What's ironic about "how this ends", Ogithorpe2? That you caught me in my hypocrisy of being a homer and my guy does no wrong? Nicely done. My posts since 2009 are littered with "we" when I reference anyone in the organIzation and complaining about every call against the Hawks .......

I see a snapshot in the 10 yr career of a 175lb guy going 3 MPH hitting a guy twice his size. And what was the yr Ogi, and what did the rule book say at that time, Ogi, and what was the context, Ogi?

Feel free to find more at YouTube that reveals my hypocrisy but I'll stand by my response to yours calling Shaw a "dirty POS" that, IMO "yea he'll stick you but didn't try and cripple people" as I remember him.



https://youtu.be/P7KrtmVrRxo
- Mr Ricochet

Sorry. My bad. I forgot that you’re only able to have a rational conversation when people are agreeing with you.

Wonderful post, Theo. Very helpful. When you say he's reactive as opposed to proactive do you think the speed of the AHL level is still too quick for Phillips or is it an IQ thing or maybe a bit of both?

And as far as Regula he's a slower heavier player than Phillips. Safe to say Regula's feet won't bail him outa mistakes like Phillips' will?
- Mr Ricochet

What I meant by reactive is that Phillips and Regula use their size only when pushed around. Too passive, IMO. Need to proactively use that asset they're born with to their and the team's advantage.

Not saying they need to be meatheads as they're both skilled D-men who bring a lot more than just size and reach. But they sure do get pushed around easily for (young) big men.

So for Phillips at least, I don't think it's an IQ thing just more of a compete level thing. He's got a good head on his shoulders in playing fundamental hockey.

What I meant by reactive is that Phillips and Regula use their size only when pushed around. Too passive, IMO. Need to proactively use that asset they're born with to their and the team's advantage.

Not saying they need to be meatheads as they're both skilled D-men who bring a lot more than just size and reach. But they sure do get pushed around easily for (young) big men.

So for Phillips at least, I don't think it's an IQ thing just more of a compete level thing. He's got a good head on his shoulders in playing fundamental hockey.
- Theo Fox

Kind of the same book on Vlasic, no? At least initially, I remember reading that was a concern. From what I understand, he's a bit more skilled than these two though.

Kind of the same book on Vlasic, no? At least initially, I remember reading that was a concern. From what I understand, he's a bit more skilled than these two though.
- Chunk

Yes, Vlasic has a similar M.O. but is at least more assertive with his size. He's developing in the right direction thanks to the coaching staff at Boston U.

This is why big D prospects like Crevier and Del Mastro have intrigue because they are assertive with their size as defensive defensemen. Harding to an extent, too.

What I meant by reactive is that Phillips and Regula use their size only when pushed around. Too passive, IMO. Need to proactively use that asset they're born with to their and the team's advantage.

Not saying they need to be meatheads as they're both skilled D-men who bring a lot more than just size and reach. But they sure do get pushed around easily for (young) big men.

So for Phillips at least, I don't think it's an IQ thing just more of a compete level thing. He's got a good head on his shoulders in playing fundamental hockey.
- Theo Fox

Let me offer a distinction and why I wonder if it's a pace or IQ thing. Playing a tight gap or defending at pace if a player commits to being physical on a play, little to no gap, he's committed in the same way a goalie is when a goalie commits to a poke check. You miss and he's gone by you.

Of course along the wall is different acknowledging that if you're to tight on him without squaring up and being physical guys will spin off of a weak check and are now dangerous as they leave you behind.

If it's a compete thing maybe that's why Phillips dropped to the 5th rd?

Sorry. My bad. I forgot that you’re only able to have a rational conversation when people are agreeing with you.
- Ogilthorpe2

Dude, I wish I could argue your point but I can't. Been accused enough times that now at my age there's probably something to me being unreasonable from time to time. Being old, fat with MRI's that would draw sympathy from most anyone I kinda earned occasionally being unreasonable, at least in my pickled brain.

In my defense in this instance thought you were being snarky that I just returned the snark. I disagreed with Shaw being a POS rationally which is why I thought the irony part (snark) was directed at me.

My apologies.

Nylander is producing at a 0.50 PPG clip which would be great at the NHL level but understandably lower than expected at the AHL level. Still, though, his game last night reflected marked improvement with compete level and hustle overall this season.

He just needs to show more consistency but he at least has a pulse now to gave a darn when he doesn't have the puck and exerts more effort to get it back.

One would think he'd get a callup at some point to see how his new-found confidence translates to the NHL as he's on an expiring contract unless the Hawks already know they're going to cut bait with him regardless of his growth in Rockford.
- Theo Fox

Do you think that they want Reichel, Nylander and Connolly to play a little more together before bringing them up (after Reichel is healthy)?

On the heels of the Blackhawks' scandal, looks like the NHL employees, including players, will now get to sit through a 90-minute anti-hostile, safe and inclusive workplace.

Something the rest of us in corporations have been attending annually for over a decade.

Do you think that they want Reichel, Nylander and Connolly to play a little more together before bringing them up (after Reichel is healthy)?
- Ztra

I think the plan was to have Reichel play the entire year in RFD, likely Nylander as well. I believe Connolly is out with injury as well, so it will probably be a while before they are all back together.

Do you think that they want Reichel, Nylander and Connolly to play a little more together before bringing them up (after Reichel is healthy)?
- Ztra

Generally, yes, but Connolly is also out with a leg injury yet is due back soon as his timetable was 2 weeks (which was stated 2 weeks ago).

If Kurashev was still with the Hogs or gets reassigned again, I could see a 1st line of Reichel, Kurashev, and Nylander then put Connolly on the 2nd line with McLaughlin (currently in COVID protocol) and Altybarmakian.

Right now Teply is on the 2nd line but he and Pour have been non factors for much of the season. Not counting Galvas but including Krutil, most of the Czech prospects have been below average.

Like Krutil, Teply should be in juniors (Winnipeg Ice) to develop at a more appropriate level.

Pour will most likely go the way of other failed Euro free agents, i.e. Nilsson, Wedin, Chalupa, etc -- back to Europe in a year or two.

This seems to have flown under the radar.

Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
·
4h
Jim Rutherford will be President & Interim GM of the Canucks. The goal is to keep looking for a GM he can mentor, that process continues.

Let me offer a distinction and why I wonder if it's a pace or IQ thing. Playing a tight gap or defending at pace if a player commits to being physical on a play, little to no gap, he's committed in the same way a goalie is when a goalie commits to a poke check. You miss and he's gone by you.

Of course along the wall is different acknowledging that if you're to tight on him without squaring up and being physical guys will spin off of a weak check and are now dangerous as they leave you behind.

If it's a compete thing maybe that's why Phillips dropped to the 5th rd?
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks for the distinction. Very helpful. Makes sense to me what you described.

Based on what you said, for Phillips and Regula, then I think it could be both a pace issue and an IQ issue. There are plays when they should have played the body rather than go for a low percentage sweep check using their sticks.

Agree, after you commit such a play, the opponent zips past you and you're out of the play unless you're keeping pace with a tight gap.

Here is a question, when Hawks cleaned house, did that include Scouts? Another questions, do Scouts scout both defensive men and forwards/centers? I am only asking, not one Hawk drafted defensivemen has been even a 1st or 2nd pairing in the nhl in the last 11 years since Bowman tookover. The last one was Hjammerson. Johns had promise, but did not last. And they actually liked Rundblad. Only 1 great pickup, Johnny O, and we shall see about Jones.

Here is a question, when Hawks cleaned house, did that include Scouts? Another questions, do Scouts scout both defensive men and forwards/centers? I am only asking, not one Hawk drafted defensivemen has been even a 1st or 2nd pairing in the nhl in the last 11 years since Bowman tookover. The last one was Hjammerson. Johns had promise, but did not last. And they actually liked Rundblad. Only 1 great pickup, Johnny O, and we shall see about Jones.
- Topshelf2010

my understanding with that each individual scouts or team of scouts are assigned a specific area to scouts all types of players say the ohl for instance. If a player or players catches a scouts eye and criteria I don't think it matters what position. Unless the gm would say so imo.

What I meant by reactive is that Phillips and Regula use their size only when pushed around. Too passive, IMO. Need to proactively use that asset they're born with to their and the team's advantage.

Not saying they need to be meatheads as they're both skilled D-men who bring a lot more than just size and reach. But they sure do get pushed around easily for (young) big men.

So for Phillips at least, I don't think it's an IQ thing just more of a compete level thing. He's got a good head on his shoulders in playing fundamental hockey.
- Theo Fox

Theo I know hawks are taking their time to evaluate thing as an organization but would have to think at some point soon need to at least hire a president of hockey operations. Whether they comes from within or outside the organization have think needs to happen sometime soon. Reason is to see what is needed to one revamp the front offices evaluate players coaches scouts etc.. and have clear direction either by the tdl or draft imo. Thoughts?

So Toews gets the honor of skating with Johnson tonight.

So Toews gets the honor of skating with Johnson tonight.
- Angotti

Yeah. Messy period. A couple good looks, but a lot of throw away passes and mishandles. Kurashev creating a lot of good opportunities and a couple good shots.

I expect to see Gabriel on the top PP unit
- DarthKane

Kubilik and Strome for Caulfield.
Time to move Mr. Boxing gloves !!

So Toews gets the honor of skating with Johnson tonight.
- Angotti

Yeah Johnson has to carry the goalless Toews (red font)

Kane is playing like he had a few pops before the game. Missing passes, off the mark on his own.

They need a couple of guys who will go to the net and stay there. Way too many flybys.

Kane is playing like he had a few pops before the game. Missing passes, off the mark on his own.

They need a couple of guys who will go to the net and stay there. Way too many flybys.
- Chunk

He looked pretty out of it on the bench just now. Maybe sick?

Sure hope he isn't also suffering lingering effects from his bout with COVID.

Yeah Johnson has to carry the goalless Toews (red font)
- LAHawk

Not anymore.

1 for the Captain on the pp. Very nice.

Kubalik-Dach-Kurashev looks like a good line tonight.

Kane is playing like he had a few pops before the game. Missing passes, off the mark on his own.

They need a couple of guys who will go to the net and stay there. Way too many flybys.
- Chunk

Could use another Hagel or two.

1 for the Captain on the pp. Very nice.

Kubalik-Dach-Kurashev looks like a good line tonight.
- I Am The Breadman

I had paused for a bit and just saw that last sequence. Nice work!