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(eg. draft picks, young promising fits)
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.

Would they help some team wanting to make a 3rd team deal by taking an ending contract, maybe, but only because they want picks for the re-tool...but not necessarily as players they would have the va

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

While they're hot Gus isn't going anywhere unless a Dman comes back. Moving Gus puts Gilbert back in the lineup which isn't conducive to the word "playoffs."

If Strome and Shaw are healthy, who comes out?

Smith and Nylander? Thinking Highmore is bringing too much energy to sit.

If Strome and Shaw are healthy, who comes out?

Smith and Nylander? Thinking Highmore is bringing too much energy to sit.
- catrisc

I haven't heard anything about Shaw doing on ice stuff yet, but I could have missed it.

If Strome and Shaw are healthy, who comes out?

Smith and Nylander? Thinking Highmore is bringing too much energy to sit.
- catrisc

Last I read Shaw has made 0 improvement.

What do you think the chances are that they keep both goalies? Sign Lehner to a 4 X 6M. Crow takes a very team friendly 1 or 2 year deal just because he wants to stay/finish here? Anyone think this could happen?

What do you think the chances are that they keep both goalies? Sign Lehner to a 4 X 6M. Crow takes a very team friendly 1 or 2 year deal just because he wants to stay/finish here? Anyone think this could happen?
- BobP.

I think it is foolish. Kubalik and Strome are both going to get paid next year. Need to save that money for those guys.

What do you think the chances are that they keep both goalies? Sign Lehner to a 4 X 6M. Crow takes a very team friendly 1 or 2 year deal just because he wants to stay/finish here? Anyone think this could happen?
- BobP.

I don't think they'll have money for both.

I will have a breakdown of potential cap issues for the Hawks next season.

My thinking is the Hawks will A) sign Lehner, B) if they can't they save face by re-upping Crawford for 1-2 years and regardless of A or B, Collin Delia or Kevin Lankinen will be the backup next year for around $1M (Delia is locked up for that and Lankinen could be in similar range).

Interesting article about Gallant formerly Vegas's coach. Definitely apologize for even bringing it up now with the win streak and our team playing so well in spite of the injuries and youth, but I wonder how much thought the Hawks put into the possibility of hiring some of these coaches. I know they love how Colliton communicates with the players but it must be interesting with all these veteran coaches becoming available. The guy was an all star coach and his team was in first place. Never seen that before
http://journalpioneer.new...-bfd1-ea02ebfea0c3/0/true

So it looks like Doug Wilson is desperately looking for a #1 draft choice that he lost to obtain Karllson. Would if you were Stan trade it for either Hertl (26) is Meier (23) both signed for about $6 mil. Long term and then trade Saad after the season?

Interesting article about Gallant formerly Vegas's coach. Definitely apologize for even bringing it up now with the win streak and our team playing so well in spite of the injuries and youth, but I wonder how much thought the Hawks put into the possibility of hiring some of these coaches. I know they love how Colliton communicates with the players but it must be interesting with all these veteran coaches becoming available. The guy was an all star coach and his team was in first place. Never seen that before
http://journalpioneer.new...-bfd1-ea02ebfea0c3/0/true
- just69sayin

Now that it appears the Hawks are playing the way JC wants, the development on the fly of Dach and Bovquist would you want to change coaches now?

While they're hot Gus isn't going anywhere unless a Dman comes back. Moving Gus puts Gilbert back in the lineup which isn't conducive to the word "playoffs."
- rpeters01

Could be two separate deals one moving Gus to one team and one getting a Dman back from another.

Could be two separate deals one moving Gus to one team and one getting a Dman back from another.
- -Doh-

If Keith or Murphy miss any time "oy vey!"

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

It all depends on how long he plays for. He is a little over 2/3rds of the way to Mikitas mark of 1467 points. Figuring he averages 75-80 points a season, he is still 6 years away. He should pass hull at #2 in 2 years or less.

It all depends on how long he plays for. He is a little over 2/3rds of the way to Mikitas mark of 1467 points. Figuring he averages 75-80 points a season, he is still 6 years away. He should pass hull at #2 in 2 years or less.
- TheTrob

75-80 at 37 years old would be impressive.

Now that it appears the Hawks are playing the way JC wants, the development on the fly of Dach and Bovquist would you want to change coaches now?
- LAHawk

No I wouldn't. I like Colliton. I just found the situation interesting in itself but also I wonder what kind of thoughts the brass has when all of these successful veteran coaches become available

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.
- just69sayin

Was good news to hear that Seabs came in for Kane's 1000th celebration in the locker room. I know Kane looks up to him a great deal, and I take it to mean that Seabs' early surgeries were successful.

I don't think they'll have money for both.

I will have a breakdown of potential cap issues for the Hawks next season.

My thinking is the Hawks will A) sign Lehner, B) if they can't they save face by re-upping Crawford for 1-2 years and regardless of A or B, Collin Delia or Kevin Lankinen will be the backup next year for around $1M (Delia is locked up for that and Lankinen could be in similar range).
- Tyler Cameron

From previous blog:

3 things:

1) which system have they bought into?

2) 24 scouts at the game, there better be more information coming on this.

3) no one get their hopes up to much, we have one of the easier schedules this half of the season.

From previous blog:

3 things:

1) which system have they bought into?

2) 24 scouts at the game, there better be more information coming on this.

3) no one get their hopes up to much, we have one of the easier schedules this half of the season.
- gifman

Very demanding.

I don't think they'll have money for both.

I will have a breakdown of potential cap issues for the Hawks next season.

My thinking is the Hawks will A) sign Lehner, B) if they can't they save face by re-upping Crawford for 1-2 years and regardless of A or B, Collin Delia or Kevin Lankinen will be the backup next year for around $1M (Delia is locked up for that and Lankinen could be in similar range).
- Tyler Cameron

I don't think theyd have money for either one, at least without trading out some players that have caphit for next season.

if somehow they re-signed Strome, Kubalik and Caggiula at less than 8m (total for all 3), that put the caphit just above 80m and Gus not re-signed.

So it looks like Doug Wilson is desperately looking for a #1 draft choice that he lost to obtain Karllson. Would if you were Stan trade it for either Hertl (26) is Meier (23) both signed for about $6 mil. Long term and then trade Saad after the season?
- LAHawk

this is actually pretty interesting. SB have trade for players with long terms at lower caphit. Panarin for Saad is one example. Would Wilson accept just a 1st for Hertl or Meier? I think this is more of an offseason trade, not this coming TDL. so SB will have an idea where the 1st rounder would land

RE:
Just one of many things with many players scouts look at while they follow a team and specifically, one or more players on that team

I am relating to the Blackhawks. I am against veteran pick ups unless we are picking up a bad contract and getting a sweetener. Then I am interested but not overly anxious. Depends on the exact terms of the contract we pick up as #1 criteria. I do believe that Stan is able to identify prospects flying under the radar, or just snatch them up before another team grabs them.

We have examples from Panerin, Kempny, Kahun, Kubalik, Rogula and even Rutta could have been a great move if he didn't get shy after his injury/concussion while he was with Chicago.

So there is that sort of sneaky good move to anticipate as well

But I am just a tad concerned how Bowman in Cup run years acquired veterans whom were usually over the hill or didn't work out well eg didn't help the team much even if Queeneville screwed up at least one of those.

Anyway, I do not want to see us acquire a R Polak (Dallas) for Koekkoek. Let us allow Koekkoek to hopefully turn a corner and continue to provide a good option on the third pair

Wise scouts give their GM names of players to try to acquire from another team whose GM panics and opts in for a 33 yr old slow skating veteran. Polak could fit in and be of some usefulness but please not with us.

From previous blog:

3 things:

1) which system have they bought into?

2) 24 scouts at the game, there better be more information coming on this.

3) no one get their hopes up to much, we have one of the easier schedules this half of the season.
- gifman

I don't have any insight in the increase in scouts. Put out some feelers to my contacts but nothing yet.

Now that it appears the Hawks are playing the way JC wants, the development on the fly of Dach and Bovquist would you want to change coaches now?
- LAHawk

I'm not looking to lop off Colliton's head - he has them playing well recently - but I'm also not looking for them to lock him up with a long-term deal.

They are on a nice 17 game run - 12 wins 5 losses - but let's remember that that represents less than 1/4 of a season. Teams do that. They were very inconsistent - and, often, terrible - in the 33 games before that.

We certainly hope that the run continues and that this is the beginning of a nice several-year successful trip.

And they are basically winning the "right way" (unlike, probably, the good stretch in February and March) - with defense, responsible play, energy, supporting teammates....

Let's give it some time.

From previous blog:

3 things:

1) which system have they bought into?

2) 24 scouts at the game, there better be more information coming on this.

3) no one get their hopes up to much, we have one of the easier schedules this half of the season.
- gifman

There better be more information coming on this.......Or What?

As a fan you are not promised, guaranteed, or entitled to any information. The fact that we live in an era when information like that is even available does not mean you are then privy to info as to why/who/etc.

The fact is Chicago is a very popular place for scouts, and there are a number of them in attendance at every game. It's a central location, with several minor league teams in close proximity and many teams moving guys around because of the upcoming break.

The power of the internet has so changed how fans consume their sports. The abundance of information readily available is both a blessing and a curse for some. No longer can you just study the agate in the newspaper and/or pick up the specialty publications like Hockey News, Baseball America, Sporting News, etc.

Internet sites and social media means instant gratification/speculation as soon as someone posts a pic of a press box list of scouts in attendance, or a pic of a GM or scout they may have seen in the stands.

It all depends on how long he plays for. He is a little over 2/3rds of the way to Mikitas mark of 1467 points. Figuring he averages 75-80 points a season, he is still 6 years away. He should pass hull at #2 in 2 years or less.
- TheTrob

I think he'll get it done. He has continued to get better as he's gotten older, he'll plateau but I don't see any slow down in his game.....yet.