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Forums :: Blog World :: Theo Fox: The B-Sides
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Theo Fox
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.18.2016

Jun 11 @ 3:21 AM ET
Theo Fox: The B-Sides A look at whether a true #1 defenseman is necessary for the Blackhawks to being a contender again.
gifman
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Gifland
Joined: 09.17.2015

Jun 11 @ 4:13 AM ET
Based on the pessimism of some of the posters here, they may not like what happens today.

jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Jun 11 @ 5:03 AM ET
Picture this:

Blackhawks defencemen two and years and more are functional and practical in the modern age NHL where one dman in each pair is a capable puck mover. Ideally a #1 dman is desirable. We can hope Mitchell and Boquist could approach that level. We can also ignore the fragility of our group of dmen which is more non physical than physical checkers.

If each pair is competent, we could get by just fine. That is to assume the puck movers from the blueline corps have four steady productive lines to work with. Two scoring lines and two supreme checking lines.

My concern is whether we have enough toughness or muscle on defense. And is Beaudin able to handle the physical side well enough/does he stay? I'd love to see Vlasic and Kaiser challenge and win a roster spot. Phillips maybe.. A first round 2021 dman maybe

The only thing about a first round 2021 dman is, whether we really want a dman if his ceiling is not as a top pair. If Bowman places emphasis upon a top pair dman, I understand trading up in 2021 is not easily done.. it is not expected to happen.. But you can decide if you like the candidates whom could become a top pairing and dream trade proposals.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Jun 11 @ 5:07 AM ET
The assumption as I am sure the Vegas betting line is a final between Tampa and Vegas

Whom wins?
35Tony0
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Springfield, IL
Joined: 05.10.2015

Jun 11 @ 6:16 AM ET
You definitely do you you can to keep a legitimate #1 defender.
But a team with three or more #2 or #3 level defenders can have a lot of success. And that's something the 'Hawks pretty much have going now if the young guys keep developing and stay healthy enough.
They should stay the course.
vabeachbear
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Ft Courage - out in the middle of Indian Country, NC
Joined: 10.17.2011

Jun 11 @ 6:31 AM ET
Based on the pessimism of some of the posters here, they may not like what happens today.


- gifman


Why, what happens today????

I'm not sure why the Bears signing Justin Fields has anything to do with the Hawks
HawkintheD
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Sick Bay, MI
Joined: 02.22.2012

Jun 11 @ 6:51 AM ET
Why, what happens today????

I'm not sure why the Bears signing Justin Fields has anything to do with the Hawks

- vabeachbear


Larmer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Stamford, CT
Joined: 06.13.2014

Jun 11 @ 7:52 AM ET
Based on the pessimism of some of the posters here, they may not like what happens today.


- gifman


They resigned Zadorov to a contract with a stupid term and cap hit, didn't they?
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Jun 11 @ 8:10 AM ET
You can research and discover whether teams without a legitimate #1 dman have gone far into the post season, even wining The Stanley Cup. But you need to be careful to see what the rest of the team looked like. You cannot make a blanket statement about the likelihood a team may or may not prosper without a legitimate #1 dman IF YOU DON'T LOOK FAIRLY.

Detroit won without a stud goaltender- Osgood. Who knows if a team without a legitimate #1 dman has won a Cup - but if there was a hot goaltender, watch out. I do not recall instantly whom patroled the Montreal defense around 2014 or so when they rode Halak to the finals. I can recall, though, the high powered offense of the Avalanche about that same time. Guys like Hejdnuk were still skating. But for many years they lacked a true #1 dman. Several #2 and #3 dman. They weren't good enough to beat us. I thought back then, if only they had a legitimate defense

As I sort said in my post in the beginning of this page, as long as a team has three descent pairs, enough toughness and at least three puck movers on defense, this sort of team has a legitimate chance. I mean nowadays teams at all levels of hockey turn more and more to new age dmen who think fast, move the puck well skating or passing it.

It appeared that this was all the rage a number of years ago.

It was why Bowman and Q tried to fast track Forsling. He could react fast game speed and had the nice shot, descent offensive player. Except, defensively, he couldn't handle the physical side. And, general, was not ready both defensively and offensiveky.

So now look then St Louis, for example; they won the Cup with a nice blend on defense. So while offensive juggernaut sounds like a term that makes say the Avalanche real good (think Maker), you cannot be too weak of some muscle on defense.

Sure, go for offensive firepower, puck movers but don't be too short change on toughness. A dman whom can offer a flair for both mail carrier/good first pass and is physical enough, is a nice hybrid to have. Not sure if some of our young dmen might become like that. Young dmen obviously need to grow into a man's body and a few years of gaining strength and know how....then you might see some hybrid dmen.

I know Chicago fans were spoiled by a pairing that while not prolific, could handle both offense and defense. And could play it tough. Keith and Seabrook.

You can review Wiz draft capsule at draftsite.com and decide if there is a #1 dman ceiling available to draft. Maybe 4or 5 dmen go in top 15 picks but who will be #1 pair material?
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Jun 11 @ 8:50 AM ET
How many #1 Dmen are in the league today (offensively and defensively).

Clearly#1's - Hedman, Makar, Josi,

#1's and/or very good #2's - Doughty, Pietrangelo, Ekblad, Jones, Heiskanen, Fox, Chabot, Carlson, Klingberg, Provorov

#1/#2 offensively - defensively not so much - Burns, Barrie, Letang, Karlsson, Subban

#2's - Petry, Theodore, Nurse, Krug, Chychrun, Faulk, McAvoy, Ellis, Spurgeon, OEL, Hamilton

Marginal #2's - Weegar, Rielly, Toews, Werenski, Dumba, Fowler, Yandle, Schmidt,

Probably will be top pairings - Hughes

Former #1/2's (past their prime) - Keith, Suter, Weber, Giordano, Chara,

The above lists are subjective and arguable. I am sure I included some that do not belong, missed some that do belong and over rated and under rated some.

Are any of the youngsters in the Hawks system #1's or very good #2's? Maybe not. But it is not impossible. On the other hand I could see a few of them being marginal #2's. If Stan is able to move deHaan and Zadorov over the summer we will know a lot more about our young dmen at this time next year. I would not be opposed to trading for or signing a veteran dman, but they do not come cheaply and I do not want to give up too much in assets or cap space to get one this summer. I am not against drafting a dman with the 11th pick. But I doubt a #1 dman is available at pick 11 and he may not see the NHL for a year or two and then will need time to develop at the NHL level.
-Doh-
Location: VA
Joined: 10.05.2015

Jun 11 @ 8:53 AM ET
They resigned Zadorov to a contract with a stupid term and cap hit, didn't they?
- Larmer


Please God no. (Unless as part of a sign and trade).
zm333
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 05.25.2018

Jun 11 @ 9:07 AM ET
My guess for today's news is Seattle's first deal. One that involves Shalonuv going there way... total left field guess
Rota's Rooter
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 06.23.2017

Jun 11 @ 9:14 AM ET
My guess for today's news is Seattle's first deal. One that involves Shalonuv going there way... total left field guess
- zm333

Nah. Segregated seating at the UC based on vaccinated/unvaccinated.
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Jun 11 @ 9:16 AM ET
My guess for today's news is Seattle's first deal. One that involves Shalonuv going there way... total left field guess
- zm333


That's thinking outside the lines. Could happen, who knows?
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Jun 11 @ 9:20 AM ET
Why, what happens today????

I'm not sure why the Bears signing Justin Fields has anything to do with the Hawks

- vabeachbear


Hossa becomes the newest Chicago Blackhawk Ambassador
paulr
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: YYZ
Joined: 06.26.2011

Jun 11 @ 9:26 AM ET
That's thinking outside the lines. Could happen, who knows?
- mohel

The only thing that will happen if Stan thinks outside the lines is he’ll end up out of bounds. #ASF
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Jun 11 @ 9:34 AM ET
The only thing that will happen if Stan thinks outside the lines is he’ll end up out of bounds. #ASF
- paulr


#NoPoopSherlock
mohel
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: IL
Joined: 02.08.2013

Jun 11 @ 9:37 AM ET
Hossa becomes the newest Chicago Blackhawk Ambassador
- powerenforcer


I don't think it will be long until we hear something about him.
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jun 11 @ 9:44 AM ET
They resigned Zadorov to a contract with a stupid term and cap hit, didn't they?
- Larmer

Doesn’t matter what the actual numbers are, any resigning of Zadorov is automatically stupid.
TheTrob
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Oak Park, IL
Joined: 04.14.2010

Jun 11 @ 9:48 AM ET
Penguins won back to back cups with below average D. Yes, they got outstanding goaltending and Crosby, Malkin, etc.

Over the years teams have proven that they can be successful without a true #1 defenseman as long as they can fill a roster with enough competent defenseman. Lets put it this way, as others have said, would you rather have a #1 and five #4,5 or 6's, or would you rather have four potential #2's and a 5&6.

Hawks during their cup years had the advantage of playing Hjalmarsson, who was effectively their best defenseman, as a #3. So your top 2 pairs had a #1 defender in it.
Ogilthorpe2
Season Ticket Holder
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: 37,000 FT
Joined: 07.09.2009

Jun 11 @ 9:55 AM ET
Penguins won back to back cups with below average D. Yes, they got outstanding goaltending and Crosby, Malkin, etc.

Over the years teams have proven that they can be successful without a true #1 defenseman as long as they can fill a roster with enough competent defenseman. Lets put it this way, as others have said, would you rather have a #1 and five #4,5 or 6's, or would you rather have four potential #2's and a 5&6.

Hawks during their cup years had the advantage of playing Hjalmarsson, who was effectively their best defenseman, as a #3. So your top 2 pairs had a #1 defender in it.

- TheTrob

Their top 2 pairs had 3 #1 defenders. Seabrook was the best D-man on the team for long stretches.
jhawk59
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 02.15.2013

Jun 11 @ 9:58 AM ET
Whatever formula or strategy Stan cooks up, he has a lot of ingredients to add.

He has one seasoned #1 forward. There are some nice pieces but no other #1 forwards or dmen presently!

He has three potentially good draft choices; one in 2021 and two in a strong draft class 2022
Larmer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Stamford, CT
Joined: 06.13.2014

Jun 11 @ 10:03 AM ET
Doesn’t matter what the actual numbers are, any resigning of Zadorov is automatically stupid.
- Ogilthorpe2


True. I submit my revisions: They stupidly signed Zadarov to a new contract.
MjulQvist
Chicago Blackhawks
Joined: 04.22.2012

Jun 11 @ 10:27 AM ET
Relax everybody!

https://twitter.com/Mario...tatus/1403348382140280842
powerenforcer
Chicago Blackhawks
Location: Wheeling, IL
Joined: 09.24.2009

Jun 11 @ 10:34 AM ET
Relax everybody!

https://twitter.com/Mario...tatus/1403348382140280842

- MjulQvist


Misuse of Twitter. What an a-hole
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