I think it is a weird coincidence that the Hawks start looking better without Marc Crawford. They are looking like they did near the end of last year before he was hired. I don't want to say he was THE factor or cause of the team struggles, what does anybody else think?
- Googlyeyes

No, it's not Marc Crawford. Let's see what they look like after this road trip, where I predict 3 losses. The Hawks are extremely inconsistent and are not good enough defensively to make a difference in the West this year.

It's not of popular opinion, but I could see the Hawks trading Strome and DeBrincat. ADB is at his most valued when the team has speed and grease around him and he can do what he does best in the O zone.

Strome sees the play well on offense but his lack of skating, defense and physicality do not scream "sign me as a second line C" at $6mm + per year.
- phantasmo

Not sure it'll happen, but thinking outside the lines is what's needed.

No, it's not Marc Crawford. Let's see what they look like after this road trip, where I predict 3 losses. The Hawks are extremely inconsistent and are not good enough defensively to make a difference in the West this year.
- ChicagoHope

but what if the Hawks catch fire and win all three games on this road trip ?

So with Gilbert, Boqvist, Sikura and Highmore called up now, and if all get into the next game - who sits?

With Keith and Maatta out, and Murphy, de Haan, Seabrook and Gustafsson in. it comes down to Gilbert, Boqvist and Koekkoek for the last 2 spots.

With Shaw and Caggiula out, and Toews, Saad, Kubalik, Cat, Strome, Kane, Dach, Carpenter, Kampf and Smith in - it comes down to Nylander, Sikura and Highmore for the last 2 spots.

So with Gilbert, Boqvist, Sikura and Highmore called up now, and if all get into the next game - who sits?

With Keith and Maatta out, and Murphy, de Haan, Seabrook and Gustafsson in. it comes down to Gilbert, Boqvist and Koekkoek for the last 2 spots.

With Shaw and Caggiula out, and Toews, Saad, Kubalik, Cat, Strome, Kane, Dach, Carpenter, Kampf and Smith in - it comes down to Nylander, Sikura and Highmore for the last 2 spots.
- EbonyRaptor

Don't think they brought Bo up to sit. I think the coaches like Gilbert's snarl, so 4K the odd man out.

Nylandet gets at least one game off IMO

Don't think they brought Bo up to sit. I think the coaches like Gilbert's snarl, so 4K the odd man out.

Nylandet gets at least one game off IMO
- boilermaker100

I agree on Boqvist playing. It will be interesting to see if he plays 4 more games, because that will mean his ELC doesn't slide. If that happens, he may be staying all year.

I’m still surprised at how well Handzus held his own at 2C during the 2013 Cup run.
- SimpleJack

Handzus was a very smart player

As is Strome

Which is why speed doesnt equate to being good

Wings put 24 year old RHD Madison Bowey on waivers. How much has he fallen? Seemed like a decent prospect in Washington's system

I agree on Boqvist playing. It will be interesting to see if he plays 4 more games, because that will mean his ELC does slide. If ]that happens, he may be staying all year.
- mohel

We know what you meant Mo.He might as well get some more experience up here and get used to the NHL speed and skill.

I agree on Boqvist playing. It will be interesting to see if he plays 4 more games, because that will mean his ELC doesn't slide. If that happens, he may be staying all year.
- mohel

He is already playing with Rockford as a pro though and using his contract...I thought the slide rule was just for those not pro yet (i.e. juniors, college, etc.)?

He is already playing with Rockford as a pro though and using his contract...I thought the slide rule was just for those not pro yet (i.e. juniors, college, etc.)?
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Believe the slide rule applies to NHL games.

We know what you meant Mo.He might as well get some more experience up here and get used to the NHL speed and skill.
- boilermaker100

Thanks for catching that. As was pointed out above, could be a trade in the works if Boqvist plays 4 games. I'm not in a position to know if NHL or AHL is better for him. I'm willing to trust Stan and friends on that.

Believe the slide rule applies to NHL games.
- boilermaker100

Yep, contract slides if he doesn't play 10 NHL games. AHL games don't count. Cap Friendly has it all for those interested.

All this adulation for Gilbert is nice but if you watched the Lehner save, it was his man that was left wide open and almost cost us a goal. Not so good if you ask me.
- gifman

No one did, and no one ever will

On a good team, Saad would be on a 4th line energy unit. Think Strome is the guy to keep an eye on in terms of uncertain future. Could potentially garner a fair return in assets, on a packaged deal. Team in desperate need of both speed and defensive capability in our own end. One of a few reasons why we remain perpetually trapped in our own end for extended periods of time. Wonder out loud if the Hawks are completely sold on him.
- gabriel

I may be wrong...but what Saad already top 6 on good teams, that won Cups?

Strome has 71pts in 84gms as a Hawk. If he wants 7mil, I'd have no problem with then moving him but I wouldn't see a problem with him getting 4-5mil per

Gilbert was also way out of position in giving up the tying goal to BOS too...in order to make a hit

Gilbert was also way out of position in giving up the tying goal to BOS too...in order to make a hit
- PatShart

Our guy Q would not have liked that.

Thanks for catching that. As was pointed out above, could be a trade in the works if Boqvist plays 4 games. I'm not in a position to know if NHL or AHL is better for him. I'm willing to trust Stan and friends on that.
- mohel

If Boqvist plays the 10 games might as well keep him up and play the rest of the season. Question is who does he replace? Maybe a trade? Several teams I'm sure looking for a depth DMan. 4K? Maybe Gilbert has been being showcased the past few games? Gus why not?

It's not of popular opinion, but I could see the Hawks trading Strome and DeBrincat. ADB is at his most valued when the team has speed and grease around him and he can do what he does best in the O zone.

Strome sees the play well on offense but his lack of skating, defense and physicality do not scream "sign me as a second line C" at $6mm + per year.
- phantasmo

Strome, Cat, and Crow for Draisaitl. Let's go!

If Boqvist plays the 10 games might as well keep him up and play the rest of the season. Question is who does he replace? Maybe a trade? Several teams I'm sure looking for a depth DMan. 4K? Maybe Gilbert has been being showcased the past few games? Gus why not?
- boilermaker100

Gus, KK, and Keith are the most logical IMO to move. Gus has not future on this team. Same with KK. Keith is an all time Hawks great, but I can't help but think that he would be better off helping a team where he isn't being counted on to be THE guy

All this adulation for Gilbert is nice but if you watched the Lehner save, it was his man that was left wide open and almost cost us a goal. Not so good if you ask me.
- gifman

Every defenseman will get beat or caught out of position once in a while. Maybe the good ones are those who are smart enough to let this happen only when the goalie makes the save!

- mohel

She was only five feet tall like Dinky...

I may be wrong...but what Saad already top 6 on good teams, that won Cups?

Strome has 71pts in 84gms as a Hawk. If he wants 7mil, I'd have no problem with then moving him but I wouldn't see a problem with him getting 4-5mil per
- PatShart

Think the Hawks need precision passing in the neutral zone, in order to maintain possession. Saad today, simply isn't that man. Rarely hits the tape on sent passes, and bobbles and battles pucks sent to him with no one else in sight. High quality chances conversion rate? Nope, not quite there either. Will he tap in occasional shots, skate with ease, plant himself in the crease, and be a professional both on and off the ice? Lots of pro hockey guys like that around, who get paid less than 6 million per. Columbus needed him to be the old "Saadfather," knew he wasn't close to that, and removed him from their hair. Bowman should have known better. Not Saad's fault at the end of the day.

She was only five feet tall like Dinky...
- rpeters01

We might have the same grandmother.... Tough in the corners.

Um, Anthony Duclair has as many goals as Kane.

Can we stop talking about how wonderful 12-17-88 are together, now?


Al Cimaglia
@AlCimaglia

DuClair has turned into a much better player than I imagined after watching him here. Kahun is also having a nice year, as many goals as Saad and more points in one fewer game and he is a +11.