Justin Lowe: Why Not Get Defensive?
The Hawks put up 8 goals yesterday on the reigning Champs, the Capitals. The only problem was that Hawks gave up 5 in their own net.

Chicago now sits 13th in NHL for goals for with 3.06 per game. Once again, the problem is the Hawks can't keep the puck out of the new. They are 30th in the league with a horrendous 3.74 goals against average per game.

Build the team from the house out

Agree. Look at Edmonton.

2nd. Anyone read the article on KooKoo in The Athletic? Said he was told he couldn’t have #65 because it was Shaw’s and it’s too soon to hand that number out. Interesting to say the least and not sure it adds up as they’ve given out Bickell’s number. Shaw returning perhaps?

Tyler You make some great points and yes Stan should make every effort to target stone , your assessment of him and comparison to hossa is spot on.


Imo saad should be moved he brings you cap space , young prospects which Chicago is lacking in Rockford and a pick .

He hasn't been the player we though or expected to help advance the toews line.

Crawford I think everyone wishes him to get healthy however 2 concussions in less than a years time with 1 year left on his contract , Stan should consider any offers from teams who may take a risk to acquire Crawford and use that money on a better backup goalie and let Delia take the reins going forward.

The bottom 6 depth is a major reason why this team is dysfunctional. The lack center depth and size as well as any either defensive or offensive zone play with any threat.


Kampf , drake are solid pieces but after that who plays with any consistency or tempo?
Anismov should be moved for cap space and target someone younger who can fill that center depth with more consistency and tempo.


Defensively Keith if he is to be moved this is the year to do so, just because next year his age becomes even more a negative .
Gustafson defensively is awful however he does have value and a return could be nice.

Regarding acquiring a top 4 D-man, at this time of year all contenders will be looking to add depth on the blue line which will drive up the asking price. Maybe it would be best to address this during the off season, either by trade or free agent signing.

Carolina looks like a possible trading partner with young defensemen DeHaan and Pesce on their team and the fact they could use some offense, so maybe Saad is a viable trade chip.

Of course trading a Saad, would leave the Hawks with a hole in the top 6 forward lineup that they will have to address somehow.

The best in the free agent market would be TB's Stralman. Does he have anything left in the tank at his present age of 32? I would only sign him for 2 years max as a placeholder until some of the Hawks prospects are ready. He's probably looking for longer term though.

2nd. Anyone read the article on KooKoo in The Athletic? Said he was told he couldn’t have #65 because it was Shaw’s and it’s too soon to hand that number out. Interesting to say the least and not sure it adds up as they’ve given out Bickell’s number. Shaw returning perhaps?
- Assman22

Please I hope not . Stan has 1 to many times tried this bringing the band back together project and it has not worked out.

Stan needs to stop living in the past with all this nostalgia blinding him from reality and come to grips serious change needs to happen to improve this team.


Chicago is in dead last place at this point a major shakeup is required.

Justin Lowe: Why Not Get Defensive?

The Hawks put up 8 goals yesterday on the reigning Champs, the Capitals. The only problem was that Hawks gave up 5 in their own net.

Chicago now sits 13th in NHL for goals for with 3.06 per game. Once again, the problem is the Hawks can't keep the puck out of the new. They are 30th in the league with a horrendous 3.74 goals against average per game.
- Justin Lowe

Is it the system or players? A little bit of both? I know we've had this discussion before. I'd like it if the team chipped in and played defense.

Q liked his vets, and JC likes his pets. I'm glad Perlini sat, I'm upset Joki sat. First rounder, albeit late, should be learning. There's a lot of hope for him.

I'm not for moving Saad either, especially with term left. He is having a better season, but still streaky. He's on a good streak now.

Even after the draft, top 6 needs work, bottom 6 needs work, d needs work, and tending is a question mark. Blowing cap space on 1 guy might fix some problems (scoring, defense....) getting more guys (through trade or f.a.) fills a lot more of roster holes. I think that is a bigger problem a so-so team that is full of ill-properly slotted players. We have 2 forth lines and 2-2 1/2 good defenders. Fix those holes first.

Regarding acquiring a top 4 D-man, at this time of year all contenders will be looking to add depth on the blue line which will drive up the asking price. Maybe it would be best to address this during the off season, either by trade or free agent signing.

Carolina looks like a possible trading partner with young defensemen DeHaan and Pesce available and the fact they could use some offense, so maybe Saad is a viable trade chip.

Of course trading a Saad, would leave the Hawks with a hole in the top 6 forward lineup that they will have to address somehow.

The best in the free agent market would be TB's Stralman. Does he have anything left in the tank at his present age of 32? I would only sign him for 2 years max as a placeholder until some of the Hawks prospects are ready. He's probably looking for longer term though.
- boilermaker100

Losing saad wou.d be a good thing
Skinner is looking for 8 million that means Stan would need to find 2 million which isn't that hard or Duchene is looking for 7 million

Free agency has a real plethora of talent this year and if Stan frees up enough cap space he could realistically target 2 top 6 players maybe stralman on a 2 or 3 year deal and some bottom 6 depth

Build the team from the house out
- dpard

Kane for Miller?

JL great write up. Also, kudos on the PK88 piece, a lot of great synopsis on what has been an incredible career.

The 5 goals yesterday were not really a microcosm of the teams defensive woes. Instead, 5 goals by defensman, 2 of which Delia should have stopped.

Please I hope not . Stan has 1 to many times tried this bringing the band back together project and it has not worked out.

Stan needs to stop living in the past with all this nostalgia blinding him from reality and come to grips serious change needs to happen to improve this team.


Chicago is in dead last place at this point a major shakeup is required.
- Taylorst1

I loved Shaw, but agree that ship has sailed and hope Stan thinks likewise, He's presently on the IR and has a lot of miles on that body. With the way he plays he's another concussion away from missing a good part of the season ala Corey.

I think Stan has realized, based on his recent trades, that the team must get younger and more cost controlled. Bringing in Shaw would be the opposite of what he has been doing recently.

Is it the system or players? A little bit of both? I know we've had this discussion before. I'd like it if the team chipped in and played defense.

Q liked his vets, and JC likes his pets. I'm glad Perlini sat, I'm upset Joki sat. First rounder, albeit late, should be learning. There's a lot of hope for him.

I'm not for moving Saad either, especially with term left. He is having a better season, but still streaky. He's on a good streak now.

Even after the draft, top 6 needs work, bottom 6 needs work, d needs work, and tending is a question mark. Blowing cap space on 1 guy might fix some problems (scoring, defense....) getting more guys (through trade or f.a.) fills a lot more of roster holes. I think that is a bigger problem a so-so team that is full of ill-properly slotted players. We have 2 forth lines and 2-2 1/2 good defenders. Fix those holes first.
- I Am The Breadman

I'm not sure how you can fill those holes through trade with quality upgraded players by trading garbage?

Saad has 2 years left he would get you the best return with prospects that Rockford is lacking.

His cap money can be used in addition to acquire a 2nd top 6 player with more consistency.

2nd. Anyone read the article on KooKoo in The Athletic? Said he was told he couldn’t have #65 because it was Shaw’s and it’s too soon to hand that number out. Interesting to say the least and not sure it adds up as they’ve given out Bickell’s number. Shaw returning perhaps?
- Assman22

To Martinsen.

In addition to adding defense - whether from the blue line or the forward corps - this team also needs some addition scorers. There is some defensive hope in the system - not sure there is much scoring help in Rockford or the junior / international ranks.

They are relying almost completely on Kane, Toews, Debrincat - and, recently, some good production from Saad and Kahun.

In addition to adding defense - whether from the blue line or the forward corps - this team also needs some addition scorers. There is some defensive hope in the system - not sure there is much scoring help in Rockford or the junior / international ranks.

They are relying almost completely on Kane, Toews, Debrincat - and, recently, some good production from Saad and Kahun.
- StLBravesFan

Then Strome, but that's it. There is distance between Strome and the others, but I cut him some slack, as he's newer. I agree, need more chipping in.

* i always question the good and bad with man to man coverage. With hockey a game of turnovers and more and more speed is essential, the longer on ice shift and hardest working during a shift is susceptible to getting beat by a less tired opponent.

* is Dahlstrom here to stay? He has been more physical this season, or more willing to use his big frame. I have seen a complaint on this board that he is too slow. I have not seen him perform live at a game this season.

* everyone knows top four dmen are not easily pulled off another roster. There has to be a heavy price for a top four dman, at least a good one ......a team willing to let a top four go theoretically shops him. We just have to develop our own top four and hope that Keith and or Murphy can solidify part of the rotation.

What is the more likely scenario could very well be a Dahlstrom and a Rockford call up are able to provide descent defense. Gus should stay here until a prospect can fill his offensive flair. What you obtain for Gus in trade right now and this season, anyway, is not worth it. Let Gus play and maybe a year from now Stan determines if Gus is improved, defensively, or a prospect is ready to take Gus' job.

* long term both Jokiharju and Forsling reside on this roster? Both will need to improve to hold a spot and a uear from now as other prospects get closer to nhl duty, playing time gets dicey. Who plays here, or in Rockford? Have a few bad games and be demoted? I mean, it gets really interesting.

* Two maybe three big "if" scenarios to watch:

1). When Mitchell turns pro
2). When Boqvist can play acceptable defense, because his offense is special
3) just how good and close to ready is Beaudin, possibly Galvas.

Is Galvas better to be left playing in a top league against men in the Czech league for one season? Well....there are a lot of dmen to carefully track and thia might be good fir Galvas to not sign immediately

Then too with so many prospects and others with first year pro experience giving them an edge - this is the Carlsson, Hillman edge - you want the newest pro's to get regular TOI in Rockford. Probably, correct? The players with pro experience have a leg up at least next season? Probably.

Lastly I say unless you are hetying a top prospect you do not trade Keith. You want evrryone to slot correctly in the nhl then Keith stays for at least one more year. If his staying means that next year it turns out Keith's value is less than the present moment......it is the cost of doing business right way right now.

I loved Shaw, but agree that ship has sailed and hope Stan thinks likewise, He's presently on the IR and has a lot of miles on that body. With the way he plays he's another concussion away from missing a good part of the season ala Corey.

I think Stan has realized, based on his recent trades, that the team must get younger and more cost controlled. Bringing in Shaw would be the opposite of what he has been doing recently.
- boilermaker100

Exactly if Stan doesn't move out some of these big contracts and streaky players at the trade deadline you can write off next year as well as free agency.

He should look to gain cap space , prospects and picks to replenish Rockford as well as with the picks the future and then go into free agency with a lot of cap space to make a statement and not waste anymore time or precious playing years left in toews and Kane.

Is it the system or players? A little bit of both? I know we've had this discussion before. I'd like it if the team chipped in and played defense.

Q liked his vets, and JC likes his pets. I'm glad Perlini sat, I'm upset Joki sat. First rounder, albeit late, should be learning. There's a lot of hope for him.

I'm not for moving Saad either, especially with term left. He is having a better season, but still streaky. He's on a good streak now.

Even after the draft, top 6 needs work, bottom 6 needs work, d needs work, and tending is a question mark. Blowing cap space on 1 guy might fix some problems (scoring, defense....) getting more guys (through trade or f.a.) fills a lot more of roster holes. I think that is a bigger problem a so-so team that is full of ill-properly slotted players. We have 2 forth lines and 2-2 1/2 good defenders. Fix those holes first.
- I Am The Breadman

Good post. Team defense is important and all players have to emphasize this. Hawks are 2nd in the league in shots against with 35 per game. The lowest 5 in the league in shots against, all in the 28 range are Carolina, San Jose, Vegas, Calgary and Nashville. Aside from Carolina, all some of the top teams in the league. Coincidence? No.

Tyler, I agree with the direction you are going with this. In either the man on man or zone defense all 5 have to know the system and be committed to it. A big part of that is some consistency in forward lines and defensive pairings. I am ok with the blender until the deadline, but after that you need to focus the remainder of the season on getting pairings and forward lines used to playing with each other. The last 13rd of this season can be very important to the start of next season.

I agree that in the draft, trade or free agency you need to add a stud forward and a stud defender. Hughes, Stone, Kakko, Podkolzin??? Stralman, Ceci?

For two years posters said Toews was toast. Many reasons. Wear and tear from long Cup runs and international tournaments. Concussions. Diet. Training regimen. Spat with Q. Girl friend. Contentment after signing the big contract. Lost desire. He is looking pretty good now.

Could the same thing happen with Keith? Everyone is saying he is toast for some of the same reasons. He is 3 years older than Toews. But he is a workout freak. Could he have a bounce back season. Maybe not to Norris trophy levels, but to a really good top 4 defender. I think we saw the old fire and passion yesterday. If you add a stud defender to Murphy, Joki and a better Keith that would be an ok top 4 defense.

* i always question the good and bad with man to man coverage. With hockey a game of turnovers and more and more speed is essential, the longer on ice shift and hardest working during a shift is susceptible to getting beat by a less tired opponent.

* is Dahlstr p m here to stay? He has been more physical this season, or more willing to use his big frame. I have seen a complaint on this board that he is too slow. I have not seen him perform live at a game this season.

* everyone knows top four dmen are not easily pulled ofg another roster. There has to be a heavy price for a top four dman, at least a good one ......a team willing to let a top four go theoretically shops him. We just have to develop our own top four and hope that Keith and or Murphy can solidify part of the rotation.

What is the more limely scenario could bery well be a Dalstrom and a Rockford call up are able to provide descent defense. Gus should stay here until a prospect can fill his offensive flair. What you for Gus in trade right now and this season, anyway, is not worth it. Let Gus play and maybe a year from now Stan determines if Gus is improved, defensively, or a prospect is ready to take Gus' job.

* long term both Jokiharju and Forsling reside on this roster? Both will need to improve to hold a spot and a uear from now as other prospects get closer to nhl duty, playing time gets dicey. Who plays here, or in Rockford? Have a few bad games and be demoted? I mean, it gets really intetesting.

* Two maybe three big "if" scenarios to watch:
1). When Mitchell turns pro
2). When Boqvist can play acceptable defense, because his offense is special
3) just how good and close to ready is Beaudin, possibly Galvas. With so many prospects and others with even first year pro experience giving them an edge - this is the Carlsson, Hillman edge - you want the newest pro's to get regular TOI in Rockford. Probably, correct?

Lastly i say unless you are hetying a top prospect you do not trade Keith. You want evrryone to slot correctly in the nhl then Keith stays for at least one more year. If his staying means that next year it turns out Keith's value is less than the present moment......it is the cost of doing business right way right now.
- jhawk59

I disagree Keith it's time to move on from him and realize toews and Kane are both getting older and eating up a huge amount of cap space .

Either blow it up or realize that tinkering around the edges is just not a a realistic plan to improve this team.


The defensive is awful with Keith in the lineup id rather see this team get serious and move on .

I disagree Keith it's time to move on from him and realize toews and Kane are both getting older and eating up a huge amount of cap space .

Either blow it up or realize that tinkering around the edges is just not a a realistic plan to improve this team.


The defensive is awful with Keith in the lineup id rather see this team get serious and move on .
- Taylorst1

This team with its core does not need to be blown up but properly reshaped.
take one look at the pens they were bad for a few years reshaped around their core and won back to back cups it can happen here too with a few good trades signings.

If we trade Saad for a top 4 D, Hopefully, we can gain some cap space. Use the space to sign Stone or Skinner (please stay away from Duchene), and get Hughes or Kakko, we will be light years ahead of this team.

Good post. Team defense is important and all players have to emphasize this. Hawks are 2nd in the league in shots against with 35 per game. The lowest 5 in the league in shots against, all in the 28 range are Carolina, San Jose, Vegas, Calgary and Nashville. Aside from Carolina, all some of the top teams in the league. Coincidence? No.
- boilermaker100

Thanks.

It is really weird to see Carolina on that list, I really wonder why that is.

In other news, Buffalo and Colorado have cooled ... injuries? Tankathon has us drafting Podkolzin 3rd over all, what helped him jump up 2 ranks? People realize the potential awesomeness?

Maybe they need Duncan the Walrus in goal???