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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: New Year, New You – 15 Blackhawks Thoughts
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Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Sep 19 @ 4:33 PM ET
Some vets heading to Hockeytown:

@Tramyers_NHL
2h2 hours ago
More
Toews, Kane, DeBrincat and Kunitz among those who will play at DET tomorrow night for the #Blackhawks. Forsberg and Lankinen will be the goalies.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Sep 19 @ 4:39 PM ET
Here’s the problem. If we do good this season all we’re doing is wasting a year when we should be tanking to get a higher draft pick. We gain absolutely nothing by overachieving and making the playoffs. We aren’t nearly good enough to be in the conversation for Stanley Cup. Anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional. The only proactive course of action is to suck it up, rid ourselves of as many large contracts as possible(like Crawford, AA, or Seabrook), develope the young guys giving them as much ice time as possible, and attempt to get the best quality piece in the upcoming draft as we can.

I know it sounds lame....but where we are right now our best bet as an organization is to lose as many games as possible.

- SimpleJack


There is a value to a team full of young (hopefully) talent playing well and being in situations pressurized to win - and having some success.

Learning how to play in important games, learning how to win - learning that ownership and management and coaches (and fans) are in it to win, not to tank for a draft pick....
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 19 @ 4:57 PM ET
I'm okay with Eddie more than I am with Foley. They have a few bits and gags that are funny, all the cookies and other side note personal items can wait until they are off the air. Eddie can at least talk hockey and players and contracts of Ufa's from other teams, like last night. That peaks my interest. Different eyes on one situation, I appreciate that. He can be professional when he isn't brought down to Foley's ridiculous level. How will other people learn anything about our players and respect them when our own commentators are treating them like a sideshow or don't even address them? I shake my head in disappointment.

Finding out about Eddie's cancer was sad, for the diagnosis and because I respect him. No one should go through that. He should be a survivor in silence and let him address it to the public on his own. It's nice on Foley's part, they have a good and strong friendship, but let Eddie deal with that part of his life, put it in the rear view mirror and comment on hockey.
ToewsdNKanefusd
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Hampshire, IL
Joined: 05.14.2015

Sep 19 @ 5:48 PM ET
Some vets heading to Hockeytown:

@Tramyers_NHL
2h2 hours ago
More
Toews, Kane, DeBrincat and Kunitz among those who will play at DET tomorrow night for the #Blackhawks. Forsberg and Lankinen will be the goalies.

- Justin Lowe


I wonder who is coming out that played in the last game...

Same defense?
SimpleJack
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago , IL
Joined: 05.23.2013

Sep 19 @ 5:52 PM ET
There is a value to a team full of young (hopefully) talent playing well and being in situations pressurized to win - and having some success.

Learning how to play in important games, learning how to win - learning that ownership and management and coaches (and fans) are in it to win, not to tank for a draft pick....

- StLBravesFan


I think we lack that one major piece that can spark a rebuild(like an Austin Matthews). We don’t have anyone in the pipeline with that level of talent. Best way to land that talent is by drafting as high as possible(preferably top 2 or 3)
vandymeer23
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IA
Joined: 10.11.2014

Sep 19 @ 5:54 PM ET
Thank you!!!! Last night was awful from a broadcasting perspective. Mid season schtick form!!!
- glennjpawlak22

Foley has been poop since after the first cup. He never gets the guys right that he's talking about. And he is always gushing over Eddie. Who I cant stand either. On a national broadcast he isnt bad but home telecast with Foley he sucks. Dan Kelly wasn't bad. The blues announcers are pretty good I like darren pang. Also doc emrick because he's pro fighting isnt as good as he use to but not bad.
Basically anyone but pierre and jack Edwards. I can't even watch a Bruins fight with Edward's announcing.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Sep 19 @ 5:54 PM ET
I'm okay with Eddie more than I am with Foley. They have a few bits and gags that are funny, all the cookies and other side note personal items can wait until they are off the air. Eddie can at least talk hockey and players and contracts of Ufa's from other teams, like last night. That peaks my interest. Different eyes on one situation, I appreciate that. He can be professional when he isn't brought down to Foley's ridiculous level. How will other people learn anything about our players and respect them when our own commentators are treating them like a sideshow or don't even address them? I shake my head in disappointment.

Finding out about Eddie's cancer was sad, for the diagnosis and because I respect him. No one should go through that. He should be a survivor in silence and let him address it to the public on his own. It's nice on Foley's part, they have a good and strong friendship, but let Eddie deal with that part of his life, put it in the rear view mirror and comment on hockey.

- I Am The Breadman


I don't mind listening to Eddie and Foley. I don't always agree with them and they can be cheesy, but at least they have some personality. Much better than some of the markets where the commentators are bland/boring and just don't feel relatable.

It has gotten better, but I found over the years, some cities (especially where hockey is like the 4th or 5th sport in the city) they had some real boring play by play and color guys.
Stan_Bowman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.27.2017

Sep 19 @ 5:59 PM ET
I don't mind listening to Eddie and Foley. I don't always agree with them and they can be cheesy, but at least they have some personality. Much better than some of the markets where the commentators are bland/boring and just don't feel relatable.

It has gotten better, but I found over the years, some cities (especially where hockey is like the 4th or 5th sport in the city) they had some real boring play by play and color guys.

- breadbag


Or some gross homer announcers that are just brutal like the Ducks and Coyotes
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 19 @ 5:59 PM ET
I don't mind listening to Eddie and Foley. I don't always agree with them and they can be cheesy, but at least they have some personality. Much better than some of the markets where the commentators are bland/boring and just don't feel relatable.

It has gotten better, but I found over the years, some cities (especially where hockey is like the 4th or 5th sport in the city) they had some real boring play by play and color guys.

- breadbag


Like I said, I like some of their gags. There is some personality, but sometimes a joke might have been beaten to death. They are way better than Pierre, like vandymeer23 said. I don't care for Milbury either, dirty Bruin.
oldduffman
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.06.2013

Sep 19 @ 6:05 PM ET
There is a value to a team full of young (hopefully) talent playing well and being in situations pressurized to win - and having some success.

Learning how to play in important games, learning how to win - learning that ownership and management and coaches (and fans) are in it to win, not to tank for a draft pick....

- StLBravesFan

Yes that is no way for any team to go into the season .There is always a chance A team can catch fire ..
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Sep 19 @ 6:05 PM ET
I think we lack that one major piece that can spark a rebuild(like an Austin Matthews). We don’t have anyone in the pipeline with that level of talent. Best way to land that talent is by drafting as high as possible(preferably top 2 or 3)
- SimpleJack


Hawks could tank for a few years and still not land anyone with that level of talent. Very few guys come into the league at that level. Drafting high is nice, but I think in the end having a successful team is about managing the assets more than just getting high picks. Look at SJ and how many top 10 picks they've had in recent years?
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Sep 19 @ 6:12 PM ET
I wonder who is coming out that played in the last game...

Same defense?

- ToewsdNKanefusd


Just my assumptions.

IMO, Hard to really guess this early in preseason but I'd assume most of the vets or guys who are more secure in a spot come out of the lineup. My guess

Anisimov
Sikura
Kruger
Hayden
Gustafsson

Maybe some young guys who showed well and they know what they have

Highmore
Kahun
Noel
Fortin

and obviously the guy who was cut...

Kurashev (He was sent to his Jr team)

Might be a few guys who played well that they want to test more, or they might want to rest them.
EbonyRaptor
Joined: 03.28.2013

Sep 19 @ 6:19 PM ET
I went back and looked at the condensed game highlights on BHTV where I could pause and replay each play to see what each player was doing on the each of the plays. And while I stand by my comment on Fortin needing to learn how to use his speed more effectively and minimize the times where he "runs out of runway" and nothing positive happens in the play - analyzing the highlights got my Fortin fanboy up again. There were three plays in the highlight package where Fortin stood out by making a positive play.

1. the goal, even though most NHL goalies probably stop it - it was still a positive play.

2. while being checked behind the net, he got his stick into position to give Kahun a beauty setup right in the slot where Kahun got a shot on goal but the goalie made the save.

3. he busted back on defense and knocked the puck off the stick from behind from a guy streaking toward the net for a shot but unfortunately Kurashev was heading to check the puck carrier too and left Atkinson free to gether up the puck and score from the slot. The play resulted in a goal against but Fortin made the effort and played it perfectly.

I doubt Fortin makes the Hawks out of camp but if he can stay healthy and learns how to control those mad rushes up the ice I think he will get some games with the Hawks at some point in the season. Hopefully many.
Slofire94
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: CA
Joined: 01.17.2016

Sep 19 @ 6:46 PM ET
Babcock loves Toews/Keith.

Think the Leafs would entertain a trade centering around Keith + Toews for Matthews + ??
It would give them a #1 defensemen they sorely lack, another 1B center and solve some of the looming cap issues they face (Matthews isn’t signing for less than Toews 10.5M)
It would also fix any “rift” between Matthews/Babcock
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 19 @ 6:57 PM ET
Babcock loves Toews/Keith.

Think the Leafs would entertain a trade centering around Keith + Toews for Matthews + ??
It would give them a #1 defensemen they sorely lack, another 1B center and solve some of the looming cap issues they face (Matthews isn’t signing for less than Toews 10.5M)
It would also fix any “rift” between Matthews/Babcock

- Slofire94


I'm just going to look at this from a logic stand point, leave out personal feelings, biases, and ntc's. How many good years does Toews have left? I'll be nice, 4. I know he's declining and I could be off. Keith, 2 maybe. Also on the decline. He's our best because we have no other defender to match him. Matthews, he falls under the helluva lotta good years left because he's young.
TJYTJY
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.23.2017

Sep 19 @ 6:58 PM ET
What are the Hawks going to do with the extra cap space?
SimpleJack
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago , IL
Joined: 05.23.2013

Sep 19 @ 7:00 PM ET
Hawks could tank for a few years and still not land anyone with that level of talent. Very few guys come into the league at that level. Drafting high is nice, but I think in the end having a successful team is about managing the assets more than just getting high picks. Look at SJ and how many top 10 picks they've had in recent years?
- breadbag


I think managing the assets is also important, which is why I said we need to rid ourselves of the big contracts. But you’ve gotta be able to see the difference in drafting top 3 as opposed to middle of the pack in the first round. If we’re not gonna win the Cup anyways, then what’s the point in trying to win during the regular season? I personally would rather take our chances on a top 2-3 pick over the next few drafts. It worked with Kane and Toews, it’s worked for countless other teams that have landed the next big star(s). Why not hit the reset button and try the same strategy again?
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 19 @ 7:02 PM ET
What are the Hawks going to do with the extra cap space?
- TJYTJY


My guess is, it depends on in season needs and how we are looking by the trade deadline. If we are competing, maybe spend some money, where I don't know. Way out of contention, sell off pieces for picks. Schmaltz and Debrincat seem to be top priority.
SimpleJack
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago , IL
Joined: 05.23.2013

Sep 19 @ 7:04 PM ET
Babcock loves Toews/Keith.

Think the Leafs would entertain a trade centering around Keith + Toews for Matthews + ??
It would give them a #1 defensemen they sorely lack, another 1B center and solve some of the looming cap issues they face (Matthews isn’t signing for less than Toews 10.5M)
It would also fix any “rift” between Matthews/Babcock

- Slofire94


Leafs wouldn’t do that in a million years. Keith and Toews are washed up and combined make a ridiculous amount of $$. Matthews could fetch a much better return elsewhere.
D2D
Joined: 05.27.2018

Sep 19 @ 7:04 PM ET
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


100% agreed! When building a team, one should always work from the back on up, meaning goalie and D's to F's! That said, given the Hawks are in transition, the team should get back to it's elite status when the likes of Joker, Boqvist, Beaudin, Mitchell, etc get bigger and better with valuable experience in the AHL and NHL. Watch them develop! I would add to secure a stud big, mean, and D first guy as well!
Elbows15
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: I was going to do the math on this but I don't think it will help., IL
Joined: 08.04.2013

Sep 19 @ 7:11 PM ET
Justin, yes I’m a Manning fan, but being objective I just don’t see Davidson over him in the lineup. He is more of a journeyman/7D fill in type than an everyday player. Points don’t mean everything, but Manning had almost as many last year alone as Davidson has in 151 career games.

Sure, if Manning starts to falter you can always make a change. Let’s give the #23/#44 combo a chance to gel a bit and see what happens.

- boxcar65

Davidson and Manning are both at best 7th D-men. Neither are good at anything and bad at quite a few things.
6628
Joined: 08.24.2009

Sep 19 @ 7:12 PM ET
I think we lack that one major piece that can spark a rebuild(like an Austin Matthews). We don’t have anyone in the pipeline with that level of talent. Best way to land that talent is by drafting as high as possible(preferably top 2 or 3)
- SimpleJack



An Austin Matthews type doesn't do pipelines.
D2D
Joined: 05.27.2018

Sep 19 @ 7:21 PM ET
Leafs have some elite offensive forwards ,and you can win with a so so D . I think what they need is a couple more Defensive forwards .And I believe they have a problem brewing with Matthews
- oldduffman


I really don't know if you can win with so so D. Their is probably less than so so and have trouble playing in their own zone. They also can be forechecked to death leading to some juicy turnovers. Yes, the defensive forwards do help but the opposing gain their zone with speed and possession, they are in trouble.
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Sep 19 @ 7:37 PM ET
I really don't know if you can win with so so D. Their is probably less than so so and have trouble playing in their own zone. They also can be forechecked to death leading to some juicy turnovers. Yes, the defensive forwards do help but the opposing gain their zone with speed and possession, they are in trouble.
- D2D


Pitt did twice with a really good system. They attacked in droves. Washington just did it. Kempney and Orpik aren't top 4d by any teams standard. It's how they are deployed.
Return of the Roar
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Solidly grounded in reality, IL
Joined: 07.27.2009

Sep 19 @ 7:58 PM ET
What are the Hawks going to do with the extra cap space?
- TJYTJY


Saving it to overpay Schmaltz and ADB
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