Kid has quite the tool box but I think despite his physical skills his best attribute might be his IQ. Really liked that pass from the Dzone threaded past two Ducks into open ice for Kaner to skate into for an in alone. Reichel is impressive.

As a Dach guy they've won how many in a row since he's been out?
- Mr Ricochet

Two. I'm not down on Dach. He's going to have to find a way to work through not being developed properly. He's got a lot of good tools. He just needs to refine what he is good at and identify what kind of player he is going to be. He just seems really unsure on the ice. Hopefully a few games watching will give him some better perspective.

After the conversation over the past few days about development and people pointing out the "late bloomers" I think it behooves the Hawks to put in the time to develop their best prospects (all of them really, but the best ones really need to hit). When Strome plays all pissed off, I think he's a pretty decent player. The key is getting that from him consistently. Dach is much better when he's not trying to play 3D chess and just reacts on instinct. I really wish he would use his wrister more often. It's really quite good. I like that Reichel isn't afraid to assert himself if he sees an opportunity. He plays fast.

The whole club had clown show sequences every game under JC but especially so Gus. King comes in and for the most part that has disappeared. We are too far into the King "era" for it to be a coincidence for both Gus and the club.

It's been noted that King came in and simplified the systems which I think helped Gus in particular, the eye test shows that, but King's style of understanding flaws yet still having expectations has helped Gus too. Anyone can see Gus's physical skills and I'm guessing King has talked to him about simplifying, playing a role and not trying to carry a shift to do too much.

I think King, and Gus accepting coaching, is the reason for Gus's much improved play. ...... Strome too. Big difference in him under King. 75% better chance Strome moves his feet with King behind the bench and when he does that he can be more than useful.
- Mr Ricochet

So when McCabe and Jones come back, the most likely two to be pushed out are Gus and Galvas (as he can be sent down) - maybe other Jones but I don't see it. Not a terrible situation. I think Galvas' confidence has to be sky high right now. Let him take that and get all the time he needs to turn into the player you want.

Please lord, don't be too stupid with this kid:

King said he'll talk to Davidson about whether they'll send Reichel, who played 14:51 tonight, back to the AHL tomorrow ("like we planned") or give him another game.

"He was doing a lot — still skating, pushing back their D and opening up room — but he looked more comfortable."

This Reichel kid is fun to watch. Fast, agile, good hands, and knows how to engage a puck carrier on the walls. He also has a nice quick shot.

Hopefully the two other centers that are currently watching take notes.
- Chunk

Agreed on Reichel. He has all the tools. Now send him back to Rockford along with DACH and play them on the same line with Dach at RW. Hopefully Dach will elevate his offensive intensity and learn how to finish. If this team is going to be able to compete with the big boys next year, we need these 2 players to develop as top 6 players.

The whole club had clown show sequences every game under JC but especially so Gus. King comes in and for the most part that has disappeared. We are too far into the King "era" for it to be a coincidence for both Gus and the club.

It's been noted that King came in and simplified the systems which I think helped Gus in particular, the eye test shows that, but King's style of understanding flaws yet still having expectations has helped Gus too. Anyone can see Gus's physical skills and I'm guessing King has talked to him about simplifying, playing a role and not trying to carry a shift to do too much.

I think King, and Gus accepting coaching, is the reason for Gus's much improved play. ...... Strome too. Big difference in him under King. 75% better chance Strome moves his feet with King behind the bench and when he does that he can be more than useful.
- Mr Ricochet

No credit for Marc Crawford?

No credit for Marc Crawford?
- Ztra

Absolutely, but Crawford was there under JC and Gus was a clown show. IMO the common denominator to Gus's improved play is King.

New blog! A summary of the #Blackhawks vs #FlyTogether goalie duel between Marc-Andre Fleury and Lukas Dostal before Flower earned his 70th career shutout.

Plus, a summary of the IceHogs vs Monsters game that saw a late rally fall short.

https://bit.ly/33EKjIW