Theo Fox: Game 50 vs Panthers A preview to the Blackhawks last series with the Panthers and look at options for the starting lineup.

Plus, a recap of the IceHogs loss to the Griffins in the first of a 3-game set.

Florida reassembled the bottom third of its roster with deals ostensibly made around the trade deadline to improve the team. One dman, Stillman, found work in Chicago but his counterpart, L Carlsson, has yet to suit up. That could change tonight as the team's face off in a meaningful game more in Florida's behalf. We skated vs them as the season finally started up and there were questions how both teams would fare this season. Turns out Coach Q has his team running on high octane offense while defense and goaltending has been merely average.

If you don't see Carlsson, you will surely see another ex Blackhawk. Forsling has been effective while taking a regular turn.

And this too btw: First round goaltender S Knight recently debuted. Last draft Aaskarov was selected in round one and there is a Swedish netminder review this draft somewhere between #10-15 on Wiz draftsite.com.

Oh the glory that comes with winning. If playoff match up is how I see them if the season ended today, compare Stanley Cup champs Tampa vs Florida. Tampa wins even minus Stamkis and Kucherov!

To play or not to play Zadorov. That is the question.

Do you play him to give you a better chance of winning? He did a have a good game against Florida the last time they played. I think his check against Hornqvist turned the momentum around in that game leading to a Hawks win. Unfortunately that's about the only time I remember this season his physicality playing a positive influence on the outcome of a game.

Do you play him to showcase him? I think playing him would have the opposite effect and expose his defensive shortcomings.

Do you sit him? This would tell other teams that he is not good enough to play on a weak defensive team (possibly diminishing his future trade value), even though it would provide a slot for a prospect. Sitting him would also put 4 rookies in the lineup. But one of those rookies may play a better defensive game. This is a developmental year isn't it?

To play or not to play Zadorov. That is the question.

Do you play him to give you a better chance of winning? He did a have a good game against Florida the last time they played. I think his check against Hornqvist turned the momentum around in that game leading to a Hawks win. Unfortunately that's about the only time I remember this season his physicality playing a positive influence on the outcome of a game.

Do you play him to showcase him? I think playing him would have the opposite effect and expose his defensive shortcomings.

Do you sit him? This would tell other teams that he is not good enough to play on a weak defensive team (possibly diminishing his future trade value), even though it would provide a slot for a prospect. Sitting him would also put 4 rookies in the lineup. But one of those rookies may play a better defensive game. This is a developmental year isn't it?
- boilermaker100

I'm pretty sure that the other team GMs already know what type of player Zadorov is and whether they think he could help them or not.

I'll guess JC will get as many kids an NHL game or two before seasons end.

Meanwhile the Hawks sitting in the #13 spot for the draft.

http://www.tankathon.com/nhl

I am sure whether Zadorov plays or not plays, and how he plays in the last bit of the season will not change what a team feels whether they should try and make a trade or not make a trade for him. He is not a rookie, and they saw him play all season. And JC is not going to change his system to some other teams to see if that is a better fitting system for him.

If you want 2 veterans on D for the rest of the season, and Keith wants to play, just alternate Z and Murphy, and play the kids.

Z can go showcase his talents playing for Russia in the worlds if he wants to.

is the NHL going by PTS or winning % I assume if everybody plays 56 games they would go by PTS. right now we are in the 12 slot. Vancouver losing 2 games to OTT hurt. the only teams that could pass us are if you could fine a way to move up 2 more that would be great. every team we play has playoff implication's. IE no putting out a bad lineup. either for draft position or because games do not matter.
blackhawls 49games 49pts
Vancover 43 games 41 pts
Calgary 48 games 45 pts
san jose 48 games 45pts
LA 47 ganes 42 pts

Lukas reichel primary assist last nite
shalunov out of the playoffs:

To play or not to play Zadorov. That is the question.

Do you play him to give you a better chance of winning? He did a have a good game against Florida the last time they played. I think his check against Hornqvist turned the momentum around in that game leading to a Hawks win. Unfortunately that's about the only time I remember this season his physicality playing a positive influence on the outcome of a game.

Do you play him to showcase him? I think playing him would have the opposite effect and expose his defensive shortcomings.

Do you sit him? This would tell other teams that he is not good enough to play on a weak defensive team (possibly diminishing his future trade value), even though it would provide a slot for a prospect. Sitting him would also put 4 rookies in the lineup. But one of those rookies may play a better defensive game. This is a developmental year isn't it?
- boilermaker100

Wasn't it Q who wanted Scuderi, Manning? Some coaches and GMs can't help themselves, and i imagine like this board some GMs are thinking the samething, does JC understand defense?

Wasn't it Q who wanted Scuderi, Manning? Some coaches and GMs can't help themselves, and i imagine like this board some GMs are thinking the samething, does JC understand defense?
- BetweenTheDots

Oh, Stan could find someone who wants him, it is his cap hit (if Stan Qualifies him, it is still north of $3 mil.) that would be a problem.

Oh, Stan could find someone who wants him, it is his cap hit (if Stan Qualifies him, it is still north of $3 mil.) that would be a problem.
- LAHawk

And that's not a problem since Saad comes of the books, get err done Stan

And that's not a problem since Saad comes of the books, get err done Stan
- BetweenTheDots

I think he was insinuating that a Zadorov salary over $3M per year would make him unattractive to other teams, not an issue for the Hawks cap.

Lukas reichel primary assist last nite
shalunov out of the playoffs:
- kmw4631

Shalunov was suspended and didnt play in the last game due to stupidy.

You play your most healthy defensemen so the mending ones can play later and maybe win another season game.

Let Z play and continue to grow his game.


When did #2 Keith get a haircut?

Did he go with Z?

Shalunov was suspended and didnt play in the last game due to stupidy.

You play your most healthy defensemen so the mending ones can play later and maybe win another season game.

Let Z play and continue to grow his game.


When did #2 Keith get a haircut?

Did he go with Z?
- wiz1901

Shalunov played game 6 which was the elimantion game. he missed game 5. I saw the video the player had just shot the puck and his head was down and clips his shoulder. I
https://touch.facebook.co...h/?v=458800855427318&_rdr

Shalunov was suspended and didnt play in the last game due to stupidy.

You play your most healthy defensemen so the mending ones can play later and maybe win another season game.

Let Z play and continue to grow his game.


When did #2 Keith get a haircut?

Did he go with Z?
- wiz1901

That was certainly a moron move by Shalunov. I'm guessing someone already asked you this, but what are your thoughts on Borgstrom, the prospect they got from FLA? He obviously hasn't broken through yet, but where do you see his ceiling?

Apparently, Covid restrictions are loosening up - immediately.

United Center events can operate at 25% capacity.

Apparently, Covid restrictions are loosening up - immediately.

United Center events can operate at 25% capacity.
- StLBravesFan

I’d like to see Kane and Seabrook have another, a real ceremony, with some fans in the stands. And a ceremony for the Mutt’s retirement.

I’d like to see Kane and Seabrook have another, a real ceremony, with some fans in the stands. And a ceremony for the Mutt’s retirement.
- paulr

That's a great idea.

Wasn't it Q who wanted Scuderi, Manning? Some coaches and GMs can't help themselves, and i imagine like this board some GMs are thinking the samething, does JC understand defense?
- BetweenTheDots

Here is question for theo and the panel if the defensive players are not getting the system JC is trying to teach and employ on the ice shouldn't be up to JC and coaching staff to change the system that is better suited for the players they have now? Then in the offseason reevaluate the players that don't match the system what players do and what players are needed for that system. Because the defense has been a big problem and very inconsistent the last few years imo.

That's a great idea.
- mohel

Awww shucks. 🤓

Theo, I think your crystal ball needs some polishing.

Lankinen officially starting, says Colliton.

Beaudin in for Boqvist. Gaudette in for Kurashev.

Here is question for theo and the panel if the defensive players are not getting the system JC is trying to teach and employ on the ice shouldn't be up to JC and coaching staff to change the system that is better suited for the players they have now? Then in the offseason reevaluate the players that don't match the system what players do and what players are needed for that system. Because the defense has been a big problem and very inconsistent the last few years imo.
- Scott1977

What’s more important to you. Winning a few games while the team is rebuilding or focusing on rebuilding methodically allowing the young players to learn the system the coach, and by extension, the organization wants the team to learn?

Theo, I think your crystal ball needs some polishing.

Lankinen officially starting, says Colliton.

Beaudin in for Boqvist. Gaudette in for Kurashev.
- Chunk

Don’t you think advising someone to polish their balls should be discussed in a PM?

Don’t you think advising someone to polish their balls should be discussed in a PM?
- paulr

Not if it is just the one...

What’s more important to you. Winning a few games while the team is rebuilding or focusing on rebuilding methodically allowing the young players to learn the system the coach, and by extension, the organization wants the team to learn?
- paulr

Both

What’s more important to you. Winning a few games while the team is rebuilding or focusing on rebuilding methodically allowing the young players to learn the system the coach, and by extension, the organization wants the team to learn?
- paulr

Or possibly it has been concluded these defenseman would be even worse in another system.

Remember Murphy was totally lost in Q's system.

Theo, I think your crystal ball needs some polishing.

Lankinen officially starting, says Colliton.

Beaudin in for Boqvist. Gaudette in for Kurashev.
- Chunk

I would play gaudette and kurashev mithchell beaudin rest of the way sit Connelly and Zadorov. Maybe even bring up a couple other players and see what they have to give.