We do? Like Nylander
- BetweenTheDots

No, like Entwistle and Hardman on the fourth line over Carpenter. They need forwards that bring skill on the top lines, so yes, maybe Nylander gets a shot to produce, one last show me opportunity. Strome as well, while I’m not a big fan of either, JC needs to slot them where they add the most value to the team, while they are still Hawk property. If Borgstrom, Nylander, and Strome are in the line up, they have to play top nine with other skill forwards, otherwise sit them. Yes, I know that Hawks have other issues, but slot your players according to their skill set.

We do? Like Nylander
- BetweenTheDots

No, like Entwistle and Hardman on the fourth line over Carpenter. They need forwards that bring skill on the top lines, so yes, maybe Nylander gets a shot to produce, one last show me opportunity. Strome as well, while I’m not a big fan of either, JC needs to slot them where they add the most value to the team, while they are still Hawk property. If Borgstrom, Nylander, and Strome are in the line up, they have to play top nine with other skill forwards, otherwise sit them. Yes, I know that Hawks have other issues, but slot your players according to their skill set.
- Angotti

Just what has Strome done this year or last to merit being with more skilled forwards? Who says he is a better fit with them and makes them better, which is what a coach would want from a big center who is supposedly 'skilled'.

The best placement for Strome is in Rockford or Indy or on Kendall Coyne's backyard rink taking skating lessons from her.

I don't have too many issues with Strome. He creates things in the ozone and has been covering well up the middle and back checking. Made some really nice defensive plays with his stick last night and against the blues. He's a big lanky dude, big lanky dudes glide and look slow in just about every circumstance. Could do without the penalties but maybe some more games and getting into a rhythm would help that.

Decent enough performance last night. Good goaltending + Patrick Kane. Pretty familiar recipe.

Seeing how they do against Nashville and Pitt and if they can take points from Seattle and Arizona should be a better measure of if there is any improvement. If there is a time for some saving face it should be then.

I think Kalynuk is pretty underrated. He’s the best defenseman skater aside from Jones, and looked great to the eye test last year. I have very high hopes for him, even though he doesn’t come with the same pedigree that our Boqvist, Mitchell, and Beaudin prospects had.

I want him in the lineup as soon as he’s able, more than Caleb Jones.

Just what has Strome done this year or last to merit being with more skilled forwards? Who says he is a better fit with them and makes them better, which is what a coach would want from a big center who is supposedly 'skilled'.

The best placement for Strome is in Rockford or Indy or on Kendall Coyne's backyard rink taking skating lessons from her.
- RickJ

Strome is beyond skating lessons.

I see after a game or two where he rolled up his sleeves, a little bit, he’s back to the timid dainty perimeter game.

And on the other side did you see the game day from Belleville between periods special yesterday? The guy who worked his ass off to make the NHL, Andrew Shaw. The guy who had his nose over the puck all the time, who battled hard for loose pucks and who went to areas on the ice Strome is terrified of.

Khaira and Stillman on the ice for practice.

Strome is beyond skating lessons.

I see after a game or two where he rolled up his sleeves, a little bit, he’s back to the timid dainty perimeter game.

And on the other side did you see the game day from Belleville between periods special yesterday? The guy who worked his ass off to make the NHL, Andrew Shaw. The guy who had his nose over the puck all the time, who battled hard for loose pucks and who went to areas on the ice Strome is terrified of.
- paulr

Yea 1 hit, 2 blocks and 2 takeaways is for sure a perimeter player

Just what has Strome done this year or last to merit being with more skilled forwards? Who says he is a better fit with them and makes them better, which is what a coach would want from a big center who is supposedly 'skilled'.

The best placement for Strome is in Rockford or Indy or on Kendall Coyne's backyard rink taking skating lessons from her.
- RickJ

I don’t disagree, but if he plays, he needs to play on top nine. If he’s going to play on the fourth line, then might as well sit him down. He actually needs to be traded, however any value that he had is now basically gone.

This was the first game where Kane didn't look like he was half speed, the time off must have done him good. Toews is slowly rounding into form, still looking just a step slow compared to what he normally brings. I was glad to see JC finally go to the line I was hoping for with Hagel - Toews - Kane. Toews and Kane work well together and having an energy/hard work guy with them has often been successful.


Overall, more of the Hawks players have started to play closer to their typical level in the last couple games. MAF has had a couple good games after a weak start to the season. Hawks offense wasn't burying chances 5x5 but the goaltending was sub-par until the last couple.

I like his effort but I'm not sold on Hardman contributing much overall. He can hit, but kind of handles the puck like a grenade.

Strome needs to play and keep trying to get to that level he wants to be at, but hopefully he can stay out of the box. His lack of quickness has seen him land in the box and while the PK has been good, it's something they can't afford.

Finally, it's become clear that so far Gus > DeHaan. DeHaan has been playing some his worst hockey I've seen from him. I hope McCabe and Murphy continue to settle in as they haven't been totally solid so far. Seth Jones has been great overall.

Khaira and Stillman on the ice for practice.
- Chunk

I hope that means Hardman sits and Phillips back to the AHL.

This was the first game where Kane didn't look like he was half speed, the time off must have done him good. Toews is slowly rounding into form, still looking just a step slow compared to what he normally brings. I was glad to see JC finally go to the line I was hoping for with Hagel - Toews - Kane. Toews and Kane work well together and having an energy/hard work guy with them has often been successful.


Overall, more of the Hawks players have started to play closer to their typical level in the last couple games. MAF has had a couple good games after a weak start to the season. Hawks offense wasn't burying chances 5x5 but the goaltending was sub-par until the last couple.

I like his effort but I'm not sold on Hardman contributing much overall. He can hit, but kind of handles the puck like a grenade.

Strome needs to play and keep trying to get to that level he wants to be at, but hopefully he can stay out of the box. His lack of quickness has seen him land in the box and while the PK has been good, it's something they can't afford.

Finally, it's become clear that so far Gus > DeHaan. DeHaan has been playing some his worst hockey I've seen from him. I hope McCabe and Murphy continue to settle in as they haven't been totally solid so far. Seth Jones has been great overall.
- breadbag

Hardman reminds me of a cross between Stalhberg and "regular season" Bickell. He is relatively fast, aggressive, and all over the ice, but he hasn't been all that effective.

I understand most people's concern about the deal and contract for Jones, but I was happy that they got him. He's not going to be a world beater, but to have a guy with an all around game who still has the stamina to be effective playing big minutes is a key to have.

Not to be outdone was Brandon Hagel who deposited a deuce into the net.

Blahahahaha!!!!

This was the first game where Kane didn't look like he was half speed, the time off must have done him good. Toews is slowly rounding into form, still looking just a step slow compared to what he normally brings. I was glad to see JC finally go to the line I was hoping for with Hagel - Toews - Kane. Toews and Kane work well together and having an energy/hard work guy with them has often been successful.


Overall, more of the Hawks players have started to play closer to their typical level in the last couple games. MAF has had a couple good games after a weak start to the season. Hawks offense wasn't burying chances 5x5 but the goaltending was sub-par until the last couple.

I like his effort but I'm not sold on Hardman contributing much overall. He can hit, but kind of handles the puck like a grenade.

Strome needs to play and keep trying to get to that level he wants to be at, but hopefully he can stay out of the box. His lack of quickness has seen him land in the box and while the PK has been good, it's something they can't afford.

Finally, it's become clear that so far Gus > DeHaan. DeHaan has been playing some his worst hockey I've seen from him. I hope McCabe and Murphy continue to settle in as they haven't been totally solid so far. Seth Jones has been great overall.
- breadbag

Agree with all this too. Spot on about Kaner. He looked so much faster and shifty last night.

Yeah Hardman didn't add anything to the DKat and Kurshev line offensively.

As to Gus and DeHaan totally agree. DeHaan has been terrible this year. He's a step behind, missing out on passes, not taking shots and getting the puck taken from him.

Phillips looks ok. He probably needs more time at Rockford. But a damn nice 5th round pick.

I am really hoping Caleb Jones returns and plays like he did in the preseason.

Gus is Gus. He makes some good plays (yes even on defense). But he sleep walks and floats on some shifts.

When Stillman, Caleb and Kalynuk come back maybe Kalynuk and Phillips are sent to Rockford and Gus becomes the 7th defender or is traded.
- -Doh-

The thing that excites me about Phillips is that he is barely 20 (just had his 20th birthday a month ago).

Yea 1 hit, 2 blocks and 2 takeaways is for sure a perimeter player
- BetweenTheDots

I understand you take everything literally but yeah, Strome plays a perimeter game. A hit here, a blocked shot there doesn’t mean he isn’t a perimeter player. If he didn’t get the odd hit or block the odd shot he wouldn’t be in the AHL let alone the NHL. Strome gets involved just enough to keep his job.

Blahahahaha!!!!
- resqmed99

A dookie in the urinal

We do? Like Nylander
- BetweenTheDots

No, like Entwistle and Hardman on the fourth line over Carpenter. They need forwards that bring skill on the top lines, so yes, maybe Nylander gets a shot to produce, one last show me opportunity. Strome as well, while I’m not a big fan of either, JC needs to slot them where they add the most value to the team, while they are still Hawk property. If Borgstrom, Nylander, and Strome are in the line up, they have to play top nine with other skill forwards, otherwise sit them. Yes, I know that Hawks have other issues, but slot your players according to their skill set.
- Angotti

I'm not a fan of Carpenter, he is what he is, but maybe JC wanted him on a top line because he can win faceoffs, to keep possession, especially when the Captain gets thrown out of the dot as much as he does, he did fine as the bumper on the PP as well. Maybe JC trusts Carp more than those other players to. If Carp isn't parked in front of Murray no way that puck goes in for Hagel

I don’t disagree, but if he plays, he needs to play on top nine. If he’s going to play on the fourth line, then might as well sit him down. He actually needs to be traded, however any value that he had is now basically gone.
- Angotti

So we have a valueless player that you advocate playing on one of Lines 1,2 or 3?

I sympathize with the Coach on Strome - he is probably being told to play him so they can trade him but he doesn't want to play him because his job is on the line and this player does nothing to help him keep it.

So we have a valueless player that you advocate playing on one of Lines 1,2 or 3?

I sympathize with the Coach on Strome - he is probably being told to play him so they can trade him but he doesn't want to play him because his job is on the line and this player does nothing to help him keep it.
- RickJ

https://twitter.com/BenPo...d2Z25Uv4TI5W3328L_Bg&s=01

Well, seeing this before the Ottawa game, he didn't pull any of that bullpoop where he doesn't engage the player and try to steal the pass. Maybe this conversation will help him understand what he needs to do consistently.

Just what has Strome done this year or last to merit being with more skilled forwards? Who says he is a better fit with them and makes them better, which is what a coach would want from a big center who is supposedly 'skilled'.

The best placement for Strome is in Rockford or Indy or on Kendall Coyne's backyard rink taking skating lessons from her.
- RickJ

Everyone knows how good Sttome is. If he plays now youay get scouts posting a report on his play. They ight day something like, he is hitting people and more engaged physically. Of course this is more dreaming than actually going to occur. Too Nad because it might have perked up the ears or the mind of a GM..If he plays he is not going to help his teach by not playing with skill.players. I would just move on, rake a third even fourth round pick for him. Because we have a glut of prospects whom can be promoted here, at Rockforf, and in the system. They will provide more, better help with their style and skill than Strome will ever provide. Sometimes you might get a better draft pick if the timing us such whereas another team needs a forward due to health/injury. All of this Rick I am sure you know and agree

This is what we recall when Strome's name pops up

I think Kalynuk is pretty underrated. He’s the best defenseman skater aside from Jones, and looked great to the eye test last year. I have very high hopes for him, even though he doesn’t come with the same pedigree that our Boqvist, Mitchell, and Beaudin prospects had.

I want him in the lineup as soon as he’s able, more than Caleb Jones.
- ObeseOprah

My hope is that he settles in and is a descent NHL dman.....I hope that C Joneds can fill a third pair role and or depth, therefore allowing Phillips to go back to Rockford for seasoning. I want Murphy to get traded. Also, I would give a Galvas Stillman third pair a trial, extended opportunity

Sit deHahn.

https://twitter.com/BenPopeCST/status/1455201876266340364?t=mdd2Z25Uv4TI5W3328L_Bg&s=01

Well, seeing this before the Ottawa game, he didn't pull any of that bullpoop where he doesn't engage the player and try to steal the pass. Maybe this conversation will help him understand what he needs to do consistently.
- BetweenTheDots

Seems to me like Strome has a very confused look on his face after asking JC why he is a healthy scratch so often - JC is probably using a Yogi Berra line on him " I wish I has an answer to your question because I am tired of answering that question."

Participating in this Blackhawks optional practice are Stillman, Khaira, Strome, Reese Johnson, Kurashev, Gaudette, Entwistle, Hardman, Lankinen

Kalynuk is out here now, which says a lot about his progress.

Kane, DeBrincat, Hagel, Dach joined late, too.

Kalynuk is "closer" but won't play tomorrow vs. Carolina, Colliton said.

Caleb Jones and Tyler Johnson also won't play tomorrow.

Riley Stillman said he tested positive for COVID, but didn't have any symptoms.

https://twitter.com/BenPopeCST/status/1455201876266340364?t=mdd2Z25Uv4TI5W3328L_Bg&s=01

Well, seeing this before the Ottawa game, he didn't pull any of that bullpoop where he doesn't engage the player and try to steal the pass. Maybe this conversation will help him understand what he needs to do consistently.
- BetweenTheDots

This conversation will be the one that does the trick!



Uncle Dots to the rescue!

I have grown weary already of drubbing given Strome and Carpenter as whipping boys here. They are not fun to watch, I admit that, but I think both are fully worth their contracts. (Caveat on actual getting games).

Carpenter made the most of his opportunity last night. I thought he was one of the best forwards on the ice. Send him back to play on a 4th line with three natural centers like Q used to do there won't be anything to complain about.

Strome, although a small sample size, is playing like a 3rd line center. But JC puts him on the wing of the grinder/energy line. T. Johnson might be the only skill player who wouldn't wither in the role. Strome is literally the only plus player on the team and is 57% on face offs. Can't call what he has been given as "an opportunity" IMO. Give him a handful of games with Entwistle and T. Johnson on his wings and this board will change their minds faster than it did with S. Jones.