TDL February 24th. Games before then.
Panthers
@ Yotes
@ Wild
Boston
@ Jets
@ Oilers
@ Canucks
@ Flames
@ Jets
Rangers
Preds
@ Dallas

Yikes
- Doh-

Yes, lots of road games on the upcoming schedule, but look at it this way.
1. Hawks have a better road record than home record this season.
2, Aside from Boston and Dallas which are way ahead in points and Minnesota and NYR below them in points, these teams are just a few points ahead of the Hawks in the standings so many games will be even matches.
3. Many of the teams are western opponents and with regulation wins over them Hawks will gain ground in the standings, especially for a wild card spot.

8-3-1 over this stretch would be nice.

I was referring to minor moves that Bowman made in the past during the season to acquire Kubalik and Caggiula. Subtle moves but really nice moves. Kubalik for a 5th. Caggiula for Brandon Manning.
- -Doh-

Gotcha Doh! Minor morning brain implosion.

Personally, I think this win streak has put JC and StanBo in a better position.

JC having his players buy in and poke check every enemy play that gets close to loose pucks or are in possession of them dampens as many entires into the Hawk territory.

Here is the thing about the mix of bodies:

Of Course you must have high end superior offensive creators and a team w/o a Kane, is less likely to create looks.

We have to give the entire forward contingent on how well they press, use their sticks, and delight in attacking around the high end skilled players.
Everyone even the dee-men seem to be delighting in the attacks and presses.

Have no idea if the early season pitfalls were eating at the group, but certainly they SEEM to be enjoying the game now, and that is certainly a part of winning, and confidence and the like.

I don't think the streak affects their trade deadline thinking...if it is there, they deal off Gus or a forward...

If they cant get the adds they want, they simply stay the course...because they are still on the outside looking in, and a string of tough losses will complicate playoff fanatsies.

They want the seats sold, they want a season ticket waiting list, they want lemonade sales, so they will sell new beginnings but won't go crazy to sell off or buy over this string of successes....
- wiz1901

Appreciate the post, Wiz.

Question.....do you think the early season struggles were at least partially caused by having several new players on the roster, and/or by adjusting to a new system?

Also, the marketing point is a good one, imo. A strong finish helps sales in the summer.

Personally, I think this win streak has put JC and StanBo in a better position.

JC having his players buy in and poke check every enemy play that gets close to loose pucks or are in possession of them dampens as many entires into the Hawk territory.

Here is the thing about the mix of bodies:

Of Course you must have high end superior offensive creators and a team w/o a Kane, is less likely to create looks.

We have to give the entire forward contingent on how well they press, use their sticks, and delight in attacking around the high end skilled players.
Everyone even the dee-men seem to be delighting in the attacks and presses.

Have no idea if the early season pitfalls were eating at the group, but certainly they SEEM to be enjoying the game now, and that is certainly a part of winning, and confidence and the like.

I don't think the streak affects their trade deadline thinking...if it is there, they deal off Gus or a forward...

If they cant get the adds they want, they simply stay the course...because they are still on the outside looking in, and a string of tough losses will complicate playoff fanatsies.

They want the seats sold, they want a season ticket waiting list, they want lemonade sales, so they will sell new beginnings but won't go crazy to sell off or buy over this string of successes....
- wiz1901

Agree. Depending on how the team plays the next 10 games, it will be interesting to see what they do with the UFA's.

Wiz what do you think of K4 of late? Which of Kempny, Rutta, TVR, or Oesterle is the most comparable to K4?

I keep patiently standing by. Haven't given up hope, either. If he goes off on a few of his patented tears, all bets are off. Potentially could get very interesting around here.
- gabriel

My thinking- based on the untrained eye of an internet GM - is that he has tried to add stuff to his game and that incorporation process has taken away from scoring a bit. I think he's a microcosm of the team - trying to change the way they play and struggling to get over the hump. The team is getting there, and I think Cat will, too.

BTW...for all the whining here about "systems", what JC wanted most was a commitment to team defense (which Trotz says is what really matters). That seems to be happening. Not bad for an idiot neophyte.

GP PTS PTS/G
1CE Blues 49 68 1.388
2CE Av's 48 60 1.250
3CE Stars 48 58 1.208
1PA Canuck 49 58 1.184
2PA Oilers 49 57 1.163
3PA Flames 50 57 1.140
WC Knights 51 57 1.118
WC Yotes 51 57 1.118
Jets 49 54 1.102
Preds 47 51 1.085
Hawks 50 54 1.080
Wild 48 50 1.042
Sharks 50 46 0.920
Ducks 48 43 0.896
Kings 50 41 0.820

Top of Pacific is bunched up. But the bottom of the division is weak. I still think Preds make the playoffs. So tough row ahead.

I see Av's and Jets making major moves at the TDL.
- -Doh-

Is it time to be scoreboard watching? WPG with 2 road games this week, @CAR and @ CBJ. Also, Vegas @ BOS. I like these east-west games. Have to hope for the eastern teams to win.

Congrats to kaner for a historical moment , memory and achievement. I have to say it was only a matter of time before that happened , he seemed to be truly pressing for that milestone.

The hawks currently have 6 d men with Gilbert being reassigned .
Has anyone heard a timeline on Shaw if and or when he is slated to return.

Chicago appears to be playing some up tempo winning hockey just like last year at this time , with the all star break fast approaching will that hurt Chicago's chances of making a post season run , by killing the momentum?

Also if Stan is to make My moves who now does Stan part with to improve this team.

Just curious of people's opinions do you trade Lehner or Crawford to improve or simply hang onto them for a possible run?

GP PTS PTS/G
1CE Blues 49 68 1.388
2CE Av's 48 60 1.250
3CE Stars 48 58 1.208
1PA Canuck 49 58 1.184
2PA Oilers 49 57 1.163
3PA Flames 50 57 1.140
WC Knights 51 57 1.118
WC Yotes 51 57 1.118
Jets 49 54 1.102
Preds 47 51 1.085
Hawks 50 54 1.080
Wild 48 50 1.042
Sharks 50 46 0.920
Ducks 48 43 0.896
Kings 50 41 0.820

Top of Pacific is bunched up. But the bottom of the division is weak. I still think Preds make the playoffs. So tough row ahead.

I see Av's and Jets making major moves at the TDL.
- -Doh-

Why?

Preds ain’t poop.

Appreciate the post, Wiz.

Question.....do you think the early season struggles were at least partially caused by having several new players on the roster, and/or by adjusting to a new system?.
- mohel

Yeah, I think the system started to be implemented more than a year ago, it was tweaked, and it is NEW,not a copy, a hybrid and they players needed time to feel it as opposed to thinking it.

When I watch now, I see a poke check every 4 seconds...the personnel seems tailored to guys strong in that area.

Bowman is in a tough position. I look for him to basically stand pat until close to the TDL. He has to be talking to the UFA agents to see what their contract expectations are. Also talking to every team to see what possibilities he has if the Hawks return to mediocre before the TDL. Maybe making a minor Bowman like move (Cagiulla, Kubalik). Let's hope he does not trade our best prospects or picks for a rental.


TDL February 24th. Games before then.
Panthers
@ Yotes
@ Wild
Boston
@ Jets
@ Oilers
@ Canucks
@ Flames
@ Jets
Rangers
Preds
@ Dallas

Yikes
- -Doh-

It'll be hard to do but like last night if they can win outright, no loser point, vs Yotes, Wild, Jets, Flames, Jets and Preds, that would put them in great position for a wild card spot. What a up hill climb for this team.

My thinking- based on the untrained eye of an internet GM - is that he has tried to add stuff to his game and that incorporation process has taken away from scoring a bit. I think he's a microcosm of the team - trying to change the way they play and struggling to get over the hump. The team is getting there, and I think Cat will, too.

BTW...for all the whining here about "systems", what JC wanted most was a commitment to team defense (which Trotz says is what really matters). That seems to be happening. Not bad for an idiot neophyte.
- mohel

Agree about Cat. He spent last summer trying to be a better stick handler. Sometimes he tries to be too cute. He tries to be Kane. Not all progressions are a straight line trending up. Sometimes you go forward two steps and back one. I see this in ADB. (Patrik Laine is also having a down year.)

Likely reason for the reassignments:

Charlie Roumeliotis‏Verified account @CRoumeliotis · 12h12 hours ago

#Blackhawks likely just want Brandon Hagel and Dennis Gilbert playing in Rockford during NHL All-Star break.

Why?

Preds ain’t poop.
- Ogilthorpe2

I just feel their hot streak is ahead of them. Could easily be wrong. They have the talent. Also think they make some moves at the deadline. They have 7 UFA's.

Side note - Kyle Turris contract has this year plus 4 more at $6 mil per. 6 goals, 13 assists, and a minus 4 in 40 games. Not a Seabrook contract, but not a whole lot better.

I just feel their hot streak is ahead of them. Could easily be wrong. They have the talent. Also think they make some moves at the deadline. They have 7 UFA's.

Side note - Kyle Turris contract has this year plus 4 more at $6 mil per. 6 goals, 13 assists, and a minus 4 in 40 games. Not a Seabrook contract, but not a whole lot better.
- -Doh-

And they’ve got another 6 years at $8 mil for <20 goal and 55 point Matt Duchene.

But let’s continue the false narrative that DP is one of the best executives in the game.

My thinking- based on the untrained eye of an internet GM - is that he has tried to add stuff to his game and that incorporation process has taken away from scoring a bit. I think he's a microcosm of the team - trying to change the way they play and struggling to get over the hump. The team is getting there, and I think Cat will, too.

BTW...for all the whining here about "systems", what JC wanted most was a commitment to team defense (which Trotz says is what really matters). That seems to be happening. Not bad for an idiot neophyte.
- mohel

I think you're right about DeBrincat adding to his game but I think he's hurt. He was fumbling passes etc., a lot, earlier in the year.... and he isn't a player that fumbles the puck ever normally.
You don't get to be a player that small in the NHL scoring 41 goals without having hands of gold when healthy

Agree about Cat. He spent last summer trying to be a better stick handler. Sometimes he tries to be too cute. He tries to be Kane. Not all progressions are a straight line trending up. Sometimes you go forward two steps and back one. I see this in ADB. (Patrik Laine is also having a down year.)
- -Doh-

Just saw this post...maybe I'm wrong about Debrincat being injured but I still think he wouldn't be fumbling passes and whiffing on shots multiple times a game like he was earlier in the year. My speculation is that he sprained something. The rest should really help him either way

They are winning games they should and dominated the LEafs on Saturday.

When those of us who complain criticize this team or players, have to give credit to the coaching, and players for maybe....figuring it out. Win Tuesday, have a nice break...and then come back essentially playing playoff type hockey the remainder of the year.

Glad Kane did his 1000th point on home ice. What a moment. Best american born player....ever. Baring an injury or trade should be franchise leader in points when all is said and done.

Regardless of where they are on Feb 24th makes sense to deal Gus and 40 OR 50 depending upon who you will ride in the future. Team is in no position to lose assets for nothing IMO.

I think you're right about DeBrincat adding to his game but I think he's hurt. He was fumbling passes etc., a lot, earlier in the year.... and he isn't a player that fumbles the puck ever normally.
You don't get to be a player that small in the NHL scoring 41 goals without having hands of gold when healthy
- just69sayin

I think Cat's goal scoring drought is less of a long term problem than his inability to make the right plays in the d-zone. He looks faster this season and everything on the offensive side is better this season except putting the puck in the net which I think will come ... but my goodness he has to make better plays in the d-zone where he's a disaster with the puck on his stick.

Agree about Cat. He spent last summer trying to be a better stick handler. Sometimes he tries to be too cute. He tries to be Kane. Not all progressions are a straight line trending up. Sometimes you go forward two steps and back one. I see this in ADB. (Patrik Laine is also having a down year.)
- -Doh-

We need ADB to get going, he had a glorious opportunity yesterday on a one timer and flubbed it. Not sure what is going on, but he’s definitely holding a tight stick, is it the new contract? Normally goal scorers are streaky, let’s hope he goes on a tear here, we need him to. If you score 70 goals in your first two NHL seasons, that is not a fluke, so let’s go Cat, let’s go Hawks!

I just feel their hot streak is ahead of them. Could easily be wrong. They have the talent. Also think they make some moves at the deadline. They have 7 UFA's.

Side note - Kyle Turris contract has this year plus 4 more at $6 mil per. 6 goals, 13 assists, and a minus 4 in 40 games. Not a Seabrook contract, but not a whole lot better.
- -Doh-

Hopefully these surgeries make a positive difference for Seabs like (I'm assuming) they are supposed to...and he comes back healthy. Not sure if it is possible with whatever surgeries he is having but I do know that with today's technological advances a lot of surgeries have much less negative impact on mobility.

They are winning games they should and dominated the LEafs on Saturday.

When those of us who complain criticize this team or players, have to give credit to the coaching, and players for maybe....figuring it out. Win Tuesday, have a nice break...and then come back essentially playing playoff type hockey the remainder of the year.

Glad Kane did his 1000th point on home ice. What a moment. Best american born player....ever. Baring an injury or trade should be franchise leader in points when all is said and done.

Regardless of where they are on Feb 24th makes sense to deal Gus and 40 OR 50 depending upon who you will ride in the future. Team is in no position to lose assets for nothing IMO.
- SteveRain

Agree on all points. For all the poop everyone blows Stan need to appreciate the tough spot he's going to be in for a month or so.

Just saw this post...maybe I'm wrong about Debrincat being injured but I still think he wouldn't be fumbling passes and whiffing on shots multiple times a game like he was earlier in the year. My speculation is that he sprained something. The rest should really help him either way
- just69sayin

This is certainly plausible. Good point.

Agree on all points. For all the poop everyone blows Stan need to appreciate the tough spot he's going to be in for a month or so.
- 6628

Agreed....I don't envy his situation at all.....they could be right on the fence and do you weaken your team by trading 1 of those goalies where the fan backlash and media backlash could be harsh but it's the RIGHT hockey move?

They are playing good hockey right now so it's fun to watch.....

I don't know if the 10 day break will help or hurt. From injury and rest standpoint it will help but when you are going good ya want to keep going and play. But the upcoming schedule is tough.

>>>If you listened to my appearance on The-Rink podcast, you would have heard me say that I didn't think the Hawks had it in them to go on a winning streak.<<<

A winning/pt streak was certainly possible with this team but doing it with 5 guys on IR, their well know defensive problems and with their schedule looked to be a long shot shot. I am/was more concerned that if they did have a streak of 2-3 weeks would they then turn around and give it all back with another bad stretch. And looking at that up coming schedule...well...don't get cocky.

what has been great to see is clear across the board improvement in team defensive and offensive play with a dominant pk. Man have they been good with their sticks, positioning and decision making.
- bogiedoc

Seems like they always suck coming out of breaks would like to see them keep going, win or lose next game.

And they’ve got another 6 years at $8 mil for <20 goal and 55 point Matt Duchene.

But let’s continue the false narrative that DP is one of the best executives in the game.
- TommyHawk

The Josi deal will also be a turd by the end. Not now; he's damn good.