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Forums :: Blog World :: Justin Lowe: Playoffs… I'm Talking Playoffs
Author Message
Chunk
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Why did I move back here again?, IL
Joined: 11.06.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:04 PM ET
It was really disappointing watching the 1st round and not being able to watch the Hawks. That said, however, it was not unexpected.

Even without my team to pull for, the 1st round was exciting. Great games on every night....doesn’t get much better than that.

Reinforced my belief that the Nhl playoffs are the best in sports!!

Can now claim that I went 8-0 in the first round....not that I “picked” 8 winners, simply that the team I most wanted to lose every series lost. If I was trying to pick winners, I probably would have gone 2-6.

With the exception of Boston, there’s no personal favorite for me at this point. Almost wouldn’t even mind seeing the Blows finally win a Cup.

- Spec41971


Wow, you like the Blues over the Jets? Not judging or saying that's a bad thing, but I would bet my salary you would be in the minority on this board with that one.
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Apr 25 @ 2:04 PM ET
George McPhee said the NHL did reach out to him, and appologized for the officiating in Game 7. He also said he was not aware that the two refs did not advance, when informed by the reporter asking the question.

“They made a mistake and I’m sure they feel bad about it.”

- walleyeb1


The whole Gallant/McPhee press conference is up on their Facebook page, still have to go back and watch Gallant’s portion but I find it somewhat refreshing that the league at least admitted it got it wrong and apologized. McPhee starts around the 15 minute mark:

https://www.facebook.com/...310713222409655?sfns=xmwa
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 25 @ 2:04 PM ET
Who do you think Colliton is or should hire as another bench coach?
- stan-ley-cups

There was an NBC Sports Chicago article yesterday that thinks Derek King is the front runner since he was part of Colliton's staff in Rockford. King has been described as a "player's coach" and as very well respected throughout the Blackhawks organization.

He has also been described as very jokey/chummy with players which is great to build a rapport with them and keep things loose but would be interested to see how that translates to helping to develop players, discipline them when needed, etc.

I'd prefer that Colliton find a new assistant coach from outside the organization. If King is brought up, then I wouldn't be opposed to 3 assistants (Brookbank, King, new guy).
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Apr 25 @ 2:09 PM ET
There was an NBC Sports Chicago article yesterday that thinks Derek King is the front runner since he was part of Colliton's staff in Rockford. King has been described as a "player's coach" and as very well respected throughout the Blackhawks organization.

He has also been described as very jokey/chummy with players which is great to build a rapport with them and keep things loose but would be interested to see how that translates to helping to develop players, discipline them when needed, etc.

I'd prefer that Colliton find a new assistant coach from outside the organization. If King is brought up, then I wouldn't be opposed to 3 assistants (Brookbank, King, new guy).

- AEL_Fox


Not sure how I feel about that, I kinda hope they take their time and broaden their search!
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:28 PM ET
You're right. Of Sikura, Highmore, and Hayden -- and assuming a few new faces join the team whether through the draft, free agency, or trade -- I prefer to cut bait with Hayden while projecting Sikura is a starter in the top 9 while Highmore is either the 13th forward or starting on the top line in Rockford.

Hayden's potential role would be as 4th line winger or 13th forward but he becomes expendable if the Hawks do pursue a player like Tanev, Sissons, or even Motte (or whoever else anyone likes as options). I really like how Motte has improved the past season or so.

- AEL_Fox


I think Hayden would benefit from playing on 4th line with a veteran C and winger either with the Hawks or someone else. For example if our 4th line was Wingels, Caggiula and Hayden or Cagiulla, Madden and Hayden. I also think if he would benefit from playing in that role on the 4th line with the same line mates for an extending period of time (a month+/-).
Q-stache
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 11.20.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:28 PM ET
TSN now projecting Bowen Byram at #3.. I'd feel a lot better about this if the Hawks hadn't drafted defensemen the last two years.

https://www.tsn.ca/bowen-...-mock-draft-2-0-1.1296083

What do y'all think? Tyler? Wiz?
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Apr 25 @ 2:30 PM ET
Doesn't mean they weren't either.
- Elbows15

Doesn't mean they were either.

I know you seem to like bringing these top picks to the Show earlier - I don't think that in most draft years (other than the McDavids and Matthews and a couple of others) 18 / 19 year olds are ready physically, mentally, or "hockey-wise" to go up against probably bigger, stronger pros with at least several years of professional / NHL experience.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Apr 25 @ 2:32 PM ET
There was an NBC Sports Chicago article yesterday that thinks Derek King is the front runner since he was part of Colliton's staff in Rockford. King has been described as a "player's coach" and as very well respected throughout the Blackhawks organization.

He has also been described as very jokey/chummy with players which is great to build a rapport with them and keep things loose but would be interested to see how that translates to helping to develop players, discipline them when needed, etc.

I'd prefer that Colliton find a new assistant coach from outside the organization. If King is brought up, then I wouldn't be opposed to 3 assistants (Brookbank, King, new guy).

- AEL_Fox

If King isn't brought up - is he the right coach for all of the hopes and dreams we will have in Rockford?
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Apr 25 @ 2:34 PM ET
TSN now projecting Bowen Byram at #3.. I'd feel a lot better about this if the Hawks hadn't drafted defensemen the last two years.

https://www.tsn.ca/bowen-...-mock-draft-2-0-1.1296083

What do y'all think? Tyler? Wiz?

- Q-stache

I want a C.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:35 PM ET
There seems to be a lot of Hawks fans who think the improvement needed at forward are 2 gritty-type bottom-6 wingers and possibly an upgrade at 3C. The sentiment seems to be that those players need to be acquired via trade or free agency. I'm wondering who gets displaced in the lineup?

I count 9 forwards that are almost certainly locked in - Toews, Kane, Cat, Strome, Saad, Caggiula, Kahun, Kampf and Anisimov (or 3C replacement). Then there are the guys already in the system that either spent time with the Hawks last season or are signed and will probably get a shot next season - Perlini, Sikura, Hayden, Highmore, Hagel, Kubalik, along with some guys recently signed who are starting their pro careers - Kurashev, Entwistle. Also possibly Euro guys Stan may sign.

That's a lot of guys for 3 or 4 spots. While I agree picking up a couple bottom-6 wingers like Tanev would be nice - how does that work with the glut of forwards already in the system who are in position to earn one of those spots?

- EbonyRaptor


I'm still making a bold prediction that Kurashev will find a way to play at some point next year. I think he is mature past his age. (Not that I'm betting money on it, but I have a good feeling about him).

I think the Hawks really to add at least one good 2 way forward. Not a guy that puts up top 6 offense, but just legit 3rd line offense and good defensive responsibility. I'd like to see them get to the point where they can have a 3rd line that is better at both ends of the ice compared to the average 3rd line. Nothing crazy, just enough depth there to make the match up game more advantageous. IMO, our 3rd lines recently are a bit below league average in play at both ends and it puts more pressure on the top 2 lines.
LAHawk
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 11.02.2017

Apr 25 @ 2:35 PM ET
If King isn't brought up - is he the right coach for all of the hopes and dreams we will have in Rockford?
- StLBravesFan


He has coached 11 years as an assistant in the AHL before being promoted when JC got the Hawks gig. Sounds like he is not in very high demand.
DarthKane
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 5.13.4.9
Joined: 02.23.2012

Apr 25 @ 2:35 PM ET
TSN now projecting Bowen Byram at #3.. I'd feel a lot better about this if the Hawks hadn't drafted defensemen the last two years.

https://www.tsn.ca/bowen-...-mock-draft-2-0-1.1296083

What do y'all think? Tyler? Wiz?

- Q-stache


The Hawks need to take the best player available, if that's Bowen then so be it. He'll likely jump into the NHL next season so it wouldn't interfere with the other prospects. Stan could then flip one of the other defensive prospects for a forward prospect and/or pick.

But let's get real here... the Hawks are taking Caufield at #3.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:39 PM ET
The Hawks need to take the best player available, if that's Bowen then so be it. He'll likely jump into the NHL next season so it wouldn't interfere with the other prospects. Stan could then flip one of the other defensive prospects for a forward prospect and/or pick.

But let's get real here... the Hawks are taking Caufield at #3.

- DarthKane


I agree with you. If he is the best player and as good as they are saying (future #1 Dman in the NHL) then gotta take him. If he makes a guy like Beaudin or Mitchell available to deal, they can be used in a trade to upgrade the forward groups from a team with the opposite problem.
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 25 @ 2:41 PM ET
I think Hayden would benefit from playing on 4th line with a veteran C and winger either with the Hawks or someone else. For example if our 4th line was Wingels, Caggiula and Hayden or Cagiulla, Madden and Hayden. I also think if he would benefit from playing in that role on the 4th line with the same line mates for an extending period of time (a month+/-).
- -Doh-

A veteran presence on the 4th line is worth considering.

I'm not good at looking up these type of stats but when Hayden did play this past season, how many times was he on a line with Kunitz? Or was he interchanged with him as the healthy scratch most of the time?
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 25 @ 2:43 PM ET
If King isn't brought up - is he the right coach for all of the hopes and dreams we will have in Rockford?
- StLBravesFan

I'm also hoping King isn't the Hogs head coach either. IIRC, there was past reports that stated he has no plans to be more than just an interim and is fine going back to being an assistant. He seems more suited as support staff rather than the main guy behind the bench.
breadbag
Location: Edmonton, AB
Joined: 11.30.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:45 PM ET
A veteran presence on the 4th line is worth considering.

I'm not good at looking up these type of stats but when Hayden did play this past season, how many times was he on a line with Kunitz? Or was he interchanged with him as the healthy scratch most of the time?

- AEL_Fox


His top 5v5 linemates in order were.

Kruger 204 minutes
Kuntiz 147 minutes
AA 120 minutes
Kampf 74 minutes
Perlini 56 minutes
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:45 PM ET
There seems to be a lot of Hawks fans who think the improvement needed at forward are 2 gritty-type bottom-6 wingers and possibly an upgrade at 3C. The sentiment seems to be that those players need to be acquired via trade or free agency. I'm wondering who gets displaced in the lineup?

I count 9 forwards that are almost certainly locked in - Toews, Kane, Cat, Strome, Saad, Caggiula, Kahun, Kampf and Anisimov (or 3C replacement). Then there are the guys already in the system that either spent time with the Hawks last season or are signed and will probably get a shot next season - Perlini, Sikura, Hayden, Highmore, Hagel, Kubalik, along with some guys recently signed who are starting their pro careers - Kurashev, Entwistle. Also possibly Euro guys Stan may sign.

That's a lot of guys for 3 or 4 spots. While I agree picking up a couple bottom-6 wingers like Tanev would be nice - how does that work with the glut of forwards already in the system who are in position to earn one of those spots?

- EbonyRaptor


Spot on.

The #3 pick in the draft also could be competing for a forward spot on the NHL club.

My feeling is that most of the crowd that you mention are not the types or do not have the experience to fill the roles of 2 gritty-type bottom-6 wingers or 3C on a cup contending team. So I think Stan needs to make a few small trades/signings to get the right line combinations (especially 3rd and 4th lines). Some of the crowd is moved this summer in trades, some play in the Rock, Europe or Juniors another year. Let them fight for a spot on the roster and if they come up short they have another year to develop into better players. For a change Stan has options.

stan-ley-cups
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Hawkeytown, IL
Joined: 02.27.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:45 PM ET
He has coached 11 years as an assistant in the AHL before being promoted when JC got the Hawks gig. Sounds like he is not in very high demand.
- LAHawk


I too would prefer he interview some coaches with NHL coaching experience and hire one. It's a bit scary to have 3 rookie coaches coaching a "playoff" team. Unless it's Hossa, then i'm cool with that!
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 25 @ 2:48 PM ET
I want a C.
- Ogilthorpe2

No kid of mine is going to bring home C's on their report card.

Kidding aside, my preference is a center as well but also trust Bowman, Kelley, and the scouting department to make the choice on best player available. As others have stated before, unless they royally screw up, the Blackhawks will have a good future player drafted at #3 whoever they take.
StLBravesFan
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 07.03.2011

Apr 25 @ 2:49 PM ET
I'm also hoping King isn't the Hogs head coach either. IIRC, there was past reports that stated he has no plans to be more than just an interim and is fine going back to being an assistant. He seems more suited as support staff rather than the main guy behind the bench.
- AEL_Fox

My concern is player development.

It certainly seems that there wasn't much positive with Dent back there - probably good things happened two seasons ago with Collition. Given all of the youths that will be beginning / continuing their pro careers in Screw City....
Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Apr 25 @ 2:50 PM ET
His top 5v5 linemates in order were.

Kruger 204 minutes
Kuntiz 147 minutes
AA 120 minutes
Kampf 74 minutes
Perlini 56 minutes

- breadbag

Thanks!
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Apr 25 @ 2:51 PM ET
TSN now projecting Bowen Byram at #3.. I'd feel a lot better about this if the Hawks hadn't drafted defensemen the last two years.

https://www.tsn.ca/bowen-...-mock-draft-2-0-1.1296083

What do y'all think? Tyler? Wiz?

- Q-stache


As we know good Dmen are hard to find. If we have multiple good young Dmen and they develop nicely they could form the heart of this team for years to come and one or two would be great trading chips. I would have no problem drafting Byram.
BINGO!
Carolina Hurricanes
Location: I'll always remember the last words my grandfather ever told me. He said, "A Truck!", SK
Joined: 09.21.2009

Apr 25 @ 2:53 PM ET
TT stats fro 4 1/2 seasons

Career 360 76 150 226

Games goals assist points.

He had his best season this year playing on the first line with 76 points, most points in his career. Lets see if he continues to trend up before we say Stan traded a hall of famer for a draft pick.

Even if TT was somehow kept, he would not get the minutes he gets in Carolina, so I think his numbers would not be as good if he was still a Hawk.

- LAHawk


His production increased after they took him OFF of Aho's line.
EbonyRaptor
Joined: 03.28.2013

Apr 25 @ 3:00 PM ET
TSN now projecting Bowen Byram at #3.. I'd feel a lot better about this if the Hawks hadn't drafted defensemen the last two years.

https://www.tsn.ca/bowen-...-mock-draft-2-0-1.1296083

What do y'all think? Tyler? Wiz?

- Q-stache


Button's quote on Byram: “Teams can’t afford to pass on potential No. 1 defencemen and he has established beyond a shadow of doubt that’s what he will be in the NHL.”
walleyeb1
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Petersburg, IL
Joined: 09.25.2014

Apr 25 @ 3:01 PM ET
TSN now projecting Bowen Byram at #3.. I'd feel a lot better about this if the Hawks hadn't drafted defensemen the last two years.

https://www.tsn.ca/bowen-...-mock-draft-2-0-1.1296083

What do y'all think? Tyler? Wiz?

- Q-stache



Looks like Vasili Podkolzin is dropping!
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