Theo

I saw Elbows comment comparing Kampf to Johnson per skating speed. He has a valid point in that Kampf is fast and Johnson just pedestrian.

I love when a roster has a couple of players who never forget what it takes each night out. Johnson i envision as tough as nails to play against. Solid defense and can chip in with some goals. But although good in face off maybe he has tonplay RW in the NHL. I suspect eventually that Johnson and Entehistle could be unsung 4th line mainstays. Along with Barret on a #2 or #3 line. We need other bottom line forwards to be fast and willing to cycle puck on boards. If we are to be competitive in playoffs then we need those players on bottom lines.
- jhawk59

Agree, jhawk. Players like Entwistle and Johnson -- whether them specifically or prospects who play like them -- will be needed to eventually take over bottom 6 roles for the Blackhawks.

A 4th line that is something like Highmore, Entwistle, and Johnson may be a possibility within a few years.

I don't mind Kampf as he's quite good defensively but he is an offensive desert. So if there's a prospect who can play shutdown hockey and contribute offensively in a support role, then he could eventually bump out Kampf.

Meh. The PI on Jackson to nullify the TD was iffy at best. EJ has a right to break on the ball. Also, the 2nd INT by the Giants should have been called PI on the Giants. Guy never looked for the ball. Can't do that in the NFL.
- Elbows15

Said that over in the other place a bit ago. Agree. At least Jackson was playing the ball.

On that second INT, the Giant never looked back and had a hand planted in ARob's chest before the ball arrived. Textbook PI.

Agree, jhawk. Players like Entwistle and Johnson -- whether them specifically or prospects who play like them -- will be needed to eventually take over bottom 6 roles for the Blackhawks.

A 4th line that is something like Highmore, Entwistle, and Johnson may be a possibility within a few years.

I don't mind Kampf as he's quite good defensively but he is an offensive desert. So if there's a prospect who can play shutdown hockey and contribute offensively in a support role, then he could eventually bump out Kampf.
- Theo Fox

Interesting how we perceive players. Krueger was considered the epitomy of a 4th line center, and even in the 14/15 season, he had exactly one more point (and one less goal) than Kampf. I like Kampf in a 4th line role. Second best center on the Hawks on face-offs, plays big along the boards, good skater. Does not see the game well enough to play center. With his skill set, i think he would be a good 4th line left wing/penalty killer, especially at his cap hit. Look at Casey Cizekas, except for one outlier year that he score 20 goals, he consistently scores 8-9 goals a year.

Most of our 4th line prospects are in the mold of Highmore/Hagel/Soderland. Good skaters, high motor, but still on the smallish size. You still need a road grader or 2 on your bottom 6. Most "energy lines" in the NHL feature at least 1 0r 2 players who are good skaters/ big and can take the body. Hawks are lacking in that aspect.

Said that over in the other place a bit ago. Agree. At least Jackson was playing the ball.

On that second INT, the Giant never looked back and had a hand planted in ARob's chest before the ball arrived. Textbook PI.
- HawkintheD

I do wonder if he did something to upset the officials, the arm bar in Detroit and then this egregious PI.

Interesting how we perceive players. Krueger was considered the epitomy of a 4th line center, and even in the 14/15 season, he had exactly one more point (and one less goal) than Kampf. I like Kampf in a 4th line role. Second best center on the Hawks on face-offs, plays big along the boards, good skater. Does not see the game well enough to play center. With his skill set, i think he would be a good 4th line left wing/penalty killer, especially at his cap hit. Look at Casey Cizekas, except for one outlier year that he score 20 goals, he consistently scores 8-9 goals a year.

Most of our 4th line prospects are in the mold of Highmore/Hagel/Soderland. Good skaters, high motor, but still on the smallish size. You still need a road grader or 2 on your bottom 6. Most "energy lines" in the NHL feature at least 1 0r 2 players who are good skaters/ big and can take the body. Hawks are lacking in that aspect.
- LAHawk

LAHawk, it's like you knew what I was typing up over the weekend! The newest blog addresses some of what your post is about.

New blog! A look at the Blackhawks drafting for size in recent years and whether that is a worthwhile strategy in the upcoming NHL draft.

https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=107483