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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Game #78
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vabeachbear
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Ft Courage - out in the middle of Indian Country, NC
Joined: 10.17.2011

Apr 1 @ 10:29 AM ET
Stan doesn't have the best track record with defensmen or goalies, although some of his recent defensemen draftees show promise, namely Jokiharju and Mitchell. Goaltending is obviously a concern, beyond Crawford there is really nobody waiting in the wings.

Good idea about a former player taking the reigns, but I'll ask again, who should that be? If you think Stan should be fired you must have a specific suggestion for his replacement.

- DarthKane


Believe the lack of Goalies is probably on the advise of Daddy, who always thought you needed just an average goalie.

If you consistently have the best Dmen in the game, that's maybe true, but coupled with average at best dmen, that philosophy goes down the drain.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

Apr 1 @ 11:11 AM ET
Believe the lack of Goalies is probably on the advise of Daddy, who always thought you needed just an average goalie.

If you consistently have the best Dmen in the game, that's maybe true, but coupled with average at best dmen, that philosophy goes down the drain.

- vabeachbear



The Detroit Model. Stud D, average to above average netminder. Our D is worn out and the backup sitation is comical.
GPHawksfan
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: AB
Joined: 01.26.2018

Apr 1 @ 11:15 AM ET
I thought he was property of another team on loan to the Rock. You are right though. He should factor in considering the state of the team right now.
- z1990z

He is, he's still Arizona property this year anyway.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Apr 1 @ 12:12 PM ET
Believe the lack of Goalies is probably on the advise of Daddy, who always thought you needed just an average goalie.

If you consistently have the best Dmen in the game, that's maybe true, but coupled with average at best dmen, that philosophy goes down the drain.

- vabeachbear

The goaltender situation is directly linked to the salary cap. Most teams csnnot afford to retain two very good goaltenders. If a team has an elite netminder prospect, he is itching to play and eventually the GM hand is going to make a play. Go ahead and look around the league. Check a team's farm system too. Then ask yourself, how much better is so and so on this team, than our guys. I am content to use the guys we have, possibly Dellia is able to play well. But he is young and should play one more year as the main puck stopper for Rockford. Which means 40-50 gp if you have Glass too.

Crawford is really a wild card. I personally am all for letting him return and re-establish himself, then trade him and his substance abuse issue for cheap. Even an exchange of draft choices, although first round choices are not available - no GM is totally stupid. Bowman can draft goaltenders and maybe one will make it in a few years. This team doesn't need a top goaltender for a couple of years. Let the big money to Seabrook and Toews play out - however it goes- before seeking a Crawford replacement. Dellia may be good enough with a cast of many throughout the league as a reasonable back up. Either them or our own guys can back up Dellia
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Apr 1 @ 1:15 PM ET
He is, he's still Arizona property this year anyway.
- GPHawksfan

Would be one more organizational contract fill. One spot opens if Hossa contract goes. But if Hossa contract goes, we have to give something of value. I do not wish to trade a top prospect or a top pick. Let us continue with Hossa.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Apr 1 @ 1:19 PM ET
Huge win for the Hogs tonight!

They have separated themselves by 7 points from the 5th place team with their 4th consecutive win.

- Justin Lowe


I want to see Tuulola get in at least one AHL game. Would like to get an impression of his style. Physical at all. I bet he is not over his head, but fits in at AHL level. The NHL is the real test for so many.
riozzo
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Cornwallis Island
Joined: 06.17.2014

Apr 1 @ 1:48 PM ET
Thoughts from the Wiz:

And fan scouts on hawk hockeybuzz have determined that Ejdsell is an Edsel...
The most disconcerting thing is the impatience and “advanced knowledge of the hockeybuzz fan experts.”
NOT EVEY MEMBER OF EVERY NHL TEAM has to be super fast; and ALL players GAIN speed when accustomed to duties, understanding of exits and entrances and after they have slowly indoctrinated themselves to the NHL. These first games are all about acclimation, not taking off in a blaze up ice.
Maybe many have amnesia and forgot how DeBrincat looked slower and hesitant the beginning of this very season.
I haven’t seen any game Ejdsel has played as a hawk;I take solice in the fact three different NHL scouting staffs saw much more than the hawk buzz board scouts that there was an exerted effort by all to sign him a grow him.
I haven’t been going post to post on Buzz, but after reading that a clear #2 NHL centre (there is no iffy ness you are wrong if you think he isn’t) is not what Anisimov is, I am starting to wonder if I need to return, because I will just be debating...
We finally get a hard rebuild and you fellas are asking for blood because your early views of on the job training seem troubling.
Interesting that Sikura has escaped the punishment, as he looked “slow” on the backcheck on the replays I did see...We all shouldn’t be taking these kids to task at this point.
I wanted, after his signing, to come post that Hill an has more offensive savvy than most think-the numbers don’t indicate that he understands when to go to the front, while still feeling responsible and holds back when his college team and defensive partner (Ian Mitchell) are in close games. he was a PP POINT MAN.
I didn’t post it because I want to see if what was before translates into the NHL game...and that takes time and keeping your mouth shut while it does...but I guess all are not here t hold back opinions.
Although I don’t think the board is littered with post first championship band wagoners, did your eyes see, when Seabrook was played in protected schemes, Hammer struggled to find his nhl place, and guys like Shaw surprised with heart before the speed and skill kicked.
So I will say it:
Just WHO are you, that you already have determined in three glances what any of these newbies has?
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Apr 1 @ 2:58 PM ET
Thoughts from the Wiz:

And fan scouts on hawk hockeybuzz have determined that Ejdsell is an Edsel...
The most disconcerting thing is the impatience and “advanced knowledge of the hockeybuzz fan experts.”
NOT EVEY MEMBER OF EVERY NHL TEAM has to be super fast; and ALL players GAIN speed when accustomed to duties, understanding of exits and entrances and after they have slowly indoctrinated themselves to the NHL. These first games are all about acclimation, not taking off in a blaze up ice.
Maybe many have amnesia and forgot how DeBrincat looked slower and hesitant the beginning of this very season.
I haven’t seen any game Ejdsel has played as a hawk;I take solice in the fact three different NHL scouting staffs saw much more than the hawk buzz board scouts that there was an exerted effort by all to sign him a grow him.
I haven’t been going post to post on Buzz, but after reading that a clear #2 NHL centre (there is no iffy ness you are wrong if you think he isn’t) is not what Anisimov is, I am starting to wonder if I need to return, because I will just be debating...
We finally get a hard rebuild and you fellas are asking for blood because your early views of on the job training seem troubling.
Interesting that Sikura has escaped the punishment, as he looked “slow” on the backcheck on the replays I did see...We all shouldn’t be taking these kids to task at this point.
I wanted, after his signing, to come post that Hill an has more offensive savvy than most think-the numbers don’t indicate that he understands when to go to the front, while still feeling responsible and holds back when his college team and defensive partner (Ian Mitchell) are in close games. he was a PP POINT MAN.
I didn’t post it because I want to see if what was before translates into the NHL game...and that takes time and keeping your mouth shut while it does...but I guess all are not here t hold back opinions.
Although I don’t think the board is littered with post first championship band wagoners, did your eyes see, when Seabrook was played in protected schemes, Hammer struggled to find his nhl place, and guys like Shaw surprised with heart before the speed and skill kicked.
So I will say it:
Just WHO are you, that you already have determined in three glances what any of these newbies has?

- riozzo


I totally get that nobody will be rushed next year. I would bet that if Q wants to stay coaching here, it is up to him. With this caveat: do not get mad and mouth off about your cast. Understand a rebuild finally is upon us. The same guys at top salaries eventually takes its toll. Bowman tried to keep the team with as many core pieces together.

On the prospects, yes Edjsell looks slow particularly backcheck. And i agree he could improve, probably does. I knew that about Hillman, too. I am curious just how good is his skating. I believe he may need AHL time, maybe not too much. I believe i will know what we have in him once he plays ten games or so whetever next fall. But to your point, wiz, about players feeling out their game at a new, highest professional level...

Duh....of course you are correct. Where i and others can be in error, is when initially we say so and so is too slow, too small or whatever. We or at least i do not study tape for decades or can see that there is room for sometimes quite noticeable improvement. We think this guy will always be too slow. Again that is an incorrect rush of judgment.

Edjsell has vision, passing skill and has a scoring background. With his reach and skill be should become a point producer. Maybe should spend time in AHL which makes sense to get regular TOI. Would help if he fills out but still gains on his skating. Might never be physical but i do not foresee a scared deer in headlights. At lkrast i hope so.

Now on Bowman: If some bloggers want to argue some of his moves were bad, sorry but you are overboard in claiming they were all so terrible. Do we need a panel of experts and a gigantic term paper to draw out that you are hot headed and bitter, some of you really overboard. This applies to the major trades. Not to the overpay on contracts, most which granted too much and PROBABLY could have been signed for less $.

On Sharp it was correct time to move him. Johns has a concussion history and is not going to ever become a strong second pair, even a good second pair when a strong defense desribes the blueline crew he belongs to.

On Leddy: Look Q likes his veterans. Q is all about winning. Pokka did not work out. But he was rated highly back then. Leddy is not so great anyway. Valuable for the strength he brings, but always way overpaid. One reason the NYI haven't advanced is that all those former #1 dmen - including Leddy - never developed into top pair stars. I never liked the trade but the heat Bowman gets for it is overboard.

Bowman may have waited too long, trying to get more for both Sharp and Leddy. He gambled and lost. But after the salary cap and handing out too much dollars on contracts, i do not come down heavy handed on those trades. On the overpay ....yes.....but do you or any GM think you would have signed both, everyone happy, for considerably less. That is really a worthless discussion because there is no way to know.

On Runblad: Amazing was it three or four GM traded for him, one even drafted around #12 first round. They all saw great ability in certain parts of game but he truly was "Runsbad" after a few years. Mistake in judgment for sure.

The Timmonen, the Montreal those moves...
Timmonen was poor judgment. He tried to get a good fill in for a Cup run but Tmmo was done and the pricetag was a rip off. The Montreal trade should have resulted in a deeper playoff push. I believe that Q and Bowman clashed over Weise and certainly Bowman was hoping for a playoff from Weise similar to the superb one earlier in Montreal. Notice how he has not been so hepful in Philly. Q thought Weise had shortcoming. I am not sure where blame goes but i will guess & place it in the imperfect relationship between Q and Bowman. Loosing Danault hurts. I really liked him. Longer playoff run that year would have eased painful repercussion of that trade.

But for cripes sake, let's move forward now and bypass any further past hockey seasons.

On the demise of Toews and Seabrook: is no imagined. Seabrook may actually be a tad better next season; he is a cagey veteran. But Seabrook skating is not going to improve if barely even if he trained like an Olmpic athlete. Both Toews and Seabrook are what they are nowadays, which is servicable but not what they once were. They both hang on next season, then see what happens whence a new CBA is in place. By that time i would not be surprised if a then farther declining Toews and Seabrook retire or receive a compliance buyout. It would be the class way for both team and player to choose for finishing the players career.
vandymeer23
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IA
Joined: 10.11.2014

Apr 1 @ 3:41 PM ET
I totally get that nobody will be rushed next year. I would bet that if Q wants to stay coaching here, it is up to him. With this caveat: do not get mad and mouth off about your cast. Understand a rebuild finally is upon us. The same guys at top salaries eventually takes its toll. Bowman tried to keep the team with as many core pieces together.

On the prospects, yes Edjsell looks slow particularly backcheck. And i agree he could improve, probably does. I knew that about Hillman, too. I am curious just how good is his skating. I believe he may need AHL time, maybe not too much. I believe i will know what we have in him once he plays ten games or so whetever next fall. But to your point, wiz, about players feeling out their game at a new, highest professional level...

Duh....of course you are correct. Where i and others can be in error, is when initially we say so and so is too slow, too small or whatever. We or at least i do not study tape for decades or can see that there is room for sometimes quite noticeable improvement. We think this guy will always be too slow. Again that is an incorrect rush of judgment.

Edjsell has vision, passing skill and has a scoring background. With his reach and skill be should become a point producer. Maybe should spend time in AHL which makes sense to get regular TOI. Would help if he fills out but still gains on his skating. Might never be physical but i do not foresee a scared deer in headlights. At lkrast i hope so.

Now on Bowman: If some bloggers want to argue some of his moves were bad, sorry but you are overboard in claiming they were all so terrible. Do we need a panel of experts and a gigantic term paper to draw out that you are hot headed and bitter, some of you really overboard. This applies to the major trades. Not to the overpay on contracts, most which granted too much and PROBABLY could have been signed for less $.

On Sharp it was correct time to move him. Johns has a concussion history and is not going to ever become a strong second pair, even a good second pair when a strong defense desribes the blueline crew he belongs to.

On Leddy: Look Q likes his veterans. Q is all about winning. Pokka did not work out. But he was rated highly back then. Leddy is not so great anyway. Valuable for the strength he brings, but always way overpaid. One reason the NYI haven't advanced is that all those former #1 dmen - including Leddy - never developed into top pair stars. I never liked the trade but the heat Bowman gets for it is overboard.

Bowman may have waited too long, trying to get more for both Sharp and Leddy. He gambled and lost. But after the salary cap and handing out too much dollars on contracts, i do not come down heavy handed on those trades. On the overpay ....yes.....but do you or any GM think you would have signed both, everyone happy, for considerably less. That is really a worthless discussion because there is no way to know.

On Runblad: Amazing was it three or four GM traded for him, one even drafted around #12 first round. They all saw great ability in certain parts of game but he truly was "Runsbad" after a few years. Mistake in judgment for sure.

The Timmonen, the Montreal those moves...
Timmonen was poor judgment. He tried to get a good fill in for a Cup run but Tmmo was done and the pricetag was a rip off. The Montreal trade should have resulted in a deeper playoff push. I believe that Q and Bowman clashed over Weise and certainly Bowman was hoping for a playoff from Weise similar to the superb one earlier in Montreal. Notice how he has not been so hepful in Philly. Q thought Weise had shortcoming. I am not sure where blame goes but i will guess & place it in the imperfect relationship between Q and Bowman. Loosing Danault hurts. I really liked him. Longer playoff run that year would have eased painful repercussion of that trade.

But for cripes sake, let's move forward now and bypass any further past hockey seasons.

On the demise of Toews and Seabrook: is no imagined. Seabrook may actually be a tad better next season; he is a cagey veteran. But Seabrook skating is not going to improve if barely even if he trained like an Olmpic athlete. Both Toews and Seabrook are what they are nowadays, which is servicable but not what they once were. They both hang on next season, then see what happens whence a new CBA is in place. By that time i would not be surprised if a then farther declining Toews and Seabrook retire or receive a compliance buyout. It would be the class way for both team and player to choose for finishing the players career.

- jhawk59


John's doesn't have a huge concussion history. That was a horrible trade as he should have been traded at the draft. Leddy ladd and buff trades have us nothing in return. You should of least get 1 or 2 nhl regulars for all that elite talent.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Apr 1 @ 3:57 PM ET
John's doesn't have a huge concussion history. That was a horrible trade as he should have been traded at the draft. Leddy ladd and buff trades have us nothing in return. You should of least get 1 or 2 nhl regulars for all that elite talent.
- vandymeer23


Sure we should have got more. But in some cases i really think Bowman did not like deals on the table and waited too long, and received less than he thought he was getting. I have to look up the Buff trade, i forget but know i will recall that trade once i see whom was involved. I no longer want to talk past hockey but the future is exciting to think about because i am into prospects and The Entry Draft.
35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Apr 1 @ 4:19 PM ET
The 'Hawks sure could use Dahlin.
Probably would need to win the draft lottery to do so.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

Apr 1 @ 4:28 PM ET
Story up on the Suntimes alluding to McD being very quiet in regards to any support for Q. BR has a story on it as well.

https://chicago.suntimes....coach-for-the-blackhawks/

Could get interesting in a week or two
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Apr 1 @ 5:49 PM ET
Story up on the Suntimes alluding to McD being very quiet in regards to any support for Q. BR has a story on it as well.

https://chicago.suntimes....coach-for-the-blackhawks/

Could get interesting in a week or two

- z1990z


It would be a shame to fire the 2nd winningest coach in NHL History when the real fault for this season lies on the shoulders of Scotty Bowman's kid. The GM that never played a high level of hockey, hands out Max Deals with No-Trade Clauses like candy, and loves him some 170lb players.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Apr 1 @ 6:03 PM ET
It would be a shame to fire the 2nd winningest coach in NHL History when the real fault for this season lies on the shoulders of Scotty Bowman's kid. The GM that never played a high level of hockey, hands out Max Deals with No-Trade Clauses like candy, and loves him some 170lb players.
- EnzoD


He is still under contract, owed money if fired. Maybe reassigned, maybe he steps down for scouting job to finish his contract.

Maybe who knows. Maybe a bunch of baloney as well
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Apr 1 @ 6:16 PM ET
He is still under contract, owed money if fired. Maybe reassigned, maybe he steps down for scouting job to finish his contract.

Maybe who knows. Maybe a bunch of baloney as well

- jhawk59


My guess is that both Bowman and Q will start the season in their respective roles with the Blackhawks. However, they will each be on a relatively short leash and will be gone by Christmas if the Hawks continue to play like this.
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Apr 1 @ 6:33 PM ET
It would be a shame to fire the 2nd winningest coach in NHL History when the real fault for this season lies on the shoulders of Scotty Bowman's kid. The GM that never played a high level of hockey, hands out Max Deals with No-Trade Clauses like candy, and loves him some 170lb players.
- EnzoD


Stan can be blamed for the roster construction but I'm not sure how you lay all the failures of the season on Bowman.

How many times has the team appeared to be stuck in pre-game warmup and proceeded to sleep walk through the first period going on to lose the game from there.

The Hawks were on the cusp of a playoff berth when Crawford went down. While Forsberg and Berube will never be mistaken for Crawford, it also doesn't appear the coaching staff ever altered what the team was doing to give them more help.

I watched the entire team lay out for Scott Foster the other night, so they can obviously play defense when they're motivated.

Gerard Gallant has a team full of castoffs set to make the playoffs their first year in the league.

There's plenty of blame to go around and some can be levelled squarely at Bowman but Q definitely shares in it.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Apr 1 @ 7:23 PM ET
Stan can be blamed for the roster construction but I'm not sure how you lay all the failures of the season on Bowman.

How many times has the team appeared to be stuck in pre-game warmup and proceeded to sleep walk through the first period going on to lose the game from there.

The Hawks were on the cusp of a playoff berth when Crawford went down. While Forsberg and Berube will never be mistaken for Crawford, it also doesn't appear the coaching staff ever altered what the team was doing to give them more help.

I watched the entire team lay out for Scott Foster the other night, so they can obviously play defense when they're motivated.

Gerard Gallant has a team full of castoffs set to make the playoffs their first year in the league.

There's plenty of blame to go around and some can be levelled squarely at Bowman but Q definitely shares in it.

- HawkintheD


Q and Bowman should both go. I will be quite upset if Q is the scapegoat for a roster that is simply not very good. Vegas has an entire team of 2nd pair Dmen, and 2nd/3rd line forwards. Vegas is a significantly more talented team Top to bottom than this Blackhawks team. Did anyone see the shorthanded between the legs goal from William Karlsson....beautiful.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Apr 1 @ 7:28 PM ET
It would be a shame to fire the 2nd winningest coach in NHL History when the real fault for this season lies on the shoulders of Scotty Bowman's kid. The GM that never played a high level of hockey, hands out Max Deals with No-Trade Clauses like candy, and loves him some 170lb players.
- EnzoD


Kane, Toews, Keith, Seabrook, Crawford, Hossa - those are the Hawks (plus Anisimov) who have NMCs.

How do you not give them to those five - what comparable players today (even forgetting the three Cups) don’t have similar control over the future hockey homes?

Pittsburgh - Malkin, Crosby, Kessel, Hornqvist, Letang.

TB - Stamkos, Callahan, Killorn (NTC), Kunitz (NTC), Hedman, McDonagh, Strelman, Coburn, Girardi (the last 4 with NTCs).

LAK - Kopitar, Brown (NTC), Thompson (NTC), Phaneuf.

Except for Anisimov, I don’t think the Hawk NMCs are out of line.
Slofire94
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: CA
Joined: 01.17.2016

Apr 1 @ 7:30 PM ET
Probably, but you're correct that chances are slim. Q is not going anywhere. They aren't going to pay one of the best coaches in the league $12 million not to coach. Plus key players love Q and believe Stan hurt the team by undermining Q.
- gmurban


Oh? Toews/Kane perhaps?
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Apr 1 @ 7:31 PM ET
Q and Bowman should both go. I will be quite upset if Q is the scapegoat for a roster that is simply not very good. Vegas has an entire team of 2nd pair Dmen, and 2nd/3rd line forwards. Vegas is a significantly more talented team Top to bottom than this Blackhawks team. Did anyone see the shorthanded between the legs goal from William Karlsson....beautiful.
- EnzoD


We can say that now but would you have said it to start the season?
Goalie-33
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.01.2017

Apr 1 @ 8:21 PM ET
Honestly, if Hartman was still on the team, he'd be getting ripped as a waste of a first round pick by Bowman today, don't kid yourself.
- vabeachbear



Hartman was a wasted 1st

18 games 3g 3a & -3 with NASH
Plus more BAD penalties
TJYTJY
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.23.2017

Apr 1 @ 8:50 PM ET
McD will be one of the first to jump off a sinking ship. In my opinion he is a untrustworthy individual. He will take all the credit on the way up but none of the fault on the way down.
35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Apr 1 @ 8:58 PM ET
Hartman was a wasted 1st

18 games 3g 3a & -3 with NASH
Plus more BAD penalties

- Goalie-33

Was Hartman selected in the first half of round one or the second half?
I think sure fire NHL top line talent is generally hard to find after 10 picks or so. And even that doesn't always jibe out...
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

Apr 1 @ 8:58 PM ET
If there is a coaching change, doubt it happens think both bowman and Q are back, i like to see a new system in which its more of north south game and simpler system more offense off rush something like pitt wash Bruins. One other thing is a question to the panel: Nashville's 1st for say wilson or burkosky from Washington or something along those lines.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Apr 1 @ 9:28 PM ET
Was Hartman selected in the first half of round one or the second half?
I think sure fire NHL top line talent is generally hard to find after 10 picks or so. And even that doesn't always jibe out...

- 35Tony0


2013 30th overall, last pick of the 1st round after the Hawks won their 2nd Cup.
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