now 3-1. Pelletier from Anthony Louis
- AusHawk

Highmore into the Empty net after a massive Delia save. 4-1 Hogs. Ball Game!

now 3-1. Pelletier from Anthony Louis
- AusHawk

Final 4 - 1 Hawgs.

Final 4 - 1 Hawgs.
- powerenforcer

meet the hawks new backup goalie and possible future #1

So are we back on the Murphy train again? Can he be a top 4 d man next year? Because tbh, I've always liked him.
- SoftServe

He was easily top 4. That does not change because Q and Ulf treated him awfully.

Justin mentioned Glass being a great influence on Delia. So, next year, would it be better for Delia and his development to have an experienced backup in the Glass mold and play a ton or would it be better for him to have Forsberg there and fight for the icetime with him?

Also, Justin mentioned DiDo in the blog, but Clendening was also a great add. With Franson, Svedberg and Dahlstrom already there, the defense is stacked at this level and the powerplay is a weapon. It is wonderful to see that somebody finally put some thought into this and brought in a few productive veterans to help the kids. If my memory is correct, in the recent years there was some minor success only with Michael Leighton being a steady presence in the goal. It is vital to have players like these in the lineup.

I know this is a tall order, and probably a pipe dream, but if Stan Bowman is somehow able,understanding trade and money clearing will have to be part of it, land Erik Karlsson,sign JVR ,Jack Johnson and/or Antoine Roussell,are they a better team next year? Long shot big time, but not impossible?
If,And understand that Ottawa’s brain trust are not stupid, somehow Stan Bowman is able to acquire Karlssons rights for? This year’s Nashville’s first, and Nick schmaltz, do you make the trade? With the intent that he will sign long-term? Skeptical? But you know that Ottawa will be looking for something in this nature to deal his rights early.

Justin mentioned Glass being a great influence on Delia. So, next year, would it be better for Delia and his development to have an experienced backup in the Glass mold and play a ton or would it be better for him to have Forsberg there and fight for the icetime with him?
- stonefire

I think it would be better next year to have Delia play a full year in Rockford with Glass as his backup. I think they should trade Forsberg for whatever they can get, and then sign a veteran to backup Crow.

I think it would be better next year to have Delia play a full year in Rockford with Glass as his backup. I think they should trade Forsberg for whatever they can get, and then sign a veteran to backup Crow.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

👍

I think it would be better next year to have Delia play a full year in Rockford with Glass as his backup. I think they should trade Forsberg for whatever they can get, and then sign a veteran to backup Crow.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

You don’t artificially make a plan for Delia. As you should with any player you allow his actual play to dictate readiness. Arguably Delia should not be doing what he is doing in the play-offs at the AHL level - but he is doing it. If his play clearly dictates he should be at the NHL level then that is where he should be.

And now for something completely different tied to Justins blog. Anyone else want to see the NHL go back to White sweaters as home gear for a few seasons?
- riozzo

god no. Home baseball teams wear white because back in the olden times, the road greys didn't show dirt when teams did not have time/access to laundry facilities.

Hockey is not baseball. Color sweaters at home for the home team.

You don’t artificially make a plan for Delia. As you should with any player you allow his actual play to dictate readiness. Arguably Delia should not be doing what he is doing in the play-offs at the AHL level - but he is doing it. If his play clearly dictates he should be at the NHL level then that is where he should be.
- Z3Hawk

It also depends on what is going on with Crow. If he is 100% back to normal next yer, Delia should stay in the AHL where he can play more and get more experience. Get a capable backup who can ride then bench for long stretches and play a solid game when needed.

We shouldn't waist Delia by pulling him up to the NHL only to have him open the bench door for guys going on and off the ice.

god no. Home baseball teams wear white because back in the olden times, the road greys didn't show dirt when teams did not have time/access to laundry facilities.

Hockey is not baseball. Color sweaters at home for the home team.
- scottak

I think they should switch it up like the NBA. Let the home team decide.

I also wouldn't be opposed to allowing certain teams to have both home jerseys at the same time, if the jerseys are contrasting enough. If the Hawks play the Sabres, Blues, Rangers, Lightning, Leafs... sure. If they play the Canadiens, no.

Most team's road jerseys do nothing for me, but some people like certain whites. I would like to have them switch it up.

You don’t artificially make a plan for Delia. As you should with any player you allow his actual play to dictate readiness. Arguably Delia should not be doing what he is doing in the play-offs at the AHL level - but he is doing it. If his play clearly dictates he should be at the NHL level then that is where he should be.
- Z3Hawk

Shouldn't that apply to Murphy too..just at the NHL level? Or should he be handed a top 4 role just because?

Oilers are shopping the #10 pick. https://twitter.com/Coppe...s/994368693420351488?s=19

I'd trade the Nashville pick and a roster player for that. 8 and 10 would be pretty nice.

You don’t artificially make a plan for Delia. As you should with any player you allow his actual play to dictate readiness. Arguably Delia should not be doing what he is doing in the play-offs at the AHL level - but he is doing it. If his play clearly dictates he should be at the NHL level then that is where he should be.
- Z3Hawk

Except, they did bring Delia up for two games this year, and he didn't appear to be completely ready. Like someone else said, if Crow is healthy, which I hope he is, then Delia should stay in Rockford to get playing time. If Crow goes down...different story.

Also, if the Hawks don't plan on being true contenders next year, then maybe they keep Forsberg as the backup. You never know, he could just suddenly get it, and be a very capable goalie. And if they aren't going for it all, then why not see if he can still get better.

You don’t artificially make a plan for Delia. As you should with any player you allow his actual play to dictate readiness. Arguably Delia should not be doing what he is doing in the play-offs at the AHL level - but he is doing it. If his play clearly dictates he should be at the NHL level then that is where he should be.
- Z3Hawk

I watched pieces of the game last night. Delia was good, but at times he lost his net and at one point he was scrambling on his side. I think he still needs more work in refining his game. Also, the Hogs are playing excellent defense, which is masking some of Delia's deficiencies, in my opinion of course.

Winnipeg's cap hell looming for this offseason:
RFAs: Hellebuyck, Trouba, Morrissey, Lowry, Armia, Tanev, Dano
UFAs: Stastny, Matthias, Enstrom, Hendricks, Hutchinson


Situation for 2019 offseason:
RFAs: Laine, Copp, Connor
UFAs: Wheeler, Myers, Chiarot

I hope they win it this year, because I genuinely like their team. But I also wouldn't mind each of these players getting a post-cup big head.

Damn if I read one more post about the Hawks getting Erik Karlson....the Hawks have gone into the poopter because of their cap hell, so lets add a 12-13 (after his deal is up next year) million dollar player to an already bloated salary structure. Oh yea, to get him the Hawks would easily have to trade off their best 3 or 4 young players. Makes total sense.

He was easily top 4. That does not change because Q and Ulf treated him awfully.
- Z3Hawk

To slow, so many skated around him, effortlessly, sad to say but Seabrook still has better quickness than i think Murphy will ever have.

Winnipeg's cap hell looming for this offseason:
RFAs: Hellebuyck, Trouba, Morrissey, Lowry, Armia, Tanev, Dano
UFAs: Stastny, Matthias, Enstrom, Hendricks, Hutchinson


Situation for 2019 offseason:
RFAs: Laine, Copp, Connor
UFAs: Wheeler, Myers, Chiarot

I hope they win it this year, because I genuinely like their team. But I also wouldn't mind each of these players getting a post-cup big head.
- ObeseOprah

What do you think, should he be a target this off-season? Just wondering if Hossa's relationship with the Stastny family could bring him here on a value contract.

I watched pieces of the game last night. Delia was good, but at times he lost his net and at one point he was scrambling on his side. I think he still needs more work in refining his game. Also, the Hogs are playing excellent defense, which is masking some of Delia's deficiencies, in my opinion of course.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

Just curious, how many odd man breaks they give up last night, is it anything like the NHL team?

Justin mentioned Glass being a great influence on Delia. So, next year, would it be better for Delia and his development to have an experienced backup in the Glass mold and play a ton or would it be better for him to have Forsberg there and fight for the icetime with him?

Also, Justin mentioned DiDo in the blog, but Clendening was also a great add. With Franson, Svedberg and Dahlstrom already there, the defense is stacked at this level and the powerplay is a weapon. It is wonderful to see that somebody finally put some thought into this and brought in a few productive veterans to help the kids. If my memory is correct, in the recent years there was some minor success only with Michael Leighton being a steady presence in the goal. It is vital to have players like these in the lineup.
- stonefire

Delia also mentioned Peter Aubrey as being helpful in his development.

Some good interviews, worth giving a listen:

https://www.the-rink.com/...game-three-against-moose/

I know this is a tall order, and probably a pipe dream, but if Stan Bowman is somehow able,understanding trade and money clearing will have to be part of it, land Erik Karlsson,sign JVR ,Jack Johnson and/or Antoine Roussell,are they a better team next year? Long shot big time, but not impossible?
If,And understand that Ottawa’s brain trust are not stupid, somehow Stan Bowman is able to acquire Karlssons rights for? This year’s Nashville’s first, and Nick schmaltz, do you make the trade? With the intent that he will sign long-term? Skeptical? But you know that Ottawa will be looking for something in this nature to deal his rights early.
- wonthecup10

There is no quick fix, if I'm the Hawks i stay the course. There's young inexperienced talent on this team. Only way they get better is in time, when the kids are ready for the next step then you start making moves for free agents that will help you win a championship. Since then you'll know what you need.

Please no Johnson he's awful

Damn if I read one more post about the Hawks getting Erik Karlson....the Hawks have gone into the poopter because of their cap hell, so lets add a 12-13 (after his deal is up next year) million dollar player to an already bloated salary structure. Oh yea, to get him the Hawks would easily have to trade off their best 3 or 4 young players. Makes total sense.
- kwolf68

Exactly

Except, they did bring Delia up for two games this year, and he didn't appear to be completely ready. Like someone else said, if Crow is healthy, which I hope he is, then Delia should stay in Rockford to get playing time. If Crow goes down...different story.

Also, if the Hawks don't plan on being true contenders next year, then maybe they keep Forsberg as the backup. You never know, he could just suddenly get it, and be a very capable goalie. And if they aren't going for it all, then why not see if he can still get better.
- ToewsdNKanefusd

They should absolutely keep Forsberg and continue to develop him regardless of what the plan is next season. Him being the backup isn't a problem. Him having to be the starter was the issue. He needs to work on some aspects of his game but he had a better SV% than some more established goalies last season. Talbot, Schneider, Holtby, Ward, Murray, Allen, Price, Anderson, Darling, Greiss, Johnson, Mrazek.

Not saying he will be, but he could still be the guy for the Hawks down the road. It takes a while to develop goalies...Crawford didn't get it until age 28 after his somewhat dreadful 2011-2012 season. Or for example think about Craig Anderson, who the Hawks gave up on about the same age and he went on to have some pretty darn good seasons.

Forsberg has to tighten up a few things and get those soft goals out of his game, but he should be back to battle for playing time.