I'd be interested in seeing Schmaltz reunited with Toews if they want to try him back out at wing (which is where I personally think he's better suited anyway). If memory serves correctly, Toews played really well with Schmaltz on his wing.

I'd also like to see DeBrincat with Kane. I think DeBrincat and Kane would form a great duo since Kane needs a finisher and Schmaltz is more of a play-maker.

Something along the lines of:

Schmaltz - Toews - Saad (try him out on the right side)
DeBrincat - AA - Kane
Kahun - Kampf - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden

Lineup??

I'd be interested in seeing Schmaltz reunited with Toews if they want to try him back out at wing (which is where I personally think he's better suited anyway). If memory serves correctly, Toews played really well with Schmaltz on his wing.

I'd also like to see DeBrincat with Kane. I think DeBrincat and Kane would form a great duo since Kane needs a finisher and Schmaltz is more of a play-maker.

Something along the lines of:

Schmaltz - Toews - Saad (try him out on the right side)
DeBrincat - AA - Kane
Kahun - Kampf - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden
- TommyHawk

Q said something about how Debrincat and Kane both needing the puck is why he doesn't want to play them together but that's such bs - Panarin worked there just fine. I get him being skeptical about a Cat-Schmaltz-Kane line, I am too - but Anisimov in the middle should alleviate those concerns at least some.

No need to switch Saad's side (where he did poorly in the past) - Schmaltz can play on the right, as he did with Toews-Panik. Otherwise, I feel like that is maybe the best top 6 combo - at least on paper.

I feel like that 4th line still isn't a good enough transition line to be good at checking/shutdown against at least mid-level quality of comp. Those types of checking lines either need to pass or skate the puck out well or they need to retrieve after a dump well. Kruger was good and hopefully still is, but neither Kunitz nor Hayden are fast enough to carry-out or retrieve ideally (speed is necessary for dump/chase to work). Hayden is a better passer than you'd expect but Kunitz has been declining a lot in that department over the years. I'd love if there was another option for transition on that line, like Kampf.

Slide Kahun to center, move up Kunitz or Hayden.

I took that to mean it was a wakeup call to the players, not a criticism of the team.
- tvetter

Agree to disagree. I took it as he was calling out the front office and or coaching staff for the decision that was made regarding Smith. The fact that he's not in favor of the decision along with going public about it doesn't look good for that team/organization. I wonder how long it will be before Duchene does a Jimmy Butler and goes public requisting a trade.

I'd be interested in seeing Schmaltz reunited with Toews if they want to try him back out at wing (which is where I personally think he's better suited anyway). If memory serves correctly, Toews played really well with Schmaltz on his wing.

I'd also like to see DeBrincat with Kane. I think DeBrincat and Kane would form a great duo since Kane needs a finisher and Schmaltz is more of a play-maker.

Something along the lines of:

Schmaltz - Toews - Saad (try him out on the right side)
DeBrincat - AA - Kane
Kahun - Kampf - Sikura
Kunitz - Kruger - Hayden
- TommyHawk

I like those lines except the 4th line could use a tweak. I'd prefer Highmore or Johnson instead of Kunitz or Hayden to add some speed and relentlessness. I expect one of Highmore or Johnson to make the team as the extra forward.

Q said something about how Debrincat and Kane both needing the puck is why he doesn't want to play them together but that's such bs - Panarin worked there just fine. I get him being skeptical about a Cat-Schmaltz-Kane line, I am too - but Anisimov in the middle should alleviate those concerns at least some.

No need to switch Saad's side (where he did poorly in the past) - Schmaltz can play on the right, as he did with Toews-Panik. Otherwise, I feel like that is maybe the best top 6 combo - at least on paper.

I feel like that 4th line still isn't a good enough transition line to be good at checking/shutdown against at least mid-level quality of comp. Those types of checking lines either need to pass or skate the puck out well or they need to retrieve after a dump well. Kruger was good and hopefully still is, but neither Kunitz nor Hayden are fast enough to carry-out or retrieve ideally (speed is necessary for dump/chase to work). Hayden is a better passer than you'd expect but Kunitz has been declining a lot in that department over the years. I'd love if there was another option for transition on that line, like Kampf.

Slide Kahun to center, move up Kunitz or Hayden.
- L_B_R

What about Highmore or Johnson?

Lineup??
- EnzoD

which one is EnzoD

Loooooch! Hell’s Yeah! Hawks would lead the hit count and never lose a game or fight again...but most importantly fights.
- HawkintheD

Absolutely. That's the key to having a great team.

Where can we watch this game? Anyone?

I like those lines except the 4th line could use a tweak. I'd prefer Highmore or Johnson instead of Kunitz or Hayden to add some speed and relentlessness. I expect one of Highmore or Johnson to make the team as the extra forward.
- AEL_Fox

I think it's going to be Johnson

ROSTER MOVES: Defensemen Joni Tuulola and Carl Dahlstrom have been assigned to Rockford. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Nt1KK9ne1i

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 25, 2018

- DarthKane

We like our defense. We like our team. We will play relentless.
Cue David Byrne repeating, "Same as it ever was."

Very possible.

I'm not sure what the rush is to get Boqvist into games. If he's destined to head back to the OHL... let Jokiharju get more time.

Hey... maybe Boqvist makes the team and flat out beats Jokiharju out.
- Justin Lowe

The Hawks may want to get every insight possible into what they have in the system, in case they move to Plan B or C after a slow start.

16 seconds in and we're already down.

16 seconds in and we're already down.
- I Am The Breadman

Keith and Seabrook playing large!

16 seconds - that was quick!!!

16 seconds - that was quick!!!
- glennjpawlak22

But 17 is better.
Seabs saved himself with a goal.

16 seconds - that was quick!!!
- glennjpawlak22

Seabs not in mid season form YET. as i type, Seabs ties it

8 with a one timer - he must be reading our blog....

Highmore with that goal - tip

Keith on PP unit 2, where pucks go to die

Seabs not in mid season form YET. as i type, Seabs ties it
- glennjpawlak22

I thought it was Seabs, Highmore gets the goal.
PP gets some good chances, but nothing consistent. Same old song and dance.

Ward blows. 2-1 Det

Ward blows.
- I Am The Breadman

he's having a night

he's having a night
- glennjpawlak22

Night off?

Ward is brutal

he's having a night
- glennjpawlak22

Keith shot from the blue line, on net - Obviously Keith has been hard at work this summer