From the last blog:

Although it doesn't matter in the end as far as acquisition status but it would be great to see Tomkins succeed and rise from the pack as the eventual backup for the Hawks within say two seasons. He's the only draft pick of the Rockford trio as Delia and Lankinen are free agent signeees.

Agree with your assessment of Tomkins. Small sample size but he's been strong so far in Rockford. Still a lot to prove to even be a consistently reliable AHL netminder but so far so good.
- AEL_Fox

I trust 6628's evaluation.

Toews is better than Kampf (sorry, I know it may hurt feelings, but it is true)

Saad -Toews -Kubilak has not been put together.

Toews best role has always been against other teams top center, and he hasnt been matched up in that role since JC came in.

If they arent getting offense from 19, then put him back in the role he had the highest success in individually and the Hawks had as a team. Put him against the other teams top center all game and let him compete. Maybe 19 doesnt score, but I'm sure he'd take pride in holding say Aho off the scoresheet. And make it difficult all game for him to get an inch of ice. Instead, Toews was playing against Staal all game vs CAR - which was a waste.
- PatShart

I know you're not anti-Kampf, but I know no one ever compared him to Toews or said he was superior to Toews. Kampf is most effective on the 4th line, he's been slotted higher, & he's been fine there.

There are times when Toews is outworked, I think of Nashville. It is nothing against Toews, it's just how he is played or matched up. Especially when he had a slump or dry spell & tries to do too much, he's just easier to play against at that point.

I did like your suggested lines & reasoning. I'd add Highmore. I think he will be good on the bottom 6, I've had my fill of Smith.

IMO...it's time to ride the veterans and put it squarely on their shoulders to win these games and give this team 2 lines of scoring.

Debrincat-STrome-kane
Shaw-Toews-Saad
Nylander-Dach-Kubalik

last 3: doesnt' matter....carpenter, kampf and who cares

IF that group of 65-19-20 can't produce on a consistent basis, then you have bigger issues.

I'd have 77 and 65 be in the goalie's grill on PP

12-65-88-7-56 PP1
20-19-77-2-5 PP2

This team needs to go on a decent run and find ways to grind out a point in tough 1 goal games.

Cement these lines until 1/1 and see where you are. If you are still out of it, time for Bowman to sack up and start having sell conversations in preparation of the deadline. When that goes down....only 12/88/77 are off limits. Anyone else can go if the price is right.

Carolina's only been employing that system for one season and it took them to the east finals with a severely depleted roster.
- BINGO!

And the Hawks previous system of puck possession won multiple cups for them, and other teams that used that as well.

I'd rather win cups than make it to a conference final.

Did STL employ the amazing carolina system last year?

The point is, no "one system" is the end all/be all. It depends on your team make up and executing versus a single system that is only successful. Trying to fit a square box into a round hole is moronic. There are many systems to use that can and are successful.

Its great that CAR's system got then 7th place in the standings last year and let them have some upsets in the playoffs. Upsets happen often in hockey playoffs. But their "system" isnt some amazing unparalleled play that must be followed

Well my 20 game mark has come and gone and I still don't know what I think of this team. So I am giving it more time. Something is keeping me from moving to the ledge.
- kwolf68

Lehner, DeHann, what we saw of Boqvist, and the young forwards on the roster. That and Kane aging like a fine wine.

Toews is better than Kampf (sorry, I know it may hurt feelings, but it is true)

Saad -Toews -Kubilak has not been put together.

Toews best role has always been against other teams top center, and he hasnt been matched up in that role since JC came in.

If they arent getting offense from 19, then put him back in the role he had the highest success in individually and the Hawks had as a team. Put him against the other teams top center all game and let him compete. Maybe 19 doesnt score, but I'm sure he'd take pride in holding say Aho off the scoresheet. And make it difficult all game for him to get an inch of ice. Instead, Toews was playing against Staal all game vs CAR - which was a waste.
- PatShart

Toews needs to produce. Period. End of story.

Its great he can play a 200 ft game, but when he's taking up 12.8% of your hard cap space its a joke to say if he competes and holds X guy off the score sheet its' all well and fine.

It's not. This isn't Marcus Kruger or Dave Bolland OR John Madden who could shut other team's stars down and be a foot note. This is a guy being paid to be an elite player in the league and he's a HUGE reason this team can't overcome some of it's issues because this guy can't take guys on his line and make them better.

What has Toews gotten remarkably better at in the last 5 years? Sure as hell isn't skating as the little wind puff they use to make old glory wave during the anthem would knock him on his @ss. What is it?

I can't think of much....Toews is the poster child of somebody who got paid and just idles on by. Truthfully if they tried to trade him I am pretty certain another team would be require the Hawks to either eat some of the cap hit OR throw in a sweetner or take back another Rusty olesz.

Its time for Bowman to make the hard decision and decide do you keep another albatross of a deal like Seabrook or are you better off with 2 guys in place of where 19s money is being spent?

yes, I know....this has a snow ball's chance in hell of happening since he's the captain but watch tonight and count how many times ole 19 falls down when battling on the boards or briefly being run in to. Its' beyond alarming.

I know you're not anti-Kampf, but I know no one ever compared him to Toews or said he was superior to Toews. Kampf is most effective on the 4th line, he's been slotted higher, & he's been fine there.

There are times when Toews is outworked, I think of Nashville. It is nothing against Toews, it's just how he is played or matched up. Especially when he had a slump or dry spell & tries to do too much, he's just easier to play against at that point.

I did like your suggested lines & reasoning. I'd add Highmore. I think he will be good on the bottom 6, I've had my fill of Smith.
- I Am The Breadman

Toews has not looked good against other top centers. Getting out worked, out muscled, and out played. Maybe because its the Preds but I distinctly recall the last 2 years when Toews has been matched up against Ryan Johansen he has been absolutely dominated.

I just don't know what is wrong with him. He seems to have a lot of jump/explosiveness the last 5-10 games but something just isn't there. I'm almost inclined to think maybe he has lost some of his passion for the game and/or just doesn't want to work as hard every night and every shift.

He has taken a lot of lazy penalties this year.

Not necessarily. Coaches have fogured out the possession is THE most important component of the 3x3. The OT has changed from being a free-wheeling up-and-back joy to watch to an endless one-skater circling with the puck, bringing it out of the zone, getting it back in, one-skater circling with the puck....

Resulting in less OT goals and more shoot outs - Hawks have 3 already this season - they only had 4 all last season and 3 the season before.
- StLBravesFan

Crazy idea, if it goes to the shootout, winner gets 1 point and loser gets 0. Then there is an incentive to take more chances in OT, win or lose, you get 1 point unless you have the greatest shootout goalie or great shootout players.

And by the way, Toews is a dead weight to his teammates offensively for the last few years. He plays at half speed and doesn't get to physical. But when he turns it on, he can be dangerous but the timing and speed needs adjustment (and thus a fail). Also Toews numbers are also with tons of powerplay time compared to Kampf and Dach. The guy use to make a living around the net, but that rarely happens now; too much of a sacrifice.

Toews has not looked good against other top centers. Getting out worked, out muscled, and out played. Maybe because its the Preds but I distinctly recall the last 2 years when Toews has been matched up against Ryan Johansen he has been absolutely dominated.

I just don't know what is wrong with him. He seems to have a lot of jump/explosiveness the last 5-10 games but something just isn't there. I'm almost inclined to think maybe he has lost some of his passion for the game and/or just doesn't want to work as hard every night and every shift.

He has taken a lot of lazy penalties this year.
- bhawks2241

Agreed almost 100%. The dude never use to get knocked off the puck and won almost all his board battles. the other part possibly, the game is faster and the defensive men are bigger and stronger; where possibly he has regressed in those categories.

Toews needs to produce. Period. End of story.

Its great he can play a 200 ft game, but when he's taking up 12.8% of your hard cap space its a joke to say if he competes and holds X guy off the score sheet its' all well and fine.

It's not. This isn't Marcus Kruger or Dave Bolland OR John Madden who could shut other team's stars down and be a foot note. This is a guy being paid to be an elite player in the league and he's a HUGE reason this team can't overcome some of it's issues because this guy can't take guys on his line and make them better.

What has Toews gotten remarkably better at in the last 5 years? Sure as hell isn't skating as the little wind puff they use to make old glory wave during the anthem would knock him on his @ss. What is it?

I can't think of much....Toews is the poster child of somebody who got paid and just idles on by. Truthfully if they tried to trade him I am pretty certain another team would be require the Hawks to either eat some of the cap hit OR throw in a sweetner or take back another Rusty olesz.

Its time for Bowman to make the hard decision and decide do you keep another albatross of a deal like Seabrook or are you better off with 2 guys in place of where 19s money is being spent?

yes, I know....this has a snow ball's chance in hell of happening since he's the captain but watch tonight and count how many times ole 19 falls down when battling on the boards or briefly being run in to. Its' beyond alarming.
- SteveRain

I think he has found other things in life that are just as much of a priority as hockey. He clearly still hates to lose, you can see it when he gets pissed/frustrated. Just doesn't look like he has the will to battle on every shift. That is what made him so great. He was never an elite talent as far as hockey skill.

He was a very good offensive player, with high hockey IQ, who was bull on his skates that worked harder then everyone else on the ice and gave maximum effort on the defensive side.

Remember the 2013 stanley cup finals? Chara couldn't move him from in front of the net or along the boards. Toews out worked him and out muscled him in that series. Today's Toews is not the same guy.

Toews needs to produce. Period. End of story.

Its great he can play a 200 ft game, but when he's taking up 12.8% of your hard cap space its a joke to say if he competes and holds X guy off the score sheet its' all well and fine.

It's not. This isn't Marcus Kruger or Dave Bolland OR John Madden who could shut other team's stars down and be a foot note. This is a guy being paid to be an elite player in the league and he's a HUGE reason this team can't overcome some of it's issues because this guy can't take guys on his line and make them better.

What has Toews gotten remarkably better at in the last 5 years? Sure as hell isn't skating as the little wind puff they use to make old glory wave during the anthem would knock him on his @ss. What is it?

I can't think of much....Toews is the poster child of somebody who got paid and just idles on by. Truthfully if they tried to trade him I am pretty certain another team would be require the Hawks to either eat some of the cap hit OR throw in a sweetner or take back another Rusty olesz.

Its time for Bowman to make the hard decision and decide do you keep another albatross of a deal like Seabrook or are you better off with 2 guys in place of where 19s money is being spent?

yes, I know....this has a snow ball's chance in hell of happening since he's the captain but watch tonight and count how many times ole 19 falls down when battling on the boards or briefly being run in to. Its' beyond alarming.
- SteveRain

Hey, if you've been around awhile, you know I was critical of Toews going back 4-5 years ago and his lack of production and was torched regularly. I always talked about his lack of ability to stay on his feet and when the team was underperforming under Q, and the Hawks had to jettison depth based on his contract, it was concerning then - since he was hitting his prime years and declining. I think it was a huge reason for the Panarin/Saad deal...to try to get Toews' game back.

IMO, at best he's a 25-30g...60-65point guy in terms of offensive production

But what he still can provide is a strong defensive game, so since he is limited offensively, at least max out his ability defensively

Agreed almost 100%. The dude never use to get knocked off the puck and won almost all his board battles. the other part possibly, the game is faster and the defensive men are bigger and stronger; where possibly he has regressed in those categories.
- Topshelf2010

And this has been ongoing for the last few years.

Started when Ryan Johansen ran a damn train on him and Keith in the 2017 playoffs when they got swept.

I think he has found other things in life that are just as much of a priority as hockey. He clearly still hates to lose, you can see it when he gets pissed/frustrated. Just doesn't look like he has the will to battle on every shift. That is what made him so great. He was never an elite talent as far as hockey skill.

He was a very good offensive player, with high hockey IQ, who was bull on his skates that worked harder then everyone else on the ice and gave maximum effort on the defensive side.

Remember the 2013 stanley cup finals? Chara couldn't move him from in front of the net or along the boards. Toews out worked him and out muscled him in that series. Today's Toews is not the same guy.
- bhawks2241

He;s too busy trying to remember if he watered his plants.....

Hey, if you've been around awhile, you know I was critical of Toews going back 4-5 years ago and his lack of production and was torched regularly. I always talked about his lack of ability to stay on his feel and when the team was underperforming under Q, and the Hawks had to jettison depth based on his contract, it was concerning then - since he was hitting his prime years and declining. I think it was a huge reason for the Panarin/Saad deal...to they to get Toews' game back.

IMO, at best he's a 25-30g...60-65point guy in terms of offensive production

But what he still can provide is a strong defensive game, so since he is limited offensively, at least max out his ability defensively
- PatShart

I have.....and I don't recall it but Ill take your word.

100% agreed about Saad trade. They knew Hossa was going to be gone with his rash issue and needed another winger to help Johnny be relevant in scoring.

They need to deal him, or attempt so. This isn't a 1 off year. Hes been like this for at least 5+ years outside of last year's mirage.....

Kane is no question worth every $0.01 he's being paid
Keith is OK for what he is now vs what he's being paid.

Then when you get to Seabrook and toews, I honestly don't know what deal is worse. Seabrook is old and battered and slow.....Toews has just regressed so badly and still should be closer to the 2013 Toews then he is to what we see now.

With all this said, Im sure he'll pot a few tonight.....

Well if it is factual that Bill Peters wrote that letter and there was anything hinting at race in it and ALiu is sent down, they could have a big problem. I dont see Bowman and McD getting much slack on that as Buff was in the organization at the same time and soon after that Johnny O. Aliu was kind of a goof ball too.
- nickmo2699

Agree.... slow news day.... Buff and Johnny O were / are still treated like kings and well respected by this organization. All us fans love them both, still wish they were Hawks.
This is just one pissed off kid that didn’t make it and now is carrying 2x4’s at a construction site for 10 bucks an hour playing in men’s leagues now.
Last I’m commenting about it.

Agree.... slow news day.... Buff and Johnny O were / are still treated like kings and well respected by this organization. All us fans love them both, still wish they were Hawks.
This is just one pissed off kid that didn’t make it and now is carrying 2x4’s at a construction site for 10 bucks an hour playing in men’s leagues now.
Last I’m commenting about it.
- wonthecup10

I would agree...always amazes me that a guy who apparently gets sent down because of a racial issue with a head coach doesn't go public with it, after he supposedly wrote a letter to Hawks management.....and he stays quiet and his agent stays quiet until now? Come on.....

For the record, I heard he tried to fight some teammates at a team dinner and that's why he was sent down. Guy had red flags when Talon drafted him, and they came out quickly here.

Toews is better than Kampf (sorry, I know it may hurt feelings, but it is true)

Saad -Toews -Kubilak has not been put together.

Toews best role has always been against other teams top center, and he hasnt been matched up in that role since JC came in.

If they arent getting offense from 19, then put him back in the role he had the highest success in individually and the Hawks had as a team. Put him against the other teams top center all game and let him compete. Maybe 19 doesnt score, but I'm sure he'd take pride in holding say Aho off the scoresheet. And make it difficult all game for him to get an inch of ice. Instead, Toews was playing against Staal all game vs CAR - which was a waste.
- PatShart

Toews hasn't looked like a Selke winner this year, he has not been very good in his own end. Line combinations are more than just the 3 most talented play 1st line, the second most the second line. Sorry to hurt your feelings, but for 1/4 of the season, no matter who the Hawks put on his line (including starting with Kane), the line has not been very good. Toews is not playing like a #1 center. If I remember, a lot on the board said JC was not a good coach because he broke up the Kampf, Saad, Kubalik line, why break what isn't broke. I understand Kampf is never going to get more than 25-30 points in a good season, but I am not convinced Toews is going to up his scoring this year either.

JC is pretty clueless fwiw.

The fancy cats are second in their division and playing some decent hockey while getting mediocre goaltending. If Bob ever settles in they could be a dangerous team. Barkov is a monster.
- fattybeef

unfortunately the Bob contract is going to be a huge anchor.

I am thinking they need a defensive man with cup experience, Seabrook?
Q likes his old players.

by the way, quite happy we do not have Lucic. yikes

Toews hasn't looked like a Selke winner this year, he has not been very good in his own end. Line combinations are more than just the 3 most talented play 1st line, the second most the second line. Sorry to hurt your feelings, but for 1/4 of the season, no matter who the Hawks put on his line (including starting with Kane), the line has not been very good. Toews is not playing like a #1 center. If I remember, a lot on the board said JC was not a good coach because he broke up the Kampf, Saad, Kubalik line, why break what isn't broke. I understand Kampf is never going to get more than 25-30 points in a good season, but I am not convinced Toews is going to up his scoring this year either.
- LAHawk

And I hate the "he has played a lot of hockey" excuse. Bergeron is still an absolute force at the age of 34 (I know he just got hurt). I used to think of him as Toews-lite. He is clearly better than Toews now and probably was always his equal.

I have.....and I don't recall it but Ill take your word.

100% agreed about Saad trade. They knew Hossa was going to be gone with his rash issue and needed another winger to help Johnny be relevant in scoring.

They need to deal him, or attempt so. This isn't a 1 off year. Hes been like this for at least 5+ years outside of last year's mirage.....

Kane is no question worth every $0.01 he's being paid
Keith is OK for what he is now vs what he's being paid.

Then when you get to Seabrook and toews, I honestly don't know what deal is worse. Seabrook is old and battered and slow.....Toews has just regressed so badly and still should be closer to the 2013 Toews then he is to what we see now.

With all this said, Im sure he'll pot a few tonight.....
- SteveRain

Trust me, I did.

At this point if his and Seabrooks career, it's more important than ever to put them in roles/positions to be successful.

I've been saying to reduce their special teams roles as well. Take Toews off the PP

PP1- Strome Kane ADB Shaw Keith
* I know people dont like Keith because of the crying about his shot. But he is the quickest at patrolling the entire blue line. With this group, the offence is going to get created from the half boards down low. Keith's job is to control the blue line/keep pucks in, and have the entire D responsibility of this group.


PP2 - Dach Nylander Kubilak Seabrook Gus
*Gus roams and acts as a 4th forward. Seabrook has a heavy shot.

Pk Forwards-
Toews Saad
Kampf Kubilak
Carpenter and either Smith/Caggulia

Pk D
Keith -Murphy
DeHaan - Maata
(Seabrook I'd there is a penalty)

Toews hasn't looked like a Selke winner this year, he has not been very good in his own end. Line combinations are more than just the 3 most talented play 1st line, the second most the second line. Sorry to hurt your feelings, but for 1/4 of the season, no matter who the Hawks put on his line (including starting with Kane), the line has not been very good. Toews is not playing like a #1 center. If I remember, a lot on the board said JC was not a good coach because he broke up the Kampf, Saad, Kubalik line, why break what isn't broke. I understand Kampf is never going to get more than 25-30 points in a good season, but I am not convinced Toews is going to up his scoring this year either.
- LAHawk

Probably because for the first 1/4 of the season - as the players said many times - no one knows what their role was. The entire team was lost. Strome was playing 4th line wing.

Not sure where I ever said put the 3 most talented guys together make line 1, but ok. Run with that if that's what you think the message is

Whether or not Toews was playing as the number 1 center isn't the point. Like him or not, he is still the teams best all around center and they need to get the most out of him they can.

unfortunately the Bob contract is going to be a huge anchor.

I am thinking they need a defensive man with cup experience, Seabrook?
Q likes his old players.
- Topshelf2010

I doubt they're taking that deal...but as said earlier - bob has struggled big time - if he puts it together that team will be dangerous. Ton of scoring. They've already come back from a couple of 4 goal deficits this season to win in OT. One would think Q would like to have Hammer if they can pry him away from the Yotes.

Meanwhile the Hawks continue to middle through...Lehner has been stellar and a breath of fresh air in his chats with the media. Hawks had won 4 now lost 3. Defense is certainly better than a year ago, but they had nowhere to go but up. It'll be interesting to see how they progress this season...hopefully they'll progress because watching the clown show on the lake front with a complete bust at QB is mind numbing.

I would agree...always amazes me that a guy who apparently gets sent down because of a racial issue with a head coach doesn't go public with it, after he supposedly wrote a letter to Hawks management.....and he stays quiet and his agent stays quiet until now? Come on.....

For the record, I heard he tried to fight some teammates at a team dinner and that's why he was sent down. Guy had red flags when Talon drafted him, and they came out quickly here.
- SteveRain

1. He was a 20 year old in his first NHL season, not exactly a position of strength to challenge his coach.

2. The ‘red flags’ were that he was the victim of a ridiculous hazing incident in Junior, that he resisted, and was then shunned by Hockey Canada.

But go ahead with the victim shaming. IF TRUE, Peters is a racist who should never again be in a leadership position of any kind.

I doubt they're taking that deal...but as said earlier - bob has struggled big time - if he puts it together that team will be dangerous. Ton of scoring. They've already come back from a couple of 4 goal deficits this season to win in OT. One would think Q would like to have Hammer if they can pry him away from the Yotes.

Meanwhile the Hawks continue to middle through...Lehner has been stellar and a breath of fresh air in his chats with the media. Hawks had won 4 now lost 3. Defense is certainly better than a year ago, but they had nowhere to go but up. It'll be interesting to see how they progress this season...hopefully they'll progress because watching the clown show on the lake front with a complete bust at QB is mind numbing.
- DK002

to be honest, i have been watching a few of the Panther and Coyotes games on streams recently, games are entertaining and good action. Some of the hawk's games i have watched are basically unbearable to watch. Of course some games are better than others, but it is painful to watch the game and wait for when the Hawks decide to play. If their pp could be better, they might be able to pull out a few more Ws.