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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Possible Line Combinations: Defence + Training Camp Notes
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I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 11:36 AM ET
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.
- tvetter


https://www.google.com/am...nths-back-injury-nhl-2018

I got your, dare I say it, back

Edit: everything seems to just say injury. Surgery might be implied, but his timetable might be a little bit longer because back is a little more serious.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 11:45 AM ET
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.
- scottak

Agree, Kunitz is a known quantity. Reliable, very fundamentally sound, gritty, and a multi Cup winner. I think he'll be effective in stretches. Just not sure if his aging body will allow him to play top 6 for 82 games. Happy to be wrong about that.
ObeseOprah
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 01.17.2014

Sep 17 @ 11:49 AM ET
Seeing Boqvist on a roster sheet with Keith, Seabrook, Jokiharju gives me hope.

I know he's at least a year away, but he could really be a great asset once he's ready. I'm hoping to see him fly the puck up the ice the way that Keith did earlier in his career... before the dark times... before the slingshot manuever... before the empire.
chuckdahammer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 11.01.2016

Sep 17 @ 11:49 AM ET
Agree, Kunitz is a known quantity. Reliable, very fundamentally sound, gritty, and a multi Cup winner. I think he'll be effective in stretches. Just not sure if his aging body will allow him to play top 6 for 82 games. Happy to be wrong about that.
- AEL_Fox




The hockey news has scouting reports on everyone in the league. They call Kunitz, "complimentary player". He is doing just that .... complimenting Toews and Debrinkat by doing the dirty work on the line. He is just a place holder, I believe, as hopefully a big body, like Ejdsell plays on that line or Hayden. Kunitz can play on any line .... better on the fourth line
GPHawksfan
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: AB
Joined: 01.26.2018

Sep 17 @ 11:55 AM ET
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 !!!!
- oldduffman

Same old poop everyday with you hey?
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 11:57 AM ET
Agree, Kunitz is a known quantity. Reliable, very fundamentally sound, gritty, and a multi Cup winner. Just not sure if his aging body will allow him to play top 6 for 82 games. Happy to be wrong about that.
- AEL_Fox


I think Kunitz in the locker room has an unspoken benefit, winning more cups than our core (minus the 14 year they SHOULD have won.) Kunitz's presence sends a message of, "You guys don't fly as high anymore," Kunitz brings their heads out of the clouds. He worked his butt off to win 4 cups with a couple of different teams. That's nice having, just not as a top linesman. I'll live with placeholder until a kid successfully fills the hole.
EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Sep 17 @ 12:00 PM ET
Same old poop everyday with you hey?
- GPHawksfan


Says the guy who complains about the posts of other people every day....

EnzoD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Denver, CO
Joined: 02.19.2014

Sep 17 @ 12:04 PM ET
Kunitz, like Sharp before him, is wellll past his NHL expiration date. He was never fast, and while I love his gritty style of play and "leadership", he should not be skating top line minutes.
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Sep 17 @ 12:05 PM ET
Same old poop everyday with you hey?
- GPHawksfan

Ya pretty much . I believe all this other stuff is window dressing till the big issue is dealt with .. I hope I am wrong ,and the team rebounds under Q ,put I just don't see it right now . I try to refrain, but my gut tells me Q must go for the good of the team .. GO HAWKS !!
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Sep 17 @ 12:07 PM ET
Says the guy who complains about the posts of other people every day....


- EnzoD

Every day my ass ,I given up on your arrogant BS years ago Why don't you tell what a star player you were again
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 12:13 PM ET
The hockey news has scouting reports on everyone in the league. They call Kunitz, "complimentary player". He is doing just that .... complimenting Toews and Debrinkat by doing the dirty work on the line. He is just a place holder, I believe, as hopefully a big body, like Ejdsell plays on that line or Hayden. Kunitz can play on any line .... better on the fourth line
- chuckdahammer

Kunitz will be effective in any line he plays on but agree that the bottom 6 is where he will ultimately land and be great there. His versatility as a grizzled veteran on the back 9 of his career will pay dividends.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 12:13 PM ET
Every day my ass ,I given up on your arrogant BS years ago Why don't you tell what a star player you were again
- oldduffman




https://www.google.com/im...et=1&docid=P4ODWUjoZUmQeM
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 12:15 PM ET
I think Kunitz in the locker room has an unspoken benefit, winning more cups than our core (minus the 14 year they SHOULD have won.) Kunitz's presence sends a message of, "You guys don't fly as high anymore," Kunitz brings their heads out of the clouds. He worked his butt off to win 4 cups with a couple of different teams. That's nice having, just not as a top linesman. I'll live with placeholder until a kid successfully fills the hole.
- I Am The Breadman

Kunitz's leadership is a definite plus and may be even more valuable for the youth and even the core than his on-ice productivity. He will be fine on the ice. His impact in the locker room will be immense. Similar to Sharp's influence on DeBrincat (and others) last season.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 12:20 PM ET
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.

- AEL_Fox

Correction/update:

This may be the D pairings to start the year:

Keith - Jokiharju
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Manning - Rutta
Davidson/Hillman/Dahlstrom

Then once Murphy is back:

Keith - Murphy
Gustafsson - Seabrook
Manning - Jokiharju
Rutta/Davidson/Hillman/Dahlstrom

Someone gets traded or demoted to make space. But more importantly, I originally wrote Murphy with Manning. I would not do that at all as they are similar players and neither are stellar skaters. Instead, put Jokiharju with Manning to protect him then Murphy with Keith.
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Sep 17 @ 12:24 PM ET
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://media1.tenor.com/images/b0ab1b0c36380df1403cfdacaca59b52/tenor.gif?itemid%3D4468439&imgrefurl=https://tenor.com/view/archer-pam-innappropes-gif-4468439&h=280&w=498&tbnid=0WVdRB-b6d97ZM&tbnh=168&tbnw=300&vet=1&docid=P4ODWUjoZUmQeM
- I Am The Breadman

I know .I am Out here ..
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Sep 17 @ 12:24 PM 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.

- breadbag

Agree with this point about improving defensive positioning and defending the area between the bluelines. Make it tough to gain the zone. No easy entries, please. Also, make the other team pay for crashing the net and setting up shop.
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Sep 17 @ 12:25 PM ET
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.
- 67hawks

Being comfortable might be the absolute worst thing for his development. He either needs to be playing big minutes in all situations in the”A”, or learning on the job with the big club. I don’t think he has anything left to prove and the junior level.

Based on everything I’ve read, if push comes to shove, I can’t see the powers that be saying that the Hawks can’t send him to the “A” where he probably belongs.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 12:35 PM ET
Agree with this point about improving defensive positioning and defending the area between the bluelines. Make it tough to gain the zone. No easy entries, please. Also, make the other team pay for crashing the net and setting up shop.
- AEL_Fox


Agree, the more shutdown defenders the better. Defense wins championships, added with some goal scoring. Stand up at the blue line and make the other team chip and chase. The only draw to that is we need the team to be better collectively at board battles and exits and sustained pressure. Boy, those ands can sure add up.
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

Sep 17 @ 12:38 PM ET
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.

- Justin Lowe

Does not matter what forward or defense line combinations there this team is bottom feeding team at best too many questions and not enough answers. Yea its possible hawks might play 500 hockey but not expecting much more than that. With Crawford situation still up in the air it won't matter what d is on the ice it essentially its the same d core from last year. IMO bowman and company messed up im the offseason by not filling some the holes. But didn't fill any. It be long season just looking forward to watching the young players develop.
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Sep 17 @ 12:42 PM ET
I think Kunitz in the locker room has an unspoken benefit, winning more cups than our core (minus the 14 year they SHOULD have won.) Kunitz's presence sends a message of, "You guys don't fly as high anymore," Kunitz brings their heads out of the clouds. He worked his butt off to win 4 cups with a couple of different teams. That's nice having, just not as a top linesman. I'll live with placeholder until a kid successfully fills the hole.
- I Am The Breadman

Why do you think the Hawks players "heads are in the clouds"? I see a team decimated by their success rather than the players being full of themselves. The fact that the team was so good it drafted consistantly in the 20 to 30 spot in the draft for the last 10 years, Management had to use prospects and draft picks to package with bad contracts to try to keep the current core afloat and in contention and the fact that old age caught up to the players are much larger contributing factors to where the Hawks are now then to arrogance.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 12:43 PM ET
Does not matter what forward or defense line combinations there this team is bottom feeding team at best too many questions and not enough answers. Yea its possible hawks might play 500 hockey but not expecting much more than that. With Crawford situation still up in the air it won't matter what d is on the ice it essentially its the same d core from last year. IMO bowman and company messed up im the offseason by not filling some the holes. But didn't fill any. It be long season just looking forward to watching the young players develop.
- Scott1977


How did Bowman mess up when Chicago isn't the go to town anymore? You have deemed Chicago a bottomfeeder, maybe a .500 and you think ufa's want to come here or don't know that? I am optimistic, will watch every game, some covering my eyes and shaking my head. I blame Bowman for some things, but I am glad he didn't overpay with long term (cough cough) that's just silly.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 12:49 PM ET
[quote=I Am The Breadman]What I meant was, I didn't see a lot of effort, you can get caught standing on laurels. I can't tell how many times the young hawks were proving themselves when the vets weren't totally in it. Then the vets would interview and say, "yeah, kids were good, we need to step up our games." I didn't mean it as arrogance. Kunitz is a step ahead with that extra cup, which is motivation for all, but hopefully more for the vets. Sorry if I was unclear the first time. Sometimes a down season isn't enough motivation. Hence, first round sweep to drafting 8th overall.
vabeachbear
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Ft Courage - out in the middle of Indian Country, NC
Joined: 10.17.2011

Sep 17 @ 1:22 PM ET
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 !!!!
- oldduffman


I will say this, Murphy looked much better at the World Cups than he ever did with the Hawks. Maybe its a different coach, maybe a different style, maybe the bigger ice.

I'm hoping is one of the first two, because that would increase his value if they are going to move him.

I wouldn't, not yet at least. Maybe next year, or depending on where they are, at the deadline.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 17 @ 1:26 PM ET
Does anyone have thoughts on Tyler Sikura? I liked what I saw of him in Rockford. Does he have a shot to make opening night roster, is he an early call-up, or is he staying in Rockford in a higher leadership role for helping the younger guys and see where he goes from there?
L_B_R
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.23.2014

Sep 17 @ 1:28 PM ET
Kunitz will be effective in any line he plays on but agree that the bottom 6 is where he will ultimately land and be great there. His versatility as a grizzled veteran on the back 9 of his career will pay dividends.
- AEL_Fox

Well, that's just false. Kunitz is like Sharp - he was beating age curves but still declining in a gradual manner and then kind fell off two seasons in a row. Sharp was due to injury and Kunitz is just old for a hockey player.

The reality is that Kunitz hasn't been effective as anything but a 3/4 liner, and last year he was replacement level 4th liner. I mean, last season he only scored as much as he did by shooting well over his recent sh%, had less than one shot a game (baffling), and then only one point the entire playoff run for Tampa last season. They had him as their 12/13th forward in terms of TOI for a reason.

There's nothing wrong with this btw. Kunitz has had a good career and he might be useful in a limited lower line role, but to suggest he can be effective on ANY line is just silly. Sometimes grizzled vet just means old. Dude is 38 ffs.
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