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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: What I'm Thankful For
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Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Oct 9 @ 8:13 AM ET
Justin Lowe: What I'm Thankful For
As Canadian Thanksgiving wraps up for us Canucks, I thought it would be fitting to carve out a blog that covers what I'm thankful for 3 games into the Blackhawks season.

There is a lot not to like about this team, but the reality is this team is 2-0-1, securing five out of a possible six points to start the season.
hockey nut 28
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Kansas City
Joined: 11.01.2006

Oct 9 @ 8:22 AM ET
First...
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Oct 9 @ 8:25 AM ET
I’m thankful that Q has kept the third line together so that we all have something to agree on (that it has been good defensively so far, but way too slow to be productive).
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Oct 9 @ 8:33 AM ET
Besides having to look up what “Voltiguers” meant....

I’m thankful that the whole team looks more competitive than than I expected, with more quickness and the ability to keep up with opponents’ speed.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Oct 9 @ 8:37 AM ET
I've enjoyed the games so far. It's great for hockey to be back and to see just where the team will fit into the West.

Just carrying over some discussion from last blog.

Rutta has struggled (maybe the most), but as a pair with Gus, haven't been any worse than Seabrook/Manning through these first 3 games. All 4 guys in the bottom two pairs have struggled with moving the puck without turning it over. Some poor passing and mistakes under pressure. The positive for Seabrook/Manning is that they each scored a goal. They've also been handicapped a bit with some more Dzone shifts.

Seabrook and Manning have had more of that defensive load on their shoulders. My point is that I'm not saying Rutta has been better than Seabrook or Manning, just that it seems Seabrook/Manning are being overwhelmed more because of their usage. I feel like they assignment has been tougher and it shows. Maybe it would be more ideal to have someone else playing with Manning and doing the dirty work and let Seabrook get some easier shifts 5v5. I just think it would be great if they had one more solid stay at home guy in the lineup right now.

We have one D pair working decently well and 2 that are underwhelming at the moment. Right now, based on playing time

Keith - Jokiharju
Gus - Rutta
Manning - Seabrook
Davidson

The guys getting the most PK duty to far (Total Minutes)
Keith, Rutta, Seabrook, Manning.

Most PP minutes
Seabrook, Keith, Gustafsson...
LeftCoaster
Location: Valley Of The Sun
Joined: 07.03.2009

Oct 9 @ 8:39 AM ET
Well...nine years later, and three Stanley Cups, I'm thankful, it's all over
jhawk159
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheaton, IL
Joined: 10.13.2009

Oct 9 @ 8:41 AM ET
I think without a doubt we should be thankful for the return to form of Toews. He has been outstanding so far. Now if Crawford can comeback stong we may have a much better season than we expected.
hpk90
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: North Potomac, MD
Joined: 12.13.2011

Oct 9 @ 8:56 AM ET
I am thankful for Toews' play so far, and hoping he can keep it up. He has been fun to watch. To paraphrase "When Harry Met Sally" I want some of what he has been having to energize me that much.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Oct 9 @ 9:30 AM ET
Well...nine years later, and three Stanley Cups, I'm thankful, it's all over
- LeftCoaster


Ha. I bet you are!
Z3Hawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.04.2017

Oct 9 @ 9:31 AM ET
Justin Lowe: What I'm Thankful For

As Canadian Thanksgiving wraps up for us Canucks, I thought it would be fitting to carve out a blog that covers what I'm thankful for 3 games into the Blackhawks season.

There is a lot not to like about this team, but the reality is this team is 2-0-1, securing five out of a possible six points to start the season.

- Justin Lowe


Thankful for the 5 of 6 points and the Hawks had every opportunity to have 6 of 6. I am especially thankful given the goaltending. I have previously said that at this point I don’t even know what I’m watching with Ward but it is not goaltending. The D is actually better than the stats indicate as every shot seems to have a chance to go in. For example Toronto’s OT goal should have had no chance to go in. I didn’t get the Ward signing at all at the time and Ward is doing nothing to change my mind.

Didn’t get the Kunitz signing either as he blocks a younger player from playing while not necessarily bringing more to the table. Sharp brought more but he wasn’t going to come back after how he was disrespected last year. I thought Sharp had lots left.

Didn’t get the signing of Rutta either. He was arguably awful last year but somehow got more money and got much more money than Gus, although Gus seems far better. Rutta is especially brutal on the PK - is a pilon and never engages.

There was a discussion at the end of the last blog about Fortin. Arguably his speed would add something. Johnson has to show something quickly. Same for Kampf. Hayden must play. Martinsen adds grit and size when in but must play smarter with no dumb penalties. Is the so-called 3rd line ever going to score? Should the so-called 4th line be comprised of Hayden, Martinsen and Kruger?

Are superior D and forwards actually at Rockford? Lots to be thankful for at 2-0-1 for 5 points with this many questions.
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Oct 9 @ 9:32 AM ET
Well...nine years later, and three Stanley Cups, I'm thankful, it's all over
- LeftCoaster


And I'm thankful that jersey is never to be seen again.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Oct 9 @ 9:48 AM ET
Thankful for the 5 of 6 points and the Hawks had every opportunity to have 6 of 6. I am especially thankful given the goaltending. I have previously said that at this point I don’t even know what I’m watching with Ward but it is not goaltending. The D is actually better than the stats indicate as every shot seems to have a chance to go in. For example Toronto’s OT goal should have had no chance to go in. I didn’t get the Ward signing at all at the time and Ward is doing nothing to change my mind.

Didn’t get the Kunitz signing either as he blocks a younger player from playing while not necessarily bringing more to the table. Sharp brought more but he wasn’t going to come back after how he was disrespected last year. I thought Sharp had lots left.

Didn’t get the signing of Rutta either. He was arguably awful last year but somehow got more money and got much more money than Gus, although Gus seems far better. Rutta is especially brutal on the PK - is a pilon and never engages.

There was a discussion at the end of the last blog about Fortin. Arguably his speed would add something. Johnson has to show something quickly. Same for Kampf. Hayden must play. Martinsen adds grit and size when in but must play smarter with no dumb penalties. Is the so-called 3rd line ever going to score? Should the so-called 4th line be comprised of Hayden, Martinsen and Kruger?

Are superior D and forwards actually at Rockford? Lots to be thankful for at 2-0-1 for 5 points with this many questions.

- Z3Hawk


I didn't care for the timing of the signing.

It was March 8th when Stan re-upped him. Why then? Why not wait and re-evaluate in the summer?

He didn't impress me last year as he wasn't particularly great at anything. He was average or slightly above average IMO in all areas.

The Hawks will have some decisions to make when Forsling and Murphy come back.

I've heard to keep an eye on the Carolina situation. They have 7 strong D on their roster and 22-year old Haydn Fleury hasn't even played a game yet. They'll have to work him into games and sit someone here soon as it's no way to progress for the former 1st rounder.

No, I'm not saying the Hawks are trading for Fleury, but they have an embarrassment of riches on the backend and the Hawks are monitoring the situation.



Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

Oct 9 @ 9:49 AM ET
Thankful for 3 cup and helluva ride and hockey is back full force. I propose this question yesterday when Crawford comes back i would expect hawks would carry 3 goalies for a short while maybe 2 or 3 weeks just to make sure crawford is 100% and back to normal elite status. After that what do the hawks do with Forsberg, hate to lose him lots potential and makings of a number one goalie. If they trade what could the hawks get for him, personally help in the bottom six as for speed and skill and scoring Most likely he would be claimed off of waivers if the hawks sent him to Rockford. Your thoughts on that situation when it does arrive in the next couple of weeks?
fattybeef
Joined: 05.04.2010

Oct 9 @ 9:53 AM ET
Manning is probably the worst player on the team at this point. Tough to pass judgement on Seabs when he's playing with a player who exacerbates his weaknesses rather than compliments his skills.

Anyway, good to see Toews and Kane on a tear. That'll level off eventually but take those points.

Good or even above average goaltending has them at 6/6 and not going to OT.

Even if they were going to trade for someone, there has to be some concern with talent evaluation if they're spending money on the likes of Manning and Rutta. At least Gus has a fair amount of skill if he isn't showing much above the shoulders.
Popsghostly
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheaton, IL
Joined: 08.11.2017

Oct 9 @ 9:53 AM ET
Very thankful for getting two more D that can move the puck in Jokiharju and Gus.
Gus looks good this year.

Also thankful for how the Captain has been playing.

This year has been really exciting so far.
Tyler Cameron
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Toronto, ON
Joined: 10.31.2017

Oct 9 @ 10:00 AM ET
Thankful for 3 cup and helluva ride and hockey is back full force. I propose this question yesterday when Crawford comes back i would expect hawks would carry 3 goalies for a short while maybe 2 or 3 weeks just to make sure crawford is 100% and back to normal elite status. After that what do the hawks do with Forsberg, hate to lose him lots potential and makings of a number one goalie. If they trade what could the hawks get for him, personally help in the bottom six as for speed and skill and scoring Most likely he would be claimed off of waivers if the hawks sent him to Rockford. Your thoughts on that situation when it does arrive in the next couple of weeks?
- Scott1977


Hey Scott - the Hawks have stated they are not keeping 3 goalies, so you're right - they will keep Forsberg up until Corey is ready to go.

I have heard that they really don't want to lose him and might take the chance at send him down if the goalie situations around the league look stable.

Keep in mind that if someone was to claim him, they have to keep him on the roster for 30 days, so it will have to be a team that needs a backup due to an injury or if they think he is an upgrade as to what they currently have.

One last tidbit I heard, there is a theory that the Hawks played Cam Ward back-to-back (3 games in 4 nights) because they don't want to give those around the league the opinion that Forsberg has turned the corner from last year.

If Anton came in and shutout the Leafs (last use as best-case example), then his stock shoots way up.

Currently, he's not worth much because he's play and stats from last year was average at best. He would be easier to sneak through waivers the way it's currently set up.

Ging72
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.13.2017

Oct 9 @ 10:04 AM ET
5 OUT of 6 possible points, you would take that all year long! But to be realistic, Toews is not going keep scoring at this pace and neither is Kane, We need to get scoring from more player.
Our penalty kill is working at 63 percent, that got to get better, we need to be better at face off and clearing the puck from our zone . Your best Penalty Killer is your Goaltender hopefully when Corey gets back he will increase our penalty kill into the 80's
Our power play has been an issue with us for a few years now. Maybe it time just to roll our line Toews , Kuhan and Debrincat, And Kane Sadd, Schmaltz, Using Anisimov and Hayden at times to improve faceoff or getting more traffic at the net.
Must give a shout out to Gustafsson, like the way his been handling the puck, skating it out of trouble.
Every game is going to get tougher and we need to get better or the points will stop coming
D2D
Joined: 05.27.2018

Oct 9 @ 10:09 AM ET
Giving THANKS:

1. Hockey is BACCCK at all levels

2. Hawks thus far has exceeded all my expectations and looks entertaining, good and bad in doing so

3. Toews is back to his old self contrary to his naysayers

4. D core is a absolute mess; in need of big top 4 D dman sorely; team D as well

5. Speaking on the above, the GOALIE has to be your best D man; thus far he hasn't
Scott1977
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Yorkville, IL
Joined: 08.30.2012

Oct 9 @ 10:23 AM ET
Hey Scott - the Hawks have stated they are not keeping 3 goalies, so you're right - they will keep Forsberg up until Corey is ready to go.

I have heard that they really don't want to lose him and might take the chance at send him down if the goalie situations around the league look stable.

Keep in mind that if someone was to claim him, they have to keep him on the roster for 30 days, so it will have to be a team that needs a backup due to an injury or if they think he is an upgrade as to what they currently have.

One last tidbit I heard, there is a theory that the Hawks played Cam Ward back-to-back (3 games in 4 nights) because they don't want to give those around the league the opinion that Forsberg has turned the corner from last year.

If Anton came in and shutout the Leafs (last use as best-case example), then his stock shoots way up.

Currently, he's not worth much because he's play and stats from last year was average at best. He would be easier to sneak through waivers the way it's currently set up.

- Justin Lowe

Ok thanks
I Am The Breadman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Richton Park, IL
Joined: 09.16.2018

Oct 9 @ 10:31 AM ET
Great write-up, Justin. You pointed out the three faces of the hawks right now. Toews leads everybody onto the ice and is leading by example. Kane is showing everyone how to finish a game/that great come from behind finish that he is most known for besides embarrassing people who try to defend him. That last part isn't evident this season. Joki is our best defender right now. I have no problems with his game. I want him to keep improving and keep getting more and more ice time.

I'm glad that we are in good company on the 0% pp. I thought that it was just us. Maybe it is just us on miserable pp and pk. We hold those special honors.

We might be an even better team with Murph, Fors, and Crow all coming back. I know at different times, but every little bit helps. All together, hello playoff spot haha.

I'm excited for Thursday. Minny always gives us a tough game. I will be expecting another ot game as well as some horrible offsides call that will screw the game for us some way some how like it did 2-3 times last year. Get it together refs! You're off to a rough start zebras!
wonthecup10
Season Ticket Holder
Joined: 02.05.2008

Oct 9 @ 11:31 AM ET
I am thankful that John Hayden made it into the lineup It looks like he had a pretty good game, I don’t know how you guys feel but I think he should be given a chance to possibly play in the top six, or at least be a permanent dress every game and not rotated in and out of the lineup. I don’t mind Martinson but Hayden definitely stands out more than him.
Well, I have to admit when I’m wrong, which is many times it seems, when it comes to this team, as much as I am a Bowman critic at times, three defenseman he drafted in the last two years are going to be huge. I really liked number 28. At the same time I think Brandon Manning and Brandon Davidson should be given a chance also. When everybody is healthy I will be just fine not having to watch number 44, or for that matter number 56, those two signings are the ones that I question Bowman about given the contracts he gave both of them last year. I think Murphy, Forsling, Will replace both of them. When they are healthy. Looks like we are going to have a very nice problem on that Back end,Ice time for all of them, which hopefully will be sooner than later. Back to Hayden I like that number 24 playing with the captain, but I also would like to see Hayden get a shot up there also.
gazza53
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 09.15.2017

Oct 9 @ 11:38 AM ET
I give thanks to our host and all that contribute to this
thread, all the good and all the bad.

I give thanks hockey is back and I can question both q
and Stan and the choices they make.

I would give thanks to have a 3rd line of Highmore/AA/Fortin
let them play and see what comes of it, and with that a 4th
line of Krugs/Hayden/Kampf w/Johnson backing us up.

I give thanks Henri can play hockey at this level wish the other
6 could match him.

My one big concern is Corey both in playing at the level that
we all know he is capable of but in not taking another shot to
the head that ends his career

Last years start and this year seem eerily similar
glennjpawlak22
Joined: 11.26.2013

Oct 9 @ 11:55 AM ET
Sid seems to have played fairly well since his concussion issues - and it did seem like his issues were more severe than Crow if i recall.
bogiedoc
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: VA
Joined: 09.27.2011

Oct 9 @ 11:57 AM ET
I give thanks to our host and all that contribute to this
thread, all the good and all the bad.

I give thanks hockey is back and I can question both q
and Stan and the choices they make.

I would give thanks to have a 3rd line of Highmore/AA/Fortin
let them play and see what comes of it, and with that a 4th
line of Krugs/Hayden/Kampf w/Johnson backing us up.

I give thanks Henri can play hockey at this level wish the other
6 could match him.

My one big concern is Corey both in playing at the level that
we all know he is capable of but in not taking another shot to
the head that ends his career

Last years start and this year seem eerily similar

- gazza53


In terms of scoring yes...not in defense or GA.
they started 3-0-1 with 22 goals and 7 GA...then everything went to hell.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Oct 9 @ 12:06 PM ET
Sid seems to have played fairly well since his concussion issues - and it did seem like his issues were more severe than Crow if i recall.
- glennjpawlak22

But - didn't it take him a couple of years to get back to normal?
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