Like where you are going with this, Dots. Two years of routine defensive breakdowns and no changes behind the bench? How could 3 sets of new eyes hurt their chances? A total enigma to me why they continue to embrace the status quo, when clearly, the situation is far from good enough. Ideally, have one of the new 3 A's, be ready to jump in as interim, if things deteriorate. As things now stand, who would you want from our current trio to run things? I think that question answers itself.
- gabriel

In response to RickJ. Sorry.

In response to RickJ. Sorry.
- gabriel

No worries but it's all heading in the same direction.

1 example as a forward stop waving your goddamn sticks which has become so predictable and at least try to force the puck to go to who you think is the inferior forward in the zone

The coaching staff have been given a number of new players. Let’s see what they do with the new hand they’ve been given.
- paulr

Not being snarky with you, Paul. But, the hands that play the game are not the issue, IMHO. Appears to be a lack of cohesion and direction. No way anyone truly knows, but that is how it looks to me. This upcoming season should provide us with a long sought answer.

No worries but it's all heading in the same direction.

1 example as a forward stop waving your goddamn sticks which has become so predictable and at least try to force the puck to go to who you think is the inferior forward in the zone
- BetweenTheDots

Cannot disagree with a word you said. One GOOD thing that is happening is we are beginning to actually check players, especially with our new additions. Nailing forwards along the boards goes a long way in breaking up their flow. Guys from the better teams, know that you have to crunch players in order to be successful. Make them uncomfortable entering your zone. It's a damn contact sport, no? Why we haven't seen much of this type of play prior to the new additions, is cause for alarm.

Not being snarky with you, Paul. But, the hands that play the game are not the issue, IMHO. Appears to be a lack of cohesion and direction. No way anyone truly knows, but that is how it looks to me. This upcoming season should provide us with a long sought answer.
- gabriel

I’m still on the fence with our coaching staff, obviously we have seen some defensive deficiencies the last couple of years, however, to be fair they haven’t had much to work with. This year is a little different, Jones may not be a top ten defenseman in the league, but he is a good NHL defenseman, McCabe has a good reputation as being defensively responsible, and Murphy is a top four on just about any team in the league. De Haan is a good #5 on any team when healthy, and I like Stillman’s game. This is the year where they have to improve as a defensive team, if not, then they will have to make changes to their system or the coaching staff.

I’m still on the fence with our coaching staff, obviously we have seen some defensive deficiencies the last couple of years, however, to be fair they haven’t had much to work with. This year is a little different, Jones may not be a top ten defenseman in the league, but he is a good NHL defenseman, McCabe has a good reputation as being defensively responsible, and Murphy is a top four on just about any team in the league. De Haan is a good #5 on any team when healthy, and I like Stillman’s game. This is the year where they have to improve as a defensive team, if not, then they will have to make changes to their system or the coaching staff.
- Angotti

Let's hope the upgraded D proves me wrong. All teams are ironing out wrinkles in preseason, so there's that. D shuffling tandems, also. What we can't endure any more is players who look lost and befuddled. Angotti, I'm hoping for the best. If even we play mediocre (not totally lost) D, we should win our fair share of contests.

The coaching staff have been given a number of new players. Let’s see what they do with the new hand they’ve been given.
- paulr

Big turnover in bodies behind the blueline which rarely begins well starting a new season. 4 veteran Dmen, 2 of whom are coming back off significant injuries; 2 kids now hurt and out for awhile and a Euro who has never played a regular season game. Fleury and Lankinen are going to need to be very sharp.

But opportunity knocks for a couple of other guys - maybe Beaudin steps up and grabs the bit. I'm willing to be patient for 20 games or so.

I’m still on the fence with our coaching staff, obviously we have seen some defensive deficiencies the last couple of years, however, to be fair they haven’t had much to work with. This year is a little different, Jones may not be a top ten defenseman in the league, but he is a good NHL defenseman, McCabe has a good reputation as being defensively responsible, and Murphy is a top four on just about any team in the league. De Haan is a good #5 on any team when healthy, and I like Stillman’s game. This is the year where they have to improve as a defensive team, if not, then they will have to make changes to their system or the coaching staff.
- Angotti

I like everyone's optimism, and here's to hoping we can score 3 to 5 goals a game.

Every game I'm hoping to see some semblance of structure in the dzone and here's to wishing/ hoping i see some tonight.

I like everyone's optimism, and here's to hoping we can score 3 to 5 goals a game.

Every game I'm hoping to see some semblance of structure in the dzone and here's to wishing/ hoping i see some tonight.
- BetweenTheDots

Tonight's lineup is closer to the regular season opening squad, I would guess...

Apparently Nylander is gonna be put on waivers and Arizona will claim him according to Scott Powers. I can't find his tweet but he was quoted by another reporter.

I like everyone's optimism, and here's to hoping we can score 3 to 5 goals a game.

Every game I'm hoping to see some semblance of structure in the dzone and here's to wishing/ hoping i see some tonight.
- BetweenTheDots

No you don't, it drives you crazy.

Apparently Nylander is gonna be put on waivers and Arizona will claim him according to Scott Powers. I can't find his tweet but he was quoted by another reporter.
- GPHawksfan

I read that too and it wouldn’t surprise me, and I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it.

Tonight’s roster is close to the opening night lineup. The 4C role is still up for grabs but Gaudette and Enwistle are the front runners.

Not being snarky with you, Paul. But, the hands that play the game are not the issue, IMHO. Appears to be a lack of cohesion and direction. No way anyone truly knows, but that is how it looks to me. This upcoming season should provide us with a long sought answer.
- gabriel

I would hope NHL players (Chicago opponents the last few years), playing against non NHL and over the hill NHL players (Chicago the last few years) would make that happen.

Big turnover in bodies behind the blueline which rarely begins well starting a new season. 4 veteran Dmen, 2 of whom are coming back off significant injuries; 2 kids now hurt and out for awhile and a Euro who has never played a regular season game. Fleury and Lankinen are going to need to be very sharp.

But opportunity knocks for a couple of other guys - maybe Beaudin steps up and grabs the bit. I'm willing to be patient for 20 games or so.
- RickJ

Clearly you're in the wrong place. If you can't offer a hot take seconds into the first shift you have no place here. (red font)

Clearly you're in the wrong place. If you can't offer a hot take seconds into the first shift you have no place here. (red font)
- HawkintheD

Grow a pair, Francis.

Apparently Nylander is gonna be put on waivers and Arizona will claim him according to Scott Powers. I can't find his tweet but he was quoted by another reporter.
- GPHawksfan

In other words, we're better than Arizona I feel good now.

There's been some gnashing of teeth about the hideous preseason performance of the Hawks. Just for fun I did some math. Sage can check my work because he's a numbers guy. The Hawks are 2-1-2, which is six points in five games. That works out to 1.2 points per game, and 98 standings points for the season.

Just (frank)ing awful.

I put no stock in the preseason games, but to those here who do....c'mon man.

There's been some gnashing of teeth about the hideous preseason performance of the Hawks. Just for fun I did some math. Sage can check my work because he's a numbers guy. The Hawks are 2-1-2, which is six points in five games. That works out to 1.2 points per game, and 98 standings points for the season.

Just (frank)ing awful.

I put no stock in the preseason games, but to those here who do....c'mon man.
- mohel

But JC has no structure! The defensemen suck! The coach has a defence system no other team uses! The coach is copying the defensive structure of Tampa! Murphy sucks! Colliton should be fired! …. I can hear the blood pounding in my ears! My chest hurts! I have a headache! My eyes are blurry!

Ha! Kampf is on the Leaf’s top line.

But JC has no structure! The defensemen suck! The coach has a defence system no other team uses! The coach is copying the defensive structure of Tampa! Murphy sucks! Colliton should be fired! …. I can hear the blood pounding in my ears! My chest hurts! I have a headache! My eyes are blurry!
- paulr

Glad i can be here for you. I know it drives you crazy that I'm right but continue mocking me with admiration, i appreciate it

Ha! Kampf is on the Leaf’s top line.
- paulr

I suspect he will surprise some of the haters this season.

I suspect he will surprise some of the haters this season.
- mohel

On an offensive juggernaut team.....sure he cannot help "pot" a few goals. Heck you and I would even find the twine occasionally.

On another subject, the roster is shaping up kind of like a good educated guess back at start of camp.

A couple injuries. No rushing Reichel. Something up with Nylander. A conditioning stint maybe but he likely wouldn't clear waivers
Arizona just the team to snatch him. Imagine him and Schmautz on same line. Oh boy....imagine that.

Shout out to MyQuist blogger
As opening night NHL approaches what newbies rookies are you excited about

Raymond on Detroit of course
Others?

Michal Kempny on waivers, the missing piece

Glad i can be here for you. I know it drives you crazy that I'm right but continue mocking me with admiration, i appreciate it
- BetweenTheDots

You both offer good analysis throughout the year

As for Colliton system and defensive woes this season....

As the season wears on
I AM SURE BOTH PLAYERS AND COACH WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE. Bowman and Rocky expect most likely not a porous effort defensively and expectation should be at least .500 record

I am curious if Soderblom could really step in say if Fluery injured and Laakinen is just average. Subban could attempt to fill a void if he is around. I hope Delia is gone

Damn, where is the line change structure?