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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Back to Basics
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StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Jul 9 @ 4:16 PM ET
Blackhawk fan since birth in 1960.
Big Tony Esposito fan, remember his 15 shutout season.
Growing up in Springfield, was lucky to see as much as a line score in the newspaper. Mostly listened to Lloyd Petitt call games on WMAQ. Also, occasionally heard Dan Kelly call a game when the 'Hawks played in St Louis. (We did not even have the road games on tv for the longest time.) Do NOT like the St Louis team and never will. Most 'Hawk games I have seen have been in St Louis, it's amazing how many Blues fans cannot hold onto a beer and they accidentally spill it on you!)
Then, Marian Hossa came along. Head and tails, my all time favorite 'Hawk. Hall of Famer for his back checking skills alone. Period. (Like what I see from Schmaltz along those lines. Panarin too. Pretty sure DeBrincat has it in him too.)

- 35Tony0


Just remembering what I think my eyes saw - Panarin seemed to have that puck-hound back-checking skill in his first year here - but missed seeing it in his second - he would lose the puck but get it back when he first came here - would lose it and kinda give up on the play at the end.
Beaver-Warrior
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: in my great and unmatched wisdom
Joined: 07.28.2011

Jul 9 @ 4:16 PM ET
Doesn't his ELC start if he even sniffs a game in the NHL this year? If so, would think he would have to be OUTSTANDING to want to burn a year on his ELC.
- Revco38


I'm not CBA lawyer but I'm sure somebody here has the answer to that question.
MDGHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Duesseldorf, Germany
Joined: 06.20.2013

Jul 9 @ 4:19 PM ET
Have you watched Kahun play much since you're in Germany?? What's your scouting report on him to MDGHawk or any of our other Euro fans who may have seen him more than in the Olympics.
- EnzoD


TBH I didn't follow him that close over the course of the season, but what I saw - also in games vs my team - and read about him was quite good. He was one of the best (if not THE best) players on a Munich team that won back to back championships. It's always hard to judge from the quality of the DEL if he could make it to the NHL, but
of course he was very noticeable at the Olympics against better players as well. And I could never imagine that Andreas Martinsen (who used to play for Duesseldorf) would ever play in an NHL game so... Kahun is definitely another/better player than Martinsen. Probably not a 2nd version of Panarin either, but he deserves a chance and def not "4th line material". Would love to see him make the line-up and excited to see what he can do.
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jul 9 @ 4:21 PM ET
I honestly would not rule out a cup run this year or next. Plenty of teams have been in worse circumstances the year prior and gone on significant playoff runs:

-2018 Caps: previous year lost to the Pens AGAIN, lost Shattenkirk, Williams, Johansson, Alzner. Things looked like the would absolutely be a worse team.

-2018 Jets: previous year missed the playoffs, had aging Byfuglien and Wheeler on big time deals, a haul of prospects besides Laine and Ehlers that were still somewhat up in the air (Copp, Connor, Roslovic, Morrissey), and a GIANT question mark at Goalie (sound familiar?). Well Hellebyuk bounced back, and they made a big run before running into the buzz saw of LV.

-2018 Bruins: previous year got bounced in the first round by Ottawa. Had mega-deals given out to two 29+ year old centers, a very old veteran defenseman in Chara, a somewhat unstable $7M goalie in Rask, and fans were getting tired of hearing 'let the kids play and pick up the slack'. Pastrnak was great, but the haul of retooling era prospects hadn't claimed the throne yet in McAvoy, Carlo, Debrusk, Bjork, Donato, Heinen. The Bruins became a powerhouse and made it past Toronto before falling to Tampa.


What's the difference for most of these teams? Patience with their prospects, a hot goalie, and sudden surge of youth and speed that let's the aging stars play their game. Ovechkin, Byfuglien, Chara, Holtby, Hellebyuck, and Rask have all had to deal with the 'does he still have it?' headlines the past couple of years.

We need to be patient, and we need to figure out who from the last 5 drafts is going to step into a McAvoy/Copp/Debrusk role for this team.

The Hawks in 2012-13 had plenty of question marks: Hossa, Crawford, who's playing center on the second line, is Saad ready, who replaces all the lost talent?

Shaw, Saad, Kruger, Bickell and others stepped up, and suddenly we were an unstoppable powerhouse. It's possible. Crawford is probably 75% of it, the rest is up to our young guys.

- ObeseOprah


Firstly the Hawks of whenever they were relevant had Keith, Toews, Hossa, Seabs, Hammer and Crow in the top 5 of their positions with younger guys who were questions on the come.

Caps had OV, Carlson, Oshie, Kuznetzov, Backstrom, Holtby. Jets had Wheeler, Laine, Buff, Trouba, Morrissey, Ehlers, Scheifele and a top ranked prospect in Hellybuk.

You just can't compare the Hawks to those clubs in terms of talent going into next yr. Sure some of the names are the same but with many many many more hard miles on their older bodies.
35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Jul 9 @ 4:22 PM ET
Just remembering what I think my eyes saw - Panarin seemed to have that puck-hound back-checking skill in his first year here - but missed seeing it in his second - he would lose the puck but get it back when he first came here - would lose it and kinda give up on the play at the end.
- StLBravesFan

Didn't see much of him in Columbus, but he's definitely got some puck stealing skills. He's better on 'D' than he will ever likely be given credit for...
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Jul 9 @ 4:26 PM ET
I'm not CBA lawyer but I'm sure somebody here has the answer to that question.
- Beaver-Warrior


I believe if he plays less than 10 games, then the contract slides.

https://www.capfriendly.com/slides/
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Jul 9 @ 4:38 PM ET
Firstly the Hawks of whenever they were relevant had Keith, Toews, Hossa, Seabs, Hammer and Crow in the top 5 of their positions with younger guys who were questions on the come.

Caps had OV, Carlson, Oshie, Kuznetzov, Backstrom, Holtby. Jets had Wheeler, Laine, Buff, Trouba, Morrissey, Ehlers, Scheifele and a top ranked prospect in Hellybuk.

You just can't compare the Hawks to those clubs in terms of talent going into next yr. Sure some of the names are the same but with many many many more hard miles on their older bodies.

- Mr Ricochet


Indeed! Hawks have GOT to know they aren't close and all the nonsense from Bowman is purely PR fluff to appease the bandwagoners that are jumping ship by the thousands. I am an advocate for a full rebuild with a target of 2020/21 to truly compete. That target year is contingent on Kane still being a Top 10 offensive player in the league, Keith still being Top Pair, Schmaltz/Cat being good for 60 points each, and Jokiharju, Boquist and/or Beaudin all being legitimately talented NHL players....oh and they find a new goalie.
Beaver-Warrior
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: in my great and unmatched wisdom
Joined: 07.28.2011

Jul 9 @ 4:38 PM ET
I believe if he plays less than 10 games, then the contract slides.

https://www.capfriendly.com/slides/

- breadbag


I know it holds true for North American born players but wasn't all that sure about imports. Thanks!
BMWChiFan
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: St Louis, MO
Joined: 04.12.2016

Jul 9 @ 4:57 PM ET
Indeed! Hawks have GOT to know they aren't close and all the nonsense from Bowman is purely PR fluff to appease the bandwagoners that are jumping ship by the thousands. I am an advocate for a full rebuild with a target of 2020/21 to truly compete. That target year is contingent on Kane still being a Top 10 offensive player in the league, Keith still being Top Pair, Schmaltz/Cat being good for 60 points each, and Jokiharju, Boquist and/or Beaudin all being legitimately talented NHL players....oh and they find a new goalie.
- EnzoD

Two serious questions, Enzo:

1. What moves would you advocate for a full rebuild?

2. Do we know for a fact that fans are jumping ship by the thousands? IIRC Rocky said in his Crain interview that season ticket renewals had dropped to 85%, but who knows if he was being truthful? TV ratings drop are probably a better indication, but the Hawks last year weren't just losing ... they were really boring to watch.
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Jul 9 @ 5:00 PM ET
Thx and unsuccessful times are part of it so I enjoyed every single bit since '92

I follow the German first league "DEL" quite a lot. My favorite team is called Duesseldorfer EG and I am rooting for them also since mid 90s. As I am living in Duesseldorf for 10 years now I follow as many games as possible. Compared to the NHL it often feels like Slo-Mo, but better then nothing And 11 mio bucks a star player is making in the NHL is like the budget for 4 seasons for my team here... BTW Mathis Olimb is going to play for Berlin next season and his brother Ken Andre will have his 2nd stint in Ddorf, really good player and fan favorite.

Freddi Tiffels played in Cologne and Krefeld. Pretty close to Ddorf and biggest rivals as they are each only a 30 minute car ride away from each other. There will be an outdoor game between Cologne and Ddorf as well on 9th of January. Freddis older brother, Dominik, will hit the ice for Cologne next season. Hawks former "Allstar" Lalonde played there as well till the end of last season.

- MDGHawk


Got any intel on Kahun?
Mr Ricochet
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Joliet, IL
Joined: 04.19.2009

Jul 9 @ 5:05 PM ET
Enzo, if Stanbo signs Rocco Grimaldi I will drive out to Denver to visit you in that institution with the rubber walls you will be living in. I just don't know how he missed out on Tyler Ennis after the Wild bought him out.
- RickJ


Back when Grimaldi was playing for the NTDP we discussed this kid a lot on jrs boards. A poster found the most hilarious pics of the kid when he was 5 yrs old. Kid was too aggressive as a 5 yr old so he was moved up to play against NINE yr olds.

He looks like a 2ft serial killer!! Notice where he is, in the dirty area! http://undhockey.areavoices.com/?p=88059
L_B_R
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.23.2014

Jul 9 @ 5:05 PM ET
LBR - you are the Frasier Crane of this board
- Hank3Henshaw

This seems like a old person reference lol jk jk

Though seriously that is not a character I would know anything about - never seen Cheers or Fraiser.
MDGHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Duesseldorf, Germany
Joined: 06.20.2013

Jul 9 @ 5:11 PM ET
Got any intel on Kahun?
- ObeseOprah


Posted some lines above. Sorry, not very detailed info, but he deserves a shot and as I heard there were several NHL teams interested.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jul 9 @ 5:16 PM ET
FWIW, reports are that Maroon has not signed with the Blues. While they are in the running, there are other teams still in the mix.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Jul 9 @ 5:22 PM ET
Was spending some time watching Kunitz and his goals from last season. I think Hawks fans are gonna like his contributions, even if he doesn't put up any huge numbers.

Here are the goals he scored.

Oct 9th - Tip in front of the net.
Oct 28th - Stole the puck in the corner and ended up banging home a rebound right in front
Nov 22nd - Rebound in the slot vs the Hawks.
Dec 5th - Pressured the Dman, got a lucky bounce and partial breakaway
Dec 7th - Tip/redirect in front
Jan 22nd - Again vs the Hawks, took a bounce off the end boards and tucked it into the net.
Jan 23rd - Stole a defenders errant pass and snapped a goal from the slot
Feb 3rd - Redirect/Tip in front
Feb 17th - Broken play/ Loose puck slapper from the slot
Feb 20th - Redirect/Tip in front
Feb 26th - Redirect/Tip in front
March 8th - TBL caught the goalie out of the net and Kunitz got an open net from the sharp angle.
April 3rd - found a loose puck in the crease on a rebound.

Common theme was his line fore checking well and him burying chances or his line going low to high and him deflecting the shot by going to the net.
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Jul 9 @ 5:44 PM ET
Indeed! Hawks have GOT to know they aren't close and all the nonsense from Bowman is purely PR fluff to appease the bandwagoners that are jumping ship by the thousands. I am an advocate for a full rebuild with a target of 2020/21 to truly compete. That target year is contingent on Kane still being a Top 10 offensive player in the league, Keith still being Top Pair, Schmaltz/Cat being good for 60 points each, and Jokiharju, Boquist and/or Beaudin all being legitimately talented NHL players....oh and they find a new goalie.
- EnzoD


Did you watch any of the Pens in their first of back-to-back SC's? I remember their D not being all that great, but their forwards all pressured very hard. Was it mostly the lower level guys doing most of the hard work here and the top level guys doing their thing, or did everyone play the same way?

My point being that It doesn't look like we necessarily need upgrades all around, if we have everyone playing together and on the same page. VGK is another example.

At the end of the day, there will always be some supremely talented teams that you can't do anything about, but there are even more that just gel together and do more playing than thinking.

I'd hope that the Hawks bank on being the latter.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jul 9 @ 5:47 PM ET
Was spending some time watching Kunitz and his goals from last season. I think Hawks fans are gonna like his contributions, even if he doesn't put up any huge numbers.

Here are the goals he scored.

Oct 9th - Tip in front of the net.
Oct 28th - Stole the puck in the corner and ended up banging home a rebound right in front
Nov 22nd - Rebound in the slot vs the Hawks.
Dec 5th - Pressured the Dman, got a lucky bounce and partial breakaway
Dec 7th - Tip/redirect in front
Jan 22nd - Again vs the Hawks, took a bounce off the end boards and tucked it into the net.
Jan 23rd - Stole a defenders errant pass and snapped a goal from the slot
Feb 3rd - Redirect/Tip in front
Feb 17th - Broken play/ Loose puck slapper from the slot
Feb 20th - Redirect/Tip in front
Feb 26th - Redirect/Tip in front
March 8th - TBL caught the goalie out of the net and Kunitz got an open net from the sharp angle.
April 3rd - found a loose puck in the crease on a rebound.

Common theme was his line fore checking well and him burying chances or his line going low to high and him deflecting the shot by going to the net.

- breadbag


He goes to the right areas... that's for sure.

Will be interesting to see if they use him on the PP for that reason. He has scored a pile of PPGs in his days.


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

Jul 9 @ 5:48 PM ET
Was spending some time watching Kunitz and his goals from last season. I think Hawks fans are gonna like his contributions, even if he doesn't put up any huge numbers.

Here are the goals he scored.

Oct 9th - Tip in front of the net.
Oct 28th - Stole the puck in the corner and ended up banging home a rebound right in front
Nov 22nd - Rebound in the slot vs the Hawks.
Dec 5th - Pressured the Dman, got a lucky bounce and partial breakaway
Dec 7th - Tip/redirect in front
Jan 22nd - Again vs the Hawks, took a bounce off the end boards and tucked it into the net.
Jan 23rd - Stole a defenders errant pass and snapped a goal from the slot
Feb 3rd - Redirect/Tip in front
Feb 17th - Broken play/ Loose puck slapper from the slot
Feb 20th - Redirect/Tip in front
Feb 26th - Redirect/Tip in front
March 8th - TBL caught the goalie out of the net and Kunitz got an open net from the sharp angle.
April 3rd - found a loose puck in the crease on a rebound.

Common theme was his line fore checking well and him burying chances or his line going low to high and him deflecting the shot by going to the net.

- breadbag


I was just doing the same! Thanks for the synopsis. I don't think he is a bad signing, but I'm not sure if he is just an extra forward taking the place of a younger player on this team.

This screams to me Sami Paulsson. A fine player in his own right, but not really the best player to have where we are right now. I normally am all for gathering "useful" players, but to beat the same drum Rico was earlier, the Hawks need to determine a plan and stick to it. This smells like a move made to try and go two directions at once.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Jul 9 @ 5:48 PM ET
Two serious questions, Enzo:

1. What moves would you advocate for a full rebuild?

2. Do we know for a fact that fans are jumping ship by the thousands? IIRC Rocky said in his Crain interview that season ticket renewals had dropped to 85%, but who knows if he was being truthful? TV ratings drop are probably a better indication, but the Hawks last year weren't just losing ... they were really boring to watch.

- BMWChiFan



As has been said by others, the BIG move to signal a complete tear down rebuild is moving the only Star player (minus Kane) that has significant trade value and is still an Elite NHL player....Duncan Keith. If I'm Stan Bowman, I have Tampa, Toronto, and anybody else out East on the phone and get those Eastern Top Dogs into a bidding war. In theory, Keith should get at least next years 1st round pick, and a sure-fire stud prospect maybe drafted 1-2 years ago, and possibly another couple decent prospects. I think priority 1 is moving Hossa's cap hit, and IF Anisimov isn't playing on lines 1 or 2 5v5, then he should be moved for close to NHL ready prospects on D or C. Seabrook is an immovable contract, and Toews I'm hopeful can bounce back.

I would agree TV ratings are be a good indicator, merchandise sales, and ticket sales both game to game and season ticket renewals. Could not agree more.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Jul 9 @ 5:50 PM ET
Did you watch any of the Pens in their first of back-to-back SC's? I remember their D not being all that great, but their forwards all pressured very hard. Was it mostly the lower level guys doing most of the hard work here and the top level guys doing their thing, or did everyone play the same way?

My point being that It doesn't look like we necessarily need upgrades all around, if we have everyone playing together and on the same page. VGK is another example.

At the end of the day, there will always be some supremely talented teams that you can't do anything about, but there are even more that just gel together and do more playing than thinking.

I'd hope that the Hawks bank on being the latter.

- Chunk



Penguins were a complete team effort with guys playing tenacious, smart, and as a unit. But, as others have said, I don't think you can compare ANY other team to the Pittsburgh 16/17 Cup Model as NOBODY in the league has the offensive game breaking ability of Crosby, then Malkin, then Kessell.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Jul 9 @ 5:55 PM ET
He goes to the right areas... that's for sure.

Will be interesting to see if they use him on the PP for that reason. He has scored a pile of PPGs in his days.

- Justin Lowe


You have to question his lack of production in the playoffs when the speed is picked up, but for 1 year on the cheap I really like the signing. Chris Kunitz brings the edge that this team has never really had since 2010. He is a mean mofo, works his butt off, finishes his checks, and given his playing time and production last year..still has something left to give in a depth role. Show these kids how to play with skill AND nasty. 4 Cups and the locker room presence will hopefully help as I think all of us can agree based on compete level last year....the locker room culture isn't very strong.
RickJ
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Burlington, ON
Joined: 01.12.2010

Jul 9 @ 6:25 PM ET
Back when Grimaldi was playing for the NTDP we discussed this kid a lot on jrs boards. A poster found the most hilarious pics of the kid when he was 5 yrs old. Kid was too aggressive as a 5 yr old so he was moved up to play against NINE yr olds.

He looks like a 2ft serial killer!! Notice where he is, in the dirty area! http://undhockey.areavoices.com/?p=88059

- Mr Ricochet

That's hilarious. He could give the Hawks some net front presence on their PP.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Jul 9 @ 6:32 PM ET
You have to question his lack of production in the playoffs when the speed is picked up, but for 1 year on the cheap I really like the signing. Chris Kunitz brings the edge that this team has never really had since 2010. He is a mean mofo, works his butt off, finishes his checks, and given his playing time and production last year..still has something left to give in a depth role. Show these kids how to play with skill AND nasty. 4 Cups and the locker room presence will hopefully help as I think all of us can agree based on compete level last year....the locker room culture isn't very strong.
- EnzoD


While he didn't get much production in the playoffs this last year, he also didn't get many minutes with Tampa. He was lowest on the totem pole for the regular everyday players in their lineup.

The two previous seasons with Pittsburgh he was pretty decent with 23 points in 44 playoff games. He might not be at that level anymore, but I think it is tough to get much going when you aren't playing much. His linemates most the time were Callahan and Paquettee and they scored 3 points and 2 points in 17 games last year. Far cry from Kessel and Malkin who he played a lot with the season before in the playoffs.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Jul 9 @ 6:33 PM ET
I'll share my story, since I feel mine is going to be very different from people on this board.

I grew up playing street hockey and pond hockey in the winters. We would play every night in the summer at our library and every weekend during the winter. But baseball was always my sport, so that's what I watched and played. I owned a Hawks sweater, but don't think I even listend/saw a game until college. My buddy was a big Hawks fans and I started watching games in 2008 and instantly became hooked. The constant action, the fights, the finesse and power. I started paying attention to everything I could, staying up late to watch the west coast games. Keith immediately became my favorite for everything he put out on that ice. '09 was my first experience at the UC for a Hawks game, and no more convincing was needed, I was a Hawks fan. Luckily for me, when I only need a year until I got to taste the thrill of victory. I know, bandwagon, oh well... I don't give a s**t. At that moment, it was my team and I loved hearing the cheers from those lifelongers who finally got it (I would get my Cubs a few years later ). I joined this board back in 2011 and started developing a greater knowledge for the sport, and the Hawks. Feeling the depth of the rivalries, planning out offseason and TDL moves. I know we all give the "One Goal" people crap for their marketing of the team, but it worked. The team, the players, the fans won me over and I'm not ever going to turn back. I hate talking down on bandwagon fans, mainly because I was there. You can call me one, but it is what it is. Everyone finds their sport and a team at different times. Embrace the newcomers and help educate. It's just a few more people to talk shop with.

This board has been fun since I joined. I've learned a lot and have had some fun debates. I mainly try and play devils advocate on a lot of things, not cause I love to argue, but it's a way to learn more about the sport. I don't ask why to challenge, but want a deeper understanding. Thanks for all you do, Justin (and JJ, if you're reading this).

- HawksHype


Thanks for sharing HawksHype.
Spec41971
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Rolling meadows, IL
Joined: 03.04.2017

Jul 9 @ 6:43 PM ET
No reason to argue the merits of +/- further, its just a stat that has existed for years and is full of holes and inaccuracies. (OEL had a great season on a bad team and ends up -28 and Keith had a terrible season and ends up -29. Actually I don't think the Coyotes were that much worse a team than the Hawks. Wonder what would have happened if the 2 coaches switched teams?)
- RickJ


Never was a fan of bear bryant, but there's a great quote out there about him (apologies in advance for spelling here): "He could take his'ns and beat your'ns and then take your'ns and beat his'ns."
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