2015-16 Blackhawks

#76      

Shane Walsh

Shane Walsh
aka "Captain Oblivious"
Cynthiana, Kentucky
Shane Walsh
Illiniaaron said:
My next comment will probably get me yelled at by some. The Hawks made Kane and Toews the highest paid players in the league at $10.5 mil. a piece. Kane is playing like it, leading the league in points and assists. So far Toews only has 8 goals and 7 helpers. I realize that Kane gets to play on a more dynamic line. But imo even though Toews plays good "D" and is good at the dot, he needs to score 35-40 goals to justify his salary. Discuss please.
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:tsk: :hand:

Toews does not "need to score 35-40 goals to justify his salary". He is widely regarded as the best captain in the NHL. Kaner was the one with something to prove coming into this season and he is obviously doing just that.
 
#79      

IlliniByProxy

IlliniByProxy
St. Joseph, IL
IlliniByProxy
The Hawks are playing well lately, but I still think they have a lot of room for improvement. I figured it would take about half the season or so for Q to figure out player roles and for everyone to get comfortable. I hate to say it, but we need better play from the top line. Toews, Hoss, and (insert rotating top line forward) just haven't been getting it done. I know Shaw has spent a lot of minutes with those guys, but I feel like with Toews and Big Hoss' skill set you need a skilled straight line speed guy on that line. I'm not sure the Hawks have that player.

I like a lot of the prospects the Hawks are rolling out this year, but they are all still very green. I don't think this team has a true third line at this point. It seems like they are running with two fourth line quality rotations every night. That lack of production is going to hurt if they can't get some of the youngsters to make big strides throughout the season.

As is the case with almost every NHL team, they also desperately need a quality defensemen or two so Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmarsson don't have to play 30 minutes a night.
 
#80      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
IlliniByProxy said:
The Hawks are playing well lately, but I still think they have a lot of room for improvement. I figured it would take about half the season or so for Q to figure out player roles and for everyone to get comfortable. I hate to say it, but we need better play from the top line. Toews, Hoss, and (insert rotating top line forward) just haven't been getting it done. I know Shaw has spent a lot of minutes with those guys, but I feel like with Toews and Big Hoss' skill set you need a skilled straight line speed guy on that line. I'm not sure the Hawks have that player.

I like a lot of the prospects the Hawks are rolling out this year, but they are all still very green. I don't think this team has a true third line at this point. It seems like they are running with two fourth line quality rotations every night. That lack of production is going to hurt if they can't get some of the youngsters to make big strides throughout the season.

As is the case with almost every NHL team, they also desperately need a quality defensemen or two so Keith, Seabrook and Hjalmarsson don't have to play 30 minutes a night.
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Good post. You're right, there's a lot of room for improvement.

The D corps is in better shape than last season. Gus is going to be a fine #4 (what a find, BTW) and TVR-Rozy gives us a solid 3rd pair. The Missile gives us just enough additional cap space to allow Stan to nab a legit 1LW rental at the deadline.

Bickell's albatross contract and the Loonie really hurting us.
 
#81      

IlliniByProxy

IlliniByProxy
St. Joseph, IL
IlliniByProxy
Joel Goodson said:
Good post. You're right, there's a lot of room for improvement.

The D corps is in better shape than last season. Gus is going to be a fine #4 (what a find, BTW) and TVR-Rozy gives us a solid 3rd pair. The Missile gives us just enough additional cap space to allow Stan to nab a legit 1LW rental at the deadline.

Bickell's albatross contract and the Loonie really hurting us.
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I must say, I do like Gustafsson's play in his recent call up, but again he's green. I hope he can build on it and solidify himself in that spot. I was hoping for more from TVR personally. I'm still curious if we'll see Pokka at some point this year. Again, there is some young talent there, but it needs time to develop.

You are so right on Bickell. I find myself wanting him to do something, anything to justify that contract, but he's just not that guy. Surprisingly poor contract from a front office that has had more hits than misses.

My pre-playoff wish list:

-Top line LW
-Experienced capable D
-Legit 3rd line C or RW
 
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#82      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
IlliniByProxy said:
I must say, I do like Gustafsson's play in his recent call up, but again he's green. I hope he can build on it and solidify himself in that spot. I was hoping for more from TVR personally. I'm still curious if we'll see Pokka at some point this year. Again, there is some young talent there, but it needs time to develop.

You are so right on Bickell. I find myself wanting him to do something, anything to justify that contract, but he's just not that guy. Surprisingly poor contract from a front office that has had more hits than misses.

My pre-playoff wish list:

-Top line LW
-Experienced capable D
-Legit 3rd line C or RW
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Only gonna be one of those. First line LW. Panik will get a cameo. But the deadline answer will be one of Boedker (pray for AZ to drop out of playoff contention), Marleau (fever dream), JVR (doubt it), or Ladd.

Gus gets 40+ games of seasoning. Pokka stays in Rockford for big minutes. He'll be up next year. Forsling (the next big thing) takes his spot in Rockford.
 
#85      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
What an OT! 3v3 is a massive, massive upgrade over a shootout. Even if 3v3 isn't real hockey. Hoping for another 2 points tomorrow. Toews took Kane's stick to his face. He's fine.
 
#86      

Shane Walsh

Shane Walsh
aka "Captain Oblivious"
Cynthiana, Kentucky
Shane Walsh
That OT sure was fun. Much better than the old 5 on 5 for 5 minutes. This is a nice little roll that the team has gotten on. In the words of Lou Brown, "Starting to come together Patrick, starting to come together."
 
#87      

IlliniJim20

I
IlliniJim20
Great game, keep the winning going.

I still find it annoying when Troy Murray says the extra point is not as important since they are playing an Eastern Confernce team. I realize it does not affect as much as in Confernce, wet standings and jumping a Confernce foe, but an extra point still counts as an extra point doesn't it?

If the Blackhawks finish one point ahead of St. Louis for example, then wouldn't this point have mattered?
 
#88      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
IlliniJim20 said:
Great game, keep the winning going.

I still find it annoying when Troy Murray says the extra point is not as important since they are playing an Eastern Confernce team. I realize it does not affect as much as in Confernce, wet standings and jumping a Confernce foe, but an extra point still counts as an extra point doesn't it?

If the Blackhawks finish one point ahead of St. Louis for example, then wouldn't this point have mattered?
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Idiotic comment from Murray. Yes, divisional games are more important. Then conference games, followed by non-conference. But, yeah, a point is a point and they all count.
 
#89      

IlliniByProxy

IlliniByProxy
St. Joseph, IL
IlliniByProxy
I wasn't watching as intently as I could have, but from what I did see, that game felt like a Playoff game. Both teams had their fair share of surges. Crawford was phenomenal in net again. He's really stepped his game up this year.

3 vs. 3 is no more "real" hockey than a shootout to me, but it sure is exciting. I'm fine with either format as long as the playoffs never change from the 5 vs 5 format.

What a snipe from Breadman to end it!
 
#90      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
IlliniByProxy said:
I wasn't watching as intently as I could have, but from what I did see, that game felt like a Playoff game. Both teams had their fair share of surges. Crawford was phenomenal in net again. He's really stepped his game up this year.

3 vs. 3 is no more "real" hockey than a shootout to me, but it sure is exciting. I'm fine with either format as long as the playoffs never change from the 5 vs 5 format.

What a snipe from Breadman to end it!
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Crow still has an extremely annoying penchant for giving up Crawfties, but overall he's been great this season. Best season yet, should be an all-star and edging into elite status. And, oh yeah, he was fantastic last night (what with all those giveaways).

3v3 >>> shootout. But you're right, it not "real" hockey. Playoffs will always be 5v5.

Panarin is good at hockey.
 
#92      

KBLEE

KBLEE
Montgomery, IL
KBLEE
Shane Walsh said:
playoff 5v5 ot until winner > 3v3 > shootout > ending in a tie
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I think ending in a tie would be much more acceptable if they adopted the standard soccer points system that awards 3 points for a win and only 1 for a tie/draw. I would prefer that to a shootout, as it is additional incentive to get things done in regulation.
 
#93      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
KBLEE said:
I think ending in a tie would be much more acceptable if they adopted the standard soccer points system that awards 3 points for a win and only 1 for a tie/draw. I would prefer that to a shootout, as it is additional incentive to get things done in regulation.
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No doubt. The idea that ties are unacceptable, is mind-boggling. OT winners should get an additional point. Regulation wins earn 3. Better system, AFAIC.
 
#94      

Shane Walsh

Shane Walsh
aka "Captain Oblivious"
Cynthiana, Kentucky
Shane Walsh
KBLEE said:
I think ending in a tie would be much more acceptable if they adopted the standard soccer points system that awards 3 points for a win and only 1 for a tie/draw. I would prefer that to a shootout, as it is additional incentive to get things done in regulation.
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The shootout is preferable to a tie to me simply because it offers closure in the form of a winner without dragging a regular season game on beyond reason. I love watching soccer when a result is needed such as the later rounds of World Cup or Confederations Cup play, but just cannot help but feel disappointed when a team plays for a tie. I understand that it might be a good move strategy wise when a point system is utilized, but there always seems to be an empty feeling there.

If the NHL went back to allowing regular season ties and awarding a point to each team I don't think it would persuade any teams to sell out and try to win. They would still play safe and count on getting that point, after all, it is better than getting zero. I would be very interested in seeing a tie result in zero points for either team. You want points?... Go out and win. Thoughts?
 
#95      

Illiniaaron

I
Geneseo, IL
Illiniaaron
Joel Goodson said:
Idiotic comment from Murray. Yes, divisional games are more important. Then conference games, followed by non-conference. But, yeah, a point is a point and they all count.
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I didn't hear the comment by Murray but is it possible that he was referring to the point picked up by Pittsburgh? The fact that the Hawks blew a third period lead and gave up a point to the Penguins is less costly than doing it against the Blues or Stars since the Hawks are battling them for playoff position?
 
#96      

Illiniaaron

I
Geneseo, IL
Illiniaaron
Shane Walsh said:
:tsk: :hand:

Toews does not "need to score 35-40 goals to justify his salary". He is widely regarded as the best captain in the NHL. Kaner was the one with something to prove coming into this season and he is obviously doing just that.
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No one else has ever been given that type of coin for being a great defensive forward and being good at the face off circle. Actually Toews is scoring more lately.
 
#97      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
Another routine win. Hawks rolling now. Add a 1LW at the deadline, get Krugs back for the playoffs and I like their chances. Crow has been great. Danault and Gus have been great rookie adds.
 
#98      

IlliniByProxy

IlliniByProxy
St. Joseph, IL
IlliniByProxy
Joel Goodson said:
Another routine win. Hawks rolling now. Add a 1LW at the deadline, get Krugs back for the playoffs and I like their chances. Crow has been great. Danault and Gus have been great rookie adds.
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I have been skeptical about Shaw as a 1LW but he's been phenomenal during this winning streak and his move to the first line lit a fire under the captain as well. The top line has been exceptional during this winning streak. Of course if you can add a true 1LW you can move Shaw to the bottom 6 and add some serious depth down there.

Gus has been great. He's been a really solid 4 D-man. I feel better when Scuderi/TVR/Rosival are limited to third pair minutes.

Hope the boys keep it rolling and cushion there playoff spot so they can rest some of these guys that have played 300+ games over the last three seasons.
 
#99      

IlliniJim20

I
IlliniJim20
IlliniByProxy said:
I have been skeptical about Shaw as a 1LW but he's been phenomenal during this winning streak and his move to the first line lit a fire under the captain as well. The top line has been exceptional during this winning streak. Of course if you can add a true 1LW you can move Shaw to the bottom 6 and add some serious depth down there.

Gus has been great. He's been a really solid 4 D-man. I feel better when Scuderi/TVR/Rosival are limited to third pair minutes.

Hope the boys keep it rolling and cushion there playoff spot so they can rest some of these guys that have played 300+ games over the last three seasons.
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Oftentimes, a solid grinder type works wonders on a top line, as Shaw has been showing. He does the dirty work, gets the puck in the corners, takes hits to make plays, commands some attention as a grinder, meaning defense players must account that he will go hard after a loose puck, so they better do so as well. This in turn opens things up for your skilled players, just as skilled players often open things up for others due to the attention they command.
 
#100      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
#11 in the bag. Franchise record on the line in Nashville. Then on to Florida. More goodness from Gus. Great one timer from Panik. Great effort from Panarin to free himself from the defenders, followed by great pass to Kane for the one timer. What chemistry.