night out. Toews and Kane were totally ready and made a huge difference in the first year of their ELC's, if Dach is not ready to do that, do not burn a year of the ELC!!

The best thing for Dach and the Blackhawks is for him to go back to junior. He isn't ready physically for the NHL. He's a tall skinny kid who was bounced around in the prospects tournament by non NHLers.
- paulr

As opposed to when Kane joined the club as a short skinny kid who avoided contact at all costs?

Lehner starting tonight. Interested to see what the lines are.

As opposed to when Kane joined the club as a short skinny kid who avoided contact at all costs?
- riozzo

What does AEL think about Hogs that could be contributing with the big club? I watched a lot of the Wolves/Hogs over the weekend (broadcast locally in Chicago). I think Sikura and Highmore could plug in immediately in the bottom 6 and allow one of Caggulia /Nylander/Kubalik/Saad to plug into the Top 6.

Also, I think the playbook on shutting down Strome is out and it is to seal him off at the blue line when he enters the zone as he doesn't have the footspeed to drive traffic to the net. Makes the Hawks offense predictable and defendable entering the zone. Fewer looks for all of his linemates. Needs to win draws in ozone and work from there to be effective.

How does anyone outside the organ-i-zation know what is best for the development of Kirby Dach?

Will he be better next season if he plays this year in the NHL, or in Juniors? And how do we know? And what does any other player's experience have to do with him?

As opposed to when Kane joined the club as a short skinny kid who avoided contact at all costs?
- riozzo

Dach is not Kane. Kane was a star in junior, Dach was a good junior. Kane was a far Superior skater. Kane didn't get bounced around against prospects, Dach took a pounding. Some players can play in the NHL as 18 year olds, I'm not sure Dach is ready.

- Ogilthorpe2

Coulnd't agree more, boring arse sport. almost rather watch baseball.

So now I am seeing people moving Cat down to line 3, Shaw to line 4, and Dach up into the top 6. Mmmkay. Trying to figure out what Dach has done to deserve a shot in the Top 6. I don't guess he was bad Sunday night, but he really wasn't good either. He was just...there. This anointing guys is bothersome. Not ragging the kid, but maybe players should at least earn those top line spots by playing more than 3 meh periods of hockey.
- kwolf68

I hear what you are saying. My guess is that they are trying him with higher skilled players for a limited time. If he succeeds great. But he will have to "earn" the right to stay there. If not he goes down to the 3rd line or juniors. I am ok with that.

Vegas smoked last night in Philly. MAF was given the night off, bad news for the Hawks. He will be in goal, plus guarantee Gallant wasn't too thrilled with their game either. Set up for another L.
- ChicagoHope

This should always be the expectation, regardless of that the Hawks opponent did in their previous game.

What does AEL think about Hogs that could be contributing with the big club? I watched a lot of the Wolves/Hogs over the weekend (broadcast locally in Chicago). I think Sikura and Highmore could plug in immediately in the bottom 6 and allow one of Caggulia /Nylander/Kubalik/Saad to plug into the Top 6.
- phantasmo

IMO, the Hogs players who could step in to the Hawks lineup, keep up, and make a difference:

Sikura could be an option for the 3rd line or perhaps even 2RW as a playmaker who also skates well and defends across all 200 feet.

Highmore would be a pest on the 4th line with his relentlessness and fearlessness. Also speedy which makes him effective over the whole ice.

Wedin is a dependable player at ES, PP, and PK given his pro experience in Sweden. He actually plays the point on the PP with one of the defensemen (either Holm or Krys).

Gilbert and Carlsson both bring a physical element while being decent skaters. Carlsson has been more effective than Gilbert so far this season in Rockford.

Sacrilege time.

How to fix the Hawk PP: Bench Patrick Kane

I think he’s too much of a crutch. When he’s on the ice for a PP nobody seems to do anything except get him the puck then stand around and wait for him to do something magical...which happens from time to time, but not often enough.

Seems like when PP2 is out there without Kane, the puck and people movement is better, and they make simpler plays without trying to get too cute.

Am I crazy? Ok yeah maybe, but is this idea totally crazy, or do other people see this too?
- Ogilthorpe2

You're crazy...but you're not wrong. Almost every time Kane is on the ice it seems like all his linemates try to do is get him the puck and move around and try to be ready in case he does his magic and feeds them the puck

Toews is the one that should be removed from the PP,1 not Kane. The plays die on his stick more than anyone.

Replace him with Kubilak

Setup as...
PP1 Setup as 1-3-1
Strome (net/goal line)
Debrincat-Kubilak-Kane(boards-slot-boards)
Gus(blueline)

PP2 Setup as 1-2-2 (have 2 dmen out there as the penalty will expire)
Shaw
Nylander-Toews (less PP time for 19)
Keith-Seabrook

PK Pairings
Toews-Cagguila
Kampf-Carpenter
Saad-Kubilak
Seabrook-Maata
DeHaan-Murphy
(Give Keith some time off the PK)

Of course there needs to be an actual system/defensive structure to the PK...but JC will need a full training camp to be able to implement that

IMO, the Hogs players who could step in to the Hawks lineup, keep up, and make a difference:

Sikura could be an option for the 3rd line or perhaps even 2RW as a playmaker who also skates well and defends across all 200 feet.

Highmore would be a pest on the 4th line with his relentlessness and fearlessness. Also speedy which makes him effective over the whole ice.

Wedin is a dependable player at ES, PP, and PK given his pro experience in Sweden. He actually plays the point on the PP with one of the defensemen (either Holm or Krys).

Gilbert and Carlsson both bring a physical element while being decent skaters. Carlsson has been more effective than Gilbert so far this season in Rockford.
- AEL_Fox

I don't disagree with what you have to say, but my question is who do they replace? Who do you remove from this roster if you're adding one or more of those guys? Perlini is the obvious first guy that comes to mind for the forwards, but you're not gonna drop him and bring up anyone of those guys just to have the ride the pine as well. If Dach doesn't stick he would be another, but again who do you take out of the lineup to give them a shot? Koekkoek is the first guy you would look to change on the backend but I think they like him and you're not gonna drop him just to call up one of those guys and not let them play. The interesting one would be Gus, but I don't see them pulling the plug on that just yet.

Toews is the one that should be removed from the PP,1 not Kane. The plays die on his stick more than anyone.

Replace him with Kubilak

Setup as...
PP1 Setup as 1-3-1
Strome (net/goal line)
Debrincat-Kubilak-Kane(boards-slot-boards)
Gus(blueline)

PP2 Setup as 1-2-2 (have 2 dmen out there as the penalty will expire)
Shaw
Nylander-Toews (less PP time for 19)
Keith-Seabrook

PK Pairings
Toews-Cagguila
Kampf-Carpenter
Saad-Kubilak
Seabrook-Maata
DeHaan-Murphy
(Give Keith some time off the PK)

Of course there needs to be an actual system/defensive structure to the PK...but JC will need a full training camp to be able to implement that
- PatShart

Not saying you're wrong, but if you take Toews off PP1 and have Strome taking the FO's you're gonna lose the draw more times than not and end up dumping 20-30 seconds of your PP time. I'd be willing to give it a shot though just to see if they can jump start the PP.

I like your PK lines. I agree Keith needs some time off so that he can be effective more when he is out on the ice. I would argue the same thing about the Captain as well. Perhaps less defensive responsibility would unlock more offensive product. The only question becomes who do you replace him with that you can rely on to win a draw to clear the zone quickly.

Toews is the one that should be removed from the PP,1 not Kane. The plays die on his stick more than anyone.

Replace him with Kubilak

Setup as...
PP1 Setup as 1-3-1
Strome (net/goal line)
Debrincat-Kubilak-Kane(boards-slot-boards)
Gus(blueline)

PP2 Setup as 1-2-2 (have 2 dmen out there as the penalty will expire)
Shaw
Nylander-Toews (less PP time for 19)
Keith-Seabrook

PK Pairings
Toews-Cagguila
Kampf-Carpenter
Saad-Kubilak
Seabrook-Maata
DeHaan-Murphy
(Give Keith some time off the PK)

Of course there needs to be an actual system/defensive structure to the PK...but JC will need a full training camp to be able to implement that
- PatShart

Vegas is in the top tier in both PP and PK%, maybe Shaw should watch this game, sure can't afford any more stupid penalties from him.

It's a failure by the GM and Coach not to move Gus during the off season

The GM - in knowing they wont resign him and his offensive value was never higher

The Coach- who should have been seeing him every day in practice, in games, in video sessions that this guy takes long shifts, has no idea when to get off the ice, leaves his partners out to dry, refuses to play any semblance of defence

Q saw this and wouldn't play him...but then again, it was because he hated young players

But JC plays him 25min a game thinking he is a true top Dman....which he isn't and now its biting them, and his value is nothing.

Be lucky to get a late round pick for him