Blackhawks Sign Goaltender Arvid Söderblom
On Thursday morning the Blackhawks announced the club has signed goaltender Arvid Söderblom to a two-year entry-level contract that carries a $883,750 cap hit.
Söderblom, 21, ranked second in goals-against average (2.03) and save percentage (.922) in Swedish Hockey League this season. He registered four shutouts in 22 regular-season games for Skellefteå AIK. He posted a .951 save percentage and 1.54 goals-against average in two playoff appearances this year as well.
Looks like good potential here. With league transfer agreements and European clauses, good chance he has to stay on Nhl roster first couple of months anyway or go back to Europe, Delia and Subbans writing could be on the wall.
Lankinen moved out of #1 spot?
Only way Lankinen loses his spot is if he performs poorly in training camp and someone else shines….Delia has better upside than Subban….but then again, Delia did not get a chance this year to play….so……who knows. As for this kid, he is only 21 , playing 2nd division, see what he has in camp and pre season…that’s all you can do.
He’s 6’3” so that’s a start
Soderblom played in the SHL which is Sweden’s top division. It would be considered 2nd division compared with the NHL but it is one of the top Euro leagues, if not THE top.
Hope goalie is big
The only goaltender in the SHL this year with a better GAA was a 38 year old veteran..in terms of goaltenders that would still be considered prospect age, he was the best in the SHL this year. I’m happy to see that the Hawks don’t believe their goaltending has been solved yet..Lankinen, Subban, and Delia all feel like they top out as a very good backup at best. I’d be o.k. with any of the three in net for 20-25 starts a year..but the Hawks still need a goaltender that can make 70 starts a year, which is the type of volume needed from your number 1 if you’re going to make a deep playoff run. That being said, I would still draft Jesper Wallstedt if he falls to 11-12 in the draft this year..he probably won’t, but if he’s available, I would take him quickly. His numbers as an 18 year old were close to Soderblom and by all accounts he is very technically sound and extremely good at tracking pucks. As I look at the range of players that the Hawks may have the opportunity to draft, I don’t see any that project to be a top pairing defenseman or a top center. So what is the better value? Drafting a goalie that does project to be a long term starter, or drafting a center whose ceiling is the 3rd or 2nd line at best(looking at you Raty/Lucius/Sillinger/)..I think in this case, especially at 12th or so in the first round, Wallstedt may very well be the best player available..my backup, assuming he’s gone, is Fyodor, who already plays a strong 200 foot game and drives line play, exactly the type of player the Hawks need more of.
Delia and Subban likely hearing footsteps. Like Bowman or not, he does find a lot of worthwhile European players.
Noticed Coronato moved up to no.11 in Buttons rankings. Craig mentioned awhile back he was told that’s a player who the Blaclhawks like.
No doubt the hope is Soderblom becomes no. 1 during season if he doesn’t win it out of camp.
Does he hit and play physical because our goalies were allowed to get run over this 56 game season. WTF was that.
@ian, Button’s board had a couple of head scratchers..he also has Kent Johnson going 13th overall..I’d personally be shocked if he dropped out of the top 6 or 7..although the Hawks are in an interesting spot draft position wise. Theoretically, most teams top 9 should be similar. But from pick 10 and on, there could be a lot of teams whose draft boards vary greatly..so whether it’s Coronato, Wallstedt, Lambos, Lysell, etc it will be interesting to see which names fly off the board before the Hawks pick..they could very easily end up being able to take their 7th or 8th ranked player simply by way of the board falling strange in front of them.
MO, Well said my friend, you are speaking my language!
Slayer I’m not saying pick Coronato, just that there is reason to think he is somebody that they interested in. I just hope like every year they get it right.
Mo your on the tank bandwagon all year for a skilled player and you want to put a priority on getting a enforcer with their first pick, seriously. All for getting bigger and protecting the goalie but everybody wanted them to play the young skilked players to see what that had, if your going to play alot of still developing skinny 20 year olds, something gotta give to make it happen, that ‘s part if the roster is starting to arrive and more coming like Slaggert etc.in the pipeline.
Looks like up until after the draft into free agency might be fairly busy with new faces coming and few going. Good start to the off season, likely see some rfas signed soon as well.
Flames have 3 games left against Canucks in next few days, if they get 4 pts or more they finish ahead of Blackhawks, who would then move up to 11th spot to pick.
If I understand the new draft lottery ping pong ball rule – that a team can move up a maximum of 10 positions – then all the more reason to root for Flames to get 4 points out of their last 3 games so the Hawks can move into the 11th spot, win the lottery and move to #1, select Owen Powers in the 1st round, then Colton Dach in the 2nd round and have a very good draft. A #1 d-man and big power forward would be 2 big steps in the rebuild.
Even if my dream scenario doesn’t happen, the Hawks will have a good chance to get an impactful player at 11/12, albeit one probably a year or two away from seeing NHL action.
Ian,My take on MO,s post was that he wants a D Man with an edge that is over 175 pounds that will clear the net front and slots on a regular basis. Nobody drafts an “ENFORCER”. It’s an outdated term that for the most part does not exist A physical forward must be able to take a regular shift and be a well rounded player.
EB the move up 10 spaces doesn’t come into effect until next season, apl lotto teams get a shot at 1 and 2 this year regardless of where they finish.
Tim – we haven’t had defensemen who clear the front of the net with consistency since the first cup.
The safest 10 feet on the ice are in front of our defensive net. Been that way for 10 years. I don’t see it changing, in the near term. Not the system that’s in Chicago now, nor was after 2010. You want that kind of defensive play, you are gonna be pissed off a lot going forward. If you aren’t accustomed to the reacharound, use my stick and stay out of the goalie’s vision defensive play of the Hawks, then you haven’t been a fan very long.
You may get 1 guy that can be physical often. Eventually, he will see nobody else is doing it so why should he?
It’s like watching gliders on your team. Why should I bust my butt when he doesn’t?
We need complete players right now, 200 foot players. Defensemen that can SKATE as well as score and play defense. Q’s teams would ratchet it up in the playoffs and become a bit more physical, like Seabrook and Oduya. That helped. But the game has changed to a more speed based skill set, emphasis on skating and stickhandling, with small amounts of physicality in the moment. Far less physicality than 25 years ago.
Playoff hockey is more physical, yes. We ain’t there yet. We lucked in last year.
Name me one team in the Salary Cap era that won the Cup playing man to man defense.
Name me one team in the last 20 years that won the Cup playing man to man defense?
Yeah, Colliton’s man to man scheme is a proven winner, isnt it?
Heavy Kool-Aid.
This guy lost 8 of his last 11 as his team plummeted from playoff contention to lottery pick.
He has lost more than he has won in 3 years of on the job training.
If this man is still behind bench when 2021-22 season begins, expect more of the same you saw for the last 3 years.
The NHL is no place for a inexperienced coach to employ strategies that have proven to not work, or test new ones that he has no idea will work.
Remember, this is a guy who, with his playoff life on the line very late in a game 5, had John Quennville on the ice with Jonathan Toews.
That’s right….John Quennville.
Can not and will not win with this man behind the bench.
I will not be here if he still is.
No point.
I want to win, not ‘develop’ or tread water.
So to those of you who drink the Kool-Aid, pray he stays so I go.
Perimeter – Couldn’t have said it better. Man to man in this league requires years of chemistry between the D-men, and great skill throughout, because there is little to no room for error. Continuing to allow these young players to run around in circles trying to figure it out is a ridiculous approach, IMO. That’s why no one uses it.
Lots of teams play man to man including Tampa and Carolina – FLA is a bit of an exception because they play zone -that’s what Q likes
There is nothing unique about the Hawks D scheme it’s the execution and the teaching of the scheme that appear to be lacking
I’m willing to see how it looks next year but there needs to be improvement or perhaps going to zone is a better choice or going to a new coach – if things next year are the same in the D zone as this year something is very wrong
Silent alot of truth in your post, a man to man whether it’s on ice or grass if your opponents are faster than you keeping up man to man is a tough job, bottom line. Teams like Panthers especially. used their speed to give Blackhawks problems. Speed with constant pressure and hard work all 200 ft of the ice. will nullify most advantages, but if your not faster, hard to make it an advantage. Kalynuk looked good coming in last part of season seemed comfortable at times with it. That is a perfect example of giving the younger defensemen another couple of years to see where they are. Kalynuk undrafted as an 18 year old went back into draft as a 19 yr old, picked in 6th round, then after that went to Ncaa to continue his development, started getting together his 2nd year in university and became a leader and had a breakout his 3rd year, used the loophole of being drafted as an overager and became ufa a year early and Bowman to his credit saw his development and signed him. Imagine if Bowman drafted a defenseman who nobody picked the year before in 6th round and said after a few years in college Bowman said he felt that this guy could be in top 4 conversation. Can’t imagine too many would agree.
Their first rounder i hope they get it right and find best player still there when their turn comes. If that player brings ability to play the role of clearing the slot, that’s great, Lambis somebody i talked about alot be nice pick, but not a make or break for top 12 pick, becoming a fixture very good player in few years is main thing.
@ian-oh, I know you weren’t stating that the Hawks should draft Coronato..I was just pointing out that Button having him 11th in the first round feels a bit high for him, ..agreed, as long as the Hawks get the pick right, I’ll be pleased. And to that point, I didn’t know much about Reichel before he was drafted, but the early returns look promising..and even though I really like Wallstedt and Fyodor based on their potential upside, if the Hawks have a center or Coronato graded higher and he falls to them, then that’s great.
So I’m guessing Nalimov was another StanBo Bust???? Perimeter Player is 100% correct: This franchise isn’t going anywhere until StanBo is shown the door, the “roar” you will next year will be a “whimper”.
Back to the normal Central Division next season. Colorado,Minnesota,St Louis,Winnipeg,Nashville,Arizona,Dallas. Where are those WINS going to come from? Maybe the East will provide some relief because their regular division opponents look like a meat grinder to me. Or those California teams and the Kracken on the end of long road trips might provide some relief. Gerard Gallant interviewing for the Rangers job. Hopefully Tortorella takes a short break before hopping back in. Just enough time for the Colliton magic to wear thin.
To Tim W: StanBo would never hire Torts and if he did he’d last about a week. StanBo would have to get a no name European coach to deal with this mess he created. Where will the wins come from??? I honestly don’t know.
Ian, Tim is right on what I mean. When I posted for last few yrs about getting top 5 skill draft player I only mean skill by quality so thw rod I wrote writing that was for good luck and it got us 77 so I kept saying those words. I didnt ever mean a skilled player that is tiny or a beast that has no skill and just a machine/which is good to have but not with top 5/10 draft picks.
I like Reichel and know 19th picks can be good. Its just taht on yrs when we have a chance at top 5/10 players we need/have to get them. We didnt last yr and that was a watse. Sure it was good for experience winning and getting blown out by top 5 team. For some things it wasnt for not getting three in a row top quality top notch players.
So even though we got lucky that Lankenin is very good and I thought that before anyways so the Reichel pick is good. I just wanted three top draft players on the yrs we have a chance at getting them. The yrs coming up are the yrs for getting more good players like Reichel when were a real 6 seed kind of team not when we are a 7-12 seed kind of team now.
Its timing on that and we need some good timing and get lucky like 77 and Reichel could be a steal like 12. So keep loading young wave.
Everybody here has there blueprints for how to get our roster top top 2 team in league quslity again. We mostly agree on it to. I donot like to root to loose and I kind of didnt do it that way even though I posted it that way/kind of. I just went with every time we loose its better for the young wave/big picture perspective.
I am not wanting top 3 picks for 10 yrs/even though that would be sweet. I want to keep 19 88 and load up young wave to the fullest.
You guys know I want the best for the roster so we can win again. I am not in it for the money/making plaoffs. The money goes hand in hand when were 5 in 7 yrs conference finals and thats with reloading two times in that 7 yrs.
I know were not going dynasty again/no team will. I just want to add a couple cups every decade so we can be the team of the 3rd 50yr section in the history of hockey.
I agree with Tim and Ian and Silent on those posts on whats needed.
This line here.
If this man is still behind bench when 2021-22 season begins, expect more of the same you saw for the last 3 years.
Is prob the best thing for us next yr so we get another top 5/10 draft quality player in the 22 draft. Then lets get the gm/coaches in here that are going to guide us from B to A.
Thats a good time to do it. Timing. Were better woth 3 top 5/10 draft players and Reichel then we are with 2. By then the young wvae will be more ready to and we ll have the full cap space to add top pair Defensemen we donot have with Seabs and other caphits to cover the two top pair guys we get from ufa.
Like you guys said/Silent we need some enough of those kind of big physical and regular soze physical players. Just to have enough/not makeup of most roster just enough so we can play any other teams style that they play and win.
If you go with current roster, under contract next year, Toews, Kane, Cat, Dach, Kubalik, Kurashev, Borgstrom expected to earn a spot, Hardman, Entwistle, Strome, Carpenter and Connelly. Hagel no brainer and Nylander not arbitration eligible and already said they would be in mix that’s 14. Rfas arbitration eligible, Gaudette, Suter and Kampf, Hino ufa. Reichel and Shalunov could be signed and Johnson, Alty, Barrett, Teply, Slavin and Morrison in Rfd., another 12. Playe4s in Rfd unless they outright win a spot in camp likely start year in Rfd again, no waivers needed. Hino my feeling won’t be back, Reichel only 19 could start in Rfd. Collitons endorsment of Suter likely means he gets a contract. Actually wouldn’t surprise me if we see a Suter/Dach/ Kane line at start of year. He gives Dach left shot fo guy to help there and could play C if Dach struggles a bit he could slide over to wing to try and spark it. That likely means Strome odd man out there. Connelly eating his contract the big part of his reason in that trade, likely spends most of year on ir or buried in minors. So bringing back Gaudette is easily doable there. Toews hopefully ready to go but if not could bring Kampf back as a shutdown guy fo guy to fill that void or maybe Shalunov. Wouldn’t mind seeing a 4th line if Hardman/Entwistle/Gaudette with Carpenter still around if needed there.
Ian you forgot to mention Dylan McClauglan in Rockford, dude always seems to get slighted, every time I’ve seen him play he’s the most noticeable player on the ice
As someone else mentioned previously, we`ve got a surplus of 3rd and 4th liners but perhaps not the right mix of players in our top 6. Too many players for too few spots for next year ( Toews decision to play being a factor of course ) but of all the third and fourth liners looking for a spot I personally feel we have to find a way to fit Vinnie Hinostroza into the mix, even if he`s the 13th forward. He`s fast and disruptive on the forecheck and has enough skill to play up and down the lineup on either wing. Down the stretch he was more of a factor on the ice and the scoresheet than even Suter ( who I like ) . Damn he made some nice rushes, passes, and goals down the stretch. In fact I`d take him over David Kampf any day ( and i like him as well for his role ). I think Vinnie wants to play here in Chicago and is probably very welcomed in the dressing room by the other players including Kane. He might however get an offer from another team based on his performance so my point might be moot but if we have the choice I`d like to find a way to keep him. He was noticeable out there most of the time.
Dylan MacLaughlin on a Ahl contract not an Nhl one, so not sure if they see him as potential Nhl player or not.
Jim Ross, i like Hino too but just see the numbers game working against him, although I wouldn’t mind him on the roster at all. Kampf on one hand he is their best shutdown, faceoff center not named Toews on the roster right now, just his offensive game is basically non-existant. Entwistle looks like a pretty good skater now who could handle the shutdown role. Needs to improve his fos and that may happen. Reichel looks like he has potential to be solid top 6 guy, maybe even at C, may get another solid top 6 future piece with 1st pick too, possibly. Think Dach who has never had a training camp yet in his young career should blossom next year with one. An abbreviated one last summer after some training in his down time seemed to do wonders for him. He came back, gotta like his heart, to try and help his team earn a playoff spot without a chance to get in proper shape and hurting a bit this year, that with his lack of chance to prepare showed. So top 6 has the potential to get better in year or 2 quite easily. Still be a development year so a few players playing out of place is still expected.
Hagel, Beaudin, and Pirri on Canada’s roster for World Championships.
See you guys next year, maybe.
All depends if The Big Lebowski retains Gilligan as his coach.
If he stays, I will not be here. No point.
This Gilligan guy?
He dressed David Kampf for every damn game (56) as a 3rd/4th line center.
He skated Kampf with 88, 12 and 8 at times.
Kampf responded with exactly 1 goal all season.
That’s right……1 goal.
If you give me the face off argument or PK argument, that is a loser argument.
The PK was miserable and has been for 3 years under Gilligan.
And a guy winning 55% of his face offs is not exactly MVP material…..not in lieu of 1
goal in 56 games.
Even money says this 64 production machine will be in the lineup for the opener next season if Gilligan remains.
Example 897 why Coach Gilligan is not a winner in the NHL and never will be.
So if want to cheer for that, you do not know hockey….and I give up.
Cannot convince the ideological with pragmatism.
So c ya for now and maybe for good.
In terms of Dach, I wonder if it might make sense to have him on the wing instead of at center. He`s very young, and a very important piece of the future for the Hawks HOWEVER, he might still be a little too young in this league today to have the responsibility of playing center against the top centermen for every other team. With that much responsibility his focus won`t be on playing to his strengths which I think playing on the wing for now will allow that. He`ll get his chance at center as he grows but let the kid dangle off the wing, shoot more ( which is sorely lacking in his game and a sign that he`s over thinking things ), and use his size and skill to keep a cycle going and to get pucks to the shooters. I think i saw something a few weeks back where some scouts saw him better placed as a winger than a center in the NHL and I tend to agree with them if only for another year or two or until he gets stronger and more seasoned. It sucks that we have to put him in the position of a number one or number two center right now ( due to Toews injury and a lack of others to slot in that role effectively ) however, we aren`t doing the kid any favors playing him against the top centers in the league right now. Just my two cents.
Jim Ross would have no problem with Dach on wing, I was saying that before season to try him with Toews in Saads spot, but that went south in a hurry. Seems like they want him at C though and last summer looked the part in playoff bubble. Really don’t see his year this year as anything you can take from about his progression. Suter played a serviceable job centering Kane on topline this year and could play there as a placekeeper again to start next year if needed. With Borgstrom in mix, Kurashev and a healthy Toews and maybe Shalunov there should be enough options for top 3 Cs if he played winger.
I agree Ian. Thanks for the follow up
It’s not blind ideology, it’s realistic patience. Rebuilding takes time and progress is not always linear. I’m very optimistic the 2021/22 season will be another positive step in the progression. The arguments for and against the current plan have been belabored ad nauseum and the litigants have taken their stand. The results will be shown over time but the time it will take is unknown which requires patience.
Using opinion as fact and stating those who disagree with you “don’t know hockey” is the height of arrogance.
MO, Aside from my system and strategic problems with Colliton it is apparent that he is not fond of playing physical forwards other than a token 6 to 8 minutes on the 4th line with a Center who has no offensive skills whatsoever. Perimeter, I am with you all the way. The Kamph/Strome/Carpenter eras should be done here. It is minbdboggling that a Center that played every game this year,and at times with 1 of the most prolific offensive players in the game,cannot score any goals except maybe the 1 at the end of the year that bounced off 3 opposing players skates and trickled across the goal line. At the bare minimum Colliton,s staff has to be gutted. This team needs real NHL coaching on that bench to guide these young players and to create an identity with an edge to it.
Colliton is making the same tragic mistake that Mike Yeo made in St. Louis – playing 4 lines with the same role (run and gun) instead of 2 lines as scoring lines, 1 as a checking / shut down line and 1 there to eat some ice time.
This partly explains why Kane played so many minutes. Colliton was trying to make the 3rd or 4th line a scoring line. This also explains the disproportionate numbers between offense (good) and defense (horrific).
A guy like Kampf should play the role Marcus Kruger did. Maybe the PK wouldn’t be so awful if roles were better assigned.
What a damned shame.
wijg
it is not colliton‘s fault. bowman allows him to exist. similarly it is not bowman’s fault. rocky wirtz allows him to exist. when the top dog facilitates mediocrity by his management the blame stops there. wirtz counted his sold out stadium dollars rather than understanding that mc donough was a cancer and that a barnyard owl could have sold all of the seats mc donough was selling. he finally ousted mc donough, but mistakenly believed the cancer was only skin deep. the real rebuild will begin when baby bowman is sent to retirement with the real bowman.
Well Eb,
How come you cannot reply with counterpoint to the points, but instead reply with generalization?
That is proof of ideology.
And you have had three years of this mess…….three years
Only one called out as ‘rebuild’, and the masses have lapped that up, as they fail to think (and see) for themselves
You can call my position arrogant if you want,
I call it absolutely failing to see what is damn obvious over three years, two of which had better on ice talent.
So if you can’t ( or won’t) see it, how can you claim to know the game?
But you are ideological while I am pragmatic when it comes to the NHL game of hockey.
So keep drinking the Bowman patience Kool Aid.
I tasted it for three years and it is awful.
Patience over (See NYR and CBJ).
Checkmate man. You lose.
C ya next year maybe.
Perimeter out.
Love it. Claim others don’t know hockey when a certain poster clearly doesn’t know any. Only shows up in the comment section when they lose. Spent a long part of the year as quiet as a mouse when they were winning.
Jimross, I would have 77 on the line with 19 and maybe 8?
For the people talking about player with speed in the game these yrs made me think of Stals he was fast in regular season then when playoffs he wasnt faster then other players anymore and then he didnt make a diff. So we need speed and quality.
PP, I’ve stated my position and the reasons for my position numerous times and don’t feel the need or see the purpose of responding to your every misguided hissy fit.
I’ll (re)state my opinion/position as succinctly as I’m able.
1. The rebuild should have started 3 years ago, if not immediately after getting spanked by Nashville 0-4 in the playoffs – BUT IT DIDN’T. Moves were made toward a rebuild but it didn’t start in earnest until this season.
2. The reason it didn’t really start until this season was due to the impediments stacked against changing course from trying to win one more with the old core to one of a youth infused rebuild.
3. The first impediment to a rebuild was Quenneville. It wasn’t a matter of him not wanting to play young players, which was demonstrably false, it was a matter of him not wanting to invest his twilight years in the down years a rebuild would inevitably require. He simply didn’t want to buy into the rebuild plan so he had to move on.
4. The next impediment that needed to be removed before a rebuild could be entered into was McDonough. He was eventually removed which removed the biggest impediment.
5. The last significant impediment were the old core players who couldn’t or wouldn’t accept that the team could compete for the Cup by continuing to supplement the old core group within the constraints of the available salary cap space. The reality was much of the old core group was either gone or diminished but as is often the case – the athletes are the last to recognize that reality.
6. Unlike Quenneville and McDonough, the player could not simply be fired and the NMC’s made trading them virtually impossible – so it had to be through attrition, which takes time. Crawford was not re-signed which took care of one of them. Seabrook fell apart which took care of another, although his salary is still affecting the flexibility Stan has in making moves to expedite the rebuild. Toews disappeared with the mystery malfunction which removed the main old core group antagonist to the rebuild. Kane and Keith eventually embraced their roles to help facilitate the rebuild rather than fight against it.
7. Then there were the unusual circumstances that conspired against the rebuild being as effective as it could have been. First, Colliton’s first year as coach started mid-season which precluded JC from getting all players buying in and meshing in training camp and preseason. There was also and very significantly the reluctance of players like Toews and Keith to accept the firing of Quenneville and embrace and support the new coach. Exacerbating the bad attitudes of some of the older players was the fact they simply weren’t as good with Hossa no longer on the team and it was an easy out for them to blame the inexperienced coach.
The next unusual circumstance was Covid which interrupted Colliton’s 2nd season which on the surface may not seem too significant given they played most of the season before the season was shut down but it’s very significant given the fact the change in style was still in its infancy trying to go from crawling to walking. The Covid effect extended into this season as training camp, lack of preseason games and condensed schedule made it much less than optimal conditions to implement the new system while at the same time as infusing so many rookies into playing significant minutes and roles.
The last significant circumstance was losing the crown jewel of the youth movement when Dach broke his wrist and effectively lost the entire season to what would arguably have been a major step forward in his development. Toews disappearing was probably addition by subtraction from a rebuild mindset perspective but it was still a major blow to the team structure on the ice which required players to play roles they would have been better served had they been able to slot down a notch.
Summarizing my position – I don’t know if Colliton is the right coach for this rebuild – what I do know is Colliton still hasn’t had a “normal” year with which to prove or disprove he’s the right coach or even a good coach. What I also know is Kane and other players have praised Colliton which goes a long way further than the opinions of internet posters. Additionally, the team played with the effort necessary to build a winning team, albeit short on experience and talent relative to the other teams in their division – that should be credited to the coach.
My expectations, based on the assumption the 2021/22 season getting back to normal and there aren’t any more significantly negative circumstances, is there will be significant progress in the rebuild next season. However, the rebuild will take a number of more seasons to reach Cup contender status. How many more years is unknowable and require patience – not blind patience because I believe we should be able to see progress milestones as we go – if not, then at some point a change will be warranted. We’re not at that point though – far from it.
I really like your idea of Dach on the right wing with Toews and Kubalik on the left wing. If I remember correctly, Kubalik seemed to really play well with Toews when given time on the top line. Gotta take the pressure off Dach and let him play with some good players on the wing for a little bit. Hopefully Toews comes back this year and this line combo is given a chance
Also don’t mind Dach on RW – that’s where he was playing at WJC before getting injured and I want Kubalik in a defined top 6 role so playing with Toews seems like a good fit and has worked before
Kubalik has been underused IMO – he has been a consistent player often playing 3rd line minutes and often with Kampf as his centre – whether it’s Toews or someone else he needs a centre that can get him the puck in scoring areas – hopefully with more centre options next year that happens
ER – Your calm, professional responses are admirable. For myself it seems that this board has turned into a consistent negative loop. I have no issue with folks not being satisfied with either SB or JC but the repetitive nature of the takes implying that any idiot should be able to fix this immediately have become like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. I am taking a sabbatical. To Tab and many of the long time posters thanks for the opportunity to share thoughts about our common passion. To better days for the Hawks and social media.
ER – whether justified or not, you come across as an apologist for Bowman.
Everyone demands ‘accountability’ of players. Yet, demanding that the guy who got us into this situation is not being held accountable. Much of the damage was self-inflicted by Bowman: Bringing in a nobody coach and assistant coach without any thought of how that would do to the team chemistry, the Seabrook contract, bringing in injury prone players and trading for underachievers, etc…
As I mentioned in a previous post: Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Boston all won Cups in the same era as the Blackhawks and they all have a legitimate chance at winning the Cup this year. We need to stop making excuses and demand accountability.
Until Bowman is held accountable, until people stop making excuses for him or fantasizing things will be better, nothing will change.
For the record, I don’t think you are an apologist. But neither do I think are you a realist.
Yet, NOT demanding…
With the infusion of young forwards to the roster this year, Borgstrom, likely Reichel and the hope of a returning Toews to bolster the returners of the group to start next year, and maybe a Nylander or Shalunov make an impact too. The working of rfa or elc contracts seem to be the biggest hurdle there. Soderbloom signing to bolster goaltending and would think a tandem of him and Lankinen is what we’ll see in goal.
I think there is a pretty good chance something will happen on the defensemen front beyond a Zadorov re-signing and moving Dehaan. Drafting a future top blueliner may happen but that’s likely 4 or 5 years away to impact the roster in a big way. Free agent defensemen from Europe tend not to have impct of forwards or goalies. So that leaves a trade for as mentioned Jones or someone similar, if one can be found for right price. Other option is ufa, unless waiting for a year or 2 and hope for the best, this year’s best available is likely Dougie Hamilton, wouldn’t surprise me if Bowman pursues him, not saying he will or should but get the feeling something will hapoen there and he is one solution. Same age as Murphy and be a solid pair to lead this young group of dmen forward. Agree with post that says Colliton wants to roll 4 lines that bring skill, usually because of cap issues not an option for teams to do. Also think that 3 balanced pairs is what is being looked forcaswell. Blackhawks have the ability to do that with cap getting reset in next year or 2. There is right now 22 contracts set to expire at the end of next season. Time will tell i guess.
Like Dach with Toews, works both ways as Dach develops into a centerman, would lessen the load on Toews at same time. Mark Messier played his first 400 nhl games on wing before moving to center in the 84 playoffs and kickstarted the Oilers cup runs, so no rush to have him at center right away.
When I posted this also meant to say that in playoffs everyone goes full speed so Stals beibng faster in regular season wasnt like it was in regular season when he looked fast. In playoffs he wasnt faster then everyone else then. Now when it came to Leads or Schmaltz they got faster in playoffs
MORRISON
May 16, 2021 at 11:13 am
Jimross, I would have 77 on the line with 19 and maybe 8?
For the people talking about player with speed in the game these yrs made me think of Stals he was fast in regular season then when playoffs he wasnt faster then other players anymore and then he didnt make a diff. So we need speed and quality.
MS, come back when were good/top 5 again. Same for Ernie.
Think it really started when we traded Hammer and didnt have Hoss. For me it was right after not having Hammer and Hoss.
Also ot does take time like ER said and those things he mentioned had to happen and those other things.
Our better prospects werent ready yet after NAS beat us that one time after we beat them everytime before that. This season was when lots of the young wavers were ready. Not may were simpley ready yet tho other two yrs before. NOw we have more coming next two yrs/good prospects not just prospects that can/could play.
19 77 hurt for season helped having that many prospects in at once other wise that many would have this season. Same for 7 65.
Interesting that Crwo Seabs Shawzer Hammer retire same yr. Wonder if they got together to make more then hats.
Question for y’all, go back to the 2018 draft, Hawks took Boquist, rumor was Hawks were going to take Wahlstrom….after seeing development of both players at this point, who should the Hawks have taken ? Me…..a big good winger would have been better than a small D man that cannot defend….thoughts ……
With those other things this season it seems like we didnt make a huge step but we did and Ian reminds of the more good players coming just in next season were going to take another huge step that will be very nocticable also with 19 77.
Sp those huge steps are like three steps at once on a 10 step to top 5 team status.
Basically we have what three top 6 FW coming back/being ready and one top pair Defensemen coming in for Seabs caphit. We know Lankenin is good. So were looking at 4 seed next yr if we can beat teams like MIN NAS DAL with this coachs team system.
So when we get new coachs teams system in a couple yrs maybe then were going to be better because of that to. Were fine until then because were not horses yet. Once we do then we better have things lined up and ready to roll or we pissed.
Ian, What is the contingency plan when Toews doesn’t show up for Training Camp and Dach has not improved enough to play 1 of the 3 top Center spots? Most of these proposed lineups for next year contain the caveat When Toews comes back. I hope the Hawks are working on the Nuclear Plan of moving on without Toews or Dach at Center.
WIJG – I’m not an apologist for Stan, I’m an apologist for fair and balanced comments, which are in short supply, especially when it comes to the hot buttons of Bowman and Colliton.
Your post is a case in point where only the (perceived) negatives are cited and an assumption is used to accuse Bowman when it just as likely could have been an intentional necessity.
The negatives examples in your post are listed. What isn’t listed are the good moves Stan has made to provide a fair balance with which to assess Stan’s job performance.
The assumption made was that Stan hired Colliton without any thought of what it could to to team chemistry. The assumption is that it was a bad move. A viable counter argument is that Stan felt it was precisely the plan to change the chemistry which was stuck in “win now” mode and not easily changed with Toews leading the core group against the change. Bringing in Colliton brought the issue to a head where it could be dealt with. Recall Toews and possibly others did an end-run around Stan to complain to McDonough. With Quenneville out of the way, this was a power play between Toews/McDonough and Stan. Rocky backed Stan and McDonough was fired. Is all that 100% accurate? I don’t know but there was enough smoke to indicate there was a fire and other public evidence makes it plausible, if not probable.
Tim W lol time will tell win’t it.
ER – you convinced me to change my opinion. I think you are an apologist.
MS – sorry that you’re taking a break- I appreciate your objective and thoughtful comments but I understand your frustration – there are several posters here that I simply swipe past already knowing what their narrative is and if that bothers anybody don’t bother posting about it because I won’t be reading it
I’m going to continue to comment but perhaps not as frequently depending on what news is
Enjoy your sabbatical MS
Fenn Fenn Fenn.
You should do your homework before posting.
I was here after game 10….and after game 20…..game 30…. game 40….and game 56.
Just like clockwork. Research it. You will see I am right.
So much for your ideological ‘church mouse winning’ narrative.
Smashed to bits by the pragmatic…..again.
As Queen said: Another One Bites The Dust.
Checkmate. You lose.
Enough of this ideology nonsense.
Got a life to lead, mask free.
Pray Colliton is coach next year.
That will mean I won’t be here.
Then some of you guys can drink the Bowman Rebuild Kool Aid all day long, unchallenged.
Grape flavor.
Saganaki sucka.
PP – OK, go ahead and believe you won the imaginary contest you think we’re engaged in. For some reason “winning” an argument on the internet seems to matter you. I stated my opinions and the reasons for having those opinions – not to convince you, which I knew going in was futile – but to give other less rigid thinking posters another viewpoint to counter the predominant narrative repeated by you and a few others.
I enjoy “arguing” – not to troll or to argue for argument’s sake, but more or less as a Cousin Vinny type to point out inconsistencies and poorly thought out positions. Course, each “argument” has a limited shelf life when the other party in either unable or unwilling to engage in an honest debate and most internet arguments quickly fall into that category. But, such is the effect of unaccountable anonymity on the internet.
I vote apologists. Many here believe StanBo can do no wrong when the blame rests solely on his shoulders. This Euro Style hockey is going to be dumped in the trash when finally somebody upstairs figures it out. One thing I noticed towards the end of the season was there sure were a lot of ads mentioning that tickets are still available for next season. Smart fans wont be buying them or drinking beer there if the Hawks are getting trashed by smart physical teams. Will they win some games??? Sure, but once again this will be a sub-500 team and the only excuse given is this is a rebuild and we should all be patient like good people should. Baloney. Our farm team is weak, our hockey team is weak. Other teams laugh at us. All due to Stan Bowman thinking he’s smarter than everyone else. If Toews comes back next year we will still be in Cap Hell and StanBo will have to get rid of some players that actually showed some potential promise here. The squeaky wheel just gets a little more grease.
I appreciate your efforts ER-you tried but it doesn’t work because people have fixed thought and positions and won’t change no matter what thoughtful answers/perspective are given.
Most people don’t think Stan can do no wrong-he has and will-I even hoped he would get replaced a year or two ago. But it didn’t happen and it’s now his job to lead the way-not us. The negativity is a downer, but people have the right to be that way and it probably fits the way they see the world-too bad for them.
Agree entirely on Kube being both underused and having had great chemistry with Jonny. Remember that goal he scored last year in Toronto when Johnny threw him the thigh high pass as he drove the net? It was as improbable as it was brilliant, but only two guys totally in sync could’ve pulled that off. Kube is a finisher (and he played really well this year despite playing low minutes without guys to compliment his talent). Put him with the right guys and he will push DeCat for most goals.
To the apologists: All anybody has to do is watch ANY of these playoffs games and then honestly think to themselves: Do you really think that “StanBo’s Euro Hockey” would have any chance in winning any of these types of games??? Not a fat chance. Quit kidding yourselves. Quit drinking the Kool Aid. Its not happening here.
I know I have been for a top 5 draft player before we played any games taht is only because I want roster to be a top 5 team again nothing negative with me. I am as positive as anyone can be and think the young wave will get us back we have to also add those elite ufa players and have a large group of young wavers. I like keeping 19 88 the whole way.
The more skilled were ready first we have physical fast players coming. Bowman did get good free summer rentalx for tradeline that had 200 ft physical players for bulk of season they were real fast but were the kind we need more of.
Whats the best thing for the reload its not doing as good of a record and having problems with the team ssytem coaches because that will only stay for so long and then we get the change we need while along the way we get better top 5/10 draft skill players instead of 5 19th picks.
5 19th picks doesnt get us back to top 5 team. These top 5/10 picks do.
Do I think “StanBo’s Euro hockey” could beat any of the teams in the playoffs? I don’t know and neither does anyone else because we haven’t seen the finished product and probably won’t for several years. The 2020/21 Hawks is nowhere close to being the team is will be in 2023/24. Regardless what the Stan haters say, the rebuild is in the early stage and using the Point-C to Point-B to Point-A measurement – the Hawks are at Point-C and probably won’t get to Point-B until 2022/23 at the earliest.
Rebuilds take time and often requires some good fortune. You don’t have to have patience – you can be pissed off and miserable if that’s your disposition, and undoubtedly many of you will be, but it won’t change a thing – the rebuild will progress or not at it’s own pace irrespective of internet comment sections.
Just watched TB and FLA – great game very physical – made me realize what a meat grinder the young Hawks were dealing with playing those two teams
Those are two heavy teams with no physically immature 20 or 21 or 22 year olds – those were all physically mature men – it makes a huge difference
Good news is that these young Hawks will physically mature but it’s gonna happen on it’s own timetable not when we wish it so
Lol
More just of the same nonsense. I really look forward to the day the hawks launch stan and jc. So many people wouldn’t know how to act without their same tired act then.
See you after one loss next year perimeter so you can cry some more. And of course being quiet during the wins like this year.
Just like clockwork.
Fair point about the ages of the players but for right now many people are pinning their hopes on players that aren’t even here yet, players we haven’t even seen yet, players hopefully StanBo can draft, players that need to mature both ways and they are being coached by a Kid Coach with a scheme that hasn’t proved anything up to now. We’ve been at Point C for a while now. And if its the case that Kid Coach isn’t the answer why should StanBo get a second chance at picking another coach??? To many ifs for me.
ER @ “I don’t know and neither does anyone else because we haven’t seen the finished product and probably won’t for several years. The 2020/21 Hawks is nowhere close to being the team is will be in 2023/24.”
LMFAO!
“Several years”? Of Bowman? Of Colliton? You can have it!
“The 2020/21 Hawks is nowhere close to being the team is will be in 2023/24.” Oh, so YOU know what the 2023/24 team will be?
That would be like having said: ‘the 2018/19 Blackhawks will look nothing like the 2021 Blackhawks’. In terms of the roster, it would be correct. In terms of the record, pretty much the same.
HAMMER TIME, Great posts tonight. Its refreshing to see that many of us are into this with eyes wide open regarding the soft EURO hockey that this organization employs. I always advise other Hawk fans to watch a period or 2 of other teams directly after watching a hawk game to get yourself a true picture as to where this organization is at. Any of those 3 playoff games that I saw today were far above any level that this Hawks team would be able to play let alone maintain for a long playoff series. Unfortunately this organization is in dire need of the wrecking ball from the Team President all the way down to the training staff. And if that is not apparent to Rocky Wirtz then a new owner is probably necessary also. Maybe when those season ticket reservations start heading in the wrong direction the message will become clear to Rocky Wirtz. They were about 2000 fans short of COVID Capacity for each of the 2 Star games. Tickets were redily avilable through game time of both games.
Raptor – Wrap .
Good post from guys who knows that we are at the beginning of the rebuilding.
We dream of winning now but it’s a long process and the young Hawks wave will be ready in 3-4 years from now .
For those who thought that Mitchell , Dach , Suter and other kids would be ready to change the situation for this year … no they are not because they are still kids learning how to play their favourite games in NHL and next year will be better but still learning. So don’t think they will make it to the Stanley Cup final ….the answer is NO , Will Rachel be ready for NHL .. physically ..NO he just reach 19 today . He was born today in 2002 ..19 .and needs to get bigger and stronger . Maybe Barrat because he is 22 …but NO …because he needs more time playing in Rockford to adjust to professional hockey . Maybe he will be Call sometime.
Hagel …Hagel should be signed soon.
wijg–please let me apologize for ER
Hawks began “rebuild” -few years ago when they Cut ties with Q
Management- acted like the Govt. and just lied to you
WIJG – I’m an optimist. I’ve called myself a Pollyanna many times on this site knowing it’s negative connotations. I don’t shrink away from it – I celebrate the hopefulness I have and am thankful for it – not only as a Hawks fan but life in general. It’s not something I can control – I’m just “wired” this way. Not everyone is and I understand that. It doesn’t make me better or worse than them but I think it does make it easier for me to accept things aren’t always going to go the way I want them to and I think it makes it easier for me to see hopefulness in things others can’t see. I’m not a philosopher but there is my philosophy – take it or leave it. :=)
Tim W. All I watched this weekend was playoff hockey(sprinkle in a little golf) and all I saw was intensity, taking guys off the puck, and teams for the most part clearing out the crease for their goalies. All things we do not do or not taught to do or not allowed to do. Our scoring lines would be chewed up and knocked right out of there with no repercussions from our team. And yes while our team is young with many rookies, this team is light years away from even close to competing if at all with these playoff teams. Florida has some young players(to be fair not as young as ours) and with some retreads that were discarded by StanBo, Q for the most part went toe to toe with Tampa and look at some of the other games outside of the Calgary-Vancouver game, those teams were racking up between 50-70 hits for the game. Imagine what our “Euro Style” game would do when matched up against those teams, we’d be getting crushed. Even if our rookies would suddenly all gain 20-30 pounds a man and suddenly “got it” I just don’t see how our style would hold up against these teams seeing that the refs let them “play hockey” and the middle would be wide open for teams to do what they want to us because we are “chasing” them. I don’t mean to sound like a broken record but I just don’t see it. The fans that go and spend their money on this product will decide the outcome of this current set up. They will not stand for being constantly out of position, constantly being 1 good period and 2 bad for us and having our “stars” getting battered because the “coach” doesn’t want to take “bad” penalties. maybe Euro hockey works in Euro because the rinks are larger there, but I just don’t see it working in the NHL Only StanBo sees it.
It’s funny how we should all be made to believe that this is a full-blown rebuild after years of denial from Stan and at times, McD.
Any fan who intensly follows this team knew that they were in a full rebuild, as did some members of the media. However, we were told things like “we’re not rebuilding, it’s more of a re-load”. Or Stan’s infamous 2017 statement after the Hawks were swept by Nashville in the first round, “I’m going to take a look at all things. I can promise you I will be better … Joel and I are going to work together to make sure this never happens again.” He then made it seem that it was just a few tweaks to get back to winning. At no point did he mention any rebuild. Then fast forward to 2020 and he says things like, “hey, these things take time to develop (referring to an obvious rebuild)”. As if we as fans should have just accepted this 180 in approach. The arrogance was high. So, call us Stan-haters if you will, but that’s just holding someone accountable. Big difference.
As it has been said several times on these boards, Stan was out to save face. There are some good things going on this with team and the roster. However, there are still things he’s not being scrutinized on that he should. For example, did we win the Saad/Zadarov trade? How do we feel about Strome now? Schmaltz has outplayed him. Nylander? Sorry, he’s a show pony. These decisions are not conducive to winning culture.
As for the Euro-style in the NHL, sorry the ice is too small to accommodate for a successful outcome. NHL requires teams with rosters like Boston, St. Louis, Washington to thrive.
Bluto YES
WOW! A new milestone in my life – some character named Bluto apologizing for me. I should go celebrate. Can my life get any more blessed?
The last cup teams were built around a group of generational talents, with a supporting cast that got them over. The generational talent is not always an option, since Mcdavid and Matthews there really hasn’t been a player who you can say yet that was drafted falls in to that category. Balance seems to be what the organization is prioritizing on now. Instead of the 1 generational type center to carry the team, an attempt to have 4 centers to carry the load and less reliance on the need of 1 go to guy. With Kane around there obviously be a generational winger available, but still rolling 4 groups of wingers who can handle all situations. Same with blueline, may be a work in progress but 3 pairs that can play all situations and contribute at both ends seems to be the goal. In goal from nobody to replace Crawford to 3 possible potential no. 1 options over next few years. Will it work, have to wait and see. Is there areas where this roster is lacking, yes, but like building a house, you need a roof and walls to protect you, but you don’t build them until the foundation is finished first.
Now that I’ve broken out my philosopher’s stone, I feel a parable coming on- it’s the parable of the impatient husband.
A husband would like his wife to cook a favorite casserole but he has some work to do so he asks his wife how long the casserole needs to be in the oven. She answers 2 hours. He comes back 2 hours later expecting to eat and she tells him it’s not ready yet. He flies off the handle and demands the casserole be ready to eat right now. She tries to explain to him that there was an hour of preparation before it went into the oven and it will need to cool for 30 minutes after it comes out of the oven. He doesn’t want to hear it and tells her he’s leaving, wants a divorce and is going to find a wife who can cook a casserole in 2 hours. That made the wife extremely happy.
THUD. That’s the sound of falling on deaf ears. :=)
Iff Calgary Flames win one of the 2 last game ….then Hawks move one spot for next Draft… that would be very good …plus if Vegas loose in their first round …that would be very nice also for the Hawks .
Go Flames Go
2010 – yes to CAL getting 2 more points – will be keeping a close watch on their results in last 2 games
Great analogy, husband asked how long the casserole would be in the oven. The wife lied and said 2 hours, what she should have said is it takes an hour to prepare, an hour to cook and a half hour to cool after it got out of the oven, hence 2 1/2 hours. And now you know why the husband was upset.
ER – your optimism is obvious and appreciated for what it is.
Perhaps a better parable is from a hockey coach my son once had who addressed the anxious parents concerns about their kid’s development. He said:
‘Teaching hockey is like teaching them the piano. I can teach them how to play a piece by Chopin. That won’t take too long.
Or, I can teach them to play the piano so they can play anything. That will take more time.
What do you want me to do?’
The problem is Bowman is tone deaf and Collition can only play the kazoo.
Ian, I see what you are saying about building a team like a house with a strong foundation but I gotta tell you,I would be starting with a much different foundation than a group of euro forwards and undersized non physical D Men topped with a top 4 pick that we don’t know if he can play Center in the NHL. All of that led by a stubborn young coach intent on reinventing the NHL developmental wheel.
TimW i have said before it’s not the route i expected either, have they got it all wrong or will it turn out to be innovative. Obviously maintaining a pipeline that sustains balance long term seems reasonable, can it get you to the top though, maintaining one that is built around generational players is limited window as to how long they can keep producing. Agree Center needs to improve over this season, potential is there for that to happen, teams take far to many liberties and that needs to stop, agree with you on that. Those areas do need addressed for sure, of the smaller finesse D, only 2 or 3 of them likely are long term. Let them develop not room on Nhl roster for all of them out of camp, some have to go to Rfd. and force their way back next year, but most don’t need waivers so that’s a good option to have with them. This time next year some choices to be made who is really in the future and who isn’t, some likely earn a longer look too. I’m wondering will they go with a blueline that to start year looks something like, Zadorov Murphy on one pair, Keith and Stillman paired up with Kalynuk and Boqvist or reasonable facsimile. Or will they bring in a a top 4 guy to pair with Murphy and Zadorov if he is re-signed in the mix with other 2 pairings.
The husband didn’t how long before dinner is ready and the wife answered correctly 2 hours. If she made a mistake it was assuming her husband wasn’t so dense to not know there’s more to making dinner than the time it’s in the oven – which was the point of the parable and the applicability to the impatience of the Hawks rebuild … apparently lost on some.
Oops – typo – “The husband didn’t ASK how long before dinner is ready …”
If Bowman gets fired, the rebuild gets set back many years. The new person has nothing invested in all these young kids. Dach, Reichel, Boqvist, Mitchell… The list goes on. The new guy will pay some lip service to the talent the Hawks have, but ultimately wants to be judged by his choices, not the (potentially erroneous) ones of his predecessor. If the Hawks fire Bowman they won’t sniff the playoffs for another five years at least.
If Colliton gets canned, what is a new guy going to do with the young players that JC isn’t doing already? Second, what coach is going to want to come in and play with a roster that is almost half 25 or under? No one is going to win with that roster in the short term, it’s going to be a couple of years before the kids bulk up to NHL weight and by then Keith is gone, Kane and Toews are well into their 30’s and DeBrincat becomes the most accomplished player to lead the team. No coach who is more accomplished than Colliton is really going to be interested in coaching the Hawks. All those accomplished coaches will be waiting for the imminent vacancies in places like Edmonton or Toronto when those guys get bounced from the playoffs too soon. The current coach of the Hawks is not going to be the coach that takes this group after they develop to the next level. If you replace JC it’s only because you think he is doing more harm than good to the development of the kids and you want to bring in someone to do a better job keeping the seat warm for the next guy.
For me, this is a process that has to be seen through. Making these kinds of changes now only make sense if you are truly going to do the nuclear option and start from scratch. That would be acknowledging that this group of prospects is a collective bust and there is no hope to salvage anything. Trading away DeBrincat, Dach, Boqvist for picks and prospects that may never pan out.
Personally I think the Hawks are closer to being a playoff team than not, so the nuclear option doesn’t make sense to me. When Kane and Toews contracts are up, that is when you decide to go nuclear or not. At that point if the Hawks are contending you build and add and make a run. If not, you trade All the kids and blow it up. But you bring in someone else to do it.
I am hoping to have casserole for dinner tonight.
When I left for work this morning there were all the ingredients in the kitchen – carrots, onions, celery, flour, eggs, seasonings, etc… All that was needed was someone to turn them into a tasty casserole. I am hoping – because I am on optimist – that my wife knows how to do that, even though she has never managed to do it before.
She hasn’t had much luck over the last 3 years, though. Some of the ingredients spoiled. Others were not what was needed. And some, we just couldn’t afford. But, I am optimistic and hope that when I come home tonight there will be an awesome casserole for me.
So you think all the ingredients are here? I’m going to guess you would be alone trying to defend that statement.
Jeremy Eat World. Playing Riot Fest. That kazoo tone will blow you away.
ER – it’s not just the ingredients that matters. It’s the quality of the ingredients.
I checked when I got home and found the onions were spoiled, the eggs were broken and we only had scrawny chickens in the refrigerator.
No casserole tonight.
But me being the optimist, I hope the onions in the garden will come in this summer, we can get some fresh eggs and can find some meat to replace the chickens.
I don’t have to tell you, that takes time ER.
So does learning how to cook. We need to get after that too.
Looks like I will just need to be satisfied with crumbs while patiently waiting for my casserole.
I wonder if there is a better alternative.
John Galt you should do what I do: My wife can barely boil water let alone have the capability to make an awesome casserole but she’ll tell anyone that doesn’t know any better that she’s a pretty darn good cook and I would starve if it wasn’t for her. What I do is either take her out to dinner a good 3-4 times a week and order out at least a couple of nights. Its best to get a good meal who you know for sure, a person that can really cook and not screw it up. I know who can cook or can’t because those that can’t usually get exposed and are out of business after a while when other people also figure it out.
Yep, fallen on deaf ears … or I suppose blind eyes in the case of the internet.
Eh, as with most things internet – doesn’t affect me one iota. No casserole for me tonight but my wife made her delicious chili – yummy! :=)
Switching between WAS/BOS and CAR/NSH – I love playoff hockey.
Hammer, I know a good cook who can make exactly what I like. Me.
When I want a great steak, I ask the butcher Some would rather stick their head up Bowman’s – I mean a cow’s – ass.
WIJG – you know when someone loses an argument? When they resort to insults and personal attacks – such as accusing me of having my head up Bowman’s ass for the unforgivable sin of disagreeing with your opinion. Classy.
Ebon… spot on…
Once Hawks gets a#1 Goalie & Keith is gone, as well as future if Toews is known (free up money maybe)… Then the Team can move forward…
As stated before, Maybe McDonut or better yet, Q-ball had their hand in Seabrooks contract as well as other dumb contracts.. Q,”you sign him as We need him”!
lmao…
So far in reload/rebuild/new core foundation Debrincat Dach Reichel seem to be the core players and donot yet know who are the others. A top 10 draft pick should be a core player/not always so lets say BoQ is/isint and this draft is. Thats four core players and we need waht 6/7 so we need to add those two top pair Defenemen and where there/on the way to getting what we need.
Keep young wavers coming so we have lots and lots of younger fast ebergy players that are fast/skate and can play physical.
I think were looking good in 2 yrs. Need team system.
Who knows in a couple of years maybe have Borgstrom be a fit with Cat and Kane, have another line of last 3 no.1s, Reichel, Dach and tbd killing it, and Toews with Kubalik and somebody else on another line, with guys like Hardman, Slaggert, Entwistle, Hagel and others to round out forwards, nothing shabby about that and not really that much a stretch. Bolster the defense with some solid goaltending could look alot beyter pretty quick.
Ebony, Amen to your Playoff Hockey observation. That is some intense,hard,relentless play in all of those games. My favorite time of the year when you can take in 3 solid games a night. Lets hope Bowman and Colliton are watching. Maybe it will open their eyes to the types of players that are necessary to compete.
MO, I wish I could agree with you but at this point the only solid future pieces to the puzzle for the Hawks are DeBrincat and Hagel. I would say Dach is a huge question mark now and Reichel is an unknown until he competes here. I would put Boqvist in the not part of the future category and Ian Mitchell in the unknown right now. Kalynuk is a wait and see,give him a full year and lets see what we have there. Other than that they are mostly unknowns especially the physical players due to lack of playing time,which could have been accomplished during this COVID Season.
TimW those questions are what the process is all about, finding those answers to them not about giving up over them. That’s why you do this stuff to try and answer them, doesn’t mean the glass is getting empty, means your trying to fill it.
TW – let’s revisit Dach and Boquist’s future after the 22-23 season when they will be more men than kids and have had 4 years experience – I expect them to be big time contributors by then and the Hawks to be able to make some playoff noise
If their potential is seemingly not being filled at that point then maybe the ‘not part of the future’ label can be considered but until then it’s waaaaay too early to make prognostications about where they’ll end up as players despite your current feelings toward them
I’ll just say this – man, it was great seeing the Hillrods lose last night. Hopefully Carolina does it three more times, in a row.
And add this – man, it was great seeing the Blows lose last last night. Hopefully Colorado does it three more times, in a row.
One more thing – Go Flames Go!
Everyone complaining about 20 year old guys in the NHL not being good enough needs to look in the mirror and repeat the words, ‘Teuvo Terravainen’ slowly, ten times.
Everyone complaining about 20 year olds playing in the NHL needs to repeat the words, ‘Teuvo Teravainen’ slowly ten times.
Just read for the first time in weeks. I was tired of the sky is falling every day crowd. I hate say it, but today is the worst I’ve read yet.
I’m not sure how anyone can be so sour and dour about this past season. We saw so many young players emerge and could be assessed for their development. The season was better than anyone expected. A goalie was found. AdB emerged. Kane was transcendent when he wasn’t injured. So much to be optimistic about.
Is JC a good coach? I don’t know. How would anyone know after Toews, Dach and Strome missed significant time? Shaw retired from injuries? Boqvist missed time twice? COVID affected off-season and season start? And the list goes on. Seems like too many variables to draw any conclusions, but some are so certain. But alas, we have many members of the GM Hockey Hall of Fame opining here.
Agree with yo guys. Saying the are most likely to be th core playerrs. Alogn with Kane.
Not that we have to have a core of 7 like the dyanasty core. We could have more then 7 and some not as high caphits. Just that we do have a lot of good players that could be.
As nothing or just one player Kane vs the world.
Regarding perceived negativeness,I would encourage all Hawk fans to watch a period or 2 of this years NHL Playoffs. Many of these teams are playing with very young players in their lineups also. Not a ton of coaching staffs that resemble the Hawks staff but I guess we will have to be patient for a couple more years with them also. We shall see.
TW – watched TB FLA last night and the youngest player I saw was 22 year old Owen Tippett – no 20 or 21 year olds and Tippett was the only one 22 or younger – Forsling is 24 – who I am missing? were there others?
So FLA has 2 players surrounded by veterans who are 24 or younger and TB has one 4th liner Mathieu Joseph who is also 24 – the Hawks iced teams with the majority of it’s line up under 24 (many of them 20 -22 ) a rough estimate being 12 per game
There is no comparison in terms of youth between these teams
Wrap, I didn’t pull up all the rosters yet. I was going more by initial watching of all of the playoff teams and who they had on the ice. The WILD had a couple of 1st year NHLers the Avalanche had a couple of 2nd year guys along with Makar. The Preds and Canes also had a couple of very young guys on ice. The Canadian division has not started yet but I will take a good look at them too.
Full disclosure – I missed a couple of player 24 year olds on TB – Cirelli and Cernak
So TB has 3 24 year olds in the line up but no one younger
Forsling is 25 in a month but is still 24 so FLA has one 24 year old and one 22 year old
I think my point about trying to compare apples to oranges with these teams and the Hawks and their youth is still valid
TW – didn’t see CAR NSH Monday night but looking at their rosters NSH does have 5 players 24 or younger who might have played Monday but the youngest is Fabbro at 23 the other 4 are all 24
CAR has a couple of impressive young players – that’s true – Necas (23) and Svechnikov (21) and a 24 year old Jake Bean (don’t know if he played Monday night) so they have possibly 3 in total that are 24 or younger
Neither CAR or NSH even approach the level of young players the Hawks were using this year – the Hawks were regularly playing Dach, Boquist, Hagel. Kurashev and Mitchell all 22 or younger plus others like Beaudin and Entwistle who didn’t play as much plus multiple others in the 22 – 24 age range
You can’t ignore the collective youth of the Hawks
Teuvo BTW will be 27 in September just as a case in point
You’re right Wrap. I used the ages 20-22 years old and on the playoff roster as a baseline and came up with 4 Players on the Canes,Avalanche,and Canadians. The Blues have 2 on the same line in Kyrou and Thomas. The Oilers have Pulijarvi and Yamamoto. The Islanders have Dobson and Wahlstrom. The 1st year rookie of the year russian on the Wild is 24 I think. The Caps and Penguins have have none.
TW – we agree!
pretty sure I just saw a unicorn…
Raptor, just give up. Every one of these leptons think the hawks should win the cup every year and if they don’t, they suck and should fire everyone.
I head the Avalanche are good, maybe they should just change allegiances.
Nobody here thinks the Hawks should win the Cup every year. Posters that I read here want this organization to head in the right direction and be competitive with the upper tier teams. Big difference there. Some of us here may disagree a bit on the question of ,Is this team getting better and will some of their young players build themselves up to be able to compete? I know Boqvist,Nylander,and Dach were unable to progress due to injuries/surgeries so they are starting anew next year so it will be very interesting just how patient Bowman is going to be and how active will he be in obtaining or drafting a top 2 D Pairing. And of course the 800 POUND Toews Gorilla in the corner of the room will be addressed finally.