Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 
Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Possible Line Combinations: Defence + Training Camp Notes
Author Message
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 8:50 AM ET
Justin Lowe: Possible Line Combinations: Defence + Training Camp Notes Ladies and Gentlemen, hockey season is upon us.

The Hawks kicked off their on-ice camp on Friday. There were a few surprises to digest after Friday's kick-off and post-skate reports.

We also check in on our final edition to our "Possible Line Combinations", we examine the defenders.
RaleighHawk
Joined: 03.29.2016

Sep 17 @ 8:56 AM ET
First
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 9:10 AM ET
Good write-up Justin. I'm leaning more towards the second option. Joki, I feel has a lot to prove, and through Q's sometimes decipherable language, he likes the kid. Gus and Seabs had great chemistry, I still believe they can do a good job together. I like Rutta on the bottom, he did a good job with Forsling as a shut down pair for a large handful of games ... up until they were no longer good together and had a couple turnovers, at least one huge one a game. That's at least how I would start. The PTO might do great a earn a spot, I'm hoping Hillman earns a spot, I liked him a lot and expect big things in the future. I hope this is the year, after the injury, that Forsling proves his worth and plays consistently.

With Murphy going down and Bowman wanting a replacement, is he looking for another PTO invite or a trade (probably nowhere as big as the Karlsson trade, but big enough to help?)
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:18 AM ET
It will be interesting to see how the defense shakes out in both the short term and long term.

Of your suggestions my preference would be #2. However, if I had to guess which option would actually happen I would say #3.

I don't think Dahlstrom makes the team. If both Davidson and Jokihajru are left off the club my guess is that Hillman makes the team.
Taylorst1
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 07.09.2018

Sep 17 @ 9:20 AM ET
Justin fantastic blog! I like option 2 a lot better , I see Seabrook with his age more in a bottom 6 role with an occasional pairing top 4 . I'd like to see Johki and Hillman make the team that would allow them the time to grow and the team to re-evaluate next June, July their team needs.



Will murphy be put on LTIR day 2 of the season and if so how does that impact the teams cap and will Crawford be placed on LTIR as well ? He doesn't look ready yet and he could return but I think it's more likely Nov or January once he has been cleared and had more on ice time with shots and a stronger comfort in his form. If so how would LTIR work on Crawford and murphy or will they not LTIR one or both
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 9:24 AM ET
Chris Kunitz, I'm not sure he will stick tht long on the top line. I want him playing with Hayden or Martinson. At 39, with a top centreman in Toews, on the decline also, bit still great in my eyes, all you are doing is hampering Debrincat's abilities and talents. Play him with Toews, fine, but put a playmaker up there. I know Kunitz said he believes he has more to give, but what you believe will happen and what actually happens are two completely different things. Q can try it, get it out of his system, and then move to a better suited and more permanent player. One that is blender-proof.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:32 AM ET
Chris Kunitz, I'm not sure he will stick tht long on the top line. I want him playing with Hayden or Martinson. At 39, with a top centreman in Toews, on the decline also, bit still great in my eyes, all you are doing is hampering Debrincat's abilities and talents. Play him with Toews, fine, but put a playmaker up there. I know Kunitz said he believes he has more to give, but what you believe will happen and what actually happens are two completely different things. Q can try it, get it out of his system, and then move to a better suited and more permanent player. One that is blender-proof.
- I Am The Breadman



Even considering how Q is I highly down Kunitz plays on the top like for very long, if at all. Q's job is on the line, out of necessity he'll need to try to get as much production out of the Toews line as possible. I''m expecting a steady rotating of Kunitz and young forwards on Toews' left side before somebody (not likely Kunitz) sticks.

For me Kunitz would be the ideal 13th forward or playing on the 4th line with Kruger and Kampf.

I know the Hawks haven't started any preseason games yet but their appears to be some chemistry with Sikura-Anisimov-Ejdsell, moreso with Sikura and Ejdsell. Initially I'm not a fan of an Sikura-Anisimov-Ejdsell line because of the latter two's skating, but maybe it works.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:37 AM ET
The Panthers announced Barkov as their next captain. Fantastic choice, he's one of the more underrated two-way forwards in the game today.

67hawks
Joined: 08.30.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:38 AM ET
Even considering how Q is I highly down Kunitz plays on the top like for very long, if at all. Q's job is on the line, out of necessity he'll need to try to get as much production out of the Toews line as possible. I''m expecting a steady rotating of Kunitz and young forwards on Toews' left side before somebody (not likely Kunitz) sticks.

For me Kunitz would be the ideal 13th forward or playing on the 4th line with Kruger and Kampf.

I know the Hawks haven't started any preseason games yet but their appears to be some chemistry with Sikura-Anisimov-Ejdsell, moreso with Sikura and Ejdsell. Initially I'm not a fan of an Sikura-Anisimov-Ejdsell line because of the latter two's skating, but maybe it works.

- DarthKane


Kunitz will not be effective if he gets first line minutes. He needs his time limited on the lower lines with some PP time because we need someone who will get into the dirty areas.
SoftServe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.19.2016

Sep 17 @ 9:49 AM ET
If Jokiharju does make the team and sticks...what do the lines look like once Murphy get's back?
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:50 AM ET
Kunitz will not be effective if he gets first line minutes. He needs his time limited on the lower lines with some PP time because we need someone who will get into the dirty areas.
- 67hawks




I'm wondering if AA takes the spot with Toews and DeBrincat. I'm not saying it's ideal just questioning if it's possible.

If Kahun impresses enough in camp to make the team does he centre Sikura and Ejdsell (if they make the team).

Man... that's a lot of "ifs". I hearby declare 2018-2019 the "Season of Ifs".
SoftServe
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 01.19.2016

Sep 17 @ 9:54 AM ET
I'm wondering if AA takes the spot with Toews and DeBrincat. I'm not saying it's ideal just questioning if it's possible.

If Kahun impresses enough in camp to make the team does he centre Sikura and Ejdsell (if they make the team).

Man... that's a lot of "ifs". I hearby declare 2018-2019 the "Season of Ifs".

- DarthKane


Or does Kahun impress so much he slides in next to Toews and Cat? I really hope he get's an opportunity to play with some top 6 guys in camp, so we can see his true potential with the skillset he possesses
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:55 AM ET
If Jokiharju does make the team and sticks...what do the lines look like once Murphy get's back?
- SoftServe



That's really hard to tell at this point. If Jokiharju is playing well then I'd imagine he sticks with the team and somebody else goes. If not he's the odd man out and gets sent to Rockford.

The defense could look very different in a couple months. Once Murphy and Forsling are healthy and Jokiharju and Hillman are knocking on the door I would see a couple of the starters moved.

Gustafsson will be another interesting story. There have been parts of his game that have been great. Is this the year he puts it all together and finds a permanent place in the NHL?
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 9:56 AM ET
Even considering how Q is I highly down Kunitz plays on the top like for very long, if at all. Q's job is on the line, out of necessity he'll need to try to get as much production out of the Toews line as possible. I''m expecting a steady rotating of Kunitz and young forwards on Toews' left side before somebody (not likely Kunitz) sticks.

For me Kunitz would be the ideal 13th forward or playing on the 4th line with Kruger and Kampf.

I know the Hawks haven't started any preseason games yet but their appears to be some chemistry with Sikura-Anisimov-Ejdsell, moreso with Sikura and Ejdsell. Initially I'm not a fan of an Sikura-Anisimov-Ejdsell line because of the latter two's skating, but maybe it works.

- DarthKane


I like that line's production abilities, speed ... could be better. I know Sikura and Ejdsell had their shining moments in the prospect tournament. I hope someone can take a face off when Anisimov falters or gets tossed. So who do you have on the Toews line since Kunitz isn't the answer. Kahun? Fortin for the dark horse race?
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:57 AM ET
Or does Kahun impress so much he slides in next to Toews and Cat? I really hope he get's an opportunity to play with some top 6 guys in camp, so we can see his true potential with the skillset he possesses
- SoftServe



That is totally possible as well. I think it will take a lot for the Hawks to cut Kahun since he's already said he'll go back to Europe (which is his right to do so). This option might bring better balance to the lineup.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 9:59 AM ET
I like that line's production abilities, speed ... could be better. I know Sikura and Ejdsell had their shining moments in the prospect tournament. I hope someone can take a face off when Anisimov falters or gets tossed. So who do you have on the Toews line since Kunitz isn't the answer. Kahun? Fortin for the dark horse race?
- I Am The Breadman



I don't know. Kahun would be an option, but he's not a guarantee. Maybe Hayden gets a look but I'm not sold on him either. I don't expect Fortin to make the team, at least not right out of camp.

I wonder if Stan is waiting to see who he can pick up off waivers or via a cheap trade after training camp.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 10:00 AM ET
I don't know. Kahun would be an option, but he's not a guarantee. Maybe Hayden gets a look but I'm not sold on him either. I don't expect Fortin to make the team, at least not right out of camp.

I wonder if Stan is waiting to see who he can pick up off waivers or via a cheap trade after training camp.

- DarthKane


Dumpster diving and bargain bin shopping. My favorite!
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 10:05 AM ET
Dumpster diving and bargain bin shopping. My favorite!
- I Am The Breadman



Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 10:10 AM ET
If Jokiharju does make the team and sticks...what do the lines look like once Murphy get's back?
- SoftServe



Great question and it will be difficult to tell at this point.

If Jokiharju has settled in and proved himself as an NHLer in the first couple of months it will make it a hard choice for the coaching staff.

Also, they might be forced to carry 8 D again if Davidson makes the team. That, or make a trade.

What I would watch out for in the meantime be how the roles of each player shakes out.

Who is playing the shutdown role?
How's the PP looking?
Who's getting PK time?
Is Brent Seabrook and his new, slim frame a top 4 D again?


Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 10:12 AM ET
That is totally possible as well. I think it will take a lot for the Hawks to cut Kahun since he's already said he'll go back to Europe (which is his right to do so). This option might bring better balance to the lineup.
- DarthKane


I think Kahun will have to do a lot not to make this team. If anything he could "make the team" as a 14th or 14th forward. Then work his way to getting playing time.

This could be a reason why the Hawks didn't bring in any PTO forwards (which I was surprised about). They already had guys like Kahun, Kampf, Martinsen that they want in those rotating roles.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 10:19 AM ET

- DarthKane



To that I say, "Do ... not ... seek ... the ... treasure."
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 10:22 AM ET
https://mobile.twitter.co...amp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Today's lines
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 10:24 AM ET
https://mobile.twitter.com/ByScottPowers/status/1041377130620379136?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Today's lines

- I Am The Breadman



The Kahun-Johnson-Kampf combo would make a better 4th line than Hayden-Kruger-Martinsen.

Where is Hillman?
Hawkytalk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Frankfort, IL
Joined: 06.26.2012

Sep 17 @ 10:26 AM ET
Great question and it will be difficult to tell at this point.

If Jokiharju has settled in and proved himself as an NHLer in the first couple of months it will make it a hard choice for the coaching staff.

Also, they might be forced to carry 8 D again if Davidson makes the team. That, or make a trade.

What I would watch out for in the meantime be how the roles of each player shakes out.

Who is playing the shutdown role?
How's the PP looking?
Who's getting PK time?
Is Brent Seabrook and his new, slim frame a top 4 D again?

- Justin Lowe


Got to admit that Seabs look really trim. No more chunky face that's for sure.
Let's hope the training process has helped with his skating and reaction time.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 10:30 AM ET
Totally my bad on the lines. That was from yesterday. Not sure what will change, if anything will change.
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12  Next