Justin Lowe: Another One Down … "And with the 8th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks… Chicago, you're on the clock".

Well, another game and loss in the books. With last night's 7-2 thumping, the Blackhawks sit at 62 points, just 14 back from Arizona for last in the league and with performances like that, they may just "catch" them.

this season is almost over

After watching several games this season, and last night was no exception, does anyone else think Keith has some hand-eye coordination issues? Constantly misses the puck, passes off-target, shoots into blockers all the time...

this season is almost over
- Crawford

Justin Lowe: Another One Down
… "And with the 8th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks… Chicago, you're on the clock".

Well, another game and loss in the books. With last night's 7-2 thumping, the Blackhawks sit at 62 points, just 14 back from Arizona for last in the league and with performances like that, they may just "catch" them.
- Justin Lowe

You mentioned that they’re allowed only 4 Rockfish recalls after the TDL - that’s “non-emergency” recalls.

Q was asked about it yesterday - his answer was kind of implying that injury moves are likely....

After watching several games this season, and last night was no exception, does anyone else think Keith has some hand-eye coordination issues? Constantly misses the puck, passes off-target, shoots into blockers all the time...
- conwell

I think Keith has basically checked out on the season along with most of the rest of the team.

And, since I’m old and crotchety and expect everyone to allow me to be so, I’ll arrogantly repost from the last blog:

For those who think Q, at least, should have been replaced mid-season:

Replace Q...with?

Replace Stan...with?

When you consider that only 5 coaches (I think it is) have won championships in the last 10 years....

I, too, think (mildly) that Q should be replaced - because this team is in a rebuild mold, and I don’t think the Q is the right coach for that - too many experienced players whose skills are on a down trajectory, too many young players who should be developing into NHL players in Rockford but now must be developed in a Chicago.

But this next coach better be the right guy (or, actually, gal) - the wrong choice sets the franchise back 10 years.

In other words - no precipitous moves without a reasoned plan.

Ran the tank simulator, Hawks only got the number 1 pick once out of like 10 tries.

Shifted between 8-10 the other times.

Keith next season:

And, since I’m old and crotchety and expect everyone to allow me to be so, I’ll arrogantly repost from the last blog:

For those who think Q, at least, should have been replaced mid-season:

Replace Q...with?

Replace Stan...with?

When you consider that only 5 coaches (I think it is) have won championships in the last 10 years....

I, too, think (mildly) that Q should be replaced - because this team is in a rebuild mold, and I don’t think the Q is the right coach for that - too many experienced players whose skills are on a down trajectory, too many young players who should be developing into NHL players in Rockford but now must be developed in a Chicago.

But this next coach better be the right guy (or, actually, gal) - the wrong choice sets the franchise back 10 years.

In other words - no precipitous moves without a reasoned plan.
- StLBravesFan

Q = Granato
Stanbo - Eddie O

Q = Granato
Stanbo - Eddie O
- riozzo

Wait, seriously?

"After watching several games this season, and last night was no exception, does anyone else think Keith has some hand-eye coordination issues? Constantly misses the puck, passes off-target, shoots into blockers all the time..."

I'd lean towards laziness or lack of focus versus "hand coordination issues" we all know how good his hand eye truly is. As far as shooting into the pads, that's been an issue for a loooong time but i think he prefers to hit the boards since the puck seems to go there more

Wait, seriously?
- BlazinMike

Why not, good options to discuss. I will preface with my opinion is not that of the Chicago Blackhawks National Hockey League Club, or based on any inside information, tips, speculation, ouiji board results, or subliminally shared information.

And, since I’m old and crotchety and expect everyone to allow me to be so, I’ll arrogantly repost from the last blog:

For those who think Q, at least, should have been replaced mid-season:

Replace Q...with?

Replace Stan...with?

When you consider that only 5 coaches (I think it is) have won championships in the last 10 years....

I, too, think (mildly) that Q should be replaced - because this team is in a rebuild mold, and I don’t think the Q is the right coach for that - too many experienced players whose skills are on a down trajectory, too many young players who should be developing into NHL players in Rockford but now must be developed in a Chicago.

But this next coach better be the right guy (or, actually, gal) - the wrong choice sets the franchise back 10 years.

In other words - no precipitous moves without a reasoned plan.
- StLBravesFan

Correct.

Q = Granato
Stanbo - Eddie O
- riozzo

Dean Lombardi as a possible GM replacement. Granato would be my pick for HC.

Ran the tank simulator, Hawks only got the number 1 pick once out of like 10 tries.

Shifted between 8-10 the other times.
- BlazinMike

Realistically, I hope the Hawks don't move down during the lottery. I am hoping that the Hawks could move into the top 3 like Philly (13 to 2) and Dallas (8 to 3) did last year.

Realistically, I hope the Hawks don't move down during the lottery. I am hoping that the Hawks could move into the top 3 like Philly (13 to 2) and Dallas (8 to 3) did last year.
- DarthKane

How many of the top 10 prospects could play in the NHL year 1? Maybe 3?

Correct.
- DarthKane

Yeah - but - much to the surprise of many - I MADE it this far....

How many of the top 10 prospects could play in the NHL year 1? Maybe 3?
- z1990z

Maybe...each year is different too. Last year wasn't a great draft, I think only the top 2 have played regularly and they haven't been that good. The best pick could end up being the #30 overall - Tolvanen (Nashville).

Yeah - but - much to the surprise of many - I MADE it this far....
- StLBravesFan

Exactly...kudos to anyone who can make it to triple digits.

How many of the top 10 prospects could play in the NHL year 1? Maybe 3?
- z1990z

Yes. And unless you are getting a McDavid don't expect a saviour to emerge from this draft. And there is no McDavid even if we luck out in the draw. We might get a decent player but not one who is going to turn this franchise around.

I think 5, 3 forwards and 2 D but I don't know who is the next best d after dalin. sounds like about 4 forwards and 6 D will go top 10 so at least 1 other D has to be ready IMO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv5eJZ4uKHQ

Dahlin would be our best D man next probably.

Exactly...kudos to anyone who can make it to triple digits.


- DarthKane

Hey - a Roosevelt was President when I was born - but it WASN’T Teddy.

At some point in the future Snuggerud will reach a level of acceptable performans in the art of playing defense. Then he would be elgible in Bowman's way of thinking for an nhl call up, ostensibly Snuggerud would be tha latest to show whether he can play at the nhl level as a third pair .
So to follow i am thinking of the liklehood how others might fit on the third pair

I believe Gustafsson is not the answer. He may be an AHL all star but like many whom would hope to stick as a third pair, he has a couple nice skill in his skillset but, overall, is not the trusted third pair guy you want to keep.

Thr Rockford coach, Colliton, has said Dalhstrom thinks the game and makes good plays. Can he do this also at the NHL level? Hard to say, but of course young guys- rookies in some examples - arr not likely to fare well on a loosing atmosphere with mismanaged coaching and a defense partner whom is sort of shaky at times.

That third pair guy is probably going to be Murphy. He is a fit here not just for the muscle he offers, but due in part to his skating is not quite up to par to be playing on another pair. So maybe Murphy because of his muscle will sort of morph into that third pair

I suggest that Forsling, Jokiharju have a shot one day of becoming better than third pair. Mitchell and Carlson might sound promising to evolve into nhl fmen, but they must be left alone to develop......i look to see them at Rockford to begin their Blackhawk journey.

Kyrs may be the best of all the offensive skill guys ......he is that good....but has his own issues defensively. Expect him at Rockford to start his profesdiinal career

Gilbert, Raydysh, even Norrell are? Bluechip? Hillman and Tuollola we need to see how they translate to the North American game. Hillman can be mean, he loves to check, sounds like he skates ok and is a junior playing along side Mitchell (a freshman). That is an acclaimed collegiate pairing btw.
.Justin do you concur with this analysis?

Realistically, I hope the Hawks don't move down during the lottery. I am hoping that the Hawks could move into the top 3 like Philly (13 to 2) and Dallas (8 to 3) did last year.
- DarthKane

The possibility of being pushed back in the draft makes it imperative that we finish as low as possible in the standings at the end of the year.
Our current position and lousy play coupled with Buffalo and Arizona posting winning records in their last 10 makes last place quite possible.