Good move. Give the kid an opportunity to be a big time contributor for his country.

Forsling getting back is great. He has looked very good so far.
- Hawks_49

Haven't been impressed with Forsling. Meh passing, slightly less commando than gus in his own zone and not doing a whole lot to drive play.

Think that one is gonna be a miss.

[quote=StLBravesFan]Three Cups DID have a lot to do with it.

So did being in the third largest market in the country - and having the business people around who could develop that market.

So did owning half of the building.

So did the corporate promotions and game-day promotions and merchandising promotions and market development promotions and....

You guys think that all you have to do is throw the puck out on the ice and the fans come flocking in.

You also have to develop the revenue streams that continue during the down times - otherwise it's always boom and bust.

Well, we'll see if McD and his group have been able to do that during the next several down seasons. My guess is that they have.
- Lido_Shuffle[/quote

LOL. You think revenue streams are going to make up the actual short fall for not winning? They won't even come close.

They don’t have to - they have to be sufficient enough during the bad times on the ice to make sure that the franchise can support itself without having to be funded by other Wirtz businesses.

The hockey operation couldn’t do that before McDonough.

They seem to think so!
When no one has a high opinion of you - just get really loud and annoying, and you will be noticed.
- spudrock512

Pretty much how it works. Nothing said there was original, only thing missing was chin spittle and some Lee Greenwood music.

IF AA and Strome can cycle it and hold it down low, it does set 88 up for some prime scoring chances. That's if they can catch the puck while in the O zone..
- z1990z

We'll I'll give it a whirl before making further assessments on things. I'd rather AA be third liner and Dylan be placed at Center and left alone. We're not going anywhere, let the kid grow and learn. I can't imagine he was brought in to be a wing, even Bowman alluded to his positional placement when he traded for him.

That or maybe Stan his looking at Nugent Hopkins? Their was chatter that Edmonton was unhappy with him earlier inn the year.

That to me would be workable deal dollars wise for both teams . Just not sure if the value is to high or equal.
- Taylorst1

There is no such article about them being ubhappy with RNH, he's having a career year. Try actually learning something before you post about it and continue to make yourself look stupid.

We'll I'll give it a whirl before making further assessments on things. I'd rather AA be third liner and Dylan be placed at Center and left alone. We're not going anywhere, let the kid grow and learn. I can't imagine he was brought in to be a wing, even Bowman alluded to his positional placement when he traded for him.
- kwolf68

I'd like for them to do whatever they need to do to help AA score so they can build up his trade value. I was really hoping they'd find a way to move him sooner when his value was higher (due to Kane/Panarin) but I know he had clauses that made it more difficult.

So Jokiharju heads to BC to play for Team Finland. They don't have a lot of returning players, so there's a chance he could even Captain the team.

Anisimov and Forsling back which is making for a crowded crew to make for some tougher decisions.

New lines are:

@ByScottPowers

Blackhawks lineup in morning skate
Saad-Toews-Kahun
Strome-Anisimov-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Perlini

Keith-Gustafsson
Forsling-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy
- Justin Lowe

Gotta think Strome on the wing has more to do with the following...

- Needing a second Center on a line with AA (for winning important FOs)
- Showcasing AA and Kruger at their natural positions for deadline (or sooner) deals
- Wanting to continue to develop Kampf at Center to take over as the 3rd/4th line Center moving forward
- Giving Kaner another skilled forward to play with who can score
- Seeing how Strome can play on the wing if needed in a pinch

Gotta think something is gonna give in the next week here before Joki comes back from Juniors with the roster. Idk if it'll be big or small but they gotta make some move soon here. I'd be shocked if any big deal goes down before the Winter Classic cuz McD & Co. are gonna wanna get as much pub outta that sucker as they can to bring up the revenue before evening considering pulling the trigger on a Keith deal or something like that

They don’t have to - they have to be sufficient enough during the bad times on the ice to make sure that the franchise can support itself without having to be funded by other Wirtz businesses.

The hockey operation couldn’t do that before McDonough.
- StLBravesFan

Not trying to rag on your post but you're acting as if McD reinvented the wheel and created the hawks renaissance . The hawks were the worst run franchise in pro sports. you could of had a high school marketing class think tank that could have gave you the ideas of "hmmm lets put the games on TV, get new star players out in public, show you care about your fans." Basic marketing concepts enacted with a premium product on ice equaled success and demand.

Gotta think Strome on the wing has more to do with the following...

- Needing a second Center on a line with AA (for winning important FOs)
- Showcasing AA and Kruger at their natural positions for deadline (or sooner) deals
- Wanting to continue to develop Kampf at Center to take over as the 3rd/4th line Center moving forward
- Giving Kaner another skilled forward to play with who can score
- Seeing how Strome can play on the wing if needed in a pinch

Gotta think something is gonna give in the next week here before Joki comes back from Juniors with the roster. Idk if it'll be big or small but they gotta make some move soon here. I'd be shocked if any big deal goes down before the Winter Classic cuz McD & Co. are gonna wanna get as much pub outta that sucker as they can to bring up the revenue before evening considering pulling the trigger on a Keith deal or something like that
- Savetheembers33

It is horrible to think this way, but I really hope the Hawks lay an egg during the Winter Classic and there is a half empty stadium. The league needs to use some other teams in this thing for a while.

We'll I'll give it a whirl before making further assessments on things. I'd rather AA be third liner and Dylan be placed at Center and left alone. We're not going anywhere, let the kid grow and learn. I can't imagine he was brought in to be a wing, even Bowman alluded to his positional placement when he traded for him.
- kwolf68

Truth

Scott Powers‏Verified account @ByScottPowers · 38m38 minutes ago

Blackhawks power play units
1: Gustafsson, DeBrincat, Toews, Kane & Strome
2: Keith, Seabrook, Kahun, Saad & Anisimov

OK that second unit is not going to (or at least should not) see the ice.

Scott Powers‏Verified account @ByScottPowers · 38m38 minutes ago

Blackhawks power play units
1: Gustafsson, DeBrincat, Toews, Kane & Strome
2: Keith, Seabrook, Kahun, Saad & Anisimov

OK that second unit is not going to (or at least should not) see the ice.
- Chunk

That first unit, though....... has the playmaking ability and potential to create. Although that has never stopped any Hawks PP from being very bad in the past.

Breaking up Strome and DCat seems like a bad idea but I don't think having Strome and AA on Kane's line is bad because Strome and AA can't skate with Kane because Kane gets as many or more assists to the late man coming in than he does on fast breaks. Kane is a master at pulling up and finding the open man coming in - he isn't going to be hampered by not playing with speed demons.

Very well versed? Have you seen his trade proposals?

Oh, and California isn't bankrupt. Jerry Brown has done a pretty good job of righting the ship after the Terminator nearly put the state into bankruptcy.
- Dieselhead

Blackhawks lineup in morning skate
Saad-Toews-Kahun
Strome-Anisimov-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Perlini

Keith-Gustafsson
Forsling-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy

Surprised to not see Martinsen in with Nashville coming to town. I didn't get to watch the Sharks game, but I thought he was quite effective agains the Pens. Things will get ugly tonight, Keith will run someone over, Hartman will make a run at a few guys. Then there's their resident scumbag Austin Watson.

It's probably for the best that Henry goes to the WJC, but it's a bummer that our Right-Side D are this atrocious.

AEL_Fox, What is your take on why Ejdsell is not finding the back of the net more? I'm curious to know what you think.
- breadbag

I haven't seen the more recent Hogs games but from the first 20ish games Ejdsell just wasn't pushing the pace or being engaged consistently. Many games he was a ghost for most of the game even if he dented the scoresheet.

Although he has a heavy shot, he only has around 50 shots or so in 27 games which equates to around 2 shots per game. Not enough for a forward who isn't going to be a playmaker but instead has a lethal shot and size to park his lanky body in the crease.

That said, though, with Stan at the helm I could still see Ejdsell being the next Rockford call-up (don't think he deserves it much like I didn't think Fortin earned his call-up).

Johnson and Fortin have already had their turn and Sikura is already up. I personally would want to see Knott get a chance. Highmore would if he weren't injured.

Could also see Nilsson getting a look see upon Colliton's request given that he coached him in Sweden and played him on the top line (at least top 6) in Rockford.

That first unit, though....... has the playmaking ability and potential to create. Although that has never stopped any Hawks PP from being very bad in the past.
- Hawks_49

Until Gus goes too deep in the O-zone thinking he is a forward, and then there is a break-away or odd man rush the other way...

I haven't seen the more recent Hogs games but from the first 20ish games Ejdsell just wasn't pushing the pace or being engaged consistently. Many games he was a ghost for most of the game even if he dented the scoresheet.

Although he has a heavy shot, he only has around 50 shots or so in 27 games which equates to around 2 shots per game. Not enough for a forward who isn't going to be a playmaker but instead has a lethal shot and size to park his lanky body in the crease.

That said, though, with Stan at the helm I could still see Ejdsell being the next Rockford call-up. Johnson and Fortin have already had their turn and Sikura is already up. I personally would want to see Knott get a chance. Highmore would if he weren't injured.

Could also see Nilsson getting a look see upon Colliton's request given that he coached him in Sweden and played him on the top line (at least top 6) in Rockford.
- AEL_Fox

With all these big bodies one would think a more dump/chase style might benefit them.

Haven't been impressed with Forsling. Meh passing, slightly less commando than gus in his own zone and not doing a whole lot to drive play.

Think that one is gonna be a miss.
- fattybeef

Andrei Burakovsky has been a healthy scratch in Washington. Super skilled Russian with a high draft slot that has been buried on a stacked Caps Top 6 forward group and hasn't been able to be effective as a 3rd liner. The kid is young, good size at 6'3" 200lbs and it's possible Forsling + Sikura gets it done......thoughts??

Blackhawks lineup in morning skate
Saad-Toews-Kahun
Strome-Anisimov-Kane
DeBrincat-Kampf-Sikura
Hayden-Kruger-Perlini

Keith-Gustafsson
Forsling-Seabrook
Dahlstrom-Murphy

Surprised to not see Martinsen in with Nashville coming to town. I didn't get to watch the Sharks game, but I thought he was quite effective agains the Pens. Things will get ugly tonight, Keith will run someone over, Hartman will make a run at a few guys. Then there's their resident scumbag Austin Watson.

It's probably for the best that Henry goes to the WJC, but it's a bummer that our Right-Side D are this atrocious.
- ObeseOprah

6-2 Trashville. Can't wait for the Trashville trolls to stop by later

With all these big bodies one would think a more dump/chase style might benefit them.
- z1990z

Speaking of dump and chase, one thing that impresses me about Sikura is that he dumps and chases. He did so when he was in Rockford and I've seen him do it during his 3 games so far with the Hawks (maybe not every forecheck but more often than the rest of the Hawks).

If a player his size can do it, so should others. One could also argue that dumping and chasing isn't or shouldn't be a part of his game. But if it helps you compete, then every hockey player has the ability to do it. Just boils down to desire.

Andrei Burakovsky has been a healthy scratch in Washington. Super skilled Russian with a high draft slot that has been buried on a stacked Caps Top 6 forward group and hasn't been able to be effective as a 3rd liner. The kid is young, good size at 6'3" 200lbs and it's possible Forsling + Sikura gets it done......thoughts??
- EnzoD

They're selling low, add a 1st from them and do the deal.
You realize this would guarantee them another cup

Andrei Burakovsky has been a healthy scratch in Washington. Super skilled Russian with a high draft slot that has been buried on a stacked Caps Top 6 forward group and hasn't been able to be effective as a 3rd liner. The kid is young, good size at 6'3" 200lbs and it's possible Forsling + Sikura gets it done......thoughts??
- EnzoD

I guess it would depend on why exactly he can't break the top six, or cut it as a 3rd liner. Kind of interesting, you look at his stat line, and he looks like what we all want Hayden to be. about 30 pts (Low of 22 and High of 38), with only one year playing virtually all the games. Could be really interesting, depending on what his shortcomings are.

I'm a bit hesitant to include Sikura, because I personally really like his game and what he has showed so far in the bigs.

I agree with all but the bolded. Playing career has nothing to do with coaching/GM. See: Gretzky, Wayne or Jordan, Michael.

Coaching is coaching. It helps if they played at all, more so if they played in higher levels, but it doesn't matter how good they were.
- CanOCorn

In fact, was Q, himself, a wildly successful player? I think those who have to think more about what they are doing and actually learn how step-by-step become better coaches. I think you'd find someone like Kane unable to really break down how he does what he does in order for another player to learn it.

I guess it would depend on why exactly he can't break the top six, or cut it as a 3rd liner. Kind of interesting, you look at his stat line, and he looks like what we all want Hayden to be. about 30 pts (Low of 22 and High of 38), with only one year playing virtually all the games. Could be really interesting, depending on what his shortcomings are.

I'm a bit hesitant to include Sikura, because I personally really like his game and what he has showed so far in the bigs.
- Chunk

Just from watching him over the last 2 years in limited ice time for the Caps, he is a possession/skill guy that needs Top 6 minutes. I think he would instantly be an upgrade over Kahun on Toews' line. It sure looks like they are going to trade him so he might be a good buy low candidate. Forsling/Sikura have shown less in the NHL to date so really it isn't an "overpay" from Washington's POV.


EDIT: Caps just won the Cup so they have a stacked top 6

Ovi-Kuzy-Wilson
Vrana-Backstrom-Oshie


Vrana is a really skilled player that passed up Burakovsky and basically stole his top 6 spot.