I think the theme of the off-season will be goaltending.

Like him or not, Lehner was the top free agent goalie this summer. It sounds like the Hawks aren't set on Lankinen, Delia or Subban as the back-up either, which is probably right.

I think they'll re-sign Crawford for 2 years then trade for a younger goalie or sign a European free agent. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Stan went another route and sign Markstrom.
- DarthKane

If Stan could sign Markstrom to a long term contract at a reasonable cap hit that would be making a huge statement.

Fair enough then.

Looks to be the same line-up as last game for tonight. Hopefully JC plays Boqvist a bit more this game.
- DarthKane

At times Boqvist looks a little fatigued. I wonder if the long season is catching up with him.

No. Never did hear him complain once, because he knew in advance that his bosses rewarded loyalty. I always love it when Crow starts. Like him as a person, too. But, he isn't anyone's answer for long term success. Probably not even short term with concussion related injuries. Hope this does not happen anymore. Might serve the Hawks well, until they get serious about winning on a consistent basis.
- gabriel

Lehner isnt a long term solution either. So I'm glad they kept Crow over him...for the short term

He was better than average - better the Crawford thru January - kept the Hawks in games and close to a WC spot - until the most critical time of the season.

I have no idea whether or not the lack of progress on a new contract and the looking TDL factored into it, but starting with the last game before the break, and continuing on into the critical Canadian road trip - he was not very good.

Players in general have to ignore those outside factors - goalies in particular need to focus only on the next opponent transition, rush, and zone play.

Apparently, Lerner couldn’t - or, at least, didn’t.
- StLBravesFan

Agree with every word here, but there's something missing. Lorne "Gump" Worsley in his prime, probably couldn't have eked out a tie point during that particular stretch. The performances overall were disheartening.

Lehner isnt a long term solution either. So I'm glad they kept Crow over him...for the short term
- PatShart

How does anyone even know that without it ever being contemplated? Finite minds like mine can't even begin to wrap my head around what it is, you are suggesting. (Unless, of course, you're referring to his post-trade status). As per Crow this late in his stalwart career, you get what you pay for. Buyer beware.

He was better than average - better the Crawford thru January - kept the Hawks in games and close to a WC spot - until the most critical time of the season.

I have no idea whether or not the lack of progress on a new contract and the looking TDL factored into it, but starting with the last game before the break, and continuing on into the critical Canadian road trip - he was not very good.

Players in general have to ignore those outside factors - goalies in particular need to focus only on the next opponent transition, rush, and zone play.

Apparently, Lerner couldn’t - or, at least, didn’t.
- StLBravesFan

Crawford vs Lehner January through TDL:

At times Boqvist looks a little fatigued. I wonder if the long season is catching up with him.
- -Doh-

The fatigue factor is definitely a thing. Derek King has talked about that in interviews regarding prospects in their first year in the AHL, i.e. pro seasons are much longer than what they are used to in juniors, NCAA, Europe, etc.

Sitting out a player for a game or two isn't always indicative of him playing poorly but more so preservation over the long haul so that stamina for the longer pro seasons can be built up over time.

Watching games on occasion from the press box can be as useful to development just as much as playing.

Hagel re-assigned to Rockford. Clearly the kid is a busy and didn’t show enough during his stint with Chicago.

Hagel re-assigned to Rockford. Clearly the kid is a busy and didn’t show enough during his stint with Chicago.
- DarthKane

Hit was probably a paper call-up to make him eligible for...hmmmm....

Even Sikura got enough time to score a goal.

Stamkos is out for 6 - 8 weeks - thru a playoff round.

At times Boqvist looks a little fatigued. I wonder if the long season is catching up with him.
- -Doh-

Could be. I bet the guy looks over at #2 and wonders "how the hell does that old (frank)er do it?".

Looks like hockey weather in Sunrise....

Could be. I bet the guy looks over at #2 and wonders "how the hell does that old (frank)er do it?".
- mohel

Being a fitness freak is one factor that helped set Keith apart from others as a premier defender in the league.

Stamkos is out for 6 - 8 weeks - thru a playoff round.
- StLBravesFan

They don’t need him anymore. They have Barclay Goodrow.

Lehner isnt a long term solution either. So I'm glad they kept Crow over him...for the short term
- PatShart

Lehner is kinda like my ex-wife. They had it made but all they had to do was just shut the (frank) up and they couldn't do it.

Lehner is kinda like my ex-wife. They had it made but all they had to do was just shut the (frank) up and they couldn't do it.
- 6628

Lmao

Hopefully her neck wasnt as thick as his too

Lehner is kinda like my ex-wife. They had it made but all they had to do was just shut the (frank) up and they couldn't do it.
- 6628

Well played sir.

Lehner is kinda like my ex-wife. They had it made but all they had to do was just shut the (frank) up and they couldn't do it.
- 6628

Short passes, boys - forwards, get in spots to receive short quick transition passes.

Short passes, boys - forwards, get in spots to receive short quick transition passes.
- StLBravesFan

Well, that long pass ultimately worked, thanks to good work by Toews.

I can’t wait until Dach is fully up to speed. A few extra pound and the knowledge to make plays at the right time (and maybe get better at face offs) and he will be a load for this team.

Being a fitness freak is one factor that helped set Keith apart from others as a premier defender in the league.
- AEL_Fox

I recall reading/watching somewhere that Keith's lung capacity is like 25-30% more than the average human being.

It's remarkable how fast he is even after all that tread on those tires.

Looking forward to seeing his name in the rafters one day.

Wtf is Koekkoek doing

And konroyd was just saying hes steady

I can’t wait until Dach is fully up to speed. A few extra pound and the knowledge to make plays at the right time (and maybe get better at face offs) and he will be a load for this team.
- Chunk

77 is 19 in the making.

Cannot wait.

I recall reading/watching somewhere that Keith's lung capacity is like 25-30% more than the average human being.

It's remarkable how fast he is even after all that tread on those tires.

Looking forward to seeing his name in the rafters one day.
- TommyHawk

Let’s let him play a couple more quality seasons first....