Sounds like Kubalik, but is 2 years younger, and has better overall skill. Hope the Hawks can get a third at the TDL for Kubalik.
- LAHawk

Nah...agree to disagree on Strome having more skill then Kubalik/ I;d take Kubalik ALL DAY over Strome and I bet you could get MORE for Kubalik than Strome if Hawks were to put both on the market....

Hell...Hawks supposedly shopped Strome already this year...and found ZERO takers.

Strome looks like the guy from Fast times at Ridgemont High selling concert tickets......

why continue to keep Strome? What is the upside to that? I don't understand that logic at all....find a kid down in the A to take his spot.

WE've seen this smoke show by Strome before...he gets motivated plays hard for a stretch and then reverts back to what he is as a player.....
- SteveRain

Strome, even at his best, still makes too many plays that are just maddening. I am tired of watching him turn pucks over just inside the blue line, seemingly trying to make a play. Heck, read the situation, enter the zone and if nothing is there GET IT DEEP. You're not Kane, you never will be, you're not even close. Failing to make that one in 20 pass and allowing the opposition transition is killing them.

Players need to realize there is only one Kane. His Vision and hands are unmatched, and to try and pull off what he does is a mistake. While some of Kane's cross ice saucer passes on the tape are impressive, it's the little 5 foot pass to the open guy, the bump off the boards, the pass to the trailer, the wrap to an open side that are simpler and more impressive.

Strome has OK offensive skills, though there is still too much "glide" in his game. Take Hagels approach, play balls to the wall, make up for less skill with more hustle.

Dach had the best face-off percentage he had all year 38.5%. That was his highlight. He had no hits, no shots, and looked like a puppy flopping around the first time it walked on ice. He needs to either be put in a 3C role and figure it out, or sent to the A. He has certainly regressed from that playoff bubble performance.

Toews looks gassed. I understand back-to-back, and 33 years old, but with him missing the year, too much is being asked of him. However, putting Strome with players with some offensive acumen like Hagel and Toews, that was the Hawks best line 5 x 5 by far. Way more dangerous than when Kubalik was playing with Hagel and Toews.

Kurashev got benched as this was 2 games in a row with a O zone penalty. Not to pick on him, but finally some accountability for stupid mistakes.

Upside is that Dach, Strome and Kubalik's contract negotiations should result in minimal raises. Same with Lankinen. deHaan and Fleury are off the books. Hopefully Reichel next year can make the jump, and see if Davidson or another GM can put lipstick on this pig.
- LAHawk

Yes, I posted last night the advance stats back this up. They were the 3 top forwards for the Blackhawks last night. BTW, Borgstrom was 4th.

Strome, even at his best, still makes too many plays that are just maddening. I am tired of watching him turn pucks over just inside the blue line, seemingly trying to make a play. Heck, read the situation, enter the zone and if nothing is there GET IT DEEP. You're not Kane, you never will be, you're not even close. Failing to make that one in 20 pass and allowing the opposition transition is killing them.

Players need to realize there is only one Kane. His Vision and hands are unmatched, and to try and pull off what he does is a mistake. While some of Kane's cross ice saucer passes on the tape are impressive, it's the little 5 foot pass to the open guy, the bump off the boards, the pass to the trailer, the wrap to an open side that are simpler and more impressive.

Strome has OK offensive skills, though there is still too much "glide" in his game. Take Hagels approach, play balls to the wall, make up for less skill with more hustle.
- TheTrob

Strome isn't the only one, and Kubalik is much, much worse. And how many Hagel's are on the Hawks?

Yes, I posted last night the advance stats back this up. They were the 3 top forwards for the Blackhawks last night. BTW, Borgstrom was 4th.
- scottak

I'd like to see Borgstrom between Kane and Dcat. Borgstrom is actually good along the board and take puts to the net.

Strome, even at his best, still makes too many plays that are just maddening. I am tired of watching him turn pucks over just inside the blue line, seemingly trying to make a play. Heck, read the situation, enter the zone and if nothing is there GET IT DEEP. You're not Kane, you never will be, you're not even close. Failing to make that one in 20 pass and allowing the opposition transition is killing them.

Players need to realize there is only one Kane. His Vision and hands are unmatched, and to try and pull off what he does is a mistake. While some of Kane's cross ice saucer passes on the tape are impressive, it's the little 5 foot pass to the open guy, the bump off the boards, the pass to the trailer, the wrap to an open side that are simpler and more impressive.

Strome has OK offensive skills, though there is still too much "glide" in his game. Take Hagels approach, play balls to the wall, make up for less skill with more hustle.
- TheTrob

In fairness to Strome, as he ever played under an NHL coach while he has been in the NHL?

Strome isn't the only one, and Kubalik is much, much worse. And how many Hagel's are on the Hawks?
- LAHawk

Strome has 46 g, 79 a, in 215 NHL games....this is his 4th year

Kubalik has 50 g, 41 a, in 142 NHL games.....this is his 3rd year

Kubalik has a cannon of a shot and can skate better than Strome. Hell, 99% of the league can skate better than Strome. Strome does have better vision, but he's no where near say top 6 level skill.

I think Strome is best suited for a bottom 6 role in his career, where he flourishes playing with younger, hungry kids, with skill who are trying to replace 1 of the 6 guys ahead of them....but Strome 1. Has to accept this is his best route to a decent NHL career and not pout/whine/etc when he is scratched 2. Bring it every night. He doesn't have the luxury of taking games off, let alone shifts...and exactly why he continues to be 1 of the 1st guys ushered in and/or out when coaches are making lineup changes.

In fairness to Strome, as he ever played under an NHL coach while he has been in the NHL?
- powerenforcer

Well if you saying JC isn't a NHL caliber HC, which I wouldn't argue against you on, same could be said of Kubalik.

Not sure what the fancy stats show, but I thought that McCabe (other than the penalty at end of game)played his best game as a Hawk.

Yes, I posted last night the advance stats back this up. They were the 3 top forwards for the Blackhawks last night. BTW, Borgstrom was 4th.
- scottak

And while this team continues to struggle offensively, R. Johnson, Hardman, Carpenter, and Khaira play over him on most nights.

Not sure what the fancy stats show, but I thought that McCabe (other than the penalty at end of game)played his best game as a Hawk.
- Angotti

Finally, a positive take after a Hawk win!!

Good job, Lou.

Well if you saying JC isn't a NHL caliber HC, which I wouldn't argue against you on, same could be said of Kubalik.
- SteveRain

The only thing that both Strome and Kubalik have in common is they played for the same coach. They are not the same age, and they play different positions. They also played in different leagues before the NHL. I am not comparing them.

Strome is far from a perfect hockey player.

But on a team that's struggling to score goals 5v5, he needs to be in the lineup, playing with other guys with offensive ability.

Is he top 6 on a team that is a Cup contender? No.

Is he top 9 on this Blackhawk team as currently constituted? Yes.

The Strome - Towes - Hagel line was good last night. Hopefully King gives them some time together.

Strome has 46 g, 79 a, in 215 NHL games....this is his 4th year

Kubalik has 50 g, 41 a, in 142 NHL games.....this is his 3rd year

Kubalik has a cannon of a shot and can skate better than Strome. Hell, 99% of the league can skate better than Strome. Strome does have better vision, but he's no where near say top 6 level skill.

I think Strome is best suited for a bottom 6 role in his career, where he flourishes playing with younger, hungry kids, with skill who are trying to replace 1 of the 6 guys ahead of them....but Strome 1. Has to accept this is his best route to a decent NHL career and not pout/whine/etc when he is scratched 2. Bring it every night. He doesn't have the luxury of taking games off, let alone shifts...and exactly why he continues to be 1 of the 1st guys ushered in and/or out when coaches are making lineup changes.
- SteveRain

Kubalik is 26, Strome is 24. Kubalik has better straight ahead speed, but that is it as far as skating ability. You are right, Kubalik can shoot, but that is all he can do, he can't pass, he can't anticipate plays, he can't stickhandle, and he is horrible defensively standing by the opponents defenseman, and can't chip the puck past him when it comes to him. Strome has a plus wrister also.

kubalik , 40% of his career points come on the power play. He is no asset as a top 6 forward 5 x 5. As an RFA, he has to be offered a minimum of $4.1Mil as a qualifying offer. I hope Davidson can get a third for him at the TDL. I would rather DFA him at the end of the year if no takers than waste $4.1 mil. on him.

Not sure what the fancy stats show, but I thought that McCabe (other than the penalty at end of game)played his best game as a Hawk.
- Angotti

Yes, he was the highest rated Hawk defenseman measured by Corsi for relative.

Riley Stillman goes on IR for the Blackhawks with a left knee injury.

Wyatt Kalynuk recalled; he’ll meet the team in Calgary.

Calgary is one of 5 teams (FLA, CAR, WSH, EDM) with a points percentage over 70%.

Tuesday will be challenging.

I don't disagree on Jones not being the best at his position defensively, but to routinely turn a blind eye to what Murphy is....I am sorry.....if people want to pull out their advanced analytics and bash Jones...fine....but lets not pretend that Murphy is some top 4 lock down defensemen. You could easily argue for the minutes he gets per game vs the other 5....he's by FAR the worst. Jones will at least you give some offensive upside back....what does Murphy give you.....oh the leadership aspect I keep on forgetting about when he was a letter wearer for the Team USA F team at the worlds year after year....

Somebody else said it best, tradeline is going to be thud baring a major uptick in a lot of guys play. Fleury has a NO 10 team trade list, and I am pretty sure Hawks and him had a deal he woudln't be moved again after taking time to decide if he wanted to come here in July.

Hawks routinely having issues not scoring 5 on 5 and almost a quarter way through the season....not a blip any longer, this is now a major concern.

IF the Hawks didn't have Fleury do they have 2 wins? I doubt it.
- SteveRain

Now you've done it! The Murphy lovers will be down your throat for this. The same 4 or 5 guys that talk like they invented hockey on here.

Calgary is one of 5 teams (FLA, CAR, WSH, EDM) with a points percentage over 70%.

Tuesday will be challenging.
- scottak

Every game - EVERY SINGLE GAME - will be challenging for this team. The opponent does not matter. The lines do not matter. The guy behind the bench does not matter. Every game.

Now you've done it! The Murphy lovers will be down your throat for this. The same 4 or 5 guys that talk like they invented hockey on here.
- GPHawksfan

Look here slappy. I never said that I invented hockey. I merely implied that I know almost as much as an inebriated orangutan.

I completely agree with this stmt. He looks awful out there outside of F/O's:

Toews looks gassed. I understand back-to-back, and 33 years old, but with him missing the year, too much is being asked of him.

Look here slappy. I never said that I invented hockey. I merely implied that I know almost as much as an inebriated orangutan.
- Chunk

I read on here that the only reason the Hawks weren't in contention for a playoff spot simply because of the coach. Now the same internet GM's dog every player on the "playoff" roster.

I also read some tripe saying that Crawford was really the coach of the team, calling all the shots. Maybe Crawford was the coach all along?

Yes, I posted last night the advance stats back this up. They were the 3 top forwards for the Blackhawks last night. BTW, Borgstrom was 4th.
- scottak

Indeed, the Hagel-Toews-Strome line crushed in the fancies: https://frozenpool.dobber...&game_type=R&game_num=278

Love the look of Borgstram with 3C minutes and as you mention he and his line with Kubalik and Hardman had nice fancies too. Only 10:21 TOI but his most PP TOI as a Hawk with 1:35.... Lets see 20 games of Borgstom with Kubalik who's shot percentage of 7% is half his lifetime mark of 14% and get a look if he fits long term. Find a Hagel type for that line, not easy I know, and you have a guy to win the puck, a guy to dish and a guy to finish.

And no matter what line Hagel is on they crush in the fancies. Without the fancies only the sharpest of eyes would see his true value besides his high motor. Click on line combonations: https://frozenpool.dobber...com/players/brandon-hagel

I read on here that the only reason the Hawks weren't in contention for a playoff spot simply because of the coach. Now the same internet GM's dog every player on the "playoff" roster.

I also read some tripe saying that Crawford was really the coach of the team, calling all the shots. Maybe Crawford was the coach all along?
- mohel

All kidding aside, I was convinced that they would be notably better now that they brought in actual NHL players on the back end, and Toews and Dach would be back to help drive the lines.

It's just not the case. They are playing a less dangerous style right now, but they are still getting manhandled for large portions of each game by teams that are not that great. Maybe they are just broken. Maybe they simply need to start from scratch. Something is horribly wrong.

I will not be the one to fix it as I've already stated my qualifications.

Calgary is one of 5 teams (FLA, CAR, WSH, EDM) with a points percentage over 70%.

Tuesday will be challenging.
- scottak

First home game after a 7 game road trip for CAL. Good time to play them if you have to but also the last game of 4 game road trip for the Hawks. IMO this is a tougher matchup for the Hawks than EDM. This Sutter squad will strangle you with structure and pound your mistakes. Hawks have cleaned a lot of things up in 2 weeks but this is the kinda team that's a tough matchup.

By the way the Steel's owner reached into his pocket, brought Vladar over from Slovakia in season and the Steel won their first cup in 2017. After shutting out BOS on the road last night he now has a better SPG than Markstrom who has 5 shutouts on the yr.