Outshot, outhit, out faced off, lots of fancy pants perimeter play.

Maybe its not the players, but the scheme.
- Return of the Roar

Hard to measure these things from a preseason game when Columbus was dressing a more complete roster than the Hawks.

Outshot, outhit, out faced off, lots of fancy pants perimeter play.

Maybe its not the players, but the scheme.
- Return of the Roar

https://www.google.com/se...559#imgrc=m8T1zeeVLTClrM:

Outshot, outhit, out faced off, lots of fancy pants perimeter play.

Maybe its not the players, but the scheme.
- Return of the Roar

While watching, I was concerned about the lack of puck control and pressure on CBJ’s goalies, as well as some of your complaints, but:

Lots of rookies - lots who had never worn the Indianhead in any kind of game (or only in a couple) - most who had never played together before....

Yeah, probably the same with CBJ, but let’s give it some time, experience, and another vet or five before even getting out onto the ledge, let alone jumping off of it.

I watched the game last night and I wasn't really that impressed with anyone's overall play. The d struggled to get the puck out of their end and passing wasn't crisp poor shot selections , the power play looks like the same as last year poor quality shots bad passing. The face offs they got beat a lot. I know it's 1 game and pre season, but for a organization that claims to be ready to prove last year was a fluke, I didn't get that impression from these kids who have a great shot to make this team and turn heads.

The score reflects in some ways of what to expect from the season.

.
Kahuan had some good flashes

Their isn't much with key injuries the hawks can do on the d other than give these kids a shot and see. But from a top 6 role I don't see anyone of these kids ready nor should the hawks keep toying around with bottom 6 guys trying to fill a need. If toews doesn't get going then no matter whom Kane skates with the hawks are just a 1 trick pony show that will be easily shut down.

What would it take to go after Duchene or Stone? Either of them would be great and can fill that role. Why not just package up a first round pick for a young proven top 6 guy , you won't draft anyone next year who can play immediately nor any guarantee.

[quote=I Am The Breadman]
Ya that's ok as coach Q would say

Outshot, outhit, out faced off, lots of fancy pants perimeter play.

Maybe its not the players, but the scheme.
- Return of the Roar

BINGO !!! we have winner !!!!

Did not see the game . But if our top line or to be 3rd line was a combined minus 5 and our PP reverted back to the same old thing and PK was bad yikes !! . I think I will buy a lose for Hughes bumper sticker ..

I do not believe Jokiharju should be rushed let him go down to the A to play top minuets under a teaching coach .Not be berated up here and lose confidence . Rushing young D man has been a recipe for disasters since biblical times .

And let's get Forsberg in there ,he ready to make step up or it may time to cut bait . If Crow not ready Forsberg should get the chance to take the rains ,Ward can be there to pick up the pieces like he did with Darling last year if Forsberg bottoms out .
- oldduffman

Anyone making judgements about a teams' potential success or lack-thereof from the pre-season, much less a single pre-season game, is being silly. A couple of years ago, the Avs won all their pre-season games and then went on to have the worst season in modern hockey. Last season, the Caps lost all but one game in the pre-season but won the cup. Pre-season is not a good indicator of overall team compatibility or success long-term.

Instead, it is used as an evaluator of individual players, to assess if lines / pairings could work, and get players up to games speed while learning a team system.

I watched the game last night and I wasn't really that impressed with anyone's overall play. The d struggled to get the puck out of their end and passing wasn't crisp poor shot selections , the power play looks like the same as last year poor quality shots bad passing. The face offs they got beat a lot. I know it's 1 game and pre season, but for a organization that claims to be ready to prove last year was a fluke, I didn't get that impression from these kids who have a great shot to make this team and turn heads.

The score reflects in some ways of what to expect from the season.

.
Kahuan had some good flashes

Their isn't much with key injuries the hawks can do on the d other than give these kids a shot and see. But from a top 6 role I don't see anyone of these kids ready nor should the hawks keep toying around with bottom 6 guys trying to fill a need. If toews doesn't get going then no matter whom Kane skates with the hawks are just a 1 trick pony show that will be easily shut down.

What would it take to go after Duchene or Stone? Either of them would be great and can fill that role. Why not just package up a first round pick for a young proven top 6 guy , you won't draft anyone next year who can play immediately nor any guarantee.
- Taylorst1

I watched the 1st and 2nd periods and these were my feelings also. Passes to...no one or passes that were telegraphed and intercepted. D-man at the o-zone blue line coughing it up under pressure. It looks like there is a lot to work on with the group that was out there last night.

I watched the game last night and I wasn't really that impressed with anyone's overall play. The d struggled to get the puck out of their end and passing wasn't crisp poor shot selections , the power play looks like the same as last year poor quality shots bad passing. The face offs they got beat a lot. I know it's 1 game and pre season, but for a organization that claims to be ready to prove last year was a fluke, I didn't get that impression from these kids who have a great shot to make this team and turn heads.

The score reflects in some ways of what to expect from the season.

.
Kahuan had some good flashes

Their isn't much with key injuries the hawks can do on the d other than give these kids a shot and see. But from a top 6 role I don't see anyone of these kids ready nor should the hawks keep toying around with bottom 6 guys trying to fill a need. If toews doesn't get going then no matter whom Kane skates with the hawks are just a 1 trick pony show that will be easily shut down.

What would it take to go after Duchene or Stone? Either of them would be great and can fill that role. Why not just package up a first round pick for a young proven top 6 guy , you won't draft anyone next year who can play immediately nor any guarantee.
- Taylorst1

I would argue the bigger need is to improve the backend before adding depth to the forwards, which is also needed. Adding a defenseman or Duchene or Stone may improve the team slightly but won't make it a contender. Trading away draft and prospect assets to make a slight improvement will hurt the team going forward with marginal immediate benefit. The Hawks have already moved too many "futures" in an attempt to keep their window of competitiveness open. It's time now to suck it up for a while, restock the prospect pool and start thinking about the future.

[quote=vandymeer23]
First off manning and Davidson are similar except manning will stand up for teammates and throw his body around. Which is why he has a contract and Davidson played for 3 different teams last year.
Second I was impressed with Davidson but he should stand out with the rest of the d that dressed. Offensively Henri looked good defense he needs a lot of work. Hayden also disappointed he never really got going he needs to be the grinder that he is.
Martinsen had one nice hit noel and highmore stood out the most. What agitated me was right away in the game riley nash of all people gives ward a snow shower and Hillman and the rest of the guys just stood there. This should never happen especially in preseason when your trying to make a team.

Re: Your last paragraph
That is why Murphy, Manning, and Davidson have been added within the last year. Contrary to the thoughts of some of our posters, management recognizes that we need less "fancy pants" and more snarl on the back end.

Justin, very thorough and analytical post.

Btw, my kids like Peppa Pig too. I know some parents don't like too many screens in the house but game day is when I lend out my cellphone and laptop so they can watch cartoons as they sit next to me on the couch.

Anyone making judgements about a teams' potential success or lack-thereof from the pre-season, much less a single pre-season game, is being silly. A couple of years ago, the Avs won all their pre-season games and then went on to have the worst season in modern hockey. Last season, the Caps lost all but one game in the pre-season but won the cup. Pre-season is not a good indicator of overall team compatibility or success long-term.

Instead, it is used as an evaluator of individual players, to assess if lines / pairings could work, and get players up to games speed while learning a team system.
- L_B_R

Disagree. This team as 2-2 in the rookie tournament and was outclassed 4-1 in the first pre-season game. This team is done.

Start the sell-off now, the season is over. Toews did nothing last night, he couldn't even win a faceoff, he has to go.

Justin, very thorough and analytical post.

Btw, my kids like Peppa Pig too. I know some parents don't like too many screens in the house but game day is when I lend out my cellphone and laptop so they can watch cartoons as they sit next to me on the couch.
- AEL_Fox

My youngest niece loves Peppa Pig (my kids are too old for that show), and I've watch more episodes than I care to admit.

My youngest niece loves Peppa Pig (my kids are too old for that show), and I've watch more episodes than I care to admit.


- DarthKane

Yeah but you gotta admit, Mummy Pig is hot!

My youngest niece loves Peppa Pig (my kids are too old for that show), and I've watch more episodes than I care to admit.


- DarthKane

My daughter has an accent now.

Disagree. This team as 2-2 in the rookie tournament and was outclassed 4-1 in the first pre-season game. This team is done.

Start the sell-off now, the season is over. Toews did nothing last night, he couldn't even win a faceoff, he has to go.
- DarthKane

I'm surprised Foley didn't say his name last night on the broadcast. Man, he was out to lunch.

I liked 22 - Davidson’s play in the D zone, responsible and well positioned.

71 - Kurashev was noticeable in a good way. I saw 3 plays where he broke up a potential dangerous scoring opportunity.

Sikura made a really bad read on the first goal. He left the defenseman who generated the shot uncovered and followed the right wing who the Hawk D-man already had covered. Shot, tip, goal against.

I think for anyone reading too much into the score or the shot totals or the PP...please remember this is the first preseason game, on the road with a mostly kid lineup. The coach is testing and experimenting with guys, not trying to win the game all that badly.

Just some comments I have about the points in the blog.

1) That third line (as it is now) has basically AA and two inexperienced (at the NHL level) guys. I'd keep expectations low for that unit IMO.

3) I really question what scoring punch that line would have, but bang on that they need production.

6) I'm not sure Noel has the skill Shaw had. Shaw just kinda got his goals and assists at a pretty consistent rate where ever he played. I hope Noel can catch a spark, but he has a long list of guys to stand out above.

7) I made a similar comment last night. Kruger looks like Kruger. I think that is a good thing, considering how dependable he is.

8) Kahun was pretty good, but also got out battled at times. I liked what Fortin brought for the most part and felt the same way about Kurashev. I had to go look at his age and remind myself how young he was, because he seems solid and strong for his age.

11) I'm warming to Jokiharju a bit more in terms of him getting a chance soon. I still worry about his age and inexperience, but maybe he is one of those exceptions to the rule and the Hawks got a steal in the 2017 draft.

12/13) I'm on the fence about Davidson. I mean, maybe if Manning wasn't already here, but signing him as well will push another young guy out. Maybe it will hinge on if Jokiharju is ready.

14) Boqvist looks good, but no surprise that he doesn't seem ready yet.

15) I am not sweating the goaltending in an opening road pre-season game. I think these goalies need a few games under their belt to get the timing down.

Just a few other observations I had. Samuelsson was interesting, but didn't seem to me that he had NHL level speed/skating, but the guy is big and solid.

Hillman kinda disappointed me in the game. He was caught out of position a few times and out of the D group last night, I'd rank him 6th in performance last night.

Just to change gear, the talk recently about top 6 LW and 3rd line makes me feel like we are in a time machine back to 2015-2016 where there was a revolving door at LW next to Toews. I mean, there are projected lineups all over, but not much consensus on who should hold that spot. Toews is gonna continue to drive puck possession and DeBrincat has the potential to lead the team in goals again, it would be great if they can nail down the right fit for their line. I'm want to root for Fortin to earn the job, and maybe see if he can net 20G-20A at the NHL level.

My daughter has an accent now.
- Justin Lowe

To be honest... I'll take watching Peppa Pig over Caillou any day, at least there's that.

I would argue the bigger need is to improve the backend before adding depth to the forwards, which is also needed. Adding a defenseman or Duchene or Stone may improve the team slightly but won't make it a contender. Trading away draft and prospect assets to make a slight improvement will hurt the team going forward with marginal immediate benefit. The Hawks have already moved too many "futures" in an attempt to keep their window of competitiveness open. It's time now to suck it up for a while, restock the prospect pool and start thinking about the future.
- paulr

Exactly! Now is not the time to trade away picks and or pups.

My daughter has an accent now.
- Justin Lowe

My middle kid (who is nearly 5 now) had a British accent for a year. Thanks to Peppa Pig and a British CGI show called the Hive.

To be honest... I'll take watching Peppa Pig over Caillou any day, at least there's that.
- DarthKane

10000000% agree.

Disclaimer: first preseason game with only a few players in the lineup that will be on the opening day lineup against a team with quite a few "regulars".

That said - yikes! There were only few Hawks willing and able to "engage" for more than a flash here and there - Martinsen, Highmore, Kruger and Noel. May have been others but none that stood out to me for more than a shift or two. I suppose Hayden could be included in that group but he had at least 2 bonehead plays that cancelled out any positive thoughts he generated - including one play where he thought he was Kane puck handling and skating around the o-zone until he fell over and lost the puck at the blue line.

I will say Kahun was engaged from a "willing" perspective but I'm not sure he is "able" enough from a size/strength perspective. He is a nifty player with good quickness but he needs to be put in the right situation to be effective.

My boy Fortin had a few flashes too but the goal he scored is probably stopped 9 times out of 10 by a legit NHL goalie. He also had a nice dish to Kahun but the goalie made the save. I still think his main challenge is learning how to use his speed - he is good on the forecheck but too many times he puts himself into a situation where he "runs out of runway" and turns the puck over.

Sikura shows very good puck control and vision but he doesn't look as fast as I thought he was and kind of like Teuvo a few years ago needs to find his comfort zone in the big brawny NHL.

Joki and Boqvist show flashes but I'm leaning more towards starting Joki in Rockford.

Overall a pretty "meh" performance.

Anyone making judgements about a teams' potential success or lack-thereof from the pre-season, much less a single pre-season game, is being silly. A couple of years ago, the Avs won all their pre-season games and then went on to have the worst season in modern hockey. Last season, the Caps lost all but one game in the pre-season but won the cup. Pre-season is not a good indicator of overall team compatibility or success long-term.

Instead, it is used as an evaluator of individual players, to assess if lines / pairings could work, and get players up to games speed while learning a team system.
- L_B_R

I was just having a little fun with the loses for Hughes remark .But in all seriousness if we are still running out the same PP format as last year ,we are in trouble .And yes it was young players for the most part ,if they are being told this is the way it is that is really bad . Seemed like the same Q team with a backwards PP no push back when fouled .If this is the scheme that we are going to play we are doomed .

typical preseason: home team dresses competitive lineup, away team brings the AHL team. not surprised in the outcome. Glad to see the notes from others on the kids.