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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Possible Line Combinations: Defence + Training Camp Notes
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DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 10:30 AM ET
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.

- Hawkytalk



I'm predicting big bounce back seasons for Seabrook and Saad. Seabs may not reclaim his former levels but he'll be better than last season.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 10:35 AM ET
I'm predicting big bounce back seasons for Seabrook and Saad. Seabs may not reclaim his former levels but he'll be better than last season.
- DarthKane


Seabs was looking good at the end of the year. That Ottawa game of a healthy scratch did help him. Saad has to be better, he's playing with Kane. I remember a very good line once of Saad-Shaw-Kane. They have chemistry. Schmaltz plays a very different game than Shaw, but I see him being a huge catalyst for that line. The boy has his passing down, that's for sure.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Sep 17 @ 10:35 AM ET
Totally my bad on the lines. That was from yesterday. Not sure what will change, if anything will change.
- I Am The Breadman


Any word on the roster for tomorrow nite's game?
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Sep 17 @ 10:42 AM ET
1) While it might be great to see the Hawks get another shot blocking specialist, I think the big thing will be positional and defending the middle of the ice better. If the 5 man unit on the ice is breaking down defensively less often, they will keep the opposition to the outside or force them to take those more easily blocked shots.

I know the Hawks have reportedly been drilling on defensive coverage from day 1 of camp and I hope it works. This will greatly ease the load on the goalies. The Hawks won't likely outscore their issues, but if they can become more solid at defending they can win those close games that haunted them lately.

2) IMO Option 1 is gonna happen for the most part. There will be a 7th guy getting minutes but I think #2/7 will be the top pair one the dust settles.

3) We are already seeing the injury bug hit the team on D with Forsling, Murphy, Seabrook and here is why it was nice the Hawks have a couple extra depth guys.

4) Jokiharju might be ready, but at 19 he won't likely be ready for all situations and probably there will be some really tough nights for him. Hopefully for the Hawks, if he makes the team, he is a quick learner and those rookie mistakes are quickly overcome.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 10:48 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?)

- I Am The Breadman

I would lean towards the 2nd option as you and Justin lay it out nicely.

Keith - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Manning - Rutta

Davidson, Hillman, or Dahlstrom as 7th.

Murphy slots in for Rutta once he's healed. Someone then gets traded or demoted to make room. Not carrying 8 D again. Hope not at least.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 10:52 AM ET
I'm predicting big bounce back seasons for Seabrook and Saad. Seabs may not reclaim his former levels but he'll be better than last season.
- DarthKane


They definitely need him to be.

I was of the belief that he would slide in nicely to a bottom pairing role this year and be productive with less minutes.

That was, when Bowman went out and signed someone like Calvin de Haan. But since he didn't and signed a depth guy like Manning instead, it's a necessity that Seabs plays top 4 minutes this year.

Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 10:53 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

IMHO, Kunitz is a placeholder until someone like Sikura, Kahun, or Ejdsell is ready. Same if Hayden plays with Toews. It'd be for the short term.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 10:55 AM ET
Any word on the roster for tomorrow nite's game?
- StLBravesFan


We should find out today.

Q said that normally the veterans only play the home games while the rookies hit the road. However, the way it is set up with 3 games on the road to start, I would bet either the vets play tonight or head to OTT for the last game on this "road trip".

It will be interesting to see which youngsters can separate themselves vs. NHL talent in the preseason.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 10:57 AM ET
IMHO, Kunitz is a placeholder until someone like Sikura, Kahun, or Ejdsell is ready. Same if Hayden plays with Toews. It'd be for the short term.
- AEL_Fox


Agreed.

I've heard the Hawks are waiting to see which guys from the likes of Ejdsell, Highmore, Sikura or Kahun to separate themselves form bottom 6 to top 6.

Then you'll see Kunitz move down and a young guy move up.
BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Sep 17 @ 10:58 AM ET
I am so glad to see 7 train his ass off this summer he looked so old and slow last year.

So maybe now we have at least 2 top 4 dmen.

The best news is CC on the ice. He means everything to the success of this team this year.

They really really really need to focus on not giving up odd man advantages this year.

CC back, 7 back, another year experience for all the kiddies, playoff team possible, SC team ehhh not yet
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 10:58 AM ET
I would lean towards the 2nd ooptionas you and Justin lay it out nicely.

Keith - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Manning - Rutta

Davidson, Hillman, or Dahlstrom as 7th.

Murphy slots in for Rutta once he's healed. Someone then gets traded or demoted to make room. Not carrying 8 D again. Hope not at least.

- AEL_Fox


The players absolutely hate it and it created some serious frustration amongst the D last year.

I'm with you. It cannot happen.

Keep in mind that Forsling might be back before Murphy.

I would suspect he will be sent to Rockford though, but there's a good chance there are moves made to get him in the lineup as well later on in the year.

BetweenTheDots
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 06.13.2015

Sep 17 @ 11:01 AM ET
Honestly i just don't see a future here for Murphy, he's just not that good.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Sep 17 @ 11:02 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


kunitz is a day late and dollar short type of guy...top line with those two; not for long...he is your 12-13 forward...THAT'S IT.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 11:03 AM ET
I'm predicting big bounce back seasons for Seabrook and Saad. Seabs may not reclaim his former levels but he'll be better than last season.
- DarthKane

Agree on Saad and Seabrook. Full comeback by Saad to 25-30 goals and 55-60 points. Seabrook to solid 4-5-6 level; reliable, consistent veteran presence.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 11:05 AM ET
Crawford back on the ice today before the rest of the team practices.
67hawks
Joined: 08.30.2012

Sep 17 @ 11:07 AM ET
The players absolutely hate it and it created some serious frustration amongst the D last year.

I'm with you. It cannot happen.

Keep in mind that Forsling might be back before Murphy.

I would suspect he will be sent to Rockford though, but there's a good chance there are moves made to get him in the lineup as well later on in the year.

- Justin Lowe


That is a good reason to send a 19 year old D (Jokiharju) back to his junior club. We have enough older D who will be just as effective as a 19 year old. Let his contract slide and let him develop where he is comfortable.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 11:11 AM ET
Crawford back on the ice today before the rest of the team practices.
- DarthKane


Crazy good news.

I just posted a poll on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Justi...tatus/1041704814185349120
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 11:13 AM ET
Crazy good news.

I just posted a poll on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Justi...tatus/1041704814185349120

- Justin Lowe



My guess is November, I don't see the Hawks rushing his situation.
scottak
Location: I am serious. And don't call me Shirley!
Joined: 08.06.2010

Sep 17 @ 11:14 AM ET
IMHO, Kunitz is a placeholder until someone like Sikura, Kahun, or Ejdsell is ready. Same if Hayden plays with Toews. It'd be for the short term.
- AEL_Fox

I think that’s more than your opinion or general supposition. I read that exact comment at some point, maybe from a Q presser. They’re trying to figure out what they’ve got. In the interim, Kunitz is a known quantity.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 17 @ 11:14 AM ET
Honestly i just don't see a future here for Murphy, he's just not that good.
- BetweenTheDots


I know they've looked to move him at times last year.

With the way the right-side is shaping up for the Hawks in the future, I agree.

That Hammer trade will look even worse if he's moved. It would have been better to hold on the him and move him to a team like Toronto at the deadline this past year.

One final note, I heard that they wanted to bring in a guy like Manning (and Davidson to a certain degree) to add a little physicality on the back end. This could be because Murphy (who is one of the only true physical dman on this team) could be moved at some point.

It would shock me if he's traded at some point this year if those future guys like Jokiharju, Hillman, Dahlstrom take the next step.

tvetter
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Burkesville, KY
Joined: 12.16.2015

Sep 17 @ 11:20 AM ET
The players absolutely hate it and it created some serious frustration amongst the D last year.

I'm with you. It cannot happen.

Keep in mind that Forsling might be back before Murphy.

I would suspect he will be sent to Rockford though, but there's a good chance there are moves made to get him in the lineup as well later on in the year.

- Justin Lowe


I read one article that seemed to infer that Murphy had back surgery...Anyone else see that? If I can find the article, I'll post the link.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Sep 17 @ 11:22 AM ET
I know they've looked to move him at times last year.

With the way the right-side is shaping up for the Hawks in the future, I agree.

That Hammer trade will look even worse if he's moved. It would have been better to hold on the him and move him to a team like Toronto at the deadline this past year.

One final note, I heard that they wanted to bring in a guy like Manning (and Davidson to a certain degree) to add a little physicality on the back end. This could be because Murphy (who is one of the only true physical dman on this team) could be moved at some point.

It would shock me if he's traded at some point this year if those future guys like Jokiharju, Hillman, Dahlstrom take the next step.

- Justin Lowe


Maybe he's moved towards the end of the season. I don't have an issue with Murphy, I don't know if he got a fair shot last season. Overall the D was a mess last year and carrying 8 guys didn't help matters. Before writing off Murphy I'd like to see what the guy can do with some consistent playing time.
tvetter
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Burkesville, KY
Joined: 12.16.2015

Sep 17 @ 11:25 AM ET
I know they've looked to move him at times last year.

With the way the right-side is shaping up for the Hawks in the future, I agree.

That Hammer trade will look even worse if he's moved. It would have been better to hold on the him and move him to a team like Toronto at the deadline this past year.

One final note, I heard that they wanted to bring in a guy like Manning (and Davidson to a certain degree) to add a little physicality on the back end. This could be because Murphy (who is one of the only true physical dman on this team) could be moved at some point.

It would shock me if he's traded at some point this year if those future guys like Jokiharju, Hillman, Dahlstrom take the next step.

- Justin Lowe


If those three can take the next step, I hope we move him at the deadline. If we can get a third for a LEFT D that was press-boxed for half the year, Stan should be able to get a lot more for Murphy. The only thing holding him back may be the years remaining on his contract.
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Sep 17 @ 11:35 AM ET
Honestly i just don't see a future here for Murphy, he's just not that good.
- BetweenTheDots

That's BS Q destroyed Murphy and Forsberg confidence right from the start of the season .Also bounced Vinny all over the place , and had him in the A for no good reason . Carry 8 D to mess with all defense .Pretty much anyone Stan brings in goes directly to Q dog house .. Only one who shouldn't have a future is Q ..IMO ..To me the elephant in the room is behind the bench for far far to long now ..Step up Stan do the right thing ..My weekly rant your welcome GO HAWKS !!!!
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 11:36 AM ET
The players absolutely hate it and it created some serious frustration amongst the D last year.

I'm with you. It cannot happen.

Keep in mind that Forsling might be back before Murphy.

I would suspect he will be sent to Rockford though, but there's a good chance there are moves made to get him in the lineup as well later on in the year.

- Justin Lowe

Good points about Forsling. Once he's recalled after healed and rehabbing, a call-up could also be a showcasing of him if he's a trade chip to better the team elsewhere in the lineup.

I like Forsling a lot and hope he gets his chance for a permanent spot but the D pipeline is much stronger now making a few of the prospects expendable to help improve other positions. He may or may not be a casualty of that.
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