Bob, like Panarin, has been pretty clear that he wants to leave (at least that was the news a month or so ago). Maybe they've talked him off the ledge.
- pdx2ord

You probably got a weird message, check your pm inbox.

He's going to have to win a board battle on a regular basis. Not sure about that.
- 6628

That's why they have Schmaltz on that line

The “push-em-back” has run its course. The greatest problem with it is there is no synchronicity for the players. It is impossible to come up the ice together with speed. Players are left waiting standing still at the blue line. Time for a new approach that relies on speed. Amothrr issue of course is PK units have seen it over and over again.
- Z3Hawk

There must be some analytics supporting this entry because it seems like every team is doing this lately. Even Tampa last night was forcing it back to a delay entry.

That's why they have Schmaltz on that line
- BetweenTheDots

Sure.
I'm not trying to dog NS too much, but he needs work and it's obvious. I agree with the guys who say he's worth a modest bridge contract until he makes his case. If he is never going to tolerate getting run or if his body just can't take it, he'd be better off in Europe.

There must be some analytics supporting this entry because it seems like every team is doing this lately. Even Tampa last night was forcing it back to a delay entry.
- breadbag

Tampa did just about everything they could to us last night and got away with it.

Sure.
I'm not trying to dog NS too much, but he needs work and it's obvious. I agree with the guys who say he's worth a modest bridge contract until he makes his case. If he is never going to tolerate getting run or if his body just can't take it, he'd be better off in Europe.
- 6628

I don't disagree, but my spidey senses tell me he's going to get a great deal from the Hawks which will make him untradeable and I'll be able to watch him become the next Alexander Semin

Tampa did just about everything they could to us last night and got away with it.
- I Am The Breadman

I just hated how everyone on the Hawks got to the Tampa line and promptly turned over the puck. Then it was a race to defend and we mostly lost it.

I just hated how everyone on the Hawks got to the Tampa line and promptly turned over the puck. Then it was a race to defend and we mostly lost it.
- breadbag

Huge understatement, but it was a bad night. I'd like to see some changes on a slowly recovering Anaheim.

Huge understatement, but it was a bad night. I'd like to see some changes on a slowly recovering Anaheim.
- I Am The Breadman

It was like a combination of we couldn't do anything right and Tampa couldn't seem to do anything wrong. I think out of 6 periods this weekend we had 2 decent ones and 2-3 really bad ones and one that was okay. The Hawks aren't lacking for talent (maybe a little on depth) but not to sound like a broken record, I think this is where the coaches have to make some good changes to help the players adjust. I think it probably starts with the video coach and they hash out what they need to do better.

It was like a combination of we couldn't do anything right and Tampa couldn't seem to do anything wrong. I think out of 6 periods this weekend we had 2 decent ones and 2-3 really bad ones and one that was okay. The Hawks aren't lacking for talent (maybe a little on depth) but not to sound like a broken record, I think this is where the coaches have to make some good changes to help the players adjust. I think it probably starts with the video coach and they hash out what they need to do better.
- breadbag

Agree, this is where Q, Dineen, Ulf, and Granato need to get together and show some flexibility (mainly Q.) I know we're early in the season and injuries are inhibiting trades (not that Bowman is a man of his word when it comes to public statements) but how soon until a trade?

It actually is true.

Kane makes every player he plays with better. There's open ice on his line because he draws 2 dmen every time he has the puck - and has the ability to get the puck to the open man.

Put Schmaltz on the 3rd line and let me know if he drives the line, or gets smothered because hes incapable and or unwilling to take hits to make plays on a consistent basis to create open space for linemates.

Schmaltz is good in open ice with room to operate (like most all NHL players). But in a tight checking game...hes invisible.

It's good to have speed and skill when no one is around you. But do it when theres tight checking. He cant
- PatShart

I am going have side with the Breadman here about Schmaltz; I have been beating his drum all along as you do not generally find a homegrown, late first round pick with this type of skill set...great skater with speed and play-making ability. I will point you to two plays in particular. First, Schmaltz gains the blue line with speed and possession with Kane on his left side, 2 v 3 yet Schmaltz saucers a pass to Kane right on his forehand leading to a scoring opportunity. Secondly, Schmaltz has the puck again and of all people Kane does a hard center lane drive to the net in which Schmaltz again got him the puck. Usually these roles are reversed with Kane passing to anybody going hard to the net. There is no way in hell Kane is going to the net if he does not think he is going to get the puck and also that Schmaltz is the passer. I guarantee you that.

Yes he has faults (doesn't shoot as often as he should and shying away from contact) but he young and will adapt. You can't give up on a homegrown (locally Chicago Mission) and drafted by the Hawks on talented prospect so early. Hell, he is NOT Cam Barker (3rd) or Jack Skille (7?) overall.

Also you mentioned about players disappearing is tight checking games and since you brought up Kane. How has Kane done with Hedman going up against him? Don't get me wrong, Kane is still elite and lights out, currently the best Hawk!

Physical play? WTH is that. Say what you want about the Blues, but when they had Backes, Brouwer and Reeves plowing the road they were tough to beat. Now? Average. Being physical is still a part of hockey. Not advocating dumb play, but tough/hard get after it hockey.
- z1990z

And where did that physical play get them? Contending President's Award winner, maybe first and second round of palyoffs? Their best players were Tarasenko and Petrangelo, two skill guys who weren't physical. Yes, I get a proper mix is best but skill and brains will beat brawn any day.

I am going have side with the Breadman here about Schmaltz; I have been beating his drum all along as you do not generally find a homegrown, late first round pick with this type of skill set...great skater with speed and play-making ability. I will point you to two plays in particular. First, Schmaltz gains the blue line with speed and possession with Kane on his left side, 2 v 3 yet Schmaltz saucers a pass to Kane right on his forehand leading to a scoring opportunity. Secondly, Schmaltz has the puck again and of all people Kane does a hard center lane drive to the net in which Schmaltz again got him the puck. Usually these roles are reversed with Kane passing to anybody going hard to the net. There is no way in hell Kane is going to the net if he does not think he is going to get the puck and also that Schmaltz is the passer. I guarantee you that.

Yes he has faults (doesn't shoot as often as he should and shying away from contact) but he young and will adapt. You can't give up on a homegrown (locally Chicago Mission) and drafted by the Hawks on talented prospect so early. Hell, he is NOT Cam Barker (3rd) or Jack Skille (7?) overall.

Also you mentioned about players disappearing is tight checking games and since you brought up Kane. How has Kane done with Hedman going up against him? Don't get me wrong, Kane is still elite and lights out, currently the best Hawk!
- D2D

So if you are the GM, do you sign Schmaltz to 6 years at $6 million?

Probably because the players are thinking versus reacting - which happens with new and young players trying to learn the game at this speed.

Everyone wants "young fast players" - but they cant think the game fast yet (or never can) - which causes 1) players to be in 'no mans land' and 2) players that know/have success in the system, to sometimes now be out of place trying to cover for others mistakes (Seabrook and Keith, notably)

Toews line looks better this year, not just because JT finally decided to stay in CHI and train all summer, but ADB and Kahun think the game fast. Joki too with Keith. Hes a pretty smart player.

Seems they have much more hockey IQ this year versus some of the players jetted out.

It's just going to take time and repetition...but they'll get there.
- PatShart

Ah, now you are onto something which I have been bantering all along...playing the game fast but slowing it down in your brain ie, Kane, Karlson, Kusnetzov, Crosby, McDavid, etc

I said this is the key difference with Dylan Sikura and Vinny Hinostroza although they are not even close to the above.

Someone needed to do something. Martinsen took a run at the Bolts young Russian defenseman a couple minutes later.

Par for the course for the Hawks. Teammate gets run and Hawks don't respond physically or by driving play and scoring.

How many times are opposing forwards just going to blow through a stick check when one of our D could just have laid a nice body check and separated the player from the puck?

Instead its stick check while not moving feet and if that doesn't work its a free path to the net for the opposing forward. Joki might be our most physical D-man.
- bhawks2241

Also Ryan McDonaugh

I don't disagree, but my spidey senses tell me he's going to get a great deal from the Hawks which will make him untradeable and I'll be able to watch him become the next Alexander Semin
- BetweenTheDots

That's funny, but if it happens it won't be. Nice post.

So if you are the GM, do you sign Schmaltz to 6 years at $6 million?
- BetweenTheDots

Yes

Yes
- DarthKane

GMDK, you're first move as gm is too piss off most of Chicago's fans, instantly making you more hated than Bowman, and your head will end up on the stick of Makita's statue? ... hahaha, I like it.

I would take the gamble as well. Save room for my big melon.

Yes
- DarthKane

Man i hope the Hawks don't do it, 2-3 year deal sure.

Now D Cat i hope they can sign to a long term deal

Yes
- DarthKane

well the blows blew 2-0, 3-1, 4-3 leads to lose in OT 5-4 in jet land tonight! I wonder if the anyone tracks blown 2 goal leads....unreal how those disappear and the team losing it loses the game....

well the blows blew 2-0, 3-1, 4-3 leads to lose in OT 5-4 in jet land tonight! I wonder if the anyone tracks blown 2 goal leads....unreal how those disappear and the team losing it loses the game....
- bogiedoc

The hawks are the poster children of blowing 2 goal leads ... what do the blues think their doing when we cornered that market?

- bogiedoc

More than halfway through the Forsberg waiver wire watch.

- DarthKane

I can't stand that picture ... that ass bucket converted and took a dragon!