Theo Fox: Game 13 @ Stars
A preview to the Blackhawks series against the Stars today and Tuesday. Plus, a recap of the IceHogs season opener versus the Wolves.

First! ...with a little bit of an edge in this living in Finland enjoying my morning. Looking forward to this evenings tilt with the stars and hoping Johnson comes back to the lineup to make things even more interesting.

Well, I lived in Illinois for seven decades and SW Florida for only a half a year, and I’m glad we’re here now. You can keep the high taxes and the cold weather. There are a few things that I miss, family, friends, and Chicago food.
- Angotti

Detroit area gets it's first Portillo's in mid-March. Looking forward to that! Til then there is a place up here that just went brick and mortar last summer called Matt & Mo's, that does Italian Beefs, Combos, Sausages and Chicago dogs.

Their beefs are definitely on par with Portillo's

Picking up a couple kits today for the SB, but also looking forward to the Hawks matinee today with the Stars.

Kubalik gets the first and Hagel gets his first today.

Also, thanks for the Hogs update Theo. Teply sounds a little Anisimov'ish in terms of potentially looking slow but being around the play.

Good to hear about Barratt. Haven't seen him play but just from reading, it reminds me a bit of when DeBrincat was a prospect, people kept talking about how slow he is.

Theo you are worth top rate in gold as for your doggedly pursuing the pulse of the team and your analysis of both players individuual performance and the team overall. One could miss the game but remain informed just by reviewing your column

There ae two topics to address and I am very much expecting you and the board would respond to the first topic, yet not as much enthusiasm for topic #2

So....it is very interesting and perhaps if one choose a comparison between how the Dallas Stars defensemen have evolved combined with four strong lines and solid goaltending ....to what the Blackhawks talent structure would hope to duplicate

I see the Stars dmen as this is a critical part of their moving from a playoff team which did not appear caable of going much farther than an opening playoff round win then just a pain to play and able to hang on to win another round yet not a Cup contender.

What happened is that their top four dmen came together as being very good. Each is particularly strong in certain facets of the game. Mix and match those dmen pairings and they became the backbone of the team. Only one real scoring line but a bottom tier player [kirivanta]] rose to the occasion with scoring exploits and Gurianov broke through (a high draft who finally began to reward with scoring goals).

Heskinen and Klingberg are the offensive force while Lundell and Oleksiak are towers of strength defensively. Lundell and Oleksiak are not inept offensively but at times a bit slow and beat. Yet overall the two big size rear guards were part of the form which Colorado could not overtake.

On paper I thought Colorado was just too good, too deep at forward but the Avalanche were weak in goal and Colorado was victim to Dallas' defense and timely scoring. Dallas had four solid lines contributing, playing the right way

Chicago has a ways to go to be like Dallas, to win a Cup like Dallas just accomplished

I hope that Bowman is building a team similar to Dallas. Mitchell would become the top dman. Beaudin could become very good at the things he does well but is going to learn how to do the best he can, defensively, due to his size.

Not to overlook Carlsson, whom I have been calling to be a solid complimentary partner on any pair, though probably lands on third pair

Boqvist could develop into one helluva player although defensively he may never be really good - just good enough..I foresee how he will hit and check after getting stronger, more experience but must get comfortable with his body before his dynamite offensive skills come out. It is his offense that could lead to his being the stalwart offensive man on a second pair.

I really want to see Kalynuk play NHL. He is close now to being ready for the challenge. It is a numbers game now as DeHahn won't be around beyond this year if even last till the end of season. It is gambling to reach too far into counting upon Kalynuk and or Kaiser as the strong pillar in a third pair. But that is how I project currently.

It is apparent to myself that Kyrs is just not going to become a future solid third pair. Oh maybe after a few more AHL seasons he could become a fair third pair NHL. No, look for Kaiser. Hope Rogula develops. There are others whom could come along. There is also 4-5 dmen whom are rated to go in the top 15 in 2021 draft. It would almost be a pipe dream to win the draft lottery and then, are we sure Power is the guy we want to take?

Lakkinen might fit as the type of goaltender you can win with. Even a Cup like Detroit did with the Osgood formula. Lakkinen is good enough for the next couple years. Ideally would prefer someone better

I really have commented often on the bottom line depth in the organization. Let's remain tuned in to Theo's reporting on Barret, Entwhistle, hopefully Altybarmaken and Soderlund. Looks very promising the two collegiate kids to be very strong third line type in NHL. The one kid just impressed in The World Junior Tournament and as a 2021 draft is now just starting his collegiate career at Notre Dame.

So there are others whom could come in and compete with a strong cast, currently, for bottom.line duty.

Geting back to the dmen situation.

Practicly we cannot have too much inexperience on defense. But if Murphy is next to go that should happen because we are pleased to have Keith still good enough. And Mitchell + Beaudin are playing well. The alternative which is debatable right now but may be more crystal clear whom to move later on - is to move Zadorov instead of Murphy.

Murphy brings more if he plays better and better this season. Zadorov is what he is; i do not think anyone expects him to get much better. As in, consistency. Not making mistakes, bad decisions, needs to move the puck better. Zadorov does serve a purpose with his intimidation and hitting so we hope that he can become more consistent.

So I do have hope our bottom lines could be strong, could outplay or at least neutralize the opponent. Could contain timely scoring like Dallas received from its bottom lines

Here's hoping our team can become what Dallas did last playoffs. Get a look & form a comparison for the future via the next two games against the Dallas Stars

Detroit area gets it's first Portillo's in mid-March. Looking forward to that! Til then there is a place up here that just went brick and mortar last summer called Matt & Mo's, that does Italian Beefs, Combos, Sausages and Chicago dogs.

Their beefs are definitely on par with Portillo's

Picking up a couple kits today for the SB, but also looking forward to the Hawks matinee today with the Stars.

Kubalik gets the first and Hagel gets his first today.

Also, thanks for the Hogs update Theo. Teply sounds a little Anisimov'ish in terms of potentially looking slow but being around the play.

Good to hear about Barratt. Haven't seen him play but just from reading, it reminds me a bit of when DeBrincat was a prospect, people kept talking about how slow he is.
- HawkintheD

The new ownership of Portollo's is cutting costs, looking to make more money and ultimately sell for an inflated price. Similar to the cooking the books the owner of Mariano's did when he sold to Kroger (Kroger run, retains Mariano face and set up).

Portillos "cheapens" some of its operation and lowers quality of certain product/recipee in cost cutting corners objective. The product in some areas will not be as good, but still good enough for most. My information comes from people in the business, who know the owner, the.son's etc al. Portollos was shown how to be successful, warned not to cut corners but they just said thank you, now we will make some changes. This is how business works. So enjoy your Portillos. Still good, but not exactly the same as it once was. Which is really not too surprising or unexpected

The new ownership of Portollo's is cutting costs, looking to make more money and ultimately sell for an inflated price. Similar to the cooking the books the owner of Mariano's did when he sold to Kroger (Kroger run, retains Mariano face and set up).

Portillos "cheapens" some of its operation and lowers quality of certain product/recipee in cost cutting corners objective. The product in some areas will not be as good, but still good enough for most. My information comes from people in the business, who know the owner, the.son's etc al. Portollos was shown how to be successful, warned not to cut corners but they just said thank you, now we will make some changes. This is how business works. So enjoy your Portillos. Still good, but not exactly the same as it once was. Which is really not too surprising or unexpected
- jhawk59

Ok, not saying that's not happening and I know Richard sold the biz off several years ago for I think a $1B.

I'm sure the new owners will assess and integrate some of their own nuances to the biz. Hopefully they don't mess with it too much as Portillo's seemed pretty turn key from an outsider perspective. I think any fast food franchise could or potentially would want to model themselves after Portillo's in terms of how smoothly things flow in terms of a customer experience...well oiled machine.

What exactly are they lowering the quality of? Haven't had everything on the menu recently but some friends sent me a beef kit last year on my bday and it didn't taste any different.

Was back in Chicagoland visiting my folks last Sept and Mom got a beef kit from there which we had one night and I stopped by for a dog one other day while there.

Also not different. They are still selling Vienna natural casing product so no skimming there.

Anyway, you threw it out there...so just asking. Can you identify what is actually different? No more Rosen's poppy seed buns? They change up the burgers? Are they using an inferior celery salt on the dogs? Do tell Mr. J.

Edit - LOL! Foiled by HB autocorrect again. He did go by D I C K.

Ok, not saying that's not happening and I know Richard sold the biz off several years ago for I think a $1B.

I'm sure the new owners will assess and integrate some of their own nuances to the biz. Hopefully they don't mess with it too much as Portillo's seemed pretty turn key from an outsider perspective. I think any fast food franchise could or potentially would want to model themselves after Portillo's in terms of how smoothly things flow in terms of a customer experience...well oiled machine.

What exactly are they lowering the quality of? Haven't had everything on the menu recently but some friends sent me a beef kit last year on my bday and it didn't taste any different.

Was back in Chicagoland visiting my folks last Sept and Mom got a beef kit from there which we had one night and I stopped by for a dog one other day while there.

Also not different. They are still selling Vienna natural casing product so no skimming there.

Anyway, you threw it out there...so just asking. Can you identify what is actually different? No more Rosen's poppy seed buns? They change up the burgers? Are they using an inferior celery salt on the dogs? Do tell Mr. J.

Edit - LOL! Foiled by HB autocorrect again. He did go by D I C K.
- HawkintheD

One thing I’ve never understood, you are named Richard and can go by Richard, Rick or Richie but instead choose everyone to call you D i c k?

Detroit area gets it's first Portillo's in mid-March. Looking forward to that! Til then there is a place up here that just went brick and mortar last summer called Matt & Mo's, that does Italian Beefs, Combos, Sausages and Chicago dogs.

Their beefs are definitely on par with Portillo's

Picking up a couple kits today for the SB, but also looking forward to the Hawks matinee today with the Stars.

Kubalik gets the first and Hagel gets his first today.

Also, thanks for the Hogs update Theo. Teply sounds a little Anisimov'ish in terms of potentially looking slow but being around the play.

Good to hear about Barratt. Haven't seen him play but just from reading, it reminds me a bit of when DeBrincat was a prospect, people kept talking about how slow he is.
- HawkintheD

Barratt is not slow at all. I would say he has average NHL speed. Teply isn't as smooth as Anisimov. But he gets where he needs to be.

One thing I’ve never understood, you are named Richard and can go by Richard, Rick or Richie but instead choose everyone to call you D i c k?

- paulr

Don’t get that either. But in this case, that was the case.

I am very interested in how our prospects do in Rockford, becauuse a lot of nights (like against the Wolves), they are playing against the top prospects of 2 organizations.

I am very interested in how our prospects do in Rockford, becauuse a lot of nights (like against the Wolves), they are playing against the top prospects of 2 organizations.
- LAHawk

I liked the pace they played with yesterday. I only saw one of the Wolves goals and it was Quennville making a nice pass to send the Wolves player on a breakaway.

Barratt is not slow at all. I would say he has average NHL speed. Teply isn't as smooth as Anisimov. But he gets where he needs to be.
- Elbows15

Read a couple years ago Barrett skating was choppy. He might have improved some
He might improve more. And he could wind up at LW too.

HawkinD is correct: Strome has been better this season in facets of game he has commonly been criticized. Often it boils down to, can a player get to the point where he is not really bad or hurting his team being abysmal. This contract may be a good fit for both Strome and the team. What the future holds is difficult to ascertain. However as players develop and challenge for a spot on the NHL roster, this is when it gets dicey.

And whomever commented about Strome physical play vs Vegs, wasn't all on Strome when Vegas cycling game kept us pinned down in our own end, hey you are correct.

I believe I am a harsh criticism in the sense that I value the way to play the game how I would and have attempted to play. Not to look for the glory as a big scorer, but two way confrontational checking compete. And if a large player dumps you on your keester, you take a note then do the same to him. It is a battle on the ice and each player needs to hold their place by not being taken advantage of. So yes I also stress skating and intelligence. Just my bias

We all know this season was all about the youth, specifically the introduction of several rookies. So far this session has been a fun one, and it looks like the rookies are faring well against their peers:

Suter - T1 in goals, T3 in points, T2 in PPP, T1 GWG
Kurashev - T1 in goals, T4 in points, T2 in PPP

Lankinen - 1 in GAA, 2 in wins, 1 in save %

While the likes of Mitchell, Beaudin and Hagel haven’t made their presence known on them scoresheet they’ve been successful in other ways.

12 games isn’t enough to make a truly fair assessment, but the early returns are positive.

In addition, DeBrincat seems to have bounced back, Kubalik has continued his success from last season, and Janmark (not young, but a new addition) has been solid.

Barratt is not slow at all. I would say he has average NHL speed. Teply isn't as smooth as Anisimov. But he gets where he needs to be.
- Elbows15

Good to know. Just commenting on what I read. I think it was Pronman and maybe some posts I would see here, quetioing if he’d ever make it to the NHL due to his skating.

Like I said reminded me of some of the things I’d read about DeBrincat here from a couple bloggers ago. He was nothing more than a by-product of organizational hype, and he wouldn’t be able to keep up and would get squashed like a bug at the NHL level.

Good to know. Just commenting on what I read. I think it was Pronman and maybe some posts I would see here, quetioing if he’d ever make it to the NHL due to his skating.

Like I said reminded me of some of the things I’d read about DeBrincat here from a couple bloggers ago. He was nothing more than a by-product of organizational hype, and he wouldn’t be able to keep up and would get squashed like a bug at the NHL level.
- HawkintheD

Pronman's go to is skating issues. Always have to take it with a barge of salt with his evals

I have watched Barratt quite a few times. He suffered a hip injury during the WJC a couple of years ago. He came back and finished out the season at Penn State. I think he had surgery in between seasons and I think he is finally healthy again. He is moving like he did before he suffered the injury. There was a noticeable change in stride while playing through the injury to me. He isn't a burner by any means but he isn't slow.

Apparetly the Flyers coach is ok with both Ghost & Gus in the same line up. They have both played the past few games. I noticed, though, Ghost had roughly 20 TOI and Gus even with some Pp duty had roughly 16 TOI.

So Gus not getting as much regular strength TOI as other Flyers dmen is ultimately what the TOI comparison spewed

Also, this amusing thought: our defense today could have been Leddy, Gus, Kempny, Ruuta, Koekkoeck, Johns, Holl. Oh and Forsling is reportedly getting another chance in Florida. Haven't checked their box score closely yet.

Ok, not saying that's not happening and I know Richard sold the biz off several years ago for I think a $1B.

I'm sure the new owners will assess and integrate some of their own nuances to the biz. Hopefully they don't mess with it too much as Portillo's seemed pretty turn key from an outsider perspective. I think any fast food franchise could or potentially would want to model themselves after Portillo's in terms of how smoothly things flow in terms of a customer experience...well oiled machine.

What exactly are they lowering the quality of? Haven't had everything on the menu recently but some friends sent me a beef kit last year on my bday and it didn't taste any different.

Was back in Chicagoland visiting my folks last Sept and Mom got a beef kit from there which we had one night and I stopped by for a dog one other day while there.

Also not different. They are still selling Vienna natural casing product so no skimming there.

Anyway, you threw it out there...so just asking. Can you identify what is actually different? No more Rosen's poppy seed buns? They change up the burgers? Are they using an inferior celery salt on the dogs? Do tell Mr. J.

Edit - LOL! Foiled by HB autocorrect again. He did go by D I C K.
- HawkintheD

Beef isn't what it was, they must have changed vendors. Sausage just ok. But all those Portillo's joints around here are still just printing money. Parking lots sometimes aren't large enough to handle the line to the driveup.
Portillo lives across the street from Ty Warner and it's a real show the way they have their Xmas decorations done. Have to be careful driving down 31st street right there cuz people are always slowing down to look.

Sanheim would normally be out there for the Flyers. Not sure who he’s gonna replace though when he comes back. Might be one of Gus/Ghost.

Also just noticed TVR is now on the Capitals.

They’re looking GREAT so far this season.

Very impressive to be tied 4-4 through 2 periods against that Flyers team(Cup contender) without Vrana, Kuzy, and Oshie.

Detroit area gets it's first Portillo's in mid-March. Looking forward to that! Til then there is a place up here that just went brick and mortar last summer called Matt & Mo's, that does Italian Beefs, Combos, Sausages and Chicago dogs.

Their beefs are definitely on par with Portillo's

Picking up a couple kits today for the SB, but also looking forward to the Hawks matinee today with the Stars.

Kubalik gets the first and Hagel gets his first today.

Also, thanks for the Hogs update Theo. Teply sounds a little Anisimov'ish in terms of potentially looking slow but being around the play.

Good to hear about Barratt. Haven't seen him play but just from reading, it reminds me a bit of when DeBrincat was a prospect, people kept talking about how slow he is.
- HawkintheD

You bet, D.

That's a good point about how a past criticism of DeBrincat was his skating. Not a problem for him and doesn't seem to be the case for Barratt. He may not have the afterburners but he skates well enough to keep up and be effective.

Theo you are worth top rate in gold as for your doggedly pursuing the pulse of the team and your analysis of both players individuual performance and the team overall. One could miss the game but remain informed just by reviewing your column

There ae two topics to address and I am very much expecting you and the board would respond to the first topic, yet not as much enthusiasm for topic #2

So....it is very interesting and perhaps if one choose a comparison between how the Dallas Stars defensemen have evolved combined with four strong lines and solid goaltending ....to what the Blackhawks talent structure would hope to duplicate

I see the Stars dmen as this is a critical part of their moving from a playoff team which did not appear caable of going much farther than an opening playoff round win then just a pain to play and able to hang on to win another round yet not a Cup contender.

What happened is that their top four dmen came together as being very good. Each is particularly strong in certain facets of the game. Mix and match those dmen pairings and they became the backbone of the team. Only one real scoring line but a bottom tier player
- jhawk59[kirivanta]] rose to the occasion with scoring exploits and Gurianov broke through (a high draft who finally began to reward with scoring goals).

Heskinen and Klingberg are the offensive force while Lundell and Oleksiak are towers of strength defensively. Lundell and Oleksiak are not inept offensively but at times a bit slow and beat. Yet overall the two big size rear guards were part of the form which Colorado could not overtake.

On paper I thought Colorado was just too good, too deep at forward but the Avalanche were weak in goal and Colorado was victim to Dallas' defense and timely scoring. Dallas had four solid lines contributing, playing the right way

Chicago has a ways to go to be like Dallas, to win a Cup like Dallas just accomplished

I hope that Bowman is building a team similar to Dallas. Mitchell would become the top dman. Beaudin could become very good at the things he does well but is going to learn how to do the best he can, defensively, due to his size.

Not to overlook Carlsson, whom I have been calling to be a solid complimentary partner on any pair, though probably lands on third pair

Boqvist could develop into one helluva player although defensively he may never be really good - just good enough..I foresee how he will hit and check after getting stronger, more experience but must get comfortable with his body before his dynamite offensive skills come out. It is his offense that could lead to his being the stalwart offensive man on a second pair.

I really want to see Kalynuk play NHL. He is close now to being ready for the challenge. It is a numbers game now as DeHahn won't be around beyond this year if even last till the end of season. It is gambling to reach too far into counting upon Kalynuk and or Kaiser as the strong pillar in a third pair. But that is how I project currently.

It is apparent to myself that Kyrs is just not going to become a future solid third pair. Oh maybe after a few more AHL seasons he could become a fair third pair NHL. No, look for Kaiser. Hope Rogula develops. There are others whom could come along. There is also 4-5 dmen whom are rated to go in the top 15 in 2021 draft. It would almost be a pipe dream to win the draft lottery and then, are we sure Power is the guy we want to take?

Lakkinen might fit as the type of goaltender you can win with. Even a Cup like Detroit did with the Osgood formula. Lakkinen is good enough for the next couple years. Ideally would prefer someone better

I really have commented often on the bottom line depth in the organization. Let's remain tuned in to Theo's reporting on Barret, Entwhistle, hopefully Altybarmaken and Soderlund. Looks very promising the two collegiate kids to be very strong third line type in NHL. The one kid just impressed in The World Junior Tournament and as a 2021 draft is now just starting his collegiate career at Notre Dame.

So there are others whom could come in and compete with a strong cast, currently, for bottom.line duty.

Geting back to the dmen situation.

Practicly we cannot have too much inexperience on defense. But if Murphy is next to go that should happen because we are pleased to have Keith still good enough. And Mitchell + Beaudin are playing well. The alternative which is debatable right now but may be more crystal clear whom to move later on - is to move Zadorov instead of Murphy.

Murphy brings more if he plays better and better this season. Zadorov is what he is; i do not think anyone expects him to get much better. As in, consistency. Not making mistakes, bad decisions, needs to move the puck better. Zadorov does serve a purpose with his intimidation and hitting so we hope that he can become more consistent.

So I do have hope our bottom lines could be strong, could outplay or at least neutralize the opponent. Could contain timely scoring like Dallas received from its bottom lines

Here's hoping our team can become what Dallas did last playoffs. Get a look & form a comparison for the future via the next two games against the Dallas Stars

Ben Pope from the Chicago Sun-Times had an article yesterday similar to what you are describing, i.e. the Stars as a model to emulate, at least on the blueline.

https://chicago.suntimes....-mitchell-nicolas-beaudin

I like what the Hawks are doing with the rebuild and youth movement. Whether that aligns with what the Stars are doing or with what any other team is doing doesn't really matter.

Just do things that make sense for your own franchise.

I am very interested in how our prospects do in Rockford, becauuse a lot of nights (like against the Wolves), they are playing against the top prospects of 2 organizations.
- LAHawk

IMO, if the first game was any indication, the Hawks have a pretty good one in Kalynuk who could make his way back to the Hawks later this season.

If not, he should be a shoo-in for next year's blueline.

Keep an eye on Barratt, Altybarmakian, Soderlund, and Yetman.

Jarvis and Rees will be good ones for the Canes, too. Rees especially was buzzing all night and makes an impact in all zones. Jarvis will be a goal scorer as he seems to be a benefactor than a creator.

Subban gets the start today with Delia backing up. First time that Delia has dressed for a game since Game 3.

Subban gets the start today with Delia backing up. First time that Delia has dressed for a game since Game 3.
- Theo Fox

A solid start here will be a big step toward establishing a reliable goaltending tandem.

Radulov out for the Stars.