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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Quick 5 Thoughts: 'Hogs, DiDo & Crawford
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Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

May 28 @ 9:56 AM ET
Justin Lowe: Quick 5 Thoughts: 'Hogs, DiDo & Crawford
Quick 5 thoughts on #Blackhawks, IceHogs, Crawford + more.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

May 28 @ 10:18 AM ET
Great info as always. Keep it up. Glad to read about the Hogs playoff run in detail.
hocktock
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Over by dere.
Joined: 07.15.2015

May 28 @ 10:35 AM ET
Speaking of physical, one of my favorite plays of 2010 scf was Dusty Buffles nailing Chris Pronger. Turned Pronger sissy. So, yea, physical play is goooooood playoff play. (When necessary.)

Happy memorial day. I remember.

Go Hocks.

Thanks Justin. Good bloggin, my frent
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

May 28 @ 10:50 AM ET
>>>To me, this would be more Corey accepting a trade to get a fresh start in his personal and professional life. And remember, he would have to accept a trade as he has a modified-NTC (where he has to submit a 10-team trade list).<<<

I don't get why crow needs a "fresh start"....

not aware of any issues between him and his teammates, coaches or management. He has been their team MVP for 5 years...

he turned down overtures to be traded last year...it seems he wants to stay...
MjulQvist
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 04.22.2012

May 28 @ 11:34 AM ET
Speaking of physical, one of my favorite plays of 2010 scf was Dusty Buffles nailing Chris Pronger. Turned Pronger sissy. So, yea, physical play is goooooood playoff play. (When necessary.)

Happy memorial day. I remember.

Go Hocks.

Thanks Justin. Good bloggin, my frent

- hocktock


That was beauty and that 2010 team was physical.
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

May 28 @ 11:35 AM ET
https://theathletic.com/2...by-age-height-and-weight/

Its interesting where LVGK fall since they play much bigger than the stats may suggest, minus deadline moves, but i didn't realize the Bolts were that small
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

May 28 @ 12:22 PM ET
Might have a 2/3 of a legit 4th line with DiDo and Luke Johnson. Or maybe Bouma finds his way back on the team next year. Hats off to him and Franson for shelving the ego and playing excellent hockey for the Hogs.

And Justin, why do you think CC needs a new place to play? Is there something going on with him and staff/ownership? Is his last injury related to off ice issues and the Hawks are ready to move on?
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

May 28 @ 12:24 PM ET
That was beauty and that 2010 team was physical.
- MjulQvist



Hell yes it was. Ladd, Buff, Eager, Burish, Brouwer. Sharp was also a get after it player in his youth and was not afraid to drop the hammer. This team the last 3 years was sooooo cream puff..

jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

May 28 @ 12:39 PM ET
I was told that he had a concussion. He might have issues with partying but I just think it is more like he goes to concerts and gets wasted. He just tried to live the life of even a young adult who still gets high or drunk too much. You would think that he tunes that stuff down....that is what I think is his big issue and supposedly hanging around old haunts and old influences is why a change of address is a logical move.

You and I know that change has to come from within. Did he get married recently? Because a good loving wife can help him turn the corner on past "issues." A caring wife can help you if you want and accept help - as long as you accept that you have to want to change and the final call is yours.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

May 28 @ 12:42 PM ET
Maybe CC gets moved and the Hawks bring big Scotty Darling back. He had a rough year with the Canes. Maybe both guys need a change.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 28 @ 12:47 PM ET
Great blog, Justin. My two cents on your 5 topics:

1) In addition to getting the Hogs on the board with a goal, Franson also had a 1st period fight so that may have had an impact on energizing the team to bring it that night. That notion dovetails with your 2nd topic of the importance of physical play, especially in playoff hockey.

2) Johnson was quoted as saying the constant pounding that plays a role in games was by Martinsen, Hayden, and Bouma. The Hawks had a slight variation of that for a good portion of the last season with Wingels in place of Martinsen. This coming season the Hawks have a chance to ice a 4th line like that. The question to me, though, is whether Q will let them play that way. Not with reckless abandon but just as they are playing right now helping to carry the Hogs to within striking distance of the Calder Cup finals.

3) Assuming he signs, DiDomineco should be in the mix for at least 4C, if not 3/4C, this training camp. I've always liked him and felt he had potential even during his first tour of duty in the Hawks system (part of the Stalberg+Paradis trade with Toronto for Versteeg+Sweatt). He's a more experienced option than the guys he'll likely compete with in camp, i.e. Kero, Kampf, Highmore, and Johnson. Solid in his end and at the dot with some offensive skills, too. When you can have competition like that, then that spells prospect depth. If only there was such depth at top 6 forward and top 4 defense positions.

4) My gut is that if teams like the Islanders are interested in Crawford, even if just rumors at this point, then there must be insider information (not in the illegal sense) of knowing that he is truly healthy and ready to go for 2018-19. No team would give up assets for damaged goods. If that's the case and Crawford remains a Hawk, that obviously bodes well for us.

5) Not sure if this is exactly what you're saying, but if that's true that there is a disconnect between Bowman and the rest of the "committee" about player personnel, then that's pretty annoying and upsetting that Bowman thinks the team doesn't need much change. In this instance, and probably for this instance only, I'm glad there's a committee.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 28 @ 12:59 PM ET
Might have a 2/3 of a legit 4th line with DiDo and Luke Johnson. Or maybe Bouma finds his way back on the team next year. Hats off to him and Franson for shelving the ego and playing excellent hockey for the Hogs.
- z1990z

Totally agree. Although it wouldn't hurt to see if there are affordable UFAs to play bottom 6 who can bring skill and grit like Beagle or even Wingels, there are some good options who will compete for spots in the fall: DiDomenico, Johnson, Kero, Highmore, Kampf, Hayden, and Martinsen. Maybe T. Sikura, and Samuelsson. I personally wouldn't mind seeing Bouma back although I know many on these boards would not.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 28 @ 1:00 PM ET
Maybe CC gets moved and the Hawks bring big Scotty Darling back. He had a rough year with the Canes. Maybe both guys need a change.
- z1990z

That's what I think the game plan would be in the off chance Crawford is traded.
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

May 28 @ 1:17 PM ET
I agree with you about bouma coming back resign Martinsin also need size and physicality throughout the lineup. Be ok if they brought wingles back also. Need a 3rd line shutdown big center that can win faceoffs and go against the top players, like bolland for example.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

May 28 @ 1:30 PM ET
I agree with you about bouma coming back resign Martinsin also need size and physicality throughout the lineup. Be ok if they brought wingles back also. Need a 3rd line shutdown big center that can win faceoffs and go against the top players, like bolland for example.
- Scott1977



Q is preaching relentless. We will see if he really means that. Fine. Turn em loose and be physical Q.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

May 28 @ 1:37 PM ET
Q is preaching relentless. We will see if he really means that. Fine. Turn em loose and be physical Q.
- z1990z

I would actually like Q to define relentless. If it's on par with what we're seeing in the playoffs from teams like the Golden Knights and Jets, then sign me up. Attack and defend in waves. Give the other team no time to breathe.
z1990z
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: NW USA
Joined: 02.09.2012

May 28 @ 1:49 PM ET
I would actually like Q to define relentless. If it's on par with what we're seeing in the playoffs from teams like the Golden Knights and Jets, then sign me up. Attack and defend in waves. Give the other team no time to breathe.
- AEL_Fox



In all honesty, I don't think it will matter. As soon as the team begins to struggle, Q will go back to what he knows. The blender and a short bench. Q said what he had to in order to keep his job. I see a HC change by January of this coming season. This team so needs a new mind behind the bench. Delaying the inevitable by not making changes this summer. If bigger changes do happen like CC being moved or another big change to the D?? Will Q go with the flow?

The entire system of protecting our own zone needs to be changed. In order to get the most out of 2 and 7 and the rest of the younger D core you have to make changes. Last season was a circus. Big boy organizations know when its time to move on and make tough decisions. The Hawks right now are clinging to the edge and are about to fall into the basement for good. Already finished at the bottom this year.

Nobody fears the Hawks. Teams can beat on us. Run our star players and take coffee breaks in front of the net. Maybe they are trying to give Colliton one more year before bringing him up. Lets hope.... not holding my breath for the 2018-2019 Hawks.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

May 28 @ 2:05 PM ET
I agree with you about bouma coming back resign Martinsin also need size and physicality throughout the lineup. Be ok if they brought wingles back also. Need a 3rd line shutdown big center that can win faceoffs and go against the top players, like bolland for example.
- Scott1977


That is what I want, too: "...3rd line shutdown big center that can win faceoffs and go up against too players..."

How to win games with less talent could be the Blackhawks way while a steady stream of prospects pass through each season. Just keep drafting well. Not only first round but throughout each draft. There are a lot of dmen, for example. The offensive guys have their own things they excel at while also they exhibit weakness in other areas. Sooner later some of them will become a better fit. It may be improvement in their game, what side defense do they play and or a Krys would surely be at least initially third pair but does his strength trump card over others ....would he get the nod since he is a superb puck rushing carry the mail? Matteson, Hillman, Carlsson and Gilbert: two among them.wilk hild at least two spots. Probably Matsin gets one spot fir sure. Snuggerud may be good enough defensively or not? Because he has a real good offensive game. But he is D Keith small and so too is Mitchell. No one takes a job from Mitchell. But among offensive guys for one or two spots, AFTER Mitchell you have Jokiharju (playing in Sweden/Finland next year), Forsling, Tuulola (dress last two Icehog wins), Dahlstrom (is he nothing more than a safety valve last option for third pair/compare to Trubinsky looks off his receivers and tight end and dumps to safety valve out of backfield), then you have to see how Snuggerud progress. Btw Norell and Svedberg are here and both appear competent AHL. When Justin said 438! Prospects!, he included Raydysh too.

I would love to see Tkachuk on line two, Kane line one with Edjsell, leaving Hayden and Martinsen to bang bodies on line three. kampf is your line four center. L Johnson on line three with Hayden to wing means no big center for line three. Martinsen, Samuelson, Wingels among big bodies to fill out depth. Where do you put Sikura brothers?
vabeachbear
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Ft Courage - out in the middle of Indian Country, NC
Joined: 10.17.2011

May 28 @ 2:20 PM ET
Speaking of physical, one of my favorite plays of 2010 scf was Dusty Buffles nailing Chris Pronger. Turned Pronger sissy. So, yea, physical play is goooooood playoff play. (When necessary.)

Happy memorial day. I remember.

Go Hocks.

Thanks Justin. Good bloggin, my frent

- hocktock


They beat the hell out of and wore down Chara as well.

You can't say that Q doesn't want to do it, he did it a few times.

Something just isn't right. Need a change
BINGO!
Carolina Hurricanes
Location: I'll always remember the last words my grandfather ever told me. He said, "A Truck!", SK
Joined: 09.21.2009

May 28 @ 2:24 PM ET
Maybe CC gets moved and the Hawks bring big Scotty Darling back. He had a rough year with the Canes. Maybe both guys need a change.
- z1990z


I'd be open to that.

Canes would still need a backup but last I saw they were trying to sign Veini Vehvalainen out of Finland.

Apparently trying to get Team Sweden Head Coach Rikard Gronborg to join as an Assistant Coach too.
TTtime
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.17.2015

May 28 @ 2:42 PM ET
I'd be open to that.

Canes would still need a backup but last I saw they were trying to sign Veini Vehvalainen out of Finland.

Apparently trying to get Team Sweden Head Coach Rikard Gronborg to join as an Assistant Coach too.

- BINGO!

yeah, rumor is you're always open.


Canes broke Darling. Crawford was performing at Vezina level prior to his injury. Not sure why it is felt that he needs a change of scenery.
TTtime
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.17.2015

May 28 @ 2:45 PM ET
Come on guys. DiDemenico is an AHL player. He's freaking 29. He is not a late bloomer. He is a tweener. Too good/experienced for the A and not good enough for the NHL. He is probably a good guy to have in the A to show the ropes on how to be a professional.
BINGO!
Carolina Hurricanes
Location: I'll always remember the last words my grandfather ever told me. He said, "A Truck!", SK
Joined: 09.21.2009

May 28 @ 2:47 PM ET
yeah, rumor is you're always open.


Canes broke Darling. Crawford was performing at Vezina level prior to his injury. Not sure why it is felt that he needs a change of scenery.

- TTtime



I'm pretty easy.
John Jaeckel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: www.the-rink.com
Joined: 11.19.2006

May 28 @ 2:55 PM ET
I heard specifically about 10 days ago Toews will only move if Toews asks to move, and he had not asked as of that point in time (though that can change). When you think about how integral Toews is to the team on the ice (captain) and off (significant business relationships with major team sponsors, etc), it's kind of hard to imagine the team going to him to force him to waive his NMC.

If the concussion story is to be believed (and I have heard that from more than one person I trust—though I have heard a persistent "different" story elsewhere), how can ANY team just up and trade anything of value for Crawford? He just missed half a season and it was not his first concussion either.

Even if the "other" story is true, same thing?

Point is, hard to see the Hawks getting full value.

But stranger things have happened . . . in any event, I am (so far anyway) caveat emptor on these two rumors.

DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

May 28 @ 2:57 PM ET
Come on guys. DiDemenico is an AHL player. He's freaking 29. He is not a late bloomer. He is a tweener. Too good/experienced for the A and not good enough for the NHL. He is probably a good guy to have in the A to show the ropes on how to be a professional.
- TTtime


I'd have no issue with him and Clendening signing near-minimum deals to be insurance policies in Rockford next season.
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