Theo Fox: Creature Feature A summary of the Blackhawks vs Kraken game where Marc-Andre Fleury yet again stood on his head as the team defense bled shots yet stole a standing point with the shootout loss.

Plus, a summary of the IceHogs vs Wolves game where Lukas Reichel notched a goal and assist in his return to the AHL.

Fleury was definitely the reason the team was able to get a point yesterday. Thought the game was pretty even until the 3rd and OT and the Kraken were everywhere and outworking the Hawks.

Nice to see Reichel pick up where he left off and thanks Theo for your assessment of some of the other Hogs (Alty, Teply and Barratt).

Other than Reichel, Wheeler's assessment of the prospect pool was pretty uninspiring. Sounded like we had a lot of potential NHL'ers but no real standouts with Reichel the only one to likely grab a top 6 fwd spot.

If Fleury started the season this way would Colliton still be coaching this team?

Is Fleury preventing the Hawks from having one of the two worst records in the NHL? (S. Jones trade implications).

If the return for Fleury is only the same as it was for Lehner should they keep him?

Is goaltending important even on bad teams or rebuilding teams? I think so. Look at Edmonton and Toronto in their seemingly years of rebuild. If you have quality goaltending it changes the way the whole team plays in front of them.

Should the Hawks try to renew Fleury for another year? Have his contract end at the same time Kane and Toews contracts end. Maybe move them all at next year’s TDL?

Entwistle and Hardman need to be at the Rock. Slavin and Connolly should be in the lineup.

Seth Jones will be back for the next game. Hopefully Galvas will also be in the lineup.

DeHaan is playing better at the right time. If they can get a 3rd round pick for him they need to pull the trigger.

Maybe the same situation with Kubalik. He is probably raising his trade value. But I would not mind resigning him if they can get him to agree to reasonable dollars and term. The Hawks have no depth of goal scorers, even ones lacking in other areas.

you will never know but feel like reichel and galvas in for hardman and Jones might have been the difference. felt like the 2nd half of the game we had no speed to get the puck out of the D zone. Im fine with recihel only getting 9 games but that seemed like a game he should have played IMO.

we have about 2-3 weeks to make a bit of run so you put who is playing best on the ice. IMO. Im not even sure I want to jump into the top 2 this year that would mean we would lose next years pick. Im convniced that Davidson is going full rebuild so we could be just as bad next year maybe worse. We are probably trading kubalik, fluery, carpenter, Dehann. my guess is 2 2nds, a 3 and a 5th. Im not a NHL draft guru but were would the top 2 picks fall if they were in next years draft. there are at least 2 generational talents in next years. Maybe it goes deeper.

Any knowledgeable hockey fan knew after the first 5 minutes of this game that it was set up for Seattle to break their losing streak. Sad that even professional leagues have to have participation awards.

Any knowledgeable hockey fan knew after the first 5 minutes of this game that it was set up for Seattle to break their losing streak. Sad that even professional leagues have to have participation awards.
- powerenforcer

PE don’t ever change.

Any knowledgeable hockey fan knew after the first 5 minutes of this game that it was set up for Seattle to break their losing streak. Sad that even professional leagues have to have participation awards.
- powerenforcer

PE we all have come to understand that you think the NHL is the WWE and outcomes are pre-ordained, my question is why then do you continue to watch? Also, is like the final score written in the script, or is more general in terms of "take a lead, but then turn some stuff over to allow the other team to score" or "play with no speed or emotion, the opponent will aim for the goalie to make it look like he is having an outstanding game so we can go to the shootout where he doesn't stop anything"

PE we all have come to understand that you think the NHL is the WWE and outcomes are pre-ordained, my question is why then do you continue to watch? Also, is like the final score written in the script, or is more general in terms of "take a lead, but then turn some stuff over to allow the other team to score" or "play with no speed or emotion, the opponent will aim for the goalie to make it look like he is having an outstanding game so we can go to the shootout where he doesn't stop anything"
- TheTrob

This all sounds plausible. Would be hilarious if this was an actual pre-game pow wow between the teams and refs. Sad...yet hilarious.

Another solid game by MAF. His trade value increases with every game. Let's hope he wouldn't mind being traded to a contender for a chance to win a Cup. If he and his family enjoy living in Chicago he could always sign back here as a free agent this summer if he wants to continue his career.

Kuemper from the Avs left yesterday's game due to league mandated concussion test after taking a hit to the head. The extent of the injury is not known yet. The problem is Colorado doesn't have a 1st or 2nd pick in the 2022 draft. I can't see Fleury accepting a trade to Edmonton. I don't think they have much chance for a Cup even with him. What other contender needs a solid goalie?

I hope the TDL comes around before deHaan suffers his annual injury. Maybe get a 4th for him. Maybe some team who needs a backup PP QB will take Gus off our hands for a 3rd or 4th.

PE we all have come to understand that you think the NHL is the WWE and outcomes are pre-ordained, my question is why then do you continue to watch? Also, is like the final score written in the script, or is more general in terms of "take a lead, but then turn some stuff over to allow the other team to score" or "play with no speed or emotion, the opponent will aim for the goalie to make it look like he is having an outstanding game so we can go to the shootout where he doesn't stop anything"
- TheTrob

PE we all have come to understand that you think the NHL is the WWE and outcomes are pre-ordained, my question is why then do you continue to watch? Also, is like the final score written in the script, or is more general in terms of "take a lead, but then turn some stuff over to allow the other team to score" or "play with no speed or emotion, the opponent will aim for the goalie to make it look like he is having an outstanding game so we can go to the shootout where he doesn't stop anything"
- TheTrob

Millions watch the WWE with full knowledge it is scripted. Millions watch "reality" shows that really aren't reality. Millions watch movies and TV shows that are clearly made up stories. So, it wouldn't be at all unusual for someone to watch "predetermined" NHL hockey.

For the record, I do not agree with PE that the games are anything near fixed.

https://www.prohockeyrumo...ens-hire-kent-hughes.html

Well, I suppose we can expect just about anybody to fill the Hawk front office positions.

Millions watch the WWE with full knowledge it is scripted. Millions watch "reality" shows that really aren't reality. Millions watch movies and TV shows that are clearly made up stories. So, it wouldn't be at all unusual for someone to watch "predetermined" NHL hockey.

For the record, I do not agree with PE that the games are anything near fixed.
- mohel

Knowledgeable hockey fans know they are.

you will never know but feel like reichel and galvas in for hardman and Jones might have been the difference. felt like the 2nd half of the game we had no speed to get the puck out of the D zone. Im fine with recihel only getting 9 games but that seemed like a game he should have played IMO.

we have about 2-3 weeks to make a bit of run so you put who is playing best on the ice. IMO. Im not even sure I want to jump into the top 2 this year that would mean we would lose next years pick. Im convniced that Davidson is going full rebuild so we could be just as bad next year maybe worse. We are probably trading kubalik, fluery, carpenter, Dehann. my guess is 2 2nds, a 3 and a 5th. Im not a NHL draft guru but were would the top 2 picks fall if they were in next years draft. there are at least 2 generational talents in next years. Maybe it goes deeper.
- kmw4631

Realistically, the Hawks need to not only improve by about 10 points (then maintain that pace), but also jump over six other teams in order to make the last WC spot - not to mention the fact that they've played 4-5 games more than most of the teams in front of them already. They are not going to do that regardless of anyone in their system playing.

Considering Hardman, Slavin and Galvas were all reassigned with S. Jones coming off protocol tells you all you need to know. The Hawks are willing to give good players from he AHL a quick taste of NHL action, but otherwise, they want guys playing as much as possible. The Hawks will likely ride out the current group until the TDL, then depending on what comes back in return, they will possibly call some guys up to finish out the season.

Chunk, I agree, basically the Hawks installed a care taker government to do no harm until they figure out who the new lieutenants are going to be. (The Wirtz’s of course are the generals)

Has anyone heard? About the GM search or is that basically on hold?

Realistically, the Hawks need to not only improve by about 10 points (then maintain that pace), but also jump over six other teams in order to make the last WC spot - not to mention the fact that they've played 4-5 games more than most of the teams in front of them already. They are not going to do that regardless of anyone in their system playing.

Considering Hardman, Slavin and Galvas were all reassigned with S. Jones coming off protocol tells you all you need to know. The Hawks are willing to give good players from he AHL a quick taste of NHL action, but otherwise, they want guys playing as much as possible. The Hawks will likely ride out the current group until the TDL, then depending on what comes back in return, they will possibly call some guys up to finish out the season.
- Chunk

Chunck - i think you are on to something

Has anyone heard? About the GM search or is that basically on hold?
- glennjpawlak22

They have to wait until the Soccer Gurus learn enough about the NHL to tell Rocky who to hire to run the show.

Realistically, the Hawks need to not only improve by about 10 points (then maintain that pace), but also jump over six other teams in order to make the last WC spot - not to mention the fact that they've played 4-5 games more than most of the teams in front of them already. They are not going to do that regardless of anyone in their system playing.

Considering Hardman, Slavin and Galvas were all reassigned with S. Jones coming off protocol tells you all you need to know. The Hawks are willing to give good players from he AHL a quick taste of NHL action, but otherwise, they want guys playing as much as possible. The Hawks will likely ride out the current group until the TDL, then depending on what comes back in return, they will possibly call some guys up to finish out the season.
- Chunk

Spot on, Chunk. The latter part of your post is exactly why the Hawks traded for Lafferty rather than a draft pick, i.e. to get a player capable of playing in the NHL who is affordable and on an expiring contract so that a prospect doesn't have to if roster players start getting traded.

Realistically, the Hawks need to not only improve by about 10 points (then maintain that pace), but also jump over six other teams in order to make the last WC spot - not to mention the fact that they've played 4-5 games more than most of the teams in front of them already. They are not going to do that regardless of anyone in their system playing.

Considering Hardman, Slavin and Galvas were all reassigned with S. Jones coming off protocol tells you all you need to know. The Hawks are willing to give good players from he AHL a quick taste of NHL action, but otherwise, they want guys playing as much as possible. The Hawks will likely ride out the current group until the TDL, then depending on what comes back in return, they will possibly call some guys up to finish out the season.
- Chunk

In addition - you pointed this out days ago - they may bring in warm bodies at the TDL to fill the spots of the dearly departed so the kids don't need to be rushed.

Giving the kids a taste, and a list of things to work on, seems prudent.

Edit - what Theo said.....

Realistically, the Hawks need to not only improve by about 10 points (then maintain that pace), but also jump over six other teams in order to make the last WC spot - not to mention the fact that they've played 4-5 games more than most of the teams in front of them already. They are not going to do that regardless of anyone in their system playing.

Considering Hardman, Slavin and Galvas were all reassigned with S. Jones coming off protocol tells you all you need to know. The Hawks are willing to give good players from he AHL a quick taste of NHL action, but otherwise, they want guys playing as much as possible. The Hawks will likely ride out the current group until the TDL, then depending on what comes back in return, they will possibly call some guys up to finish out the season.
- Chunk

Maybe when DeHaan and/or Gus are traded they recall Galvas. When Strome, Dach or Connolly are back they send Entwistle to the Rock.
I imagine deHaan is the first to go, followed by Strome. Then maybe Kubalik and Fleury. But the Hawks will wait to see if the offers get better or worse closer to the TDL.

They have to wait until the Soccer Gurus learn enough about the NHL to tell Rocky who to hire to run the show.
- mohel

Hope not, wasn’t Ralph Krueger a big soccer executive before becoming Buffalo’s head coach?

Any one know why we can't quote something with our first post of the day here? Think all of us are affected by this but either cut and paste or do a post like this so we can quote.

you will never know but feel like reichel and galvas in for hardman and Jones might have been the difference. felt like the 2nd half of the game we had no speed to get the puck out of the D zone. Im fine with recihel only getting 9 games but that seemed like a game he should have played IMO.

we have about 2-3 weeks to make a bit of run so you put who is playing best on the ice. IMO. Im not even sure I want to jump into the top 2 this year that would mean we would lose next years pick. Im convniced that Davidson is going full rebuild so we could be just as bad next year maybe worse. We are probably trading kubalik, fluery, carpenter, Dehann. my guess is 2 2nds, a 3 and a 5th. Im not a NHL draft guru but were would the top 2 picks fall if they were in next years draft. there are at least 2 generational talents in next years. Maybe it goes deeper.
- kmw4631

I was actually thinking the same thing. Just that little tweak of having an ineffective Hardman and McCabe affected the third. Getting S. Jones back will help that... but with Dach and Strome playing as slow as they do, will a faster forward help us better? Definitely someone who plays more than 6-10 minutes will help.