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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Fast Five: Make St. Louis Sing the Blues
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Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 5 @ 1:13 PM ET
I am optimistic what I've seen from Sikura and Hillman,really like his composure. And Martinsen could be a late bloomer...man he was all over the ice last night. Two more games then we shut it down. Losses in both games wouldn't hurt my feelings, but it's also pretty cool to see the boys win...build for next year.
- kwolf68

I'm with you on all 3 players. Composure is a good descriptor to use for Sikura and Hillman. They can only get better which bodes well for their future. Sikura showing top 9 material with potential to be top 6. Hillman just needs to play smart and steady defense while playing the body and he can be an effective 4-5-6 defender.

Martinsen seems like a more talented and effective Bollig and Bouma. I like what he brings to the table and could be part of a tough as nails 4th line that will have the other team always having their heads on a swivel.
pdx2ord
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Portland, OR
Joined: 09.02.2015

Apr 5 @ 1:15 PM ET
Per Lazerus:

John McDonough said he's "very optimistic" that Corey Crawford will be good to go for next season.

McDonough says any staff changes will be up to Joel Quenneville.

IMO - this means we are going to be spending some money on an experienced goalie. I also think they may be saying to Stan "you get the players, let Q figure out what to do with them."

- Chunk


If, after four months, no one can certify that Corey will DEFINITELY be back next year, very good chance he doesn't return at all or his issues recur either randomly or early and then we're back in the same boat. Hopefully, they get an experienced goalie because of this.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 5 @ 1:15 PM ET
Maybe that's a novel idea the Hawks should try on the powerplay. Have players that are in position to shoot, ready to shoot and willing to shoot. Like left handed shots that can one time the puck in the right circle and right handed shots that can one time the puck at the left circle. Not to mention someone standing in front of the net.

It drives me crazy when players have to receive the puck on their back hand, are not ready or willing to shoot the puck. Next year the first pp line should be Kane, Debrincat, AA, Gus and Seabs. Debrincat may not be Panarin, but with some practice I am pretty sure he can one time passes from Kane to the back of the net.

- -Doh-

Exactly. The more time it takes to get ready for a shot, the more time the defense has to prepare for that shot. Even if the pass is on the tape, stickhandling or moving to find a different lane gives the defense more time that they shouldn't be given. One timers are ideal. Not the only option, but a deadly weapon on the PP or just at ES.
kwolf68
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mt. Lebanon, PA
Joined: 12.18.2010

Apr 5 @ 1:16 PM ET
Maybe we get lucky and 2, 7, and 19 return to form next year. Even so, its a limited time for them based on age/mileage. I'm not sold on Q coming back. The bulk of his WTH decisions come with playing D on their off side creating issues for them.

Either way, they need a legit top 4 D and another C who can win draws. And a healthy CC. Geezus

- z1990z



Yes Q has done a lot of dumb poop, but Bowman handed him a non playoff team. I don't think last year's team was any good, Crow and Darling masked a lot of problems.

But no matter WHO coaches you are right, they need another D, healthy 50, a competent center. I'd even argue two D. And yes, 2, 7 and 19 rebounding wouldn't hurt either. NO COACH is going to win with this flotsam, BUT... a good coach CAN win with a Hawks team that has those aforementioned issues corrected.

It's idiocy to suggest another coach could have taken this team anywhere this year. Yes, Q has done plenty I don't like, but Bowman is also very culpable as quality players he has given away for nothing now litter other NHL rosters. Amazing that the Panik trade is now looking like another goof...DuClair sucks and Panik is actually playing pretty decent in the desert.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

Apr 5 @ 1:18 PM ET
If, after four months, no one can certify that Corey will DEFINITELY be back next year, very good chance he doesn't return at all or his issues recur either randomly or early and then we're back in the same boat. Hopefully, they get an experienced goalie because of this.
- pdx2ord



Exactly. We cant go into next year with our #1 net minder as a ?. With all his issues, I was in the go get Mrazek camp at the deadline. I dont know whats available this summer for FA goalies. All I know is the Forsberg/Berube attempt has failed.
BlazinMike
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 05.08.2013

Apr 5 @ 1:18 PM ET
Here are the draft rankings according to an aggregate of 6 sources (ISS Hockey, Marek, Hockeyprospect.com, Scott Wheeler, Dobber, McKenzie)
1. Rasmus Dahlin, D
2. Andrei Svechnikov, RW
3. Filip Zadina, LW
4. Brady Tkachuk, LW
5. Adam Boqvist, D
6. Oliver Wahlstrom, RW
7. Evan Bouchard, D
8. Quinton Hughes, D
9. Noah Dobson, D
10. Joe Veleno, C
11. Joel Farabee, LW
12. Barret Hayton, C

I'll be posting a few write-ups on each guy so we can have a sense of what each guy brings to the table, and who they might compare to. If anyone wants to take a crack at any of them, let me know.


10. Joe Veleno, C, 6'1", 194"
The first center we've covered, somehow it's taken to the tenth spot for us to get to a true center. Joe Veleno is likely the most controversial prospect in the top 15, he swings wildly between different scouts and services, but his average between the 6 sources I use had him at 10.
Joe Veleno was the first Quebec kid to be granted exceptional status to enter Major Junior as a 15 year old. He joins a nearly elite group of prospects who have achieved exceptional status (Tavares, Ekblad, McDavid, and... Sean Day). Veleno has been playing above his age group for a lot of his pre-NHL career. Some say he didn't deserve exceptional status, others say that he's a top 3 pick.

Veleno's strongest abilities are his playmaking and two-way play. He is tenacious on the backcheck, and has worked hard to gain his two-way reputation as a kid playing with older teens. He's been quoted that his favorite way to play is to draw defenders to him while setting up teammates, and this is readily apparent in his highlight videos. Veleno has good speed, and better feet. He's shifty and agile through all three zones.

The biggest knock on Veleno has been his pass-first mentality, and his inconsistency when a forecheck falls apart. Both of these things are coachable, but put question marks where others don't have them.

Veleno doesn't have an extremely high offensive ceiling, but his two-way play has lead to comparisons to Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron. It's quite unusual to see any draft of the last ten years where a center isn't featured in at least the top five. The last time there was only one center in the top ten was in 2012 when Alex Galchenyuk went number 3.

Joe Veleno has been around a point per game in most of his QMJHL career, some of that has been on some pretty bad teams. It's still unusual to see someone so highly touted not put up astronomical numbers in a major junior league, 48 in 33 doesn't scream 'franchise center'.

Veleno is 6'1", but looks and plays somewhat smaller. The tape on him shows great playmaking ability, but it's harder and harder for centers that aren't 6'2" and above to become franchise centers.

With this being a relatively weak center draft, perhaps a team would shy away from the best center available simply because this isn't a McDavid/Eichel/Strome free-for-all. Veleno's draft position could end up anywhere from 5 to 20.

Best case scenario: Claude Giroux, Logan Couture
Worst case scenario: Sam Bennett, JG Pageau
Plausible scenario: Mikael Backlund, Tyler Bozak

- ObeseOprah


This is the guy I keep coming back to. Him and Jet Woo, the right handed D man that most places I've read say he hits like a truck and has a good old school D mentality.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

Apr 5 @ 1:22 PM ET
Yes Q has done a lot of dumb poop, but Bowman handed him a non playoff team. I don't think last year's team was any good, Crow and Darling masked a lot of problems.

But no matter WHO coaches you are right, they need another D, healthy 50, a competent center. I'd even argue two D. And yes, 2, 7 and 19 rebounding wouldn't hurt either. NO COACH is going to win with this flotsam, BUT... a good coach CAN win with a Hawks team that has those aforementioned issues corrected.

It's idiocy to suggest another coach could have taken this team anywhere this year. Yes, Q has done plenty I don't like, but Bowman is also very culpable as quality players he has given away for nothing now litter other NHL rosters. Amazing that the Panik trade is now looking like another goof...DuClair sucks and Panik is actually playing pretty decent in the desert.

- kwolf68


Panik plays better in a north/south heavy forecheck style system. He was just overpaid here. Im ok with the Duclair trade as it shed the Panik salary. I did notice Q seems more relaxed on the bench. Maybe he can find a new methodology in trying to work in this new team.

We still have a ton of holes to fill. Not to mention the major health concerns of our star players.
kwolf68
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mt. Lebanon, PA
Joined: 12.18.2010

Apr 5 @ 1:25 PM ET
Panik plays better in a north/south heavy forecheck style system. He was just overpaid here. Im ok with the Duclair trade as it shed the Panik salary. I did notice Q seems more relaxed on the bench. Maybe he can find a new methodology in trying to work in this new team.

We still have a ton of holes to fill. Not to mention the major health concerns of our star players.

- z1990z


Yea the "cautiously optimistic" outlook on Crow has me worried. I'd feel much better if they said, "he'll be ready to roll next year". It's still a huge question with him. In the end, this team has zero chance unless 50 is healthy, he has been the MVP of this team since 2014....

Lots of holes to fill indeed. I still think Keith has a few good years left. Seabrook I think is about done, but he could be useful in a third pairing role. The other D men who the hell knows? I like the potential of Hillman, and Rutta/Murphy/Gus are good here and there, but still is that a top group among the NHL? Nope.

Center is a disaster at this point. Schmaltz is so bad at draws he may have to switch to wing. Otherwise he is great at the position. Hawks have some promising wings who I think they can win with, but Goalie (not only 50 but the backup), D and Center are major problem...only the most important positions on the ice.

Will have to see what they do between now and next year before any prognostications.
Stan_Bowman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.27.2017

Apr 5 @ 1:34 PM ET
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Apr 5 @ 1:35 PM ET
Yea the "cautiously optimistic" outlook on Crow has me worried. I'd feel much better if they said, "he'll be ready to roll next year". It's still a huge question with him. In the end, this team has zero chance unless 50 is healthy, he has been the MVP of this team since 2014....

Lots of holes to fill indeed. I still think Keith has a few good years left. Seabrook I think is about done, but he could be useful in a third pairing role. The other D men who the hell knows? I like the potential of Hillman, and Rutta/Murphy/Gus are good here and there, but still is that a top group among the NHL? Nope.

Center is a disaster at this point. Schmaltz is so bad at draws he may have to switch to wing. Otherwise he is great at the position. Hawks have some promising wings who I think they can win with, but Goalie (not only 50 but the backup), D and Center are major problem...only the most important positions on the ice.

Will have to see what they do between now and next year before any prognostications.

- kwolf68


CHEER CHEER
THE GANG IS ALL HERE

Fact is if Bowman so chooses he has enough talent on NHL roster to move whatever in order to truly become a more tough team to play
vandymeer23
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IA
Joined: 10.11.2014

Apr 5 @ 1:36 PM ET
Well the 4th line is set. Martinsen Kampf Wingels

Just have three more lines to figure out. And that D issue. And the goal tending issue.

- z1990z

I think martinsen replaces wingles. We need someone mean and physical as are other winger. Maybe sign wingles as a 13th
kwolf68
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Mt. Lebanon, PA
Joined: 12.18.2010

Apr 5 @ 1:39 PM ET
I think martinsen replaces wingles. We need someone mean and physical as are other winger. Maybe sign wingles as a 13th
- vandymeer23


We need someone who can also win draws, shoot pucks into the net, skate, defend...the fact the Hawks are not "mean" means diddly. Yes, I would like a bit more push back a more physical presence, but "mean" typically does nothing but get your team lots of PK time and ... have you SEEN our pK?
6628
Joined: 08.24.2009

Apr 5 @ 1:55 PM ET
We need someone who can also win draws, shoot pucks into the net, skate, defend...the fact the Hawks are not "mean" means diddly. Yes, I would like a bit more push back a more physical presence, but "mean" typically does nothing but get your team lots of PK time and ... have you SEEN our pK?
- kwolf68



I posted last night about seeing one of the blues going on his ass in front of Berube and I'm thinking FINALLY. Except on the replay it showed that the blues player tripped over Berube and fell. Don't tell me mean doesn't matter. You need mean in front of your own goalie. And the hawks slot is more peaceful than Starbucks on a saturday night. Crawford has always been the goalie most likely to get a concussion because of this. That has to change, and you don't get the job done saying pretty please.
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Apr 5 @ 2:05 PM ET
We need someone who can also win draws, shoot pucks into the net, skate, defend...the fact the Hawks are not "mean" means diddly. Yes, I would like a bit more push back a more physical presence, but "mean" typically does nothing but get your team lots of PK time and ... have you SEEN our pK?
- kwolf68


Neither Wingels nor Martinsen are the answer for this team. The only way they're getting Wingels back is if they pay him a little bit more, which I'm absolutely not willing to do.
Martinsen has been a breath of fresh air because he hits, we'll be singing a different tune when it's game 40 and he has 3 points and a couple of boneheaded penalties.

We need 3rd/4th liners who can start in the D zone and end the shift in the O zone, end of story.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Apr 5 @ 2:20 PM ET
So what I was hearing was wrong... and happy to admit it: https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1515164


... well at least with Q.

Stan! Put together a better team and let Joel coach a competent team. You need: 2x Dmen (maybe both shut down guys), a C that can win some faceoffs and some grit.


What is everyone's thoughts on this?

Goalie-33
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.01.2017

Apr 5 @ 2:22 PM ET
JL'S sources spot on with Coach Q being fired

fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Apr 5 @ 2:25 PM ET
Panarin is a quitter, and he quit on the HAWKS last year .And could not wait to jump on the plane to go play for mother Russia . I am glad he's gone, good riddance .If Coach Q up would play the players Stan and the front office bring in it would help .Also try playing them in the natural position. Q up must go he a rebel without a clue ..he should have been gone two years ago ,or after his dram queen show at the draft ..
- oldduffman


That is just not a true statement.
LaheysBRandy
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 04.28.2015

Apr 5 @ 2:39 PM ET
Maybe that's a novel idea the Hawks should try on the powerplay. Have players that are in position to shoot, ready to shoot and willing to shoot. Like left handed shots that can one time the puck in the right circle and right handed shots that can one time the puck at the left circle. Not to mention someone standing in front of the net.

It drives me crazy when players have to receive the puck on their back hand, are not ready or willing to shoot the puck. Next year the first pp line should be Kane, Debrincat, AA, Gus and Seabs. Debrincat may not be Panarin, but with some practice I am pretty sure he can one time passes from Kane to the back of the net.

- -Doh-


Debrincat in his age 20 season has 28 goals playing largely 3rd line all year.

Panarin age 26, has a career high in goals of 31 playing first line with maybe the best setup man in the world.

I agree Panarin is probably a more dynamic offensive creator than Debrincat, but I won’t be surprised if Debrincat turns out to be the more talented goal scorer over his career.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Apr 5 @ 2:42 PM ET


Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Apr 5 @ 2:45 PM ET
So what I was hearing was wrong... and happy to admit it: https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1515164


... well at least with Q.

Stan! Put together a better team and let Joel coach a competent team. You need: 2x Dmen (maybe both shut down guys), a C that can win some faceoffs and some grit.


What is everyone's thoughts on this?

- Justin Lowe


I think some of the kids we have playing are (or are going to be) useful. I like the way that Sikura has conducted himself thus far, Edjsell is intriguing (if unpolished right now). Vinnie brings it every game, but he needs to play a lot smarter. ADB and Schmaltz simply need to continue their trajectory (and get a bit stronger).

As far as new players are concerned, I don't think you need to be so specific. We need to find players that are willing and able to execute the system. For a majority of this season, we have had way too many players that skate themselves out of position, or don't cover a pinching d-man, or fly by the net instead of stopping in front of it.

Like with CC, I'm cautiously optimistic about next year.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Apr 5 @ 2:53 PM ET
I'm okay with the GM and coaching staff having another go. I think they need more time to acclimate the players and get the team some consistency. This season was inconsistent and a bit of a snowball effect and I think too much more change would just lengthen the time to rebuild. I like hearing a lot of the stories from the young guys about the coaches or vets working on things with them at practice. I think the team has talent and while some vets have taken a step back the vast majority of the guys are still in those prime years.
Popsghostly
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheaton, IL
Joined: 08.11.2017

Apr 5 @ 2:56 PM ET
I think some of the kids we have playing are (or are going to be) useful. I like the way that Sikura has conducted himself thus far, Edjsell is intriguing (if unpolished right now). Vinnie brings it every game, but he needs to play a lot smarter. ADB and Schmaltz simply need to continue their trajectory (and get a bit stronger).

As far as new players are concerned, I don't think you need to be so specific. We need to find players that are willing and able to execute the system. For a majority of this season, we have had way too many players that skate themselves out of position, or don't cover a pinching d-man, or fly by the net instead of stopping in front of it.

Like with CC, I'm cautiously optimistic about next year.

- Chunk


Agree here. We just need a goalie who is not a sieve and two 1-4 DMen and we should make the playoffs.
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Apr 5 @ 3:16 PM ET
That is just not a true statement.
- fattybeef

IMO you are wrong
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Apr 5 @ 3:16 PM ET
Debrincat in his age 20 season has 28 goals playing largely 3rd line all year.

Panarin age 26, has a career high in goals of 31 playing first line with maybe the best setup man in the world.

I agree Panarin is probably a more dynamic offensive creator than Debrincat, but I won’t be surprised if Debrincat turns out to be the more talented goal scorer over his career.

- LaheysBRandy

Totally agree .
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 5 @ 3:17 PM ET
So what I was hearing was wrong... and happy to admit it: https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1515164


... well at least with Q.

Stan! Put together a better team and let Joel coach a competent team. You need: 2x Dmen (maybe both shut down guys), a C that can win some faceoffs and some grit.


What is everyone's thoughts on this?

- Justin Lowe

I would add looking at options to upgrade in goal dependent on Crawford's health outlook for next season.

For the bolded part, I think it is imperative that at least one but ideally two new blueliners are brought in. They should be experienced at actually defending. I personally would want them to be defensive defensemen or shut down guys but feel Bowman wants puck movers who happen to be blueliners by title. While that's fine to covet puck movers or d-men who excel at offense, make sure they prioritize defense, too.
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