@BenPopeCST

Derek King said scratching Galvas today was "out of respect" for Gustafsson, Caleb Jones and McCabe, to get them in the lineup.

But Galvas "definitely" turned eyes during first 3 games — "He's got a little taste of it now." They haven't decided if he'll stay in NHL right now.

====
Are we trying to win or trying to make sure everyone gets a blue ribbon? I understand that we may not make the playoffs, but you've got a locker room right now that is energized and has hope. Wouldn't giving them the best chance to win make sense?

On that note, agree with whomever said yesterday to send Kirby down to Rockford for conditioning stint when he returns from COVID. Put him on a line with Reichel and see how he does. He "should" be able to light it up down there, but as Theo said, he didn't in his last go round. Maybe playing with Reichel will help him overcome whatever it is that has caused the (hopefully temporary) regression since EDM.

Fact is, we didn't really miss him being in the lineup the last few games.
- pdx2ord

The Hawks woke up this morning nine points out of the last playoff position, with six teams to pass. I believe they are exactly where they were a month ago. They is no chance they will make the playoffs. I'm not sure what hope they have, but they have to focus more on next year and beyond. So, it appears that they are aiming to develop the kids. Some believe it is best to break the kids in slowly, giving an occasional game off to watch from the press box while adjusting to the grind of the NHL season.

I learned as a 12 year old to never drop to the ice unless, as a coach told me, you’re 1 million percent certain you will make not only the right defensive play but won’t impede teammates and you’re ready to make the follow up play. Why do players constantly lie flat on the ice on a two on one? You position yourself so you ensure the cross ice pass is taken away and goalie has the man with the puck.
- paulr

You're Canadian; wtf do they know about hockey?!?

You're Canadian; wtf do they know about hockey?!?
- mohel

Take off eh!

This team needs more offense and also more speed, that’s why I’d rather they keep Kubalik for his offense, but cap hit has to be within reason. Lafferty is just a guy, but he brings speed, which the Hawks need. Although a small sample size, rather have him centering the fourth line than Carpenter.
- Angotti

Hello, Lou. Hope you're enjoying the Florida warmth, you bastage (and that yesterday's tornadoes steered clear)....

I think that ownership's goals will dictate who moves. Assuming they want to rebuild, do they want a real tear down, which would mean 4-5+ years until they are (possibly) very good again; or a retooling, in which they aim to be as good as possible in 2-3 years? If they choose the former, I think Kubalik will go; and he'll stay if they choose the latter. Same with many others, imo.

I don't believe Rocky has the financial stomach for the long term rebuild, which is why, imo, the additions of S. Jones, McCabe and Fleury occurred.

AHL Team with a good goalie

JT's Skating has digressed from OK to slow & off balance

Hope for his sake this year is the swan song

The Hawks woke up this morning nine points out of the last playoff position, with six teams to pass. I believe they are exactly where they were a month ago. They is no chance they will make the playoffs. I'm not sure what hope they have, but they have to focus more on next year and beyond. So, it appears that they are aiming to develop the kids. Some believe it is best to break the kids in slowly, giving an occasional game off to watch from the press box while adjusting to the grind of the NHL season.
- mohel

Yeah, I know *we* know they're not making the playoffs...if they still have hope in the room, though, why would the FO say, in effect, "we don't believe in you?"

So, if they are hoping to develop the kids, why sit Galvas, who has been performing well?

Anyway, water under the bridge, but not a fan of the "out of respect for XYZ's feelings..." approach to roster selection.

Yeah, I know *we* know they're not making the playoffs...if they still have hope in the room, though, why would the FO say, in effect, "we don't believe in you?"

So, if they are hoping to develop the kids, why sit Galvas, who has been performing well?

Anyway, water under the bridge, but not a fan of the "out of respect for XYZ's feelings..." approach to roster selection.
- pdx2ord

King is a minor league coach at best. Let's remember that. The OT is laughable. 2 things are needed in overtime, puck control and speed. deHAAN has no business seeing the ice and forwards like Kurashev and Kubilik do. This is a throw away year for sure so somebody better have a clue on a professional Coach. The Kraken worked their asses off that entire game and showed what hard work looks like. Fleury stole the point for us and hopefully they'll find a good spot for him at the deadline. He deserves it.

S Jones should be back next game. Sit Gus and C. Jones. Play S. Jones and Galvas.

Hopefully Connolly is back soon. Or they can play Slavin. I am sorry. But Entwistle and Hardman should not be playing on the same night and neither, under any circumstances, should be in the top 9 or on the PP.

JT's Skating has digressed from OK to slow & off balance

Hope for his sake this year is the swan song
- Colbyboy

I thought his skating the last couple of games before this one looked much better. He seemed to be closer to the Toews of yesteryear.

Unfortunately, not uncommon for immune-related issues to flare up and recede frequently depending on a lot of other factors, like amount of sleep. Hope in his case, there's a more consistent progression back to "normal," but won't be surprised if his performance is up-and-down for rest of his career.

S Jones should be back next game. Sit Gus and C. Jones. Play S. Jones and Galvas.

Hopefully Connolly is back soon. Or they can play Slavin. I am sorry. But Entwistle and Hardman should not be playing on the same night and neither, under any circumstances, should be in the top 9 or on the PP.
- Ztra

It depends if you want your team to score more than two goals. If not, then play them, Carpenter, Khaira, and any other fourth liner/AHL player on Hawks roster. Also, C Jones and Gus should not dress for same game either, lately C Jones has been a train wreck.

Hello, Lou. Hope you're enjoying the Florida warmth, you bastage (and that yesterday's tornadoes steered clear)....

I think that ownership's goals will dictate who moves. Assuming they want to rebuild, do they want a real tear down, which would mean 4-5+ years until they are (possibly) very good again; or a retooling, in which they aim to be as good as possible in 2-3 years? If they choose the former, I think Kubalik will go; and he'll stay if they choose the latter. Same with many others, imo.

I don't believe Rocky has the financial stomach for the long term rebuild, which is why, imo, the additions of S. Jones, McCabe and Fleury occurred.
- mohel

Hi Mo, all good here, thanks. I don’t see Rocky willing to do a complete tear down, just hope that they only add young assets and draft picks going forward.

Yeah, I know *we* know they're not making the playoffs...if they still have hope in the room, though, why would the FO say, in effect, "we don't believe in you?"

So, if they are hoping to develop the kids, why sit Galvas, who has been performing well?

Anyway, water under the bridge, but not a fan of the "out of respect for XYZ's feelings..." approach to roster selection.
- pdx2ord

I think I answered that - imo it's a good thing to give Galvis a breather to watch from the press box.

I'm not concerned about what players think about roster selection, either. I do recall quite a few posts about treating players well so free agents will want to play here and young players will want to stay.

Dach will always be at best an average center in NHL....The kid has lazy eye and no juice to his game....And as far as Blackhawks, unless they trade Kane and Toews, everything else is bandage and will always flounder as the bottom teams in NHL....Bold move needs to be made....

Dach will always be at best an average center in NHL....The kid has lazy eye and no juice to his game....And as far as Blackhawks, unless they trade Kane and Toews, everything else is bandage and will always flounder as the bottom teams in NHL....Bold move needs to be made....
- shidler

G



THats how we got Seth Jones. and most people here aren’t happy

The world, not just the sports world, lost a 1 in a 100 yr guy here. The definition of marching to your own drummer and loving what you do.

But to sport's fans like me who grew up without cable tv huddled in our bedrooms with a transistor radio listening to games from coast to coast at night the passing of guys like Les chips away at the end of an era. .... A sad sad day in so many ways. RIP, Les.

For folks from my era you don't grow out of this. My eyes opened at 4:30 AM today and the radio goes on, not the tv. Heard Les had passed maybe about 5:30 this morning and have listened to and searched the internets for anything about Les since.

Stumbled across a long long piece written in 1997 about Les and his obsession. If you're at all interested in Les or how sports were reported on and consumed for 100 yrs before the internets and cable this is one helluva read: https://chicagoreader.com...robstein-knows-the-score/
- Mr Ricochet

What a great article, thanks for posting it!

I went to school with Les and while we were never friends the article nails who he was to a T.

And BTW Willie Smith's home run was the greatest home run!

New blog! A summary of the Blackhawks vs Kraken game where Marc-Andre Fleury yet again stood on his head as the team defense bled shots yet stole a standing point with the shootout loss.

Plus, a summary of the IceHogs vs Wolves game where Lukas Reichel notched a goal and assist in his return to the AHL.

https://bit.ly/3A8Mn8h