Theo Fox: Recall Candidates A look at the Blackhawks coaching hot seat, recent roster moves involving Mike Hardman and Ian Mitchell, and implications on the starting lineup with the home opener tonight vs the Islanders.

Plus, updates on the IceHogs goalie depth chart.

Thank you, Theo.
For Game #4 of 82 tonight, it seems to be a big one. The two days off could end up having been a blessing, giving them a breather and allowing them a chance to put together a much better start of the game tonight. Maybe even start their shut down line?

Ok... you talk about Gus on the top pairing, and I guess might be trying to rationalise how it might work, maybe what the thinking might have been.

I mean look, personally I have no idea why that guy isn't in the KHL already, but it wasn't ever going to be up to me...

Seth might need to work on his 2:1 coverage - as covering the pass option and leaving the puck carrier as the shooter for the goalie. . .

I don't actually know why the organisation soured on Strome, but I guess it sort of boils down to this, were the stated expectations for the team accurate or marketing spin? If they were accurate... well, enough has been written about that already - I guess what I am saying is, is the actions are going to spell that all out more than anything they actually might be saying.

Thanks for the early morning update Theo. I know that some of us have beaten that Gus horse to death, but man I have to disagree with you on playing Gus with Jones. If there’s not another defenseman taking Gustafsson’s spot soon, then I’ll have to question Stan’s thought process, and I’m not a Stan basher. Why not Galvas? Anybody but Gus.

If the German is better then guys on the active roster then he should be on the team. Though the roster is inconsequential if they continue to play like this.

If the German is better then guys on the active roster then he should be on the team. Though the roster is inconsequential if they continue to play like this.
- fattybeef

I know the team is looking for a boost, but I wouldn't make this Reichel's first game given the current state of affairs. Like you said, wouldn't matter much anyway if the team can't collectively pull their heads out of their arses.

If the German is better then guys on the active roster then he should be on the team. Though the roster is inconsequential if they continue to play like this.
- fattybeef

Reichel is 19, living and playing in North America for the first time, with all that means both on and off of the ice.

He doesn’t need the added pressure of the The Show with a team under intense “win now” pressure.

It doesn’t matter if he’s “better” than guys in chicago now - he has potential star qualities - do what’s best for his long term development.

Reichel is 19, living and playing in North America for the first time, with all that means both on and off of the ice.

He doesn’t need the added pressure of the The Show with a team under intense “win now” pressure.

It doesn’t matter if he’s “better” than guys in chicago now - he has potential star qualities - do what’s best for his long term development.
- StLBravesFan

I agree 100%, this is not the time to bring him up, especially during current environment. Let him marinate in Rockford, no need to rush.

If the German is better then guys on the active roster then he should be on the team. Though the roster is inconsequential if they continue to play like this.
- fattybeef

Sage and I are possibly better than some of these guys, but that doesn't mean we are ready for The Show.

Bring him up when he's ready and when he's better than someone else on the roster.

Sage and I are possibly better than some of these guys, but that doesn't mean we are ready for The Show.

Bring him up when he's ready and when he's better than someone else on the roster.
- mohel

Probably even tho when I skate, my ankles turn inward so much that I’m skating on the edge of the boot.

I know the team is looking for a boost, but I wouldn't make this Reichel's first game given the current state of affairs. Like you said, wouldn't matter much anyway if the team can't collectively pull their heads out of their arses.
- HawkintheD

You're right.

They should call him up for his 1st game on Marion Hossa night just so there is no added pressure.

I also watched a bit of the NYR/TOR game last night. That made me realize the Hawks have a ways to go. Both teams were quick, hard on the puck and had constant movement in the O-zone. And both defenses did a good job of protecting the house.

You're right.


- Rota's RooterThey should call him up for his 1st game on Marion Hossa night just so there is no added pressure.

I also watched a bit of the NYR/TOR game last night. That made me realize the Hawks have a ways to go. Both teams were quick, hard on the puck and had constant movement in the O-zone. And both defenses did a good job of protecting the house.

I watched the game as well and the Rangers gave up 42 SOG, so I beg to differ, however Shesterkin stood on his head. Campbell made some nice saves as well. I’ll take the current Hawks team over the current Rangers team, but I’ll take their coach over ours. The Rangers are going to regret taking Kakko over Dach and Lafreniere lacks speed for a #1 overall, just my $0.02..

I watched the game as well and the Rangers gave up 42 SOG, so I beg to differ, however Shesterkin stood on his head. Campbell made some nice saves as well. I’ll take the current Hawks team over the current Rangers team, but I’ll take their coach over ours. The Rangers are going to regret taking Kakko over Dach and Lafreniere lacks speed for a #1 overall, just my $0.02..
- Angotti

While walking my dog the other day I talked to a guy with a leaf hat and jacket. I joked about him being an eternal optimist and that I was lucky to see my team finally win not one but three championships. I said now we have to go through hard times of a rebuild. He said after three cups you can endure a rebuild. I just laughed and said it’s actually worse now then before they began to win.

While walking my dog the other day I talked to a guy with a leaf hat and jacket. I joked about him being an eternal optimist and that I was lucky to see my team finally win not one but three championships. I said now we have to go through hard times of a rebuild. He said after three cups you can endure a rebuild. I just laughed and said it’s actually worse now then before they began to win.

PaulR

You notice that on the blog. The more "seasoned" fans are much more patient, the newer ones hadn't endured 50 years of good teams, bad teams, heartbreaks. etc., and no cups. Sort of the same with Cubs fans I would say.

I watched the game as well and the Rangers gave up 42 SOG, so I beg to differ, however Shesterkin stood on his head. Campbell made some nice saves as well. I’ll take the current Hawks team over the current Rangers team, but I’ll take their coach over ours. The Rangers are going to regret taking Kakko over Dach and Lafreniere lacks speed for a #1 overall, just my $0.02..
- Angotti

Sure but the team let him see the puck, cleaned up rebounds he gave up and when he defended out of the crease there were defenseman, not forwards to block the puck, they knew they were going against a skilled team and they gummed up the house the best they could and only gave up 1 goal, 2 games in a row.

While walking my dog the other day I talked to a guy with a leaf hat and jacket. I joked about him being an eternal optimist and that I was lucky to see my team finally win not one but three championships. I said now we have to go through hard times of a rebuild. He said after three cups you can endure a rebuild. I just laughed and said it’s actually worse now then before they began to win.

PaulR

You notice that on the blog. The more "seasoned" fans are much more patient, the newer ones hadn't endured 50 years of good teams, bad teams, heartbreaks. etc., and no cups. Sort of the same with Cubs fans I would say.
- LAHawk

The older ones understand there is no "guaranteed" way to build a team and you can become "Buffalo" constantly rebuilding and drafting high.

Best way: "get as many good players anyway you can first and then figure out how to pay them."

The older ones understand there is no "guaranteed" way to build a team and you can become "Buffalo" constantly rebuilding and drafting high.

Best way: "get as many good players anyway you can first and then figure out how to pay them."
- rpeters01

Unfortunately in hindsight the Hawks should have unloaded the core after the 2016 season, recouped as much as possible in prospects and draft picks and lowered their salary cap at the same time. Getting rid of the core players would have driven some fans batpoop crazy but the hawks would be in much better shape today.

https://twitter.com/JFres.../1450197814106071040?s=20

For those J.Fresh advanced stats fan, he is wondering why JC is not playing Strome #leagueisgettingfaster #playernot gritty enough

While walking my dog the other day I talked to a guy with a leaf hat and jacket. I joked about him being an eternal optimist and that I was lucky to see my team finally win not one but three championships. I said now we have to go through hard times of a rebuild. He said after three cups you can endure a rebuild. I just laughed and said it’s actually worse now then before they began to win.
- paulr

Absolutely true.

Sure but the team let him see the puck, cleaned up rebounds he gave up and when he defended out of the crease there were defenseman, not forwards to block the puck, they knew they were going against a skilled team and they gummed up the house the best they could and only gave up 1 goal, 2 games in a row.
- BetweenTheDots

So, we want defensemen who never venture into the corners or behind the net. The need to guard the house. But they also must let the goalie see the puck at all times!

Unfortunately in hindsight the Hawks should have unloaded the core after the 2016 season, recouped as much as possible in prospects and draft picks and lowered their salary cap at the same time. Getting rid of the core players would have driven some fans batpoop crazy but the hawks would be in much better shape today.
- paulr

Always knew you had an axe to grind with Kaner.

Too bad we can't jump into the Way Back Machine but yeah...Stan likely wouldn't have given Seabs his deal. Ok wait, Stan absolutely would have cause, well...Stan.

Hardman over Strome and another shellacking tonight might be just the thing to spell doom for JC. That and a bunch of D zone starts for Gus.

Fun pointless factoid: Hawks have 4 of the 10 worst +/- players in the league as of today. But the absolute worst ... Nick Schmaltz.

Unfortunately in hindsight the Hawks should have unloaded the core after the 2016 season, recouped as much as possible in prospects and draft picks and lowered their salary cap at the same time. Getting rid of the core players would have driven some fans batpoop crazy but the hawks would be in much better shape today.
- paulr

This is all true. That said, I don't see McD allowing Stan (or any GM) to do it.

This is all true. That said, I don't see McD allowing Stan (or any GM) to do it.
- mohel

That and with the Core players all having NMC's, it's easier said than done.

While walking my dog the other day I talked to a guy with a leaf hat and jacket. I joked about him being an eternal optimist and that I was lucky to see my team finally win not one but three championships. I said now we have to go through hard times of a rebuild. He said after three cups you can endure a rebuild. I just laughed and said it’s actually worse now then before they began to win.
- paulr

The guy was a Leafs fan and you didn't instruct your dog to attack and bite him? WTF.