You just validated my point that chicago is bowing to the cancel culture.Until people speak up and say cancel the cancel culture...now people have become infected with a marxist move.
- Taylorst1

I honestly had to look up what cancel culture was.

This marxist doesn't seem infected by Kevin Spacey not getting any more jobs or if each of us MEN who has screwed up in our behaviors toward women is called to task...that has been happening longer than our treatment towards minorities.

I guess since I was little and played Cowboys & Indians I just never cancelled out all the horsefeathers the parochial school history books told me.
When I was 15 and started venturing out from my Chicago and Damen neighborhood found that Uptown has a curious amount of men who looked indigenous and they were out there in the streets and intoxicated.

If you Taylor grew up in a suburb your life perspective might be different.

I do know that I was attending Stadium hockey games since 1957 and by the time I was in college in the late sixties before I was magically transformed into a Leftist/Socailist/Commie without me knowing, I knew there were objections to the Indianhead.

I watched the narrative change from the Blackhawks were a tribe by management, to there was a Chief named Blackhawk to the now more honest reality.

It didn't start one two five or ten years ago.

Someone knew there were objections, they just were loud enough or people weren't willing to deal with what others thought was an issue. (Yeah those few were the complainers...they are just stirring crap.)

This is all about the team wanting to keep the name.

All this addition labeling garbage of cancel culture club and "marxist" mentions just lowers you to a name caller, on something that is eventually going to come to a head.

Why can't it honest be about respect to those peoples, not the people who are concerned with the bad tweets of Rosanne, conernened with this cancelling (I guess they dont scare me b/c I didn't know they were here coming's for me!) and marxists.

you just have to stay on task here or we will all start disliking each other...

Enjoy your ban Ogie. I accidentally reported you.
- Elbows15

I reported myself

and Bob Dylan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCxi5VOYKOY

Not really.

Melrose is a sharp guy. We may not really agree with his assessment. But what is the logic behind Melrose assessment.

Don't see it now but Chicsgo might just be deep in forwards. Don't see it now but Chicago might be better defensively than you think.

A lot has to do with 1) no one is taking us too seriously and 2) we have four warriors who have been there, done it all. They could rise up. They would need to have support from A Kubslik, a Saad amd.timely input from a Strome, a Nylander, some kids on bottom line.

I could imagine Toews combining with Kubalik or Saad. I could imagine Kane helps someone score some goals. The offense comes from not a chisel in stone #1 line, but from two or three lines with glorious scoring opportunities each game

The defense with Murphy and DeHahn strong; moreover, Keith can have a superstar strong series including some bone rattling checks and uses his skating like he did so often when he and Seabrook were a great pair.

Oh BTW Crawford is huge. Almost forgot: the hidden gem Boqvist could have a few moments where his elite skill set results in goals.

Our Stanley Cup veterans are augmented to reiterate by Saad and Kubalik. Role players and extra players step in and play well. Strome chips in too. Nobody is expecting us.....we are a true dark horse

Elbows will faint if Special K is special. I am not going that far. But let us just see how it turns out.
- jhawk59

Sup jhawk. I was just making fun of mullets.

But doesn’t the defenseman-QB of the PP need to be able to get the puck on net?
- StLBravesFan

That is definitely a skill on the PP for the people at the point to be able to get shots not only on net but low to make it easier for redirects.

Carlsson is actually really good at low accurate shots that get through.

The best prospect who could challenge for a spot as PP QB is Kalynuk. Granato and Eaton praise him for his knack for getting pucks on net or just in areas so the forwards down low can do something productive with it.

Or if he stopped telegraphing his shot so blatantly. Here’s an idea, shoot without the big wind up every now and again.
- Ogilthorpe2

IIRC, Brian Campbell had a long windup, too, that drove me bonkers. His windup was awkward. At least Keith's is more technically sound.

The Hawks have no chance at the picks you mentioned. Its the 1st or 9/10 if they lose. This is not an exhibition season no matter how many times you say it. Someone will be winning the Cup at the end of this.
- Elbows15

I'm far from the only one here who thinks this an exhibition season but I won't say it anymore after this.

Traditionally, you'd want that low hard shot that gets through on net. Otherwise I think you want mobility and playmaking to get the pK moving and opening up some passing seams. The nice thing about Keith playing the PP, he is smart with the puck at the line and will rarely bobble it or just straight turn it over in that dangerous area. He is one of the Hawks best options at holding the zone and keeping the pressure on. It would be nice if he could get some more shots through and on net. Maybe he needs to go for the shot-pass more often or get a bit more creative, but hard to find a better dman on this team for the PP.
- breadbag

I agree, Keith is good at holding the line and making plays that don't involve shooting the puck. So, if that's the case, one idea could be to make sure he has a partner at the point who can rifle accurate shots on net.

Me too. As high as I am on Mitchell, and knowing Boqvist's ability, I actually am most intrigued by Beaudin. To have a guy that plays a smart, calm game with offensive ability to go along with it is very intriguing. My biggest concern about him is strength.
- Chunk

Beaudin and Krys both need to gain more strength. At least they have learned to battle down low and not just overly rely on stick checking.

They may get beat a lot for 50/50 pucks but that can improve with added muscle and pro experience.

And what they may lack in stregnth, they make up with hockey IQ and skating prowess to skate out of trouble, play angles, and manage gaps.

I'm far from the only one here who thinks this an exhibition season but I won't say it anymore after this.
- rpeters01

Any NHL player could of opted out of playing. Of the very few who did, most were because of family health issues. If the players thought of this as just an exhibition, there would of been many many more who would of opted out, and the games would be like a preseason game, where the teams would be mandated to dress enough NHL players for the fans to see.

Considering there will be injuries, I think Sikura will be a welcome addition to the team when needed, on a lower line. If asked to play above that, there will likely be issues.

Overall, Caggiula has proven to be a more reliable player so you ride with him. He was a bit of a mess, but it was one exhibition game. I'll go with the body of work over the single data point. Not to mention, Colliton is not exactly averse to changing lineups.

I say we all grab some popcorn and enjoy this strange ride.
- Chunk

Caggiula definitely has a larger body of work to earn playing time over Sikura. Grit and experience do matter so I would start Caggiula in the playoffs. He can play any line and contribute which is a plus for him and the team.

Sikura, Kurashev, and Hagel are on the ready to sub in if any forward is not able to play. They all compete and play a full 200 feet so they won't be detrimental fill-ins, IMO, which is at minimum what you want. Versatile with skill, too.

Enjoy your ban Ogie. I accidentally reported you.
- Elbows15

According to Freud there are no accidents. It was an intentional aggressive act.



Unless it wasn't.

According to Freud there are no accidents. It was an intentional aggressive act.



Unless it wasn't.
- mohel

Oh, I’m sure it was.

According to Freud there are no accidents. It was an intentional aggressive act.



Unless it wasn't.
- mohel

Some times a cigar is just a cigar.

I find it amazing that virtually all of our young D (that have played in the NHL so far) seem to be more adept at D than Gus was at any point regardless of their particular prowess.
- Chunk

It is a nice thing to see the D prospects come in at least do their best to contribute to defending. Even Boqvist.

That's the first step: you just have to show up then build from there. Gustafsson just didn't show up defensively.

Some times a cigar is just a cigar.
- StLBravesFan

All the dirty old men say that.

Cimaglia noted it on Twitter - and I noted it internally last night when it happened - Kane seemed pretty pissed when Nylander was called for an offside while 88 was entering the zone with the puck (he slammed the puck off the end board and looked disgusted).

Perhaps making too much of it, but....
- StLBravesFan

I have never gotten the sense that Kane enjoys playing with Nylander, and when asked to comment on his skills, Kane replies with the faint praise of "potential." If you listen to his comments on Dach and others as a comparison, you can see that is not a ringing 88 endorsement.

Will forever wonder what Kane's relative stats lines would look like if paired with someone like Panarin throughout his career (the way some of his peers have enjoyed) and whether the Nylander in the top six is one area where the FO is pressuring the coaching staff.

I have never gotten the sense that Kane enjoys playing with Nylander, and when asked to comment on his skills, Kane replies with the faint praise of "potential." If you listen to his comments on Dach and others as a comparison, you can see that is not a ringing 88 endorsement.

Will forever wonder what Kane's relative stats lines would look like if paired with someone like Panarin throughout his career (the way some of his peers have enjoyed) and whether the Nylander in the top six is one area where the FO is pressuring the coaching staff.
- pdx2ord

Nylander blows. Send him to Seattle.

I have never gotten the sense that Kane enjoys playing with Nylander, and when asked to comment on his skills, Kane replies with the faint praise of "potential." If you listen to his comments on Dach and others as a comparison, you can see that is not a ringing 88 endorsement.

Will forever wonder what Kane's relative stats lines would look like if paired with someone like Panarin throughout his career (the way some of his peers have enjoyed) and whether the Nylander in the top six is one area where the FO is pressuring the coaching staff.
- pdx2ord

Imagine how many goals Panarin would have if he got to play his whole career with Gretzky.

Imagine how many goals Panarin would have if he got to play his whole career with Gretzky.
- mohel

LOL - yup, there are a million "what if's" in sports stats. I'm sure Kane will take the three cups over his individual stats padding every day, all day.

LOL - yup, there are a million "what if's" in sports stats. I'm sure Kane will take the three cups over his individual stats padding every day, all day.
- pdx2ord

It would be interesting to see what would happen to both Kane and Toews if they had played together their whole career.

I have never gotten the sense that Kane enjoys playing with Nylander, and when asked to comment on his skills, Kane replies with the faint praise of "potential." If you listen to his comments on Dach and others as a comparison, you can see that is not a ringing 88 endorsement.

Will forever wonder what Kane's relative stats lines would look like if paired with someone like Panarin throughout his career (the way some of his peers have enjoyed) and whether the Nylander in the top six is one area where the FO is pressuring the coaching staff.
- pdx2ord

I get what you are saying here, but outside of the Sedins, how many players have really played with the same line mates the majority of their career. The cap basically makes this impossible.

It's not like Kane has been paired up with bums his whole career either.

Regarding Nylander, Kane actually has some good things to say about him according to a recent article in the Athletic:

Colliton had time to think and assess his lines between his team’s last game March 11 and when they returned for training camp recently. He had liked what he had seen from Nylander, Strome and Kane down the stretch. He knew Kane liked playing with Nylander. From a pure skill standpoint, Nylander is probably the closest to Kane than any other player on the Blackhawks’ roster. There are also benefits to Nylander being a right-handed shot across from the left-handed Kane. Strome’s game complements their abilities, too. The question Colliton had to consider was whether the line could play hard enough away from the puck and then win pucks back. In games like the Blues one in March, you could see how that could be an issue.

Kane raved about Nylander after a recent practice.

“I think he’s got all the talent in the world,” Kane said. “He’s a great skater. He’s got all the puck skills. He’s got a good shot. I think sometimes you look at a guy like that, he hasn’t really played that much as far as minutes, like being able to play a top-six role consistently, so when he was in the spot at the end of the season, before the break, we were really starting to develop chemistry. Our line was coming on. We had a few good games in a row. But I think he can do a lot of good things with the puck. He can hang on to it. He can create space for him.”
There is a learning curve to playing with Kane. As one league scout said, “Nylander has to figure out how to play with Kane. It’s not him adapting to Kane, but realizing Kane will adapt to him. The issue some players have with Kane is they try to play outside of their strengths and start attempting to do things they normally wouldn’t do because they’re playing with him. Keep it simple. Do what you do best and Kane will figure you out. He can play so many different ways now. The smartest thing to do is give Kane the puck and find space. He’ll find you.”

I get what you are saying here, but outside of the Sedins, how many players have really played with the same line mates the majority of their career. The cap basically makes this impossible.

It's not like Kane has been paired up with bums his whole career either.

Regarding Nylander, Kane actually has some good things to say about him according to a recent article in the Athletic:

Colliton had time to think and assess his lines between his team’s last game March 11 and when they returned for training camp recently. He had liked what he had seen from Nylander, Strome and Kane down the stretch. He knew Kane liked playing with Nylander. From a pure skill standpoint, Nylander is probably the closest to Kane than any other player on the Blackhawks’ roster. There are also benefits to Nylander being a right-handed shot across from the left-handed Kane. Strome’s game complements their abilities, too. The question Colliton had to consider was whether the line could play hard enough away from the puck and then win pucks back. In games like the Blues one in March, you could see how that could be an issue.

Kane raved about Nylander after a recent practice.

“I think he’s got all the talent in the world,” Kane said. “He’s a great skater. He’s got all the puck skills. He’s got a good shot. I think sometimes you look at a guy like that, he hasn’t really played that much as far as minutes, like being able to play a top-six role consistently, so when he was in the spot at the end of the season, before the break, we were really starting to develop chemistry. Our line was coming on. We had a few good games in a row. But I think he can do a lot of good things with the puck. He can hang on to it. He can create space for him.”
There is a learning curve to playing with Kane. As one league scout said, “Nylander has to figure out how to play with Kane. It’s not him adapting to Kane, but realizing Kane will adapt to him. The issue some players have with Kane is they try to play outside of their strengths and start attempting to do things they normally wouldn’t do because they’re playing with him. Keep it simple. Do what you do best and Kane will figure you out. He can play so many different ways now. The smartest thing to do is give Kane the puck and find space. He’ll find you.”
- Chunk

Patrick Kane isn't going to dog someone in an interview. The dude is a cliche machine.

Nylander doesn't stick with anyone and looks like a jabroni because he has no clue where to be on the ice, doesn't keep his feet moving and doesn't do the work on the boards. The guy has a solid body, decent enough skating ability and good technical skills but no idea how to play the game.

Sharp and Panarin had success with Kane cause they would skate very fast to the circle and were available to spank in one timers. Both could also make a cross ice pass back with a good amount of success. Buff played well with him cause he went to the front of the net and would draw guys away and create space. Debrincat and Strome had success with him cause Strome would pull guys with him to the front of the net and Debrincat is good at finding soft areas and always ready to shoot.

He's had a pretty random assortment of other players that he individually has success with in spite of because he is one of the top 5 players in the league.

The more I think about it there more I like the idea of trying Sikura on the 3rd line with Cat and Dach. Drake on the 4th line with whichever 2 you wanna pick from Kampf/Carpenter/Highmore.

Sikura is FAST and I think he would fit nicely on that line.

Our forwards are sneaky fast. I completely disagree with whoever it was that said “Our forwards are slow”. Other than Strome our top 9 are all good skaters, some of them are VERY good skaters. Top 3 lines can all attack with speed. The 4th line isn’t exactly slow either.

Adding Sikura would make them even faster.

Patrick Kane isn't going to dog someone in an interview. The dude is a cliche machine.

Nylander doesn't stick with anyone and looks like a jabroni because he has no clue where to be on the ice, doesn't keep his feet moving and doesn't do the work on the boards. The guy has a solid body, decent enough skating ability and good technical skills but no idea how to play the game.

Sharp and Panarin had success with Kane cause they would skate very fast to the circle and were available to spank in one timers. Both could also make a cross ice pass back with a good amount of success. Buff played well with him cause he went to the front of the net and would draw guys away and create space. Debrincat and Strome had success with him cause Strome would pull guys with him to the front of the net and Debrincat is good at finding soft areas and always ready to shoot.

He's had a pretty random assortment of other players that he individually has success with in spite of because he is one of the top 5 players in the league.
- fattybeef

In my opinion, this does not mesh with his last 10-15 games where he was getting more consistent time and line mates. He is very good at breaking out of the D-zone, has greatly improved entering the o-zone with control and awareness of his options and consistently goes to the net.

I'm not quite sure the point you were making about Kane's other line mates. PDX wondered what Kane's numbers would be like if paired with someone like Panarin his whole career. It is fun to think about, but I noted that the cap does not really allow for that. Are you saying that guys like Sharp, Buff, et al weren't really that good and Kane made them that way, or was that just a contrast of what they did vs. Nylander?

It would be interesting to see what would happen to both Kane and Toews if they had played together their whole career.
- mohel

100% agree